Has anyone thought about the recent Trademark Filings of our partners and the thought that our Technologies could be paired with other technologies for further enhancement? My theory for thought is that they could be Trademarking our devices right now, hiding the specifics in their descriptions with other available delivery technologies like Sonic Technology that are actually used to further enhance OBJ's Tech, and therefore trademarking the technology separately (Jace may be able to place more clarity in this area)
for example as P&G have done.
"Magnetic Micropulse Technology"
OBJ Patent: Delivery of skin care products
(Two paragraphs within the Patent)
According to a form of the invention the method of the invention provides a means for driving the passage of active agent(s) across a dermal barrier such as the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis), including the stratum corneum, granular cell layer, spinous cell layer, basal cell layer and other components of the integumentary system into a subject (including a patient). The method may be enhanced by the additional step of pairing the device with an alternate drug delivery system that operates either in conjunction with, or in parallel with, the device, to promote the passage of active agents through the dermal barrier. Such alternate drug delivery systems may include, for example, iontophoresis, drug-adhesive matrix, chemical penetration enhancers, micro-needles and sonophoresis.
And this relating to brushing.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a skin care active agent(s) comprising the following steps:
(a) applying an active agent(s) between a target dermal barrier and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the dermal barrier; and
(b) moving in a reciprocal, rotational or orbital manner the magnetic device so that active agents in proximity to said device will be subject to alternating polarities of magnetic flux in response to said reciprocal, rotational or orbital movement.
Sonophoresis description:
Anushree Herwadkar, Ajay K. Banga, in Peptide and Protein Delivery, 2011. Sonophoresis
Sonophoresis is the use of ultrasound to drive molecules into and across skin [43]. Ultrasound is typically used for medical and diagnostic applications, and low-frequency sonophoresis (20 to 100 KHz) [44] is now gaining importance as a transdermal permeation enhancement technique. Sonophoresis has been successful in the topical delivery of small molecules such as lidocaine, to induce local anesthesia. Since this technique is non-invasive and painless, it is being investigated for transdermal delivery of macromolecules.
Sonophoresis equipment consists of a piezoelectric crystal and a coupling medium. Ultrasound is produced when electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy (oscillations) by a piezoelectric crystal, thereby generating acoustic waves. The mechanisms behind sonophoretic enhancement are not very clear, though acoustic cavitation is believed to have a major role. Application of ultrasound leads to the formation of microbubbles in the coupling medium. Collapse of these bubbles at the surface of stratum corneum gives rise to shock waves which render the skin permeable [45]. Additionally, acoustic microjets may be produced, which act by impacting or even penetrating the stratum corneum surface [46]. Other mechanisms such as thermal effects [47] and radiation pressures [30] have also been proposed to have some effect in sonophoretic permeation enhancement.
Recent Trademarks filed in the last 6 months with a specific Nice CL code searched "21" many of which use some form of sonophoresis
P&G Trademarks
* Not all Trademarks with "21" are shown
Under the Oral B descriptions you will find wording similar to the below;
21Toothbrushes; manual toothbrushes; electrical toothbrushes; heads for electric toothbrushes; material for brush-making; dental cleaning articles; dental floss; dental sticks for personal use; toothpicks; toothpick holders; brushes; toothbrush holders; toothbrush cases; containers for dentifrices; oral care kits comprising toothbrushes and floss; boxes for holding artificial teeth; denture brushes; denture baths; interdental brushes for cleaning the teeth; water apparatus for cleaning teeth and gums; ultrasonic cleansing devices for dental prostheses.
L"Oreal Trademarks
Many of these Trademarks within their descriptions state the below or similar;
21Electric brushes (except parts of machines); sonic oscillating brushes and applicators for skin care; all included in class 21.
Its been a quiet day and this is once again speculation on my part. Pick this post apart if your interested and delve into the Trademarks themselves via Wipo (All pics in this post are Wipo References) for further clarity on what I am suggesting.
OBJ Price at posting:
6.2¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
(20min delay)