A tanning device

Abstract

A tanning device for a torso comprising one or more blocking portions 1, 2, 6 and one or more open sections 5. Wherein the one or more open sections are arranged to provide spacing with respect to the

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tanning device, in particular a tanning device for a torso; more particularly but not exclusively a device for providing definition through tanning. Background Increasing numbers of people, male and female and in many societies, are keen to showcase their bodies. A torso that is defined, with prominent abdominal muscles in particular, is a desirable feature for many people. However it can be difficult to maintain, and even when present it may not always be obvious. Prior Art GB 2017 11 008 (DENNIS) discloses a body art stencil for creating images and designs on the skin by utilising the skin's natural response to sunlight or UV rays, which is in the form of an adhesive patch applied to the skin, possessing open (cutout), closed, and variegated areas to produce varying intensities of tanning on the subjects skin corresponding to different areas of the stencil's design. WO 2006 121 821 (SHY) discloses 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 GB 9 624 372 (HARDEN) discloses an improved system for providing the human body with a tan involves the use of a film of material which is permeable to ultra-violet light and which is adapted to be laid on part of a human body, for example the torso. The film is covered in certain desired regions with a material which is impermeable to ultra-violet light, which regions are surrounded by regions which are only slightly permeable to ultra-violet light. When a person wearing the film is subjected to 5 tanning, the result is improved appearance of the torso, for example, the person may look fitter, slimmer and / or more muscular. The tanning may be achieved by either natural sunlight or by means of a sunbed. The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 10 devices. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a tanning device for a torso 15 comprising one or more blocking portion and one or more open section, wherein the one or more open section is arranged to provide spacing with respect to the blocking portion, such that the blocking portion is arranged to limit passage of light rays and the open section is arranged to allow passage of light rays; the one or more open section defining a torso musculature, wherein the blocking portion has a footprint that lessens towards the torso.. 20 In some embodiments the blocking portion may comprise a single part. In other embodiments the blocking portion may comprise a plurality of parts. In such embodiments the blocking portion may include connecting portions. Such connecting 25 portions may be envisaged to connect separate parts of the blocking portion such that the blocking portion or device in general may be easy to transport or store, and / or may be easily operable in use with reference to the torso defining purpose. In some embodiments the connecting portions may be envisaged to allow light 30 passage in a manner similar to the open section. In some embodiments the connecting portions may be envisaged to limit light passage in a manner similar to the blocking portion. 35 In some embodiments the connecting portions may be envisaged to be temporarily connectable to the blocking portion. In some embodiments the connecting portions may be envisaged to be temporarily connectable to the open section. For example in some embodiments the connecting portions may comprise temporary connection means such as hook and loop material like Velcro (RTM), ferromagnetic connection means or resilient clip means such as poppers or press studs. In some embodiments the connecting portions may be adjustable, such that the blocking portion or parts may be rearranged with reference to the open section(s). In this way it may be envisaged that the device may be arranged for preferred torso definition, such as to accommodate different body shapes or positions. In some embodiments the device may be formed in a flexible, and / or resilient, and / or elastomeric material. In some embodiments the device may be comprised of more than one layer or material. For example in some embodiments a lower or bottom layer may be envisaged to provide the connecting section(s), and an upper or top layer may be envisaged to provide the blocking portion(s). Such layers may be discontinuous or continuous. For example the lower layer may underlay the top layer so as to provide the connecting section which connects a discontinuous top layer. The layers may be permanently or temporarily attached. For example the layers may be bound together with heat and / or adhesive. In some embodiments the blocking portions may comprise progressive, inclined or curved edges, which edges may be envisaged to allow inclined light rays to avoid blocking, and / or provide edges to the blocking portion that allow progressive, feathered or diffused tanning lines in use as the sun moves. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a sketch view of a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown embodiments of the device which generally comprises a tanning device 99 for a torso comprising one or more blocking portion 1, 2, 6 and one or more open section 5, wherein the one or more open section is arranged to provide spacing with respect to the blocking portion, such that the blocking portion is arranged to limit passage of light rays and the open section is arranged to allow passage of light rays; characterised in that the one or more open section defines a torso. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a bipartite embodiment, having a top layer and a lower layer. The lower layer forms connection portions for the blocking portions, and is continuous beneath top layer. The lower layer is transparent silicone. The top layer is comprised of opaque silicone, forming the blocking portion, and in the first pictured embodiment comprises eight separate parts, each bonded to the lower layer. The eight parts comprise to form a vertically spaced arrangement of a central sternum part 3, four abdominal parts 2, and a waist part 6, with two side torso parts 1 running vertically alongside. Below each of the parts the lower layer extends to form the connecting portions 4, wherein the lower layer is smaller in size than the top layer, and which provides thin spurs extending between and spacing out the parts to form the open section 5. In this way as the blocking portion has a footprint that lessens towards the torso, as the sun moves the blocking portion’s edge will alter and a hard tanning line at the edge is prevented. The open section includes a section defining the navel as well as spacing apart the other parts of the blocking portion. The embodiment thereby provides a template to achieve a look quickly on holiday and summer days to give a 'six pack look' without any training or exercise. The template is not designed to be a cartoon-like six pack providing a much more realistic outline with uneven sections to give the best impression of real muscles. The embodiment is made entirely from silicone and is able to flex to the user's body in use. The top layer with the defined muscle-related portions is white as this will reflect heat the best. The lower layer is a thinner clear section which simultaneously lifts the top layer off the skin to allow lower levels of (ultraviolet) UV around the edge and also acts as a connecting portion for all the parts of the blocking portion. The lower layer is a translucent silicone which will still allow sunlight through and will be as thin as possible, without compromising strength. The shape is based on a realistic six pack shape, whilst sizing will vary across men and woman to select the size that best suits. It may be envisaged that in use the open section over the user’s navel or belly button can be used as a reference point each time. Alternatively or additionally, small pen marks could be used. 5 Alternatively to wearing the device in the sun, the user can apply suntan lotion to the blocking portion’s flat top surface. It may be envisaged that the user may reverse the device and lay it onto their stomach, transferring suntan lotion onto the skin. The product can then be removed 10 and an outline will remain. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely 15 combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A tanning device for a torso comprising one or more blocking portion and one or more open section, wherein the one or more open section is arranged to provide spacing with respect to the blocking portion, such that the blocking portion is arranged to limit passage of light rays and the open section is arranged to allow passage of light rays; the one or more open section defining a torso musculature, wherein the blocking portion has a footprint that lessens towards the torso.

102. A device according to claim 1 comprised of more than one layer.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the blocking portion is discontinuous.

154. A device according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the device comprises a lower layer providing connecting portions between discontinuous blocking portions.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the connecting portions are 20 transparent.

6. A device according to any preceding claim comprised substantially of silicone.

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