ADHESIVE DEVICE FOR MASKING LOCALIZED VARIATIONS IN SKIN APPEARANCE AND TOPOGRAPHY

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefits of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/683,014 filed Aug. 14, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACT

Not applicable.

STATEMENT RE. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK NOTICES

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights and trade dress rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates generally to devices for smoothing the appearance of localized variations in skin topography and in particular, thin and textured adhesive devices operative to smooth the appearance of facial scars and other surface imperfections.

BACKGROUND

Facial scars, blemishes, discoloration, and uneven skin texture can impact an individual's self-esteem and confidence, especially as society increasingly embraces social media and digitally filtering and/or enhancing one's appearance. This, of course, can lead to heightened self-consciousness. These skin imperfections, whether resulting from acne, injury, or other causes, can be particularly distressing as the face is a prominent and highly visible part of the body. Many people feel that their facial scars draw unwanted attention and overshadow their natural features, leading to social anxiety and reluctance to engage in face-to-face interactions. This self-consciousness can affect various aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional opportunities, and overall mental well-being, driving individuals to seek effective cosmetic solutions to improve their skin's appearance and regain their confidence.

Various serums, cream, foam, gel and liquid compositions as well as procedures of varying invasiveness are sometimes proposed for smoothing facial scars and textured facial skin. Exfoliation and resurfacing techniques such as microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling, and laser resurfacing have been particularly popular for improving skin texture without resorting to surgery. Still, while exfoliation and resurfacing techniques can yield improvements for the cosmetic reduction of facial scars and smoothing of facial skin texture, they are not without downsides. Microdermabrasion and dermaplaning, for instance, may cause redness, irritation, and sensitivity, and even additional scarring and infection if performed incorrectly or too aggressively, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Laser resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling, though more advanced, carry risks such as post-treatment swelling, redness, and, in some cases, hyperpigmentation or scarring if not performed correctly. Additionally, these treatments may necessitate downtime for recovery, during which patients must avoid sun exposure and adhere to specific skincare regimens to avoid further damage. All of these procedures require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, leading to high cost and time investment. This and the potential for discomfort can be deterrents for some individuals seeking smoother skin.

As alternatives or supplements to these procedures, some have proposed liquid and gel compositions for smoothing wrinkles and skin texture imperfections, such as U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0195783 by Breyfogle and U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,783 to Rosenbloom. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,878 to Blaine is directed to an improved silicone patch worn daily for at least three days for at least 12 hours a day and impregnated with an antioxidant and/or antimicrobial formulated to minimize the appearance of scars. Still, the efficacy of these and other compositions for improving individuals' skin texture is unpredictable due, at least in part, to a lack of comprehensive clinical studies and variability in individual skin types.

As an alternative proposal, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20020110672 by Muratore-Pallatino et al. teaches a skin-colored temporary opaque tattoo for concealing skin conditions such as veins, blemishes, wine marks, bruises, etc. However, this is not sufficient to smooth the texture and appearance of scarring and may not be compatible with cosmetics that a user may also like to use.

Thus, although various proposals have been made to solve the problems, none of those in existence combine the characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, there remains a need for an adhesive device operative to mask textured, and in particular, scarred facial skin.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an adhesive device configured to visually blend with a user's skin and conceal surface imperfections.

In an embodiment, the adhesive device comprises a thin and flexible patch made from a hypoallergenic or even non-comedogenic friendly polymer configured to seamlessly visually blend with the skin when applied thereto. In some embodiments, the patch may be porous, defining a plurality of holes or divots that resemble natural skin texture and permit airflow to the underlying skin.

The device is operative to conceal textural imperfections such as acne, scarring, and wrinkles on the skin and may be virtually imperceptible to the naked eye when applied to the skin and then covered with cosmetics such as cream, powder, and/or liquid primers, foundations, concealers and the like. In some embodiments, the device is provided in a series of pre-formed skin-mimicking patches available in a variety of sizes and shapes optimized for different anatomical regions of the face. For instance, the patches may be shaped as round, oval, elongated oval, arcuate, slim, tapered, teardrop, whether sized to conceal relatively large or small areas of the skin, without departing from the invention. The particular size and shape may be determined or informed by the contours of common treatment areas such as under-eye lines, forehead wrinkles, jawline, neck, and acne-prone zones. In some embodiments, the adhesive device comprises a two-sided patch of skin-friendly polymer material up to about 3.5 millimeters thick, though thinner patchs are contemplated. The material may be, for example only and not limitation, silicone, skin-safe—and even medical-grade—polymer blends, and/or silicone blended with other polymers. In some embodiments, for instance, the patch may be silicone-polyurethane and/or other material blends, thermoplastic polymers, or custom engineered polymers. In embodiments where the patch is configured for multiple uses, durability may be achieved, for example, through the use of skin-friendly polymer materials, edge treatments resistant to fraying or deformation, and adhesives that maintain performance after cleaning or reapplication. Various suitable techniques for enabling reusability, including gentle cleaning methods and replaceable adhesive layers, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the selection of materials may further depend on whether the device is intended to be reworn or is configured for daily use.

A fine layer of hypoallergenic and/or non-comedogenic adhesive known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be applied to one side of the patch and operative to temporarily but securely adhere the patch to a user's skin. In particular, the adhesive is operative to temporarily but securely adhere the patch to a textured portion of the user's skin, such as a portion having scarring, pitting, enlarged pores, rough patches, healed burns, discoloration, tattoos, and any texture or visible variations in skin texture and/or tone that a user would like to visibly mask and smooth over. The adhesive layer and patch material may be selected or engineered to maintain flexibility, stretchability, and material conformity when worn, such that facial movement is not impeded and anatomical curvature is accommodated across different face shapes and motion states.

In embodiments where the patch is porous, the presence of holes or similar features may improve flexibility and ensure that a user's unique facial contours and topography can be accommodated. In addition, pores may prevent the patch from appearing too smooth or unnatural when placed on skin that is naturally at least somewhat textured. This may further allow the skin to “breathe” or remain at least partially unobstructed when in use, thereby promoting healthier skin.

The patches may be manufactured in a range of approximate sizes from about 5 mm to about 50 mm in maximum dimension, depending on the intended application zone. Smaller patches may provide increased precision and universality across users with varying facial dimensions, and larger patches may be used in isolation or combination with others.

In some embodiments, providing the device in patch form, such as with protective backing or release liner to maintain the adhesive prior to use, rather than in a roll also makes the device easier to use. For example, if the patch is thin and optionally porous, it may be more susceptible to tearing or deformation when stored in rolled form.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the edge geometry may be scalloped, feathered, or tapered to further reduce visible edge contrast and promote seamless skin integration during wear. Indeed, in some embodiments, the edges of the patch may be relatively thinner than the center of the patch in order to improve the visual effect of blending with the user's skin.

The patch may be provided in any shape desired or needed. However, in some embodiments, the patch is up to about 2 inches square. In some embodiments, the patch is up to about 1 inches square. In some embodiments, the patch is up to about 0.75 inches or 0.5 inches square. Of course, it is not necessary that the patch be square to practice the invention. The device may be, for instance, about 0.75 by about 0.5 inches, or any other dimensions needed or desired to cover and visually smooth certain skin textures. Providing the patch in smaller sizes may improve its universality. That is, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to provide relatively smaller patchs that can be combined with others to cover targeted portions of the skin which may be different shapes and sizes among various individual users. Still, it may be possible to cut the patch to size as needed or desired without departing from the invention.

Multiple patch shapes and sizes may be included in a single product offering or as a kit, allowing users to apply different patchs to different regions of the face or body depending on their unique anatomy and concerns.

The color of the patch may vary. For instance, it may be fully or at least partially transparent to permit a user's skin tone to show through the patch when worn. In some embodiments, however, the patch may be an at least partially translucent shade of beige, off white, tan, brown, or the like to visually blend with the skin more closely without the use of additional cosmetics. In some embodiments, multiple color variations may be offered to accommodate a broader range of skin tones and optimize visual blending without requiring makeup.

It is also contemplated, however, that the patch need not be translucent at all to practice the invention. For instance, the patch may be fully translucent, opaque, semi-opaque, or even vary depending on the particular aesthetic needs and desires of the user. This could include, for instance, the level of coverage required to visually obscure certain skin textures and conditions.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested.

It is contemplated that providing such a patch according to the disclosure and claims provided below may improve cosmetic appearance, promote ease of use, and enhance user comfort while maintaining a skin-like appearance.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a discreet, skin-friendly patch for visually smoothing textured skin.

It is another object of the invention to provide an adhesive patch in a range of anatomically-optimized shapes and sizes for targeted application to different areas of a user's face and/or body.

It is yet another object of the invention to improve seamless blending with skin via translucent and/or skin-toned materials.

It is another object of the invention to maintain flexibility, stretch, and conformity across facial movements without compromising adhesion or visual concealment.

It is still another object of the invention to deliver skin-benefiting ingredients such as humectants, antioxidants, or soothing agents to promote skin health during wear.

One or more of the above-disclosed embodiments, in addition to certain alternatives, are provided in further detail below with reference to the attached figures. The disclosed subject matter is not, however, limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an adhesive device for masking textured skin as a patch.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the exemplary patch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an adhesive device for masking textured skin as another patch.

FIG. 4 shows cross sectional view of the exemplary patch of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate alternative exemplary embodiments of the adhesive device for masking textured skin as a variety of patches.

FIG. 7 shows one example of a device for masking textured skin in use.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary collection of alternatively shaped adhesive devices in accordance with some embodiments.

The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the method and system claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the patch may be printed with aesthetic designs or cut to size as desired. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

FIGS. 1 and 2 show respective perspective and exploded views of one exemplary embodiment of an adhesive device for masking localized variations in skin appearance and topography, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this and other exemplary shapes shown in the figures are provided for example only and not limitation.

In some embodiments, the adhesive device comprises a thin and flexible patch 10 having an inner surface 12 and outer surface 14. The patch 10 may be made from a biocompatible, skin-safe elastomer material up to about 3.5 millimeters thick at a central portion 16, though thinner patches are contemplated.

A fine layer of skin-safe adhesive 18, such as acrylic, natural, and medical grade contact adhesives and polymers such as acrylates, hydrogels, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or biocompatible silicone adhesives known to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be applied to the inner surface 12 of the patch 10. Although hypoallergenic and/or non-comedogenic adhesive are preferred, it should be noted that some users may have more reactive or sensitive skin than others and therefore that an individual's own intolerance for the adhesive 18, or the patch 10 itself will not limit the invention. As such, the exemplary adhesive 18 may be applied to the inner surface 12 the patch 10 and operative to temporarily but securely adhere the patch to a user's skin. In particular, the adhesive is operative to temporarily but securely adhere the patch to a portion of the user's skin that varies in appearance and topography, and that such user wishes to mask and visually blend with surrounding skin, such as an area having scarring, healed burns, pitting, enlarged pores, rough patches, discoloration, and any other surface variations that a user wishes to visibly smooth.

In some embodiments, the adhesives may be infused with active ingredients depending on the intended function. The patch or adhesive itself may therefore comprise one or more therapeutic or skin-benefiting ingredients, including but not limited to occlusive agents, such as dimethicone or petrolatum, to seal in moisture; humectants, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, for hydration; peptides and antioxidants, such as niacinamide, vitamin C, or green tea extract; anti-inflammatory agents, such as allantoin, panthenol, or licorice root; collagen-boosting actives such as retinol derivatives or growth factors; and soothing or skin-barrier-enhancing agents, such as ceramides or oat extract.

A removable backing 20, or release liner, may be supplied to protect the adhesive from degradation and/or contamination prior to application to the user's skin. In some embodiments, the backing 20 may comprise plastic film coated with a non-reactive silicone or any other release agent known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the exemplary figures, the backing 20 is a standard removable release liner provided as a single piece, and in the exemplary figure, is shaped to conform to the shape of the patch 10. However, it is contemplated that each patch 10 may alternatively be secured or stored on a backing 20 larger in size than the patch 10 itself. This may facilitate handling and storage, particularly in embodiments adapted for reuse.

In some embodiments, the release liner may be a removable backing provided as multiple pieces (e.g., a split-back “butterfly” configuration) to facilitate handling and easy removable. In certain embodiments, the backing may be configured to dissolve, melt away, or otherwise self-remove upon application to the skin. The release liner may be formed from any suitable material, including those providing a cosmetic or functional role, such as imparting a particular surface texture or delivering a skin-contacting treatment upon removal. Although optional, such release liners and backing configurations protect the adhesive layer prior to use and may be incorporated in various formats without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Notably, the thin, flexible patch 10 may define a tapered outer edge 22 configured to seamlessly blend the boundary of the patch 10 with surrounding skin. Such tapering may create a visual effect that softens or blurs the transition between the patch 10 and surrounding skin, thereby reducing perceptibility to the naked eye and in photographs and other visual recordings. The tapered outer edge 22 may define countless different configurations without departing from the invention, thus the foregoing are provided by way of example only and not limitation. For instance, in FIG. 1, the tapered outer edge 22 may be scalloped, meaning that the tapered outer edge 22 defines a repeating series of smooth convex curves. However, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tapered outer edge 22 be defined by feathered or narrowing projections extending outward from the patch perimeter 23 to create a diffuse, irregular transition that visually blends with the surrounding skin.

In some embodiments, the tapered outer edge 22 has a uniform width around the patch 10; however, in others, the width may vary to further improve not only blending but flexibility. With particular attention to FIG. 4, it may be seen more clearly that the central portion 16 is thicker than the tapered outer edge 22, while the width of adhesive 18 and backing 20 remain constant. In certain embodiments, the taper narrows to between about 1 to about 3 mils at its outermost boundary.

The particular grade or transition between the central portion 16 and tapered outer edge 22 will not limit the invention and may vary depending on application. For instance, he taper may be gradual, extending over a relatively wide region to create a smooth visual blend, or more abrupt to conserve material thickness in the central portion. In some embodiments, the transition may be uniform around the patch perimeter 23, while in others it may vary in width or angle at different points along the edge to better match local skin contours and improve concealment. The grade of the taper may also be selected to optimize performance for specific shapes, sizes, or intended application zones.

In some embodiments, defining a plurality of holes or divots 24 that resemble natural, porous skin texture and, in the case of holes, permit airflow to the underlying skin.

Indeed, in embodiments where the patch is porous, the presence of holes or similar features may further improve flexibility and ensure that a user's unique facial contours and topography can be accommodated. In any case, texturizing the outer surface 14 of the patch may prevent the patch from appearing too smooth or unnatural when placed on skin that is naturally at least somewhat textured. Adding or utilizing pores with the surface texture may further allow the skin to “breathe” or remain at least partially unobstructed when in use, thereby promoting healthier skin.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate not only exemplary variations in outer surface 14, 64 texture, but also varied shapes. For example, FIG. 5 depicts a generally circular patch with divots 24 that resemble natural, porous skin and scalloped, scalloped outer edges 22, while FIG. 6 depicts generally rectangular patches 60 having a textured, but not necessarily porous outer surface 64. It will also be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, the rectangular patches 60 include straight tapered edges 62 configured to blend with surrounding skin. Thus, the particular shape and character of the patch surface itself and tapered outer edges will not limit the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a series of images showing exemplary application of the patch. In a first image 70, a portion of skin is shown having variation in appearance and topography 71. In a second image 72, an exemplary patch 73 is shown interposed over the variation in skin appearance and topography from the first image 70. In a third image 74, a backing 75 is shown being removed from the patch 73, and in a fourth image 76, the patch is shown visually blended into the surrounding skin so that the transition is not readily perceptible. FIG. 7 thus illustrates that the device is operative to conceal textural imperfections such as acne, scarring, and wrinkles on the skin, and may be virtually imperceptible to the naked eye when applied to the skin. The patch may be covered with cosmetics such as cream, powder, and/or liquid primers, foundations, concealers, and the like to enhance this effect.

The adhesive layer and patch material may be selected or engineered to maintain flexibility, stretchability, and material conformity when worn, such that facial movement is not impeded and anatomical curvature is accommodated across different face shapes and motion states. In various embodiments, the patch may additionally be operative to conceal visible imperfections such as scars, wrinkles, burns, tattoos, and enlarged pores; visually restore or simulate facial volume in areas exhibiting age-related hollowing or loss of fullness; provide sun protection by functioning as a physical UV barrier and/or incorporating UV-protective agents; lock in moisture to improve skin texture over time; gently flatten fine lines and wrinkles by holding skin in a smoother position; and assist in retraining facial muscles by restricting repetitive movements to potentially minimize the formation or deepening of lines.

In some embodiments, the biocompatible, skin-safe elastomer material may be a hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic-friendly polymer configured to seamlessly visually blend with the skin when applied. The material may be, for example only and not limitation, silicone and/or silicone blended with other polymers. Other suitable materials may include polyurethane blends, thermoplastic elastomers, or custom-engineered polymers designed for breathability, translucency, or targeted therapeutic delivery.

Indeed, in some embodiments, the patch may be sized and configured for reuse and even daily wear. Such embodiments may be designed to withstand normal facial movement, environmental exposure, such as humidity and perspiration, and extended wear periods throughout the day while maintaining visual blending. In embodiments where the patch is configured for multiple uses, the patch may be made more durable through the use of skin-friendly, wear-resistant polymer materials, edge treatments resistant to fraying or deformation, and adhesives that maintain performance after cleaning or reapplication. Various suitable techniques for enabling reusability, including gentle cleaning methods and replaceable adhesive layers, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The color of the patch may vary without departing from the invention. For instance, it may be fully or at least partially transparent to permit a user's skin tone to show through the patch when worn. In some embodiments, the patch may be an at least partially translucent shade of beige, off-white, tan, brown, or the like to visually blend with the skin more closely without the use of additional cosmetics.

It is also contemplated, however, that the patch need not be translucent at all to practice the invention. For instance, the patch may be fully translucent, opaque, semi-opaque, or even vary depending on the particular aesthetic needs and desires of the user. This could include, for instance, the level of coverage required to visually obscure certain skin textures and conditions.

In some embodiments, multiple color variations may be offered to accommodate a broader range of skin tones and optimize visual blending without requiring makeup. Such material and color characteristics may contribute to the visually blended effect shown in the final frame of FIG. 7.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the patch is provided as part of a kit or system including one or more accessory products, such as adhesives (optionally formulated for various skin types or wear durations), edge blenders for concealing a patch perimeter, skin primers, finishing sprays or sealers, skin-prep or removal solutions, storage accessories, and/or cleaning accessories. Various forms, types, and formulations of such products are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These additions may be used improve and/or enhance application, concealment, durability, or removal of the patch. As such, the patch may be provided independently or together with any of or any combination of such products, and the disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration or packaging arrangement.

FIG. 8 illustrates a variety of exemplary patches having feathered edges, optional porosity, and differing shapes. Indeed, each patch may be provided in any shape desired or needed. These shapes should not be limited to porous texture and feathered edges, but are provided for example only and not limitation. It will be seen that in some embodiments, the adhesive device for masking localized variations in skin appearance and topography is provided as a one or more pre-formed, skin-mimicking patches available in a variety of sizes and shapes optimized for different anatomical regions of the face. For example, the patches may be round 82, oval 84, elongated and/or slim 84, arcuate 86, asymmetrically tapered, teardrop-shaped, t-shaped 88, triangular, among others, and may be sized to conceal relatively large or small areas of the skin. The particular size and shape may be selected or adapted for common treatment areas such as under-eye lines, forehead wrinkles, jawline, neck, and acne-prone zones.

The patches may be manufactured in a range of approximate sizes from about 5 mm to about 50 mm in maximum dimension, depending on the intended application zone. Smaller patches may provide increased precision and universality across users with varying facial dimensions, while larger patches may be used in isolation or in combination with others.

In some embodiments, each patch may be up to about 2 inches square; in others, up to about 1 inch square. In some other embodiments, each patch may be up to about 0.75 inches or 0.5 inches square. It is not necessary that the patch dimensions be square to practice the invention—for instance, it may be about 0.75 by about 0.5 inches, or any other dimensions suitable for covering and/or visually smoothing targeted skin areas. In some embodiments, the patch may be cut to size as needed or desired without departing from the invention.

Multiple patch shapes and sizes may be included in a single product offering or kit, allowing users to apply different patches to different regions of the face or body depending on their unique anatomy and cosmetic goals.

In the figures, patches are shown as discrete, individual sheets of pre-formed material. However, it is also contemplated that they may be provided in the form of a cuttable or perforated, tearable roll, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Nevertheless, providing the device as pre-cut patches with the aforementioned protective backing to preserve the adhesive prior to use may improve ease of handling and application. IA thin and optionally porous roll of material may be more susceptible to tearing or deformation when manipulated, and users may find it difficult to cut precisely sized portions or to produce fully tapered edges from a roll. Such limitations can reduce the ability of the patch to seamlessly blend with surrounding skin when applied. Accordingly, while this will not limit the invention, pre-cut patches allow for precise sizing, controlled edge geometry, and consistent performance, thereby improving both ease of application and the resulting cosmetic effect.

The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the adhesive device for masking textured skin with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the adhesive device for masking textured skin to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed system, method and apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the adhesive device for masking textured skin is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the method, system, and apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

While certain aspects of the method and system disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the method, system, and apparatus are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the adhesive device for masking textured skin.