Abstract:
A method and device is taught to improve the appearance of cellulite by combining mild exfoliation of the skin, various wavelengths of low level light, ultrasound, and a vacuum or suction. The device is intended to increase the metabolic rate of the fat cells and reduce their size, while increasing the extensibility or length of the septae. Such increased activity will promote blood flow to the affected area thereby increasing cell nutrients and removing cellular exudates while stimulating the growth of new collagen thereby alleviating the cellulite.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/327,731 filed on Apr. 26, 2016, the contents of which are herein fully incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    The field of the embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and process to improve the appearance of cellulite by combining mild exfoliation of the skin, various wavelengths of low level light, ultrasound, and mild vacuum. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    Cellulite, or dimpling of the skin, is very common, particularly in women, and not always related to excessive weight. Cellulite is a herniation of enlarged subcutaneous fat interspersed with fibrous connective tissue (septae) that gives rise to such dimpling. These enlarged fat cells expand to a point that the connective septae can no longer stretch. This restriction of the septae causes a dimpling effect in the skin which is often called an “orange peel” effect or “mattress” effect. Cellulite may also cause a restriction of blood flow to and out of the affected area, as well as restrictive lymphatic movement. Due to the prevalence in women, and more particularly women of certain races, there are indications that the cause of cellulite is physiological rather than pathological. 
         [0004]    Cellulite is hard to treat and cannot be dealt solely with diet and exercise. Treatment for cellulite often requires changing the metabolic processes in the afflicted area(s). There have been attempts to disrupt or change such metabolic processes including devices with rollers that would knead the skin and stretch the skin. However, if the skin was too traumatized by the kneading and rolling, the “treatment” could lead to more adhesions and even exacerbate the appearance of the cellulite. 
         [0005]    In response, various thermal elements have been implemented which heat the skin and allow for more efficient stretching of the skin and connective tissues. This approach, while more logical, made treatments even more technique dependent. 
         [0006]    Surgical intervention is also an option. In some instances, the surgeon will cut the connective, fibrous septae with a sharp blade or laser. This would instantly remove surface tension created by the shortened, tight septae. However, even this process has downsides as the skin loses some of its “anchoring” to the musculature below and there is an increased risk to create scar tissue. Finally, many topicals (creams) have been produced to address cellulite that fall short of expectations, or fail to show any results, when used as a standalone treatment. Review of related technology: 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,215 pertains to application of electrical pulses and mechanical vibrations to the skin in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. A dermabrasion treatment is first performed on a region of the skin to be later given a skin absorption enhancement treatment. After the dermabrasion treatment, electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head being made to vibrate. Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect. Also, a suction may be applied to the skin, in order to provide for a substantially uniform absorption of the substance that was applied previously on the skin. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,445 pertains to a cellulite massage system that includes a body having a bottom surface, means for producing suction to create a massage action at the bottom surface, and a built-in gel dispenser in said body for dispensing gel to the bottom surface. The invention also provides a method for treating the appearance of cellulite including the steps of applying suction to an area of a body containing cellulite so as to massage that area, and applying gel to that area so as to improve the texture and look of skin on the treated area of the body. 
         [0009]    U.S. Patent Application 2014/0025050 pertains to methods and an apparatus for heating up a surface of a skin area that is to undergo a topical treatment. There is a method of placing a device enabled with vacuum suction pressure on a surface of a tissue area to be treated or applying a vacuum suction pressure on the surface of the skin area to pull up the skin area, and an underlying tissue into an aperture opening of the device. Simultaneously, while retaining vacuum suction, the apparatus heats up a volume of tissue that is pulled up inside the aperture opening of the device such that the temperature of the tissue area rises to an elevated ambient temperature and performing a desired treatment, through an energy-generating module, on the tissue volume after the tissue area has been heated up. 
         [0010]    U.S. Patent Application 2009/0093864 pertains to methods, systems, and devices to treat a region of skin; the treatment may be used to stimulate the production of collagen or destroy adipose tissue. The region of skin is exposed to a uniform energy application or series of applications. The region of skin may be exposed to positive and negative pressures. Therapeutic substances may be applied to the region of skin. 
         [0011]    International Application WO2008/127641 pertains to methods for applying a first and second wavelength of low intensity light therapy to a target area of a subject for various treatments including promoting collagen production, increasing blood flow, decreasing wrinkles, and reducing fat and/or cellulite. The methods can optionally be combined with massaging the tissue or modulating or pulsing the otherwise continuous wave. 
         [0012]    Thus, various devices and methodologies are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions also fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    With the physical effects and potential psychological effects of cellulite in mind, a goal of embodiments of the present invention is to increase the metabolic rate of the fat cells and reduce their size, while increasing the extensibility or length of the septae. Such increased activity will promote blood flow to the affected area thereby increasing cell nutrients and removing cellular exudates while stimulating the growth of new collagen. 
         [0014]    Thus, the present invention and its embodiments teach and describe an apparatus and method that logically and cost effectively treats cellulite with an “at home” device to be used by the consumer. Its inherent design is safe, easy to use, and a practical way to treat the appearance of cellulite. 
         [0015]    The process begins with an exfoliation of the area to be treated. The exfoliation allows an applied topical agent to better penetrate the skin by removing the natural barrier of the stratum corneum. Light sources or light emitting diodes (LEDs) present on the device may then be used on the exfoliated area. The light sources of the device are configured to emit particular wavelength(s) to target particular cell receptors and subcellular mitochondrial components to induce pro-collagen synthesis. 
         [0016]    Ultrasound may be used on conjunction with the light sources to create a pathway for the topical agent to better penetrate by increasing cellular permeability. The combination of the energies and chemistry create an effective synergy leading to results that are superior to those known in the art. Further, a vacuum feature of the device may be applied to mechanically yet gently stretch the connective tissue or septae and further increase blood flow to the affected area. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment of the present invention there is a cellulite disrupting apparatus having a handle with a first end and a second end; and a head coupled to the first end of the handle, the head having at least a first side and a second side, wherein the first side comprises a cup having a filter positioned therein, the filter being permeable to gases; and wherein the second side comprises a plurality of light sources and at least one ultrasonic transducer. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment of the present invention there is a cellulite disrupting apparatus having a handle with a first end and a second end; a head disposed on the first end of the handle, the head having at least a first side and a second side, wherein the first side has a removable cup coupled thereto, and wherein the second side has a plurality of light sources and at least one ultrasonic transducer, wherein the plurality of light sources and the at least one ultrasonic transducer are covered by an optically clear covering; a vacuum port disposed in the first side of the head, wherein the vacuum port is configured to be selectively covered by a filter; and a vacuum tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the vacuum tube is coupled to the vacuum port and the second end of the vacuum tube is coupled to a motor. 
         [0019]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that stretches or lengthens the septae of a user. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus allows for transdermal applications of topical creams, ointments, gels, etc. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that increases blood flow to a targeted area. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that creates a synergistic effect between light therapies and ultrasonic wave therapies. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that increases the metabolic rate of subcutaneous fat cells. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is safe and easy to use. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is lightweight and inexpensive. 
         [0027]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that may be used by the consumer in their home. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates a back view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded parts view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0037]    Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , there is an embodiment of the present invention. The device  100  generally has a handle  102 , a head  108 , removable cup  114 , bottom  112  of head  108 , top  110  of head  108 , optically clear covering  128 , first end  104 , second end  106 , power cord  144 , power cord anchor  142 , filter  116 , depressible buttons  140 , light sources  120 , ultrasonic transducer  118 , left side  150  of head  108 , right side  152  of head  108 , main printed circuit board  136 , button printed circuit board  138 , left side  148  of handle  102 , slot  124 , right side  146  of handle  102 , vacuum motor  122 , vacuum tube  134 , and vacuum port  130 . 
         [0039]    The handle  102  may be generally smooth and polygonal or may be ergonomically configured to support a hand gripping said handle  102 . For example, there may be ergonomic finger placement areas to facilitate grip and ease of use. The handle  102  may also have switches or buttons  140  (see  FIG. 7 ) that control its operational state. Such buttons  140  may allow one to change operational modes of the device  100  as well as control its on/off state. 
         [0040]    The head  108  may be configured to be dual sided in that each side (top  110 , bottom  112 ) of the head  108  may have operational components. In some embodiments, the functional components are all located on a single side of the head  108 , and in other embodiments, the functional components may be located on more than two sides (e.g. top, side, bottom, etc.). The functional components may comprise but are not limited to light sources  120 , ultrasonic crystals (transducers)  118 , vacuums (see vacuum tube  134  and motor  122  in  FIG. 7 ), filters  116 , and the like. 
         [0041]    Further, the head  108  is configured to pivot in relation to the handle  102  as pressure is applied to the device  100  as well as contours of the surface to which the device  100  is applied change. The head  108  may be able to pivot up/down (vertically) and side to side (horizontally). 
         [0042]    Depending on the pivot mechanism used, vertical and horizontal movement may be achieved simultaneously. 
         [0043]    As described herein, it is preferable to use a topical agent or other liquid type agent in conjunction with the treatment device  100 . As such, the vacuum feature has a foam based filter  116  to prevent suctioning of the topical agent into the device  100  thereby preventing the device  100  from becoming damaged. Such foam may be a polyethylene or other suitably dense foam that freely permits the passage of air or gasses (to create suction) while preventing the uptake of the generally liquid, gel, or amorphous topical agent(s). 
         [0044]    The vacuum structures, as shown cross sectionally in  FIG. 8 , are on the bottom  112  of the head  108  and the ultrasonic transducer  118  and light sources  120  are located on a top  110  of the head  108 . The vacuum side of the head  108  has a removable cup  114  to allow suction created by the vacuum (motor  122 ) to draw tissue upwards into and past the bottom plane of the removable cup  114 . The removable cup  114  further has a slot  124  (see  FIG. 7 ), via which the filter  116  can be removed or positioned to cover the vacuum port  130 . The filter  116  may cover all or some of the port(s) and may be configured/shaped to the size and shape of the removable cup  114 . Further, conventional locking mechanisms may be used to retain the filter  116  once positioned within the slot  124 . 
         [0045]    The edges or bottom perimeter of the removable cup  114  are rounded to promote a smooth sliding or movement across a skin surface. In some embodiments, additional external structures such as bearings may be used to facilitate the smooth movement across the skin surface. In some embodiments, a retaining ring may be coupled or uncoupled to this perimeter to allow for changing of the filter  116  and other maintenance of the device. 
         [0046]    Behind the filter  116 , there may be at least one and preferably a plurality of vacuum holes or ports  130  via which suction or a vacuum is created. The ports  130  are positioned to create sufficient suction of the skin while, in some embodiments, further holding the filter  116  in position. In some embodiments, a user may be able to activate or deactivate certain areas of the vacuum and the ports  130  therein to create a custom suction pattern and treatment. The vacuum may be created by a motor  122  contained within the device  100  or may require connection to such a motor or suction creating device. The device  100  may operate of a standard line voltage (power cord  142  and power cord anchor  144 ) or may other power sources including rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. 
         [0047]    On a top surface  110  of the head  108  of the device  100  may be the ultrasonic transducer  118  and a light source array comprising a plurality of light sources  120 . The ultrasonic transducer  118  may be configured to emit waves at a frequency of about 90 kc to about 950 kc. The light sources  120 , as noted, may be any number and type of light emitting device including but not limited to LEDs, OLEDs, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, LEDs are utilized and emit light in a range of about 625 nm to about 725 nm and more preferably about 660 nm. Further light sources  120  may be employed that emit light in a range of about 900 nm to about 1000 nm and more preferably about 950 nm. In some embodiments, the light sources  120  and ultrasonic transducer  118  are operational simultaneously, whereas in other embodiments the light sources  120  and ultrasonic transducer  118  operate singularly. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the light sources  120  may be arranged in an array comprising about twelve LEDs configured to emit a “red” wavelength of light and about twelve LEDs configured to emit a “near infrared” (IR) wavelength of light. In other embodiments, there may be as few as four light sources  120  or as many as fifty light sources  120  comprising each wavelength type. Each of the types of light sources  120  may be clustered, linearly arranged, or otherwise arranged to provide coverage to the user as needed. In some embodiments, the light sources  120  are interspersed with one another and each light source  120  emits a particular wavelength of light which may be the same or different as the light sources  120  directly proximate to it. 
         [0049]    Further, the light sources  120 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , may be coated or covered in an epoxy or other optically clear covering  128 . This protects the light sources  120  and ultrasonic transducer  118  while still allowing the light sources  120  to be effective. It is preferable that any epoxy used is an optically clear epoxy to prevent interference with the light emitted by the light sources  120 . 
         [0050]    The present treatment device  100  may also be used in various methodologies to form treatment regiments for people afflicted with cellulite. The precise methodology used may depend on the user&#39;s needs as well as the device/topical agent parameters and qualities. Below is described but one of the methodologies that may be employed with the present invention. The below methodology is presented for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the potential methodologies employed. 
         [0051]    In a first step, a user may gently exfoliate the stratum corneum of the skin in the area to be treated. This will allow a proprietary or other topical agent to better penetrate the desired treatment area. Various exfoliates may include but are not limited such topicals as a pumpkin scrub, about 10% glycolic foam, or any other degreasing chemical or mechanical agent. 
         [0052]    In a second step, a user may apply the topical agent which contains ingredients to achieve localized fatty breakdown, stimulate cellular metabolism, increase blood flow, reduce tissue inflammation and stimulate collagen. In one embodiment, the topical agent is a phosphatidylcholine based agent. The user may then apply the side of the head of the device with the light sources and ultrasound transducer to the skin. It is preferable that the user keep contact with the skin and slide the device slowly over the treatment area until the topical has fully absorbed by the skin. 
         [0053]    In a third step, a user may apply the vacuum side of the device to the skin to achieve a gentle suction of the skin surface and underlying tissues into the device while keeping enough lubricant on the skin to gently slide or glide the device around the treatment area. This gentle manipulation of the tissue will assist in increasing the extensibility and/or length of the connective septae. 
         [0054]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.