GB2522924A

GB2522924A - Device for resisting the formation of wrinkles

Info

Publication number: GB2522924A
Application number: GB1402328.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Lionel Harris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-11
Filing date: 2014-02-11
Publication date: 2015-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-11
Also published as: CN204580266U; GB201402328D0; GB2522924B

Abstract

A device 300 for resisting the formation of wrinkles, comprises an eye mask positionable on a wearer's face, means 302, 303 for retaining the mask against a wearer's face, and a plurality of projections 306 projecting from a face-engaging side of the mask for engagement with a wearer's skin. The projections 306 are configured to grip and oppose movement of the wearer's skin, thereby to prevent and/or reduce the formation of facial wrinkles. The projections 106 may be hemispherical silicone projections or studs. The projections may be provided in certain regions of the device for targeting specific muscles or muscle groups, particularly acupressure points. The retaining means 302, 303 may be adjustable straps. The eye covering portions 304 may be detachable.

Description

flEViOE POR RESISTING THE FORMATION OF WRINKLES

FIELD OF TffE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for resisting the formation of wrinkles. The device may be worn during sleep. It may also, or alternatively, be worn during periods of rest or relaxation or during day time activfties.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Lines and wrinkles, especially on the face, are often considered to be undesirable as they are commonly associated with aging or a tired appearance It is popular to seek ways to combat premature lines and wrinkles that can make a person seem older than they actually are.

There are many reasons for the formation of facial lines and wrinkles, which often include a conbinaton of some or al of the following genetic or hereditary factors, a persons environment, smoking, pollution, sun exposure and emotional stress. However, it is also a natural stage of the normal aging process, wherein collagen and elastin found in the matrix of the skin are lost. Another common cause of lines and wrinkles is habitual facial expressions, where the repeated contraction of certain muscles creates lines and wrinkles in the overlying skin.

Facial lines and wrinkEes include frown lines which can appear between the eyebrows, forehead lines' which can appear on the forehead and smile lines referred to as crows feet which can appear next to the eyes.

There is evidence to show that existing facial lines and wrinkles can be made worse, or that new facial lines and wrinkles can be formed, during s1eop as a result of either contraction of muscles, or the position with which the face makes contact with the underlying surface Sleep provides an opportune time period in which to treat lines and wrinkles and prevent worsening of lines during sleep over a conveniently long time period.

It has been shown that stopping contraction of certain muscles can help to prevent andior reduce lines and wrinkles of the overlying skin. This may be achieved, for example, using Botox injections. Botox is the brand name for Botulinum Toxin Type A which is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Ciostridium Botulinum. -i -

Botox acts as a neurotoxin which blocks the acUon of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine which is responsible for the confraction of muscles. Botox acts by blocking specific receptors sites at the neuromuscular junction, where the nerve meets the muscle, preventing Acetylc'hohne from binding and exerting its effects The muscles which are injected with Botox therefore become paralyzed so can no longer contract, creasing the overlying skin.

There are three main areas of the face targeted with Botox treatments.

Injecting Botox nb the muscles related to frowning (roceius, Corrugator Supercdii and Depressor Superdilul) prevents their contraction and helps prevent and/or reduce lines in between the eyebrows called town lines'. Injecting Botox into the forehead (Frontal s) prevents contraction of these muscles and helps prevent and/or reduce forehead lines'. Also, injecting Botox into the Orbicularis Oculi on the side of the eyes prevents contraction of these muscles and helps prevent and/or reduce smile lines, also called crow's feet' Injecting Botox in the frown and eye muscles can produce a brow lift' to create a more youthful and fresh appearance, as age along with loss of collagen and elastin can cause the brow to descend, producing a heavy or tired appearance.

Botox injections are invasive and may be assouated with side effects such as pain at the injection site, bleeding, bruising, sweling and infection, There may also be a dry mouth, fatigue, headache, dizziness, aches and pains and a brow, or eyelid droop (brow, or lid ptosis) Allergic reactions involving a rash, aching, or wheezing may also occur and there have been reported cases of anaphylaxis.

Sleep masks, also know as eye masks, are generally krown A sleep mask generally comprises a flexible eye-covering device with a pair of elastic straps. The sleep mask covers a wearer's eyes to block out light during sleep. They are commonly used during travel when the wearer may be sleeping during daylight hours, or in regular sleep environments to b'ock out even low levels of light to allow the user to achieve deeper levels of sleep.

Modified forms of sleep mask are known in the prior art. For example, it is known from published PCT application number WO 2009/052806 that a sleep mask can be modified to provide additional benefits to the wearer during sleep. Here there are multiple layers of the mask itself that can be added to increase the darkening effect to promote peaceful sleep.

It is known from US patent publication number US 2010/292727 that a device can be worn on the face during sleep to target the formation of wrinkles. However, this device is a stiff, support article for preventing creasing of the facial skin when in contact with underlying surfaces, such as pillows, for long periods of time. the device is concerned with providing a padded or cushioned surface for maintaining a gap between a wearer's face and an underlying surface.

It is further known from pubflshed PCT application number WO 2010/012019 that a device can be worn on parts of the face to target the onset of facial lines and wrinkles This discloses a cosmetic facial glove' to be worn over the eyes, or chin to prevent facial movement as well as smoothing out the skin through use of pressure; It is a single fabric strip that attaches behind the ears. The fabric contains elastane to provide smooth stretching abilities across wide areas of skin It may therefore be rather restrictive and constrictive which some wearers may find uncomfortable.

The inventor has appreciated that there is a need for a device for resisting the formation of wrinkles that is simple and easy to position over a wearer's face and which may help to prevent and/or reduce the ormation of wrinkles during periods of relaxation or sleep with reduced discomfort compared to antkwrinkle devices proposed in the art

SUMMARY OF THE INVE!4TION

The invention provides a device for resisting the formation of inkles, comprising: a mask; a retaining means for retaining the mask against a wearer's fare, and a pluraity of projections project ng from a faceengaging side of the mask, wherein the device is operable so that the plurality of projections grips and opposes movement of the wearer's skin; The plurality of projections may grip the wearer's skin and resist movement of a wearers skin relative to the mask. The device may thereby prevent and/or reduce the formation of facial wrinkles; The invention may take the general form of a known type of sleep mask (also known as an eye mask) modified to provide a combined device for blocking out light from a wearer's eyes and for resisting the formation of wrinkles.

Devices embodying the invention may thereby provide a non-invasive device for targeting and preventing arid/or reducing lines and wrinkles during sleep and periods of rest or relaxation. They may be configured specfficafly to target the contraction of certain muscles, for example, the muscles between the eyebrows, the muscles around the eyes, or a combination of the two.

Devices embodying the invention may be used during sleep to resist the formation of new lines as well as smoothing out those already present They may also be used during rest or relaxation periods to resist the formation of new lines, reduce existing lines and reduce stress levels which may also contribute to lines and wrin'des Devices embodying the invention max. alternatively be worn during daytime activities.

The provision of a plurality of projections may allow the device to grip a wearer's skin arid restrict contraction of the wearer's facial muscles which can cause lines and wrinkles to worsen or develop without constricting or applying pressure across the whole of or a large area of the wearer's face It may therelore provide a more comfortable, less constrictive device than previously proposed anti-wrinkle devices.

Preferably, the mask is positionable on a wearer's face so as to surround a wearer's eyes. The mask may thereby be configured to target the wearers eyes and need not therefore cover large areas of the wearer's face. The mask may follow the general outline of the wearer's eyes or may extend across the wearers nose.

Preferably, the mask further comprises an eye covenng portion The eye covering portion is positionable over a wearer's eyes. This may allow the device to cover the wearer's eyes and block out light thereby promoting sleep and/or relaxation.

The eye covering portion may be substantially permanently attached to the mask for example with an adhesive or by stitching Alternatively, the eye covering portion may be integrally formed with the mask. Alternatively, the eye covering portion may be detachable from the mask. ri this latter embodiment, the eye covering portion may be detached for use of the device during the day.

Preferably, at east one projection of the plurality of projections is made from a grip enhancing material. This may increase the coefficient of friction between the proeotion(s) and the wearers skin which may provide increased resistance to movement of facial muscles.

Preferably, at least one projection of the plurality of projections is made from a material comprising silicone. Provided the wearer is not allergic to silicone, this may allow the device to be wom for prolonged periods of time without causing any adverse reaction or discomfort.

Preferably, at least one projection of the plurality is shaped so as to present a continuously curved surface to a wearers skin This may make the device more comfortable for the wearer, particuiarly when the device is tightly secured to the wearer's face by the retaining means. At least one of the plurality of projections may be substantially hemispherical.

The plurality of projections may be arranged around much, or all, of the periphery of the mask. This may provide a device which generally resists movement of the facial skin, particularly in between the eyebrows and around the wearer's eyes.

Alternatively, the plurality of projections may be distributed arranged in one or more discreet regions of the mask This may provide a device which targets certain muscle groups.

At least one projection of the plurality of projections may be positioned so as to resist the formation of lines in between the wearers eyebrows. A device configured in this way may be specificaHy adapted to target this common type of facial change associated with frowning.

At least one projection of the plurality of projections may be positioned so as to resist the formation of wrinkles around at least one of a wearer's eyes n use of the device. A device configured in this way may be specifically adapted to target the eyes, which are often prone to the development of lines and wrinkles At least one projection of the plurality of projections may be positioned so as to provice a brow-lift effect in use of the device A device configured in this way may be specifically adapted to target this common type of facial change which can result from a combination of aging and tiredness, At least one projection of the pIuraIi of projections may be positioned so as to engage with at east one acupressure point in use of the device. This may promote relaxation of the wearer and promote restful sleep and in doing so, combat the creation of facial lines and wrinkle associated with stress and tiredness.

Acupressure points are popular in Chinese medicine in promoting the flow of Qi or circulating life force, as well as blood flow, throughout the facial skin. Targeting acupressure points may soften existing lines and wrinkles and give the wearer a healthier, radiant, skin appearance. It also has the potential to reduce headaches and alleviate stress, which are believed to be secondary causes of lines and wrinkles.

The plurality of projections may be arranged so that: at least one first projection is positionable centrally between a wearers eyebrows; at least one second projecUon is positionable at or above a medial aspect of each eyebrow at least one third projection is positionable laterally of the at least one second projection at or above each eyebrow; at least a fourth projection is positionable substantially adjacent to the corner of each of a wearer's eyes; at least a fifth projection is positionable higher up on the mask from the fourth projection: at least a sixth projection is situated lower down on the mask from the fourth projection, with the fifth and sixth projections being positionable substantially around a wearers eyes; and at least a seventh projection positionable at or above the area of the arch of each eyebrow. A device configured in this way may be specilcally adapted to target a series of muscles in between the eyebrows and around the eyes, contraction of which can lead to the create frown lines' or crows feet'. A device configured in this way may also be specifically adapted to target a brow lift.

There may be an absence of any projections in a region of the face-engaging side of the mask positionable over a wearer's nasal bridge, and/or along a lower profile of the mask leading to nose covering portion. This may prove more comfortable for a wearer of the device.

The eye covering portion may be provided with a button depressible in use of the device so as to urge the plurality of projections into engagement with the wearers skin This can allow the wearer to ensure that the eye covering portion mask more closely conforms to the contours of the wearer's face and can increase the force exerted by the projections on the skin and thereby improve the effectiveness of the mask.

-S

Preferably, the button is located on the opposfte side of the mask to the plurality of proectrons This allows the button to be detected and operated by the wearer when the wearer's eyes are covered by the eye covering portion.

Preferably, the button is located on a portion of the eye covering portion which overlies a wearer's nasal bridge in use of the mask. The button may be a raised grip unit, similar to one of the projections. This may make it easier for the wearer to feel for and locate the button when their eyes are covered by the eye covering portion. Pressing down the button on the outside of the eye covering portion that will overlie the bridge of the wearers nose may allow maximum travel of the eye covering portion towards the wearer's face and thereby increase the force exerted by the projections on the wearer's skin, The increased force exerted by the gripping units may, for example, provide a more defined brow lift effect Preferably, the retaining means comprises at least one elastic strap. The retaining means may comprise two or more elastic straps The strapis) may help to secure the mask comfortably on the wearers face. The strap(s) may also prevent the device from failing off during sleep.

Preferably, the retaining means includes a length adjustment means. This enables the retaining means to be adjusted for a particular wearer's head size and/or to vary the force exerted by the projections on the wearer's skin and the associated resistance to movement of the wearers facial muscles.

The mask may be made from a different material to the eye covering portion.

Alternatively, the mask may be made from the same material as the eye covering portion.

Preferably the eye covering portion LS made from an air-permeable material This may allow air to flow through the mask and circulate around the wearer's eyes.

Preferably, the eye covering portion is made from a non-elastic material. One suitable material for the eye covering portion is cotton or a rnatenal containing cotton such as a cotton-polyester blend. This may make the device more comfortable, breathable and durable. The eye covering portion may be formed from multiple layers of cotton or a material containing cotton Tnis may allow it to have greater stiffness than a single layer construction and give it sufficient rigidity to maintain a given shape and cause the projections to grip the wearer's skin firmly.

Devices embodying the present invention may provide one or more of the fovowing advantages over anti-wrinkle devices known in the prior art.

The device need only surround and/or cover the wearer's eyes and reed not cover the entirety of a wearer's face. This may make the present device more comfortable and less intrusive.

The device may only contact the wearer's skin through the plurality of projections It may thereby cause point contact with the skin as opposed to contacting the skin over a large surface area. This may make the present device more comfortable and less constrictive than known face-glove" type devices made from sri elastic material (e.g. elastane) and designed to contact (and stretch) a large area of the wearer's skin.

The provision of a plurality of projections, which may for example take the form of small, raised, stud-like or button-like projections or studs, may sHow the device to grip the wearers skin and create a brow lift and/or control the contraction of the underlying muscles involved in the formation of frown lines and crows feet' around the wearer s eyes The device may therefore reduce or control the formation of lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction during sleep or periods of relaxation. The pluraUty of projections may be arranged so as to target specific areas of the wearers face known as acupressure points that may be prone to the formation of lines and wrinkles and or which may help the wearer relax.

In an embodiment including an eye covenng portion, the device may function as a combined sleep mask (or eye mask) and device for resisting the formation of wrinkles. Sleep masks are commonly used and generally available products wfth which wearers may already be familiar and comfortable They block out light to promote restful sleep, which may reduce stress, tiredness, and other secondary causes of lines and wrinkles.

In an embodiment including an eye covering portion, the sleep mask may include a raised portion around the periphery of an inside or face-engaging side of the eye covering portion. This may serve to lift the central portion of the eye covering portion away from the eyes of the wearer and in doing so may prevent the wearers eyes from drying out. It may aiso serve to increases a gripping force applied by the prSctions to the wearer's skin on certain targeted areas of the wearer's face. It may also help to provide a seal around the periphery of the eye covering portion to help block out light.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In parficular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or afi features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently, BRIEF DESZBIPUON OF-Ut DRAWINGS One or more example embodiments of the present invention will now be descnbed by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a front view of a device embodying the present invention shown as it would be positioned on a wearer's face; Figure 2 is a side view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an example form of adjustment means which may be used to adjust the device of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a rear/inside view of one example embodiment of a device embodying the present invention; Figure 5 is a rear/inside view of a further example embodiment of a device embodying the present invention; and.

Figure 6 is a rear/inside view of a further example embodiment of a device embodying the present invention; Figure 7 is a rear/inside view of a further example embodiment of a device embodying the present invention; and Figure 8 is a rear/inside view of a further example embodiment of a device embodying the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of a device for resisting the formation of wrinkles embodying the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

In a first example embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the device generally comprises a sleep mask 100 positionable on a wearer's face and a retaining means 102,103 for retaining the mask against a wearer's face. The device has an eye-covering portion 104 which extends across the mask 100 and substantially covers the wearer's eyes dfld nasal bridge A plurality of projections projects 106 from a face-engaging side of the mask 100 for engagement with a wearer's skin. The plurality of projections 108 is configured to grip the surface oIthe wearer's skin The eye covering portion 104 may, for example, be made from a double layer of nol-stretch, smooth cotton with a foam layer and/or a felt layer positioned between the cotton layers. An outer edge 108 of the eye covering portion 104 is folded over around the periphery to bind the inner and outer smooth cotton layers along with the thin foam and/or felt layer(s). The folded over edge portion of the eye covering portion is then stitched around the periphery. The eye covering portion may therefore be made from multiple layers of material. [he eye covering portion is flexible to allow it to conform to the profile of a wearets face but also relatively stiff so that it substantially retains its shape when conformed to a wearer's face.

The retaining means 102,103 may be one or more, preferably a pair of, elastic straps affixed at their ends to the sides of the eye covering portion 104 or to the raised inner portion 112. The straps 102,103 pass around the back of the wearer's head and urge the raised inner portion 112 and the gripping units 106 into contact with the wearer's face. The ends of the straps 102,103 may be adhesively attached to the eye covering portion 104 and/or the raised inner portion 112 or may be sewn into the device where the eye covering portion 104 and/or raised inner portion 112 are affixed around their peripnery The straps 102,103 are adjustable so each wearer can fit it to their face most comfortably and effectively. One example form of suitable adjustment means 114 is shown in Figure 3. Other suitab!e adjustment means 114, including hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) and hook and eye type fasteners, wifi be readily apparent to the skilled person.

The eye covering portion 104 may include a central, nose covering portion which may be made from a layer of smooth cotton folded baUc on itself with a layer of foam between the two layers. The foam may be of the same or different thickness (e.g. a greater thickness) than the layer of foam in the eye covering portion The nose covering portion 110 is pr'ferably attached to the eye covering portion by a run of stitching around a lower edge of the eye covering portion 104.

The eye covering portion 104 includes a raised inner portion 112 around the periphery of the internal or face-engaging' side of the mask, as shown in Figure 4.

The raised inner portion 112 substantially conforms to the profile of the wearer's face and helps to provide a seal around the eyes to block out light. It also serves to create a space between the eye covering portion 104. and the wearer's eyes so as to reduce contact be'een the device and the wearer's face. This may help to prevent the wearer's eyes from drying out and minimise discomfort. The raised inner portion also provides a substrate for attachment of the projections 106. It may also increase the force exerted by the projections 106 onto the targeted areas of the wearer's face.

The raised inner portion 112 may, for example, be made from cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. it may be adhesively attached, or stitched, to the eye covering portion 104. Other suitable attachment means will be read Dy apparent to the skilled person Preferably the raised inner portion is attached to the eye covering portion just inside the stitched edge of the eye covering portion so that the raised inner portion is attached to the eye covering portion by a means other than the means for attaching the layers of the eye covering portion around their outer edge.

A plurality of gripping units 106 is attached to the raised inner portion 112 of the mask. These preferably take the form of small, raised, stud-like or button-like projections having a curved outer surface. The gripping units 106 may, for example, be made £ron silicone or a matertal containing silicone Such materials are pieferrod as they are generally considered not to cause any reaction with skin over prolonged periods of contact. Other suitable materials for the gripping units 108 will also be readily apparent to the skilled person.

The gripping units 106 may be positioned strategically on the raised inner portion 112 so as to provide a device capable of treating lines or wrinkles in certain areas of a wearer's face.

One example corifiguraton of gripping units is shown in Figure 4 This includes a plurality of gripping skilled positioned on the portion of the mask which surrounds the wearer's eyes. There is an absence of gripping units along the underside of the wearer's eyes and across the nose.

Another example configuration of gripping units is shown in Figure 5. At least one gripping unit 106 is located between the wearer's eyebrows and at least one more gripping unit is located on each side of it at, or above, the medial aspect of each eyebrow, toward the midline.. At least one further gripping unit 106 is located more laterally away from the midline at, or above, the more lateral aspect of each eyebrow. In this configuration, the gripping units 106 grip the skin above the frown muscles in between the eyes and thereby resist formation of frown lines.

In addition to the configuration discussed above, or alternatively, the gripping units may be arranged so that at least one gripping unit 106 is located in the region of the corner of each of the wearer's eyes with at least one gripping unit 106 positioned above it and at least one gripping unit 106 positioned below it. In this configuration, the gripping units 106 act to hold the skin apart and resist the formation of crows feet' lines towards the outside of the wearer's eyes.

In an alternative configLration of gripping units or in addition to the example configurations discussed above, as shown in Figure 6, at least one further gripping unit 106 nay be located at or above the more lateral aspect of each eyebrow, as in the frown line' above embodiment, along with at least one gripping unit located either side of it, the outer of these as upper additional gripping unit in the crows feet' embodiment above In this configuration the gnpping unrs 106 provide a brow lift' A raised, depressible, button 116 is provided on the front (i.e. the outer or non face-engaging side) surface of the eye covering portion 104 and is positionable substantially on the central portion of the bridge of a wearer's nose. The button 116 may be a silicone projection or stud, similar to the gripping units 106. The button 116 is raised from tho surface to allow it to be easily located by the wearer A wrinkle resisting device as described above may be used to resist or prevent the formation of wrinkles and lines on a wearer's face. The device may be worn when during sleep or during times of relaxation. Certain embodiments of the device, for example those without an eye covering portion or with a removable eye-covering portion. may also be used during other activities.

In use, the device 100 is positioned over a wearer's eyes and the elastic straps 102,103 are passed around the back of the head and positioned so that the upper strap 102 is positioned above the ear and the lower strap 103 is positioned below the ear, as shown in Figure 2. The adjustable straps are then adjusted to ensure the device is retained on the face of the wearer. The straps 102,103 can be adjusted to control the length of the straps, the tension in the straps and the force wah which the gnpping units 106 are urged into contact with the skin Preferably the straps will be adjusted so that they are tight enough for the gripping units to grip the skin and reduce contractions of the underlying muscles and so that the mask will not be disrupted dunng sleep but also so that it is comfortable for the wearer When the device 100 is positionec over a wearer's eyes and secured with the straps 102,103, the eye covering portion 104 which is preferably made from one or more layers of non-elastic material may have a slight tenting effect creating a small space in front of each eye. The button 116 on the front of the eye covering portion 104 is operable to urge the eye covering portion 104 towards the wearer's face and conform it more closely to the contours of the wearer's face. This can increase the force applied by the gripping units 106 to the wearer's skin and thereby increase the effectiveness of the device, For optimum benefit, the button is operated after the wearer has elevated their eyebrows. This may help to ensure that the gripping units are firmly engaged with wearer's and exert a force on the skin, particularly around the wearer's eyes. The button is then released and the wearer relaxes their face.

The grIpping units should then be positioned in the optimum location for preventing the formation of lines and wrinkles in a particular region of the face being targeted The device 100 discussed above provides a combined device for facilitating sleep by blocking out light and preventing and/or resisting the formation of wrinkles and creating a brow lift. It therefore combines the effects of a sleep mask or eye mask with a specific mechanism for targeting areas of the wearers face in which lines and wrinkles have formed or may form so as to resist movement of the skin and act to prevent forming/worsening of the lines and wrinkles and create a brow lift.

In an alternative embodiment of a device embodying the invention shown in Figure 7, the device 200 comprises a mask positionable on a wearer's face and a retaining means 202,203 for retaining the mask against a wearer's face. A plurality of projections 206 project from a face-engaging side of the mask for enqagement with a wearer's skin so as to prevent and/or resist the formation of wrinkles and create a brow lift. The projections 206 are positioned substantially continuously around the raised inner edge portion of the mask, including beneath the eyes and across the nose covering portion 210. The Figure 7 embodiment may help to target muscles associated with elevating the corner of the mouth (Zygomaticus major), elevating the upper lip (Zygomaticus minor, Levator labii superioris) and targeting the muscle on the nose (Nasalis) which is associated with bunny lines'. It may therefore help to elevate the upper lip and preventing sagging and reduce contractions associated with bunny lines.

In a further alternative embodiment of a device embodying tho invention shown in Figure 8, the device comprises a mask 300 positionable on a wearers face and a retaining means 302,303 for retaining the mask against a wearer's face. A plurality of projections 306 project from a face-engag ng side of the mask for engagement with a wearer's. The mask need not have an eye covering portion for covering the wearer's eyes. Instead, the mask may be configured so as to surround the wearer's eyes and is generally open in the middle, or has an aperture for one or both of the wearer's eyes, allowing the wearer to see through the device. The depressible button may be positioned on an outer surface of the mask, or may not be present. The plurality of gripping units shown in the Figure 8 embodiment are byway of example only. In a modified form of this embodiment, the gripping units may be arranged in the configuration shown in any of the other embodiments.

In relation to any of the aforementioned embodiments, it will be appreciated that the purality of projections 106,206 may be arranged on the raised inner portion 112 of the device or on the strip or band of material forming the mask in any configuration so as to provide the device with the desired muscle targeting and wnnkle-resisting properties and/or o target the desired acupressure points The gripping units 106206,306 may, for example, be arranged in one or more discreet areas or zones of the device to as to target specific regions of the wearers face.

Altemat vely, the gripping units 106 206,306 may be substantially evenly distnbuted around portions or all of the raised inner portion 112 or the mask.

The gripping units 106,206,306 may be arranged so as to provide optimum grip to prevent contraction of specific muscles and also to hold the facial skin and smooth out previously formed lines arid wilnkles and provide a brow-lift effect by gripping the skin above the eyes.

The sleep mask portion 100,200,300 may be provided in a number of different sizes, for example a larger size for men and a series of smafler sizes for The number and/or height and/or shape andfor surface profile of the gripping units 106,206,306 may be selected to provide a device having the desired properties.

For example, the device may be provided with a combination of gripping units of different heights and/or shapes andior surface profiles, as required.

The projections 108,206,306 need not be studlike or button-like projections and may be provided in different shapes or configurations. They may, for example, be provided in strips or in a series of differently shaped projections The projections 106,200,306 may be attachable to the device, for example using an adhesive which may allow configuration or reconfiguration of a standard device in order to treat particular parts of a wearer's face. The projections may alternatively be affixed to selected holes of sri array of performed holes in the device or positioned within selected preformed pockets built into the device for configuration or reconfiguration of a standard device to treat certain conditions. Other suitable means for attachment and reattachment of the gripping units are envisaged and will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the device 300 may further comprises one or more detachable or openable (for example peelable) eye covering portions 304 so that the device may be used as a sleep or relaxation mask which blocks out light and can easily be transformed by removal of the detachable eye covering portions, into a device that allows the wearer to see through the device so that it may be worn during the day or during other activities.

Claims

Claims I. A device for resisting the formation of wrinkles, comprising:-a mask; a retaining means for retaining the mask against a wearers face; and a plurality of projections projecting from a face-engaging side of the mask; wherein the device is operable so that the plurality of projections grips and opposes movement of the wearer's skin.
2. A device according to claim 1, positionable on a wearer's face so as to surround a wearers eyes.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an eye covering portion.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the eye covering portion is detachable.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one projection of the plurality of projections is made from a grip enhancing material.
6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one projection of the plurality of projections is made from a material comprising silicon.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one projection of the plurality is shaped so as to present a continuously curved surface to a wearer's skin.
8 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of projections is substantially hemispherical.
9 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of projections is arranged in one or more discreet regions of the mask.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wher&n at least one projection of the plurality of projections is positioned so as to resist the formation of wrinkles around at least one of a wearer's eyes in use of the device.
1 1.. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at east one projection of the plurality of projections is posftioned so as to provide a browft effect in use of the device.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one projection of the plurality of projections is positioned so as to engage with at least one acupressure point in use of the device.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality 01 projections is arranged so that: at least one first projection a postionable centrafly between a wearers eyebrows; at least one second projection is positionable at or above a medial aspect of each eyebrow; at least one third projection is positionable laterally of the at least one second projection at or above each eyebrow; at least a fourth projection is positionable substantially adjacent to the corner of each of a wearers eyes; at least a fifth projection is positionable higher up on the mask from the fourth projection; at least a sixth projection is situated lower down on the mask from the fourth projection, with the fifth and sixth projections being positionable substantially around a wearer's eyes; and at least a seventh projection positionable at or above the area of the arch of each eyebrow.
14. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a nose covering portion.
15. A device according to claim 14 further comprising at least on projection on a faceengaging side of the nose covering portion.
16. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a button depressibte in use of the device so as to urge the plurabty of projections into engagement with the wearer's skin.
17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the button is located on the opposite side of the mask to the plurality of projections.
18. A device according to claim 16 when dependent on any of claims 3 to 14, wherein the button is located on a portion of the eye covering portion which overlies a wearer's nasal bridge in use of the mask.
19 A device accordn3 to any preceding clam wherein the retainng means comprises at least one elastic strap.
20. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining means includes a length adjustment means.
21. A device according to any of claims 3 to 20, wherein the mask is made from a different material to the eye covering portion.
22. A device according to any of claims 3 to 21, wherein the eye covering portion is made from an air-permeable material.
23.. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. An anti-wrinkle device for resisting the formation of wrinkles, comprising:-a mask; a retaining means for retaining the mask against a wearer's face; and a plurality of projections projecting from a face-engaging side of the mask; wherein at least one projection of the plurality of projections is made from a grip-enhancing material for gripping and opposing movement of the wearers skin; and wherein the mask comprises a raised portion around at least a portion of the periphery of the face-engaging side of the mask and at least one of the plurality of projections projects from the raised portion of the mask.2. An anti-wrinkle device according to claim 1, positionable on a wearers face so as to surround a wearers eyes.3. An anti-wrinkle device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an eye covering portion. * ._ * * . *** ** 4. An anti-wrinkle device according to claim 3, wherein the eye covering portion * * is detachable. *. * * * S * *55. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one projection of the plurality of projections is made from a material comprising silicone. *S,,* *5**6. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one projection of the plurality is shaped so as to present a continuously curved surface to a wearer's skin.7. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of projections is substantially hemispherical. * 208. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of projections is arranged in one or more discrete regions of the mask.9. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of projections includes at least one projection positionable around at least one a wearer's eyes so as to resist the formation of wrinkles around at least one of a wearers eyes in use of the device.10. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of projections includes at least one projection positionable above at least one of a wearers eyes so as to provide a brow-lift effect in use of the device.11. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one projection of the plurality of projections is positioned so as to engage with at least one acupressure point in use of the device.12. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of projections is arranged so that: at least one first projection is positionable centrally between a wearer's eyebrows; at least one second projection is positionable at or above a medial aspect of each eyebrow; at least one third projection is positionable laterally of the at least one second projection at or above each eyebrow; *". : at least a fourth projection is positionable substantially adjacent to the corner * " of each of a wearer's eyes; at least a fifth projection is positionable higher up on the mask from the fourth :0 projection; at least a sixth projection is situated lower down on the mask from the fourth * * projection, with the fifth and sixth projections being positionable substantially around a wearers eyes; and at least a seventh projection positionable at or above the area of the arch of each eyebrow.13. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a nose covering portion.14. An anti-wrinkle device according to claim 13 further comprising at least on projection on a face-engaging side of the nose covering portion.15. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a button depressible in use of the device so as to urge the plurality of projections into engagement with the wearer's skin.16. An anti-wrinkle device according to claim 15, wherein the button is located on the opposite side of the mask to the plurality of projections.17. An anti-wrinkle device according to claim 15 when dependent on any of claims 3 to 13, wherein the button is located on a portion of the eye covering portion which overlies a wearer's nasal bridge in use of the mask.18-An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises at least one elastic strap.19. An anti-wrinkle device according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means includes a length adjustment means.20. An anti-wrinkle device according to any of claims 3 to 19, wherein the mask is made from a different material to the eye covering portion. * S. *. S *5* *21. An anti-wrinkle device according to any of claims 3 to 20, wherein the eye covering portion is made from an air-permeable material.22. An anti-wrinkle device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.SSSSS