Tanning system and method

Abstract

A tanning system comprising one or more substrates which are substantially permeable to ultraviolet light so that when placed over the human skin of a subject, a predetermined pattern on the substrate which is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light, and one or more alignment regions to help the subject align the tanning system during subsequent uses of the system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for tanning the skin.

2. Description of Related Art

Various methods of tanning the skin in a specific predetermined pattern have been proposed. In general, a temporary tanning tattoo having the predetermined pattern may be placed on the skin by using ultraviolet radiation to selectively increase the pigmentation of the skin, thereby resulting in the tanning thereof. The ultraviolet radiation may be emitted by the sun or other suitable source (e.g., lamps emitting ultraviolet light) so that the melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin produce melanin. Several systems and methods are generally described in Harden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,502 entitled “Tanning System;” Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,143 entitled “Apparatus and Method for Selective Marking with Natural or Artificial Light;” and Goeringer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,108 entitled “Sun Blocking Tattoo Sticker,” all of which are incorporated by reference.

One problem with conventional tanning systems and methods is the inability to have the pattern design be properly aligned on the human body. In addition, another problem associated with conventional tanning systems and methods is the inability to be customized for each individual user. The present invention is directed to a tanning system and method which helps overcome such problems associated with conventional tanning systems and techniques.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved tanning system and method. The tanning system comprises a substrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light so that when placed over the human skin of a subject, ultraviolet light passes through the substrate and induces the melanocytes of the subject to tan the subject's skin. The substrate has a predetermined pattern which is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light so that when the subject's skin is exposed to natural sunlight, a sun-bed, or other ultraviolet light source, the subject's skin is tanned with a pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern of the substrate. In addition, the tanning system includes one or more alignment regions to help the subject align the tanning system on the body. During use, the subject aligns the alignment region with a landmark structure on the subject's skin (such as an umbilicus) so that the predetermined pattern is positioned on the subject's skin in the desired location. The alignment region also enables the subject to align the tanning system in substantially the same location during subsequent uses of the system.

In addition, in another aspect, the present invention is directed to a tanning system comprising multiple substrates, each having a different predetermined pattern that is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light. The predetermined pattern on each substrate varies by either or both of the degree of impermeability to ultraviolet light or the shape of the pattern. In either case, the tanning system comprising multiple substrates permits the subject to select the combination of substrates that provides a personalized desired tanning pattern during use.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tanning system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section of the tanning system in accordance with a second embodiment, illustrating an optional adhesive layer and backing sheet on the substrate. The thickness of the various layers is exaggerated for clarity.

FIG. 3 shows a tanning system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the tanning system comprises multiple substrates, each having a different predetermined pattern with a different degree of ultraviolet light impermeability.

FIG. 3A shows the tanning system of FIG. 3 whereby the two substrates are placed on top of one another to form a composite pattern that has different degrees of ultraviolet light impermeability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings, the tanning system 10 of the present invention comprises a substrate 20 which is at least partially permeable to ultraviolet light, a predetermined pattern 30 which is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light, and at least one alignment region 40.

Suitable materials for making the substrate 20 are well-known to those skilled in the art. Typically the substrate is comprised of a transparent plastic material, such as polyethylene film. This transparent material is at least partially permeable to ultraviolet light so that when placed over a subject's skin, the skin is capable of being tanned by a source of ultraviolet light.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tanning system optionally includes non-toxic fastening tapes or adhesive 22 for facilitating temporary attachment of the substrate 20 to the subject's body during use. The adhesive covers at least a portion of the one of the major surfaces of the substrate, and is usually in the shape of a strip or line of adhesive. The adhesive 22 is preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive which is substantially transparent so that the ultraviolet light is permitted to pass through the adhesive and substrate to tan the subject. The adhesive is also preferably substantially transparent to visible light so that the adhesive is not readily noticeable when the tanning system is in use. Examples of suitable transparent adhesives for use with the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,923,757; 4,068,028; 4,137,364; and 5,143,995, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The tanning system 10 optionally includes a backing sheet 24 (e.g., release sheet) for support and/or protection of the substrate prior to use. As an example, the tanning system 10 is formed of a laminated structure comprising the substrate 20, adhesive 22, and backing sheet 24 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, a two-ply material with the substrate attached to the backing sheet may be used. Suitable two-ply material comprises a polyethylene sheet material attached to a paper backing sheet having a smooth silicone coating on an inner side of the backing sheet such that the polyethylene sheet may be easily removed from the backing sheet.

The predetermined pattern 30 which is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light is formed on the substrate using any suitable method. For example, an opaque pattern may be drawn, colored, or printed on the substrate using conventional printing techniques and writing utensils, such as markers.

Alternatively, the predetermined pattern 30 may also be formed by coating, marking, or printing the substrate with a material which is substantially transparent to visible light, yet substantially opaque relative to ultraviolet radiation. For example, the substrate may be coated with a polymeric film having an ultraviolet light absorbing amount of 2-(hydroxy-lower alkyl phenyl) benzotriazole which may be halogen substituted in the four, five, six, or seven positions. The amount of benzotriazole distributed throughout the polymeric film is preferably from about 0.01 to about 5 parts by weight of the polymer. The ultraviolet light absorbing substance may be mixed with the monomers and then the monomers polymerized, or by compounding with the polymer prior to extrusion or molding. See generally Goeringer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,108, which is incorporated by reference. Preferably, the predetermined pattern absorbs at least about fifty percent (50%), even more preferably about seventy-five percent (75%), and most preferably at least about ninety percent (90%), of ultraviolet light in the 300 to 380 nanometer range, while transmitting substantially all visible light therethrough. Such an exemplary tanning system is substantially transparent to an individual viewing the tanning system, thereby facilitating inconspicuous use of the system when applied to a human body.

As shown in FIG. 1, the predetermined pattern 30 which is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light is preferably impermeable to the ultraviolet light to the same extent throughout the pattern (see FIG. 1). This generally results in a very discernible “cut” muscular look after tanning a subject's skin with the tanning system.

The predetermined pattern may also include regions which are more or less permeable to ultraviolet light. That is, the predetermined pattern may contain one or more graded regions whereby the ultraviolet light permeability varies from a more impermeable (substantially opaque) to a less impermeable region. This generally results in a less distinct and less “cut” muscular look on the subject. An exemplary predetermined pattern having graded regions is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,502, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The less distinct and less “cut” muscular look may also be achieved by using a tanning system comprised of two or more substrates, each having a different predetermined pattern shape and/or level of impermeability to ultraviolet light. During use, the sheets are disposed one on top of another to form a composite tanning pattern on the subject. For example, FIG. 3 generally shows a tanning system 10 comprising a first substrate 20a having a first predetermined pattern 30a with a second sheet 20b having a second predetermined pattern 30b. The first predetermined pattern 30a is darker than the second predetermined pattern 30b such that the second predetermined pattern permits more ultraviolet light to be transmitted therethrough. Thus, the predetermined patterns 30a, 30b differ as to the level or degree of impermeability to ultraviolet light. The first predetermined pattern 30a covers the abdominal muscles and the lower part of the pectoralis major muscles. The second predetermined pattern 30b covers the abdominal muscles (but the pattern is larger in size), as well as nearly all of the pectoralis major muscles. Thus, the predetermined patterns 30a, 30b shown in FIG. 3 also exemplify those having different shapes. During use, the substrates 20a, 20b are placed on top of one another as shown in FIG. 3A so that the skin is tanned to different degrees according to the composite predetermined patterns 30a, 30b. The composite predetermined pattern 30 is impermeable to ultraviolet light to different degrees, with a less impermeable outline surrounding a more impermeable interior.

It will be readily appreciated that the tanning system is well adapted to having multiple substrates 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, etc., each with a differently shaped predetermined pattern 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and/or each with a different level of impermeability to ultraviolet light which can be mixed and matched according to the subject's preference. For example, the subject may use a first substrate with a predetermined pattern for the abdominal muscles that is more impermeable to ultraviolet light (resulting in a more definite “cut” or contour) and a second substrate with a predetermined pattern for the chest or pectoralis muscles which is less impermeable to ultraviolet light (resulting in a less definite “cut” or contour). Yet, a third substrate with a third predetermined pattern for just the chest that is even less impermeable to ultraviolet light can also be used. The system thus permits the subject to select the combination of substrates that provides the subject with a personalized desired tanning pattern during use.

Although the predetermined pattern 30 could be targeted to accentuate the musculature of any body part, the predetermined pattern 30 is preferably one that is adapted to be fitted to a human torso to improve the appearance of a subject which is exposed to natural sunlight or a sun-bed. Most preferably, the predetermined pattern covers one or more regions emphasizing the rectus abdominis muscles, transverse abdominis muscles, internal/external abdominal oblique muscles, and/or pectoralis major muscles (in males typically). See generally FIG. 1.

The tanning system 10 of the present invention also contains at least one alignment region 40. The alignment region helps ensure that the substrate is placed on the subject at substantially the same location when the subject desires to use the tanning system on multiple occasions. In addition, the alignment region is useful when the subject needs to take a temporary break during a tanning session in which the tanning system must be temporarily removed.

The alignment region 40 typically comprises a marking or opening in the substrate. Typically, the region is in the form of a point or circle. During use, the alignment region is aligned with a landmark structure or marking on the subject's body, such as an umbilicus (i.e., belly button) in the case of a substrate containing a predetermined pattern designed to accentuate the muscles of the human torso. As another example, the landmark structure could be a nipple in the case of a substrate containing a predetermined pattern designed to accentuate the muscles of the human chest.

The tanning system 10 may include multiple alignment regions 40. For example, FIGS. 1, 3, and 3A show an alignment region comprised of multiple perforated openings in the substrate. To use the tanning system 10, the subject chooses a suitable opening to orient the predetermined pattern on the subject's body in a manner that best fits the subject's body contour. During subsequent tanning sessions, the tanning system is placed on the subject in substantially the same location by virtue of the alignment region. In addition, when multiple substrates 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, etc. are used, it is preferable that each has multiple alignment regions 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d (see FIG. 3).

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives hereinabove set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tanning system comprising:

a first substrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light;

a first predetermined pattern on said substrate, said first predetermined pattern substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light; and

at least one alignment region.

2. The tanning system of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive coated on at least a portion of said substrate, said adhesive being substantially permeable to ultraviolet light.

3. The tanning system of claim 1 further comprising a backing sheet covering at least a portion of said substrate.

4. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined pattern absorbs at least about 90% of ultraviolet light in the 300 to 380 nanometer range.

5. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined pattern is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light to the same extent throughout the first predetermined pattern.

6. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined pattern contains one or more graded regions whereby the impermeability to ultraviolet light varies in the graded region.

7. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined pattern comprises a region corresponding to one or more muscles selected from the group consisting of the rectus abdominis muscles, transverse abdominis muscles, internal/external abdominal oblique muscles, and pectoralis major muscles.

8. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein said alignment region comprises a marking on or opening in said substrate.

9. The tanning system of claim 1 comprising multiple alignment regions.

10. The tanning system of claim 9 where said multiple alignment regions comprise a plurality of perforated openings in the substrate.

11. The tanning system of claim 1 further comprising a second substrate having a second predetermined pattern which is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light to a degree that is different than said first predetermined pattern on said first substrate.

12. The tanning system of claim 1 further comprising a second substrate having a second predetermined pattern which is different in shape than said first predetermined pattern on said first substrate.

13. The tanning system of claim 1 further comprising a second substrate having a second predetermined pattern which is different in shape than said first predetermined pattern on said first substrate, and wherein said second predetermined pattern is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light to a degree that is different than said first predetermined pattern.

14. A method for tanning the skin of a subject comprising:

providing tanning system comprising a first substrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light, a first predetermined pattern on said substrate, said first predetermined pattern substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light, and an alignment region;

aligning said alignment region with a landmark structure on said subject's body; and

exposing the subject to a source of ultraviolet light.

15. The tanning method of claim 14 wherein said tanning system further comprises an adhesive coated on at least a portion of said substrate, said adhesive being substantially transparent to ultraviolet light; and further comprising the step of adhering said tanning system to said subject using said adhesive.

16. The tanning method of claim 14 wherein said tanning system further comprises a backing sheet attached to said substrate; and further comprising the step of removing said backing sheet from said substrate prior to said aligning step.

17. The tanning method of claim 14 wherein said first predetermined pattern comprises a region corresponding to one or more muscles selected from the group consisting of the rectus abdominis muscles, transverse abdominis muscles, internal/external abdominal oblique muscles, and pectoralis major muscles; and wherein said aligning step comprises aligning said alignment region with a landmark structure comprising said subject's umbilicus.

18. The tanning method of claim 14 wherein said tanning system comprises multiple alignment regions; and further comprising the step of selecting one of said alignment regions to be aligned with said subject's landmark structure.

19. The tanning method of claim 18 wherein said multiple alignment regions are comprised of multiple perforated openings in said substrate; and further comprising the step of creating a hole in said substrate corresponding to one of said multiple perforated openings, said hole being aligned with said landmark structure.

20. The tanning method of claim 14 wherein said tanning system also comprises a second substrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light and having a second predetermined pattern substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light to a different degree than said first predetermined pattern; and further comprising the step of:

placing said second substrate over or under said first substrate.

21. The tanning method of claim 20 wherein said second substrate has a second alignment region, and further comprising the step of aligning said second alignment region with a landmark structure on said subject's body prior to said exposing step.

22. The tanning method of claim 14 wherein said tanning system also comprises a second substrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light and having a second predetermined pattern substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light that is different in shape than said first predetermined pattern; and further comprising the step of:

placing said second substrate over or under said first substrate.

23. A tanning system comprising:

a first substrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light, a first predetermined pattern on said first substrate, said first predetermined pattern substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light; and

a second substrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light, a second predetermined pattern on said second substrate, said second predetermined pattern having a degree of impermeability to ultraviolet light that is different than said first predetermined pattern or having a shape that is different than said first predetermined pattern or having both a degree of impermeability to ultraviolet light and a shape that is different than said first predetermined pattern.