Abstract:
A dermal device for providing ultrasound therapy to skin is provided including: a transducer assembly including housing structure having an inner surface defining a void and configured to contact an outer portion of an area of skin of a user without contacting an inner portion of the area of skin; and an ultrasound transducer supported by the housing and configured to be disposed proximate the void, wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to provide ultrasound energy with a focal point towards the skin.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
       [0001]    The present application is directed to a system for providing focused dermal ultrasound therapy to select layers of a user&#39;s skin. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    In an embodiment, a dermal device for providing ultrasound therapy to skin is provided including: a transducer assembly including housing structure having an inner surface defining a void and configured to contact an outer portion of an area of skin of a user without contacting an inner portion of the area of skin; and an ultrasound transducer supported by the housing and configured to be disposed proximate the void, wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to provide ultrasound energy with a focal point towards the skin. 
         [0003]    In an embodiment, the ultrasound transducer is configured to be adjusted within the device housing relative to the skin, wherein the focal point is modified based on the adjustment. 
         [0004]    In an embodiment, the ultrasound transducer is adjusted by adjusting the housing, wherein the focal point is modified based on the adjustment of the housing. 
         [0005]    In an embodiment, a dermal topical is configured fill the void and to serve as an ultrasound conductive medium and a therapeutic agent, wherein the dermal topical is one of a cosmetic, toner, cream, serum, or similar agent. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the dermal topical has a viscosity similar to that of water. 
         [0007]    A system for providing ultrasound therapy to skin is provided including: an ultrasound transducer configured to interface with one of at least two cartridges; and a cartridge having a cartridge shape such that the cartridge is configured to create an offset between the ultrasound transducer and an area of skin of a user; wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to provide ultrasound energy with a focal point towards the area of skin, and wherein the focal point is based on the offset. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the cartridge further includes a reservoir configured to hold a dermal topical. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, the dermal topical is configured to serve as a conductive medium within the cartridge. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the cartridge further includes a semipermeable membrane configured to interface with the area of skin. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the semipermeable membrane is configured to allow application of the dermal topical simultaneous with the ultrasound therapy to the area of skin. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the semipermeable membrane is configured to partially interface with the area of skin, wherein the focal point is modified based on the semipermeable membrane. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, a cartridge for use in a system for providing ultrasound therapy to skin is provided including: a cartridge shape such that the cartridge is configured to create an offset between an ultrasound transducer and an area of skin of a user, wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to provide ultrasound energy with a focal point towards the area of skin based on the offset. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the cartridge further includes a reservoir configured to hold a dermal topical. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the cartridge further includes a semipermeable membrane configured to interface with the area of skin, wherein the semipermeable membrane is configured to allow application of the dermal topical simultaneous with the ultrasound therapy to the area of skin. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the cartridge further includes a first portion for conducting the ultrasound and a second portion for dispensing a dermal topical. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    A more complete appreciation of the embodiments and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a drawing of a cross-section in an x-z plane of a dermal device having a housing and at least one ultrasound transducer having a shape that is configured to create a void when interfaced with skin according to an example; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a drawing of a cross-section in an x-z plane of a dermal device interfacing with the skin, and the dermal device further includes an adjuster configured to vertically adjust the ultrasound transducer(s) within the housing according to an example; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1C  is a drawing of a cross-section in an x-z plane of a dermal device interfacing with the skin, and the dermal device including one or more adjusters configured to vertically lengthen the housing according to an example; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a drawing in an x-z plane of a cross-section of a cartridge having an open surface configured to interface with the skin 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a drawing in an x-z plane of a cross-section of a cartridge having a permeable membrane configured to interface with the skin according to an example; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2C  is a drawing in an x-z plane of a cross-section of a cartridge having a partial permeable membrane configured to interface with the skin according to an example; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2D  is a drawing in an x-z plane of a cross-section of a cartridge having an extension portion configured to interface with the skin according to an example; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2E  is a drawing in an x-z plane of a cross-section of a system for providing focused dermal ultrasound therapy including the dermal device and the cartridge of  FIG. 2A  according to an example; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2F  is a drawing of a cross-section of the system for providing focused dermal ultrasound therapy with the cartridge of  FIG. 2B  configured to create an offset between the dermal device and the skin when in use according to an example; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2G  is a drawing of a cross-section of the system for providing focused dermal ultrasound therapy with the cartridge of  FIG. 2C  configured to modify the focal point in the skin according to an example; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2H  is a drawing of a cross-section of the system for providing focused dermal ultrasound therapy with the cartridge of  FIG. 2D  according to an example; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3A  is a drawing of an underside of the dermal device as in  FIG. 1A  that is configured to interface with the skin according to an example; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3B  is a drawing of an underside of the system including the dermal device having the cartridge of  FIG. 2B  that is configured to interface with the skin according to an example; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3C  is a drawing of an underside of the system including the dermal device having the cartridge of  FIG. 2C  that is configured to interface with the skin according to an example; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3D  is a drawing in a x-y plane of an underside of the system having the cartridge of  FIG. 2D  that is configured to interface with the skin according to an example; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a drawing of a cross-section in an x-z plane of a set of layers of the skin according to an example; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5A  shows a flow chart describing a method for applying a topical and delivering ultrasound energy to a user&#39;s skin according to an example; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5B  shows a flow chart describing a method for delivering ultrasound energy to a user&#39;s skin based on a cartridge type according to an example; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 5C  shows a flow chart describing a method for delivering ultrasound energy to a user&#39;s skin based on a user input according to an example. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    Ultrasound energy can be used to condition and provide dermatological therapy to a user&#39;s skin. Focused ultrasound energy can be created in different scenarios. In a first scenario, an array of ultrasound transducers can be arranged in a curved shape to create a focal point of the ultrasound energy. In a second scenario, a material can be added in front of one or more ultrasound transducers to create the focal point of the ultrasound energy. 
         [0038]    Two embodiments are presented for modifying the focal point of the ultrasound energy to target a specific layer of the skin (e.g. stratum corneum) within different layers of the user&#39;s skin. In a first embodiment, a dermal device for enhancing a dermal therapy regimen is disclosed that can be configured to simultaneously provide a dermal topical and transmit the ultrasound energy at an optimal focal point to a specific layer of a user&#39;s skin for the dermatological therapy. Using the dermal device with a dermal topical tailored to a specific layer of a user&#39;s skin, an amount of skin (e.g. stratum corneum) disruption is expected to enhance the dermatological therapy. 
         [0039]    In a second embodiment, a system for providing focused dermal ultrasound therapy is disclosed which includes a cartridge that can be configured to simultaneously apply the dermal topical and modify the focal point of the ultrasound energy to target a specific layer of a user&#39;s skin for the dermatological therapy. 
         [0040]    In an aspect the dermal topical provides an active agent and serves as a medium for ultrasound conduction. The dermal topical or topical can include a therapeutic or conditioning agent such as a toner (e.g. L&#39;Oreal Paris Hydrafresh), a skin cleanser (e.g. Clarisonic Sonic Radiance), as well as any other applicable topical for conditioning skin. In an aspect the topical can be configured to have a viscosity similar to that of water in order to promote conduction of the ultrasound energy. 
         [0041]    The dermal device can modify a focal point of the ultrasound energy to a user&#39;s skin in several ways. In an embodiment, the dermal device can modify a focal point by changing an offset of an ultrasound transducer to the skin. In an example, the dermal device can create the offset by extending a housing of the dermal device. In an example, the dermal device can create the offset by incorporating a cartridge that interfaces with the skin. In an aspect the cartridge can have a full or partial permeable membrane interfacing with the skin and be filled with the topical. In an aspect the cartridge can have a corresponding offset with respect to the topical and the dermal therapy regimen. 
         [0042]    In an embodiment, the dermal device can modify a focal point by changing a medium of ultrasound conduction between an ultrasound transducer and the skin. In an aspect the cartridge can have a partial permeable membrane that only allows ultrasound conduction to a partial amount of skin. 
         [0043]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       FIGS.  1 A-C 
       [0044]      FIG. 1A  is a drawing of a cross-section in an x-z plane of a dermal device  100   a  having a housing  110  and at least one ultrasound transducer  120  configured to create an offset  150  or void with the skin when the dermal device  100   a  is pressed against the skin according to an example. The housing  110  can include a user interface  160 , a power source such as a battery or a connection an external power source such as an electrical outlet. In this example, the offset  150  is determined by a portion of the housing  110  configured to interface with the skin. The ultrasound transducer  120  can have an array of transducers configured to produce a focal ultrasound energy at a therapeutic frequency range for dermal applications such as a range of 30-300 KHz, consistent with Low Frequency Dermal Delivery, or 4-10 MHz, consistent with Dermal MicroFocused Ultrasound. 
         [0045]    Each ultrasound transducer  120  can be configured to have a concave shape or the array of transducers can be configured to have a concave shape. Each ultrasound transducer  120  can be configured to create ultrasound energy  122  with a focal point  124  in a user&#39;s skin  140 . The focal point  124  can be within one or more layers of a set of layers of the skin. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the set of layers of the skin  140  includes an epidermis layer  441 , a dermis layer  442 , a fat cells layer  443 , and a muscle layer  444  overlaid respectfully. The set of layers of the skin  140  further includes a set of septae  445  connecting the dermis layer  442  and the muscle layer  444 . The set of layers of the skin may vary in thicknesses between individuals. Typical thickness of the epidermis layer  441  is between 0.05-1.2 mm, the dermis layer  442  is between 1-4 mm, and the fat cells layer  443  is between 2-9 mm. 
         [0047]    In an example, the user interface  160  can have a display and a set of buttons (not shown) for a user input. The user input can include one or more control operations for using the dermal device including a start operation, a therapy duration, an intensity of the ultrasound energy, as well as other user functions such as setting a focal point of the ultrasound energy. The housing  110  can be configured to modify the focal point  124  of the ultrasound energy  122  in a different layer of the skin in several ways. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1B  shows a first example of a dermal device  100   b  including an adjuster  112  configured to vertically adjust  114  the ultrasound transducer  120  within the housing  110 . A topical  130  can be manually applied to the skin  140  and can be configured to serve as both a conducting material for ultrasound energy  122  as well as the therapeutic or conditioning agent. The vertical adjustment  114  is configured to modify the offset  150  on a 1:1 ratio, but can be any another ratio for adjusting precision of the adjustment. Examples of the adjuster  112  include a mechanical screw that can be configured to be manually adjusted and an electro-mechanical stepper motor that can be configured to automatically adjust based on the dermal therapy regimen. The adjuster  112  can be aided by a contact sensor (not shown) in order to determine and modify the offset  150 . The adjuster  112  can also be set by the user interface  160 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 1C  shows a second example of a dermal device  100   c  including an adjuster  116  configured to vertically lengthen  118  the housing  110  according to an example. The vertical lengthening  118  of the adjuster  116  is configured to modify the offset  150  on a 1:1 ratio, but can be any another ratio for adjusting precision of the adjustment. Examples of the adjuster  116  include a mechanical screw configured to be manually adjusted and an electro-mechanical stepper motor that can be configured to automatically adjust based on the dermal therapy regimen. In an example, the adjuster  116  can extend and collapse similar to a telescope. In another example, the adjuster  116  can be a threaded ring around the housing  110 , such that when the housing is rotated relative to the threaded ring, their displacement extends. The adjuster  116  can also be aided by a contact sensor (not shown) in order to determine and modify the offset  150 . The adjuster  116  can also be set by the user interface  160 . 
       FIGS.  2 A-D 
       [0050]    In a second embodiment, the dermal device can be part of a system  200  for providing focused dermal ultrasound therapy to select layers of a user&#39;s skin. The system  200  can include the dermal device  100  and a removable cartridge or cartridge  210  according to an example. The cartridge can be coupled to either the housing or the ultrasound transducer in several ways including by a friction fit, a bayonet fit, a tongue and grove fit, and a magnetic fit. In an aspect, coupling of the cartridge to the system can indicate a cartridge type. In an aspect, detection (e.g. by an electrical contact or reed switch) of proper coupling of the cartridge to the system can act as a safety measure and control operation of the dermal device. In another example, either the housing or the cartridge can include a sensor such as a contact sensor or a proximity sensor (not shown) configured to control activation of the ultrasound energy. In another example, the user interface  160  can be configured to control activation of the ultrasound energy. 
         [0051]    Examples of the cartridge  210  include a cartridge  210   a  having an open surface configured to interface with the skin (see  FIG. 2A ), a cartridge  2100   b  having a permeable membrane  220  configured to interface with the skin (see  FIG. 2B ), a cartridge  210   c  having a partial permeable membrane  222  configured to interface with the skin (see  FIG. 2C ) and a cartridge  210   d  having an extension portion  240  configured to interface with the skin (see  FIG. 2D ). 
         [0052]    The cartridge  210  can be loaded with the topical  130  such that the ultrasound energy  122  can be in communication with the skin when in use. In an aspect the permeable membrane  220  and partial permeable membrane  222  are configured to withhold the topical  130  and to allow for conduction of the ultrasound energy  122  to the skin. 
         [0053]    In an aspect the permeable membrane  220  and partial permeable membrane  222  allows for pre-loading of the topical  130 . In an aspect the partial permeable membrane  222  can be configured to modify the focal point by modifying the ultrasound conduction to the skin. For an example the partial permeable membrane  222  can be configured to only allow a portion  230  of the ultrasound energy  122  to pass to the skin. In an aspect, the partial permeable membrane  222  can be configured to modify a depth of a focal point  126 , which can be in a different layer of the skin. 
         [0054]    The cartridge can be configured to have a portion for conducting the ultrasound and a portion for dispensing the topical. As shown in  FIG. 2D , the cartridge  210  can have an extension portion  240  that extends beyond the ultrasound transducer  120 . The extension portion  240  can be configured to source the topical for application to the skin. For example, the extension portion  240  can be a fluid sac, a reservoir, or can be made of a material like a sponge. In an aspect, the extension portion  240  can be configured to create an offset  250  with the housing  110 . 
       FIGS.  2 E-H 
       [0055]    The cartridge  210  can be configured with the system  200  in several ways. In a first example, a cartridge  210   a  can be removable and can have a shape configured to be flush with the housing  110  (see  FIG. 2E ). In this example, the cartridge  210  is configured to fill the void with the skin and match the offset  150  with the skin  140  as determined by the housing  110 . In a second example, the cartridge  210  can have a shape configured to create an offset  250  with the skin  140  as determined by the cartridge  210  and to modify the focal point  124  of the ultrasound energy (see  FIGS. 2F, 2G and 2H ). In an aspect, the cartridge  210  can have a shape configured to extend the offset  250  with the skin  140  such that the focal point of the ultrasound energy  122  varies in the one or more layers of the set of layers skin  140  (see  FIGS. 2F, 2G and 2H ). 
         [0056]    In an aspect the focal point and/or the offset  250  can be based on a dermal therapy regimen. In one example, the focal point and/or the offset can be based on the topical  130  used for the dermal therapy regimen. In another example, the offset can be based on the ultrasound energy  122  used for the dermal therapy regimen. 
       FIGS.  3 A-D 
       [0057]    Examples of interfacing portions of the system  200  and the dermal device  100  are shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D . 
         [0058]      FIG. 3A  is a drawing in a x-y plane of an underside of the dermal device  100   a  which is configured to interface with the skin according to an example. An underside of the ultrasound transducer  120  is shown creating a void with a circular or cylindrical shape; however, the void may have other shapes. 
         [0059]      FIG. 3B  is a drawing in a x-y plane of an underside of the system  200   b  that is configured to interface with the skin according to an example. An outline of the cartridge  210  is shown along with the permeable membrane  220  according to an example. 
         [0060]      FIG. 3C  is a drawing in a x-y plane of an underside of the system  200   c  having the cartridge  210   c  with the partial permeable membrane  222  which is configured to interface with the skin according to an example. In an aspect only a permeable portion of the partial permeable membrane  222  can be configured to allow for the ultrasound conduction to the skin. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3D  is a drawing in a x-y plane of an underside of the system  200   d  having the cartridge  210   d  with the extension portion  240  which is configured to interface with the skin according to an example. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C 
       [0062]    A method can be used for delivering ultrasound energy according to several scenarios.  FIG. 5A  shows a flow chart describing a method  510  for applying a topical and delivering ultrasound energy to a user&#39;s skin according to an example. At step  512 , a dermal device is configured to apply a topical and ultrasound energy at a focal point based on an offset with a user&#39;s skin. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5B  shows a flow chart describing a method  520  for delivering ultrasound energy to a user&#39;s skin based on a cartridge type according to an example. At step  522 , a dermal device is configured to determine a cartridge type. At step  524 , the dermal device is configured to apply a topical and ultrasound energy at a focal point based on the cartridge type. 
         [0064]      FIG. 5C  shows a flow chart describing a method  530  for delivering ultrasound energy to a user&#39;s skin based on a user input according to an example. At step  532 , a dermal device is configured to receive a user input. At step  534 , the dermal device is configured control an adjuster to create an offset with the user&#39;s skin based on the user input. At step  536 , the dermal device is configured to apply ultrasound energy at a focal point based on the offset or the user input. 
         [0065]    Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.