Abstract
A face mask component for ears, mouth and chin area and eye area, are formed by three dimensional graphic printing using natural skin tones, shadows and shading, die cut from card stock, with mechanisms formed also of the card stock for holding the same onto a wearer's head. In the embodiment for disguising the ears, a downwardly open slot is formed for sliding over the cartilage holding the actual wearer's ear to his/her head; in the embodiment for a mouth and chin disguise component, a pair of inwardly directed tips, also formed from the card stock holds the same to the nose of the wearer; and in the embodiment for disguising the eye segment of the head, the component is provided with a pair of arms, like the arms of glasses, for holding the same to the temples of the head and over the ears.
Claims
1. A face mask component comprised of: a. A thin, flat, piece of die-cut card stock; b. Graphical and realistic-like elements printed thereon using natural skin tones, shading and shadowing for presenting a three dimensional visual effect of a face segment; and c. An integrated mechanism for holding the same to a segment of a face without ancillary means.
2. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said component is selected from one or more of an ear; a mouth; and an eye segment of a face.
3. A face mask component as claimed in claim 2 wherein said mouth comprises lips and a chin section.
4. A face mask component as claimed in claim 2 further comprising an additional object in association with said mouth which is also printed onto said die-cut card stock.
5. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said integrated mechanism is not adhesive, elastic, or string.
6. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said integrated mechanism for holding is a downward open slot which slides over the cartilage extending an actual ear of the wearer from his/her head.
7. A face mask component as claimed in claim 6 wherein said downward open slot has a vertical axis and said open slot is provided with an associated fold line extending along said vertical axis.
8. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said integrated mechanism for holding the same is a pair of opposed holding tips defining a curved opening which allows said component to be suspended from the nostrils of the nose of the wearer.
9. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die cut card stock presents an oversized ear.
10. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die cut card stock is in the shape of a large round extension with a pair of opposed tips which hold the same to the nostrils of a nose of a wearer.
11. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die cut card stock has graphic printing thereon of a natural face of a fulcrum, lips, mouth, chin and cheeks.
12. A face mask component as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a non-facial element also printed onto said card stock in association with the mouth.
13. A face mask component as claimed in claim 12 wherein said non-facial element is selected from: a cherry, a strawberry, a piece of food, and orthodontic braces.
14. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said integrated mechanism for holding the same is a pair of temple pieces, also die cut from said thin, flat card stock.
15. A face mask component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said graphical and realistic-like elements printed thereon are one or more of eyebrows, a forehead segment, eyelashes, eye liner, and other stylistic eye make-up.
16. A face mask component as claimed in claim 16 wherein said integrated mechanism for holding the same is a pair of temple pieces held to said card stock by fold lines.
17. A method of making a face mask component for disguise purposes for any one of the ears, the mouth and chin and the eyes, comprising the steps of: a. Printing graphics onto thin card stock which present a realistic ear, mouth and chin, or eyes; b. Die cutting the same; c. And providing a mechanism to the card stock, which is a continuation of the card stock, for holding the same to a face segment of a wearer.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said mechanism is a downwardly open slot which slides over the cartilage holding a real ear to the head of a wearer.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said mechanism is a pair of opposed tips which hold said card stock to the nostrils of the nose of the wearer.
20. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said mechanism is a pair of temple pieces having ear-engaging surfaces.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown for use as an ear face mask component;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown for use as a lips, mouth with cheeks and chin face mask component;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown for use as an eye section face mask component, with rearwardly extending temple pieces (only one is shown);
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown for use as an eye section face mask component as shown in FIG. 3 (the pair of temple pieces extend rearwardly and thus are not seen from this front on view);
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown for use as an eye section face mask component (a single temple piece is shown as is the side of the flat front section;
[0022] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of an example of the three dimensional looking graphics which can be printed on a flat piece of card stock, for subsequent die cutting and then use as the ear face mask component of the present invention as shown in Figure;
[0023] FIG. 6B is a front view of an example of the three dimensional looking graphics which can be printed on a flat piece of card stock, for subsequent die cutting and then use as the mouth, chin, fulcrum, cheeks of the mouth and chin face mask component of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2 (notice the mouth is open and teeth with orthodontics thereto shown, in realistic detail, along with shadow lines for realistic graphics of the face contours and chin;
[0024] FIG. 6C is a front view of an example of the three dimensional looking graphics which can be printed on a flat piece of card stock, for subsequent die cutting and then use as the eye area for an eye face mask component as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, with the temple pieces shown outwardly extending and flat, prior to creasing or bending along a vertical fold line for having the temple pieces behind the face mask for packaging (natural skin tone of the eye area, the printing of eyelashes, mascara, eye sockets, eye brows, and shadows can be printed onto the card stock, to present a realistic set of eyes and a face mask for a costume and disguise component (holes or apertures provided for the whites and pupils of the wearer);
[0025] FIG. 7A is a front view of another example of the three dimensional looking graphics for the invention shown in FIG. 1 which can be printed on a flat piece of card stock, for subsequent die cutting and then use as the ear face mask component of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7B is a front view of an example of the three dimensional looking graphics which can be printed on a flat piece of card stock, for subsequent die cutting and then use as the mouth, chin, fulcrum, cheeks of the mouth and chin face mask component of the present invention (notice the mouth is open, with a cherry gripped between the teeth, in realistic detail, along with shadows for realistic graphics of the face contours and chin;
[0027] FIG. 7C is a front view of an example of the three dimensional looking graphics which can be printed on a flat piece of card stock, similar to that shown in FIG. 6C, for subsequent die cutting and then use as the eye area for an eye face mask component, with the temple pieces partially shown outwardly extending and flat, prior to creasing or bending along a vertical fold line for having the temple pieces behind the face mask for packaging (a natural skin tone of the eye area, the printing of eyelashes, minimal mascara, natural tone in the eye sockets, eye brows, and shadows, can be used to present a realistic set of eyes and a face mask for a costume and disguise component (holes or apertures provided for the whites and pupils of the wearer);
[0028] FIG. 8A is a rear perspective view of a wearer about to don the face mask component embodiment for ears, slowing the downward slide of the component shown in FIG. 1, with the finger behind the ear of the wearer;
[0029] FIG. 8B is a front view of a wearer with two face mask components held onto the ears of the wearer in accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 8C is a front, side perspective view of a wearer of the face mask component of the present invention in the mouth and chin embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, showing the same supported by the nostrils of the nose of the wearer; and
[0031] FIG. 8D is a front perspective view of a wearer of the face mask component shown in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 4, and 5, in the form of an eye covering component, and showing the wearer donning the same as a pair of cardboard or die cut card stock in the shape of novelty spectacles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] As seen in the Figures of the drawings, face mask components 10 are provided for selective wear by a child or adult on their face. FIGS. 1, 6a and 7a show the face mask component 10 as would appear in the preferred embodiment for an ear face mask component 12. FIGS. 2, 6B and 6C show the face mask component 10 as would appear in the preferred embodiment for a mouth and chin component 14. FIGS. 3-5, 6C and 7C show the face mask component 10 as would appear in the preferred embodiment for the eye face mask component 16. Certain characteristics are common to all of the face mask components 12, 14, and 16. For example, all are preferably formed of a flat piece of card stock, thin card board, or even flat plastic. The card stock (in the preferred embodiment) is printed with graphics specifically related to the part of the human head (ears for component 12; mouth, cheeks, lips, chin, and fulcrum for component 14; and surrounding eye areas, eyelashes, eye sockets, eye brows, for component 16). Preferably the printing presents a realistic, three dimensional presentation of the anatomy with shadows, changes of color, etc. In alternate embodiments, of course, the use of non-natural skin tones may be used, as in FIG. 7A, where green is the primary hue as the ears are intended to simulate peas in a pod. However, the use of tones, shadows, and graphic printing onto the card stock is meant to present a realistic component of the human head, the ear, the mouth and chin area and the eye area.
[0033] Focusing on the embodiment of the invention set forth in FIG. 1, the ear face mask component 12, there is a large ear component 20 and a small downwardly extending appendage or finger 22, separated from the large ear component 20 by a vertical, open-down slot 24. The open-down slot 24 is meant to slide over the wearer's ear connection i.e., that part of the wearer's ear where the same connects his or her ear to the head. There is some resilience or flexibility to the finger 22 (about a vertical axis aligned with the axis of the finger) and the large ear component 20 so that the wearer can easily manipulate the finger 22 behind the wearer's actual ear with the large ear component 20 extending over the outside of the wearer's actual ear. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8b, the top 26 of the open-down slot 24 has a fold line 28 (see FIGS. 1, 6A and 7A) to allow the large ear component 20 to be folded outwardly so as to present itself substantially perpendicularly to the head of the wearer (as seen in FIG. 8b). FIG. 1 shows the outside edge of the large ear component 20 in dotted lines to emphasize that the configuration and shape is variable, depending upon the imagination of the designer. So, the large ear component 20 can be oversized in comparison to the actual ear size of the wearer, and/or, as seen in FIG. 7A, can have a point at the top, like a Star Trek figure. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates that the outside edge 30 of the large ear component be similar in shape to that of a human ear but oversized for dramatic and masquerade/novelty effect.
[0034] To apply the face mask component 12, in the form of an enlarged ear, shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A, to a wearer, one holds the large ear component 20 (see FIG. 8A) and slides the open down slot 24 over the cartilage which holds the wearer's ear to the head. The finger 22 will be placed behind the ear of the wearer and the large ear component 20 will, when the same is folded about the fold line 28, either overlap the actual ear of the wearer or extend substantially perpendicularly to the head, as shown in FIG. 8B (with a pair of the face mask components 12 being shown). Stated differently, the wearer will hold the ear perpendicularly to the head and using, his/her index finger, push the finger 22 backwardly, as the same is slid down close to the side of the wearer's head. The user then slides the same down over the ear so the front of the large ear component sits in front of the actual ear. This presents a very amusing look to the wearer.
[0035] As mentioned, the ear is formed of thin card stock, printed with realistic skin tones, shadowing, etc. to give the same a look of a real ear. The same is easily die cut and provided in a package, preferably two, to the consumer for purchase. Donning and removal are easy and accomplished without the use of adhesive, elastic, string, etc. The realism of the effect is primarily accomplished by the use of natural skin tones, shading, shadowing, etc. to have the graphics on the large ear component look like a real ear. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a, an ear plug is provided, by printed graphics, as a further comical or amusing look to the oversized ear. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the large ear component is graphically printed in green, to give an alien effect and the tip of the ear is pointed, as at 32, also to emphasize the alien look of the face mask component.
[0036] As best seen in FIGS. 2, 6B, and 7B, a face mask component 14, in the form of a mouth and chin covering is provided. It, too, is formed of thin card stock, printed with realistic skin tones, shadows and shading to simulate the fulcrum beneath the nose, the upper and lower lips, a mouth, teeth (if desired), something in association with the mouth, e.g., a cherry, a set of gnarled teeth, a set of orthodontic braces on teeth, etc.) and a chin and set of opposed cheeks. Representative graphics are shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B. After printing, the card stock is simply die cut for presentation to the consumer. One or both sides can be provided with the same or a distinct graphic image of the mouth and chin.
[0037] As seen in the Figures, the face mask component in the form of a mouth and chin covering 14 is basically a large downward, somewhat circular, extension 40 with a pair of inwardly directed, opposed holding tips 42, defining an opening 44, with a curved wall 46. The outside edge 48 is shown in dotted lines as the same may be varied according to the desire and imagination of the designer. In this preferred embodiment, the outside edge 48 defines a somewhat roundish shape, defined on the side edges by a pair of cheek edges, as graphically printed on the component, see FIGS. 6B and 7B. The face mask component for the mouth and chin is graphically printed with a fulcrum section, a pair of opposed cheeks, upper and lower lips, teeth (if desired and the inside of a mouth), any other associated with the mouth design (cherry, piece of candy, teeth with orthodontics attached, etc.), and a chin beneath the mouth. The device is first graphically printed, with skin tones, shading and shadows, in the preferred embodiment to be somewhat realistic to a human face portion, and then die cut. The face mask component in the form of a mouth and chin section 14 is flat, or preferably flat, but because of the realistic printing appears three dimensional, especially when worn.
[0038] FIGS. 6B and 7B show the face mask component in the form of a mouth and chin 14 with an open mouth, with teeth and with orthodontic braces on the teeth, along with lips, and a chin and cheeks, as the same would appear when the mouth of a human smiles to display their teeth.
[0039] The face mask component in the form of a mouth and chin component 14, shown in FIG. 7B, is a graphic of a woman's mouth and chin, and shows her natural (in this case Caucasian) skin tones, red, lipstick lips, white teeth, grasping a strawberry there between, open mouth, cheek lines and a chin. Yet, it will be appreciated that while the graphics are distinct from that shown in FIG. 6B, the die cut shape of both FIGS. 6B and 7B are quite similar if not identical. There is a large downward, somewhat circular, extension 40 with a pair of inwardly directed, opposed holding tips 42, defining an opening 44, with a curved wall 46. The holding tips 42 and curved wall 46 are the mechanism for holding this face mask component 14 onto the wearer's face, as seen in FIG. 8C. The holding tips 4 extend around and just above the bulbous part of the nostrils and the curved wall 46 extends below the nose of the wearer. The holding tips are meant to slightly pinch against the nostrils and will thus hold the mouth and chin face mask component onto the wearer's face, with the mouth of the component, the cheeks, lips, the chin, basically superimposed over and held over the actual mouth (open or closed), the cheeks, lips and the chin of the wearer, to present a novel and visually amusing look.
[0040] As best seen in FIG. 8C, the face mask component for a mouth and chin 14 is selectively installed onto a wearer's face by placing the holding tips over the outside and slightly pinching the nostrils of the wearer's nose. In this manner, the mouth and chin component 14 will hang from the nose and present the desired three dimensional graphic effect, a masquerading or disguise, comprised of fulcrum, lips, mouth, cheeks, and chin.
[0041] FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6C, 7C and 8D show the face mask component in the embodiment for presenting a novel eye portion 16. This component is also intended to be made from thin, flat card stock, then printed on with skin tones and make up, for presenting the eye mask portion of a person's head, with makeup, eye lashes (top and bottom), mascara, eye liner, other attractive eye effects, and eye brows. The use of skin tones, shadows and shading in graphic printing onto the card stock is intended to present a realistic yet stylized forehead area, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other features to the eye mask area. In this embodiment, after the graphics are printed, to present a three dimensional looking and realistic upper face segment for the eyes 16, the goggle like shape 50 is die cut along with a pair of outwardly extending holding arms 52. These arms 52 are integrated extensions of the goggle like shape 50 and serve to provide a mechanism to hold the face mask component for the eyes 16 onto the wearer's face.
[0042] Holes 54 are die cut, too, to allow for the wearer's whites of the eyes and pupils to be seen. As can be appreciated, the graphics printed onto the card stock is intended, in the preferred embodiment, to present a visually pleasing upper face segment for the eyes. The use of skin tones, mascara, eyeliner, eyeliner, other attractive features to the eyes, shadows and shading, adds to the overall effect.
[0043] The arms 52 extend from the sides of the goggle like shape 50 and can, but aren't required, to have ear cut outs 56 and ear overlap ends 58. These cut outs 56 and overlap ends 58 serve to more securely hold the arms 52 to the side of the head of the wearer with the cut outs going over the ears of the wearer and the overlap ends ending behind the ears of the wearer, much the same way that temple pieces of eyeglasses or spectacles hold onto the ears and head of a wearer. These arms 52 can be folded backwardly about vertical fold lines 60, after the face mask component for the eye segment 16 is die cut.
[0044] To don the component 16, the arms 52 are first unfolded so that they extend perpendicularly to the front face of the goggle like shape 50, as seen in FIG. 8D, and then, the ear cut outs and arms are slid such that the cut outs wrap over the ears of the wearer. Then, the overlap ends will extend behind the wearer's ears. The component 16 is worn just like a pair of glasses, but the visual presentation is highly distinct. This is a face mask component, an upper face or eye mask which allows the wearer to see through the same. And, the present invention, is presented with realistic, three dimensional printed graphics on a very inexpensive card stock which is die cut after printing.
