Device for targeted dispensing of nourishing microcapsules to skin during sleep

Abstract

The dispensing device allows for application of nourishing compounds, such as microcapsules, during rest. The elements of the dispensing device that contain the nourishing compounds are separable from the body of the device. Thus, the body of the device is washable without risk of washing away the desirable compounds. The device can take one of multiple embodiments. In the first embodiment, a lower layer forms the body of the device. The body is preferably formed from a compressible material, such as memory foam or other types of polyurethane foam. The upper layer includes a multiplicity of internal reservoirs that contain the nourishing compounds and/or microcapsules. When a user places her head on the device, the downward force created against the relevant storage body pushes the compounds/microcapsules out of the internal reservoir, exiting through the orifices and into the user's skin.

Claims

1. A device for application of nourishing compounds to a user, the device comprising: a body; a dispensing layer affixed to the body; the dispensing layer having a surface facing the user; one or more reservoirs surrounded by the dispensing layer, the one or more reservoirs containing microcapsules; the microcapsules formed from: a water-soluble biopolymer solution; an oil; and a salt; whereby the microcapsules are a membrane surrounding a skin-nourishing chemical; each of the one or more reservoirs including one or more orifices; compression of the one or more reservoirs causing discharge of microcapsules through the dispensing layer via the surface facing the user.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble biopolymer solution is sodium alginate at a concentration from about 0.5% wt./vol. to 1.5% wt./vol., dissolved in water.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the water-soluble biopolymer solution further comprises: a laccase enzyme (EC 1.10.3.2) with an activity of 2800 U/L, mixed to a 0.5% wt./vol. to 1.5% wt./vol.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the water-soluble biopolymer solution further comprises ascorbic acid.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the oil is at least one vegetable oil selected from the group of soy oil and palm oil.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing layer is a cellulose-based material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more orifices are strategically located to correspond with a cheek or a forehead of the user's skin during use.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing layer further comprises: one or more recesses, each of the of the one or more reservoirs fitting within the one or more recesses.

9. A device that dispenses microcapsules when laid upon by a user, the device comprising: a body; a dispensing layer affixed to the body; a reservoir of microcapsules surrounded by the dispensing layer; the reservoir of microcapsules containing microcapsules formed from: a water-soluble biopolymer solution; an oil; and a salt; whereby the microcapsules are a membrane surrounding a skin-nourishing chemical; the microcapsules exiting the reservoir when a weight of the user creates a force against the dispensing layer; the microcapsules exiting the reservoir away from the body; whereby the microcapsules dispense when pressure created by the user is applied.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the water-soluble biopolymer solution is sodium alginate at a concentration from about 0.5% wt./vol. to 1.5% wt./vol., dissolved in water.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the water-soluble biopolymer solution further comprises: a laccase enzyme (EC 1.10.3.2) with an activity of 2800 U/L, mixed to a 0.5% wt./vol. to 1.5% wt./vol.

12. The device of claim 9 wherein the water-soluble biopolymer solution further comprises ascorbic acid.

13. The device of claim 9, wherein the oil is at least one vegetable oil selected from the group of soy oil and palm oil.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the dispensing layer is a cellulose-based material.

15. The device of claim 9, the reservoir further comprises: orifices, the orifices controlling a location of discharge of the microcapsules.

16. The device of claim 9, wherein the dispensing layer further comprises: a recess; the reservoir sitting within the recess.

17. A compressible device with integrated microcapsule reservoirs, the device comprising: a body; a discrete and removable reservoir for storage of microcapsules, the discrete and removable reservoir surrounded by the body and removeable from the body; the microcapsules formed from: a water-soluble biopolymer solution; an oil; and a salt; whereby the microcapsules are a membrane surrounding a skin-nourishing chemical; an actuation mechanism for discharge of the microcapsules through orifices present in the reservoirs.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein the water-soluble biopolymer solution further comprises ascorbic acid.

19. The device of claim 17, further comprising: a second reservoir; the discrete and removable reservoir and second reservoir connected by a branch; the branch carrying microcapsules from the reservoir to the second reservoir when a force is applied to the reservoir.

20. The device of claim 17, wherein the body further comprises: a recess; the discrete and removable reservoir sitting within the recess.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a first embodiment of the dispensing device.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of the dispensing device.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a third embodiment of the dispensing device.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the dispensing device.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dispensing device.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dispensing device.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a detail view of an embodiment of the dispensing device is shown.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a detail view of an embodiment of the dispensing device after a force is applied is shown.

[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the dispensing device with extensions to reduce pressure on the skin around the eyes and mouth.

[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a second view of an embodiment of the dispensing device with extensions to reduce pressure on the skin around the eyes and mouth.

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates microcapsules containing dyes and pigments, vitamins and proteins.

[0046] FIGS. 12 illustrate microcapsules inside a reservoir, and as applied to a simulated head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a first embodiment of the dispensing device is shown.

[0049] The dispensing device 1 is shown formed from a body 10 supporting a dispensing layer 12. The dispensing layer 12 forms the entire top of the dispensing device 1, and includes a multiplicity of orifices 20 out of which microcapsules 22 may pass.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, an isometric view of a second embodiment of the dispensing device is shown.

[0051] The dispensing device 1 again includes a body 10, but in this embodiment includes a recess 14 into which a storage body 26 is placed. The storage body 26 includes internal reservoirs 24 inside of which are held microcapsules 22 (see FIG. 1), which exit through orifices 20.

[0052] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is a pillow, including a covering 16 or pillowcase.

[0053] The location of the recess 14 places the orifices 20 in a head and neck zone 30, thus providing microcapsules 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 12) to the head and neck of a user.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, an isometric view of a third embodiment of the dispensing device is shown.

[0055] In this embodiment, there are multiple recesses 14 into which storage bodies 26 are placed.

[0056] The result is storage bodies 26 directed to different parts of the user's head. The central storage body 26 is in a head and neck zone 30, with the adjacent storage bodies 26 forming a cheek zone 32 and forehead zone 34, with contact made when a user rolls her head to one side or the other.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the dispensing device is shown.

[0058] In this embodiment, the recesses 14 are connected by branch recesses 42. The storage bodies 26 are divided into a central pouch 27 and multiple remote pouches 28. The central pouch 27 is initially charged or filled with nourishing compounds or microcapsules 22 (see FIG. 1), which are pushed from the central pouch 27 to the remote pouches 28 by the weight of the user's head.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dispensing device is shown.

[0060] The user 100 places his head 102 on the dispensing device 1, creating a force 50. Microcapsules 22 are pushed out of the reservoir 26 of the dispensing layer 12, through the orifices 20 and onto the user's head 102.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the dispensing device is shown.

[0062] The user 100 has now rolled on his side, placing his cheek 104 of his head 102 on the dispensing device 1. Again, microcapsules 22 are pushed out of the reservoir 26 of the dispensing layer 12, through the orifices 20 and onto the user's head 102.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, detailed views of an embodiment of the dispensing device are shown.

[0064] The body 10 supports a dispensing layer 12, with a covering 16 above.

[0065] Microcapsules are held within the internal reservoir 24. When a force 50 is applied, such as from a user's head, the microcapsules 22 are forced out of the orifices 22, and through the covering 16.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an embodiment of the dispensing device with extensions to reduce pressure on the skin around the eyes and mouth is shown.

[0067] The dispensing device 1 is shown with body 10 include extensions 18. Between the extensions 18 are gaps 19. When in use, the user 100 places his head 102 on the extensions 18, causing the mechanical dispenser 44 to press against the storage body 26, causing the discharge of microcapsules through the branches 40 to the orifices 20. The microcapsules exit at the neck 106 and hair 108 of the user 100.

[0068] The gap 19 is placed such that pressure is reduced against the skin around the eyes and mouth of the user 100, thus preventing unnecessary stretching of the associated skin.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 11, microcapsules containing dyes and pigments, vitamins and proteins, were produced to test the device. The presence of the encapsulated substances inside of the microcapsules was verified via the presence of color or by fluorescence.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 12A, microcapsules 22 are stored inside an internal reservoir 24. In FIG. 12B, the encapsulated substance and microcapsules 22 are released on a simulated head 102.

[0071] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

[0072] It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.