Human skin-simulating self harm reduction device and methods of manufacturing thereof

Abstract

A human skin-simulating self harm reduction device and methods of manufacture thereof. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device may include (1) a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate and (2) a plurality of hardened components embedded within the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate. The platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate may have a top end and a bottom end, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate may be at most one and a half inches thick between the top end and the bottom end. The plurality of hardened components may be embedded at varying distances between the top end and the bottom end of block of the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate, and may stick out of the top end.

Description

HUMAN SKIN-SIMULATING SELF HARM REDUCTION DEVICE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOFCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of the filing date of, the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,628 entitled “Pick Pad,” filed on August 24, 2023, the entirety of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference as if fully restated herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] There are several medical conditions and neurological disorders that cause individuals to compulsively pick their skin. Such disorders include Dermatillomania, Excoriation disorder, and Prader Willi Syndrome as well as broader categories of medical conditions such as anxiety, attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to name a few. Skin picking is a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) and often goes untreated because of social stigmas and ostracization, and so many individuals plagued by such symptoms are forced to suffer in silence. Skin picking can result in scarring, open wounds that are susceptible to infection, which can be life threatening, and bleeding, which can spread disease.

[0003] A common method of treatment is therapeutic substitution, wherein the individual can pick on something other than their own skin to seek relief of their symptoms and reduce the physically harming themselves. However, currently, there are no therapeutic substitution devices available on the market that simulate human skin to subconsciously convince individuals that the objects they are picking are their bodies, and so any picking substitute is typically discarded and the skin picking continues. As such, there is a long-felt need for a human skin-simulating device or product to assist compulsive skin pickers with treating their medical condition(s) and / or neurological disorder(s).SUMMARY

[0004] A human skin-simulating self harm reduction device that simulates the feel of picking at human skin, picking scabs off of human skin, popping pimples, and / or removing splinters from skin is disclosed herein. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device may comprise (1 ) a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate and (2) a plurality of hardened components embedded within the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate. In some aspects, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate may have a top end and a bottom end, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate may be at most three and a half inches thick between the top end and the bottom end, and the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate may have a tensile strength of about 475 psi and a shore hardness of about 10A. In other aspects, the tensile strength and shore hardness may be different values that result in the structure of the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate comprising a skin-like feel and / or texture, as detailed in below. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, the plurality of hardened components may be embedded at varying distances between the top end and the bottom end of block of the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate.

[0005] In some aspects, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate may be molded into a cylinder mold, petri-dish shaped mold, a cuboid, and / or a cardioid disk.

[0006] In some aspects, the plurality of hardened components may be one or more of beads, sequins, spangles, wires, rods, gears, artificial plant leaves and needles, and miniature replicas or toys, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the plurality of hardened components may be made of one or more of wood, hardened plastic, ceramic, resin, epoxy, glass, clay, and metal, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the plurality of hardened components may be one or more of gemstones, stones, pearls, seashells, laminated paper pieces, or combinations thereof.

[0007] In some aspects, seashells can feel like picking at teeth and gums.

[0008] In some aspects, sequins can feel like picking at dandruff or at human nails and the skin therearound.

[0009] In some aspects, safety pins can feel like pulling or picking splinters out of human skin.

[0010] In some aspects, beads can feel like popping pimples. The bead sizes can range from size 15, which are very small, to size 6, which is quite large.

[0011] A method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device is also disclosed herein. In some aspects, the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device may be manufactured by (1) mixing equal parts of a first liquid rubber and a second liquid rubber to make a mixed liquid rubber; (2) pouring the mixed liquid rubber into a mold; (3) embedding a plurality of hardened components into the mixed liquid rubber, wherein the plurality of hardened components are embedded at varying depths within the mixed liquid rubber; and (4) curing the mixed liquid rubber to make a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate. If a mold is employed, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate can be demolded once the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate is cured enough to hold its shape and not deform when being removed from the mold.

[0012] In one aspect, the method of manufacturing can comprise pouring the mixed liquid rubber into a mold, submersing a first layer of a plurality of hardened components into the first layer of the mixed liquid rubber by pressing them into the mixed liquid rubber with a tool, such as a rod, stick, tongue depressor, or other instrument that is long enough to press at least one hardened component into the mixed liquid rubber where the plurality of hardened components is fully submerged into the mixed liquid rubber, then embedding a second layer of the plurality of hardened components into the mixed liquid rubber utilizing a tool or instrument to aid in the embedding / submersion process, then embed a third layer of the plurality of hardened components if desired, and continuing to add layers of the plurality of hardened componentsuntil the mixed liquid rubber comprises the desired concentration and distribution of the plurality of hardened components.

[0013] In some aspects, a portion of at least some of the plurality of hardened components may be allowed to stick out of the top of the for the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device. The entirety of each hardened component in the plurality of hardened components may not be fully submerged in the mixed liquid rubber.

[0014] In some aspects, the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device may be manufactured by (1 ) mixing equal parts of a first liquid rubber and a second liquid rubber to make a mixed liquid rubber; (2) pouring the mixed liquid rubber into a mold; (3) embedding a plurality of hardened components into the mixed liquid rubber; (4) curing the mixed liquid rubber to make a first layer of a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate; (5) mixing equal parts of a first liquid rubber and a second liquid rubber to make a mixed liquid rubber if more is needed;(6) pouring a second layer of the mixed liquid rubber on top of the cured first layer of a platinum- cured silicone rubber substrate, wherein the cured first layer of platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate is cured enough to support the second layer of the mixed liquid being poured on top without the second layer mixing with the first layer; (7) embedding a plurality of hardened components into the second layer of mixed liquid rubber; and (8) curing the second layer mixed liquid rubber to make a second layer of a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate. More layers can be added, if desired, following the method described above. If a mold is employed, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate can be demolded once all layers of the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate are cured enough so the combined layers become one device and the device holds its shape and does not deform when being removed from the mold.

[0015] In some aspects, a portion of at least some of the plurality of hardened components may be allowed to stick out of the top of the for the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device. The entirety of each hardened component in the plurality of hardened components may not be fully submerged in the mixed liquid rubber.

[0016] A method of playing games for one or more players using the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device is also disclosed herein. In some aspects, the method of play may include (1 ) each player obtaining one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices, wherein the human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices comprise a platinum- cured silicone rubber substrate and a plurality of hardened components embedded within the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate; (2) each player obtaining one or more lists of hardened components, wherein the hardened components listed in the one or more lists of hardened components correspond to the plurality of hardened components embedded within the one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices; and / or (3) each player finding and removing the hardened components listed in the one or more lists of hardened components from the one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices using only their fingers and fingernails to pick out the hardened components from the one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices.

[0017] In some aspects, a portion of at least some of the plurality of hardened components may be allowed to stick out of the top of the for the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device. The entirety of each hardened component in the plurality of hardened components may not be fully submerged in the mixed liquid rubber.

[0018] In some aspects, the game may include only a single human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices and a single list of hardened components, and the method of play may further include each player finding and removing the hardened components listed in the list of hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device at the same time with a winner of the game determined upon either (1 ) a player finding and removing more hardened components than all other players within a set time limit or (2) a player finding and removing a majority of the hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device before all other players.

[0019] In some aspects, the game may further include a number of human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices and lists of hardened components equal to all players, and the method of play may further include each player playing from their own respective list of hardened components and human skin-simulating self harm reduction device; and / or each player finding and removing the hardened components listed in their respective list of hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device at the same time with a winner of the game determined upon either (1 ) a player finding and removing more hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device than all other players within a set time limit or (2) a player finding and removing all of the hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device before all other players.

[0020] This summary is not intended to be limiting. Advantages will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the preferred aspects, which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present aspects may be capable of other and different aspects, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The figures described below depict various aspects of the devices and methods disclosed herein. It should be understood that the figures depict illustrative aspects of the disclosed devices and methods and that the figures are intended to be exemplary in nature only. Further, wherever possible, the following detailed description refers to the reference numerals included in the following figures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

[0022] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present aspects are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 A depicts a first exemplary human skin-simulating self harm reduction device;

[0024] FIG. 1 B depicts a second exemplary human skin-simulating self harm reduction device;

[0025] FIG. 1 C depicts a third exemplary human skin-simulating self harm reduction device;

[0026] FIG. 1 D depicts a fourth exemplary human skin-simulating self harm reduction device;

[0027] FIG. 1 E depicts a fifth exemplary human skin-simulating self harm reduction device;

[0028] FIG. 1 F depicts a sixth exemplary human skin-simulating self harm reduction device;

[0029] FIG. 1 G depicts a seventh exemplary human skin-simulating self harm reduction device; and

[0030] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary list of embedded items in the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device.

[0031] The figures depict the present aspects for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternate aspects of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] INTRODUCTION

[0033] Disclosed herein is a human skin-simulating self harm reduction device as well as the methods of manufacture and uses thereof. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device is structured to simulate the feel like human skin and be picked, where hardened components are embedded in the device and are picked out of the device by a user. Pickingthe embedded hardened components out of the device simulates the feel of picking human skin, picking objects out of human skin, picking at other parts of the human body, and / or picking scabs off human skin.

[0034] The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device is a skin-like substitute for individuals with compulsive skin picking conditions to pick instead of their own skin. By accurately simulating the feel of the human epidermis, such individuals will be able to safely enjoy the sensation of picking, scraping, and peeling an object other than their own skin or body parts as a therapy for their medical condition(s). Embedded within the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device are a plethora of hardened components for the individual to pick at and pick out of the device. These hardened components simulate scabs, splinters, and other foreign objects caught under the human epidermis and are common targets of skin picking. The platinum-cured silicone can comprise the feel and texture of human skin, or provide the sensation that a user is picking at human skin.

[0035] As will be made clear in the description that follows, the disclosed human skinsimulating self harm reduction device will be a highly effective treatment tool for individuals suffering from compulsive skin or body picking.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGs. 1A-1 G, a human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 may comprise a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 and a plurality of hardened components 102.

[0037] In some aspects, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 may be any suitable silicone rubber substrate 101 that may replicate or simulate the texture and feel of human epidermis. The properties of the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 may include a tensile strength of about 450 psi to about 600 psi, about 475 psi to about 575 psi, about 460 psi to about 500 psi, about 450 psi to about 525 psi, about 450 psi to about 580 psi, and / or about 465 psi to about 575 psi, a shore hardness of about 5A to about 50A, about 7A to about 25A, about 9A to about 20A, about 10A to 15A, a tear strength of about 100 pli to about125 pli, and an elongation at break point of about 350% to about 1000%. The cure time for such silicone rubber mixtures can range from about 30 minutes to about 16 hours at room temperature. The cure time depends on the thickness

[0038] An example of a suitable platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 is the Dragon Skin™ series of silicone rubbers, including, but not limited to, Dragon Skin™ 10 Very Fast, Dragon Skin™ 10 Fast, Dragon Skin™ 10 Medium, Dragon Skin™ 10 Slow, Dragon Skin™ 10 AF, Dragon Skin™ 15, Dragon Skin™ 20, and Dragon Skin™ 30. In some aspects, silicone pigments and / or other dying materials may be added to the silicone rubber mixture before curing to alter the resulting color of the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 .

[0039] In some aspects, while curing, the silicone rubber mixture may be placed in three- dimensional shaped molds {e.g., comprising a petri dish shape, a cuboid, a cardioid disk, a pentagram prism, a pentagon prism, etc.) to adjust the resulting shape of the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101. In some aspects, the three-dimensional shaped molds have a thickness of about 0.1 inches to about 3.5 inches, or any thickness in between, e.g., 0.1 ”, 0.2”, 0.3”, 0.4”, 0.5”, 0.6”, 0.7”, 0.8”, 0.9”, 1.0”, 1.1 ”, 1.2”, 1.3”, 1.4”, 1.5”, 1.6”, 1.7”, 1.8”, 1.9”, 2.0”, 2.1 ”, 2.2”, 2.3”, 2.4”, 2.5”, 2.6”, 2.7”, 2.8”, 2.9”, 3.0”, 3.1” 3.2”, 3.3”, 3.4”, 3.5”, a diameter of about 1 inch to about 12 inches, or any diameter in between, e.g., 1 ”, 1.1 ”, 1.5”, 1.75”, 2”, 2.25”, 2.5”, 2.75”, 3”, 3.25”, 3.5”, 3.75”, 4”, 4.25”, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5”, 5.25”, 5.5”, 5.75”, 6”, 6.25”, 6.5”, 6.75”, 7.0”, 7.25”, 7.5”, 7.75”, 8.0”, etc. and a circumscribed width of about 3.14 inches to about 37 inches, or any circumscribed width in between. A thicker self harm reduction device 100 may be preferable for users with short nails and a thinner self harm reduction device 100 may be preferable for users with long nails.

[0040] In some aspects, the plurality of hardened components 102 may be beads, sequins, spangles, wires, rods, gears, gemstones, stones, pearls, seashells, laminated paper pieces, miniature replicas, and / or any combination thereof. In addition, the composition of any of the plurality of hardened components 102 may be wood, hardened polymers {e.g., rubbers andplastics), ceramics, metals, alloys, minerals, organic materials, and / or any combination thereof. Pigment may also be added if desired. The pigment can be powder, liquid, and / or be silicone pigment.

[0041] METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE HUMAN SKIN-SIMULATING SELF HARM REDUCTION DEVICE

[0042] In some aspects, one or more silicone rubber liquids may be prepared to make the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 . In some aspects, two or more silicone rubber liquids may be mixed together (e.g., equal parts Part A and Part B of Dragon Skin™ 10 Medium). In some aspects, pigment may be added to the mixed silicone rubber liquid in an amount to create the desired color or colors.

[0043] In some aspects, the mixed silicone rubber liquid is poured into a mold. The material composition of the mold may be hardened plastic, silicone, plexiglass, and / or metal.

[0044] In some aspects, the plurality of hardened components 101 may be embedded into the mixed liquid rubber. The plurality of hardened components 101 may depressed into the mixed liquid rubber to equally distribute the hardened components across the mixed liquid rubber. In one aspect, the method of manufacturing can comprise pouring a first layer of the mixed liquid rubber into a mold, submersing a first layer of a plurality of hardened components into the first layer of the mixed liquid rubber by pressing them into the mixed liquid rubber with a tool, such as a rod, stick, tongue depressor, or other instrument that is long enough to press at least one hardened component into the mixed liquid rubber where the hardened component is fully submerged into the mixed liquid rubber, wherein the pouring comprises pouring enough mixed liquid rubber into the mold to allow the plurality of hardened components to be fully submerged, then pouring a second layer of mixed liquid rubber on top of the first layer comprising the plurality of hardened components, and embedding a second layer of the plurality of hardened components into the second layer of mixed liquid rubber utilizing a tool or instrument to aid in the embedding / submersion process, and repeating the pouring andembedding process until the desired thickness from the top of the for the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device to the bottom of said device.

[0045] In one aspect, the method of manufacturing can comprise pouring the mixed liquid rubber into a mold, submersing a first layer of a plurality of hardened components 102 into the first layer of the mixed liquid rubber by pressing them into the mixed liquid rubber with a tool, such as a rod, stick, tongue depressor, or other instrument that is long enough to press at least one hardened component into the mixed liquid rubber where the plurality of hardened components 102 is fully submerged into the mixed liquid rubber, then embedding a second layer of the plurality of hardened components 102 into the mixed liquid rubber utilizing a tool or instrument to aid in the embedding / submersion process, then embed a third layer of the plurality of hardened components 102 if desired, and continuing to add layers of the plurality of hardened components until the mixed liquid rubber comprises the desired concentration and distribution of the plurality of hardened components 102.

[0046] In some aspects, a portion of at least some of the plurality of hardened components 102 may be allowed to stick out of the top of the for the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100. The entirety of each hardened component in the plurality of hardened components 102 may not be fully submerged in the mixed liquid rubber.

[0047] In some aspects, the mixed liquid rubber with the embedded plurality of hardened components 102 is then left to cure to make platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 . The cure time can be dependent on the thickness of the device 100 made. In one aspect, the cure time can be as little as 15 minutes. In another aspect, the cure time can be as long as 8 hours. The cure time can be any amount of time between 15 minutes and 8 hours. The cure time can be 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 75 minutes, 80 minutes, etc., and continue in 5 minute increments up to 8 hours, e.g., the cure time can be 5 hours, 5 hours 15 minutes, 5 hours 20 minutes, 5 hours 25 minutes, 5 hours 30 minutes, 5 hours 35 minutes, 5 hours 40 minutes, 5 hours 45 minutes, 5 hours 50minutes, 5 hours 55 minutes, 6 hours, 6 hours 5 minutes, 6 hours 10 minutes, 6 hours 15 minutes, 6 hours 20 minutes, 6 hours 25 minutes, 6 hours 30 minutes, 6 hours 35 minutes, 6 hours 40 minutes, 6 hours 45 minutes, 6 hours 50 minutes, 6 hours 55 minutes, 7 hours, 7 hours 5 minutes, 7 hours 10 minutes, 7 hours 15 minutes, 7 hours 20 minutes, 7 hours 25 minutes, 7 hours 30 minutes, 7 hours 35 minutes, 7 hours 40 minutes, 7 hours 45 minutes, 7 hours 50 minutes, 7 hours 55 minutes, 8 hours. The platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate 101 comprising a plurality of hardened components 102 is then removed from the mold and can be placed in a sealable container for packaging.

[0048] GAME RULES USING THE HUMAN SKIN-SIMULATING SELF HARM REDUCTION DEVICE

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 may also include a list of hardened components 201 to be packaged with the human skinsimulating self harm reduction device 100.

[0050] In some aspects, the list of hardened components 201 may be used as part of one or more games to be played with the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100. The list of hardened components 201 may list the type and amount of each hardened component embedded within the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100.

[0051] For example, the plurality of hardened components 102 embedded in the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 and on the list of hardened components 201 may comprise, but are not limited to, threaded beads, hardened plastic smiley faces, hardened plastic peace symbols, iridescent heart sequins, leaf sequins, hardened plastic food miniatures, hardened plastic flip-flop miniatures, hardened plastic flower miniatures, hardened plastic mushroom miniatures, soft plastic bear miniatures, hardened plastic dinosaur miniatures, hardened plastic horse miniatures, hardened plastic cat miniatures, hardened plastic letters, dice, metal jewelry, metal chain links, hardened plastic buttons, metal geometric shapes (e.g., stars and pentagrams), metal safety pins, and / or seashells.

[0052] In some aspects, the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 and the list of hardened components 201 may be used to play one or more games.

[0053] A method of playing games for one or more players using the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device may comprise: (1 ) each player has at least one human skinsimulating self harm reduction device 100; (2) each player has at least one list of hardened components 201 , wherein the hardened components on the list of hardened components 201 correspond to the plurality of hardened components 102 embedded within the human skinsimulating self harm reduction device 100; and / or (3) the goal of each player is to find and remove the hardened components listed in the list of hardened components 201 from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100. Players may only remove the hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 by using only their fingers and fingernails to pick them out.

[0054] In some aspects, the game may include only a single human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 and a single list of hardened components 201 . In these aspects, the method of play may further include each player, using the same human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100, to find and remove the hardened components listed in the list of hardened components 201 from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 at the same time. In these aspects, a winner of the game may be determined upon either (1 ) a player finding and removing more hardened components than all other players within a set time limit or (2) a player finding and removing a majority of the hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 before all other players.

[0055] In some aspects, the at least one player finding and removing the hardened components listed in the list of hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device wins the game by (1 ) finding and removing more hardened components than any other players, if other players are present, within a set time limit, or (2) finding and removingall of the hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device before all other players.

[0056] In some aspects, the game may include a number of human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices 100 and lists of hardened components 201 equal to all players. In these aspects, the method of play may further include each player, each player playing from their own respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices 100 and corresponding list of hardened components 201 , each player finding and removing the hardened components listed in their respective list of hardened components 201 from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 at the same time. In these aspects, a winner of the game may be determined upon either (1 ) a player finding and removing more hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 than all other players within a set time limit or (2) a player finding and removing all of the hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device 100 before all other players.

[0057] ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

[0058] Although the text herein sets forth a detailed description of numerous different aspects, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible aspect, as describing every possible aspect would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate aspects, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this disclosure, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0059] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separatecomponents in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0060] As used herein any reference to “some aspects” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect may be included in at least one aspect. The appearances of the phrase “some aspects” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the aspects herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0061] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0062] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

[0063] While particular aspects and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

[0064] The particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific aspect may be combined in any suitable manner and in any suitable combination with one or more other aspects, including the use of selected features without corresponding use of other features. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular application, situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the aspects of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0065] While the preferred aspects of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A human skin-simulating self harm reduction device comprising: a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate, wherein: the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate has a top end and a bottom end, the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate is at most one and a half inches thick between the top end and the bottom end, and the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate has a tensile strength of about 465 psi to 575 psi and a shore hardness of about 5-50; and a plurality of hardened components embedded within the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate, wherein the plurality of hardened components are embedded at varying distances between the top end and the bottom end of a molded platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate, wherein the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate comprises the feel of picking human skin or body parts.

2. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 1 , wherein the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate is molded using a petri dish shaped mold with a diameter of at most twelve inches and at most three and a half inches tall.

3. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 1 , wherein the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate is molded into a cuboid with a width of at most twelve inches and a length of at most twelve inches.

4. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 1 , wherein the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate is molded into a cardioid disk with a width of at most twelve inches and a length of at most twelve inches.

5. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of hardened components comprise one or more of, beads, sequins, spangles, wires, rods, gears, artificial plant leaves and needles, and miniature replicas or toys, or combinations thereof.

6. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of hardened components are made of one or more of wood, hardened plastic, ceramic, resin, epoxy, glass, clay, and metal, or combinations thereof.

7. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of hardened components further comprise one or more of gemstones, stones, pearls, seashells, and laminated paper pieces, or combinations thereof.

8. The human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 1 , further comprising pigment.

9. A method of manufacturing a human skin-simulating self harm reduction device comprising: mixing equal parts of a first liquid rubber and a second liquid rubber to make a mixed liquid rubber; pouring the mixed liquid rubber into a mold; embedding a plurality of hardened components into the mixed liquid rubber, wherein the plurality of hardened components are embedded at varying depths within the mixed liquid rubber; and curing the mixed liquid rubber to make a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate that comprises the plurality of hardened components to be picked out of the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device.

10. The method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 9, further comprising submersing a first layer of a plurality of hardened components into the first layer of the mixed liquid rubber by pressing them into the mixed liquid rubber with a tool, such as a rod, stick, tongue depressor, or other instrument that is long enough to press at least one hardened component into the mixed liquid rubber where the plurality of hardened components is fully submerged into the mixed liquid rubber, and then embedding a second layer of the plurality of hardened components into the mixed liquid rubber utilizing a tool or instrument to aid in the embedding / submersion process.11 . The method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 10, further comprising pouring of a second layer of mixed liquid rubber on top of the first layer of mixed liquid rubber comprising the first layer of the plurality of hardenedcomponents, and embedding a second layer of a plurality of hardened components into the second layer of mixed liquid rubber.

12. The method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 10, further comprising embedding a third layer of the plurality of hardened components, and continuing to add layers of the plurality of hardened components, if needed, until the mixed liquid rubber comprises the desired concentration and distribution of the plurality of hardened components.

13. The method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of hardened components comprise one or more of beads, sequins, spangles, wires, rods, gears, artificial plant leaves and needles, and miniature replicas or toys, or combinations thereof.

14. The method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of hardened components are made of one or more of wood, hardened plastic, ceramic, resin, epoxy, glass, clay, and metal, or combinations thereof.

15. The method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of hardened components comprise one or more of gemstones, stones, pearls, seashells, and laminated paper pieces, or combinations thereof.

16. The method of manufacturing the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device of claim 9, further comprising: pouring a second layer of the mixed liquid rubber on top of the first layer of a platinum- cured silicone rubber substrate, wherein the cured first layer of platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate is cured enough to support the second layer of the mixed liquid being poured on top without the second layer mixing with the first layer; embedding a plurality of hardened components into the second layer of mixed liquid rubber; and curing the second layer mixed liquid rubber to make a second layer of a platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate.

17. A method of playing games involving one or more players, the method being suitable for games having rules for game play that include instructions on selecting, playing, and using game components, and reservoir of a plurality of game components, the method comprising: at least one player obtaining one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices, wherein the human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices comprise a platinum- cured silicone rubber substrate and a plurality of hardened components embedded within the platinum-cured silicone rubber substrate; the at least one player obtaining one or more lists of hardened components, wherein the hardened components listed in the one or more lists of hardened components correspond to the plurality of hardened components embedded within the one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices; and the at least one player finding and removing the hardened components listed in the one or more lists of hardened components from the one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices using their fingers, fingernails, tweezers, tools, or combinations thereof, to pick out the hardened components from the one or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction devices.

18. The method of playing games of claim 17, wherein the game components comprise one human skin-simulating self harm reduction device and one list of hardened components for all players and the method further comprises: the at least one player finding and removing the hardened components listed in the list of hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device wins the game by (1) finding and removing more hardened components than any other players, if otherplayers are present, within a set time limit, or (2) finding and removing all of the hardened components from the human skin-simulating self harm reduction device before all other players.

19. The method of playing games of claim 17, wherein the game components comprise two or more human skin-simulating self harm reduction device and two or more lists of hardened components for all players and the method further comprises: each player playing from their own respective list of hardened components and human skin-simulating self harm reduction device; and each player finding and removing the hardened components listed in their respective list of hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device at the same time with a winner of the game determined upon either (1 ) a player finding and removing more hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device than all other players within a set time limit or (2) a player finding and removing all of the hardened components from their respective human skin-simulating self harm reduction device before all other players.