Face soaking device

Abstract

To provide a skin soaking device.SOLUTION: Face soaking devices and methods of use are described and disclosed. In one embodiment, devices may comprise a vessel and a vessel neck gasket. The vessel may be configured to hold a liquid in which a face of a user or a portion thereof is submerged. The vessel neck gasket may be removably joined to the vessel. The vessel neck gasket may be configured to comfortably accommodate a portion of the user's neck. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise a breathing apparatus that may be in removable contact with: the vessel, with a head rest subassembly and / or with the user. The breathing apparatus may be configured to permit the user to breathe while the user's face may be submerged in the liquid. When the vessel may be filled with the liquid to at least a sufficient level, the user may soak the face or the portion thereof so that the skin being soaked receives a benefit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Priority notice

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 62 / 351,830, filed June 17, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0002]

[0002] This patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 14 / 877,856, filed October 7, 2015, and U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 14 / 964,552, filed December 9, 2015, and claims priority to both of said U.S. nonprovisional patent applications under 35 U.S.C. § 120. The parent U.S. nonprovisional patent applications identified above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth below.

[0003]

[0003] This patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of patent application No. PCT / US15 / 54576, filed October 7, 2015, and claims priority to said PCT non-provisional patent application.

[0004] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application is related to currently pending patent application No. PCT / US15 / 54576, filed on October 7, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0005]

[0005] The present invention relates generally to skin soaking devices, and more specifically to face soaking devices.

[0006] Copyright and Trademark Notices

[0006] A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The Owner has no objection to the ability of anyone to reproduce the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves any and all copyright rights whatsoever.

[0007]

[0007] Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties who may or may not be related to the applicant or assignee. The use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as being descriptive or as limiting the scope of the invention to materials associated solely with such marks. [Background technology]

[0008]

[0008] Human (and terrestrial vertebrate) skin (epidermis) can suffer from a number of problems, such as acne, wrinkles, including age spots, infections, physical damage, and various rashes, including pityriasis rosea, acne rosacea, etc. Each of these skin problems will be briefly discussed below.

[0009]

[0009] Acne can arise from clogged skin pores, which can be seen as pustules or pimples, commonly referred to as blackheads and whiteheads. Such visible acne can be visually unpleasant and painful. Severe acne can also result from physical swelling associated with the rupture of the follicle wall. Scars can result from extensive damage, which can also form deep cysts under the skin. Clogged skin pores, seen as acne, can result from the overproduction of sebum oil, keratin, and / or metabolic by-products of skin pore bacteria, as well as from the cells of skin pore bacteria. A common skin pore bacteria is Propionibacterium acnes (P. acne). It is.

[0010]

[0010] Unwanted wrinkles on the skin can result from age, environmental factors, genetic factors, and repeated facial expressions. Age can be a factor in wrinkle formation. The reason is that as the skin ages, it loses elasticity, partly due to gravity and changes in connective tissue that accumulate over time. Additionally, with age, sebum secretion (from sebaceous glands) can slow down, which can contribute to skin dryness with age, which can increase the visibility of wrinkles. Environmental factors can include exposure to sun and wind, as well as smoke, which can also contribute to wrinkles over time. Additionally, consistent facial expressions, such as squinting, smiling, and thinking, can result in skin wrinkles over time. And in addition to wrinkles, age spots, such as melasma and solar lentigines, can appear on the skin as it ages and is exposed to various environmental factors over time.

[0011]

[0011] Additionally, various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and even some small invertebrates, can infect the skin with various levels of severity, both on the surface and in the skin tissue. For example, the mere presence of some such microorganisms, whether dead or alive, can act as irritants and cause inflammation. Also, some microbial metabolic by-products can act as irritants, while some by-products can actually be toxic. And some microorganisms can actually feed on the skin itself and / or its natural secretions, such as sebum. Also, such microorganisms can infect open wounds on the skin and use such open wounds to enter the body, leading to the risk of infection of the larger body.

[0012]

[0012] Additionally, viruses can cause contagious, painful, and / or unpleasant looking lesions and blisters, e.g., cold sores. When ruptured, such lesions and blisters can cause physical damage and pain to the skin. Such viruses can include herpes and herpetic viruses.

[0013]

[0013] With regard to physical damage to the skin, this can include various wounds, cuts, scrapes, burns, lesions, blisters, and ruptures, etc. Such physical damage to the skin can result in scarring as the skin heals, and can increase the likelihood of various microbial infections prior to healing.

[0014]

[0014] Such skin problems, particularly when they occur on the face, can have secondary detrimental effects, for example on a person's psychological, social and occupational well-being, due to their inherent visibility to other parts of the face.

[0015]

[0015] Pityriasis rosea can be a type of skin rash. Often, it begins with a single "herald patch," a 2-10 centimeter (cm) oval-shaped red lesion, which over the course of one or two weeks can be followed by a full-body rash of many small (5-10 millimeter (mm)) patches of pink and / or red, flaky, oval-shaped lesions, most often on the torso, but also on the cheeks and / or along the hairline.

[0016]

[0016] Acne rosacea or simply rosacea can be a chronic skin rash disease characterized by facial erythema (redness) and sometimes pimples. Rosacea can affect all ages. It can typically begin as a redness in the middle of the face across the cheeks, nose, or forehead, but can also affect the neck, chest, ears, and / or scalp. In some cases, there can be additional signs such as semi-permanent redness, telangiectasias (dilation of the surface blood vessels on the face), red dome-shaped papules (small bumps) and pustules, red gritty eyes, burning and stinging, and in some advanced cases, a red, lobed nose (rhinophyma).

[0017]

[0017] The prior art has responded to such problems with a diversity of techniques. For example, there can be a plethora of different topical ointments and creams to treat various skin problems. However, what is relevant here can be the use of immersing the affected skin in a soaking liquid. Regardless of the explanation, the prior art has shown a positive correlation with improvements to the above-mentioned skin problems by immersing the skin in a suitable soaking liquid. For example, such treatment modalities may be generally known in the art as hydrotherapy, when the soaking liquid in question may be primarily water. However, such hydrotherapy principles may also be applied to other such soaking liquids, such as various oils, various paraffin waxes (typically heated), and mixtures of oil and water (emulsions). As used herein, hydrotherapy can be a means of treating various skin problems by immersing the skin in a particular soaking liquid, which can be primarily water or some other liquid, such as, for example, a form of oil in liquid at room or suitable temperature, a form of paraffin wax in liquid when appropriately heated, or a mixture of oil and water, etc.

[0018]

[0018] Such hydrotherapy may involve immersing a target area of ​​skin in an immersion fluid. The immersion fluid may include a variety of properties. For example, the immersion fluid may include a variety of dissolved salts, such fluids may be known herein as saline solutions. For example, the immersion fluid may include released oxygen, either as dissolved oxygen and / or as gas bubbles within the immersion fluid. For example, the immersion fluid may include an increased or decreased temperature relative to room temperature. And, for example, the immersion fluid may be directed via one or more jets such that a continuous liquid pressure may be directed to the target area of ​​skin.

[0019]

[0019] With respect to saline solutions as soaking fluids, saline and salt as used herein may refer not only to a solution of sodium chloride, but also to other minerals in solution, such as potassium and / or magnesium, which may be dissolved in a solvent, such as primarily water. Also, various negative ions, such as chloride, may be present in solution with positive mineral ions. For example, sodium and potassium salt solutions may be present with chloride ions, and magnesium may be present with sulfate ions, as in Epsom salts. Soaking fluids using various salts may promote different benefits. For example, some such saline solutions may soften the skin, and / or others may seek to moisturize the soaked skin.

[0020]

[0020] The benefits to the skin from immersing it in a saline solution can be primarily due to osmosis, which can be the random movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane (such as a cell membrane, including skin cells) from an area of ​​high water concentration (e.g., within a cell) to an area of ​​low water concentration (e.g., the saline solution). Thus, the saline solution has a higher salt concentration than the salt concentration within the cell. Sometimes osmosis will act to draw water out of cells, including skin cells. For example, human blood has an average salt concentration of about 0.85% by weight, which is often rounded to 0.9%. Thus, if the saline solution in which the skin may be immersed is greater than 0.9% by weight, there will be an osmotic flow of water molecules from the skin cells into the saline solution.

[0021] However, it is from this flow of water molecules across cell membranes that several benefits may arise for treating and / or ameliorating the various skin problems mentioned above.

[0022]

[0022] For example, with respect to acne, skin with acne that is exposed to saline solution can see a reduction in acne. Such reduction can result from the saline solution reducing the sebum oil in the pores by reducing the population of skin pore bacteria and / or by the saline solution helping to reduce the size of the skin pores. The saline solution can help loosen the sebum oil from the pores. With respect to skin pore bacteria that can be adapted to a non-saline environment, such bacteria may not be adapted to handle the osmotic flow of water molecules out of the bacterial cells. Such saline solutions can prevent the reproduction of such bacterial cells. Such saline solutions can actually kill such bacterial cells. Also, with respect to the reduction in the size of the skin pores, this can result from the osmotic flow of water molecules.

[0023]

[0023] With regard to reducing wrinkles, saline solutions can reduce wrinkles by softening wrinkled skin tissue and stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce sebum oils that can combat age-related skin dryness. For example, exposing the face to warm water can soften the facial skin during preparation and aid in shaving stubble from the face. Additionally, depending on the salinity of a given saline solution, the saline solution can have a moisturizing effect on the skin that is soaked in it.

[0024]

[0024] With regard to reducing microbial infections of the skin, as mentioned above, those microorganisms that may be present primarily on the skin are typically not adapted to withstand the osmotic flow of water molecules from within the bacterial cells. Immersion of the skin in such a saline solution can result in a reduction in the microbial population.

[0025]

[0025] With regard to improving the rate of healing of damaged skin, skin immersed in a saline solution can experience an improved rate of healing by reducing the population of microorganisms that can impede healing, and osmotic flow can also help heal damaged skin by assisting in the transport of nutrients and repair proteins from within the cells and tissues beneath the surface skin to the damaged skin site.

[0026]

[0026] Thus, immersing the skin in a saline solution that may have a greater salinity than the immersed skin tissue may provide several benefits to the immersed skin.

[0027]

[0027] Now let us look at oxygen treatment for the skin and how oxygen can reduce some of the skin problems identified above. Again, regardless of explanation, the prior art shows a positive correlation between exposing the skin to oxygen and skin improvements.

[0028] Molecular oxygen (atmospheric oxygen), i.e., O 2 about cellular respiration and how It may be essential for the basis of how every vertebrate cell derives energy through the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle). Without a consistent and sufficient supply of oxygen to any vertebrate cell, that cell may become hypoxic and may be unable to reproduce. Skin cells exposed to oxygen may have a reduced ability to perform normal cellular activities, including a reduced ability to kill bacteria, fight infection, and / or heal. By providing oxygen directly to the skin in sufficient concentrations, such exposed skin can obtain some of its required oxygen directly, instead of relying heavily on oxygen delivery via hemoglobin in red blood cells. Such skin cells having a constant source of available oxygen can enable all of their normal cellular activities. Additionally, immune cells (e.g., microphages and phagocytes) that target and kill infectious microorganisms function better when such cells have an adequate supply of oxygen. And a second mechanism for oxygen to reduce infectious microorganism populations can be due to its oxidizing properties and ability to form reactive oxygen species, which can then oxidize bacterial cell machinery, such as interfering with bacterial cell walls.

[0029]

[0029] Here, oxygen can be applied to the skin in gaseous form and / or released as dissolved gas and / or as bubbles in liquids, including immersion liquids. For example, air will contain atmospheric oxygen, for example, at approximately 20.95%. The concentration of delivered gaseous oxygen can be increased above the air percentage by using pure oxygen as a source. However, the use of gaseous oxygen directed to the skin can have the disadvantage of being difficult to control and manipulate due to the inherent ability of gas to disperse more freely. On the other hand, the release of oxygen in liquids can provide better control, since the target area of ​​the skin can be immersed in the liquid, which can then have oxygen from air or pure oxygen released into the liquid.

[0030]

[0030] The benefits of oxygen and saline solution may be combined into the same immersion fluid. For example, air (which contains oxygen) and / or oxygen may be pumped or released into a suitable saline solution. Additionally, such an oxygenated saline solution may be combined with the benefit of controlling the temperature of the oxygenated saline solution.

[0031]

[0031] For example, increasing the temperature of the soaking fluid to a temperature above room temperature but below a temperature that may be harmful (e.g., painful) allows for increased chemical reactions (reaction kinetics). Thus, increasing the soaking fluid temperature in such a range will tend to increase the effectiveness of the saline solution as well as the oxygenation of the skin. Additionally, such an increase in the temperature of the soaking fluid may result in a potentially calming and relaxing environment for the user. Such a calming and relaxing result may then relieve stress and alleviate headaches. Stress relief may encourage reduced blood pressure, healing of damaged skin, and a stronger immune system. Thus, not only can increasing the temperature of the soaking fluid provide a direct improvement to how the saline and oxygen work to improve the skin, but by creating a calming and relaxing environment, the secondary benefit of stress relief may be realized, which may then include additional benefits that cascade.

[0032]

[0032] Furthermore, increasing the immersion fluid temperature above room temperature can then allow the immersion fluid to be used for heat therapy. Heat therapy can be used to treat not only skin problems, but also other ailments such as, but not limited to, arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, joint stiffness, bursitis, tendonitis, sprains, and pulled muscles. Heat, and immersion fluids capable of transferring heat, can increase blood flow, improve joint stiffness, and reduce pain. For example, heated paraffin wax can be utilized as the immersion fluid. Such heated paraffin wax can soften the hardened skin caused by scleroderma, a disease in which collagen accumulates in the body.

[0033]

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, reducing the immersion fluid temperature below room temperature can then allow the immersion fluid to be used for cryotherapy. Chilling the fluid by use of a chiller, by use of a chilling device, and / or by introduction of ice can then allow various cryotherapy techniques to be used to treat the face or other body parts that can be removably immersed into the chilled fluid. Additionally or alternatively, heat therapy can be alternated with cryotherapy, and such alternating warmth and cold can help increase blood flow, facilitate the removal of cellular toxins (such as, but not limited to, lactic acid), and / or promote healing of burned or traumatized tissue.

[0034] Additionally, liquid jets, such as water jets, when directed at the immersed skin may also provide a soothing and relaxing environment for the user, and such water jets may increase their benefits when the immersion temperature is increased as described above.

[0035]

[0035] Phototherapy may also be used to provide various benefits to exposed skin and / or body in general. Phototherapy may require directing a source of light to the skin. Some wavelengths of light have been found to increase the healing rate of damaged skin, including cuts, scratches, bruises, lacerations, and lesions. Light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light, may also be used for skin tanning purposes. However, both existing oxygen therapy and existing phototherapy are performed in an atmospheric treatment environment, i.e., the article (e.g., area of ​​skin) to be treated is not submerged in an immersion liquid.

[0036] Additionally, it may be desirable to expand the therapeutic gases for the skin beyond simply oxygen, air, or oxygen-enriched air.

[0037]

[0037] In addition, current phototherapy devices are generally only directed to emitting a very narrow range of wavelengths in the visible light spectrum, near infrared (IR), and near ultraviolet (UV). It may be desirable to have an extended device that can emit electromagnetic (EM) radiation of various wavelengths that can cover the entire EM spectrum, i.e., it may be desirable to have multiple EM emitting devices, each of which can emit a specific range of wavelengths, rather than necessarily a single device that can emit across the entire EM spectrum (because different technologies may be required to produce a given range of wavelengths), such that these different EM emitting devices can collectively cover the entire EM spectrum.

[0038]

[0038] Performing oxygen therapy and / or phototherapy or other EM therapy in an immersion liquid can be desirable for several reasons. Because liquid is denser than air, more control over directing oxygen (or other gases) to a target area on an article (e.g., a skin area that is immersed) can be achieved than performing oxygen therapy in air, where exhaled oxygen dissipates quickly into the atmosphere. By using an immersion liquid to removably submerge a target area of ​​an article, the useful properties of the liquid can be tailored for a specific application with respect to the target area of ​​the article. For example, liquid water, such as a saline solution, can soften the skin, and such softened skin can better benefit from exposure to oxygen and / or various wavelengths of light. Additives in the liquid can be used to heal, cleanse, rejuvenate, sanitize, disinfect, and the like. Similarly, controlling the temperature of the liquid can then provide a much higher efficiency than would be possible if the treatment environment were air and not liquid. It may be possible to add heat or remove heat from a targeted area of ​​the article. Additionally, controlling the temperature of the liquid (up, down, or maintain) can increase or decrease the effectiveness of the additive, for example, from a reaction kinetics standpoint.

[0039]

[0039] Furthermore, it has been discovered that performing phototherapy or other EM therapy can be enhanced when EM radiation can be emitted through a plurality of bubbles in the immersion liquid by providing increased coverage of the target area of ​​the article to receive the EM radiation compared to when no bubbles are present. The emitted EM radiation and the bubbles create an optical chain reaction (OCR) phenomenon that provides this enhancement.

[0040]

[0040] However, as mentioned above, with regard to such skin problems on the face, these problems are exacerbated due to the high visibility of the face. Additionally, these skin problems on the face are exacerbated because the current state of the art does not provide a means by which the user can immerse the face to receive hydrotherapy, where the hydrotherapy immersion fluid may include a saline solution, delivery of oxygen (and / or other gases), heating means to increase and / or decrease the immersion fluid temperature, and / or the use of a liquid jet. The problem that the prior art could not address until the present invention arises from two biological facts. First, terrestrial vertebrates breathe through their nose and / or mouth, which are located on the face, and therefore hydrotherapy means for the face need to provide a means by which the user can breathe while the user's face is immersed. Otherwise, the immersion of the face is limited to how long the user can hold his / her breath. And secondly, all existing vessels do not have a means to accommodate the neck area of ​​the user, particularly the soft tissue areas of the neck (front and sides of the neck), so if a user were to submerge their face into an existing vessel, the rim of the vessel would press into the neck area, causing discomfort and making the prior art ineffective for facial hydrotherapy. Or, users would have to angle their head into the prior art vessel and hold their head at an uncomfortable angle in order to immerse their face, which can result in neck pain if over an extended period of time. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, it may be desirable to facilitate facial immersion if such a device could comfortably support the user's head area, particularly the forehead, which may be comfortable and not pull on the neck, allowing users to comfortably immerse their face for extended periods of time.

[0041]

[0041] There is a need in the art for devices and / or methods that allow for treating specifically targeted areas of an article (e.g., skin) that is removably submerged in an immersion liquid and then treated with various gas bubbles, such as oxygen, and various wavelengths of EM radiation, such as visible light, and / or that provide improved EM radiation coverage of the area being treated by a synergistic combination of EM radiation and bubbles, which can result from directing the EM radiation through bubbles in the liquid.

[0042]

[0042] There is therefore a need in the art for a device that can facilitate comfortable immersion of the face in an immersion liquid that allows the user to breathe while the face is immersed and that may be comfortable for the user's neck.

[0043]

[0043] It is towards these ends that the present invention has been developed. Summary of the Invention

[0044]

[0044] To minimize the limitations in the prior art and to minimize other limitations which will become apparent upon reading and understanding this specification, one or more embodiments of the present invention It is possible to describe a face soaking device.

[0045]

[0045] Certain embodiments can provide a device that can be used to hold a person's face in liquid for extended periods of time while the person breathes conveniently and / or comfortably through a breathing tube (e.g., a breathing apparatus). The device can aerate the liquid (with various gases) while the person is immersed in the liquid. In certain embodiments, the device can be designed to minimize or prevent spillage of the liquid onto the person's clothing or adjacent areas around the device.

[0046]

[0046] In some embodiments, the face soaking device may include a vessel and a vessel neck gasket. The vessel may be configured to hold liquid and submerge a user's face or a portion thereof. The vessel neck gasket may be removably joined to the vessel. The vessel neck gasket may be configured to comfortably accommodate a portion of the user's neck. Also, in some embodiments, the face soaking device may include a breathing apparatus, which may be in removable contact with the vessel, the head support, and / or the user. The breathing apparatus may be configured to allow the user to breathe while the user's face may be submerged (fully or partially) in the liquid. When the vessel may be filled with liquid at least to a sufficient level, the user may immerse the face or a portion thereof, such that the skin being submerged may benefit.

[0047]

[0047] It is an object of the present invention to provide a face soaking device that can be used to reduce the severity of facial acne by immersing the face in an soaking liquid.

[0048]

[0048] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can be used to reduce the severity of facial wrinkles and / or facial age spots by immersing the face in an immersion liquid.

[0049]

[0049] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can be used to reduce the severity of microbial infections, including but not limited to viral, bacterial, and / or fungal infections of the facial skin, by immersing the face in an immersion liquid.

[0050]

[0050] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can be used to reduce the severity of physical damage to facial skin by immersing the face in an immersion liquid.

[0051]

[0051] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can enable a user to submerge the user's face in immersion liquid by means of a face soaking device that includes a vessel that can be configured to hold the immersion liquid.

[0052]

[0052] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can allow a user to breathe while the user's face can be immersed in immersion liquid.

[0053]

[0053] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can enable a user to immerse their face in immersion liquid while maintaining comfort to the neck where the neck can contact the face soaking device, particularly where the soft tissue of the neck can contact the face soaking device.

[0054]

[0054] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for preventing the neck of a user from being immersed in an immersion liquid when the user's face is immersed in the immersion liquid. The present invention provides a face soaking device that can minimize the spillage of immersion liquid around the face.

[0055]

[0055] It is another object of the present invention to provide a face soaking device that can catch immersion liquid that spills from a main vessel (eg, a vessel) that holds the immersion liquid.

[0056]

[0056] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can enable a user to immerse their face in immersion liquid while maintaining comfort to the neck and reducing strain on the neck by supporting a portion of the user's head, particularly a portion of the forehead, which may be within the vessel.

[0057]

[0057] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device in which the head support (e.g., headrest subassembly) may be adjustable, such adjustment being vertical (height) and / or front-to-back.

[0058]

[0058] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device in which the immersion liquid can admit various gases into the immersion liquid.

[0059]

[0059] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device in which the immersion liquid may be oxygenated by release of air and / or oxygen in the immersion liquid.

[0060]

[0060] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device in which the temperature of the immersion liquid can be increased or decreased relative to the room temperature of the face soaking device.

[0061]

[0061] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device in which the vessel can be insulated to help control the temperature of the immersion liquid.

[0062]

[0062] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device, which may be used for heat therapy and / or cold therapy.

[0063]

[0063] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device which can be used for heat therapy and / or cold therapy, wherein the heat therapy and / or cold therapy can be used not only to treat skin problems but also to treat other ailments such as, but not limited to, arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, joint stiffness, bursitis, tendonitis, sprains, and pulled muscles.

[0064]

[0064] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device which can be used for heat therapy and / or cold therapy, which can increase blood flow, improve joint stiffness, reduce pain, etc.

[0065]

[0065] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device which can be used for cold therapy, which can increase blood flow, improve joint stiffness, reduce pain, reduce swelling, etc.

[0066]

[0066] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can be used to alternate between heat therapy and cold therapy, where the alternating heat and cold therapy can increase blood flow, improve joint stiffness, reduce pain, reduce swelling, improve healing, assist in removing cellular toxins, etc. It is.

[0067]

[0067] It is another object of the present invention to provide a face soaking device which may be used to soak facial skin for the purposes of at least softening such facial skin and / or to soften facial hair (e.g. whiskers and / or stubble). For example, softening of such skin may be beneficial for shaving facial hair.

[0068]

[0068] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device which may be used to treat burns, external and / or internal.

[0069]

[0069] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device which can be used to lighten skin tone.

[0070]

[0070] It is another object of the present invention to provide a face soaking device which may be used to darken skin tone (eg, skin tone or skin color).

[0071]

[0071] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device, wherein the soaking liquid can be paraffin wax.

[0072]

[0072] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device in which the inner surface of the vessel can be smooth to facilitate drainage of the immersion liquid as well as to facilitate cleaning and sanitation of the face soaking device.

[0073]

[0073] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can be portable and carried by a single adult user.

[0074]

[0074] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device wherein the inner surface of the vessel may include one or more jet nozzles, one or more intakes, and means for pumping immersion liquid from the intakes through the jet nozzles so that pressure of the immersion liquid can be directed to the portion of the face being immersed.

[0075]

[0075] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device in which the positioning of the jet nozzle may be adjustable.

[0076]

[0076] Another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device whereby immersion of the face in the immersion liquid in the vessel can be soothing and relaxing for the user, and such stress can be reduced.

[0077]

[0077] Another object of the present invention is that such stress-relieving use of the face soaking device may provide further ancillary benefits, such as promoting reduced blood pressure, relief from headache severity, and / or improving the user's immune system.

[0078]

[0078] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a face soaking device that can utilize high quality and reliable manufacturing methods, but which can also be efficient and less expensive to manufacture.

[0079]

[0079] These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with particularity and are provided as examples of how to practice the invention and of the methods and apparatus for making and using the invention. The present invention is intended to be understandable to one skilled in the art, both as to how to make it.

[0080]

[0080] The elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale in order to improve their clarity and to improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, elements that are commonly known and well understood by those skilled in the art are not shown in order to provide a clearer view of the various embodiments of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0081] [Figure 1]

[0081] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a generally assembled face soaking device, shown from a top perspective view. [Figure 2A]

[0082] 2 may show a close-up of the front and top portions of the face soaking device of FIG. 1. [Figure 2B]

[0083] 2B may be a front view of the face soaking device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B also includes section line 7-7. [Figure 2C]

[0084] 2B can be a top view of a front portion of the face soaking device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D]

[0085] 2B can be a rear view of the front portion of the face soaking device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A]

[0086] 2B may be a partially exploded view of a front portion of the face soaking device of FIG. 2A shown from a top front perspective view. [Figure 3B]

[0087] 2B may be a partially exploded view of a front portion of the face soaking device of FIG. 2A shown from a top rear perspective view. [Figure 4A]

[0088] 2B may show a close-up of the front and top portions of the face soaking device of FIG. 2A, but with the vessel neck gasket and clamp removed so that the neck-gasket-accommodation data can be seen. [Figure 4B]

[0089] 4B can be a front view of the face soaking device of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C]

[0090] 4B can be a top view of a front portion of the face soaking device of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4D]

[0091] 4B can be a rear view of the front portion of the face soaking device of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A]

[0092] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the vessel neck gasket, with the carrier separated from the flexible member, shown from a top front perspective view. [Figure 5B]

[0093] 5B may depict the assembled vessel neck gasket of FIG. 5A, shown from a top front perspective view. [Figure 5C]

[0094] 5B may depict the assembled vessel neck gasket of FIG. 5A, shown from a front view. [Figure 5D]

[0095] 5B may depict the assembled vessel neck gasket of FIG. 5A, shown from a rear view. [Figure 5E]

[0096] 5B may depict the assembled vessel neck gasket of FIG. 5A, shown from a top view. [Figure 5F]

[0097] 5B may depict the assembled vessel neck gasket of FIG. 5A, shown from a bottom view. [Figure 5G]

[0098] 5G may depict the assembled vessel neck gasket of FIG. 5A, shown from a left side view. (The right side view may be a mirror image of FIG. 5G.) [Figure 6A]

[0099] 1 may show a clamp, shown from a top front perspective view. [Figure 6B]

[0100] 6B may depict the clamp of FIG. 6A, shown from a front view. [Figure 6C]

[0101] 6B may illustrate the clamp of FIG. 6A, shown from a rear view. [Figure 6D]

[0102] 6B may depict the clamp of FIG. 6A, shown from a top view. [Figure 6E]

[0103] 6B may illustrate the clamp of FIG. 6A, shown from a bottom view. [Figure 6F]

[0104] 6B may depict the clamp of FIG. 6A, shown from a side view. [Figure 6G]

[0105] 6B may show a close-up of one end (the left end) of the clamp of FIG. 6A, shown from a top front perspective view. [Figure 7]

[0106] 2B。 7-7 may be a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 7-7 shown in FIG. 2B. [Figure 8]

[0107] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of a neck-gasket-accommodator, a vessel neck gasket, and a clamp. [Figure 9]

[0108] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of a neck-gasket-accommodator, a vessel neck gasket, and a clamp. [Figure 10]

[0109] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of a neck-gasket-accommodator, a vessel neck gasket, and a clamp. [Figure 11]

[0110] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of a neck-gasket-accommodator, a vessel neck gasket, and a clamp. [Figure 12A]

[0111] This may be an indication that the clamp embodiment may resemble the letter "f" in cross section. [Figure 12B]

[0112] This may be to illustrate that a clamp embodiment may resemble the letter "L" in cross section. [Figure 12C]

[0113] This may be to illustrate that a clamp embodiment may resemble the letter "J" in cross section. [Figure 12D]

[0114] This may be to illustrate that a clamp embodiment may resemble the letter "C" in cross section. [Figure 12E]

[0115] It may be a cross-sectional view of the neck-gasket-accommodator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0082]

[0116] In the following discussion that discusses certain embodiments and applications of the present invention, some of Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0083]

[0117] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a generally assembled face soaking device 100. 1, which is shown from a top perspective view, in some exemplary embodiments, the face soaking device 100 can include a vessel 120, a vessel neck gasket 500, and a breathing apparatus 130.

[0084]

[0118] Continuing with the discussion of FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the vessel 120 may include a A volume of liquid sufficient to submerge a user's face, or a portion thereof, may be held in vessel 120. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that, where liquid may be held within vessel 120, vessel 120 may be configured to hold liquid at a level sufficient to allow a user to submerge (immerse) their face, or a portion thereof, in the liquid. This sufficient level may be a liquid level at which a user inserts their face into the interior volume of vessel 120 and places a first portion of their neck over vessel neck gasket 500 such that their face may be fully immersed in the liquid. The maximum liquid level of vessel 120 may be greater (higher) than this sufficient level.

[0085]

[0119] In one embodiment, the vessel 120 includes at least one wall 121 and at least one The at least one wall 121 and the at least one base 125 may be in physical contact with one another. The at least one wall 121 may include a neck-gasket-accommodator 400. (See, e.g., FIG. 4A for the neck-gasket-accommodator 400.) The neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be configured to receive a vessel neck gasket 500. In some embodiments, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be formed as a cutout from the top of the vessel 120 into the at least one wall 121 area. In some embodiments, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be formed as a unitary molded structure of the at least one wall 121 area. The vessel neck gasket 500 may be removably bonded to the vessel 120. Where the vessel neck gasket 500 can join to the vessel 120, i.e., along such a surface of physical contact, a primary watertight seal can be formed in or near the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, in one embodiment, this "near" the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 can be 2 inches or less from the structure of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. In other embodiments, other distances can be used for the "near" the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. The vessel neck gasket 500 can receive a first portion of the neck region of a user when the entire face or a first portion thereof can be submerged in liquid within the interior volume of the vessel 120. The first portion of the neck region of the user can be where their neck physically contacts the vessel neck gasket 500. It should be noted that the nature of the physical contact between the first portion of the user's neck region and vessel neck gasket 500 may be removable. When vessel neck gasket 500 is able to receive the first portion of the user's neck region, a secondary watertight seal may be formed between this first portion of the neck region and vessel neck gasket 500.

[0086]

[0120] In some embodiments, the vessel 120 may be double-hulled. It is.

[0087]

[0121] In one embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 20. In some embodiments, breathing apparatus embodiments may be in physical contact with the headrest subassembly. In both embodiments, the nature of the physical contact between a breathing apparatus embodiment (e.g., 130) and the vessel 120, or between a breathing embodiment and a given headrest subassembly, may be removable in some embodiments, while non-removable in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a user may be able to breathe using the breathing apparatus 130, when the user's mouth may hold the mouthpiece of the breathing apparatus 130.

[0088]

[0122] Vessel 120 is filled with liquid to a level below the maximum liquid level of vessel 120. When the liquid can be applied, a user can immerse their entire face or a portion thereof for a period of time, and the skin that is immersed in the liquid for this period of time can receive health benefits, aesthetic benefits, and / or soothing benefits.

[0089]

[0123] In certain embodiments, the benefit includes reduced acne, reduced wrinkle severity, softening of the skin, Such benefits may include one or more of moisturizing the skin, promoting relaxation, promoting healing of damaged skin, promoting healing of infected skin, reducing rash severity, reducing and / or eliminating headaches (including migraines), promoting healing of traumatic tissue (including burned tissue), lightening skin tone, darkening skin tone, and reducing swelling. Such benefits may result from facial skin exposure to the liquid. wherein the characteristics of the liquid may include one or more of the liquid being a saline solution, the liquid being a saline solution having a salt concentration of greater than 0.9% by weight, the presence of air and / or oxygen in the liquid, the temperature of the liquid being lower or higher than the ambient room temperature, circulation of the liquid within the vessel 120, and / or the liquid being directed against a portion of the skin in the form of a stream or jet of liquid pressure.

[0090]

[0124] In one embodiment, the face soaking device 100 includes a headrest sub- The headrest subassembly 140 may further include a headrest subassembly 140. In some embodiments, at least some portions of the headrest subassembly 140 may be attached to the vessel 120. See, for example, FIG. 1. In some embodiments, at least some portions of the headrest subassembly 140 may be removably attached to the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the headrest subassembly 140 may include a support member or strap. In some embodiments, at least some portions of the support member or at least some portions of the strap may be positioned within the interior volume of the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the support member or strap physically supports a portion of the user's head (e.g., forehead) when the entire face or a portion thereof is removably positioned within the interior volume of the vessel 120. See, for example, FIG. 1.

[0091]

[0125] In one embodiment, the face soaking device 100 includes a heater subassembly. The vessel 120 may further include a heater subassembly 150. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heater subassembly 150 may be attached to the vessel 120. See, for example, FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the heater subassembly 150 may include a heating element that heats at least a portion of the liquid in the interior volume of the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the heater subassembly 150 may provide heating and / or cooling to at least a portion of the liquid in the interior volume of the vessel 120.

[0092]

[0126] In one embodiment, the face soaking device 100 includes an aerator 160 For example, see FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the aerator 160 can include a gas diffuser and a gas source in physical communication with the gas diffuser. In some embodiments, the gas diffuser can be attached to the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the gas diffuser can be removably attached to the vessel 120. In some embodiments, the gas source provides gas to the gas diffuser. In some embodiments, the gas diffuser releases at least some of the gas received through a porous structure of the gas diffuser into the interior volume of the vessel 120 such that bubbles can be released into at least some of the liquid in the interior volume of the vessel 120.

[0093]

[0127] In one embodiment, the face soaking device 100 includes at least one It may further include an electromagnetic (EM) emitter. In an embodiment, the at least one EM emitter emits electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength. In an embodiment, at least some portion of the at least one EM emitter may be attached to the vessel 120. In an embodiment, at least some of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is emitted into the interior volume of the vessel 120. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in an embodiment, the at least one EM emitter may include at least one light source, such as, but not limited to, an LED (light emitting diode) or one or more rows of LEDs.

[0094]

[0128] In one embodiment, the face soaking device 100 is A control circuit for controlling the electronic and / or electromechanical components of the operating device 100. The system may further include a control unit 170. Such electronic and electromechanical components may include one or more heater subassemblies 150, an aerator 160, and / or at least one electromagnetic emitter. See, e.g., FIG. 1.

[0095]

[0129] The Figure 2 series of figures may include Figures 2A to 2D. The two series of views may depict the vessel neck gasket 500 removably attached to the vessel 120. In contrast, the three series of views (FIGS. 3A and 3B) may depict the vessel neck gasket 500 disassembled away from the vessel 120, i.e., removably removed from the vessel 120, and the four series of views may focus on depicting the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 of the vessel 120, i.e., the vessel neck gasket 500 is removably attached to the vessel 120. The five series of views may focus solely on depicting the vessel neck gasket 500. The six series of views may focus solely on depicting the clamp 600, which in some embodiments may help to removably secure the vessel neck gasket 500 to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. FIG. 7 may be a cross-sectional view of a configuration in which the vessel neck gasket 500 is removably attached to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400.

[0096]

[0130] Returning to the Figure 2 series of figures, Figure 2A shows a face soaking device 1 2A , showing a vessel neck gasket 500 removably attached to the vessel 120. FIG. 2B may be a front view of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C may be a top view of the front portion of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D may be a back view of the front portion of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 2A.

[0097]

[0131] The front view shows at least the vessel neck gasket 500 being attached to the vessel 120. It should be noted that the left side view may be relative to an observer looking at the front view, and the left side view may be relative to the observer's left side, i.e., the left side of face soaking device 100 (or components thereof) when viewed from the front view.

[0098]

[0132] The Figure 3 series of figures may include Figure 3A and Figure 3B. FIG. 3B may be a partial exploded view of the front portion of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 2A, shown from a top front perspective view. FIG. 3B may be a partial exploded view of the front portion of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 2A, shown from a top rear perspective view. In both FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the vessel neck gasket 500 may be shown removed away from the vessel 120. In both FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the vessel neck gasket 500 may be shown removed away from the vessel 120, so a portion of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be shown. Also, in both FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the clamp 600 may also be shown removed away from the vessel 120.

[0099]

[0133] In one embodiment, the vessel neck gasket 500 is secured using a clamp 600. By using a nut, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 can be attached to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. See, for example, Figures 3A, 3B, and 7.

[0100]

[0134] The FIG. 4 series of figures may include FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D. As shown, these FIG. 4 series may focus on showing the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 of the vessel 120, i.e., the vessel neck gasket 500 is removably attached to the vessel 120. Note that the vessel neck gasket 500 may not be shown in the FIG. 4 series of views. Note that the vessel neck gasket 500 may not be shown in the FIG. 4 series of views. Note that the clamp 600 may not be shown in the FIG. 4 series of views. FIG. 4A may show a close-up of the front and top portions of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4B may be a front view of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C may be a top view of the front portion of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4D may be a back view of the front portion of the face soaking device 100 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4A may correspond to FIG. 2A, FIG. 4B may correspond to FIG. 2B, FIG. 4C may correspond to FIG. 2C, and FIG. 4D may correspond to FIG. 2D, but in these FIG. 4 series views, the vessel neck gasket 500 and clamp 600 may have been removed from the vessel 120, and thus the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be visible.

[0101]

[0135] The FIG. 5 series of figures may include FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G. As such, these FIG. 5 series of views may be focused solely on illustrating the vessel neck gasket 500. FIG. 5A may be an exploded view of the vessel neck gasket 500, where the carrier 511 may be separated from the flexible member 505, and is shown from a top front perspective view. FIG. 5B may show the assembled vessel neck gasket 500, shown from a top front perspective view. FIG. 5C may show the assembled vessel neck gasket 500, shown from a front view. FIG. 5D may show the assembled vessel neck gasket 500, shown from a rear view. FIG. 5E may show the assembled vessel neck gasket 500, shown from a top view. FIG. 5F may show the assembled vessel neck gasket 500, shown from a bottom view. FIG. 5G may show the assembled vessel neck gasket 500, shown from a left side view. (The right side view may be a mirror image of FIG. 5G.)

[0102]

[0136] The FIG. 6 series of figures may include FIG. 6A to FIG. 6G. As such, these FIG. 6 series of views may focus solely on illustrating clamp 600. FIG. 6A may illustrate clamp 600 from a top front perspective view. FIG. 6B may illustrate clamp 600 from a front view. FIG. 6C may illustrate clamp 600 from a rear view. FIG. 6D may illustrate clamp 600 from a top view. FIG. 6E may illustrate clamp 600 from a bottom view. FIG. 6F may illustrate clamp 600 from a side view. FIG. 6G may illustrate a close-up of one end (the left end) of clamp 600 from a top front perspective view.

[0103]

[0137] FIG. 7 may be a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7-7 shown in FIG. 2B. A transverse cross-section of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400, clamp 600, and vessel neck gasket 500 may be seen in FIG. 7, all in their assembled configuration, with clamp 600 assisting in removably attaching the vessel neck gasket 500 to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 of the vessel 120.

[0104]

[0138] In one embodiment, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400, the vessel neck The gasket 500 and clamp 600 all communicate together to form a primary watertight seal. Compare Figure 2A to Figure 3A. In Figure 2A, the primary watertight seal may be intact, while Figure 3A shows how the primary watertight seal may or may not be formed.

[0105]

[0139] In an embodiment, the components for forming a primary watertight seal include: The gasket may include a neck-gasket-accommodator 400, a vessel neck gasket 500, and a clamp 600 (or a clamp 800, a clamp 900, a clamp 1000, or a clamp 1100). In an embodiment, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be a structural member positioned on a sidewall (e.g., wall 121) of the vessel 120. In an embodiment, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may have a contour 402. In an embodiment, the contour 402 may follow an open path that may be under the upper rim 122 of the vessel 120. In an embodiment, the open path may be continuous. In an embodiment, a receiving channel 408 may extend into the contour 402. See, for example, FIG. 4A. In an embodiment, the vessel neck gasket 500 may include a mating edge 501. See, for example, FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the mating edge 501 can fit into the receiving channel 408. See, for example, FIGS. 3A, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. In some embodiments, the clamp (e.g., 600, 800, 900, 1000, or 1100) can also be a structural member. In some embodiments, the clamp (e.g., 600, 800, 900, 1000, or 1100) can include a mating sidewall edge 603. See, for example, FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the mating sidewall edge 603 can fit into the receiving channel 408. See, for example, FIGS. 3A, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. In one embodiment, the width of a portion of the clamp (e.g., 600, 800, 900, 1000, or 1100), the width of the vessel neck gasket 500, and the width of the receiving channel 408 can be sized such that a primary watertight seal is formed between a portion of the receiving channel 408 and some portion of the vessel neck gasket 500 when at least a portion of the mating side wall edge 603 and at least a portion of the mating edge 501 are received into the receiving channel 408.See, e.g., Figures 3A, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. In some embodiments, clamp 600 (and other clamps disclosed herein) and vessel neck gasket 500 can be removable from receiving channel 408. See, e.g., Figure 3A.

[0106]

[0140] In one embodiment, the neck gasket accommodation device 400 is 20. In some embodiments, at least one wall 121 of the vessel 120 can include a neck-gasket-accommodator 400. Many of the figures show the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 positioned in the front wall of the face soaking device 100. In some embodiments, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 can be formed in the front wall of the vessel 120. See, for example, the FIG. 4 series of figures, such as, for example, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C.

[0107]

[0141] In one embodiment, the neck gasket accommodation device 400 is a 2. Contour 402 may generally follow the overall shape of neck-gasket-accommodator 400. Contour 402 may include one or more surfaces. In some embodiments, such surfaces may be one or more of: facing toward each other, facing toward the front of the face soaking device, facing toward the rear of the face soaking device, and / or facing away from the upper surface of the bottom inner surface of vessel 120. See, e.g., FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0108]

[0142] In one embodiment, the neck gasket accommodation device 400 is The contour 402 may include a contour 402 in at least one wall 121 that extends below the rim 122 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 338. In one embodiment, the contour 402 begins where the surface of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 first extends below the rim 122, and the contour 402 continues until it ends where the surface of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 extends back up to the rim 122. In one embodiment, where the contour 402 begins and where the contour 402 ends may be separated by a horizontal width 404. In one embodiment, the contour 338 has a maximum vertical length 406 from the height of the rim 122 to the lowest point above the contour 402. See, for example, FIG. 4B.

[0109]

[0143] In one embodiment, the horizontal width 404 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the user's neck. It is possible. In some embodiments, the maximum vertical length 406 can be equal to or greater than half the diameter of the user's neck. For example, some large adult men may have a neck circumference of about 21 inches, which results in a neck diameter of about 6.69 inches. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, in some embodiments, the horizontal width 404 can be between 7 and 11 inches. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, in some embodiments, the maximum vertical length 406 can be between 3.5 and 7 inches.

[0110]

[0144] Neck-Gasket-Accommodation Data 400 includes maximum vertical length 406 The neck gasket 400 may have a maximum vertical length 406 that is greater than a second portion of the user's neck region that extends from the rim 122 toward at least one base 125 of the vessel 120 and extends to a bottom-most portion of the neck gasket 400. See, for example, FIG. 4B. The second portion of the neck region may be a vertical area on the front of the user's neck, i.e., the neck's soft tissue, where the neck may be in contact with the vessel neck gasket 500. The neck gasket 400 may have a horizontal width 404 that is greater than a third portion of the user's neck region that is centered in the horizontal width (e.g., transverse width, or left to right) of the vessel 120 and extends from the rim 122 to the opposing rim 122 across the opening created by the neck gasket 400. See, for example, FIG. 4B. A third portion of the neck region may be the front horizontal area of ​​the user's neck, ie, the soft tissue side of the neck, where the neck may be in contact with the vessel neck gasket 500.

[0111]

[0145] With respect to the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the neck region of the user, It should be noted that the portion may include a second portion and a third portion. That is, the second portion may define the vertical dimension of the first portion, and the third portion may define the horizontal dimension of the first portion. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, this first portion of the neck region may be a portion of the neck that may correspond to where the Adam's apple may be located, including up to 2 inches from the Adam's apple region or a corresponding area on the neck without the Adam's apple.

[0112]

[0146] In one embodiment, at least one base 125 (at least one base 1 for 125) or when viewed from the front of the wall 121 bearing the neck-gasket-accommodator 400, the overall shape of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be appropriately shaped to receive the vessel neck gasket 500 and a first portion of the user's neck region when in use in a given face-soaking device embodiment (e.g., face-soaking device 100). See, e.g., FIG. 4B. In FIG. 4B, the overall shape of the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be appropriately shaped to receive the vessel neck gasket 500 and a first portion of the user's neck region when in use in a given face-soaking device embodiment (e.g., face-soaking device 100). , curved; round; semicircular; semi-oval; U-shaped; horseshoe-shaped, semi-elliptical; partial circular arc; partial oval arc; partial elliptical arc; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of a circle; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of an ellipse; and / or 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of an oval, etc.

[0113]

[0147] In one embodiment, the face soaking device 100 has a front view. The shape (i.e., overall shape) of contour 402 may be selected from the group consisting of: curved, round, semicircular, semi-oval, U-shaped, horseshoe-shaped, semi-elliptical, partial circular arc, partial oval arc, partial elliptical arc, one-third to three-thirds of a circle, one-third to three-thirds of an ellipse, one-third to three-thirds of an oval, and / or a shape approximating an open-ended polygon, etc. See, e.g., FIG. 4B.

[0114]

[0148] In one embodiment, the open path of the contour 402, when viewed from the front surface of the side wall, is: It may be substantially (i.e., not geometrically perfect) shaped as one of: curved; round; semicircular; semi-oval; U-shaped; horseshoe-shaped, semi-elliptical; partial circular arc; partial oval arc; partial elliptical arc; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of a circle; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of an ellipse; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of an oval; and / or a shape approximating an open-ended polygon, etc.

[0115]

[0149] In one embodiment, the open path of the contour 402 is not closed (i.e., open The contour 402 of the semicircular neck-gasket-accommodator 400 shown in FIG. 4B may be an open regular or irregular polygon, or a semi-polygon suitable for receiving a bottom portion (e.g., mating edge 501) of the vessel neck gasket 500 and a first portion of the neck region of a user during use. This embodiment is not shown in the figures, however, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the overall shape of the semicircular neck-gasket-accommodator 400 shown in FIG. 4B may be modified to an open regular polygon or an open irregular polygon or an open semi-polygon contour 402 and that such contours may remain within the scope of the present invention.

[0116]

[0150] In one embodiment, the neck-gasket-accommodation data 400 is Note that the data can be referred to as "to-accommodation data."

[0117]

[0151] In one embodiment, the contour 402 is the upper surface of the bottom inner surface of the vessel 120. The receiving channel 408 may include at least one surface facing away from the surface. In an embodiment, the receiving channel 408 may be along the length of the contour 402. See, for example, FIG. 4A and FIG. 7 for a cross-sectional view of the receiving channel 408. The receiving channel 408 may be a channel or groove cut into the contour 402 substantially along the length of the contour 402. See, for example, FIG. 4A. The width of the receiving channel 408 may be sized to frictionally fit the width of one or more of the vessel neck gasket 500 (e.g., flexible member 505-plus-carrier 511) and / or clamp 600 such that a temporary watertight seal is formed. See, for example, FIG. 7.

[0118]

[0152] In some embodiments, the cross section of the receiving channel 408 may be curved; round; semicircular; It may be shaped substantially (i.e., not geometrically perfect) as one of the following: circular; semi-oval; U-shaped; horseshoe-shaped, semi-elliptical; partial circular arc; partial oval arc; partial elliptical arc; one-third to three-thirds of a circle; one-third to three-thirds of an ellipse; one-third to three-thirds of an oval; or a shape approximating an open-ended polygon. See, e.g., Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

[0119]

[0153] In one embodiment, the receiving channel 408 extends into the contour 402. The direction in which receiving channel 408 extends into contour 402 can be substantially parallel to the major plane of sidewall 121. See, for example, Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12E. In some embodiments, the direction in which receiving channel 408 extends into contour 402 can be non-perpendicular (or substantially non-perpendicular) to the major plane of sidewall 121. The major plane of sidewall 121 can be substantially collinear with the exterior surface of sidewall 121.

[0120]

[0154] In one embodiment, the bottom portion of the vessel neck gasket 500 is 120。 In one embodiment, the bottom portion of the vessel neck gasket 500 may be configured to fit (e.g., mate) with a receiving channel 408 in the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 in the at least one wall 121 of the vessel 120. See, for example, Figures 3A, 4A, 5A, and 7. The surface area of ​​the mating edge 501 of the vessel neck gasket 500 can be equal to, greater than, or less than the surface area of ​​the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. The vessel neck gasket 500 can include a mating edge 501 that is complementary to at least some surfaces of the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 in at least one wall 121 of the vessel 120. The vessel neck gasket 500 can include an upper edge 503. In some embodiments, the upper edge 503 and the mating edge 501 can together define a perimeter of the vessel neck gasket 500. In some embodiments, the upper edge 503 and the mating edge 501 can together delimit and define a closed shape for the vessel neck gasket 500. In some embodiments, the upper edge 503 and the mating edge 501 can each be curved for at least some portions of a given edge. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature for the upper edge 503 can be different than the radius of curvature for the edge 501. See, for example, FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the upper edge 503 can be adjustable to accommodate a first portion of the neck region of a user. In some embodiments, when the vessel neck gasket 500 can be attached to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400, for example, as in the FIG. 2 series of figures (e.g., FIG. 2A), some portion of the upper edge 503 can extend above the rim 122 (e.g., FIG. 2B).In one embodiment, the mating edge 501 of the vessel neck gasket 500 may be attached to the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 by a vessel neck gasket attachment means. In one embodiment, the mating edge 501 of the vessel neck gasket 500 may be received into the receiving channel 408 of the contour 402.

[0121]

[0155] In one embodiment, the vessel neck gasket attachment means is a clamp 60 0. Or, in some embodiments, the mating edge 501 of the vessel neck gasket 500 may be attached to either the exterior or interior wall surface of the at least one wall 121 by the vessel neck gasket attachment means at a fixed distance from the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, in some embodiments, the fixed distance may be 1 inch or less. In other embodiments, the fixed distance may be other distances.

[0122]

[0156] In one embodiment, the vessel neck gasket 500 is In some embodiments, the vessel neck gasket 500 can be removable from the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. Such an embodiment facilitates switching out the vessel neck gasket 500 in the event of wear and tear and / or damage to the installed vessel neck gasket 500. In some other embodiments, the vessel neck gasket 500 may not need to be removed from the vessel 120 once installed.

[0123]

[0157] In one embodiment, the vessel neck gasket 500 is made up of two parts: That is, the vessel neck gasket 500 can be a subassembly that includes a flexible member 505 and a carrier 511. In some embodiments, the vessel neck gasket 500 can include a flexible member 505 and a carrier 511. In some embodiments, the flexible member 505 and the carrier 511 can be attached to one another. See, for example, FIG. 5A.

[0124]

[0158] In one embodiment, the flexible member 505 has an inner surface 507 (see FIG. 5D). 5A ) disposed opposite the interior surface 507, and may be substantially planar. A portion of either the exterior surface 509 or the interior surface 507 may form a secondary watertight seal with the neck region when a user places their neck against a portion of the vessel neck gasket 500. In some embodiments, a portion of the interior surface 507 may be in physical contact with a portion of liquid when liquid may be retained within the interior volume of the vessel 120.

[0125]

[0159] In one embodiment, the flexible member 505 may be a flexible sheet. In some embodiments, the flexible sheet may be generally shaped with a mating edge 501 that is complementary to cover a portion of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 of the vessel 120 (e.g., receiving channel 408). In some embodiments, the flexible sheet may be generally shaped with a mating edge 501 that is complementary to cover a portion of the receiving channel 408. In some embodiments, the flexible sheet may include a gasket along the bottom of the sheet. In some embodiments, the gasket may be the mating edge 501. See, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5F.

[0126]

[0160] In one embodiment, the flexible member 505 is against human skin (or , against an exterior portion of a terrestrial vertebrate body and / or against a vessel (e.g., vessel 120) and / or suitable for forming a watertight seal and / or suitable for being comfortable when contacting human skin (i.e., materials of construction). In an embodiment, flexible member 505 may be constructed from one or more of elastomers including silicone, rubber, neoprene, nitrile, vinyl, polyethylene, polypropylene, and / or any other material suitable for forming a watertight seal and / or against a vessel (e.g., vessel 120) and / or suitable for being comfortable when contacting human skin. In an embodiment, the rubber may be natural rubber. In an embodiment, the rubber may be synthetic rubber, including latex-free. In an embodiment, flexible member 505 may be compressible. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, when the vessel neck gasket 500 may be installed in the neck-gasket-accommodator 400, the portions of the interior surface 507 and exterior surface 509 that may be present in the receiving channel 408 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be compressed. See, for example, FIG. 7. Such compression of the portions of the flexible member 505 in the receiving channel 408 may assist in forming a temporary watertight seal. In comparison, FIGS. 5F and 5G may depict the flexible member 505 in an uncompressed state. In some embodiments, the portions of the flexible member 505 may be compressed by 5% to 95% compared to the uncompressed state of the flexible member 505.

[0127]

[0161] In some embodiments, the shape of the receiving channel 408 (e.g., For example, the overall shape is one-third to three-thirds of a circle; one-third to three-thirds of an oval; an ellipse 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of a shape; a "U" shape, a horseshoe shape; an open-top regular polygon (with or without rounded corners), an open-top irregular polygon (with or without rounded corners), and / or an open-top semi-polygon (with or without rounded corners), etc., with the arc of the partial circle, partial ellipse, partial oval, or horseshoe shape being oriented downwardly towards at least one base 125. See, e.g., Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

[0128]

[0162] In one embodiment, the inner surface 507 and the outer surface 509 are made of different elastomers. The flexible member 505 may be constructed from an elastomer that is focused on water impermeability. The external surface 509 may be constructed from an elastomer that is focused on comfort to the user, i.e., with a soft outer surface and / or a non-stick outer surface. Two such different elastomers may be joined into a single flexible composite member of the flexible member 505. The means for joining the internal surface 507 to the external surface 509 may be by solvent bonding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, chemical adhesives / sealants, and / or mechanical fasteners, etc. (e.g., stitching and / or staples, etc.).

[0129]

[0163] In one embodiment, the flexible member 505 is die-cut, stamped, The composite may be manufactured by molding, molding, and / or 3D printing.

[0130]

[0164] In one embodiment, the carrier 511 may be attached to the flexible member 505. The means for joining the carrier 511 to the flexible member 505 can be by solvent bonding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, chemical adhesives / sealants, and / or mechanical fasteners (e.g., stitching and / or staples, etc.). See, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5B. In some embodiments, the carrier 511 can be integral with the flexible member 505. In some embodiments, the carrier 511 can be a structural member. In some embodiments, the carrier 511 can be rigid to semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the carrier 511 can be substantially constructed from one or more thermoformed plastics, metals, wood, composites, and / or laminates, etc. In some embodiments, the carrier 511 can have a higher durometer compared to the durometer of the flexible member 505. In some embodiments, the carrier 511 can provide structural rigidity to the bottom portion of the flexible member 505, which can facilitate loading or feeding the bottom portion of the vessel neck gasket 500 into the receiving channel 408 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. See, e.g., FIGS. 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the carrier 511 can have a shape complementary to the bottom surface of the flexible member 505, such as a mating edge 501. In some embodiments, both the carrier 511 and the flexible member 505 can share a mating edge 501. See, e.g., FIGS. 3A, 5A, 5B, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

[0131]

[0165] In one embodiment, the carrier 511 is complementary to the shape of the open path of the contour 402. In one embodiment, mating edge 501 may be shaped to complement the shape of receiving channel 408. See, for example, Figures 3A, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

[0132]

[0166] In one embodiment, the carrier 511 is formed by die-cutting, stamping, It may be manufactured by molding, extrusion, and / or 3D printing.

[0133]

[0167] In some embodiments, the vessel neck gasket attachment means is a friction fit, a heat The attachment may be selected from one or more of welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, chemical adhesives and / or sealants, and / or mechanical fasteners, etc. The use of clamp 600 may be an example of a friction fit and / or an example of some type of mechanical fastener. Recall that the vessel neck gasket attachment means is how the vessel neck gasket 500 may be attached to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400.

[0134]

[0168] In one embodiment, the face soaking device 100 embodiment includes at least All of these elements may include a vessel 120 with a vessel neck gasket 500, a clamp 600, and a neck-gasket-accommodator 400 on at least one wall 121 of the vessel 120. In an embodiment, a vessel neck gasket subassembly may include at least these parts, namely, the vessel neck gasket 500, the clamp 600, and the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. The neck-gasket-accommodator 400 may be a portion or region of a given vessel embodiment, such as the vessel 120 embodiment.

[0135]

[0169] In one embodiment, the vessel neck gasket 500 is adapted for use with the clamp 600. The neck gasket 500 may be attached to the neck gasket accommodator 400 by means of a clamp 600. See, for example, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 7. In some embodiments, such attachment may form a temporary watertight seal. In some embodiments, the clamp 600 may be shaped to complementarily fit the neck gasket accommodator 400, with a portion of the vessel neck gasket 500 sandwiched between the clamp 240 and the contour 402 of the neck gasket accommodator 400 to form a temporary watertight seal. See, for example, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 7. In some embodiments, the contour 402 may include at least one surface facing away from the upper surface of the bottom inner surface of the vessel 120. The bottom inner surface may be the inner surface of the vessel 120. The width of the receiving channel 408 (width of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400) may be sized to friction fit the width of the vessel neck gasket 500 (i.e., flexible member 505-plus-carrier 511) and / or one or more of the clamps 600 such that a primary watertight seal is formed. See, e.g., FIG. 7.

[0136]

[0170] In one embodiment, the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 contour 402 The fitting attachment of the clamp 600 to the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 can be removable. In some embodiments, at least some portion of the clamp 600 can fit into a portion of the receiving channel 408. In some embodiments, the fitting attachment of the clamp 600 to the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 can be a friction fit. In some embodiments, the fitting attachment of the clamp 600 to the contour 402 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 can be by one or more snap fits.

[0137]

[0171] In one embodiment, the clamp 600 is adapted to support a semi-rigid to rigid construction material. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, clamp 600 may be constructed (or substantially constructed) from one or more of thermoformed plastic, metal, wood, composites, and / or laminates, and the like. In some embodiments, clamp 600 and carrier 511 may be constructed substantially from the same type of material. In some embodiments, clamp 600 may be manufactured via die-cutting, stamping, molding (e.g., injection molding), extrusion, and / or 3D printing. In some embodiments, at least some of the above attributes (e.g., rigidity and / or materials of construction) of clamp 600 may be shared with clamps 800, 900, 1000, and 1100. However, as shown, clamps 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 may be constructed substantially from one or more of thermoformed plastic, metal, wood, composites, and / or laminates, and the like. In some embodiments, clamp 600 and carrier 511 may be constructed substantially from the same type of material. In some embodiments, clamp 600 may be manufactured via die-cutting, stamping, molding (e.g., injection molding), extrusion, and / or 3D printing. In some embodiments, at least some of the above attributes (e.g., rigidity and / or materials of construction) of clamp 600 may be shared with clamps 800, 900, 1000, and 1100. Clamp 600 can have different geometries and / or configurations.

[0138]

[0172] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6G may illustrate a snap latch structure and how 3 series) illustrates how the clamp 600 can be removably coupled to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. This may be indicative of how such a snap-latch connection can serve to assist in removably coupling the clamp 600 to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400.

[0139]

[0173] In one embodiment, the neck gasket accommodation device 400 comprises two opposing In some embodiments, the two opposing opening wall edges 410 can define where the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 begins. See, for example, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C. In some embodiments, each opening wall edge 410 (e.g., left and right) can be separated from the other by at least the horizontal width 404 of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 (see, for example, FIG. 4B for horizontal width 404). In some embodiments, each opening wall edge 410 can drop in a downward direction from the rim 122 towards at least one base 125. In some embodiments, each opening wall edge 410 can be substantially flat (i.e., a substantially flat surface). See, for example, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C.

[0140]

[0174] In one embodiment, the clamp 600 comprises two clamps disposed opposite each other. 6A, 6B, and 6C. In some embodiments, each end portion 601 can include a mating wall edge 603. In some embodiments, the clamp 600 can include a mating wall edge 603. In some embodiments, at least some portion of a given mating wall edge 603 can be positioned below and / or proximate to (e.g., in some embodiments, within 3 inches of) the given end portion 601. See, for example, FIG. 6A. FIG. 6A can show one such mating wall edge 603, e.g., a right mating wall edge 603, from the perspective of a user looking at the front of the face soaking device 100, which can be a mirror image of the left mating wall edge 603.

[0141]

[0175] In one embodiment, the clamp 600 is a neck-gasket-accommodator 40 0, each mating sidewall edge 603 can be paired with a respective opening wall edge 410, such that the mating sidewall edges 603 paired with a given opening wall edge 410 can be complementary to each other. See, for example, FIGS. 3A and 3B. In an embodiment, each mating sidewall edge 603 can be paired with a respective opening wall edge 410, such that the mating sidewall edges 603 paired with a respective opening wall edge 410 can be substantially parallel to each other, when the clamp 600 can be removably coupled to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, the left opening wall edge 410 can be paired with the left mating sidewall edge 603. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, the right opening wall edge 410 can be paired with the right mating sidewall edge 603. In one embodiment, each mating side wall edge 603 can be substantially flat to complement the substantially flat area on the corresponding (paired) aperture wall edge 410. See, for example, Figures 3A and 3B.

[0142]

[0176] In one embodiment, the left opening wall edge 410 is paired with the left mating side wall edge 603. When the right opening wall edge 410 can be mated with the right mating side wall edge 603, the respective pairing can be a friction fit between the paired complementary surfaces.

[0143]

[0177] In one embodiment, each mating sidewall edge 603 has a snap latch 605 6A, 6B, and 6G. In an embodiment, each opening wall edge 410 can include a pocket 412, which can be a recess extending into a given opening wall edge 410. Each such pocket 412 can be sized to removably fit a respective snap latch 605. In an embodiment, each snap latch 605 can be paired with a respective pocket 412 such that the paired snap latch 605 can removably snap into the paired pocket 412 to form a removable snap latch connection in each of the two respective pairings. See, for example, FIGS. 3A and 3B. In an embodiment, the paired snap latch 605 can include a protrusion that can removably engage with the paired pocket 412. See, for example, FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0144]

[0178] In one embodiment, each removable snap-latch connection (left and right Release of the clamp 600 from the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 (i.e., side) can be accomplished by a user squeezing the respective ends 601 toward one another, which can disengage a given paired snap latch 605 from the paired pocket 412. In some embodiments, release of the clamp 600 from the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 can also require the user to pull the clamp 600 upward or away from the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. In some embodiments, there can be a structure located proximate (e.g., within 3 inches) to each end 601 that can aid or facilitate removal (i.e., release) of the clamp 600 from the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, in some embodiments, the structure is a depression, such as a divot, that can removably receive a tool to press the two ends 601 toward one another. See, e.g., Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6G, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, and 3B. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, in one embodiment, the structure can be removably engaged by a user's pressing fingers to press (e.g., squeeze) the two ends 601 toward each other.

[0145]

[0179] Certain embodiments are characterized as "flexible, removable vessel covers." The vessel 120 may include (1) a vessel 120 having an open top and capable of holding liquid, the vessel 120 having a neck-gasket-accommodator 400; and (2) a flexible sheet (e.g., vessel neck gasket 500), which may be generally shaped to cover the gasket-accommodator 400 of the vessel 120, the flexible sheet having a gasket (e.g., mating edge 501) along a bottom of the flexible sheet, and the bottom of the gasket and the top of the gasket-accommodator 400 of the vessel 120 may be arranged to fit tightly together to form a primary watertight seal.

[0146]

[0180] 8, 9, 10, and 11 are comparable to those shown in FIG. 7. FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 may illustrate additional embodiments of clamps, namely clamp 800, clamp 900, clamp 1000, and clamp 1100, respectively, that are capable of frictionally and removably snapping onto the outer vertical portion of neck-gasket-accommodator 400. See, for example, FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11. Compare clamps 8, 9, 10, and 11 with clamp 600 of FIG. 7.

[0147]

[0181] In one embodiment of the face soaking device 100, the clamp The clamp 600, clamp 800, clamp 900, clamp 1000, or clamp 1100, etc.

[0148]

[0182] In FIG. 8, the clamp 800 is attached to the outside of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. The clamp 800 may removably and frictionally snap around the side vertical portion. In some embodiments, to assist with this removable and frictional snap lock, the clamp 800 may include a relatively short protrusion, or tab 815, which may protrude substantially perpendicularly from the vertical direction of the clamp 800 such that the tab 815 may removably engage the bottom and outwardly facing edge of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. In some embodiments, the tab 815 may extend from a given clamp (e.g., clamp 800) in a direction that may be substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the sidewall 121. In some embodiments, the tab 815 may snap over a corner of the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. In some embodiments, the tab 815 may protrude toward the vessel 120 when the given clamp (e.g., clamp 800) is attached to the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. See, for example, FIG. 8. Tab 815 can have a length that is less than the vertical length of clamp 800. Tab 815 can be an integral structure of clamp 800. In some embodiments, clamps 1000 and 1100 can also include such tabs 815. See, for example, Figures 10 and 11.

[0149]

[0183] Continuing with the discussion of FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the clamp 800 also includes: 8, the clamp 800 may resemble a stylized letter "f" with the raised end curving around to a point toward the receiving channel 408 and the stem descending into the finger pull 811, and there may be only one arm that becomes the arm of the tab 815. In one embodiment, the finger pull 811 may be a vertically oriented finger pull that allows the user to lift underneath the finger pull 811 when removing the clamp 800 from the neck-gasket-accommodator 400. In one embodiment, the finger pull 811 may be a vertical extension of the clamp 800 that extends below and beyond the tab 815 and below where the neck-gasket-accommodator 400 ends. The finger pull 811 may be an integral structure of the clamp 800. In cross section as shown in FIG. 8, the clamp 800 may resemble a stylized letter "f" with the raised end curving around to a point toward the receiving channel 408 and the stem descending into the finger pull 811 and there may be only one arm that becomes the arm of the tab 815.

[0150]

[0184] Also shown are clamp 900 (shown in FIG. 9) and clamp 1000 (shown in FIG. 10). 9 and 10 ) may each include a similar finger pull, i.e., finger pull 911 and finger pull 1011, respectively. Each of finger pull 911 and finger pull 1011 may extend substantially vertically away from wall 121, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , respectively. See, for example, FIGS. 9 and 10 . The cross section of clamp 900 may be “L” shaped, where one leg of the “L” is for removable insertion into receiving channel 408, and the other leg of the “L” is finger pull 911. See FIG. 9 . The cross section of clamp 1000 may resemble an upside down letter “J.” In clamp 1000, finger pull 1011 and tab 815 may be collinear but extend in opposite directions from one another, with finger pull 1011 extending away from vessel 120 and tab 815 extending towards vessel 120. See FIG.

[0151]

[0185] All three finger pulls (e.g. finger pull 811, finger Pull 911 and finger pull 1011) may be structurally different, but each may serve a similar or same purpose in assisting a user in removing a given clamp from neck-gasket-accommodator 400 by providing a distinct structure that a finger will engage to pull upward and away from vessel 120.

[0152]

[0186] Additionally, the clamp 800 can include a chamfer 813. Chamfer 813 may be located on an end portion of clamp 800 that is removably retained in receiving channel 408. Chamfer 813 may be a chamfer and may aid in inserting clamp 800 into receiving channel 408 and against a portion of vessel neck gasket 500 that may also be removably present in receiving channel 408. Clamps 600, 900, 1000, and 1100 may also include such a chamfer 813. Chamfer 813 may also aid in the use of a given finger pull (e.g., finger pull 811, finger pull 911, and finger pull 1011) by providing a small area of ​​void space in receiving channel 408 such that when a user pulls on a given finger pull, the end of the clamp in receiving channel 408 may articulate (i.e., pivot) into this void area of ​​the given receiving channel 408.

[0153]

[0187] Examples of the clamps include, but are not limited to, clamp 600, clamp 800, clamp 900, It should be noted that with respect to the various clamps disclosed herein, such as clamp 1000 and clamp 1100, these clamps can technically function as wedges, and when portions of such clamps can be removably inserted into receiving channel 408, they create opposing lateral compressive forces against the portions of vessel neck gasket 500 in receiving channel 408 (e.g., carrier 511 and flexible member 505) as well as against the walls of receiving channel 408, which may be the surfaces of contour 402. These lateral compressive forces can compress a portion of flexible member 505 as described herein, which can help create a primary watertight seal. See, e.g., FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Additionally, a portion of these clamps (e.g., clamp 600, clamp 800, clamp 900, clamp 1000, and clamp 1100), such as mating side wall edge 603 (which can be a structure present on each of these clamps), can press against a portion of receiving channel 408, such as opposing opening wall edge 410, and in this functional capacity, these clamps can act as clamps (similar to devices that press together to hold tight) and / or as wedges. That is, when any of these clamps can be inserted into receiving channel 408, a portion of receiving channel 408 and the clamp can press against one another.

[0154]

[0188] 12A to 12D may be cross-sectional views of various clamps, e.g., FIG. 12A; clamp 900 in FIG. 12B; clamp 1000 in FIG. 12C; and clamp 1100 in FIG. 12D. FIG. 12E may be a cross-sectional view of neck-gasket-accommodator 400, which may include receiving channel 408 that may receive portions of various clamps (e.g., the portion with chamfer 813). FIG. 12A may show that clamp 800 may resemble the letter "f" in cross-section. FIG. 12B may show that clamp 900 may resemble the letter "L" in cross-section. FIG. 12C may show that clamp 1000 may resemble the letter "J" in cross-section. FIG. 12D may show that clamp 1100 may resemble the letter "C" in cross-section. It may be indicative.

[0155]

[0189] In one embodiment, a region includes a neck-gasket-accommodator 400. 12E, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Also includes where the neck-gasket-accommodator joins sidewall 121, this area resembles, in cross section, the Arabic numeral "4." See, for example, Figures 12E, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

[0156]

[0190] In one embodiment, several face soaking device 100 components The component parts may be substantially constructed from one or more thermoplastic materials suitable for injection molding and / or 3D printing. For example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, some face soaking device 100 component parts may be substantially constructed from one or more of acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene (e.g., HDPE), elastomers, rubber, silicone, and / or fiberglass, etc.

[0157]

[0191] With respect to materials of construction, and thereby by reason of such disclosure, the present invention Please note that no unnecessary limitation is desired or intended.

[0158]

[0192] In some embodiments, the flexible member 505, the carrier 511, and / or the various It should be noted that such component parts, such as clamps (e.g., clamps 600 and 900), can be manufactured by reliable, high-quality die-cutting (stamping) manufacturing methods, which can be significantly less expensive than generating tooling for molds of such parts, and other clamp embodiments (e.g., clamps 600, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100) can be manufactured by custom extrusion with cut-to-length, which can be a reliable, high-quality manufacturing method that is less expensive than generating tooling for molds of such parts.

[0159]

[0193] A face soaking device has been described. The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0160]

[0194] This disclosure relates to what is presently believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. While the invention has been described, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 100 Face Soaking Device 100 120 Vessel 120 121 At least one wall portion 121 122 Rim 122 125 At least one base 125 130 Respiratory Apparatus130 140 Headrest subassembly 140 150 Heater Subassembly 150 160 Aerator 160 170 Control section 170 400 Neck-Gasket-Accommodation Data 400 402 Conta 402 404 Horizontal width 404 406 Maximum vertical length 406 408 Acceptance Channel 408 410 Two opposing opening wall edges 410 412 Pocket 412 500 Vessel neck gasket 500 501 Counterpart edge 501 503 Upper edge 503 505 Flexible member 505 507 Internal surface 507 509 External Surface 509 511 Career 511 600 Clamp 600 601 End portion 601 603 Counterpart side wall edge 603 605 Snap Latch 605 800 Clamp 800 811 Finger Pull 811 813 Chamfered part 813 815 Tab 815 900 Clamp 900 911 Finger Pull 911 1000 Clamp 1000 1011 Finger Pull 1011 1100 Clamp 1100

Claims

1. A component for forming a primary watertight seal, comprising: a first structural member, a neck-gasket-accommodator, positioned on a sidewall of the vessel, the neck-gasket-accommodator having a contour that follows an open path below an upper rim of the vessel and a receiving channel extending into the contour; a vessel neck gasket having a mating edge, at least a portion of the mating edge fitting into the receiving channel; a second structural member, the clamp, having a mating wall edge, at least a portion of the mating wall edge fitting into the receiving channel; a width of a portion of the clamp, a width of the vessel neck gasket, and a width of the receiving channel are sized such that when the at least a portion of the mating sidewall edge and the at least a portion of the mating edge are received into the receiving channel, the primary watertight seal is formed between a portion of the receiving channel and portions of the vessel neck gasket.

2. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal according to claim 1 , wherein the open path of the contour is continuous.

3. 2. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 1, wherein the open path of the contour, when viewed from a front surface of the side wall, is substantially shaped as one of the following: curved; round; semicircular; semi-oval; U-shaped; horseshoe-shaped, semi-elliptical; partial circular arc; partial oval arc; partial elliptical arc; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of a circle; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of an ellipse; 1 / 3 to 3 / 3 of an oval; or a shape approximating an open-ended polygon.

4. 2. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the receiving channel is substantially shaped as one of: curved; round; semicircular; semi-oval; U-shaped; horseshoe-shaped, semi-elliptical; partial circular arc; partial oval arc; partial elliptical arc; one-third to three-thirds of a circle; one-third to three-thirds of an ellipse; one-third to three-thirds of an oval; or a shape approximating an open-ended polygon.

5. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal according to claim 1 , wherein the direction in which the receiving channel extends into the contour is substantially parallel to a major plane of the side wall.

6. 2. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 1, wherein an area comprises the neck-gasket-accommodator and where the neck-gasket-accommodator joins the side wall, the area resembling, in cross-section, the Arabic numeral "4."

7. 2. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 1, wherein the vessel neck gasket includes a flexible member and a carrier, the flexible member being flexible and substantially planar, the carrier being a third structural member that provides some rigidity to the flexible member, the carrier being attached to the flexible member, and both the carrier and the flexible member sharing the mating edge.

8. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal according to claim 7 , wherein the flexible member is substantially elastomeric.

9. 9. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 8, wherein when the at least a portion of the mating wall edge and the at least a portion of the mating edge are received into the receiving channel, a portion of the flexible member in the receiving channel is compressed, which contributes to forming the primary watertight seal.

10. 8. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 7, wherein the flexible member includes an upper edge, at least a portion of the upper edge extending beyond the upper rim of the vessel when the vessel neck gasket is installed in the receiving channel, and the upper edge and the mating edge of the flexible member define a closed shape with respect to the flexible member.

11. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 7 , wherein the carrier is rigid to semi-rigid.

12. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal according to claim 7 , wherein the carrier is shaped complementary to a shape of the open path of the contour.

13. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal according to claim 1 , wherein the mating edge is shaped complementary to a shape of the receiving channel.

14. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal according to claim 1 , wherein the mating sidewall edge of the clamp has a chamfer to facilitate insertion into the receiving channel.

15. 2. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal of claim 1, wherein the clamp terminates in a finger pull, the finger pull being engageable by a user's finger to remove the clamp from the receiving channel.

16. 2. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 1, wherein the clamp has a tab extending therefrom, the tab being substantially perpendicular to a major plane of the sidewall, the tab snapping over a corner of the neck-gasket-accommodator.

17. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 1 , wherein the clamp is rigid to semi-rigid.

18. 2. The component for forming a primary watertight seal of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the clamp resembles a closed polygon, the letter "f", the letter "L", the letter "J", or the letter "C".

19. The component for forming a primary water-tight seal as recited in claim 1 , wherein the clamp and the vessel neck gasket are removable from the receiving channel.

Images