US20030187518A1

US20030187518A1 - Self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and method of use

Info

Publication number: US20030187518A1
Application number: US10/113,143
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey Carls
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-28
Filing date: 2002-03-28
Publication date: 2003-10-02

Abstract

A self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and a method of using the same is disclosed. Prosthetic make-up is applied to a person's body to create an illusion or for enhancing a costume. The disclosed prosthetic make-up comprises a matrix of thermosetting polymer. The top surface of the matrix may be ornamented by way of features including structure and color to represent an anomaly on or embedded in the skin of the user. Among other anomalies, the disclosed prosthetic make-up may be used to create the illusion of a laceration, a sutured wound, a bullet wound, an eye, bite marks, or a circuit board implanted into the skin.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for decorating the human body for enjoyment and entertainment and more particularly to prosthetic make-up which is applied to the body to enhance a costume or create an illusion.

The use of prosthetic make-up is well known. The motion picture industry has applied prosthetic make-up for many years to create the illusion of aliens, monsters, people with severe injuries, etc. As demonstrated by modem movies, the illusions created by the make-up can be very authentic. However, the materials and methods utilized by the motion picture industry are practically not available to the public at large. The prosthetic make-up used in the motion picture industry is usually of custom manufacture, expensive, and applied by experts in a time-consuming process. In contrast, the type of prosthetic make-up generally used by the adult or child dressing up for a costume party or for Halloween is mass produced, inexpensive, and not very authentic. However, application of this type of make-up can be relatively difficult to apply because of the need to apply additional components in an effort to make it look more authentic. The disclosed self-adhesive prosthetic make-up and method of use is directed to providing the general public with a relatively inexpensive, easy to apply, and visually authentic prosthetic make-up.

The known prosthetic make-up sold to the public is generally manufactured from latex. The border or edge of the latex prosthesis is usually colored in a flesh tone, intending to blend the edges of the prosthesis in with the skin color of the user to enhance the illusion that the prosthesis is genuine. However, as easily understood, because individual skin colors vary dramatically over a wide range of tones and hues, an individual is unlikely to find a mass produced prosthesis with a flesh tone providing a good match to the individual's skin color. As a result, latex prosthetic devices do not appear authentic without applying other make-up, such as skin tone foundation, to cause the border of the device to blend in with the skin tone of the user.

Prosthetic make-up is generally three-dimensional, so that the make-up rises up from the skin of the user. For example, a laceration prosthetic may be elevated from the skin of the user to create the effect of an open wound, with folds of simulated skin extending out from the edges of the simulated wound. As another example, a simulated bullet wound may have an elevated ring of simulated skin around the perimeter of the wound. To create these three-dimensional effects, the latex prosthetics practically available to the general public are a hollow shell, such that only the outside edge or border of the prosthesis contacts the skin of the user and the elevated portion of the device does not contact the skin. For each use, spirit gum or comparable liquid adhesive is applied to the outside edge or border of the device. Because only the outside edges of the prosthesis are adhered to the skin, if the surrounding skin is flexed or contracted, as when the user moves, the edges of the prosthesis move as well, causing the hollow portion of the prosthesis to pucker, wrinkle or buckle unrealistically, diminishing the effect of the device.

The present invention and method are directed toward prosthetic make-up which overcomes the disadvantages discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a relatively inexpensive self-adhesive prosthetic make-up which is applied to the skin of a user and a method of use thereof. T he disclosed self-adhesive prosthetic make-up is three-dimensional and comprises a matrix having a top surface, a generally flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the bottom surface. The matrix comprises a moldable polymer, which may comprise thermosetting polymers including methacrylate polymer. Clear forms of moldable polymers are available which result in a clear matrix. An adhesive compound is applied to the bottom surface of the matrix where the compound is adaptable for temporarily adhering the matrix to human skin. The top surface of the matrix is ornamented by way of features including structure and color to represent an anomaly of the skin of the user, so as to create an illusion. Such anomalies may include a laceration, a sutured wound, a bullet wound, an eye, a bite mark, or a circuit board implanted into the skin.

A method of using self-adhesive prosthetic make-up on the skin of a user to create an illusion is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of first molding a thermosetting polymer into a matrix having a top surface, a flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the bottom surface. An adhesive compound is applied to the bottom surface, where the compound is adaptable for temporarily adhering the matrix to human skin. The top surface is ornamented by adding features which convey structure and/or color to represent an anomaly of the skin of the user.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a vampire bite prosthesis. [0009]
FIG. 2 shows a side view of a vampire bite prosthesis. [0010]
FIG. 3 shows bite wound prosthetics as applied to the neck of a user. [0011]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a laceration prosthesis. [0012]
FIG. 5 shows a laceration prosthesis as applied to the hand of a user. [0013]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a sutured wound prosthesis. [0014]
FIG. 7 shows an example of an eyeball prosthesis. [0015]
FIG. 8 shows a side view of an eyeball prosthesis. [0016]
FIG. 9 shows an example of a zipper prosthesis. [0017]
FIG. 10 shows an example of an implanted circuit board prosthesis. [0018]
FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of an implanted circuit board prosthesis. [0019]
FIG. 12 shows an example of a bullet wound prosthesis.[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The basic elements of the disclosed self-adhesive prosthetic make-up are: (1) a matrix having a top surface, a generally flat bottom surface and a peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the flat bottom surface; (2) an adhesive compound applied to the bottom surface; and (3) ornamentation on the top surface so that the device appears to be an anomaly of the skin of the user. [0021]
The matrix is generally comprised of a moldable polymer which is molded into the desired shape. Molding of the prosthetic make-up can be done with either an injection molding process, or liquid polymer material can be poured into a three-dimensional negative mold. As is commonly known, when casting the prosthetic in a negative mold, features formed in the bottom of the mold will create corresponding mirror-image features in the top surface of the matrix of the hardened polymer. The negative mold is therefore sculpted to impart the desired textural and structural features to the top surface of the matrix. The bottom surface of the matrix, because the negative mold is generally open at the top, will be generally flat as the liquid polymer spreads out by gravity. The generally flat surface creates a larger surface area for contact with the skin, as opposed to the limited surface area hollow latex prosthetics provide for adhering to the skin. [0022]
Given the infinite combinations of features which might be imparted to the top surface of the matrix, the general embodiment of the disclosed invention is directed toward the basic elements of the prosthetic make-up as opposed to any particular ornamentation which may be imparted to the top surface of the make-up. FIGS. 1 through 11 thereafter disclose several alternative embodiments of ornamentation of the top surface. [0023]
One variety of moldable polymers which has been found to work particularly well as a matrix material is thermosetting polymers, including methacrylate polymer. This substance, which is known for its use as a denture reline material, is sold under the brand name, among others, of Tempo and is available from Lang Dental Manufacturing Co., Inc. of Wheeling, IL. The methacrylate comes in the form of a clear gel powder which is blended with a liquid comprising phthalate ester and denatured alcohol. Once blended and injected or poured into a mold, the methacrylate polymer cures in approximately one hour. After curing, the top surface and peripheral edge surface of the matrix may be painted. One acceptable way of painting the matrix is with clear acrylic paint mixed with color or cosmetic pigment. Other moldable polymers which may be used are poly-vinyl-chloride, also known as plastisol, and silicon. [0024]
A desired feature available through using the methacrylate for the matrix is that the material is available in a clear form. There is a large advantage to having a clear matrix for prosthetic make-up. If the peripheral edge surface and adjacent portions of the matrix forming the transition to the user's skin are clear, the skin tone of the user will immediately show through those portions of the matrix, thereby enhancing the illusion that the prosthesis is part of the user's skin tissue, or is an anomaly on or embedded in the user's skin tissue. This feature of the disclosed device overcomes the disadvantage of many latex devices, which are fabricated with a color which doesn't accurately match the skin tone of the user, and which require the use of additional make-up to blend the edges of the prosthesis into the skin color of the user. [0025]
After the matrix cures, an adhesive substance may be applied to the bottom surface for temporarily affixing the prosthesis to the user's skin. The generally flat bottom surface creates a larger surface area for contact with the user's skin which, when adhesive is applied, securely affixes the prosthesis to the user's skin, yet also allows the device to be easily peeled off of the skin. The self-adhesive feature of the device is in contrast to latex devices which must generally be secured with spirit gum or similar substance each time the prosthesis is used. The disclosed prosthetic may be worn a number of times without reapplying adhesive. The inventor herein has determined that a suitable adhesive is a medical prosthesis adhesive which may be sprayed or brushed on the bottom surface of the disclosed device. One suitable adhesive is sold under the brand name Pros-Aide. When no longer in use, the prosthesis may be peeled off the user's skin and secured to a backing material, such as craft liner or other type of non-stick backing until ready to be worn again. [0026]
FIGS. 1 through 12 show different examples of the disclosed prosthetic make-up. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a vampire bite wound [0027] 20. The prosthesis comprises a matrix 22 having a top surface 24, a generally flat bottom surface 26, and a peripheral edge surface 28 bound by the top surface 24 and the bottom surface 26. As previously discussed, the matrix is comprised of a moldable polymer, including thermosetting polymers such as methacrylate. A thin layer of a clear adhesive compound 30 is applied to the bottom surface 26. The top surface 24 is ornamented by way of features including structure, such as the tooth mark 32 depicted in FIG. 30 and color to represent an anomaly, i.e., a vampire puncture wound, in the skin of the user.
FIG. 3 shows an example of the [0028] vampire wounds 20 as applied to the neck 36 of the user. The shape and size of the matrix 22 is formed and the top surface 24 is ornamented by way of features including structure, such as the tooth mark 32, to resemble a vampire bite. Color may be added to the appliance to enhance the effect, such as red to depict blood.
FIG. 4 shows an example of the disclosed prosthetic make-up being used to depict a [0029] laceration 40. The basic components of the laceration 40 include the matrix 22, top surface 24, bottom surface (not shown) and peripheral edge surface 28. FIG. 5 depicts the laceration 40 as applied to the hand 42 of the user. It is to be appreciated, however, that because the matrix 22 is clear at the peripheral edge surface 28, the laceration 40 will blend in with the flesh tones of the user's hand 42, creating the illusion that the user has a serious wound to the hand.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the disclosed prosthetic make-up being used to depict a sutured [0030] wound 44.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example of the disclosed prosthetic make-up being used to depict an [0031] eye 46. The basic components of the eye 46 include the matrix 22, top surface 24, bottom surface 26 and peripheral edge surface 28. FIGS. 7 and 8 demonstrate how the top surface 24 may be ornamented by structure and color to look markedly different from other embodiments. As with the other embodiments, the eye 46 may be placed on the skin of the user to represent an anomaly, i.e., an eye, on the skin of the user.
FIG. 9 depicts an example of the disclosed prosthetic make-up being used to depict a [0032] zipper 48. Because the matrix 22 may be clear at the top surface 24 and the peripheral edge surface 28, the edges of the zipper 48 will blend in with the flesh color of the user to create the illusion that the user has a zipper implanted in his or her skin.
FIGS. 10 and 11 show how the disclosed prosthetic make-up, depicted as an implanted [0033] circuit board 50, might be used to make the user appear to be an android. The basic components of the circuit board include the matrix 22, top surface 24, bottom surface 26 and peripheral edge surface 28. Because the matrix 22 may be clear at the top surface 24 and the peripheral edge surface 28, the edges of the circuit board 50 will blend in with the flesh color of the user to create the illusion that the user has a circuit board implanted in his or her skin.
FIG. 12 depicts an example of a [0034] bullet wound 52. The top surface 24 is ornamented by way of features including structure, such as a depression, and color to represent an anomaly, i.e., a bullet wound, in the skin of the user.
As demonstrated by the above examples, the [0035] top surface 24 may be ornamented in any number of ways by different structural features and different colors, thereby representing an anomaly of the skin of the user.
While the above is a description of various embodiments of the present invention, further modifications may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the size, shape, and/or material of the various components may be changed as desired. Thus the scope of the invention should not be limited by the specific structures disclosed. Instead the true scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims. [0036]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Self-adhesive prosthetic make-up for application to the skin of a user comprising:

(a) a molded matrix having a top surface, a generally flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the bottom surface, the matrix comprised of a moldable polymer;

(b) an adhesive compound applied to the bottom surface, the compound adaptable for temporarily adhering the matrix to human skin; and

(c) the top surface ornamented by way of features including structure and color to represent an anomaly of the skin of the user.

2. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the moldable polymer comprises thermosetting polymer.

3. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 2, wherein the thermosetting polymer comprises methacrylate polymer.

4. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1 wherein the moldable polymer is clear.

5. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a laceration.

6. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a sutured wound.

7. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a bullet wound.

8. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises an eye.

9. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises an implanted circuit board.

10. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a bite mark.

11. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a zipper implanted into the skin.

12. The self-adhesive prosthetic make-up of claim 1, wherein the color comprises clear acrylic paint mixed with cosmetic pigment.

13. Self-adhesive prosthetic make-up for application to the skin of a user comprising:

(a) a molded matrix having a top surface, a generally flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the bottom surface, the matrix comprised of clear methacrylate polymer;

(b) an adhesive compound applied to the bottom surface, the compound adaptable for adhering the matrix to human skin for a plurality of applications and removals of the matrix from the skin of the user; and

(c) the top surface ornamented by way of features including structure and color to to represent an anomaly of the skin of the user.

14. A method of using self-adhesive prosthetic make-up on the skin of a user to create an illusion, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) molding a moldable polymer into a matrix having a top surface, a generally flat bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface bound by the top surface and the bottom surface;

(b) applying adhesive compound to the bottom surface, the compound adaptable for temporarily adhering the matrix to human skin;

(c) ornamenting the top surface by way of features including structure and color to represent an anomaly of the skin of the user.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the moldable polymer comprises thermosetting polymer.

16. The method of claim 15 where the thermosetting polymer comprises methacrylate polymer.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the methacrylate polymer is a clear gel.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a laceration.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a sutured wound.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a bullet wound.

21. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises an eye.

22. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises an implanted circuit board.

23. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a bite mark.

24. The method of claim 14 wherein the anomaly of the skin comprises a zipper implanted into the skin.

25. The method of claim 14 wherein the color comprises clear acrylic paint mixed with cosmetic pigment.