AU2011213891A1 - A Cosmetic Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A cosmetic device includes a lower attachment member for attachment to a user in a lower region above a genital area. An upper attachment member is provided for attachment to a user in an upper region above the lower region. An intermediate member is interposed between the upper and lower attachment members such that, when the lower attachment member is attached to the lower region, at least part of the skin in a pelvic area can be retained in tension by attaching the upper member to the upper region. The intermediate member is configured to provide a level of comfort to the user in an area that underlies the intermediate member.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION A Cosmetic Device FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a cosmetic device. More particularly, the invention relates to a cosmetic device for improving the appearance of a user's stomach. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION In many cultures, it considered fashionable for women and in some cases men, to expose their lower abdomens. This is particularly so in those cultures where health-consciousness and body-image are priorities. As a result, many people in these cultures spend a significant amount of time and effort in 0 attempting to achieve a flat lower abdomen, free of flaccidity and irregular bumps and protrusions. In many cases, that look is impossible to achieve without surgical intervention. However, surgical intervention can be costly and inconvenient at best and life threatening at worst. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cosmetic device that comprises a lower attachment member for attachment to a user in a lower region above a genital area; an upper attachment member for attachment to a user in an upper region above the lower region; and an intermediate member interposed between the upper and lower attachment members such that, when the lower attachment member is attached to the lower region, at least part of the skin in a 0 pelvic area can be retained in tension by attaching the upper member to the upper region, the intermediate member being configured to provide a level of comfort to the user in an area that underlies the intermediate member. In use, the user can attach the lower member to the lower region, bend forward and then attach the upper member to the upper region such that, when straightening up, a tension set up in the skin of the pelvic area can provides a flattening effect to the stomach in an area below the navel. Said lower region can be an area on or proximate the pubic bone, for example, on a line that terminates pubic hair in most humans. The device can then be dimensioned to be covered by a garment worn by a user, while allowing visibility of an area about the navel. Instead, the device can be of a material with low visibility, such as a transparent or skin coloured material. 30 In one embodiment, the attachment members can each be a portion or separate portions of a sheet or film of material having an adhesive coating suitable for adhering the film to human skin. Thus, the adhesive may be an adhesive that is suitable for use with human skin for example of the type configured to cause minimal allergic or other reactions or of the type which is hyposensitive. Furthermore, the adhesive may be of the type that is configured to adhere to skin a number of times without replacement. This will ensure that the user is able to adjust the device for example when it has being incorrectly attached. Still further, the adhesive coated sheet may be substantially impervious to water and the adhesive may be substantially non-soluble in water, allowing the device to be used with swimwear. It will be appreciated that the area that underlies the intermediate member will consist of skin and subcutaneous fat that may be somewhat folded or in a flaccid state. As a result, the intermediate member may be configured to accommodate any folds or flaccidity in the skin and subcutaneous fat thus increasing the comfort experienced by the user. In particular, the intermediate member may be adhesive free and may include a skin comfort member of material which is soft to the touch, such as a fabric. In one embodiment, the skin contact member may be a woven fabric or gauze, such as that used for bandages and dressings. It will be appreciated that such material is suitable for long-term contact with the 0 skin in a manner that is comfortable to the wearer. In one embodiment, the attachment members can be defined by a single film of the adhesive coated material. The film of the adhesive coated material may carry the skin comfort member fast with the film. Thus, that portion of the film and the skin comfort member may together define the intermediate member. A remainder of the film may define the upper and lower attachment members. At least one removable backing sheet may cover the exposed adhesive layer and the skin comfort member. Thus, in use, the user can remove a portion of the backing sheet to expose the lower attachment member and to attach the lower attachment member to the lower region. The user can then bend over, remove the remainder of the backing sheet and attach the upper attachment member to the upper region. When the user returns to an erect position, a tension is set up in at least the skin of the 0 pelvic area and terminating at an operatively upper edge of the device, resulting in a degree of flattening of that area, with the skin comfort member accommodating any resulting folds or flaccidity in a comfortable manner. Thus, the stomach area below the navel can be provided with a flattened appearance. For convenience, the backing sheet can be divided into two parts. A lower part may overlie the lower attachment member while an upper part overlies the upper attachment member. Thus, the user can remove the lower part and attach the lower attachment member to the lower region with the upper part still attached to the upper attachment member. This provides ease of use and inhibits early exposure of the adhesive layer on the upper attachment member. The pelvic area tapers inwardly towards the genital area. Thus, the device can be shaped to 30 correspond with that inward taper. In particular, a width of the lower attachment area may be less than that of the upper attachment area. It will be appreciated that users have different anatomies and requirements. For example, where a user has a smaller pelvic girdle, the overall width of the device will be smaller to accommodate such a user. Furthermore, some users may prefer a more discreetly sized device, for example for use with swimwear. Thus, to facilitate use by a wide variety of users, the device may be marked with cut lines corresponding with different sizes. For example, one set of cut lines may accommodate swimwear, another set of cut lines may accommodate lingerie and another set of cut lines may accommodate low-cut trousers or hipsters. The cut lines provide a guide so that a user can cut the device to a suitable size and shape. The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to narrow the scope of the preceding paragraphs or the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of a cosmetic device, in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 shows a rear view of the device of figure 1. o Figure 3 shows a side view of the device. Figure 4 shows a cross sectioned view of part of the device, to illustrate a relative position and composition of an intermediate member of the device. Figure 5 shows a first stage of attaching the device. Figure 6 shows a second stage of attaching the device. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the device, in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates one embodiment of a cosmetic device, in accordance with the invention. The cosmetic device will find particular use with female users. It has become popular lately to 0 expose an area below the navel with low-cut swimwear and other clothing, such as hipster-style trousers and skirts. As a result, many potential users have spent a significant amount of time and effort in attempting to flatten their stomachs. However, many users, particularly those that have borne children, find it difficult to achieve a smooth flat appearance in that area. In order to do so, many revert to expensive and often unpleasant surgery. The purpose of this embodiment of the invention is to set up, temporarily, a tension in at least part of that area to provide a flattening and smoothing appearance in that area. Thus, as can be seen in figure 7, which is a schematic view of a torso of a user, the device 10 is configured to anchor to the skin in a lower region 11 of a pelvic area 19 and above a genital area 15 and also to the skin in an upper region 13 above the lower region to retain at least the pelvic area 13 in a 30 degree of tension. This can provide a flattening effect at least in part of a stomach area indicated generally by numeral 17 below the navel 19. The lower region 11 will vary depending on the user. However, it will be appreciated that the device 10 will not usually be adhered to pubic hair. It some cases, where a user shaves his or her pubic hair, the lower region can be closer to the genital area, allowing for enhanced invisibility of the device 10.

The device 10 includes a single sheet or film 12 of translucent or transparent material coated with an adhesive layer 14 (figure 4). The minimum required characteristics of the film 12 and the adhesive layer 14 are that it is capable of being in contact with the skin without causing reactions, allergic or otherwise. It should also have sufficient strength to be able to bear the tension set up in the skin of at least part of the area 17 below the navel 19 to achieve the required flattening effect. The sheet 12 and the adhesive layer 14 can be a suitable medical-grade film and adhesive, respectively designed for skin contact. The film can be a plastics or cellulosic material. Examples of suitable plastics material are polyester, polyurethane and polyethylene. Such a film can be coated on one side with a medical-grade adhesive to define the adhesive layer 14. The medical-grade adhesive 0 can be an acrylic or rubber adhesive. Such films are used for wound and intravenous care, medical dressings, and cutaneous attachment of medical devices. Another example of a suitable film and adhesive can be similar to that known as "breast tape" or "breast lift tape". Such films usually include a medical grade polyurethane adhesive. It will be appreciated that other suitable films and adhesives can be used, provided they meet the primary requirement of secure adhesion while avoiding allergic reactions and allowing the skin to breath. Most such films are latex free. An example of a suitable cellulosic material can be a paper-based material such as glassine. Glassine is translucent and is thus of low visibility when adhered to the skin. Glassine is also both air and water- resistant. Being grease-resistant allows it to be resistant to skin oils. o Preferably, the sheet 12 is substantially impervious to water and the adhesive layer 14 is substantially non-soluble in water. This is a requirement if the device 10 is to be used with swimwear. Functionally, the film 12 defines a lower attachment member 16 for attachment to the lower region and an upper attachment member 18 for attachment to the upper region. A skin comfort member 20 is fast with the adhesive layer 14 intermediate the lower and upper attachment members 16, 18 such that the comfort member 20 and its associated film together define an intermediate member 21 interposed between the lower and upper attachment members 16, 18. Thus, the comfort member 20 overlies a portion of skin and subcutaneous fat that can develop a fold or become flaccid as a result of the tension set up in the pelvic area. A free surface of the comfort member 20 is adhesive-free to allow a level of relative displacement of the skin and the comfort member 20. Without 30 the comfort member 20, the film 12 would tend to crumple in that portion, resulting in discomfort for the user, particularly in a seated position and during physical activity. The comfort member 20 can be of any suitable dimension. For example, it can extend across the whole length of the sheet 12. The comfort member 20 is of a material that is soft to the touch. In particular, the comfort member 20 can be of a fabric. For example, the fabric can be a woven fabric or gauze, such as that used for bandages and dressings. It will be appreciated that such a material is suitable for long-term contact with the skin. A removable backing sheet 22 is positioned on the film 12 to cover the adhesive layer 14 and the comfort member 20. The backing sheet 22 is divided into two parts, a lower part 24, which covers the lower attachment member 16 and the intermediate member 21 and an upper part 26 which covers the upper attachment member 18. A corner tab 25 of the lower part 24 is pre-released from the layer 14 to facilitate removal of the lower part 24 by the user. The lower attachment member 16 is then attached to said lower region. A lower edge 28 of the upper part 26 is directed slightly away from the layer 14 at a fold line 27 to overlie an upper edge 30 of the upper part 26. Thus, once the lower part 24 is removed and the lower attachment member 16 is attached to the lower region 11, the lower edge 28 facilitates removal of the upper part prior to attachment of the upper attachment member 18 to the upper region 15 while the user is bent forward, as shown schematically in figure 5. 0 The manner of attachment is shown in figures 5 and 6. In figure 5, the user bends forward in the direction of the arrow 21 and attaches the device 10 to the regions 11, 13. The user then straightens up in the direction of the arrow 23 in figure 6 and the resultant change in posture sets up a tension in the skin of the area 17, to provide a stomach flattening and smoothing effect. The pelvic area tapers inwardly towards the genital area in normal human anatomy. Thus, the device 10 can be shaped to correspond with that inward taper. In particular, a width of the lower attachment member 16 is less than that of the upper attachment member 18. Furthermore, users have different anatomies and requirements. For example, where a user has a smaller pelvic girdle, the overall width of the device 10 will be smaller to accommodate such a user. Also, some users may prefer a more discreetly sized device, for example, for swimwear. Thus, to 0 facilitate use by a wide variety of users, the backing sheet 22 carries cut lines 32 for guidance to a user wishing to cut the device 10 into a suitable size. In particular, one set of cut lines 32.1 is provided for use with swimwear. Another set of cut lines 32.2 is provided for use with lingerie or other clothing when less narrowness is required. A set of cut lines 32.3 is provided for use with low cut clothing, such as hipster type trousers or skirts. As can be seen in figure 2, each set of cut lines 32.1 to 32.3 defines an inwardly tapering region from the upper attachment member 18 to the lower attachment member 16. In some cases, a user may require an overall height dimension of the device 10 to be reduced. For that purpose, the backing sheet 22 carries an upper cut line 32.4 to reduce a height of the upper attachment member 18 and a lower cut line 32.5 to reduce a height of the lower attachment member 16. 30 As can be seen in the drawings, the device 10 is generally rectangular with the cut lines 32 defining differently sized zones to suit the different applications mentioned above. Suitably, an operatively horizontal length of the device can range from 100 mm to 130 mm while an operatively vertical width of the device can range from 80 mm to 110 mm. In a specific example, the horizontal length can be 120 mm and the vertical width can be 90 mm. It will be appreciated that the backing sheet 22 can be provided in a number of different configurations. For example, the backing sheet 22 could be in a single piece configuration with a suitable fold line at an appropriate location for convenient two-step removal of the backing sheet 22.

It is envisaged that the device 10 is to be provided as a disposable item. Furthermore, the marking of the device with cut lines 32 allows the provision of the device in bulk, without the need to customize the device 10 to suit different users. This can provide a substantial cost saving. The cut lines allow for a customer to purchase a pack, for example, of identical devices 10, with the option of customizing a particular device for a particular use. Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed 0 subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 0 The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: 30 there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such 0 separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent. 0

Claims (15)

1. A cosmetic device that comprises a lower attachment member for attachment to a user in a lower region above a genital area; an upper attachment member for attachment to a user in an upper region above the lower region; and an intermediate member interposed between the upper and lower attachment members such that, when the lower attachment member is attached to the lower region, at least part of the skin in a pelvic area can be retained in tension by attaching the upper member to the upper region, the 0 intermediate member being configured to provide a level of comfort to the user in an area that underlies the intermediate member.

2. A cosmetic device as claimed in claim 1, which is dimensioned to be covered by a lower garment, such as a skirt, trousers or swimwear, worn by a user, while allowing visibility of an area about the navel.

3. A cosmetic device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the device can be of a material with low visibility, such as a transparent or skin coloured material.

4. A cosmetic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the attachment members are at least one portion of a sheet of material having an adhesive coating suitable for adhering the film to human skin.

5. A cosmetic device as claimed in claim 4, in which the adhesive is suitable for use with human 0 skin being configured to cause minimal allergic or other reactions.

6. A cosmetic device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, in which the adhesive is of the type that is configured to adhere to skin a number of times without replacement.

7. A cosmetic device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 in which the adhesive is substantially non-soluble in water and the sheet is substantially impervious to water.

8. A cosmetic device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, in which the intermediate member is configured to accommodate any folds or flaccidity in the skin and subcutaneous fat thus increasing the comfort experienced by the user.

9. A cosmetic device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, in which the intermediate member is adhesive-free and includes a skin comfort member of material which is soft to the touch, such as a fabric. 30

10. A cosmetic device as claimed in claim 9, in which the attachment members are be defined by a single film of the adhesive coated material, the film of the adhesive coated material carrying the skin comfort member fast with the film such that that portion of the film and the skin comfort member may together define the intermediate member while a remainder of the film defines the upper and lower attachment members.

11. A cosmetic device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 10, in which at least one removable backing sheet covers the exposed adhesive layer and the skin comfort member.

12. A cosmetic device as claimed in claim 11, in which the backing sheet is divided into two parts in the form of a lower part that overlies the lower attachment member and an upper part the overlies the upper attachment member.

13. A cosmetic device as claimed in claim 12, in which a width of the lower attachment area is less than that of the upper attachment area.

14. A cosmetic device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is marked with cut lines corresponding with different sizes to provide a guide so that a user can cut the device to a suitable size and shape.

15. A cosmetic device, substantially as disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying 0 drawings.