US2296903A - Wrinkle eradicator - Google Patents

Description

Sept-29,1942. 0, BROWN WRINKLE ERADICATOR Filed Aug. 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IVY DEIB BROWN INVENT ATTORNEY Sept. 29 1942. l. D. BROWN 2,296,903

WRINKLE ERADICATOR Filed Aug. 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r 2 3 IVY DEIBEYL BROW INVENTOR V o ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 29, 1942 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE WRINKLE ERADIGATOR Ivy Deibel Brown, Vista, Calif. Application August 12, 1939, serial No. 289,885 5 Claims. (o1. 1'28l6) The present invention relates to an improved wrinkle eradicator embodying a cushioned pressure bandage to be worn on the forehead, for the purpose of smoothing out brow wrinkles, and includes a secondary pressure pad positioned so as to contact the area between the eyebrows, for the purpose of smoothing out frown wrinkles; and also includes, a pair of auxiliary pressure pads, positioned so as to contact the areas adjacent the outer canthi of the wearers eyes, for the purpose of smoothing out those wrinkles which are commonly known as crows-feet.

The device is simple and is so constructed that it will afford a proper fit on different persons having considerable variations of facial dimensions and different anatomical contours. Gentle pressure is obtained by the contractile elasticity of the device, and the structure is such that the required pressure can be obtained without incidentally stretching the skin of the wearer.

The structure of the device is such that it can with facility be thoroughly cleansed, in accordance with modern sanitation and good taste, so

as to afford an aseptic condition at each in- Figure 1 is a perspective View of the invention, partly in section, and illustrates the mode of use.

Figure 2 is a plan view of an auxiliary pad, a part being broken away to disclose the reinforcing plate.

Figure 3 is a central section of Fig. 2.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are similar sections of modifications of these auxiliary pads, Fig. 5 being a section of the pad shown in Fig. 1; and the several Figures 2 to 6 are made to approximate actual size in the printed patent.

Figure 7 is a front view of a simplified form of the invention, omitting the auxiliary pads.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of Fig. 7 and discloses the improved structure of the reinforced end flaps.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary front view of a simplified form of the invention requiring only one head strap.

Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of Fig. 9.

Figure 11 is a longitudinal section of one end of the device shown in Fig. 1 and discloses the contacting end flaps for receiving the arm of the auxiliary pad therebetween.

Figure 12 is a transverse section through the center of either of the Figures 1-, 7 or 9 and discloses the pad bar the wrinkles.

Figures -8, 10, ll and 12 are drawn to ap'p'ro'ximate actual size in the printed patent.

In an invention of this kind there is Considerable problem to devise a construction which will provide suitable pressure upon the forehead and between the eyebrows and at the outer ea nthi of the eyes, and at the same time not obstruct the eye's nor surround them. The fact that the outer can'thi are naturally at the eye level, precludes the use of any compression band at this level; furthermore, the ears of the wearer are normally at this same revel and would interrere with a compression band so placed, or rather such band would interfere with the ears. Any sort of elastic rubber mask with apertures for the eyes, is subject to distortion when stretched upon the face of the wearer; and furor this A further problem is to afford a gentle pressure in the required locations on the wearers face, and at the same time avoid stretching of the skin, as that would objectionably interfere with the result sought for. When a single band of elastic rubber is stretched upon the forehead, the skin of the wearer will frictioh'ally engage the rubber and any stretching of the rubber will also stretch the skin and objectionably distort the tissues in a manner contra-indicated for the intended results.

stretched condition to the posterior or contacting surface of the envelope. In this manner, it is possible to impart uniformly gentle pressure to the-skin of the forehead, without incidentally stretching the skin, as would otherwise be the case with a single band of elastic rubber. Means are also'prov'ided to simultaneously apply gentle pressure between the eyebrows and also at the outer canthi of both eyes of the wearer.

In its simplest form, the invention consists merely of the internally cushioned envelope having closed ends, with flaps and loops for receiving head straps for holding the device in the intended position of use.

As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 the envelope which is generically referred to as E, encloses a cushioning member C which is preferably of sponge rubber, and each end of the envelope is closed by inserting a tongue 3' between the anterior wall I and the posterior wall 2 and securing this tongue to these walls in some suitable manner, as for instance, by vulcanizing, so as to form an end flap F on each end of the envelope for the purpose of attaching head straps for stretching the envelope upon the forehead of the wearer. Preferably, the tongues have extensions 4 which are inserted through loops such as 5 and folded back upon the end flaps F and secured thereto in some suitable manner, such as by vulcanizing. As shown in Fig. '7, each end flap may be provided with a pair of loops 5 so as to accommodate two head straps; or, as shown in Fig. 9, each end flap may have only one .oop for use with only one head strap.

These tongues may be of rubber as indicated in Fig. 8 or they may be of other suitable material as indicated at 3" in Fig. 10. The principal purpose of these tongues is to provide a reinforcement in the end flaps so as to reduce their elasticity and to distribute the stretching effect throughout the width of the envelope E in contradistinction to a localized pull at the point of attachment of such head straps. If desired, the extensions 4' may be omitted, and the loops 5 secured to the end flaps in any practical manner; however, the previously described construction is preferable because it affords an end flap which does not make an imprint upon the skin of the wearer, as would otherwise be the case were the loops secured by separate tabs saddled over the device in the well known manner.

The cushioning member C need not and should not be united to either wall of the envelope E, as such joining would impart the contractile effect of the cushioningmember to the device as a whole, and objectionably detract from the stretchability of the envelope, which would result in undue pressure when the device was stretched upon the forehead in the intended manner of use. This cushioning member C is merely enclosed in the envelope E and the latter is stretchable and contractile independent of the cushioning member. If it is desired to reduce friction between the contacting surfaces of the envelope with the cushioning member, these surfaces may be coated with some such substance as lycopodium, powdered soap, powdered soap stone, or talc.

Due to the spacing of the walls of the envelope by means of the cushioning member C, the device can be positioned upon the forehead, and the interior wall I appreciably stretched without imparting a like stretch to the posterior wall 2. Thus, the elasticity of the anterior wall I is employed to apply pressure to the forehead of the wearer, without stretching the posterior or contacting wall 2; and the cushioning member C suffices to evenly distribute the pressure. It will be seen that the same results could not be accomplished by a single band of elastic rubber, for the reason that stretching of the rubber in contact with the skin would also stretch the skin, because of the frictional engagement of the rubber with the skin. Furthermore, when a single band of elastic rubber is stretched upon the forehead, there is an excess of pressure upon the prominent portions of the forehead, and it is impossible to obtain an even distribution of pressure.

As shown in Fig. '7 and Fig. 8 a secondary pad 6 may be attached to the posterior wall 2, midway of the lower margin of the envelope E. This pad 6 is preferably of soft rubber, and is for the purpose of contacting the area between the eyebrows, to smooth out what are generally known as frown wrinkles, even though they may be due to other causes than frowning. These pads may be of any suitable shape for affording the required contact in this area which is usually a shallow depression between the eyebrows and extending down to the bridge of the nose. Preferably, this pad is wedge shaped with well rounded edges, and the thicker portion should be positioned at the lower edge of the envelope and the thinner portion extended centrally as indicated in Fig. 12. This pad may be integral with the envelope, or else, optionally applied thereto by any suitable adhesive which permits of removal at will. When cushioned envelope is stretched upon the forehead, the resulting pressure is also imparted to this pad 6 which also derives the cushioning effect from the cushioning member C.

As thus far described, the device sufiices for forehead wrinkles and frown wrinkles; and it is further desirable to provide means for contacting the areas at the outer canthi of the eyes, to smooth out the wrinkles which are generally known as crows-feet.

Fig. 1 shows the preferred form of the invention which embodies means for applying gentle pressure to the forehead wrinkles, frown wrinkles and crows-feet, simultaneously. As here shown, the envelope E with the cushioning member C and pad 6 are the same as previously described, and the end flaps are modified to accommodate them to holding the arms I of suitable auxiliary pads P for contacting the crows-feet wrinkles.

As here shown, each flap F is elongated and the extensions 4 are correspondingly elongated, and an additional tongue 8 mates with the flap F. As shown in Fig. 11, the tongue 8 and the tongue 3 are inserted into the end of the envelope E, and the posterior wall 2 is secured to the tongue 8, while the anterior wall I is secured v to the tongue 3, and the inner ends of these two tongues are secured together as indicated by the bracketed area V, thus forming a closure for the end of the envelope and providing a pair of mating flaps for contacting each other; and of course both ends of the device are constructed alike.

A pair of arms I are provided, and each of these arms is inserted between the flap F and the tongue 8, so that when the device is secured upon the forehead, these arms will derive pressure from the flap F and particularly from the lower extension 4 of the tongue 3, so as to hold the pad P in contact with the face of the wearer.

The arm I may be merely a straight strip of metal and be frictionally held between the flap F and the tongue 8 which are of suitable length to provide for positioning the arm 1 at various inclinations therebetween, so as to position the pad P either forwardly or rearwardly as circumstances suggest and necessity requires. If desired, the arm I may be provided with a stud 9, and the upper portion of the flap F may be perforated to receive this stud. In Fig. 1 and ment on the stud, for the purpose of positioning the pad P in the required location, where it is then held by frictional engagement between the flap F and tongue 8.

These auxiliary pads which are generically referred to as P, may be of any suitable shape and size and may be either integral with the arm 1 or else replaceably mounted on the arm in any suitable manner. They are preferably of readily compressible rubber and may be reinforced by a metal plate as shown at M in Figures '2 to 6 which are drawn to approximate actual size in the printed patent. Fig. 2 shows a round pad P2 with a decentered stump S forengaging in the perforated end R of the arm I, for rotation about this eccentric stump S to alter the relative position of the pad P2, which is also shown in section in Fig. 3, and of course, the same pad might be made with its stump centrally located. Fig. 4 shows a section of a pad P4 with a decentered stump and an oblique face. Fig. 5 shows a section of the pad P shown in Fig. 1, and discloses a groove G for sliding engagement with the arm 1. Fig. 6 shows a pad P6 having a rectangular perforation to slidably receive the end of the arm I. When pads such as shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6 are used, the arm 1 may be imperforate, and of course such pads may be of various shapes and sizes. The reinforcing plate M is preferably of sheet brass, as this metal readily adheres to rubber when cast therein. If desired, this reinforcing plate may be of hard rubber; or, in some instances, it may be entirely omitted.

If desired, the stud 9 may be omitted from the arm I and the latter held solely by frictional engagement between the flap F and the tongue 8.

Any suitable head straps may be employed in the .loops 5 for the purpose of holding the device upon the forehead of the wearer. Fig. 1 shows the preferred form of head straps. As here shown the upper strap passes through the upper loops 5 so that the inner reach I passes outwardly through one loop to an end D, and outwardly through the other loop, where a suitable fastener is provided, a buckle B being shown in the present instance. The lower strap is exactly the same. This arrangement of head straps is preferable, because when the end D is drawn up through the fastener B, the tightening effect is only one-half of the amount of the take-up, thus providing for more gradual and accurate regulation of the pressure of the cushioned envelope E upon the forehead. Furthermore, the user can with facility hold the ends D and B while appropriately positioning the cushioned envelope in the proper location upon the forehead, and then pull these ends to provide the required pressure by means of the inner reach I, and then fasten them together to maintain the pressure upon the forehead. Furthermore, the inner reach "may be positioned low on the back of the head and the ends fastened higher on the head, so as to give a two directional pull, to assist in holding the straps against slipping up or down. Also, this arrangement of straps makes it possible to unfasten the ends of the straps and hold them to maintain the inner reach taut, so as not to allow the cushioned envelope to inopportunely slip from its position.

In the utilization of the device, the skin is first cleansed and then treated with a suitable convenient; say, an hour or more.

cosmetic preparation, many of which are readily available on the open market; and the device is then positioned upon the forehead and the required pressure obtained by tightening the head straps. When either the pad 6 or the auxiliary pads P are employed, the cushioned envelope E should be positioned with its lower margin covering the eyebrows, so as to bring these pads into their intended positions; and the position of the pads P can be further altered in any one of the previously described modes. Where the wrinkles are deep, they may be first smoothed out by positioning the skin with the fingers while the head straps are being tightened. The device is then worn for whatever period of time is found The nature of the device is such that it can be conveniently worn while the wearer is engaged in Various tasks in the privacy of the home. The use should be regularly repeated and each instance of use should be as prolonged as convenience permits. It is of advantage to moisten the skin immediately before each instance of use, as the presence of moisture in the tissues enhances the results.

One size of the device will fit many different sizes of faces. The cushioned envelope should be about 2 x 5 inches, when used with the auxiliary pads P, so that these pads will be far enough forward to reach their intended locations. This size is also sufficient for the showings in Fig. '7 and Fig. 9, but in those instances, the size is not an important factor; however, it is unnecessary to make the cushioned envelope larger than 3 x 6 inches.

Should it be desired to make the device in a single piece, all molded at once, it is possible to charge the central portion of a mold with the proper materials for producing sponge rub her, and charge the ends of the mold with uncured rubber of the proper composition to form suitable flaps, and then mold the sponge portion integral with the end flaps; and the entire device can be finished in what is usually known as gum dipped. It is conveniently practical to V mold the end loops into the device at the same time; or if desired, suitable eyelets may be secured in the end flaps, either at the time of molding or else subsequently. Proper consideration being given to producing adequate elasticity in the sponge portion and proper firmness in the end flaps, it is possible to mold a one piece device which will satisfactorily serve the intended purpose.

In the present disclosure, I claim as my invention:

1. A wrinkle eradicator comprising an elastic rubber envelope, a cushioning member enclosed within said envelope, a pair of flaps formed at one end of said envelope, a pair of loops carried by one of said flaps, an arm engaged between said flaps, a pad upon said arm, a like pad and arm and flaps and loops on the other end of said envelope, and head straps passed through said loops for securing the cushioned envelope upon the forehead of a wearer.

2. A wrinkle eradictor comprising an elastic rubber envelope, a cushioning member enclosed within said envelope, a pair of flaps formed at one end of said envelope, a pair of loops carried by one of said flaps, an arm engaged between said flaps, a pad upon said arm, a like pad and arm and flaps and loops on the other end of said envelope, head straps passed through said loops for securing the cushioned envelope upon the forehead of a wearer, and a secondary pad centrally positioned along the margin of said envelope.

3. A wrinkle eradicator comprising an elastic rubber envelope, a cushioning member enclosed within said envelope, a pair of flaps formed at one end of said envelope, one of said flaps being perforated, an arm disposed between said flaps, a stud upon said arm and engaging in said perforation, a pad carried by said arm, like flaps and arm and stud and pad at the other end of said envelope, and means for attaching upper and lower head straps to the two perforated flaps.

4. A wrinkle eradicator comprising an elastic rubber envelope, a pair of tongues inserted into one end of said envelope and united with the walls of the envelope and with each other within the envelope so as to form a sealed closure therefor, a sheet of resiliently compressible material enclosed within said envelope and mating with the size thereof to serve as a cushioning member spacing the walls of said envelope apart, said envelope being free of any attachment to said cushioning member, a pair of extensions on one of said tongues, each of said extensions having its end folded exteriorly upon that tongue and secured thereto, a pair of loops retained in the folds of said extensions, an arm engaged between said pair of tongues, a pad carried by said arm, like tongues and extensions and loops and arm and pad at the opposite end of said envelope and a pair of head straps for said loops.

5. A wrinkle eradicator comprising an elastic rubber envelope, a tongue closing one end of said envelope and united with the walls of the envelope to form an end flap, said tongue having an extension folded upon said end flap and secured thereto, a loop secured in said folded extension, a like tongue and end flap and extension and loop at the opposite end of said envelope, and a sheet of resiliently compressible material enclosed within said envelope and mating with the size thereof to serve as a cushioning member spacing the walls of said envelope apart, said envelope being free of any attachment to said cushioning member.

IVY DEIBEL BROWN.

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