Facial muscle expansion / contraction inducing member, face mask, and face mask set
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KINETIC ACT INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure JP2025043510_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Expression muscle contraction induction member, face pack, and face pack set
[0001] The present invention relates to an expression muscle contraction induction member, a face pack, and a face pack set that promote contraction or relaxation of expression muscles.
[0002] In the face, since the skin on the face is supported by the expression muscles, when the muscle strength of the expression muscles decreases due to aging, lack of expression (decrease in the opportunity of use), etc., the skin may sag and wrinkles may occur. For this reason, various beauty rollers have been proposed as face massagers to stimulate the expression muscles. For example, in Patent Document 1, there is provided a pair of arm portions that extend from a gripping portion and bifurcate at the tip side thereof, and a pair of rollers that are rotatably supported at the tip portions of the respective arm portions, and a pair of plus electrodes and minus electrodes for applying electrical stimulation of EMS (electromyostimulation therapy) to the muscles are provided around the pair of rollers. According to this, if the user holds the gripping portion of the beauty roller and rolls it while bringing the roller into contact with the skin surface of the user, it is possible to apply both a pressing stimulus by the roller and an electrical stimulus by EMS to the expression muscles.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-193726
[0004] However, when applying a stimulus to the expression muscles using the above beauty roller, during that time, the user must continuously perform an operation of holding the gripping portion of the beauty roller with one hand and rolling it while bringing the roller into contact with the skin surface of the user. When feeling tired from the operation with that one hand, the user has to switch the gripping portion to the other hand, and when continuing the operation for a long time, the switching operation is repeated. Therefore, the operation burden on the user is not light, and furthermore, during the use of the beauty roller, the user has to be almost completely focused on it, and it has to be said that there is room for improvement in terms of ease of use of the beauty roller.
[0005] Moreover, a beauty roller is basically a beauty device that consists of a pair of arms extending from a gripping part and branching into two at the tip, and a pair of rollers rotatably supported at the tip of each arm. In addition, each of the rollers is equipped with a positive electrode and a negative electrode to apply EMS electrical stimulation to the muscles around it, making it a complex device. Acquiring such a device requires being prepared to bear a corresponding expense, and the aforementioned beauty roller is not something that everyone can easily obtain.
[0006] Under these circumstances, the inventors have focused on the following points: (i) If facial muscles can be appropriately contracted or relaxed according to the facial muscles in each area of the face, it is possible to improve sagging and wrinkles of the skin on the face (lift-up effect) and enhance skin firmness. (ii) On the other hand, humans can experience motor illusions in response to external stimuli, in which they perceive that muscles are moving even though they are not actually moving voluntarily or passively. The use of this motor illusion in rehabilitation is beginning to be considered ("Cutaneous Receptors Contribute to Kinesthesia at the Index Finger, Elbow, and Knee": DF COLLINS, KM REFSHAUGE, G. TODD, AND SC GANDEVIA, "Effects of Muscle Vibration Stimulation and Skin Cold Stimulation Associated with Simultaneous Hand-Elbow Joint Extension Movement on Motor Control": Hiroyuki Seki, Masuo Muro). If facial muscles can also be trained using this motor illusion, improvements in facial skin sagging and wrinkles (a lifting effect) can be expected.
[0007] (iii) In utilizing the motor illusion in the facial muscles, it is conceivable to utilize Ruffini endings, which exist as tactile receptors in the skin (dermis). Ruffini endings can sense the direction and force of even minute tensile forces acting on the skin (skin surface) (unconscious tensile forces that the user does not perceive), and as long as they sense it, they continuously send information about that tensile force to the brain. The sensing function of Ruffini endings plays a role in assisting motor sensation. Therefore, by utilizing Ruffini endings and continuously sending information about the above-mentioned tensile force to the brain, it is possible to make the brain perceive that the facial muscles are moving in the direction of the tensile force on the skin, even though the facial muscles are not actually moving voluntarily or passively (motor illusion). Based on this motor illusion, it is possible to continuously encourage the facial muscles to move in a way that results from that motor illusion (transmission from the brain to the facial muscles via neural circuits).
[0008] (iv) Therefore, if it is possible to continuously generate an unconscious tensile force on the skin surface by some means that is not felt by the user, and if the direction of that tensile force can be easily determined freely while taking into account the direction of muscle course, then, as described above, it is possible to create a motor illusion by utilizing the Ruffini endings, and based on that motor illusion, the facial muscles can be encouraged to move in a manner that resembles that motor illusion. As a result, it is possible to train the facial muscles without continuously applying manipulative force to the skin using a beauty roller or the like (while ensuring ease of use), and if the skin is supported by those facial muscles, an improvement in sagging and wrinkles of the skin can be expected.
[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its first objective is to provide a facial muscle contraction / relaxation guiding member that can promote the contraction or relaxation of facial muscles to be improved, while ensuring that it is easily available and easy for the user to use without causing any burden to the user. The second objective is to provide a face pack that can be easily used as the above facial muscle contraction / relaxation guiding member. The third objective is to provide a face pack set that allows the face pack to be used as the above facial muscle contraction / relaxation guiding member.
[0010] To achieve the first objective described above, the present invention has the following configurations (1) to (4).
[0011] (1) A sheet-like substrate is provided for covering the face in a predetermined state by being positioned along the skin surface of the face, and an external force applying portion is provided on the sheet-like substrate, which is formed in an elongated state, and the external force applying portion comprises a cut that is cut from the inner surface to the surface of the sheet-like substrate and extends in a straight line, and a liquid component held on at least the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate including the area in which the cut exists, and the sheet-like substrate is formed such that the entire cut is aligned with the direction of the assumed facial muscle in a corresponding area of at least one facial muscle on the face, and the cut and the liquid component are configured such that, provided that the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate is positioned on the skin surface and the cut is open, the liquid component is condensed and a force based on the surface tension of the liquid component is applied to the skin surface in a direction along the skin surface and in the direction of extension of the cut.
[0012] With this configuration, when the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate is placed on the skin surface of the face, the external force application part applies an external force to the skin surface in a direction along the skin surface and in the direction of extension of the external force application part. Therefore, when it is desired to encourage movement based on the motor illusion using Ruffini endings in the facial muscles to be improved, the external force application part is placed in the skin surface area opposite the facial muscles, and by utilizing the fact that the extension form of the external force application part can be grasped visually during placement, the direction of the external force applied by the external force application part can be directed in a direction that is effective for the facial muscles to be improved. Based on the external force applied to the skin surface by the external force application part, a desired tensile force (which is also a shear force between the inside of the skin and the skin surface) can be generated on the skin surface. This tensile force on the skin surface and its direction are sent from the corticospinal tract to the motor cortex of the brain via the Ruffini endings, and based on this, the motor cortex of the brain generates a motor illusion and encourages movement based on the information from the Ruffini endings in the facial muscles. Thus, it is possible to appropriately encourage the contraction or relaxation of the facial muscles to be improved. Moreover, since this method uses a simple sheet-like substrate equipped with an external force application section, and only requires placing it on the skin surface (the area opposite the facial muscles to be improved), it ensures both easy availability and ease of use without causing any burden to the user.
[0013] Furthermore, under the configuration of (1) described above, the external force application part is configured to include a cut that extends linearly from the inner surface to the surface of the sheet-like substrate, and a liquid component held on at least the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate, including the area in which the cut exists.
[0014] Therefore, when the inner surface of a sheet-like substrate is placed on the skin surface, the liquid components on the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate and the liquid components that wet the skin surface are exposed to the outside surface (outside air) of the sheet-like substrate through the cuts (including both those that are open from the beginning and those that open based on the curvature of the skin surface). These exposed liquid components condense in an attempt to reduce their surface area, and surface tension is generated in the liquid component portion. At this time, since the sheet-like substrate utilizes the elongation shape of the cuts, and its deformation resistance in the elongation direction is significantly smaller than its deformation resistance in the width direction of the cuts (direction perpendicular to the elongation direction), the force that tries to aggregate based on the surface tension of the liquid components tries to deform the sheet-like substrate by shortening the length of the cuts (compressing them) from both ends of the elongation direction inward. This deformation force of the sheet-like substrate is transmitted to the skin surface via the liquid components adhering to the skin surface, and a minute tensile force (an unconscious tensile force that the user does not feel) acts on the skin surface inward in the elongation direction of the cuts. Since this tensile force on the skin surface is sent to the brain using Ruffini endings, by applying the tensile force on the skin surface based on the surface tension of the liquid component to the skin surface facing the facial muscles to be improved, while considering the direction of the facial muscles' movement and applying it in a manner appropriate to those facial muscles, it is possible to strengthen the facial muscles and improve skin sagging and wrinkles.
[0015] Furthermore, under the configuration of (1) described above, the sheet-like substrate is intended to cover the face in a predetermined state, and the sheet-like substrate for the face is configured such that the entire cut is formed in a corresponding area of at least one facial muscle on the face, along the direction of the assumed facial muscle in that corresponding area.
[0016] As a result, since the sheet-like substrate is placed on the face in a predetermined state, the corresponding area and direction of movement of the facial muscles can be pre-set on the sheet-like substrate based on generally known information about facial muscles. Since cuts are formed throughout the sheet in the corresponding area of at least one of the facial muscles, along the direction of movement of the assumed facial muscle in that area, when the sheet-like substrate is placed on the face in a predetermined state, a tensile force based on the surface tension of the liquid component can be generated on the skin surface in contact with the corresponding area where the cuts are formed, directed inward in the direction of elongation of the cuts. The Ruffini endings sense this tensile force and its direction, and contraction of the assumed facial muscle in the corresponding area is promoted through a motor illusion. At this time, a tensile force acts on the corresponding area of skin surface from both sides of the incision in the direction of elongation. Based on the illusion of movement, the hypothetical facial muscle is encouraged to move not only from its insertion side to its origin side, but also from its origin side to its insertion side. However, when a muscle contracts, the insertion (part) of the muscle acts as the part with the greatest movement, and the origin (part) of the muscle acts as the part with the least movement. Therefore, the movement of the hypothetical facial muscle from its insertion side to its origin side (displacement movement) becomes relatively larger than the movement of the hypothetical facial muscle from its origin side to its insertion side, thus promoting the contraction of that hypothetical facial muscle. As a result, the hypothetical facial muscle in the corresponding area can be strengthened, and sagging and wrinkles on the skin surface in that corresponding area can be improved.
[0017] (2) Under the configuration of (1) described above, the liquid component is impregnated into the entire sheet-like substrate.
[0018] With this configuration, sufficient liquid components are supplied to the cut openings and the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate during use, ensuring that the effect described in (1) above, based on the surface tension of the liquid components at the cut openings, is reliable.
[0019] (3) Under the configuration of (1) described above, the number of cuts in the corresponding area is set to be multiple.
[0020] With this configuration, even over a wide area (the area of the assumed facial muscles), the tensile force (load) on the skin surface in contact with that area can be easily and effectively increased by multiple incisions.
[0021] (4) Under the configuration of (1) described above, the sheet-like substrate is a sheet-like substrate for a face pack with openings in areas corresponding to at least the eyes and mouth, and the liquid component is a beauty serum.
[0022] With this configuration, by aligning the eyes and mouth with the openings of the sheet-like material for the face pack, the sheet-like material for the face pack can be positioned in a predetermined state on the face. Based on this positioning, the sheet-like material for the face pack can accurately recognize the corresponding area and direction of movement of the facial muscles, and cuts corresponding to the assumed facial muscles can be accurately formed in that corresponding area (sheet-like material for the face pack). Therefore, while being used as a face pack, it is possible to accurately improve sagging and wrinkles in the corresponding area of the skin on the face.
[0023] To achieve the second objective described above, the present invention has the following configuration as shown in (5).
[0024] (5) A face pack that enables the contraction and extension of facial muscles, comprising: a sheet-like base material for a face pack having openings in areas corresponding to at least the eyes and mouth for placement on the skin surface of the face; and a beauty serum held at least on the inner surface of the sheet-like base material for a face pack, wherein the sheet-like base material for the face pack has a cutout display on its surface in an area corresponding to at least one of the facial muscles of the face, such that the entire cutout display is aligned with the direction of travel of the assumed facial muscle in that area, and the cutout display is selectively cuttable, and when a cut is made in the cutout display and a cut is formed in the sheet-like base material for the face pack, the cut and the beauty serum are configured such that, provided that the inner surface of the sheet-like base material for the face pack is placed on the skin surface and the cut is open, the beauty serum is condensed, and a force based on the surface tension of the beauty serum is applied to the skin surface in a direction along the skin surface and in the direction of extension of the cut.
[0025] This configuration allows users to cut the sheet-like base material for the face pack according to the notches indicated on its surface. Based on the selection of these notches, a face pack can be easily obtained that has cuts that induce movement (contraction) of facial muscles based on a motor illusion utilizing Ruffini endings. Therefore, users can train their facial muscles according to their own circumstances.
[0026] To achieve the third objective described above, the present invention has the following configuration as shown in (6).
[0027] (6) A face pack set used to induce contraction and relaxation of facial muscles, comprising: a face pack having a beauty serum held on at least the inner surface of a sheet-like base material for face packs, with openings for at least the areas corresponding to the eyes and mouth for placement on the skin surface of the face; and a transparent or translucent cut guide sheet that can be placed on the surface of the face pack and cover the entire face pack in accordance with the face pack, wherein the cut guide sheet has cut markings displayed such that the entire cut markings are aligned with the direction of the assumed facial muscle in the corresponding area, within the area corresponding to at least one of the facial muscles of the face. With the cut guide sheet covering the entire surface of the face pack in correspondence with the face pack, when cuts are made from the cut guide sheet and the face pack along the cut markings on the cut guide sheet to form a cut in the face pack, the cut in the face pack and the beauty serum are configured such that, provided that the inner surface of the sheet-like base material for the face pack is positioned on the skin surface and the cut opens, the beauty serum is condensed, and a force based on the surface tension of the beauty serum is applied to the skin surface in a direction along the skin surface and in the direction of extension of the cut.
[0028] With this configuration, by placing a cutting guide sheet on the surface of an existing face mask and then making cuts according to the cutting markings on the guide sheet, it is possible to easily obtain a face mask that has cuts that induce movement (contraction) of facial muscles based on a motor illusion using Ruffini endings, while still utilizing the existing face mask. Moreover, the user can select the cut markings according to their situation, allowing them to train their facial muscles in a way that suits their individual needs.
[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a facial muscle contraction / relaxation guiding member that can promote the contraction or relaxation of facial muscles to be improved, while ensuring ease of use and convenience for the user. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a face pack that can be easily used as the above-mentioned facial muscle contraction / relaxation guiding member. In addition, it is possible to provide a face pack set that allows the face pack to be used as the above-mentioned facial muscle contraction / relaxation guiding member.
[0030] An explanatory diagram showing a face pack as a facial muscle contraction and extension guiding member according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 in Figure 1. An explanatory diagram showing the corresponding areas for various facial muscles in the face pack of Figure 1 and the cuts formed in those areas. An explanatory diagram explaining the actual placement areas and directions of movement of various facial muscles on the face. An explanatory diagram explaining the state before and after placing the face pack according to the first embodiment on the skin surface. An explanatory diagram explaining the operation of the face pack according to the first embodiment. A plan view showing a test piece cut from the face pack (sheet-like substrate) placed on a glass substrate for a surface tension confirmation experiment. A vertical cross-sectional view of Figure 7. A diagram showing the experimental results of Figures 7 and 8. A diagram showing the height h of the outer corner of the eye and the height m of the corner of the mouth measured for the test. A diagram comparing the results after wearing the face pack according to the embodiment with the results after wearing the face pack according to the comparative example. A photographic diagram comparing the results of subject D shown in Figure 11 with actual images. An explanatory diagram explaining the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram explaining the third embodiment.
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0032] In Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a face pack used as a facial muscle contraction and extension guiding member according to the first embodiment. This face pack 1 comprises a sheet-like base material for face packs (hereinafter referred to as "sheet-like base material") 2, which is a sheet-like base material (sheet-like base material for face) that is designed to cover the face of a typical adult, and a beauty serum 3, which is a liquid component impregnated into the sheet-like base material 2 and also retained on the inner surface of the sheet-like base material 2. The sheet-like base material 2 is formed to a certain thickness using nonwoven fabric, and ultrafine fibers are used in the nonwoven fabric to enhance the impregnation performance of the beauty serum 3. The sheet-like base material 2 has openings 4 and 5 formed in the corresponding areas of the eyes and mouth, corresponding to their respective shapes, and a notch 6 is formed to absorb the protrusion of the nose from the face. When a user aligns their eyes with the opening 4 of the sheet-like base material 2, pushes up the partitioned area of the notch 6 with their nose, and then inserts their mouth into the opening 5, the sheet-like base material 2 is positioned in a predetermined state relative to the user's face.
[0033] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the beauty serum 3 is impregnated into the entire sheet-like substrate 2, and the beauty serum 3 wets not only the inner surface but also the outer surface of the sheet-like substrate 2. In Figure 2, the presence and content of the beauty serum 3 are slightly exaggerated in the illustration to make its presence and content clear. The sheet-like substrate 2 impregnated with this beauty serum 3 is stored in a sealed packaging bag before use and is removed from the sealed packaging bag when it is ready for use. The beauty serum 3 basically serves to supply nutrients to the skin surface, and as is well known, a liquid containing moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and glycerin, and whitening ingredients such as vitamin C derivatives, arbutin, and tranexamic acid is used. However, from the viewpoint of improving sagging and wrinkles on the skin surface, as described later, it is preferable to minimize the use of ingredients that enhance the effect as a surfactant and instead increase the surface tension.
[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the sheet-like substrate 2 has known the corresponding regions 7 (used as representative symbols for the corresponding regions) of various facial muscles on the face and the assumed direction of movement of the facial muscles within each of these corresponding regions 7. This is to effectively exert the effect of the cuts 10, described later, on the selected facial muscles. In determining the corresponding regions 7 of various facial muscles and the assumed direction of movement of the facial muscles within each of these corresponding regions 7 on the sheet-like substrate 2, existing knowledge and information regarding the arrangement regions and direction of movement of various facial muscles on a human face are utilized, assuming that the sheet-like substrate 2 is used in the predetermined state corresponding to a human face.
[0035] Specifically, in the human face, as shown in Figure 4, there are various facial muscles 8 (used as representative symbols for facial muscles), such as the frontalis muscle 8a in the forehead, the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b around the eyes, the zygomaticus major muscle 8c around the mouth, and the risorius muscle 8d. Each of these facial muscles 8 has its own unique direction of movement, and the corresponding areas 7 of the various facial muscles on the sheet-like substrate 2 and the assumed direction of movement of the facial muscles in each corresponding area 7 are understood in a manner that corresponds to the actual arrangement areas and directions of movement of the various facial muscles 8. This understood information is incorporated as setting information to be used when forming the cuts 10 described later in processing equipment such as presses used for cutting out the sheet-like substrate 2 from the material, forming openings 4 and 5 for the eyes and mouth on the sheet-like substrate 2, and forming cuts 6 to define the nasal compartment on the sheet-like substrate 2. For this reason, in Figure 3, for convenience, some of the assumed regions 7 for various facial muscles are shown with dashed lines. However, in this embodiment, the corresponding regions 7 for various facial muscles 8 and the direction of travel of the assumed facial muscles in each corresponding region 7 are not indicated on the sheet-like substrate 2. The term "assumed facial muscle" in the corresponding region 7 is used to mean the same thing as the facial muscle 8 that faces the corresponding region 7 when the sheet-like substrate 2 is placed on the face. However, it is also used to identify the facial muscle 8 in cases where the sheet-like substrate 2 is not placed on the face. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for assumed facial muscles as for the facial muscles 8.
[0036] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the face pack 1 (sheet-like substrate 2) has a linear cut 10 formed therein. When the face pack 1 is placed on the skin surface 12 of the face, the beauty serum 3 impregnated by the face pack 1 and the cut 10 create a surface tension ST, and based on this surface tension ST, a tensile force P (used as a representative symbol for tensile force) acts on the skin surface 12 in the direction of elongation of the cut 10 via the beauty serum 3 on the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate 2. This cut 10 is formed simultaneously by a processing device such as a press, along with cutting out the sheet-like substrate 2 from the material, forming openings 4 and 5 for the eyes and mouth in the sheet-like substrate 2, and forming a cut 6 to define the nose area.
[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the cut 10 is cut from the inner surface to the outer surface of the sheet-like substrate 2 and extends in a straight line. When the sheet-like substrate 2 is placed on the skin surface 12 of the face, the abutting portion (peripheral portion) 10a of the cut 10 opens up based on the curved surface of the skin surface 12 of the face, thereby forming a slit-shaped opening 10b that extends in the direction of the cut 10 while the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate 2 faces outwards. As the face pack 1 is placed, the beauty serum 3 on the skin surface 12 that the face pack 1 wets, the beauty serum 3 that seeps out from the face pack 1, etc. enter this opening 10b of the cut 10, and the beauty serum 3 inside the opening 10b is exposed to the outside (atmosphere). As a result, as shown in the explanatory diagram of the operation in Figure 6, a surface tension ST is generated in the beauty serum 3 inside the opening 10b, causing it to condense. Based on this surface tension ST, a tensile force P acts on the skin surface 12 as an external force directed inward in the elongation direction of the cut 10 via the beauty serum 3 on the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate 2. For this reason, the width and length in the elongation direction of the opening 10b are set to maintain a state in which the beauty serum 3 is filled inside the opening 10b, based on the adhesion force of the beauty serum 3 to the inner surface of the opening 10b, in order to generate the surface tension ST.
[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the cuts 10 are formed over the entire area 7 corresponding to the various facial muscles 8, following the direction of movement of the assumed facial muscles 8 in that area 7. The cuts 10 are formed in the corresponding area 7 in order to effectively exert the effect of the cuts 10 on the assumed facial muscles 8 in the corresponding area 7 (when the sheet-like substrate 2 is placed on the skin surface 12, the facial muscles facing the corresponding area 7). The cuts 10 are formed along the direction of movement of the assumed facial muscles 8 in the corresponding area 7 in order to utilize the tensile force P directed inward in the direction of extension based on the cuts 10 as a force acting on the skin surface 12 in the direction of expansion and contraction of the assumed facial muscles 8.
[0039] The reason for forming the cut 10 over the entire corresponding region 7 is, as shown in Figure 6, to apply a tensile force P1(P) to the skin surface 12 that will be in contact with the corresponding region 7, at least in the direction from the insertion MT side to the origin MI side (origin direction) of the assumed facial muscle 8, in order to contract the assumed facial muscle 8 in that corresponding region 7. In other words, the facial muscle 8 is basically assumed to have its origin on the fixed side and its insertion on the side that is easily moved freely, and when the facial muscle 8 contracts, it mainly moves in the direction from its insertion MT side toward the origin MI side (origin MI direction). Therefore, in order to create a motion illusion based on a tensile force P acting on the skin surface 12, at least one of the tensile forces P1 and P2 acting on the skin surface 12 (tensile forces directed inward from both sides in the stretching direction of the cut 10) is required, specifically P1 which is directed from the insertion MT side of the assumed facial muscle 8 towards the origin MI direction. When this tensile force P1 acts on the skin surface 12, it is sent from the corticospinal tract to the motor cortex of the brain 14 via the Ruffini endings 13. Based on this, the motor cortex of the brain 14 creates a motion illusion and, based on the information from the Ruffini endings 13, prompts the assumed facial muscle 8 to move from the insertion MT side towards the origin MI direction. At the same time, a tensile force P2 acts on the skin surface 12 in the direction from the origin MI side to the insertion MT side of the hypothetical facial muscle 8, and even if this promotes movement of the hypothetical facial muscle 8 from its origin MI side to its insertion MT side, based on the origin MI and insertion MT relationship during the contraction of the facial muscle, the promotion of movement from the insertion MT side to the origin MI direction for the hypothetical facial muscle 8 will work effectively, and the hypothetical facial muscle 8 will contract (the arrow in the hypothetical facial muscle 8 in Figure 6 indicates the amount of displacement by its length). Ruffini endings 13 are abundant in the subcutaneous tissue 11c of the skin 11 (epidermis 11a, dermis 11b, subcutaneous tissue 11c).
[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the cuts 10 are formed in the sheet-like substrate 2 in one or more assumed regions 7 selected from among the assumed regions 7 of various facial muscles 8. This is to accommodate the user's facial condition, such as when training a single facial muscle by contracting it alone, or when effectively lifting the face by combining the contraction and relaxation of multiple facial muscles. In this embodiment, the corresponding regions 7 of the frontalis muscle 8a, zygomaticus major muscle 8c, risorius muscle 8d, and orbicularis oculi muscle 8b are selected, and cuts 10 are formed symmetrically on the left and right sides of each corresponding region 7a, 7c, and 7d with respect to the center line of the sheet-like substrate 2, and each cut 10 is positioned along the direction of travel of each assumed facial muscle 8a, 8c, and 8d.
[0041] However, regarding the incision 10 formed in the area 7b corresponding to the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b, one part is positioned perpendicular to the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b, which is the assumed facial muscle 8, in the upper part of the assumed area 7b, while the other part extends diagonally outward from the upper part of the area 7b corresponding to the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b. This is because the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b has the function of closing the eye, and if the incision 10 is positioned along the direction of the muscle's course, it will promote the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b and create wrinkles at the corners of the eyes. Therefore, in order to suppress the creation of these wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, the incision 10 is extended perpendicular to the orbicularis oculi muscle 8 to relax the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b. On the other hand, it has been noted that this can promote the contraction of the frontalis muscle 8a via the connective tissue 8e (see Figure 4) between the orbicularis oculi muscle and the frontalis muscle, and this is used to lift the space between the eyebrows, making it easier to open the eyes and lifting the corners of the eyes.
[0042] Furthermore, multiple cuts 10 are formed in a corresponding area 7 as needed. This is to effectively apply a tensile force P based on surface tension ST to the skin surface 12 in contact with the corresponding area 7 of the facial muscle 8, taking into consideration when the area occupied by the selected facial muscle 8 is large. For this reason, in this embodiment, two cuts 10 are formed parallel to the frontalis muscle 8a in the corresponding area 7a of the frontalis muscle 8a (see Figure 3).
[0043] Next, the operation of the face pack 1 will be described based on FIGS. 5 and 6. In the description, the case where a cut 10 is arranged in a corresponding area 7 of one facial muscle in the face pack 1 will be focused on for explanation.
[0044] When the face pack 1 is placed on the user's face and the face pack 1 is positioned in a predetermined state with respect to the user's face, the cut 10 opens based on the curved surface of the skin surface 12 of the face, and an opening 10b is formed where the inner surface side of the sheet-like base material 2 faces the outside. As a result, the beauty liquid 3 on the skin surface 12 wetted by the face pack 1, the beauty liquid 3 that has leaked out from the face pack 1, etc. enter into this opening 10b, and the beauty liquid 3 filled in the opening 10b is exposed to the outside (atmosphere) (see FIG. 5). This exposed beauty liquid 3 condenses to reduce its surface area, and a surface tension ST occurs in the beauty liquid 3 portion. At this time, by utilizing the stretching form of the cut 10 in the sheet-like base material 2, the deformation resistance in the stretching direction is significantly smaller than the deformation resistance in the width direction of the cut 10 (the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction). Therefore, the force that tends to aggregate based on the surface tension ST of the beauty liquid 3 is transmitted to the beauty liquid 3 adhering to the sheet-like base material 2 continuous with the beauty liquid 3, and the sheet-like base material 2 is deformed so as to shorten the length of the cut 10 from both ends in the stretching direction inward in the stretching direction (to compress it). The deformation force of the sheet-like base material 2 at this time is transmitted to the skin surface 12 through the beauty liquid 3 adhering to the inner surface of the sheet-like base material 2, and the transmitted force acts as a tensile force P on the skin surface 12 (see FIG. 6).
[0045] As a result, a small tensile force P (an unconscious tensile force that the user does not perceive, and which is also a shear force between the inside of the skin and the skin surface) continuously acts on the skin surface 12 in contact with the corresponding region 7 where the cut 10 is formed, directed inward in the direction of the elongation of the cut 10. Moreover, at this time, since the cut 10 extends in the direction of the assumed facial muscle 8 in the corresponding region 7, a tensile force P is applied to the skin surface 12 in contact with the corresponding region in the direction of the facial muscle opposite to the skin surface 12. This tensile force P on the skin surface 12 and its direction are sent to the brain 14 using the Ruffini endings 13 (sent from the corticospinal tract to the motor cortex of the brain 14 via the Ruffini endings 13), causing the motor cortex of the brain 14 to produce a motor illusion and prompt the facial muscle 8 to move based on the information from the Ruffini endings 13 (see Figure 6).
[0046] At this time, a tensile force P acts on the skin surface 12 in contact with the corresponding region 7 from both sides of the cut 10 in an elongation direction. Based on the illusion of movement, the hypothetical facial muscle 8 is encouraged to move not only from its insertion MT side towards its origin MI side, but also from its origin MI side towards its insertion MT side. However, when a muscle contracts, the insertion MT (part) of the muscle acts as the part with greater movement, and the origin MI (part) of the muscle acts as the part with less movement (fixed side). Therefore, the movement of the hypothetical facial muscle 8 from the insertion MT side towards its origin MI side becomes dominant, and the hypothetical facial muscle 8 contracts. As a result, the hypothetical facial muscle 8 in the corresponding region 7 is strengthened by contraction, and sagging and wrinkles on the skin surface 12 in that corresponding region 7 can be improved (see Figure 6).
[0047] As a method of applying a tensile force to the skin surface 12, a method of applying a tensile force to the skin surface and attaching a bandage to the skin surface while maintaining the tensile state of the skin surface can also be considered. However, the tension exerted by the muscle is affected by the change in length that occurs in the muscle. The tension generated by muscle contraction is maximum at the natural length, and the active tension decreases when the length decreases from the natural length. And when it becomes 60% or less of the natural length, the active tension cannot be exerted. That is, if tension is applied to the skin with a bandage, as a result, the length of the muscle is shortened from the natural length, and the active tension of the muscle cannot be exerted, which will prevent the muscle contraction of the facial muscles. On the other hand, in the method according to the present embodiment, instead of applying tension to the skin surface and shortening the length of the muscle, the function of the sensory receptor of the skin based on the incision (surface tension) is used to cause a motion illusion in the facial muscles and promote muscle contraction. As a result, muscle contraction can be promoted from the state of the natural length to generate active tension, and the function of the facial muscles can be enhanced. Of course, the method according to the present embodiment also has an advantage over the method using a bandage in that it is not necessary to apply a tensile force to the skin surface with a hand or the like, and the user does not feel the tensile force.
[0048] FIGS. 7 to 9 show a surface tension confirmation experiment for confirming that a surface tension ST is generated by the incision 10 and water (used as equivalent to the beauty liquid 3) in the sheet-like base material 2, and the incision 10 is shortened inward in the extension direction of the incision 10 by the surface tension ST.
[0049] (Surface Tension Confirmation Experiment) In the experiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a sample piece (Ls = 57 mm, Lw = 25 mm, Lt = 0.3 mm) 16 was cut from the sheet-like substrate 2 used for the face pack 1, and a straight slit (Ss = 23 mm, Sw = 0.3 mm) 17 was formed as a cut 10 in the sample piece 16. Then, the sample piece 16 was immersed in purified water to impregnate the sample piece 16 with purified water, and the slit 17 was filled with purified water and held in that state, and placed on a glass substrate 18. After this, the changes over time in the lateral length Ls of the sample piece 16 and the lateral length Ss of the slit 17 were measured. Since the displacement was expected to be minute during the measurement, the sample was photographed with a digital camera (LUMEX: Panasonic) at each measurement point, and the lateral length Ls of the sample piece 16 and the lateral length Ss of the slit 17 in each captured image were measured using image analysis software (ImageJ).
[0050] Figure 9 shows the experimental results. According to the experimental results, a shortening of the lateral length Ls of the sample piece 16 and the lateral length Ss of the slit 17 was observed approximately 5 minutes after the start of the experiment.
[0051] Figures 10 to 13 show the results of a test comparing the height difference between the outer corners of the eyes and the corners of the mouth when using the two types of face packs: the face pack 1 (with cuts 10) according to the first embodiment is the face pack according to the example (see Figure 1), and the face pack obtained by removing the cuts 10 from the face pack according to the first embodiment is the face pack according to the comparative example.
[0052] (1) Measurement conditions The face pack according to the comparative example was immersed in purified water, and the face pack according to the comparative example was worn on the subject's face for 10 minutes. After that, the face pack according to the comparative example was removed and the face was photographed. After a 2-minute break following the photography, the face pack according to the example, which had also been immersed in purified water, was worn on the face for 10 minutes. After that, the face pack according to the example was removed and the face was photographed. Then, each of the captured images was analyzed to derive the height h (h1, h2) of the outer corner of the eye and the height m (m1, m2) of the corner of the mouth, as described below.
[0053] (2) Four adult subjects.
[0054] (3) Equipment and Method of Use For the above measurements, a digital camera (LUMEX: manufactured by Panasonic Corporation) was used to photograph the face from the front, and the measurement position was a static seated position with both upper limbs hanging down. The distance between the digital camera and the subject was set to 40 cm, and the center of the lower end of the nasal tip was positioned in the center of the screen.
[0055] (4) Analysis Method The image analysis software "ImageJ" was used to analyze the captured images. For the height h (mm) of the outer corner of the eye, the distance from the vertical line drawn down from the outer corner of the eye to the intersection of a horizontal line passing through the lower end of the tip of the nose was calculated from images taken after each face pack had been worn (see Figure 10). For the height m (mm) of the corner of the mouth, the distance from the vertical line drawn upward from the corner of the mouth to the intersection of a horizontal line passing through the lower end of the tip of the nose was calculated (see Figure 10). Then, for the height h of the outer corner of the eye and the height m of the corner of the mouth, the difference was calculated from the values h1 and m1 when using the face pack of the comparative example and the values h2 and m2 when using the face pack of the example, and the change in the height of the outer corner of the eye h2-h1 and the change in the height of the corner of the mouth m2-m1 were examined.
[0056] (5) Test Results According to the test results, as shown in Figure 11, the height h of the outer corner of the eye was 1.3 ± 0.4 mm higher when wearing the face pack according to the example, compared to the value h1 when wearing the face pack according to the comparative example. The height m of the corner of the mouth was 2.1 ± 1.0 mm higher when wearing the face pack according to the example, compared to the value m1 when wearing the face pack according to the comparative example. From this, it can be seen that the cut eye 10, which is involved with the frontalis muscle 8a, contracts the frontalis muscle 8a and lifts the entire eyebrow, which leads to an increase in the height of the outer corner of the eye. In this case, it is thought that the cut eye 10, which is involved with the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b, promotes relaxation of the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b in order to suppress the formation of wrinkles at the outer corner of the eye, while at the same time enhancing (contracting) the effect of the frontalis muscle 8a, which has an action opposite to that of the orbicularis oculi muscle 8b, thereby assisting in the increase in the height of the outer corner of the eye. Furthermore, regarding the height of the corners of the mouth, it can be seen that the incisions 10 involved with the zygomaticus major muscle 8c and the risorius muscle 8d contracted those muscles 8c and 8d, lifting the corners of the mouth. Figure 12 shows a comparison of the results after wearing the face pack according to the example and the face pack according to the comparative example, using actual images of subject D shown in Figure 11. The left photograph was taken after wearing the face pack according to the comparative example, and the right photograph was taken after wearing the face pack according to the example.
[0057] Figure 13 shows the second embodiment, and Figure 14 shows the third embodiment. In each of these embodiments, components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.
[0058] The second embodiment shown in Figure 13 shows a face pack 21 that is a preliminary step to the face pack 1 according to the first embodiment, and by using this face pack 21, the face pack 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained. Specifically, the surface of the face pack 21 (the surface of the sheet-like base material 2) has notches 20 for forming notches 10. Of course, these notches 20 extend in the direction of the assumed facial muscles 8 in the corresponding areas of the various facial muscles 8. This allows the user to cut the face pack 21 according to the notches 20 using a knife, cutter, etc., and based on the selection of the notches, a face pack having notches 10 that induce movement (contraction) of facial muscles based on the motor illusion using Ruffini endings 13 can be easily obtained. In this case, the surface of the face pack 1 shown in Figure 13 shows notches corresponding to the face pack 10 shown in Figure 1, but if many notches 20 corresponding to various facial muscles 8 are marked in advance, the range of choices for the user will be broadened, and a face pack having notches 10 according to the user's facial condition can be easily obtained.
[0059] The third embodiment shown in Figure 14 shows a face pack set 33 that is a preliminary step to the face pack 1 according to the first embodiment, and the face pack 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained by using this face pack set 33.
[0060] The face pack set 33 comprises a face pack 31 and a cut guide sheet 32. The face pack 31 is the same as the face pack 1 according to the first embodiment described above, but without the cuts 10. When this face pack 31 is placed on the face, as in the first embodiment, the openings 4 and 5 for the eyes and mouth and the cut 6 for the nose area in the face pack 31 position the face pack 31 in a predetermined state relative to the face.
[0061] The aforementioned cut guide sheet 32 is made of a transparent or translucent sheet. The cut guide sheet 32 has markings 34, 35, and 36 corresponding to the outer shape of the face pack 31, the openings 4 and 5 formed in the face pack 31, and the cuts 6. In addition, cut markings 30 are displayed on the cut guide sheet 32 in corresponding areas of the various facial muscles 8, extending along the direction of the assumed facial muscles in those corresponding areas. In this case, the cut markings 30 can be displayed in one or more corresponding areas, and one or more cut markings 30 can be displayed in one corresponding area.
[0062] As a result, by placing the cutting guide sheet 32 on the surface of the existing face pack 31 and aligning the corresponding markings 34, 35, and 36 on the cutting guide sheet 32 with the outer shape of the face pack 31, the eye and mouth openings 4 and 5, and the nose compartment cutout 6, the cutting markings 30 on the cutting guide sheet 32 will be positioned over the corresponding areas of the various facial muscles 8 on the face pack 31. Therefore, by making cuts according to the cutting markings 30 on the cutting guide sheet 32 in this state, the face pack 31 will have cuts 10 that allow for the use of its original function and induce movement (contraction) of facial muscles based on a motor illusion using the Ruffini terminals 13, that is, a face pack similar to the face pack 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, at that time, the cutting markings 30 can be selected according to the user's facial condition, and the facial muscles can be trained according to one's own facial condition.
[0063] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention also includes the following aspects: (1) Water is used as the liquid component. (2) The cut 10 is formed from the beginning as a slit 17-shaped opening 10b of a constant width. Of course, in this case as well, it is preferable that the constant width and elongation length of the opening 10b work together to maintain a state in which the opening 10b is filled with beauty serum based on the adhesion force of the beauty serum to the inner surface of the opening 10b. For example, it is preferable that the width of the opening 10b be 0.1 mm to 10 mm and the elongation length of the opening 10b be 5 mm to 30 mm. (3) After placing the sheet-like substrate 2 on the face, beauty serum 3 or water is supplied or replenished to the opening 10b of the cut 10 using a water supply device such as a spray. This makes it possible to hold an appropriate amount of beauty serum 3 or water in the opening 10b and accurately generate surface tension ST. (4) The sheet-like material for the face is not limited to the entire face pack, but also includes parts of the face pack, for example, parts of the face pack divided into upper and lower or left and right sections (parts, sets of parts), etc. (5) In the sheet-like material for the face pack, at least the areas corresponding to the eyes and mouth are opened up when in use. For example, the contours of the eyes, mouth, etc. are demarcated by perforated lines, and the areas demarcated by the perforated lines are removed when in use.
[0064] This invention can be used to promote the contraction or relaxation of facial muscles that need improvement, while ensuring that it is easily available and convenient for the user without causing any burden.
[0065] 1 Face pack 2 Sheet-type base material 3 Serum 7 Corresponding area 8 Facial muscles 10 Cut line 12 Skin surface 20 Cutting mark 30 Cutting mark 32 Cutting guide sheet 33 Face pack set
Claims
1. A facial muscle contraction and extension guiding member characterized by comprising: a sheet-like substrate for covering the face in a predetermined state by being positioned along the surface of the skin of the face; an external force applying portion formed in an extended state; the external force applying portion comprising a slit cut that extends linearly from the inner surface to the surface of the sheet-like substrate, and a liquid component held on at least the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate including the area in which the slit exists; the sheet-like substrate being formed such that the entire slit aligns with the direction of movement of the assumed facial muscle in a corresponding area of at least one facial muscle on the face; and the slit and the liquid component being configured such that, on the condition that the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate is positioned on the skin surface and the slit opens, the liquid component is condensed, and a force based on the surface tension of the liquid component is applied to the skin surface in a direction along the skin surface and inward in the direction of extension of the slit.
2. The facial muscle contraction and extension guiding member according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid component is impregnated throughout the sheet-like substrate.
3. The facial muscle contraction and extension guiding member according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of cuts in the corresponding region is multiple.
4. The facial muscle contraction and extension guiding member according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet-like substrate is a sheet-like substrate for a face pack having openings in areas corresponding to at least the eyes and mouth, and the liquid component is a beauty serum.
5. A face pack that enables the contraction and extension of facial muscles, comprising: a sheet-like substrate for face packs having openings in areas corresponding to at least the eyes and mouth for placement on the skin surface of the face; and a beauty serum held at least on the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate for face packs, wherein the sheet-like substrate for face packs has notches displayed on its surface in a corresponding area of at least one of the facial muscles of the face, such that the entire notch is aligned with the direction of movement of the assumed facial muscle in that corresponding area, and the notches are selectively cut, and when a cut is made in the notches and a slit is formed in the sheet-like substrate for face packs, the slit and the beauty serum are configured to condense the beauty serum, provided that the inner surface of the sheet-like substrate for face packs is placed on the skin surface and the slit is open, thereby applying a force based on the surface tension of the beauty serum to the skin surface in a direction along the skin surface and inward in the direction of extension of the slit.
6. A face pack set used to induce the contraction and relaxation of facial muscles, comprising: a face pack having a beauty serum held on at least the inner surface of a sheet-like base material for face packs, with openings for at least the areas corresponding to the eyes and mouth for placement on the skin surface of the face; and a transparent or translucent cut guide sheet that can be placed on the surface of the face pack, corresponding to the face pack and covering the entire sheet, to guide cuts into the face pack, wherein the cut guide sheet has cut markings within the area corresponding to at least one of the facial muscles of the face, such that the entire cut markings are aligned with the direction of the assumed facial muscle in that area. A face pack set characterized in that, with the cut guide sheet covering the entire surface of the face pack while corresponding to the face pack, when cuts are made from the cut guide sheet and the face pack along the cut markings on the cut guide sheet to form a cut in the face pack, the cut in the face pack and the beauty serum are set to condense the beauty serum, provided that the inner surface of the sheet-like base material for the face pack is positioned on the skin surface and the cut opens, thereby applying a force based on the surface tension of the beauty serum to the skin surface in a direction along the skin surface and in the direction of extension of the cut.