GB2503651A

GB2503651A - Microneedle device with freestanding microneedle beads

Info

Publication number: GB2503651A
Application number: GB201211057A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Jack Studden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-18
Filing date: 2012-06-22
Publication date: 2014-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-22
Also published as: GB201210718D0; GB201211057D0; GB2503651B

Abstract

A microneedle device comprising a housing and a plurality of freestanding microneedle beads, wherein the microneedle beads have an array of needles protruding from the surface of the beads. The device provides a disposable finger held micro-needling topical solution administrator device. Comprised of a hollow upright cylindrical housing unit in which has a fitted and layered central plate that can be pushed down to release a fluid and put pressure on contained micro needle beads. In order of layer placing of the central plate; layer 1 is the top and partially exposed central plate layer to which to the exposed side has attached finger holds, layer 2 is empty space containing a burstable capsule of topical active solution and layer 3 is comprised of absorbent foam. Freestanding spiked spherical objects or balls, the micro-needle beads, are contained in the space between the internally concealed layer 3 of the central plate and the bottom of the hollow cylindrical housing unit to the central plate. A nonÂtoxic polymer mesh is present underneath the unit to prevent the micro-needle beads from falling out.

Description

I

Description of the invention.

Field of invention

The invention relates to a disposable finger attached micro-needle bead/topical active solution administrator device.

Background of the invention

The invention is described as a pad like, hollow, cylindrical upright structure that has a fitted, layered central plate within it. Finger straps are attached to the exposed top surface of layer 1 of the central plate. The central plate pushes partially through the encasing cylindrical structure when pressure is applied down on to it. The space inside, between the bottom layer of the central plate (hidden from view within the cylindrical structure) and the bottom of the encasing cylindrical structure, is filled with X amount of freestanding, independent micro needle beads. Preventing these micro needle beads from falling out is a mesh that encases the exposed underbody of the device that has contact with the skin; the mesh pattern has large enough gaps to permit the micro needles to have contact with the dermis whilst the gaps are small enough for the entire micro needle bead as a whole not to fall through, be contained.

Disposable finger/palm held micro-needling bead pad device.

The invention provides a novel alternative to existing micro-needling devices; the micro-needle stamp and micro-needle roller. It resolves the problem of psychological hesitancy to use a micro-needling device by concealing the micro-needling elements and making them inconspicuous, it also resolves the problem of excessive/inadequate pressure resulting in skin damage/ineffectiveness by having a foam buffer that regulates applied pressure, and thirdly, the device is designed to be disposable and therefore removes the possibility of breaching sterility. A part plastic, part foam hollow upright cylindrical structure encases around a central plate that is capable of moving downwards though the encasing structure under relative applied pressure, prevented from detaching upwards due to a rubber rim on the topside of the cylindrical structures walls that overlap the central plate. The plate is composed of 3 layers; layer 1 being the partially exposed plastic layer which finger straps are attached to, below that, layer 2, is empty space' containing a burstable capsule of a topical active solution and below that, layer 3, is absorbent foam. The space between layer 3 of the central plate (within the cylindrical structure) and bottom end of the encasing upright cylindrical structure is filled with X amount of micro-needle beads. The micro-needle beads are prevented from falling out of this space by a mesh that runs underneath the hollow cylinder, permitting only the micro-needles on the beads through, underneath this mesh runs a foil peel to ensure sterility. The micro-needle beads are independent spherical objects that have no axis, support part, handle attachment or drum, they act in the same context as an exfoliator bead would. They are composed of an internal ball bearing to which is attached an array of micro-needles. When pressure is applied to the exposed layer 1 of the central plate, the plate will move downwards, bursting the capsule in layer 2 and causing any solution in it to seep onto the absorbent foam below on layer 3, compression from layer 1 onto layer 3 will release the liquid from the absorbent foam whilst simultaneously providing a precise measure of pressure onto the micro-needle beads to allow the micro-needles to effectively perforate the skin. Layer 3 acts as a buffer', being a certain finite thickness under compression, it regulates pressure on the micro-needle beads.

001: The method of pressure application. A circular, layered central plate that can be pushed partially through an encasing hollow cylindrical structure or tube'. Upon the applied pressure of the central plate, the dimensions of the space underneath layer 3 changes, supplying a sufficient amount of pressure onto the micro-needle beads within the space to allow them to perforate the skin. Alternate embodiments of the invention see both the circular central plate and encasing cylindrical housing structure as alternate shapes, contemplated are square, rectangular, oblong, and triangle models.

002: The various layers of the circular central plate and how they interact with each other to allow the device to function and secrete a topical active solution. Pressure applied to the first layer bursts a capsule filled with topical active solution in the second layer, which then saturates absorbent foam in the third layer, which then compresses and applies a regulated amount of pressure onto micro needle beads contained in the space below. As mentioned in the claims', different embodiments of this device use a different amount/composition of layers. Also contemplated in solution administering, but not limited to, are pre-saturated layers or a dispensary mechanism initiated via a switch or button/pressure, removing the need to burst' a capsule or compress liquid out of a saturated medium. The electrical administrating of the active solution is not limited to a switch or button. There may be an inclusion of a nozzle or filling medium through layer 1 into layer 2 as a means of filling it with various topical solutions. The layers, order and what each one(s) is comprised of is contemplated, different embodiments of the invention have multiple layers built of the same material/components, multiple physical changes in the layer composition and geometry, more/less layers and a variation of layer order. Other embodiments may have the micro needle beads contained within a layer of the central plate, most likely in the furthest down layer, but this is contemplated. Any of the stated micro needle bead containment materials could be used in/underneath this layer. Layer 3, or the furthest down layer, may have grooves on its underbody to encourage a more even distribution of micro needle beads and regulate solution administration. As mentioned in claims, other embodiments of the invention see the central plate without the encasing cylindrical structure, using a variation of layer numbers and layer composition whilst possibly being flat, concave or convex.

The shape of the central plate varies throughout other embodiments of the invention. Any of the central plates layers may vary in size, thickness and composition, in reference to other surrounding layers. Contemplated is the inclusion of spikes or needles on the underside of layer 1 to permit the puncture of a solution containing bladder in layer 2, upon applied pressure.

003: A micro needle bead. The micro-needle beads in the device are freestanding and independent; they are not reliant on any support parts, handle or physical axis. They can only be used in the same context as an exfoliator bead would be used and can only be used with the provided applicatory method, they are concealed within the hollow cylindrical structure for the purpose of physical appeal of the device, cost effectiveness (instead of additional packaging to contain the micro needle beads and solution separate from the applicator pad) and convenience. As the micro-needle beads are not attached to the glove and are not dependent on it, in other embodiments of the invention the beads may be combined with a topical active solution, packaged in one container, or packaged separately from the active solution and pad, the solution with its included/addable beads then would be poured into/onto a pad that may essentially just be the central plate without the encasing hollow cylindrical structure. The amount of micro needle beads contained internally below the central plate is contemplated; different embodiments have more or less, depending on the size of the pad and its intended use. The current design of the micro needle bead focuses around an internal ball bearing to which are attached micro needle arrays, but as mentioned previously, contemplated are different designs of the bead, including, but not limited to, a three dimensional star model; numerous double tip ended micro needles at an array of angles would be welded precisely at their center, creating a ball-like three dimensional star structure. The dimensions for the current micro needle bead embodiment are as follows, needle length: 1mm, needle width: 0.16mm, needle thickness: 0.045mm and an internal bead diameter of 4mm, but as mentioned in the claims', contemplated are different sized micro needle beads, which may have a variation of different micro needle arrays, different size of the internal ball bearing, different length of the needle, different width of the needle, different thickness of the needle and needle density per cm2. The internal ball bearing and micro needle arrays may be unitary, making a bead formed of one piece of material.

004: The method of micro needle bead containment within the device. In the current design a non-toxic polymer or metal meshing will be used to contain the micro needle beads in the space between the circular central plate layer 3 and the bottom of the hollow encasing cylindrical structure, though contemplated are other methods of bead containment such as, but not limited to, fabric, thin foam, sponge or a biological substance such as, but not limited to, leaves, placenta and a combined organic substance sheet/film. Alternate embodiments may also include the use of magnetism as a means of bead containment. As mentioned, the undersurface of the meshing or other containment material may have an abrasive surface to exfoliate the skin. Contemplated in other embodiments is the containment of micro needle beads within the central plates encasing cylindrical hollow structure. The inventions meshing/micro needle containment/concealment material may use any meshing pattern. The composition of all micro needle bead containment methods/materials differ through other embodiments of the invention. It is possible that the micro needle beads are contained within the lower layers of central plate, the underside of the central plate would then have, but not limited to, precisely cut holes or a meshing pattern that the needles could fit through. In other embodiments where the micro needle beads are contained within the central plate, the micro needle beads are concealed/contained within a low layer of the central plate, the underside of which is made from, but not limited to, thin foam, sponge, fabric or an organic substance; the underside of the layer containing the beads would be thin enough for the micro needles to puncture through it when pressure is applied downwards to the central plate. Other embodiments of the invention may see the micro needle bead(s) contained within the central plate, or on its underside. Other embodiments may include trenches in the underside of the bottom layer, the micro needle beads then moving within them, regulated and controlled movement of the beads within the device. The trenches may include acute edges that make the micro needle beads move and work more effectively and efficiently within them. The pattern of the trenches on the underside of the central plates bottom layer may vary through other embodiments of the device, current designs include, but not limited to, spiral shaped trenches, crisscross trenches, and linear, horizontal trenches. The composition of the trenches may be, but not limited to, any of the central plates layers. Some embodiments of the device may have a mesh or bead containment/concealment material that encases around the whole area containing the micro needle beads, not just attached to the underside of the cylindrical central plate casing. The position of the ball containment/concealment material differs through other embodiments of the invention. Contemplated in other embodiments of the device is the inclusion of a flexible micro needle bead containment/concealment material.

005: The method of pressure regulation. The force applied to the external top layer of the central plate is capped at the optimum needed force for best use. This is done by the central plates' layers being engineered at a precise thickness and the foam in layer 3 being only able to compress to a certain degree, creating equilibrium of force, the foam acting as a buffer. Other embodiments include, but are not limited to, the use of resistance tracts running down the interior walls of the cylindrical structure or a built in internal lip.

006: The devices slide-able function. The central plate can be pushed down through the encasing structure, layer 1 being seen as the plunger as it is subjected to pressure from the fingers/hands. The method in which the sliding of the central plate uses is not limited to those stated in this document, internal/external tracts, sliders, springs or coils may be present. Contemplated is also the addition of a lock' position that will function when the plate is pushed down to a certain level that provides optimum pressure, which will also prevent the user from constantly having to apply pressure, the lock' position would be accompanied by a click'. In other embodiments of the invention there is an electrical means to apply pressure onto the plate, the finger(s) pressing down on a button, switch, sensor or touchscreen to activate pressure upon the central plate.

Electric/non electric springs; coils or hydraulics may be used within the layers of the central plate/encasing structure as a means of pressure application and amplification.

007: Method of containment of the central plate within the cylindrical structure. In the current design the plate is held within the cylindrical structure by: on the top, the cylindrical structures overlapping rubber rim and on the bottom by the meshing/containment material. As mentioned, other embodiments of the invention may see the containment of the plate reliant on an internal/external tract that prevents the plate from detaching upwards, or downwards.

Contemplated in other embodiments is the inclusion of vertically/horizontally placed teeth on the central plate prevent it from from sliding upwards over the central plate casings stopper rim.

008: The use of the current invention in addition with an active topical solution. The current invention is designed as, but not limited to, an anti-ageing solution administrator; the solution within the burstable capsule / within pre-saturated foam in layer 2 will be engineered specifically for use with this invention. Contemplated are embodiments that administer other enhancing active solutions such as, but not limited to, everyday moisturizing/anti-ageing creams, acne preventing/erasing creams, bleaching solutions, medicinal, tanning and cosmetic solutions, hair grooming, hair removal, or hair coloring solutions. Also contemplated in other embodiments is a fillable function, as in whichever chosen active topical solution can be put into the pad and administered through it (the filling media could be placed anywhere on the device). The solutions main chemical components (in an anti-ageing embodiment of the invention and excluding various trade secret ingredients) are Acetyl hexapeptide-3/8, Jojoba oil, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamins e, c, a, b, k, Alpha lipoic acid, CoQ,1O enzyme, Marine phytopankton, Topical peptides (copper peptide, neuropeptide, Pentapeptide- 18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tripeptide-1), Titanium dioxide, Amla oil, Copper and zinc, Sheep placental extract, Epidermal Growth factor, Wheat ceramide dimethyaminoethanoL tretinoin, retinoL niacinamide, Dehydrated collagen micro-spheres, Lactic acid, gycoUc acid (A'pha hydroxy adds), organic silica and Ascorbic acid.

009: The device may be sold in protective packaging to keep the device sterile. The device may have, in addition to protective packaging, a foil film underneath the exposed body of the device that the user peels/pulls off before use.

010: The hollow upright cylindrical structure. This houses the central plate and allows there to be an internal empty' space underneath the central plate, which in this case is filled with X amount of micro needle beads. The current design is formed primarily of plastic, with a bottom rim made of foam. Different embodiments of the invention see the structure comprised from different materials and having alternate material ratios. Also previously mentioned, the shape and scale of the structure is different and larger/smaller in alternate embodiments of the invention.

The presence of the cylindrical structure is for the purpose of holding the beads for convenience, a deconstructed embodiment of the invention sees the removal of the cylindrical structure, the beads and solution contained together separate from the pad, and the pad being comprised solely of the central plate, as its only needed function would be to protect the hands from the micro needle beads. Contemplated is the inclusion of a solution administrating method within the cylindrical structure and/or its walls. Other embodiments of the invention see the underneath of the cylindrical wall containing inverted/everted cavities, which may contain other burstable capsules of active solution, or any of the previous stated methods of solution administration, it is possible that these embodiments see the everted cavities projected from the bottom, perhaps even sideways connected to the structures external wall. These cavities could be a variation of shapes and sizes; they through other embodiments of the invention. The cylindrical structure may have a rotating function in that when pressure is applied down onto the central plate, the cylindrical structure encasing it moves around it. This could be done with the use of, but not limited to, an internal/external spiral track, electric or hydraulics. A button, switch, sensor or touchscreen could initiate the rotating of the hollow cylindrical structure, or it could happen automatically upon pressure to the central plate.

The thickness of the upright cylindrical structures wall varies amongst other embodiments.

011: The physical look and shape of the device is contemplated and in other embodiments sees it with a fitted plastic roof that may encase over the central plate and/or the cylindrical structure, giving the invention the visual impression of unitary; this could extend upwards away from the device. In these embodiments of the device the space between the exposed outer side of layer 1 in the central plate and roof of the inventions additional casing could be fitted with, but not limited to, electrically controlled springs/coils or a hydraulic system that are connected to the inventions circular central plate. The user would then stimulate the springs/coils or hydraulics via a button, sensor, touchscreen or switch to apply pressure to the central plate. The composition of this addition that encases over the central plate/cylindrical structure is contemplated; it may be, but not limited to, metal, plastic, foam or sponge.

The encasing of the central plate/cylindrical structure could be a result of the unitary extension/molding of the cylindrical structures walls. The cylindrical structure may have a protruding bottom rim that allows more space for the micro needle beads to be contained; the bottom of this rim could use any of the functions and additions that the cylindrical structures bottom wall edge could use, such as, but not limited to, an abrasive exfoliating material, lights or a fluid dispensary.

012: The flat embodiment of the device, the central plate with no cylindrical structure, may use any of the stated layers used in the central plate in any variation of order, placement and composition. This pad embodiment, used as an applicator for the separated/included micro needle beads, may partially/entirely cover the surface area of the hand, it may be unitary in that it is made from one piece of material, it may be any of the central plates stated shapes and could make use of any of the functions seen in the current embodiment of the central plate or encasing cylindrical structure, such as, but not limited to, a fillable, electric and rechargeable function. In this embodiment, a brim maybe present around the perimeter of the pads surface area; the pad/rim/brim may also use a magnetic substance. The composition of this brim is contemplated and could be unitary in the sense it is made from the same material and is an extension of the pad.

013: The invention may have the capability of emitting UV, Ultrasonic, LED, Infrared and Red light. The source of the light is contemplated and varies through other embodiments of the device. The activation of the various lights could be from applying pressure to the central plate, it coming on automatically, or a switch, button, sensor or touchscreen function.

014: Contemplated is a non-disposable embodiment of the invention that may have a detachable bead containment material or central plate to allow the refilling of micro needle beads, the refilling of the micro needle beads could also be done via a nozzle or hole in the cylindrical structures wall. In this embodiment the central plate could have detachable layers; the order in which they are placed may be able to be rearranged by the user for different uses and functions. The composition of the central plate, hollow cylindrical structure and components in this non-disposable embodiment is contemplated and may use any of the materials stated, or not stated, in the disposable embodiment. All functions and additions mentioned with the disposable embodiment may be present in the non-disposable embodiment and may use all of the stated initiating, activating and solution administration methods seen in the current disposable embodiment.

015: Other embodiments of the device may see the inclusion of, but not limited to, internal rims, lips or projected edges a part of or attached to the internal edge of the cylindrical structures wall, these would provide a regulation of the central plates compression, ensuring a consistent and balanced release of an active solution. These lips or edges may be breakable, once broken they may fall down vertically allowing the central plate to pass and break the next one below it. Alternate methods of solution administrating regulation are contemplated such as, but not limited to, the use of an elasticated band that slackens over a set amount of compressions or resistance tracks.

016: Either the disposable or non-disposable model of the invention may be modified to permit an everyday usage of the device, for example, but not limited to, shorter needles on the micro needle beads.

017: The use of micro needle beads in addition with, or not with, an active solution, used with, but not limited to, an applicator pad (central plate] or central plate and encasing structure. As mentioned previously, the simplified, fundamental embodiment of the invention sees the micro needle beads packaged with an active solution in a container separate to the applicator pad (central plate), in this embodiment the hollow cylindrical structure that usually encases the central plate may be removed. The active topical solution with its added micro needle beads could then be poured onto/into the central plate prior to use. The micro needle beads may be separate from the active solution and central plate, or contained within the central plate/cylindrical structure with the active solution being separate.

018: The micro needle element to the device (micro needle beads) may be concealed from view under an encasing partially open structure (upright hollow cylindrical structure). The micro needle elements to the invention are hidden by a structure that is not directly or indirectly attached to the micro needling elements themselves. The micro needling elements may be further hidden by a mesh, opaque/clear fabric or substance that entirely/partially covers the open bottom of the independent structure (hollow cylindrical structure). As mentioned previously, the micro needle bead containment/concealment material present underneath the device is contemplated and differs throughout other embodiments of the invention.

The micro needle bead containment/concealing materials are not limited to those listed in this document. In other embodiments of the invention, a concealment/containment material may not cover the open bottom of the device at all.

019: Contemplated in other embodiments of the invention is the inclusion of thin, flexible needles that may have a small, but varying, needle tip size. These flexible needles may be placed around the underside of the cylindrical structures walls or/and coming down from the underside of the central plate. As these needles would be flexible, they could scratch the skin, whilst not being able to penetrate deeply into it. The flexible needles may be composed of, but not limited to, a metal/metal alloy, wood or plastic. The flexible needles may potentially have a crossbar at point X in its length, as a safety precaution of needle penetration to the dermis.

020: In other embodiments of the invention, the micro needle beads may be altered. Instead of the micro needle beads being comprised of an internal ball bearing to which are attached micro needles, attached to the internal ball bearings are arrays of comb teeth, possibly micro comb teeth. The ways in which the teeth are distributed across the internal ball bearing are contemplated and vary throughout other embodiments.

021: Other embodiments of the micro needle bead may use flexible needles' (as mentioned above); these may have a sharp, rounded or blunt ended tip. The composition of the flexible needles' varies, and in other embodiments of the micro needle bead is different.

Some embodiments of the micro flexible needle bead see the needle' made from, but not limited to, metal, wood, fiber, fabric, plastic and crystal, all of which may have teeth or spikes protruding from them at any angle.

022: Another embodiment of the invention may see the micro needle bead contained within a low layer of the central plate, to which is cut out a precisely measured hole', that the bead can partially fit through. When pressure is applied from above, the micro needle bead(s) will protrude from this hole down to a certain extent into the empty' space below the central plate and inevitably make contact with the dermis.

023: The 360-degree maneuverability of the device on the skin. The device can be moved across a surface area multi directionally and unlimitedly; the micro needle beads, upon having pressure applied to them, can be moved within the empty' space. The continuity and fluidity of movement of the beads may be partially reliant on, but not limited to, the interior bottom edge of the cylindrical structure being acutely angled, allowing the micro needle beads to roll upwards back onto the surface area of the underside of the central plate when they meet the perimeter of the upright, hollow cylindrical structure, this is an ongoing reusing of the beads, a self efficient cycle. Other embodiments of the invention may only have a circular, up/down or linear applicatory direction.

024: Recognizing the micro needle bead as an innovation reflective of the current device. Figure 3 shows the current two, but not limiting, designs of the micro needle bead. One of which has 36 needles, the other 144 needles. The amount of needles on an individual bead is contemplated and varies through other embodiments of the device, respective of use, intended affectivity and area of use. The micro needle bead, as it is a component of the device, is an innovation relative to the current device. As previously stated, the micro needle beads are not limited just for use with the current embodiment of the device, the micro needle beads in other embodiments of the device may be separate from the applicatory media; the applicatory media for the micro needle beads are not limited to just those stated. A deconstructed embodiment of the device sees the central plate separate from its casing, being convex or concave and being composed of one or more layers, this embodiment of the device would be used for the application of separated micro needle beads, it may use any of the stated functions, additions, materials and components that the current embodiment of the invention exhibits.

025: The meshing that contains the micro needle beads may not be unitary, in the sense that there may be dividers on the meshing/device that separate one micro needle bead from the other.

Description of the diagrams.

Bottom view of device (Of figure 2) Bii: (seen again in H') this is the bottom perimeter of the upright hollow cylindrical housing unit. Comprised of, but not limited to, foam or sponge, it may include an external layer of abrasive material to exfoliate the skin. Other embodiments of the device see the bottom perimeter of the structure comprised of, but not limited to, a suction ring or suction cups.

(Of figure 2) Au: This is the micro needle bead containment/concealment. In this embodiment, non-toxic polymer meshes, though contemplated are alternative such as, but not limited to, a cloth-like material and gel or protein films. It is connected to the cylindrical structures internal walls, securely placed, not in a position that has detrimental effect on the central plate. Other embodiments of the device may have a micro needle bead containment material that runs through a slit/underneath the cylindrical structures walls and is then securely attached to the structures external wall, or wrapped around (partially if fed back through a slit') the outside of the cylindrical device then secured to the internal wall. Other embodiments of the device may see the micro needle bead containment material covering the entirety of the cylindrical structures internal wall, or wrapping around' a particular layer(s) of the central plate, also then being a central plate containment method.

Contemplated is also the use of a doubled up containment material, as in it may be wrapped around [to coverj the bottom of the cylindrical structure, then fed back though a slit or other comparable into the device, sewn or connected to make it appear as one piece of material.

Above view of the device (Of figure 1) Bi: This is the exposed surface of layer 1 in the central plate, it is comprised of plastic, though contemplated are embodiments which are comprised of metal or foam.

(Of figure 1) Ci: these are the latex glove fingers used to grip the device, though as mentioned in claims, different embodiments use straps, groove or an entire glove. The fingers may be positioned strategically over the surface of layer 1 to ensure balanced pressure.

(Of figure 2) Ai: This is the rim that overlaps the central plate; it may be comprised of rubber or flexible plastic. Other embodiments of central plate containment use a slider or track mechanism within the device.

Side view of the device (Of figure 1) A: This is the exposed surface of layer 1 in the central plate; it is made of plastic, though as mentioned in claims and description, contemplated are embodiments with a metal, sponge of foam composition. It is circular and has finger straps, grooves or latex fingers/glove for the user to hold.

The finger/palm attachment method is not limited to those previously stated.

(Of figure 1) B: This is the unexposed body of the exposed layer 1, its composition is contemplated and other embodiments include, but not limited to, the use of metal, plastic, foam, sponge. The underbody of this layer may have a pattern of magnetic strips/material, of both repelling and attracting properties.

(Of figure 1) C: This is layer 2; inside this layer is a burstable capsule or foam/sponge pre-saturated in an active solution. The capsule/foam is burst/compressed when pressure is applied to layer 1 above. Though figure 1 as a singular objects sees layer 2 with no walls, once figure 1 has been secured into figure 2's structure, the internal walls of figure 2 will act as layer 2's external walls. The reason for there being no wall for layer 2 is so that layer one can compress directly onto layer 3 when layer 2's capsule is burst, this provides more pressure onto layer 3, though with the inclusion of previously mentioned alternate solution administrating methods, layer 2 may have a wall. When the solution is released from layer 2 it will absorb into layer 3, in the current design, layer l's immediate full compression of layer 2 quickens the absorption of the solution into layer 3.

(Of figure 1) D: This is layer 3; it is comprised of absorbent foam that is engineered at a certain thickness to act as a pressure regulator under compression. When solution is absorbed into it from layer 2 it can be compressed to release the solution. The secreting of the solution happens simultaneously as it applies pressure onto the micro needle beads below it. Though layer 3 acts as a buffer, thus must be a certain thickness, other embodiments of the device use a different, denser material that may be of different thickness.

Layer 3 may be pre-saturated in an active solution.

(Of figure 1) E: This is the burstable capsule seen in the current design of the invention. Contained within, but not limited to, layer 2, it is the sole means of solution administration within the invention. As mentioned previously, the solution within the capsule is not a limiting factor. The method of solution administration in other embodiments differs and is not limited to, pre-saturated material that may be compressed, an electrically/pressure activated pump mechanism or an empty fillable space for a solution.

(Of figure 2) F: This is the open top of the upright cylindrical structure.

The central plate can fit into this space and is secured by, but not limited to, overlapping rims on the top of cylindrical structures walls. The device may come already put together or the user may have to assemble it upon usage. The invention may be unitary in the sense that it is made from one piece of material, in this case the central plate and cylindrical structure may not be separated.

(Of figure 2) G: this is the main body of the cylindrical structure; it may be comprised of, but not limited to, plastic, foam, sponge or metal. Within the space behind the encasing walls contains the underbody of layer 1, layer 2, layer 3 and an empty space (which the micro needle beads are contained within). This body of wall may extend down/upwards to be the entirety of the cylindrical structure. On its internal side are contemplated usages of different materials, such as, but not limited to, magnetic substances, foam, sponge, metal, gels and proteins.

(Of figure 2) H: This is the bottom section of the encasing cylindrical wall.

This may be comprised of foam, though as mentioned previously may be comprised of alternate materials or even replaced by a suction ring. The purpose of this being foam lies in its primary function to cleanse/exfoliate the skin and secondarily to soak up and retain a portion of the released active solution. The undersurface of the foam may have an abrasive material on to further exfoliate the skin, though contemplated are embodiments completely replacing the foam composition of the ring with pumas stone or other exfoliating substances. The meshing/micro needle bead containment medium may be secured into to a groove in the foam ring, but as previously stated, the cylindrical structure may be unitary in that it is formed from one piece of material, which would abolish a bottom ring of foam, so the bead containment medium may be placed into another part of the cylindrical structures wall.

(Of figure 2) I: This is the rim that sits on the top of the cylindrical structures wall; it may be made of plastic or rubber and sits overlapping the central plate to prevent the central plate from coming free. The rims presence over the central plate allows easy maneuverability of the fingers/hands when the central plate is pushed down, it does not detrimentally affect the users path by constricting their fingers. It may be flat to encourage a fluidity of design. As mentioned previously, the rim may be replaced by other containment mediums such as, but not limited to, resistance tracks and sliders.

Figure 3: These are the current designs of the micro needle beads. The two diagrams depict a 36-needle micro needle bead and a 144-needle micro needle bead, though as mentioned previously, the number of micro needles per bead varies through other embodiments of the micro needle bead. Size, composition and weight of both the internal ball bearing and attached micro needle arrays are contemplated and vary through other embodiments. The micro needle beads may be magnetized. The shape of the micro needle bead is contemplated and in other embodiments of the device, an elongated micro needle bead may be present The array of the needles across the surface area of the internal ball bearing are linear in the current diagram, though is not limited only to linear arrays.

Figure 4: This is the underside of the device. Seen is the mesh (orange in color, though not limited to only this color) with contained micro needle beads beneath it. Around the sides of the mesh is the bottom' edge of the cylindrical central plate casing, mentioned previously to perhaps have an abrasive surface, or made of, but not limited to, foam or sponge.

Figure 5: This rendered image shows the device from an elevated side view. Seen is the push down, hand activated slightly risen central plate encased by the cylindrical structure. As mentioned above, the shape and design of the encasing structure around the central plate varies through other embodiments of the device. This particular embodiment has a protruding bottom rim, unitarily placed upon the encasing cylindrical structure. As mentioned previously, the method of pressure application upon the central plate is contemplated and in other embodiments the method of pressure application is reliant on, but not limited to, electrically/hydraulically controlled springs or coils that can be activated via a button, sensor, switch or touchscreen on the device.

Figure 6: This image shows the underside of layer 1 of the central plate. In this embodiment of the invention spikes are present underneath layer 1 to allow the puncture of a solution containing bladder/capsule in layer 2 below, upon pressure application. Seen in this image are various layers of the central plate, (from top), layer 1, layer 2 of a burstable capsule/bladder, and layer 3 of absorbent foam or sponge.

Figure 7: This image shows an exploded side view of an embodiment of the device and its components. Layer 1, the exposed top side of which has finger/hand holds that pressure is applied to, Layer 2 of a burstable bladder or capsule and layer 3, the pressure regulator, made of foam or sponge. Below layer 3 in the diagram is the mesh, in this particular embodiment of the invention the mesh is not directly connected to the underbody of the casing, but instead fits in'. In this embodiment the micro needle beads are contained within a closed, hollow meshed structure that resembles an additional layer, having none or little empty' space between the bottom of the central plate and the bottom of the casing, the mesh, not only having contact with the skin, has contact with the underside of the bottom layer of the central plate and sides of the casing. Using this embodiment of micro needle bead containment the micro needle bead containment/concealment material could be any of those stated previously. Below the mesh in the diagram are the micro needle beads, which will be inside and contained within the meshing seen above them. Below the micro needle beads is the casing or upright hollow cylindrical structure, seen clearly, there is no attached meshing to the underside of the casing which other embodiments of the invention exhibits, the micro needle bead containing mesh will be secured into the protruding rim at the bottom of the casing. Layers 1-3 in this diagram are considered the central plate.

Materials used in the device and its components are not limited to just those stated, different embodiments of the device and its components are comprised of different materials. The Scale and size of the device and its components are also not limited to just those stated.

Claims

Claims 1. A micro-needling bead device comprised of an applicator glove with an attached pad that houses all necessary treatment components, micro-needling beads and an active topical solution.
2. The invention of freestanding, independent micro-needle beads are comprised of an internal ball bearing attached to which is an array of micro-needles.
3. Reference to claim 2: The entire structure of the micro-needle beads may be unitary in that it is made from one piece of material.
4. Reference to claim 2: Materials used in the construction of the micro needle beads are contemplated; internal ball bearing and micro needle bead composition various through other embodiments of the invention.
5. The walls to the upright hollow cylindrical structure may be composed of one or more materials and may have a rim.
6. The internal plate can be pushed downwards and compressed under applied pressure.
7. Reference to claim 6: Other models include a tract/slider running down the internal/external wall of the cylindrical structure as a means of pressure regulation.
8. See Side view diagram (figure 1), Layer 1 of the central plate is composed of a solid material to which are attached finger holds such as finger straps or latex glove fingers.
9. See side view diagram (figure 1), Layer 2 is empty' space containing a capsule capable of bursting under applied pressure.
10. See side view diagram (figure 1), Layer 3 is composed of an absorbent material that soaks up the liquid from the capsule above and releases it when compressed.
11. Reference to claims 8,9,10: The orders in which the layers are comprised are contemplated; the number and compositions of layers in alternate models and embodiments differ.
12. Reference to claim 10: Alternate methods of solution administration are contemplated such as, but not limited to, a built in pump within the devices wall that would be used to release a topical solution when pressure is applied to the central plate.
13. Meshing precisely measured to allow only micro-needles through its holes is used underneath the cylindrical structure to prevent the micro-needle beads from falling out.
14. Reference to claim 13: The current model includes meshing on its underbody; the undersurface of this meshing (in contact with skin) may be made from an abrasive material to exfoliate the skin.
15. Reference to 13: alternate methods of micro-needle bead containment are contemplated, such as, but not limited to, the beads being held in place by magnetism, fabric or internally built grooves/tunnels through the layer(s) of the central plate which release the micro needle beads when pressure is applied.
16. The meshing underneath the upright cylindrical structure has a protective seal to ensure product sterility.
17. The internal bottom edges of the cylindrical structure may be acutely angled to allow fluid, multidirectional maneuverability upon application to the skin.
18. Reference to claim 1: the current model of the applicator pad has two main physical components, the hollow upright cylindrical structure with a precisely fitted layered central plate encasing around it, but other embodiments are contemplated, such as a unitary version made from one piece of material, this unitary version/central plate could potentially only have 1 or 2 layers and be flat, concave or convex.
19. Multiple sizes of the pad/glove are contemplated, larger/smaller pads for a larger/smaller surface area such as the entire body or small surface areas of the face.
20. Reference to claim 2: Alternate embodiments of the micro-needle beads and its micro-needle array are contemplated, for example a three-dimensional star, removing the need for an internal ball bearing, formulated solely from micro-needles.
21. Reference to claim 17: the bottom edge of the cylindrical structure may have a LED/UV/infrared/Red light, light function, being rechargeable to a power source.
22. Reference to claim 5: The materials used in the hollow cylindrical housing unit to the central plate are contemplated; it being made from one piece of material is also possible.
23. Reference to claim 8: Other embodiments of the device use a full glove as opposed to finger slots, contemplated are improved models exhibiting a unitary glove/pad which is made from one piece of material.
24. Reference to claim 5: Other embodiments of the device include housing structures and central plates that are square, oblong, and triangle, semi-circle and rectangular.
25. Reference to claim 1: the glove/pad may be separate from the solution and micro-needle beads, the glove/pad's deconstructed purpose is to protect the skin on the hands from the micro needle beads.
26. Reference to claim 9: Alternate methods of solution administration are contemplated, such as, but not limited to, the use of a pressure activated pump within the device, solution administration via compression of pre-saturated absorbent materials, the inclusion of a gel based active topical solution and a bladder that can be punctured, these could be within a number of different layers.
27. Multiple layers of the central plate and/or cylindrical structure may include magnetic elements.
28. Reference to claim 9, 10: The device may be fillable; layer 2, in this embodiment of the invention, being a holding area for liquid where it may saturate a foam/sponge layer below it (layer 3).
29. Reference to claim 18: The flat embodiment of the invention may have a risen/inverted perimeter brim.
30. Reference to claim 15: The micro needle beads may be contained within the upright hollow cylindrical structure as opposed to the central plate.