US2671899A - Article to alleviate hunger of the stomach - Google Patents

Article to alleviate hunger of the stomach Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US2671899A
US2671899A US289329A US28932952A US2671899A US 2671899 A US2671899 A US 2671899A US 289329 A US289329 A US 289329A US 28932952 A US28932952 A US 28932952A US 2671899 A US2671899 A US 2671899A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
stomach
hunger
article
cup
shaped member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US289329A
Inventor
William S Kroger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US289329A priority Critical patent/US2671899A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2671899A publication Critical patent/US2671899A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/0003Apparatus for the treatment of obesity; Anti-eating devices
    • A61F5/0009External belts

Definitions

  • sues Another.- methodi-isby the internaluse; ofs'soscalledst redueingdrugsior medicines. This. may: include 12119311188 of such drugs: as. methyla cellulose or methylcellulose preparations.
  • Bmllnhunser resultssfrom one tractionszotzthe empty stomach and is controlled by the ingestion of any type of known nutritive: bulk materiali. Bnlkrhunger' is; satisfied by quantities, whereas appetite. is satisfied by quality of food. Appetite and the desire for the taste offood may be suppressed, yet a person remains hungry-for wantof food regardless of its appeal, becauseofan empty; stomach;
  • cellulose and the amphetamines alone may'not-- be-due to failure tcrcurb the-appetite but'fail ure to completely suppress the hunger contractions or peristaltic contractions of the stomach.
  • the problem then, is to curb the appetite and suppress bulk hunger so that the decreased caloric intake is followed for a length of time.
  • the principalobject'or my invention is" to provide an article whichapplies pressureat the lower end of the-'sternumand adjacent"; thetop end of the stomach:
  • A'furtherobj ect ofthedirvention is to provide" a device of i 'the type described which" is capable” of being worrrby apersonandheld in its'proper position by' means of a belt* member fastened about the bodyof the person:
  • Afurther-object of theinvention is to provide in combination with afoundation garment on girdle a plate-like member fastened'thereirr in such' a position that? it* is capable of applying yielding r pressureover theregion of the tap of the stomach.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a person wearing the hunger alleviating article as shown attached to a belt or strap for fastening directly to the body of the wearer;
  • Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view thereof showing the position in which it is worn;
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the cup-shaped member taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a person wearing a combination foundation garment including a brassire and girdle, showing the manner in which the cup-shaped member is positioned in the garment;
  • Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of a person wearing a brassiere showing the manner in which the cup-shaped member is disposed in the brassiere;
  • Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view through the brassiere and cup-shaped member taken generally on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 1 I have shown the cup-shaped member ID formed with a pair of side ear portions I2 and 14, each of which has a slot 16 to receive an end 18 of a strap or belt member 20 which may be fastened about the waist of the wearer, preferably so that the cup-shaped member will lie directly below the sternum, with the belt passing below the ribs of the wearer.
  • the cup-shaped member is preferably made of a flexible plastic material so that in use it will be comparatively comfortable, but effecting yielding pressure inwardly, the member having the somewhat oval-shaped cavity 22, having an arcuate peripheral upper edge 24 and a comparatively straight lower peripheral edge 26.
  • the appliance when the appliance is fastened below the sternum and over the top end of the stomach, the pressure which is applied will be of considerable aid in giving the individual a feeling of fullness, with the result that smaller amounts of food will be sufficient to allay the hunger contractions of the stomach. Since the hunger contractions are periodic due to the habit of eating three regular meals a day, the appliance may be worn during the periods in which the hunger pains commence and for a period of time thereafter.
  • Fig. 5 I have shown the cup-shaped member ID positioned in a foundation garment 30 at a point preferably medially below the breast cups 32 and 34 of the brassiere portion of the garment.
  • the member It) may be held in position in any suitable or desirable way, but preferably by providing a pocket having an open upper end in the brassire portion of the garment at this point.
  • Fig. 6 I have shown the cup-shaped member l0 positioned in a brassire at a point directly above the lower band 42 of the brassiere and disposed medially between and below the breast cups 44 and 46.
  • I have provided an inner pocket 48 fastened in the inside of the brassiere into which the cup-shaped member may be placed.
  • the hunger alleviating device may be carried in the purse if desired, and when the hunger contractions of the stomach occur, the person may position the appliance in the brassiere and thus effectively overcome the same.
  • the combination with a girdle of an object to alleviate hunger pains which comprises a cupshaped member adapted to be worn directly over the region of the top of the stomach, said member having an inwardly directed oval-shaped cavity to apply pressure inwardly when worn, said object being fastened in said girdle medially of and near the top of the same, said cup-shaped member having a curved top peripheral margin or edge extending downwardly and outwardly from a medial vertical axis and a generally horizontal lower marginal edge, said member being made of yieldable plastic material and having a plurality of openings therethrough in the surface of said cavity.
  • An article for alleviating hunger pains which comprises a semi-rigid cup-shaped member adapted to be worn directly over the region of the top of the stomach, said member having an inwardly dished wall to apply pressure inwardly when worn and a top peripheral margin extending generally downwardly and outwardly from a medial axis, the lower peripheral margin being generally horizontal, slots adjacent the side edges of said member and means engaging said slots for attaching the same on the body of the wearer, said inwardly dished wall having a plurality of openings throughout its surface.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • Obesity (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Corsets Or Brassieres (AREA)

Description

March 16, 1954 w. s. KROGER ARTICLE TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER OF THE STOMACH 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 22, 1952 INVENTOR. M44140! .5 Keaacfi BY March 16, 1954 w. s. KROGER ARTICLE TO ALLEVIATE HUNGER OF THE STOMACH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 22, 1952 INVENTOR. Mum/v 5. Kama-e flrrozA/EX Patented Mar. 16, 1954 ARTICIJETTO AL'IJEVIIATE HUNGER OF THE STOMACH' William S Kroger, Evanston,1.IllL
Application May 2.2;1952, SerlallNb. 289,329..
where it-dsadesiredi to reduce .ori remove :fattyJ tis-.-
sues) Another.- methodi-isby the internaluse; ofs'soscalledst redueingdrugsior medicines. This. may: include 12119311188 of such drugs: as. methyla cellulose or methylcellulose preparations.
Its is: generally: agreed; that; methylcellulose.
preparations; ort'moderatelyilaxative bulkeforni era; are-.amon ithee fundamental-drugs in media cine: toqsuppresstha appetite; and. secure. weight. loss-inobeseindividuals;. Sufiicientevidencehas;
accumulated: to; show: that. methylcellulosa. even with; the; addition of: the.- amphetamines; is; not; theecompletesanswern In;v overweight individuals; increased; appetite: is aifundamental .nsychieaspectofz medicaliirmportance: Howeventhere iscan additionahmechanioalaspect, namely. bulhhungea.thatmust; be considered. Bmllnhunser resultssfrom one tractionszotzthe empty stomach and is controlled by the ingestion of any type of known nutritive: bulk materiali. Bnlkrhunger' is; satisfied by quantities, whereas appetite. is satisfied by quality of food. Appetite and the desire for the taste offood may be suppressed, yet a person remains hungry-for wantof food regardless of its appeal, becauseofan empty; stomach;
The-failurato secure-weight loss with methyl;
cellulose and the amphetamines alone may'not-- be-due to failure tcrcurb the-appetite but'fail ure to completely suppress the hunger contractions or peristaltic contractions of the stomach. The problem then, is to curb the appetite and suppress bulk hunger so that the decreased caloric intake is followed for a length of time.
For a more complete answer to the control of obesity, I have provided an appliance which will alleviate bulk hunger and abolish the peristaltic contractions of the stomach which produce hunger. From time immemorial, it has been known that if one tightens the belt, the empty or gnawing feeling of the stomach diminishes.
Since the hunger contractions of the stomach have a rhythmicity due to conditioning by three regular meals per day, an appliance worn during these periods will be of considerable aid in harmlessly giving the individual a feeling of fullness 22 in the=epigastriuzm Thusrminimal amounts-of" food will be sufiicient to allay thehungercon; tract-ions during an important periodr' It is a well knowniactthat 'overweightinpvei" 98% of'individuals-is due to theingestion of*toomuch food-andthat this craving forfoodisiusu allydue'to-an emotionaltensiona My experiencehas demonstrated thata combinationmfpsychm therapy designed to alleviatethis tension and. the wearing of this appliance tominimize bulk" hunger-has given far better-results thanthemseof psychotherapy alone -or-the use ormedicinal' agents suclrasmethylcellulose designed=to=alleviate bulk-hunger:
The principalobject'or my invention; then; is" to provide an article whichapplies pressureat the lower end of the-'sternumand adjacent"; thetop end of the stomach:
A'furtherobj ect ofthedirvention is to provide" a device of i 'the type described which" is capable" of being worrrby apersonandheld in its'proper position by' means of a belt* member fastened about the bodyof the person:
A further--object=of-'the invention is' 'toprovide an article of the type-described capable of'be ing worir=by-a-person-in aconcealedmanner; the article being adaptewto supply continuous re silient or yielding pressure in the region I of the Y lower end of the sternum.
A- further-object of the invention-is to provide in combination with a brassire or-"bra,-- a plate= like member fastened in the brassiere-toapply pressure over the'region to? the top-of the stomach.
Afurther-object of theinventionis to provide in combination with afoundation garment on girdle a plate-like member fastened'thereirr in such' a position that? it* is capable of applying yielding r pressureover theregion of the tap of the stomach.
Other objects and advantages will be more apparent from the following description wherein reference is had to the accompanying drawings, upon which Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a person wearing the hunger alleviating article as shown attached to a belt or strap for fastening directly to the body of the wearer;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view thereof showing the position in which it is worn;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the cup-shaped member taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a person wearing a combination foundation garment including a brassire and girdle, showing the manner in which the cup-shaped member is positioned in the garment;
Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of a person wearing a brassiere showing the manner in which the cup-shaped member is disposed in the brassiere; and
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view through the brassiere and cup-shaped member taken generally on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6.
In the embodiment of the invention which I have chosen to illustrate and describe the same, in Fig. 1 I have shown the cup-shaped member ID formed with a pair of side ear portions I2 and 14, each of which has a slot 16 to receive an end 18 of a strap or belt member 20 which may be fastened about the waist of the wearer, preferably so that the cup-shaped member will lie directly below the sternum, with the belt passing below the ribs of the wearer.
The cup-shaped member is preferably made of a flexible plastic material so that in use it will be comparatively comfortable, but effecting yielding pressure inwardly, the member having the somewhat oval-shaped cavity 22, having an arcuate peripheral upper edge 24 and a comparatively straight lower peripheral edge 26. I
provide a plurality of openings 28 throughout the surface of the cavity 22 for air circulation and to permit perspiration to evaporate.
As hereinbefore pointed out, when the appliance is fastened below the sternum and over the top end of the stomach, the pressure which is applied will be of considerable aid in giving the individual a feeling of fullness, with the result that smaller amounts of food will be sufficient to allay the hunger contractions of the stomach. Since the hunger contractions are periodic due to the habit of eating three regular meals a day, the appliance may be worn during the periods in which the hunger pains commence and for a period of time thereafter.
In Fig. 5 I have shown the cup-shaped member ID positioned in a foundation garment 30 at a point preferably medially below the breast cups 32 and 34 of the brassiere portion of the garment. The member It) may be held in position in any suitable or desirable way, but preferably by providing a pocket having an open upper end in the brassire portion of the garment at this point.
In Fig. 6 I have shown the cup-shaped member l0 positioned in a brassire at a point directly above the lower band 42 of the brassiere and disposed medially between and below the breast cups 44 and 46.
As shown in Fig. 7, I have provided an inner pocket 48 fastened in the inside of the brassiere into which the cup-shaped member may be placed. With this construction it can be seen that by fastening a pocket on the inside of a brassiere, the hunger alleviating device may be carried in the purse if desired, and when the hunger contractions of the stomach occur, the person may position the appliance in the brassiere and thus effectively overcome the same.
While in the drawings I have shown a shape which is generally preferred, it will of course be understood that the exact formation may be modified, depending upon the physical requirements of different persons, both as to size and other characteristics.
I contemplate that changes and modifications may be made in the exact details shown and I do not wish to be limited in any particular; rather what I desire to secure and protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:
1. The combination with a girdle of an object to alleviate hunger pains which comprises a cupshaped member adapted to be worn directly over the region of the top of the stomach, said member having an inwardly directed oval-shaped cavity to apply pressure inwardly when worn, said object being fastened in said girdle medially of and near the top of the same, said cup-shaped member having a curved top peripheral margin or edge extending downwardly and outwardly from a medial vertical axis and a generally horizontal lower marginal edge, said member being made of yieldable plastic material and having a plurality of openings therethrough in the surface of said cavity.
2. An article for alleviating hunger pains which comprises a semi-rigid cup-shaped member adapted to be worn directly over the region of the top of the stomach, said member having an inwardly dished wall to apply pressure inwardly when worn and a top peripheral margin extending generally downwardly and outwardly from a medial axis, the lower peripheral margin being generally horizontal, slots adjacent the side edges of said member and means engaging said slots for attaching the same on the body of the wearer, said inwardly dished wall having a plurality of openings throughout its surface.
WILLIAM S. KROGER.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,487,406 Somers Mar. 18, 1924 1,501,672 Lawton July 15, 1924 1,535,822 Goodwin Apr. 28, 1925 1,775,365 Jones Sept. 9, 1930 2,294,589 Waterbury Sept. 1, 1942
US289329A 1952-05-22 1952-05-22 Article to alleviate hunger of the stomach Expired - Lifetime US2671899A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US289329A US2671899A (en) 1952-05-22 1952-05-22 Article to alleviate hunger of the stomach

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US289329A US2671899A (en) 1952-05-22 1952-05-22 Article to alleviate hunger of the stomach

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US2671899A true US2671899A (en) 1954-03-16

Family

ID=23111061

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US289329A Expired - Lifetime US2671899A (en) 1952-05-22 1952-05-22 Article to alleviate hunger of the stomach

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US2671899A (en)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3080183A (en) * 1959-02-18 1963-03-05 Lurex Mfg Company Joints for use in scientific glass apparatus
US3145710A (en) * 1963-03-05 1964-08-25 Lawrence A Schott Abdominal restrainer
US4592342A (en) * 1983-05-02 1986-06-03 Salmasian Samuel S Method for appetite suppression and weight loss maintenance and device
US4688800A (en) * 1986-07-21 1987-08-25 Lopez Julio C Golf swing guide
US5666104A (en) * 1995-09-07 1997-09-09 Pollack; Stanley E. Belt for detecting an increase in girth
DE19822221A1 (en) * 1998-05-18 1999-11-25 Andreas Grieger Belt and/or control of sensation of hunger
US20060149172A1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-07-06 Brinston Charles L Sr Belt for body weight control
US20150182364A1 (en) * 2007-02-13 2015-07-02 Weiner Charles Brian Multi-method and multi-apparatus for treating obesity
US9943120B1 (en) 2017-05-17 2018-04-17 Nike, Inc. Bra with storage pockets
WO2018104450A1 (en) 2016-12-08 2018-06-14 Cebe Fevzi Device for the external application of a local compressive force below the costal arch of a patient to reduce the stomach volume
USD822840S1 (en) * 2017-03-27 2018-07-10 Actervis Gmbh Weightloss belt
USD822341S1 (en) 2017-05-17 2018-07-10 Nike, Inc. Garment
USD831836S1 (en) * 2017-03-27 2018-10-23 Actervis Gmbh Weightloss belt
USD941938S1 (en) * 2019-01-08 2022-01-25 Erin McGuire Belt with inner projections
USD941937S1 (en) * 2016-01-12 2022-01-25 Erin McGuire Belt with inner projections

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1487406A (en) * 1922-09-07 1924-03-18 William H Somers Combination garment
US1501672A (en) * 1922-11-29 1924-07-15 Lawton Thomas Obesity-reducing band
US1535822A (en) * 1923-07-05 1925-04-28 Goodwin Roy Remedial appliance
US1775365A (en) * 1928-11-02 1930-09-09 Jones Fordyce Charles Breast support
US2294589A (en) * 1939-02-13 1942-09-01 Carl C Waterbury Method for making rubber articles

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1487406A (en) * 1922-09-07 1924-03-18 William H Somers Combination garment
US1501672A (en) * 1922-11-29 1924-07-15 Lawton Thomas Obesity-reducing band
US1535822A (en) * 1923-07-05 1925-04-28 Goodwin Roy Remedial appliance
US1775365A (en) * 1928-11-02 1930-09-09 Jones Fordyce Charles Breast support
US2294589A (en) * 1939-02-13 1942-09-01 Carl C Waterbury Method for making rubber articles

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3080183A (en) * 1959-02-18 1963-03-05 Lurex Mfg Company Joints for use in scientific glass apparatus
US3145710A (en) * 1963-03-05 1964-08-25 Lawrence A Schott Abdominal restrainer
US4592342A (en) * 1983-05-02 1986-06-03 Salmasian Samuel S Method for appetite suppression and weight loss maintenance and device
US4688800A (en) * 1986-07-21 1987-08-25 Lopez Julio C Golf swing guide
US5666104A (en) * 1995-09-07 1997-09-09 Pollack; Stanley E. Belt for detecting an increase in girth
DE19822221A1 (en) * 1998-05-18 1999-11-25 Andreas Grieger Belt and/or control of sensation of hunger
US20060149172A1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-07-06 Brinston Charles L Sr Belt for body weight control
US7264600B2 (en) 2004-07-02 2007-09-04 Brinston Sr Charles Lee Belt for body weight control
US20150182364A1 (en) * 2007-02-13 2015-07-02 Weiner Charles Brian Multi-method and multi-apparatus for treating obesity
USD941937S1 (en) * 2016-01-12 2022-01-25 Erin McGuire Belt with inner projections
WO2018104450A1 (en) 2016-12-08 2018-06-14 Cebe Fevzi Device for the external application of a local compressive force below the costal arch of a patient to reduce the stomach volume
DE102016015072A1 (en) * 2016-12-08 2018-06-14 Fevzi Cebe Apparatus for externally applying a local compressive force below the arch of a patient to reduce stomach volume
CN110139630A (en) * 2016-12-08 2019-08-16 费夫齐·赛比 Apply local extruding force from external under patient's arcus costarum to reduce the device of stomach volume
US20200060857A1 (en) * 2016-12-08 2020-02-27 Fevzi Cebe Device for the External Application of a Local Compressive Force Below the Costal Arch of a Patient to Reduce the Stomach Volume
US11617669B2 (en) * 2016-12-08 2023-04-04 Fevzi Cebe Device for the external application of a local compressive force below the costal arch of a patient to reduce the stomach volume
EP3551141B1 (en) * 2016-12-08 2024-01-24 Cebe, Fevzi Device for the external application of a local compressive force below the costal arch of a patient to reduce the stomach volume
USD822840S1 (en) * 2017-03-27 2018-07-10 Actervis Gmbh Weightloss belt
USD831836S1 (en) * 2017-03-27 2018-10-23 Actervis Gmbh Weightloss belt
US10010117B1 (en) 2017-05-17 2018-07-03 Nike, Inc. Bra with storage pockets
USD822341S1 (en) 2017-05-17 2018-07-10 Nike, Inc. Garment
US10238152B2 (en) 2017-05-17 2019-03-26 Nike, Inc. Bra with storage pockets
US9943120B1 (en) 2017-05-17 2018-04-17 Nike, Inc. Bra with storage pockets
USD941938S1 (en) * 2019-01-08 2022-01-25 Erin McGuire Belt with inner projections

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US2671899A (en) Article to alleviate hunger of the stomach
US4592342A (en) Method for appetite suppression and weight loss maintenance and device
US5188585A (en) Lumbo-sacral orthopedic support
US8900032B2 (en) Athletic support brassiere
US8047892B1 (en) Woman's undergarment to remedy chest wrinkles
US3324851A (en) Arm restraining device
US6332825B1 (en) Breast supporting garment utilizing slip resistant materials to control position of garment
US2579547A (en) Garment
US4141357A (en) Cup supporter for insertion into a garment
US4416272A (en) Combination underpant and hernial truss
US3513852A (en) Nursing brassiere structure
US8216023B2 (en) Suspension-styled brassiere primarily for minimization of intra-breast wrinkling
US5067484A (en) Posture training support with weight pockets
US6116985A (en) Sports brassiere
US2713340A (en) Contour supporter belt
US2449641A (en) Abdominal support
US2679248A (en) Colostomy device
US2717602A (en) Simulated breast and surgical brassiere therefor
US5975984A (en) Durable padded interchangeable brassiere strap shoulder shield
US2644448A (en) Foot sling
JP2009172032A (en) Medical low back pain corset having balls substituting finger pressure mounted on corset body and equipped with band for slide-up prevention and hernia presser
US20190059460A1 (en) Anti-Wrinkle Breast Support Pad
US5263496A (en) Patient support pad for easing pain
US1276410A (en) Abdominal supporter.
US3099839A (en) Artificial breast brassiere