Patent Publication Number: US-2016242989-A1

Title: Plumping Device and Method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For aesthetic reasons, many individuals desire to have plumper lips and to plump the areas around the eyes. Various devices have been invented that increase blood flow to these areas resulting in better color and the desired plumping effect. These devices may employ a vacuum pump to pull the skin into a cavity. The drawback to these devices is that prolonged pulling can damage the skin and stretch it. Even devices with easy-to-operate manual switches require the user to self-time the pulsations which does not result in achieving optimal results. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A plumping device is provided which utilizes a vacuum pump and a pressure relief valve which is switched open and closed at a constant and optimal frequency for the pulsation at the skin. The constant frequency provides benefits such as better circulation, less likelihood of bruising and consistent effects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective transparent view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective transparent view of the bottom of one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational transparent view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring first to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a case  10  surrounds and encapsulates the parts of the hand-held device and is shaped to be easily held. Case  10  holds a battery box  12  which contains batteries with enough capacity to power the device for several periods of use before recharging or replacement. Battery box  12  contains at least one battery that energizes vacuum pump  14  which creates negative pressure and is connected to hoses and hose connector  16  which convey the negative pressure up through a filter  18  and into a cavity created inside cap  22 . An opening  20  formed in the end of cap  22  allows the negative pressure to reach the atmosphere. When placed against the skin of a user, the negative pressure pulls the skin of the user against or slightly into opening  20 . A pressure relief valve  24  cycles between an open and closed position at a fixed frequency. When switch  26  is activated, a circuit board  28  controls vacuum pump  14  and pressure relief valve  24  to present a negative pressure pulsation at opening  20  thereby pulling in and then releasing the skin of a user. Switch  26  can be used to select from one of three positions, on/off, the first of two fixed frequencies for the occillation created by the pulsation of pressure relief valve  24  and a second fixed frequency, each no less than 0.1 Hz and no greater than 3 Hz. The two frequencies are selected from within the range of 0.1 Hz to 3.0 Hz, wherein each frequency is a unique and constant frequency within that range. 
     One embodiment of the present invention utilizes an electro-mechanical valve and a constant frequency pulsation circuit to cycle the vacuum pressure of the device. The constant frequency provides many benefits over other devices. The first relates to the effect of a constant frequency. The manual release of a valve while consistent will never be able to maintain a constant frequency over a period of time. In maintaining an accurate consistency in the frequency of the vacuum pulsation, a better effect is achieved. Specifically in the application of use on a human&#39;s skin, the consistency of pulsation will have a stronger effect on the circulation to the target area of the skin than pulsation at an inconsistent frequency. Additionally, the automatic pulsation provides a premium benefit to the customer due to removing the need to constantly press a button to achieve the stronger effect. The use of a consistent frequency also provides a stronger effect on the subject than a continuous vacuum/suction as well. 
     One embodiment utilizes an electro mechanical valve in-line with the vacuum pump to release the suction felt at the tip. The electro mechanical valve is controlled at a fixed frequency by a controller. 
     Another embodiment utilizes a mechanical valve in-line with the vacuum pump and releases suction when air flow is reduced. The vacuum pump is controlled at a fixed frequency by a controller such that power is reduced to the pump so that the mechanical valve opens and closes at a desired fixed frequency. 
     The alternation of suction and non-suction achieved by an automatic pulsation control within the device allows for optimal limp plumping through the pulling and releasing of blood flow and an increase in circulation via pulsation. This also reduces the risk of bruising and other potential suction damage by allowing recovery via oxygen during the intermittent suction. Not only is this safer, it also provides consistent results by providing optimal blood flow to increase the fullness and size of the lips and areas around the eyes.