Patent Publication Number: US-2023157752-A1

Title: Stimulation Device

Description:
FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to the field of treatment devices and methods of use. More particularly, the disclosure relates to treatment devices suitable for use on the human face and body and various methods of using the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Intense pulsed light (hereinafter, “IPL”) devices are devices which utilize various wavelengths of light generated as output via a device to provide particular benefits. One known function of IPL devices involves the destruction of hair follicles beneath a user&#39;s skin to prevent unwanted hair growth. In such instances, IPL devices direct various wavelengths of light at one or more follicles, which destroy hair follicles by selectively heating and cooling said hair follicles while avoiding damaging skin or tissues near the area to be treated. Photothermolytic destruction of the hair follicles occurs in such instances between the darker colored follicles and/or melanin residing in the hair follicles, which absorbs light and heat, allowing the same to be destroyed. IPL devices may also provide additional, non-hair removal related benefits, including aesthetic photo rejuvenation and treatment of skin disorders. 
     Several devices exist which may provide IPL treatments to a user. Such devices, however, typically take a significant amount of time to charge, as they include only one capacitor. Additionally, such devices only include one light source, which ultimately requires that said light source be replaced frequently. Finally, such devices do not provide vibrational or electronic muscle stimulation. 
     A need exists, therefore, for improved treatment devices and methods of use that provide improved IPL treatments to a user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLES 
     Various example treatment devices and methods of use are described. 
     An example treatment device comprises a main body having a first end, a second end substantially opposite the first end, an intermediate portion extending from the first end to the second end, a head disposed adjacent the first end, a first light source disposed within the head and configured to emit light adjacent the head, a motor disposed within the main body, the motor configured to produce pulsations of said treatment device, a first capacitor disposed within the main body, the capacitor configured to supply power to the first light source, a second capacitor disposed within the main body, the capacitor configured to supply power to the second light source; and a set of user control disposed on the intermediate portion, the set of user controls configured to operate the first and second light sources. 
     Additional understanding of claimed devices and methods may be obtained by reviewing the detailed description of selected examples, below, with reference to the appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a first example treatment device. 
         FIG.  2    is an end view of the light treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a sectional view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  3   , taken along line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG.  5    is another side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is another end view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a top view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram illustrating components of a networked treatment device in an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a second example treatment device. 
         FIG.  11    is an end view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  13    is another side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  14    is another end view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  15    is a top view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  16    is a bottom view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of a third example treatment device. 
         FIG.  18    is an end view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  19    is a side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  20    is a sectional view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  17   , taken along line  20 - 20 . 
         FIG.  21    is another side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  21 A  is a sectional view of an alternative treatment device. 
         FIG.  22    is another end view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  23    is a top view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  24    is a bottom view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of a fourth example treatment device. 
         FIG.  26    is an end view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  27    is a side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  28    is a sectional view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  25   , taken along line  28 - 28 . 
         FIG.  29    is another side view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  29 A  is a sectional view of an alternative treatment device. 
         FIG.  30    is another end view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  31    is a top view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  32    is a bottom view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  33    is a flowchart representation of an example method of using a treatment device. 
     
    
    
     The figures depict various embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EXAMPLES 
     The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate various treatment devices and methods of use. The description and drawings are provided to enable one skilled in the art to make and use one or more example treatment devices. They are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner. 
       FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9    illustrate an example treatment device  2  (hereinafter, also referred to as the “device”). The device  2  comprises a main body  10  that includes and/or houses several components (described in greater detail below). 
     The main body  10  includes at least a first end  20 , a second end  30  substantially opposite the first end  20 , and an intermediate portion  40  extending from the first end  20  to the second end  30 . The first end  20  includes a head  22  (which includes a head shell  23 ), which may be placed in contact with or adjacent a user&#39;s skin in order to provide intense pulsed treatment (“IPL treatment”). The intermediate portion  40  and second end  30  generally provide a consistent size and shape such that a user may hold the device with one hand and easily grasp the same. The second end  30  may optionally be configured such that the device  2  can stand on a flat surface unaided, while not in use. The device  2  is configured such that the front  12  of the device  2  provides treatment to a user, while the rear  14  of the device controls the functionality of the device  2  via a set of controls (described further below). Specifically, a user may grasp the device  2  and press one or more of the controls disposed on the rear  14  of the device  2  with his or her thumb. Internal components, including a motor  200 , first and second controllers  212 ,  210 , first and second capacitors  220 ,  222 , a set of electronic muscle stimulation (“EMS”) pins  230 , and other components are housed within the main body  10  of the device  2  as well. The main body  10  includes a body shell  11 , comprised of plastic like the head shell  23  is, which forms a portion of the main body  10  of the device  2 . The body shell  11  generally includes most of the intermediate portion  40  and the second end  30 . The body shell  11  is disposed adjacent neck  15 , which connects the head shell  23  to the intermediate portion  40  and second end  30 . The neck  15  has a first end  16  and second end  17 ; the first end  16  is adjacent the head  22 , while the second end  17  is adjacent the intermediate portion  40 . The neck  15  is formed such that the head  22  and the portion of the intermediate portion  40  adjacent the neck  15  are able to attach to the neck to form the device in production; however, once formed, the head  22 , neck  15 , and intermediate portions  40  cannot be taken apart from one another by a user. The neck  15  is comprised of a neck shell  18  surrounded by rubber that can be turned and twisted while in use (or before such use) to allow the head  22  to be placed adjacent a desired treatment area with ease. The neck  15  is substantially self-adjustable such that, when a user&#39;s force is no longer exerted on the same, it will generally return to a base position. A skilled artisan will be able to determine how best to form the neck, head, and remainder of the main body according to a particular example based on various considerations, including the desired flexibility of the device, the size and shape of the head, and the functionality of the device. In other embodiments, the main body comprises one shell. In another embodiment, the neck may not include a shell and may only include a rubber piece, which may or may not be flexible. In different embodiments, the neck shell, head shell, and body shell may comprise a single integral piece. In various embodiments, the neck may attach with the head and body shell via snap-fit mechanisms, adhesives, or other physical connection mechanisms. 
     The device  2  also includes a silicone exterior  100 , which covers and is attached to (and is non-removable from) the head shell  23 , neck  15 , and body shell  11  in the current embodiment. The silicone exterior  100  is comprised of medical-grade silicone in the illustrated embodiment and extends from the second end  30  to the first end  20  (while covering the intermediate portion  40 ) of the device  2 . It covers at least a portion of the neck  15  and head  22 , as well. A skilled artisan will be able to select a suitable shape and size of the device according to a particular example based on various considerations including the desired functionality of the device and any desired potential treatment locations. In other embodiments, the main body may be curved or have any other shape. Additionally, in different embodiments the head may be detachable, permanently affixed to the main body, and have various other shapes. In another embodiment, the silicone exterior may cover all, a portion of, or none of the main body; the silicone exterior may also have perforations, designs, or be formed in other ways. It may also be permanently affixed to the shell via a physical mechanism or an adhesive; it may also be configured such that it is removable from the shell when in use. The shell may be comprised of materials other than plastic in different embodiments, as well. 
     The head  22  of the main body  10  includes a first side  24  and a second side  26  substantially opposite the first side  24 . The first side  24  of the head  22  is configured to be positioned in contact with or directly adjacent a user&#39;s skin in order to provide various types of treatment to a user. The head  22  houses first and second light sources  240 ,  242 , which are operatively connected with various internal components and configured to treat the skin with light; they comprise xenon discharge lamps in this embodiment. The first and second light sources  240 ,  242  are substantially cylindrical in shape and are disposed within a recessed portion  23  of the head  22 . This recessed portion  23  is indented relative to other portions of the first side  24  of the head  22 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , it also houses a reflector  250  and a glass filter  260 , which cooperatively work with the device&#39;s  2  other components to allow IPL treatment to be applied to a user. The glass filter  260  and first and second light sources  240 ,  242  are at least partially comprised of glass in the illustrated embodiment. The reflector  250  comprises stamped and coated aluminum. These components are held in place within the head  22  via physical connecting mechanisms which hold the glass filter  260 , reflector  250 , and first and second light sources  240 ,  242  in place. The first and second light sources  240 ,  242  are configured to be activated once the capacitors  220 ,  222  are sufficiently charged. The reflector  250  helps to strength and concentrate the light emitted by the first and second light sources  240 ,  242 . The glass filter  260  helps to filter out potentially harmful types of light, such as UV light, so that the device will not harm a user. In other embodiments, the light sources may comprise any type of lamp, glass, LED light, or other mechanism of producing light that may penetrate the skin to treat hair follicles. In different embodiments, the glass filter and reflector may be comprised of any suitable material, including suitable metals, plastics, glasses, and the like. In other embodiments, the device may include one, two, three, four, or more than four light sources. The light sources may also be aligned relative to one another in any shape or format. For example, the light sources may be adjacent one another, stacked atop one another, in a triangular, square, circular, or other formation, or may be arranged without a set pattern. A skilled artisan will be able to determine a suitable arrangement for the light sources. 
     A portion of the second side  26  of the head  22  comprises metal in the illustrated embodiment. More specifically, the second side  26  includes a metallic portion  270  that is connected to the shell  11  and positioned substantially at the first end  20  of the device  2 . The metallic portion  270  includes a surface  272  defining a set of passageways  274  extending from the surface  272  to an interior surface (not illustrated in the embodiments). These passageways  274  have substantially circular openings and vary slightly in diameter such that, generally, passageways having larger diameters are further from a center  276  of the metallic portion  270  than are passageways having smaller diameters. Additionally, the center  276  of the metallic portion  270  does not include passageways. The passageways  274  (alternatively thought of as a fluid outlet) are designed to allow warm air that is generated when the device  2  is in use to dissipate through the metallic portion&#39;s  270  passageways  274  and away from the device  2 . A fan  280  is also disposed within the head  22 . The fan  280  is disposed adjacent the passageways  274  and further helps to move warm air away from the device and out the second side  26 . This helps to ensure that the device  2  does not overheat and become non-functional. A skilled artisan will determine how best to configure the metallic portion and passageways according to a particular example based on various considerations, including the potential heat generated by the device and size and shape of the head. In different embodiments, the head may be comprised of any suitable metal, including aluminum, titanium, an alloy, or any other suitable material; in other embodiments, the head may be comprised of plastic or any other non-metal. In different embodiments, the metallic piece and/or head may be integrally formed with the rest of the main body; in alternative embodiments, either may be attached to other portions of the main body via an adhesive or physical attachment mechanism. In other embodiments, the passageways may have any shape, diameter, and alignment; in such examples, the passageways may have triangular, square, rectangular, or other opening shapes. The metallic portion may also include 0, 1, 5, 10, or more than 10 passageways in different embodiments. 
     The device  2  includes first and second controllers  212 ,  210  disposed within the main body  10 , as well. The first controller  212  and the second controller  210  in the illustrated embodiment include a printed circuit board assemblies (“PCBA”) and related circuitry; however, in other embodiments, either controller may comprise any device suitable to control the device&#39;s components. The first controller  212  is disposed within the head  22  of the device  2  and is configured to communicate with the first and second light sources  240 ,  242 . The second controller  210  is disposed substantially adjacent the intermediate portion  40  and is involved with the charging of the first and second capacitors  220 ,  222 . When the device  2  is charged, the first controller  212  and second controller  210  communicate with each other and the various other components of the device in order to activate the first and second light sources  240 ,  242 ; the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  first, however, ensure that the first and second capacitors  220 ,  222  are charged to such a degree that the device  2  can be properly activated. In other embodiments, either controller can communicate with any other of the device&#39;s components. 
     Moreover, one or both of the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  be operatively connected to an interface  90 , allowing one or both to communicate with a second device (described in greater detail below). In the current embodiment, the second controller  210  communicates with a second device; in other embodiments, one or both of the controllers may do so. 
     The device  2  can also connect to an external power source via a DC jack  80  (best illustrated in  FIG.  4   ), which couples to a battery  81  that powers the device  2  when in use. The DC jack  80  is configured such that it may operatively connect to an external power source, such as a wall plug, via an adaptor or the like. Once the device  2  is operatively connected to an external power source, it provides power to the various components of the device  2  so that they may function efficiently and properly. The DC jack  80  is securely placed within second end  30  of the main body  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the device  2  must be connected to an external power source in order to operate. A skilled artisan will be able to select a suitable mechanism of providing power to the device according to a particular example based on various considerations, including the various components housed within the device and the desired dimensions of the device. In other embodiments, the power source may comprise one, two, three, or more than three replaceable dry cell batteries. In different embodiments, the power source may comprise a lithium polymer battery or multiple such batteries. In different embodiments, the DC jack may be replaced by any suitable mechanism to provide power to the device; the device may also operate when not connected to a power source in other embodiments. 
     A motor  200  is also housed within the first end  20  of the main body  10 . It is operatively connected to the first controller  212 . The motor  200  is at least partially disposed within in a frame  202  disposed within the main body  10 . The frame  202  is configured to support the motor  200  and keep the motor  200  secured at a particular location inside the main body  10 , as well as provide general structural support to the treatment device  2 . Specifically, the frame  202  includes an arm that defines a slot into which the motor  200  is disposed. The motor  200  is disposed within the head  22  so its vibrations may be efficiently transmitted to the user via the head  22 . 
     One or both of the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  provides instructions to the motor  200  when the device  2  is in operation. A high or low-frequency motor  200  may be used to create pulsations that vibrate the treatment device in various embodiments. The motor  200  may comprise an oscillating motor. The motor  200  in this embodiment is configured to produce a range of frequencies that may provide beneficial treatment of the skin. When the treatment device  2  is in operation, and the head  22  in particular, is applied to the body, such as the face or neck, the motor  200  provides vibrations to the skin. Such vibrations have known benefits, including stimulation collagen production and muscle toning. A skilled artisan will be able to select suitable motors, frames, and vibration ranges based on various considerations, including the size and shape of the treatment device and the desired vibration strength of the device. Examples of suitable ranges for vibration frequencies includes vibration frequencies between about 80 Hertz (“Hz”) and about 200 Hz, vibration frequencies between about 100 Hz and about 180 Hz, and vibration frequencies between about 120 Hz and about 150 Hz. In another embodiment, the device may include two or more motors. In another embodiment, a motor may be stochastic. In other embodiments, the frame may be omitted. In different embodiments, the frame may not include a slot or arm, but may instead house the device entirely within its main body. In some embodiments, there may be more than one motor; in embodiments containing multiple motors, the motors may vary from one another in frequency output. In other embodiments, the motor may be controlled by the second controller. The motor also may be placed anywhere within the main body in alternative embodiments. 
     One or both of the first and second controllers  212 ,  210 , optionally, also controls an interface  90  that is a component of the second controller  210 . The interface  90  allows the treatment device  2  to communicate with a second device, such as a personal computer, tablet, mobile telephone, or other electronic device (not illustrated in the Figures). Using the interface  90 , the treatment device  2  can send information to other devices so that the other device(s) may collect data pertaining to the use of the treatment device  2 . Furthermore, the treatment device  2  may receive control signals from another device that can indicate that the treatment device  2  should turn on or off, increase or decrease speed, switch to a different vibration or lighting pattern, and/or switch to a pre-set pattern desired by the user or recommended by the other device, among other instructions. The interface  90  can be a wired or a wireless interface, such as a wireless transceiver that transmits control signals between the treatment device  2  and the second device. A skilled artisan will be able to select a suitable interface based on various considerations, including the device with which the treatment device will communicate and the size and shape of the main body. In some embodiments, the interface is a radiofrequency (“RF”) transceiver used to transmit and receive RF signals between the treatment device and other devices. One example of an RF transceiver that could be used is a low power 2.4 GHz RF transceiver. In various embodiments, the treatment device may also include antennas for transmitting and receiving signals between the treatment device and other devices. In such examples, the interface can use BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, infrared, laser light, visible light, acoustic energy, or one of several other methods to transmit information wirelessly between the treatment device and another device. In another embodiment, one or both controllers can specifically communicate with another device to confirm the treatment device&#39;s authenticity. 
     In some embodiments, the treatment device is connected to a network via the second device. In other embodiments, the treatment device is directly connected to a wireless router or cellular phone network and may connect with the second device in any of said manners. Accordingly, the treatment device can be controlled via personal computer, tablet, mobile phone, or other suitable electronic devices a user using the personal computer, tablet, phone, or other device. An application on a mobile phone, for instance, may communicate with the treatment device in order to control the treatment device&#39;s functionality. 
       FIG.  9    is a diagram illustrating components of a networked treatment device, such as treatment device  2 , in accordance with an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the treatment device includes the first and second controllers  212 ,  210 , the motor  200 , the first and second light sources  240 ,  242 , a set of pins  230 , and an interface, such as interface  90 . As explained above, the treatment device can be connected to a network via a personal computer, tablet, mobile telephone, or other electronic device or can be directly connected to a wireless router or cellular phone network. Thus, the treatment device can be ,controlled by, transmit data to, and/or receive data from the personal computer, tablet, mobile telephone, or other electronic device via the aforementioned mechanisms. The interface may be wired or wireless and may include any of those described above. A skilled artisan will be able to determine how to suitably connect the treatment device with other devices according to a particular example based on various considerations, including the desirability of doing so and the devices to which connection would be beneficial. In some embodiments, the treatment device may not include an interface and, thus, may not communicate with other devices. In different embodiments, the treatment device may only transmit data to other devices; it may not receive any data and cannot be controlled via said other devices in this embodiment. 
     Example data that the treatment device may communicate to one or more of a personal computer, tablet, mobile telephone, or another electronic device may include the number of uses of the treatment device, the durations of the various uses of the treatment device, the user&#39;s preferred treatment device settings, and various other types of information related to the use of the device. 
     The main body  10  also houses first and second capacitors  220 ,  222 , as best illustrated in  FIG.  4   . The first capacitor  220  is disposed closer to the second end  30  of the main body  10  than is the second capacitor  222 . The first capacitor  220  is configured such that it is operatively connected to the first light source  240 , while the second capacitor  222  is operatively connected to the second light source  242 . The first and second capacitors  220 ,  222  are also operatively connected to the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  such that said controllers  212 ,  210  are able to determine when the capacitors  220 ,  222  are sufficiently charged (via DC jack  80 ) to allow for the device to be operated. The first and second controllers  212 ,  210  and the set of pins  230 , cooperatively determine whether a user is contacting the head  22  of the device  2  such that the device  2  should become operational. More specifically, the first and second capacitors  220 ,  222  include capacitive sensors and related circuitry that allow for the device  2  to be programmed such that it will not activate (or “tire”) the first and second light sources  240 ,  242  unless a user places the appropriate portion of the head  22  of the device  2  against skin. Safety dictates that the device  2  operate this way; if it did not, the first and second light sources  240 ,  242  may fire into a person&#39;s eyes, which could harm that person. The first and second controllers  212 ,  210  and set of pins  230  are able to cooperatively sense the moisture in a user&#39;s body in order to determine whether, once a user control is utilized, it is an appropriate time for the device  2  to fire. A skilled artisan will be able to determine how best to configure the capacitors according to a particular example based on a number of factors, including the desired number of light sources of the device, how powerful the device may be, and the size and shape of the device. In one embodiment, the device may have one, three, four or more than four capacitors. In a different embodiment, the device may include one capacitor that communicates with both light sources. In another embodiment, the capacitors may be configured such that the device may fire when not in contact with a person. In an additional embodiment, the wavelength of light emitted by one or both light sources may be between about 300 nanometers (“nm”) and about 900 nm, between about 400 nm and about 700 nm, and between about 500 nm and about 600 nm. In an additional embodiment, the light sources may emit light in pulses, continuously, stochastically, or in a pattern. Capacitors may fire at the same time, on a rotating basis, partially at the same time, sequentially, or in any other pattern in various embodiments. They also may be aligned in any of a number of ways. In the illustrated embodiment, they are disposed adjacent one another, with one being disposed closer to the head of the device than the base. In other embodiments, however, the capacitors may be next to one another, staggered, or placed in various shapes (circles, triangles, squares, and the like, if there are 2 or more). 
     The light sources may comprise lamps, in other embodiments, and may comprise different types of light sources in different embodiments, including LED lights. In other embodiments, one or more capacitor, pin, and/or controller may determine whether a user is contacting the device such that it should activate. 
     The head  22  includes a set of pins  230  which protrude from a surface  25  of the head  22 . As best illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the set of pins  60  includes substantially similarly shaped outer pins  230   a,    230   b,    230   c,    230   d  (collectively referred to as the “pins  230 ”). The pins  230  are disposed around the first and second light sources  240 ,  242 . The pins  230  are each arced in shape and are substantially the same in size. The pins  230  are comprised of a suitable metal or combination of metals in the illustrated embodiment. The pins  230  are attached to the head  22  in the illustrated embodiment via mechanical attachment mechanisms. The pins  230  work cooperatively with the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  to detect whether a user is contacting the head  22 . A skilled artisan will be able to select suitable pins according to a particular example based on various considerations including the size and shape of the base, the desired functionality of the device, and any desired potential treatment locations. In other embodiments, the base may include one, two, three, four, six, or more than six pins. In different embodiments, the one or more pins may have any shape and any individual pin may be shaped the same as or differently than any other individual pin. In another embodiment, the pins may be integrally formed with the base, adhesively attached to the base, or otherwise connected to the base. In yet another embodiment, the pins may be comprised of any suitable material, including zinc or other suitable metals, which may be gold-plated (including 18 carat gold plated) or titanium plated. 
     The pins  230  are configured such that they each can transmit electronic muscle stimulation to a user. The pins  230  are operatively connected to the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  such that a user may select when and whether to utilize the pins  230  for transmission of electronic muscle stimulation while he or she uses the IPL and/or vibrational treatments of the device  2 . In various other embodiments, one or more of the pins may transmit radiofrequency stimulation. In another embodiment, the electronic muscle stimulation may be emitted in pulses when the device is in use. When in use, the device  2  produces stimulation that may be applied to the skin and muscles and tissues disposed beneath the skin, which can strengthen the muscles and tissues adjacent the skin. A skilled artisan will be able to determine the number, size, shape, and configuration of the pins and will be able to suitably determine which pins should emit electronic muscle stimulation or radiofrequency stimulation according to a particular example based on various considerations, including the desired functionality of the device and the size and shape of the same. In various embodiments, the device may include one, two, three, five, six, or more than six pins. In other embodiments, the pins may be configured in any manner relative to one another and may have any size and/or shape. In an additional embodiment, the frequency of the radiofrequency stimulation emitted by the device may be between about 0.5 megahertz (“MHz”) and about 5 MHz, between about 1 MHz and about 4 MHz, and between about 1.5 MHz and about 2 MHz. In an additional embodiment, the electronic muscle stimulation emitted by the device may be between about 10 Hz and about 200 Hz, between about 25 Hz and 100 Hz, and between about 40 Hz and about 50 Hz. In various embodiments, the device may emit electronic muscle stimulation pulses; the device may emit between about 10 pulses per second (“pps”) and 200 pps, between about 50 pps and about 150 pps, and between about 100 pps and about 110 pps. 
     In another embodiment, each of the pins contains a mechanism (not illustrated in the Figures) that allows for the pins to alternate between transmission of electronic muscle stimulation and radiofrequency stimulation. This mechanism is a physical mechanism that communicates with the second controller in the illustrated embodiment; however, in other embodiments, it may be an electronic mechanism that communicates with one or both controllers, a software messaging system that ensures smooth alternating between the two modes, and/or any other similar mechanism. 
     A set of user controls  150  is disposed on the second side  14  of the treatment device  2  and is configured to allow a user to control one or more aspects of the device  2 . The set of user controls  150  is operatively connected to the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  and, upon activation of one or more controls, the device  2  to perform one or more functions and/or actions. The set of user controls  150  comprises a first button  152  in the illustrated embodiment, which allow for a user to activate the treatment device  2  by pressing said first button  152 . The second and third buttons  154 ,  156  are disposed adjacent the first button  152  and are configured to allow the user to increase or decrease the intensity of a particular treatment (including vibrational and IPL treatment). More specifically, the second button  154  allows a user to increase the intensity of such a treatment, while the third button  156  allows a user to decrease the same. The fourth button  158  controls the EMS output of the device  2 . Specifically, when pressed, the fourth button  158  will instruct the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  to initiate EMS treatment via the set of pins  230 . In one embodiment, the fourth button  158  may be held to produce EMS treatment; in others, the button may be pressed once to activate such treatment, and again to stop it. The set of user controls  150  is disposed such that a user can easily press it while the device  2  is in use and held by a user. Optionally, repeated activation of the first button  152  allows for a user to cycle through various modes of operation of the skin treatment device  2 . In various embodiments, potential modes that may be activated by the set of user controls  150  include low frequency vibration mode, high frequency vibration mode, stochastic vibration mode, alternating frequency vibration mode, heat therapy mode, electrical current stimulation mode, and/or some combination thereof. A skilled artisan will be able to suitably place the set of user controls on the device and configure the same according to a particular example based on various considerations, including the number of desired modes. In other embodiments, the set of user control may be disposed on the front of the main body, the side(s) of the main body, or the base of the main body. In a different embodiment, the treatment device may comprise zero, one, three, or more than three user controls. Optionally, the device may also include a set of informational lights, which indicate to the user the power level that has been selected; see the informational lights  159  in  FIG.  6   , which include four lights in this embodiment. 
     In use, a user may grasp the main body  10  of the treatment device  2  in his or her hand, turn the treatment device  2  on via the set of user controls  150 , and place the head  22  of the device  2  adjacent to and/or in contact with a desired treatment area. The user will then select a desired functionality by pressing one or more of the controls of the set of controls  150 . The user may also select a functionality (via an app or via pressing the first button  152  a number of times) prior to placing the treatment device  2  against his or her skin. The treatment device  2  will then perform the function selected by the user. At this time, the user may increase or decrease the intensity of the function via the second and third buttons  154 ,  156 . Subsequently, the user will be able to utilize the same function again, choose and implement a second function, and/or power off the treatment device  2 . 
     Once a treatment has been selected by a user, the treatment device  2  will do one or more of providing electronic muscle stimulation, vibration stimulation, and/or IPL and hair removal treatments. Specifically, for example, a user may press the first button  152  in order to instruct the device to perform IPL treatment. If the device  2  is connected to a power source and the first and second capacitors  220 ,  222  are sufficiently charged, the first and second controllers  212 ,  210  will instruct the first and second capacitors  220 ,  222  to provide IPL treatment. Next, the light sources will heat to the user&#39;s desired preference and shall pulse light from the first and second light sources  240 ,  242  towards a user&#39;s skin. Such light pulsations will travel through the outer layer of the skin and, if an appropriate intensity/wavelength output is achieved, shall destroy one or more hair follicles disposed within the user&#39;s body. Similarly, a user can also control vibrational and EMS output from the head  22  of the device  2  as well. 
     The treatment device  2  may perform these treatments in any order, for any duration, and through contact with or placement near the skin via various portions of the device and as described above. One or more treatments may be emitted at the same time. A skilled artisan will be able to determine how best to configure the device to perform such functions. 
       FIGS.  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16    illustrate another example treatment device  4 . The treatment device  4  is similar to the treatment device  2  illustrated in  FIGS.  1  through  9   , except as described below. Thus, the device  4  comprises at least a main body  300 , a head  302 , internal components (including a motor and first and second controllers), a DC jack  304 , a first light source  306 , and a set of user controls  308 . 
     The treatment device  4  is substantially identical to the treatment device  2  described above. However, this treatment device  4  includes only one light source  306 , rather than two. It also includes only one capacitor (not illustrated in the Figures), as compared to treatment device  2  which has two capacitors. 
     A skilled artisan will be able to determine how many light sources and capacitors to include according to a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the desired strength of the device and how frequently he or she would prefer to replace the light sources. In other embodiments, the device may have one, three, four, or more than four light sources; in different embodiments, the device may have zero, three, four, or more than four capacitors. 
       FIGS.  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24    illustrate another example treatment device  6 . The treatment device  6  is similar to the treatment device  2  illustrated in  FIGS.  1  through  9   , except as described below. Thus, the device  6  comprises at least a main body  400 , a head  402 , a DC jack  404 , a first light source  406 , a second light source  407 , a set of user controls  408 , a fan  410 , a filter  412 , a reflector  414 , first and second sensors  416 ,  417  comprising capacitive sensors, an outlet  418  through which warm air generated by the device  6  can exit the head  402 , a motor  420 , a bracket  422  configured to contact and hold in place various other components, first and second controllers  424 ,  426  (which, in some embodiments, contain an interface as described above), a touch sensor  428  disposed in the head  402 , a power source  430 , and various other internal circuitry and components. 
     Treatment device  6 , however, does not provide a user with EMS treatment, and thus does not include the pins, circuitry, user controls, or other items associated with the same. 
     The device  6 , moreover, includes a set of LED lights  434  which form a circle on the front  432  of the head  402 . The LED lights  434  are configured to, at the user&#39;s option, emit light while the device is in use. The set of LED lights  434  comprise 18 lights in the illustrated embodiment, which all are circular diameters. The set of LED lights may emit one or more of: green, blue, red, orange, yellow, purple, white, or any other colored light. A skilled artisan will be able to determine how to arrange, number, and configure said set of LED lights in other embodiments based on various considerations, including the size and shape of the head and what type of LED light may be emitted. In other embodiments, no LED light may be emitted from the head and the lights may be removed. In different embodiments, any number of LED lights may be included on the device, but may be arranged in different configurations or may be on other portions of the device, including but not limited to the main body. 
     Moreover, in this particular embodiment, various components housed within the main body  400  of the device  6  are arranged differently than in prior embodiments described above. A skilled artisan will be able to determine how to arrange, add to, and/or exclude various components described above based on various considerations, including the desired functionality and size of the device. 
       FIG.  21 A  illustrates an alternative treatment device  6 ′. Treatment device  6 ′ includes all components of treatment device  6 ; however, they are arranged in a slightly different manner. 
       FIGS.  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 , and  32    illustrate another example treatment device  8 . The treatment device  8  is similar to the treatment device  6  illustrated in  FIGS.  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24   , except as described below. Thus, the device  8  comprises at least a main body  500 , a head  502 , a DC jack  504 , a first light source  506 , a set of user controls  508 , a fan  510 , a filter  512 , a reflector  514 , a first sensor  516  comprising a capacitive sensor, an outlet  518  through which warm air generated by the device  8  can exit the head  502 , a motor  520 , a bracket  522  configured to contact and hold in place various components, first and second controllers  524 ,  526  (which, in some embodiments, contain an interface as described above), a touch sensor  528  disposed in the head  502 , a power source  530 , a set of LED lights  532 , and various other internal circuitry and components. 
     Treatment device  8  does not provide a user with EMS treatment (which is similar to treatment device  6 ), and thus does not include the pins, circuitry, user controls, or other items associated with the same. Additionally, in this embodiment the treatment device  8  does not include a second light source or a second sensor, contrasting the device  8  with that of treatment device  6 . 
     Moreover, in this particular embodiment, various components housed within the main body  500  of the device  8  are arranged differently than in prior embodiments described above. A skilled artisan will be able to determine how to arrange, add to, and/or exclude various components described above based on various considerations, including the desired functionality and size of the device. 
       FIG.  29 A  illustrates an alternative treatment device  8 ′. Treatment device  8 ′ includes all components of treatment device  8 ; however, they are arranged in a slightly different manner. 
       FIG.  33    is a flowchart representation of an example method  600  of using a treatment device. Performance of this method results in the treatment of the user&#39;s body, such as the face and/or neck, by a treatment device. This method can be used for treating any portion of a human body. 
     An initial step  602  comprises charging a treatment device, such as treatment device  2  (or one of treatment devices  4 ,  6 , or  8 ), by connecting the device to a power source via a DC jack. 
     Another step  604  comprises selecting a suitable treatment functionality, such as IPL treatment and/or vibration stimulation, or any combination of suitable treatments. A treatment pattern may be selected via the user control. Selection of a particular treatment pattern may be communicated to a user via informational lights, which may emit different patterns, colors, or flashes of light to indicate the various treatment patterns. 
     Another step  606  comprises placing the treatment device in contact with or adjacent the user. Doing so allows the treatment device to treat the skin via the selected treatment functionality. 
     Another step  608  comprises treating the user with the device. 
     Another step  610  comprises deactivating the treatment device. Deactivation of the treatment device may occur automatically at the end of a pre-set treatment or via manipulation of the user control. 
     It is noted that it is advantageous to complete this method  600  in the order illustrated and described. However, any order is considered suitable. 
     In all examples, a treatment device and its various components may be formed of any suitable material, including presently known and later-developed materials. A skilled artisan will be able to select appropriate materials for an example treatment device based on various considerations, including the size and shape of the treatment device, the motor housed within the treatment device, the light source housed within the treatment device, and the particular treatments desired. 
     Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives for the described and illustrated embodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.