US20100059078A1

US20100059078A1 - Method and means for pinning back protruding ears

Info

Publication number: US20100059078A1
Application number: US12/555,053
Authority: US
Inventors: David Winters
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-08
Filing date: 2009-09-08
Publication date: 2010-03-11

Abstract

A method and means for pinning back protruding or prominent ears including a kit comprising of double-sided adhesive strips, a bottle of liquid adhesive enhancer, and a bottle of liquid adhesive remover or dissolver. The liquid adhesive enhancer is applied to the back of the ear and skin on the scalp adjacent to the back of the ear. The adhesive strips are cut to size, the backing paper is removed from the strips, and the strips are attached to either the back of the ear or the skin of the scalp. The ear is then pressed towards the head and the adhesive holds the ear in a place closer to the head. When finished, the ear is pulled away, the strips removed, and the liquid adhesive remover is applied to remove any adhesive that may have stuck to the skin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of a provisional application Ser. No. 61/095,101 filed Sep. 8, 2008, and which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a kit for use by a person with protruding ears comprising a double-sided adhesive sheet, a bottle of adhesive enhancer for use on the skin to improve securement of the adhesive sheet to the skin, a bottle of adhesive remover to remove the adhesive of the sheet from the skin, and whereby the adhesive is placed on the back of the ear and the ear is pressed to the scalp to pin back the protruding ears.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people are unhappy with the way that they look. People look up to public figures, such as artists, actors, speakers, models, and others, and think that the public figures may have the “ideal look.” Anything variant from the look of the public figures is seen as unwanted, and people will find ways to circumvent their shortcomings.
Some people think that their ears protrude outwardly from their head a greater degree than normal. The prominent ears make individuals shy and embarrassed, as they do not see the public figures with protruding ears. Children may also be teased for their protruding or prominent ears. In the past, people have tried various techniques for dealing with their protruding ears. Some have taken the approach of hiding, or at taking attention away from their ears. People have done this by wearing hats, headphones, scarves, and other articles of clothing. This is not always a feasible alternative, as dress codes and other rules require the people to dress a certain way. Additionally, some devices may actually bring more attention to the ears because they are not always seen, and people may have a desire to see what is hidden.
Other people have turned to cosmetic surgery to deal with their protruding ears. Surgery is expensive, however, and not everyone can afford it. In the past, people tried using adhesives, but they also were not successful. The devices included tying two discs together with thread, and each disc having an outer adhesive surface. The adhesives were not successful as it was very time-consuming making the devices, and the adhesives were not strong and would fall off within a short time of applying.
The present invention addresses an improvement in the art and provides a better means and method for pinning back protruding ears.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description includes specific examples that are intended for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings.
The invention provides for a kit for use by a person with protruding ears. The kit is composed of a double-sided adhesive sheet, a bottle of adhesive enhancer, and a bottle of adhesive remover.
It is from this concept that the primary objective of the present invention is achieved; namely, to provide for a simple method and means for pinning prominent or protruding ears back closer to the head to improve a person's appearance.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a double-sided adhesive strip or tape which can be quickly and easily applied by a person to their own ears to hold protruding ears closer to their head.
A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a quick and easy method for temporarily pulling protruding ears closer to a person's head for an improved appearance.
A yet further objective of the present invention is to provide for a means to pin back protruding ears in a concealing manner, so as not to attract greater attention to the ear area.
These and other objectives will become apparent from the following description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sketch of a boy having prominent or protruding ears.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the boy with both ears pinned back in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sketch of the front of the boy's protruding or prominent ear showing the location of the adhesive strip through the ear.

FIG. 4 is a sketch of the front of the boy's ear showing the ear pressed towards his head.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the kit of the present invention with all of the parts included.

FIG. 6 is a sketch of a side view of the double-sided adhesive tape with removable backing paper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings, and more particularly FIG. 1, there is shown a boy 10 having protruding or prominent ears 12. FIG. 2 is a sketch of the same boy 10, this time showing the benefits of the present invention. The boy 10 now has pinned back ears 14, which is more appealing and desirable.
The invention may include double-sided adhesive, which is safe to use in contact with human skin. The adhesive may come in large strips, which can be cut into the required size for the specific individual. The strips may consist of a foam-type cushion tape with compressibility or a paper type tape with no compressibility. The strips may also include removable backing, covering the adhesive to preserve their adhesiveness. In one embodiment of the invention, the backing may be removed once the strips have been cut to the proper size and the user is ready to apply to adhesive strip to his or her ear. Adhesive enhancing liquid may also be included, which may be placed on the skin prior to attaching the adhesive to increase the adhesiveness of the strips. Another aspect of the invention includes the use of adhesive removing or dissolving liquid, which may be used to clear the skin of any remaining adhesive. The adhesive removing liquid may be used after the adhesive strips are removed from the skin.
FIG. 3 is a sketch showing the front of the boy's 10 protruding ear 12. The first step in the method of the present invention is to clean the skin on the back of the ear 18. Then, these areas are allowed to dry. The adhesive tape 16 is cut to the proper size, and one side of the removable backing 24 is removed from the tape. The removable backing is provided as a single sheet of paper or other material suited to cover the adhesive, but which can be removed with ease. The adhesive tape 16 is attached to the back of the ear 18. In a preferred embodiment, adhesive enhancing liquid 32 is placed on the back of the ear 18 and the scalp 20 adjacent the back of the ear prior to the tape being attached. The adhesive enhancing liquid 32 may be necessary in hot and humid conditions, for oily skin, for use during sporting activities, and even for swimming.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a similar rear view to FIG. 3 of the boy's 10 head is shown. Once the tape 16 has been attached to the ear 18, the opposite side's backing paper is removed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hand 22 then presses the ear inwardly towards the scalp. The tape will attach to the scalp 20 adjacent to the back of the ear, resulting in pinned back ears 14. Another aspect of the invention provides for the tape 16 attaching to the scalp at the position where the adhesive enhancing liquid was placed.
In an alternative method, the adhesive tape 16 can be placed on the scalp 20 first, then the back of the ear 18 is pressed towards the tape by a hand 22.
FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a kit 30 having a plurality of strips or sheets 16. The strips, as seen in FIG. 6, have adhesive on both sides which is covered by removable backings 24. The double-sided sheets or strips may be cut to any desired size. The kit 30 also includes a bottle 32 of adhesive enhancing liquid, and a bottle 34 of adhesive removing or dissolving liquid.
The adhesive enhancing bottle 32 includes isopropyl alcohol, methacrylate, film former, and dimethylphthalate. The adhesive dissolving liquid 34 includes citrus oils, petroleum hydrocarbons, and an optional fragrance mixture. These liquids may be combustible and are intended only for external use. Contact with the eyes should be avoided for both liquids.
When the user so desires, such as when they go to bed, he or she can gently pull their ears from their head, and the adhesive strip can be removed. The liquid adhesive dissolver or remover 34 can be applied to the back of the ear and to the scalp to remove any remaining adhesive from the skin. The back of the ear and the scalp can then be further cleaned with soap and water.
The invention has been shown and described above with the preferred embodiments, and it is understood that many modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

Claims

1. A kit for use by a person with protruding ears, comprising:

a double-sided adhesive sheet;

a bottle of adhesive enhancer for use on the skin to improve the adhesive securement of the sheet on the person's skin;

a bottle of adhesive remover to remove the adhesive of the sheet from the skin; and

whereby the adhesive sheet is adhered on the back of an ear and on the head adjacent the ear to pin the ear closer to the head.

2. The kit of claim 1 whereby the adhesive of the double-sided adhesive sheet is covered by removable backing paper.

3. The kit of claim 1 whereby the adhesive of the double-sided adhesive sheet is safe to use on human skin.

4. The kit of claim 1 wherein the adhesive enhancer is comprised of isopropyl alcohol, methacrylate, film former, and dimethylphthalate.

5. The kit of claim 1 wherein the adhesive remover is comprised of citrus oils, petroleum hydrocarbons, and an optimal fragrance mixture.

6. The kit of claim 4 wherein the contents of the adhesive enhancer are for external use only.

7. The method of pinning a person's ears, comprising:

cleaning a first area of skin on the back of the ear and a second area of skin on the scalp adjacent the ear;

drying the first and second areas;

applying a liquid adhesive enhancer to the areas;

attaching a double-sided adhesive strip to one of the areas; and

pressing the ear against the head so as to securely pin the ear to the head by the adhesive strip.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising cutting the adhesive strip to the proper size for the size of the ear.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the liquid adhesive enhancer is applied for hot and humid days, oily skin, sports, or swimming.

10. The method of claim 7 further comprising removing the backing paper from the adhesive strips before applying the strips to the skin.

11. The method of claim 7 further comprising pulling the ear from the head and removing the adhesive strip from the skin.

12. The method of claim 7 further comprising applying a liquid adhesive remover to the ears where the adhesive strip was located to remove the adhesive of the strip from the skin.

13. A method of improving a person's appearance, comprising:

adhering a thin sheet of double stick tape to the back of a person's ear;

pressing the ear against the head so that the tape adheres to the scalp adjacent the ear, thereby holding the ear close to the head.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising removing backing paper from the tape before the tape is adhered to the ear.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising applying liquid adhesive to the skin n the back of the ear and on the scalp adjacent the ear before the tape is adhered to the ear.

16. The method of claim 13 further comprising pulling the ear from the head, removing the tape, and applying adhesive dissolver to the back of the ear and to the scalp adjacent the ear to remove adhesive residue.