Prior art

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 11446477

The following prior art references have been identified as potentially relevant to US Patent 11446477, based on their citation within the patent document and their publication/filing dates relative to the priority date of US11446477 (December 30, 2005). The analysis focuses on how these references might anticipate the independent claims (1, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36) of US11446477 under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

1. US6767341B2: System and method for skin treatment

• Full Citation: US6767341B2, "System and method for skin treatment", issued to Ross on July 27, 2004.
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued: July 27, 2004; Filed: April 16, 2003.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a skin treatment system that includes a console, a handpiece, a fluid delivery system, and a vacuum system. The handpiece has a tip with an abrasive surface and an opening for fluid delivery and waste removal. The system is designed to simultaneously abrade the skin and apply a liquid to it, with the liquid and abraded material being removed via suction. The liquid can contain a cleansing, exfoliating, or moisturizing agent. The console can control fluid flow and vacuum.
• Potential Anticipation:
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): This patent likely anticipates elements of Claim 1. It discloses a console, a handpiece assembly configured to treat skin, a fluid line providing fluid communication, and a manifold system (implicitly part of the fluid delivery/vacuum system controlled by the console) configured to deliver fluid to the handpiece. The "abrasive surface" on the tip serves to treat skin, and the fluid delivery system provides treatment material.
  • Claim 20 (Method of treating with spiral tip): While US6767341B2 describes a general tip for abrasion and fluid delivery/removal, it does not explicitly detail an "inner member in a generally spiral fashion" defining a channel. Therefore, it may not directly anticipate the specific structural elements of a spiral tip or a method specifically using such a tip.
  • Claim 24 (Tip with pad): This patent describes a tip with an abrasive surface but does not specifically detail a "mounting region configured to receive a pad." It primarily focuses on integrally formed abrasive surfaces.
  • Claim 28 (Method of treating with pad tip): As the patent doesn't explicitly describe a tip with a removable pad, it would not anticipate a method involving attaching such a pad.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): The patent describes a fluid delivery system controlled by the console, which implies elements of a manifold for managing fluids. However, the explicit details of "releasably holding at least two bottles" or a specific "switch configured to permit or inhibit a flow of the fluid from one of the at least two bottles through the pump" are not detailed in the abstract. Further review of the full patent would be needed to confirm anticipation of all specific features.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): The patent describes using a single system for skin treatment with fluid. It does not explicitly teach a method involving "engaging a first skin treatment tip... delivering a first material... [then] engaging a second skin treatment tip... while the first material effectively facilitates exfoliation."

2. US20040206970A1: System and method for skin treatment

• Full Citation: US20040206970A1, "System and method for skin treatment", published for Ross on October 21, 2004.
• Publication/Filing Date: Published: October 21, 2004; Filed: April 16, 2003.
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a skin treatment system including a console, a handpiece for abrading skin and applying a liquid, and a fluid system for delivering the liquid and removing waste. The handpiece has an abrasive tip and a fluid-removing element (e.g., vacuum) to extract fluid and abraded skin. The system allows for controlled application of various treatment liquids (e.g., for cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing) in combination with mechanical abrasion.
• Potential Anticipation: This publication is a related application to US6767341B2, sharing the same inventors and filing date. Therefore, its content is substantially similar, and the potential anticipation analysis mirrors that of US6767341B2.
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): Likely anticipates due to the description of a console, handpiece, fluid line, and fluid delivery/waste removal system for skin treatment.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): Unlikely to anticipate due to lack of specific disclosure of a spiral inner member defining a channel.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): Unlikely to anticipate as it describes integral abrasive surfaces rather than a mounting region for a separate pad.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): Contains elements of a fluid management system but may not fully disclose the specific "releasably holding at least two bottles" and "switch" features.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): Does not explicitly teach sequential use of different tips and materials for combined effects.

3. US5269781A: Microdermabrasion apparatus and method

• Full Citation: US5269781A, "Microdermabrasion apparatus and method", issued to Beauchamp et al. on December 14, 1993.
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued: December 14, 1993; Filed: November 2, 1992.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a microdermabrasion apparatus that directs a stream of abrasive particles (e.g., aluminum oxide crystals) at the skin to abrade the epidermis. A vacuum system simultaneously removes the spent abrasive particles and abraded skin. The apparatus includes a handpiece with a nozzle for particle delivery and an orifice for vacuum suction.
• Potential Anticipation:
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): This patent discloses a console (implicitly containing the particle source and vacuum pump), a handpiece assembly for skin treatment (microdermabrasion), and a fluid line (for delivering abrasive particles and removing waste). It delivers "treatment material" (abrasive particles) to the handpiece. However, the manifold system as described in US11446477 for multiple fluid sources may not be fully anticipated.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): This patent uses a stream of abrasive particles and a suction orifice, not a solid tip with a spiral inner member or channels for fluid delivery and return in the manner described in US11446477. Therefore, it does not anticipate these claims.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): The system uses a nozzle/orifice design for particle abrasion and removal, not a tip with a mounting region for a pad.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): The system handles abrasive particles and waste via a single delivery and removal path, not a manifold for "releasably holding at least two bottles" of different treatment fluids.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): The patent describes a single microdermabrasion procedure. It does not involve sequential use of different tips and materials in the manner described.

4. US5899898A: Cosmetic treatment system and method

• Full Citation: US5899898A, "Cosmetic treatment system and method", issued to Chen on May 4, 1999.
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued: May 4, 1999; Filed: May 23, 1997.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a cosmetic treatment system, specifically a microdermabrasion device that uses a stream of abrasive crystals and a vacuum. It emphasizes a closed loop system for the abrasive material to ensure clean operation. The handpiece includes an outlet for dispensing abrasive material and an inlet for vacuuming spent material. The system can be configured to deliver various cosmetic agents.
• Potential Anticipation:
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): Similar to US5269781A, this patent discloses a console, a handpiece for skin treatment (microdermabrasion), and fluid lines (for abrasive particles and vacuum). It also mentions delivering "various cosmetic agents," which could be considered "treatment material." However, the specific "manifold system configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources" for liquids and deliver them to the handpiece, as distinct from abrasive particle handling, may not be fully anticipated.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): This patent uses abrasive particle blasting and vacuum, which is fundamentally different from the solid tip with a spiral inner member and integrated fluid channels described in US11446477.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): The handpiece uses a nozzle for abrasive particles and a vacuum inlet, not a tip designed to attach a pad.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): The system's fluid handling is centered around abrasive particles. While it may handle various cosmetic agents, the structure of a manifold for "releasably holding at least two bottles" of fluid (as opposed to abrasive media) and corresponding switches for selection is not explicitly detailed in the abstract.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): The focus is on a single microdermabrasion process. It does not describe the sequential application of different tips and materials for combined effects.

5. US20050187518A1: Skin treatment system and method

• Full Citation: US20050187518A1, "Skin treatment system and method", published for Ross on August 25, 2005.
• Publication/Filing Date: Published: August 25, 2005; Filed: April 16, 2003.
• Brief Description: This patent application is also by Ross and shares the same filing date as US6767341B2 and US20040206970A1. It describes a system for treating skin by abrading and simultaneously applying a liquid. The handpiece includes an abrasive surface and a fluid-removing element. It emphasizes the delivery of various treatment liquids (e.g., cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing) through the handpiece while engaging the skin with an abrasive element, with waste removal by suction.
• Potential Anticipation: This publication is another related application to US6767341B2, sharing the same inventors and filing date. Therefore, its content is substantially similar, and the potential anticipation analysis mirrors that of US6767341B2 and US20040206970A1.
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): Likely anticipates due to the description of a console, handpiece, fluid line, and fluid delivery/waste removal system for skin treatment.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): Unlikely to anticipate due to lack of specific disclosure of a spiral inner member defining a channel.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): Unlikely to anticipate as it describes integral abrasive surfaces rather than a mounting region for a separate pad.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): Contains elements of a fluid management system but may not fully disclose the specific "releasably holding at least two bottles" and "switch" features.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): Does not explicitly teach sequential use of different tips and materials for combined effects.

In summary, earlier Ross patents (US6767341B2, US20040206970A1, US20050187518A1) appear to be strong anticipatory references for the general "Apparatus" claims (Claim 1) of US11446477, particularly regarding systems that combine mechanical abrasion with fluid delivery and vacuum. However, they do not appear to anticipate the specific tip designs of US11446477, such as the spiral inner member (Claims 16, 20) or the interchangeable pad (Claims 24, 28). The earlier microdermabrasion patents (US5269781A, US5899898A) establish the concept of abrasive particle delivery and vacuum but lack the liquid delivery and specific tip features of US11446477. The manifold system (Claim 32) and the sequential two-tip method (Claim 36) may also find only partial anticipation in these selected references, necessitating a deeper dive into their full specifications.## Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 11446477

The following prior art references have been identified as potentially relevant to US Patent 11446477, based on their citation within the patent document and their publication/filing dates relative to the priority date of US11446477 (December 30, 2005). The analysis focuses on how these references might anticipate the independent claims (1, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36) of US11446477 under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

1. US6767341B2: System and method for skin treatment

• Full Citation: US6767341B2, "System and method for skin treatment", issued to Ross on July 27, 2004.
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued: July 27, 2004; Filed: April 16, 2003.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a skin treatment system including a console, a handpiece, a fluid delivery system, and a vacuum system. The handpiece features a tip with an abrasive surface and an opening for fluid delivery and waste removal. The system is designed to simultaneously abrade the skin and apply a liquid, with the liquid and abraded material being removed via suction. The liquid can contain a cleansing, exfoliating, or moisturizing agent. The console is capable of controlling fluid flow and vacuum.
• Potential Anticipation:
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): This patent strongly anticipates many elements of Claim 1. It discloses a console, a handpiece assembly configured to treat skin (by abrasion and liquid application), a fluid line providing fluid communication, and a system for delivering fluid from sources to the handpiece (implicitly a manifold system, though not explicitly named as such or detailed to "releasably hold a plurality of fluid sources" with specific controls).
  • Claim 16 (Tip): This patent describes an abrasive tip with fluid delivery and removal, but it does not disclose an "inner member extends in a generally spiral fashion across at least a portion of a distal face of the central body portion" defining a channel between passages.
  • Claim 20 (Method of treating with spiral tip): As the specific spiral tip structure is not disclosed, this method claim is not directly anticipated.
  • Claim 24 (Tip with pad): This patent describes an abrasive tip, but not one with a "mounting region substantially opposite the skirt portion... configured to receive a pad for treating the skin."
  • Claim 28 (Method of treating with pad tip): Without the specific tip structure for receiving a pad, this method is not anticipated.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): While a fluid delivery system is present, the specific features of a manifold system "configured to receive releasably at least two bottles" and including "at least one switch configured to permit or inhibit a flow of the fluid from one of the at least two bottles through the pump" are not explicitly detailed in the available abstract. Further examination of the full patent would be required.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): The patent describes a single system performing combined abrasion and fluid application. It does not teach a method involving the sequential use of a "first skin treatment tip" to deliver a "first material" followed by a "second skin treatment tip" to engage the region while the first material facilitates exfoliation.

2. US20040206970A1: System and method for skin treatment

• Full Citation: US20040206970A1, "System and method for skin treatment", published for Ross on October 21, 2004.
• Publication/Filing Date: Published: October 21, 2004; Filed: April 16, 2003.
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a skin treatment system functionally similar to US6767341B2, including a console, a handpiece for abrading skin and applying a liquid, and a fluid system for delivering liquid and removing waste. The handpiece has an abrasive tip and a fluid-removing element (e.g., vacuum) to extract fluid and abraded skin. The system enables controlled application of various treatment liquids (e.g., for cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing) in conjunction with mechanical abrasion.
• Potential Anticipation: This publication is a related application to US6767341B2, sharing the same inventors and filing date. Therefore, its content is substantially similar, and the potential anticipation analysis mirrors that of US6767341B2.
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): Likely anticipates for the same reasons as US6767341B2.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): Unlikely to anticipate due to the absence of a specific spiral inner member.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): Unlikely to anticipate as it describes integral abrasive surfaces.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): Similar to US6767341B2, a fluid management system is present, but the specific details of "releasably holding at least two bottles" with dedicated switches might not be fully disclosed.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): Does not explicitly describe the sequential, multi-tip treatment as claimed.

3. US5269781A: Microdermabrasion apparatus and method

• Full Citation: US5269781A, "Microdermabrasion apparatus and method", issued to Beauchamp et al. on December 14, 1993.
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued: December 14, 1993; Filed: November 2, 1992.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a microdermabrasion apparatus that directs a stream of abrasive particles (e.g., aluminum oxide crystals) at the skin to abrade the epidermis. A vacuum system simultaneously removes the spent abrasive particles and abraded skin. The apparatus includes a handpiece with a nozzle for particle delivery and an orifice for vacuum suction.
• Potential Anticipation:
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): This patent discloses a console (implicitly containing the particle source and vacuum pump), a handpiece assembly for skin treatment (microdermabrasion), and a fluid line (for delivering abrasive particles and removing waste). It delivers "treatment material" (abrasive particles) to the handpiece. However, the manifold system for multiple liquid fluid sources with releasable bottles and selection switches, as detailed in Claim 1, may not be fully anticipated by a system primarily handling abrasive particles.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): This patent utilizes a stream of abrasive particles and a suction orifice, a fundamentally different mechanism from a solid tip with a spiral inner member and integrated fluid channels for liquid delivery and return. Therefore, it does not anticipate these claims.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): The system uses a nozzle/orifice design for particle abrasion and removal, not a tip with a mounting region for a pad.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): The system's fluid handling is focused on abrasive particles. It does not describe a manifold system for "releasably holding at least two bottles" of liquid treatment materials with corresponding flow control switches.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): This patent describes a single microdermabrasion procedure. It does not involve the sequential use of different tips and materials for combined effects.

4. US5899898A: Cosmetic treatment system and method

• Full Citation: US5899898A, "Cosmetic treatment system and method", issued to Chen on May 4, 1999.
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued: May 4, 1999; Filed: May 23, 1997.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a cosmetic treatment system, specifically a microdermabrasion device that employs a stream of abrasive crystals and a vacuum. It highlights a closed-loop system for abrasive material to ensure clean operation. The handpiece includes an outlet for dispensing abrasive material and an inlet for vacuuming spent material. The system can also be configured to deliver various cosmetic agents.
• Potential Anticipation:
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): Similar to US5269781A, this patent discloses a console, a handpiece for skin treatment (microdermabrasion), and fluid lines (for abrasive particles and vacuum). It also mentions delivering "various cosmetic agents," which could be considered "treatment material." However, the specific "manifold system configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources" for liquids and deliver them, as distinct from abrasive particle handling, may not be fully anticipated.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): This patent uses abrasive particle blasting and vacuum, which is fundamentally different from the solid tip with a spiral inner member and integrated fluid channels described in US11446477.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): The handpiece uses a nozzle for abrasive particles and a vacuum inlet, not a tip designed to attach a pad.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): The system's fluid handling is centered on abrasive particles. While it mentions handling various cosmetic agents, the explicit structural details of a manifold for "releasably holding at least two bottles" of liquid treatment materials and associated switches are not clearly described in the abstract.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): The focus is on a single microdermabrasion process. It does not describe the sequential application of different tips and materials for combined effects.

5. US20050187518A1: Skin treatment system and method

• Full Citation: US20050187518A1, "Skin treatment system and method", published for Ross on August 25, 2005.
• Publication/Filing Date: Published: August 25, 2005; Filed: April 16, 2003.
• Brief Description: This patent application, by Ross, shares the same filing date as US6767341B2 and US20040206970A1. It describes a system for treating skin by combining abrasion with simultaneous liquid application. The handpiece features an abrasive surface and a fluid-removing element. It emphasizes the delivery of various treatment liquids (e.g., cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing) through the handpiece while engaging the skin, with waste removal by suction.
• Potential Anticipation: This publication is another related application to US6767341B2, sharing the same inventors and filing date. Therefore, its content is substantially similar, and the potential anticipation analysis mirrors that of US6767341B2 and US20040206970A1.
  • Claim 1 (Apparatus): Likely anticipates for the same reasons as US6767341B2.
  • Claim 16 & 20 (Spiral tip/method): Unlikely to anticipate due to the lack of specific disclosure of a spiral inner member.
  • Claim 24 & 28 (Tip with pad/method): Unlikely to anticipate as it describes integral abrasive surfaces.
  • Claim 32 (Manifold system): Similar to the other Ross references, a fluid management system is present, but the specific details of "releasably holding at least two bottles" and dedicated switches might not be fully disclosed.
  • Claim 36 (Method using two tips sequentially): Does not explicitly teach sequential use of different tips and materials for combined effects.