U.S. patent application number 10/113143 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-02 for self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and method of use.
Invention is credited to Carls, Jeffrey.
Application Number | 20030187518 10/113143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28453528 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030187518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carls, Jeffrey |
October 2, 2003 |
Self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and method of use
Abstract
A self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and a method of using the
same is disclosed. Prosthetic make-up is applied to a person's body
to create an illusion or for enhancing a costume. The disclosed
prosthetic make-up comprises a matrix of thermosetting polymer. The
top surface of the matrix may be ornamented by way of features
including structure and color to represent an anomaly on or
embedded in the skin of the user. Among other anomalies, the
disclosed prosthetic make-up may be used to create the illusion of
a laceration, a sutured wound, a bullet wound, an eye, bite marks,
or a circuit board implanted into the skin.
Inventors: |
Carls, Jeffrey;
(Bakersfield, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James M. Duncan, Esq.
Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper,
Rosenlieb & Kimball, LLP
P.O. Box 11172
Bakersfield
CA
93389-1172
US
|
Family ID: |
28453528 |
Appl. No.: |
10/113143 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/59 ;
472/70 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 44/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/59 ;
472/70 |
International
Class: |
A63G 031/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Self-adhesive prosthetic make-up for application to the skin of
a user comprising: (a) a molded matrix having a top surface, a
generally flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface bound
by the top surface and the bottom surface, the matrix comprised of
a moldable polymer; (b) an adhesive compound applied to the bottom
surface, the compound adaptable for temporarily adhering the matrix
to human skin; and (c) the top surface ornamented by way of
features including structure and color to represent an anomaly of
the skin of the user.
2. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
moldable polymer comprises thermosetting polymer.
3. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 2, wherein the
thermosetting polymer comprises methacrylate polymer.
4. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1 wherein the
moldable polymer is clear.
5. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
anomaly of the skin comprises a laceration.
6. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
anomaly of the skin comprises a sutured wound.
7. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
anomaly of the skin comprises a bullet wound.
8. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
anomaly of the skin comprises an eye.
9. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
anomaly of the skin comprises an implanted circuit board.
10. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
anomaly of the skin comprises a bite mark.
11. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
anomaly of the skin comprises a zipper implanted into the skin.
12. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the
color comprises clear acrylic paint mixed with cosmetic
pigment.
13. Self-adhesive prosthetic make-up for application to the skin of
a user comprising: (a) a molded matrix having a top surface, a
generally flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface bound
by the top surface and the bottom surface, the matrix comprised of
clear methacrylate polymer; (b) an adhesive compound applied to the
bottom surface, the compound adaptable for adhering the matrix to
human skin for a plurality of applications and removals of the
matrix from the skin of the user; and (c) the top surface
ornamented by way of features including structure and color to to
represent an anomaly of the skin of the user.
14. A method of using self-adhesive prosthetic make-up on the skin
of a user to create an illusion, the method comprising the steps
of: (a) molding a moldable polymer into a matrix having a top
surface, a generally flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge
surface bound by the top surface and the bottom surface; (b)
applying adhesive compound to the bottom surface, the compound
adaptable for temporarily adhering the matrix to human skin; (c)
ornamenting the top surface by way of features including structure
and color to represent an anomaly of the skin of the user.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the moldable polymer comprises
thermosetting polymer.
16. The method of claim 15 where the thermosetting polymer
comprises methacrylate polymer.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the methacrylate polymer is a
clear gel.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the anomaly of the skin
comprises a laceration.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the anomaly of the skin
comprises a sutured wound.
20. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin
comprises a bullet wound.
21. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin
comprises an eye.
22. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin
comprises an implanted circuit board.
23. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin
comprises a bite mark.
24. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin
comprises a zipper implanted into the skin.
25. The method of claim 14 wherein the color comprises clear
acrylic paint mixed with cosmetic pigment.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to devices and
methods for decorating the human body for enjoyment and
entertainment and more particularly to prosthetic make-up which is
applied to the body to enhance a costume or create an illusion.
[0002] The use of prosthetic make-up is well known. The motion
picture industry has applied prosthetic make-up for many years to
create the illusion of aliens, monsters, people with severe
injuries, etc. As demonstrated by modem movies, the illusions
created by the make-up can be very authentic. However, the
materials and methods utilized by the motion picture industry are
practically not available to the public at large. The prosthetic
make-up used in the motion picture industry is usually of custom
manufacture, expensive, and applied by experts in a time-consuming
process. In contrast, the type of prosthetic make-up generally used
by the adult or child dressing up for a costume party or for
Halloween is mass produced, inexpensive, and not very authentic.
However, application of this type of make-up can be relatively
difficult to apply because of the need to apply additional
components in an effort to make it look more authentic. The
disclosed self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and method of use is
directed to providing the general public with a relatively
inexpensive, easy to apply, and visually authentic prosthetic
make-up.
[0003] The known prosthetic make-up sold to the public is generally
manufactured from latex. The border or edge of the latex prosthesis
is usually colored in a flesh tone, intending to blend the edges of
the prosthesis in with the skin color of the user to enhance the
illusion that the prosthesis is genuine. However, as easily
understood, because individual skin colors vary dramatically over a
wide range of tones and hues, an individual is unlikely to find a
mass produced prosthesis with a flesh tone providing a good match
to the individual's skin color. As a result, latex prosthetic
devices do not appear authentic without applying other make-up,
such as skin tone foundation, to cause the border of the device to
blend in with the skin tone of the user.
[0004] Prosthetic make-up is generally three-dimensional, so that
the make-up rises up from the skin of the user. For example, a
laceration prosthetic may be elevated from the skin of the user to
create the effect of an open wound, with folds of simulated skin
extending out from the edges of the simulated wound. As another
example, a simulated bullet wound may have an elevated ring of
simulated skin around the perimeter of the wound. To create these
three-dimensional effects, the latex prosthetics practically
available to the general public are a hollow shell, such that only
the outside edge or border of the prosthesis contacts the skin of
the user and the elevated portion of the device does not contact
the skin. For each use, spirit gum or comparable liquid adhesive is
applied to the outside edge or border of the device. Because only
the outside edges of the prosthesis are adhered to the skin, if the
surrounding skin is flexed or contracted, as when the user moves,
the edges of the prosthesis move as well, causing the hollow
portion of the prosthesis to pucker, wrinkle or buckle
unrealistically, diminishing the effect of the device.
[0005] The present invention and method are directed toward
prosthetic make-up which overcomes the disadvantages discussed
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a relatively
inexpensive self-adhesive prosthetic make-up which is applied to
the skin of a user and a method of use thereof. T he disclosed
self-adhesive prosthetic make-up is three-dimensional and comprises
a matrix having a top surface, a generally flat bottom surface, and
a peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the bottom
surface. The matrix comprises a moldable polymer, which may
comprise thermosetting polymers including methacrylate polymer.
Clear forms of moldable polymers are available which result in a
clear matrix. An adhesive compound is applied to the bottom surface
of the matrix where the compound is adaptable for temporarily
adhering the matrix to human skin. The top surface of the matrix is
ornamented by way of features including structure and color to
represent an anomaly of the skin of the user, so as to create an
illusion. Such anomalies may include a laceration, a sutured wound,
a bullet wound, an eye, a bite mark, or a circuit board implanted
into the skin.
[0007] A method of using self-adhesive prosthetic make-up on the
skin of a user to create an illusion is also disclosed. The method
comprises the steps of first molding a thermosetting polymer into a
matrix having a top surface, a flat bottom surface, and a
peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the bottom
surface. An adhesive compound is applied to the bottom surface,
where the compound is adaptable for temporarily adhering the matrix
to human skin. The top surface is ornamented by adding features
which convey structure and/or color to represent an anomaly of the
skin of the user.
[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an example of a vampire bite prosthesis.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a vampire bite prosthesis.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows bite wound prosthetics as applied to the neck
of a user.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows an example of a laceration prosthesis.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a laceration prosthesis as applied to the hand
of a user.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows an example of a sutured wound prosthesis.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows an example of an eyeball prosthesis.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an eyeball prosthesis.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows an example of a zipper prosthesis.
[0018] FIG. 10 shows an example of an implanted circuit board
prosthesis.
[0019] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of an implanted circuit board
prosthesis.
[0020] FIG. 12 shows an example of a bullet wound prosthesis.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The basic elements of the disclosed self-adhesive prosthetic
make-up are: (1) a matrix having a top surface, a generally flat
bottom surface and a peripheral edge surface bound by the top
surface and the flat bottom surface; (2) an adhesive compound
applied to the bottom surface; and (3) ornamentation on the top
surface so that the device appears to be an anomaly of the skin of
the user.
[0022] The matrix is generally comprised of a moldable polymer
which is molded into the desired shape. Molding of the prosthetic
make-up can be done with either an injection molding process, or
liquid polymer material can be poured into a three-dimensional
negative mold. As is commonly known, when casting the prosthetic in
a negative mold, features formed in the bottom of the mold will
create corresponding mirror-image features in the top surface of
the matrix of the hardened polymer. The negative mold is therefore
sculpted to impart the desired textural and structural features to
the top surface of the matrix. The bottom surface of the matrix,
because the negative mold is generally open at the top, will be
generally flat as the liquid polymer spreads out by gravity. The
generally flat surface creates a larger surface area for contact
with the skin, as opposed to the limited surface area hollow latex
prosthetics provide for adhering to the skin.
[0023] Given the infinite combinations of features which might be
imparted to the top surface of the matrix, the general embodiment
of the disclosed invention is directed toward the basic elements of
the prosthetic make-up as opposed to any particular ornamentation
which may be imparted to the top surface of the make-up. FIGS. 1
through 11 thereafter disclose several alternative embodiments of
ornamentation of the top surface.
[0024] One variety of moldable polymers which has been found to
work particularly well as a matrix material is thermosetting
polymers, including methacrylate polymer. This substance, which is
known for its use as a denture reline material, is sold under the
brand name, among others, of Tempo and is available from Lang
Dental Manufacturing Co., Inc. of Wheeling, IL. The methacrylate
comes in the form of a clear gel powder which is blended with a
liquid comprising phthalate ester and denatured alcohol. Once
blended and injected or poured into a mold, the methacrylate
polymer cures in approximately one hour. After curing, the top
surface and peripheral edge surface of the matrix may be painted.
One acceptable way of painting the matrix is with clear acrylic
paint mixed with color or cosmetic pigment. Other moldable polymers
which may be used are poly-vinyl-chloride, also known as plastisol,
and silicon.
[0025] A desired feature available through using the methacrylate
for the matrix is that the material is available in a clear form.
There is a large advantage to having a clear matrix for prosthetic
make-up. If the peripheral edge surface and adjacent portions of
the matrix forming the transition to the user's skin are clear, the
skin tone of the user will immediately show through those portions
of the matrix, thereby enhancing the illusion that the prosthesis
is part of the user's skin tissue, or is an anomaly on or embedded
in the user's skin tissue. This feature of the disclosed device
overcomes the disadvantage of many latex devices, which are
fabricated with a color which doesn't accurately match the skin
tone of the user, and which require the use of additional make-up
to blend the edges of the prosthesis into the skin color of the
user.
[0026] After the matrix cures, an adhesive substance may be applied
to the bottom surface for temporarily affixing the prosthesis to
the user's skin. The generally flat bottom surface creates a larger
surface area for contact with the user's skin which, when adhesive
is applied, securely affixes the prosthesis to the user's skin, yet
also allows the device to be easily peeled off of the skin. The
self-adhesive feature of the device is in contrast to latex devices
which must generally be secured with spirit gum or similar
substance each time the prosthesis is used. The disclosed
prosthetic may be worn a number of times without reapplying
adhesive. The inventor herein has determined that a suitable
adhesive is a medical prosthesis adhesive which may be sprayed or
brushed on the bottom surface of the disclosed device. One suitable
adhesive is sold under the brand name Pros-Aide. When no longer in
use, the prosthesis may be peeled off the user's skin and secured
to a backing material, such as craft liner or other type of
non-stick backing until ready to be worn again.
[0027] FIGS. 1 through 12 show different examples of the disclosed
prosthetic make-up. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a vampire bite
wound 20. The prosthesis comprises a matrix 22 having a top surface
24, a generally flat bottom surface 26, and a peripheral edge
surface 28 bound by the top surface 24 and the bottom surface 26.
As previously discussed, the matrix is comprised of a moldable
polymer, including thermosetting polymers such as methacrylate. A
thin layer of a clear adhesive compound 30 is applied to the bottom
surface 26. The top surface 24 is ornamented by way of features
including structure, such as the tooth mark 32 depicted in FIG. 30
and color to represent an anomaly, i.e., a vampire puncture wound,
in the skin of the user.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows an example of the vampire wounds 20 as applied
to the neck 36 of the user. The shape and size of the matrix 22 is
formed and the top surface 24 is ornamented by way of features
including structure, such as the tooth mark 32, to resemble a
vampire bite. Color may be added to the appliance to enhance the
effect, such as red to depict blood.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows an example of the disclosed prosthetic make-up
being used to depict a laceration 40. The basic components of the
laceration 40 include the matrix 22, top surface 24, bottom surface
(not shown) and peripheral edge surface 28. FIG. 5 depicts the
laceration 40 as applied to the hand 42 of the user. It is to be
appreciated, however, that because the matrix 22 is clear at the
peripheral edge surface 28, the laceration 40 will blend in with
the flesh tones of the user's hand 42, creating the illusion that
the user has a serious wound to the hand.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows an example of the disclosed prosthetic make-up
being used to depict a sutured wound 44.
[0031] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example of the disclosed prosthetic
make-up being used to depict an eye 46. The basic components of the
eye 46 include the matrix 22, top surface 24, bottom surface 26 and
peripheral edge surface 28. FIGS. 7 and 8 demonstrate how the top
surface 24 may be ornamented by structure and color to look
markedly different from other embodiments. As with the other
embodiments, the eye 46 may be placed on the skin of the user to
represent an anomaly, i.e., an eye, on the skin of the user.
[0032] FIG. 9 depicts an example of the disclosed prosthetic
make-up being used to depict a zipper 48. Because the matrix 22 may
be clear at the top surface 24 and the peripheral edge surface 28,
the edges of the zipper 48 will blend in with the flesh color of
the user to create the illusion that the user has a zipper
implanted in his or her skin.
[0033] FIGS. 10 and 11 show how the disclosed prosthetic make-up,
depicted as an implanted circuit board 50, might be used to make
the user appear to be an android. The basic components of the
circuit board include the matrix 22, top surface 24, bottom surface
26 and peripheral edge surface 28. Because the matrix 22 may be
clear at the top surface 24 and the peripheral edge surface 28, the
edges of the circuit board 50 will blend in with the flesh color of
the user to create the illusion that the user has a circuit board
implanted in his or her skin.
[0034] FIG. 12 depicts an example of a bullet wound 52. The top
surface 24 is ornamented by way of features including structure,
such as a depression, and color to represent an anomaly, i.e., a
bullet wound, in the skin of the user.
[0035] As demonstrated by the above examples, the top surface 24
may be ornamented in any number of ways by different structural
features and different colors, thereby representing an anomaly of
the skin of the user.
[0036] While the above is a description of various embodiments of
the present invention, further modifications may be employed
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, the size, shape, and/or material of the
various components may be changed as desired. Thus the scope of the
invention should not be limited by the specific structures
disclosed. Instead the true scope of the invention should be
determined by the following claims.
* * * * *