Title of Invention

A FLEXIBLE ARTICLE

Abstract

A flexible article, which can be removably secured to a part of the human body or animal body comprising, a first laminate contactable with a pre-determined part of a human body or an animal body; a second optically transparent laminate secured at least to the edge of the first laminate to define an enclosed space between the first and the second laminate; at least one fluid provided in the said enclosed space; at least one display element provided on at least the first laminate, the second laminate or within the fluid to form an aesthetic display or advertising media; and means to secure the article to a pre-determined part of the human body or an animal body.

Full Text

FORM-2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE Specification (See section 10 and rule 13) A FLEXIBLE ARTICLE CHOPDE KETAKI PRASHANT, an Indian National of 44. Bhosale Nagar, Pune 411 007, Maharashtra, India THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED. The invention relates to a flexible article securable to a part of the human body or animal body. Particularly this invention envisages a flexible article used alone or in conjunction with other devices, consisting of the multifunctional laminates durable, attractively and neatly printed with or without specially provided inserts, which can be secured over any part of a human body or animal body providing desired / designed functionality such as but not limited to blinders or heating or cooling massager for relaxation, therapeutic, medicinal, branding, advertising, gifting, sales-promotions, aesthetic, entertainment, handling, transport, serving, packaging or shipping purposes. Description of Prior Art: Introduction Application of the hot/cold compress, as a heating or cooling means to a portion of the human or animal body is known in the art. Traditionally the hot/cold devices containing reusable sealing enclosurable means such as "The Rubber Hot-Water Bottle", or chemical sealing enclosed within a device that can itself be flexibly deformed according to the shape of whatever the hot or cold device is applied against. Further soft articles are applied over the desired body parts for desired functionality such as providing cushioning, protective, supporting or blocking light, sound, pressure from reaching the part applied with such means. In addition moulded rubber, blow-moulded or injection moulded plastics or mono-layer films sealed and cut in the desired shape, and meant to be filled with water by the user, or meant to be pre-filled and sealed with a gelatinous formulations are known in the prior art. US Patent No. 4404820, discloses a cold compress comprising a tough flexible envelope, encloses a thin gel-like pad that incorporates a coagulated gel with the help of sealing mechanism. This compress remains in soft, pliable but in solid condition at all varying temperatures. US Patent No. 5603219, discloses an ice cell for cooling of the drinks. This device comprises a closed hollow body made partially of a transparent material, filled with freezable liquids, such as distilled water. In the existing prior arts, branding, printing and designs are moulded or printed on the outer surface or on the outer layer of the article. These surface printings or mouldings are prone to scratching and scuffing. Similarly in-mould designs or printings are dull and cannot communicate effectively with the consumer. Further, means such as soft harnessable masks or pads made of a fabric with cushioning foam are applied over eyes or ears to prevent ambient light or sound from reaching the user, thereby providing relaxation. Such devices have the desired message either printed on the surface of the fabric, or the fabric may be provided by woven patterns by known processes such as jacquard weaving. These processes have limitations when attractive multi coloured graphics are required to be printed durably on such products. In addition such printings are limited to single colour two-dimensional texts or graphics. Hence, no product has been disclosed that combines an intrinsically durably, neatly and attractively printed, with soft and cushioning properties, which may or may not be filled with specially formulated liquids, powders, herbs, gels, jellys and the like, with or without internally placed inserts in the form of 2-dimension or 3-dimensional objects image, within the said multifunctional articles for the purpose of gaining branding, advertising, gifting, sales-promotions, aesthetic, entertainment value. Accordingly, the users of branding, advertising, gifting, sales-promotions, aesthetic, entertainment, handling, transport, serving, packaging or shipping need to stand apart from the usual clutter, and they desire that their printed, advertised or promoted brand, provides an unique and beneficial experience to the targets. It is well known that when a person wears a soft cushioning mask over his or her eyes effectively blocking ambient light from reaching the eyes experiences relaxed undisturbed feeling enabling rest and sleep. It is also well known that a cold compress applied on an inflamed area, or a hot fomentation applied on affected areas, provide immense relief to the users. Simultaneously such articles can be used as live advertisements of the companies or corporates producing such devices to enhance the goodwill of their product. As such there is a need for the means of co-relating the positive experience or emotions of the users or their observers, for the protective, cushioning effects along with the provided texts graphics, brands, durably, attractively and neatly printed therein or thereon for the purpose of branding, advertising, gifting, sales-promotions, aesthetic, entertainment and the like. Objects of Invention: The principal object of this invention is to provide a flexible article, durable, attractively and neatly printed, which can be applied to the human-body or animal body, provided with means of soft, cushioning, protective, or comforting functions and / or those which maybe applied perfumed or served hot or cold, for the purpose of gaining enhanced visual branding, advertising, gifting, sales-promotions, aesthetic, entertainment, packaging, storage, distribution and transportation value. Another object of this invention is to render the said flexible article, harnessable or wearable means such as bands, elastic bands, velcro fasteners, ribbons, laces, ropes, on a human-body or an animal-body, to enable easy application and effortless retention over the desired portion of the body. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method of manufacturing the printed flexible article within which any insert or object can be set in. It is another object of the invention is to provide the facility to insert any two or three-dimensional inserts or objects in the flexible article. Further object of this invention is to provide the flexible article that imparts optically aesthetic images for all of the purposes, which when used create a pleasant palpable sensation for the user. Furthermore, object of this invention is to provide the flexible article which when applied to a part of the body can be used as means for therapeutic as well as advertisement purposes. In addition other object of this invention is to provide the flexible article, which can be used to fill herbal composition, gels, jellies, powders (which cannot be applied directly on skin) for several therapeutic purposes. To meet with these and other objects, the invention provides a flexible article, which can be used for multifunctional purposes. Summary of invention: - The present invention envisages, the durably, attractive and neatly printed multi laminate flexible article, which can be removably secured to a part of the human body or animal body comprising: - (a) a first laminate contactable with a pre-determined part of a human body or an animal body; (b) a second optically transparent laminate secured at least to the edge of the first laminate to define an enclosed space between the first and the second laminate; (c) at least one fluid provided in the said enclosed space; (d) at least one display element provided on at least the first laminate, or the second laminate or within the fluid to form an aesthetic display or advertising media; and (e) means to secure the article to a pre-determined part of the human body or animal body. Typically, the first laminate can be opaque and may be of biocompatible material and printing can be provided on the surface of the first laminate, which is in contact with the fluid. Typically, the fluid can be in the form of gel or jelly. Typically, the first and second laminates are heat sealed with respect to each other to define the said enclosed space. Typically, the display elements can be provided within the fluid and can be adapted to float in the said fluid. Typically, the first laminate can be transparent and the display element may be applied on either one or both surfaces of the first laminate. Typically, the display elements provided on the first laminate, the second laminate and /of within the fluid, form a three-dimensional advertising display. Typically, at least two dissimilar fluids can be filled in the said space for heightened effect of display, the said fluids can posses at least one dissimilar property such as colour, density, and viscosity. Preferably the substance contained may be typically of gelatinous material of Cosmetic Grade, deemed or rendered safe for momentary contact with the eyes / body in case of accidental leakage and also with high specific heat value to absorb and retain heat for a long time during use. Water in concentrations of 75% to 100% is typically suited because apart from being cheap, it has the desired specific heat value. The formulation maybe suitably includes known preservative systems to prevent microbial growth. Accordingly, the article can be an eye mask and the first and second laminates can be in the form of an eye mask. Typically, the securing means for an eye mask can be elastic bands secured to the corners of the eye mask and adapted to secure the eye mask to a human body or an animal body. Typically, the article can be an eye mask but cannot be limited to the preferred embodiment and there can be numerous other applications of the flexible article. Brief description of drawings: - Figure 1 in accordance with this invention, illustrates the preferred embodiment of the flexible article in the form of an eye mask being used; Figure 2 illustrates a partial cross section of the multi layer laminates of the flexible article, which can be used to the human body or animal body along with the message printed on it; Figure 3 (a) typically describes an illustrative view of sealing with formation of interior cavity capable of being filled with desired materials along with the cutting marginally away duly offset alongside the sealing pattern or profile; Figure 3 (b) typically describes an illustrative view of the interior cavity of flexible article along with the desired substance filed in; Figure 4 schematically illustrates cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the flexible article, showing at least part of the desired message or matter is visible from the far side from the viewer in such a way or manner whereby the same is visible through the clear and transparent portions in the multi layer laminates used; Figure 5 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the flexible article, depicting two immiscible liquids, which maybe of different colours filled in the pack with the possibility of inserting inserts with calculated buoyancy such that they float in the interface between the two immiscible liquids; Figure 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the flexible article, deliberately provided with designed air entrapment area in the cavity with a liquid having foaming property so as to accurately match the beverage or drink being promoted or advertised; Figure 7 describes the illustrative view of all the multi layer laminates along with the inserts present there in, of the flexible article; Figure 8 shows varied applications of the flexible article, which can be applied to a human body or an animal body. In the accompanying drawings the following reference numerals represent the items mentioned alongside: Serial No Item Name 10 Flexible article, which can be used on a human body or an animal body 12 Text Matter 13 Other Text Matter 14 Graphics 15 Other graphical matter 16 Topmost transparent layer 17 Gel layer filled with desired material 18 Sealable layer film 19 Most bottom layer 20 Ink or printing means 22 Window for inserts 26 Adhesives 30 Multi layer laminates 32 Desired pattern or profile for sealing 34 Interior Cavity 36 Desired material for filling 38 Cuttings 40 Inserts 42 Immiscible liquid 44 Other Immiscible liquid 46 Air entrapment area 50 Hamessable means 52 Head band 54 Wrist band 56 Belt for animal body 100 Human or animal body Detailed description of drawings Figure 1 in accordance with this invention, illustrates the preferred embodiment of the flexible article (10), which can be applied to the human body or animal body along with neatly and attractively printed text matter (12) or graphics (14) applied by hamessable means (50) on the intended human body or animal body (100). Figure 2 illustrates a partial cross section of the multi layer flexible laminate (30), wherein the said messages in text (12) or graphic form (14) are duly durably, attractively and neatly printed, with the ink (20) or means provided for durably delivering the said messages, which in turn are protected by at least one top transparent layer (16) laminated to a sealable layer film (18) with adhesives (26) to deliver the finally desired multi layer flexible laminate (30) by means and process known to the expert in the field of rotogravure, felxographic and flexible packing. Figure 3 (a) schematically illustrates the preferred embodiment of the flexible article (10) which can be applied to the human body or animal body along with sealing of the multi layer flexible laminates (30) duly sealed as per the desired pattern or profile (32), with the formation of interior cavity (34) capable of being filled with the desired material (36) along with the cutting (38) marginally away duly offset in conjunction with the sealing pattern or profile so that the overall shape of the pack is similar to the interior cavity enclosed. The printed message by text matter (12) or graphic matter (14) is further provided in the preferred embodiment. A window (22), which is transparent, provides enable view of the insert (40), which may also be placed in the interior cavity (34). Figure 3 (b) typically describes an illustrative view of interior cavity (34) of the multi layer flexible laminates (30) duly sealed as per the desired pattern or profile (32) filled in with desired substance (36) along with marginally offset cutting (38). Figure 4 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the flexible article (10) with harnessable means (50) which can be applied to the human body or animal body with sealing, printing and filling mechanism as illustrated in figure 3. There is an opportunity of additional printing of other textual and graphical material (13 &15) on the rear side of the flexible article (10) along with the text (12) and graphics (14) already present in the preferred embodiment and, the same is visible through the filled desired substance (36) in the interior cavity (34) and top most layer of the multilayer flexible laminate (30). Figure 5 typically illustrates the preferred embodiment of the flexible article (10) which can be applied to the human body or animal body with sealing, cutting, printing and filling mechanism as illustrated in figure 3, printed with texts (12, 14) and graphics (13, 15), wherein the interior cavity (34) is filled with two immiscible liquids (42 & 44) which can be of different colours. Inserts (40) with calculated buoyancy can be inserted such that they float in the interface between the two immiscible liquids (42 & 44). Figure 6 shows the preferred embodiment of the flexible article (10), which can be applied to the human body or animal body wherein the interior cavity (34) is filled with the desired substances (36), deliberately provided with designed air entrapment area (46). The desired substance (36) may be provided with foaming properties such that the air entrapment area (46) is filled with foam so as to provide additional special effects and add value by matching the attributes of the beverage, beer, or brand so promoted or advertised. Figure 7 schematically illustrates the side view of the multilayer flexible laminate (30) of the flexible article (10), wherein it envisages a typical arrangement of three layers. The topmost layer (16) is transparent, which can/ cannot comprises a text (12) and graphics (14), followed by the gel layer (17) filled in with desired fluid (36). The most bottom layer (19) is opaque and consists some printed text (12) and graphics (14) which in total makes a three dimensional effect of the printing. In addition it the gel layer (17) comprises of inserts (40) placed along with the desired fluid (36). Figure 8 illustrates several other applications of the flexible article (10), which can be used as a headband (52) and a wristband (54) on the human body and can also be used as belt for animals (56). In addition there are several other application of the flexible article is possible without deviating from the fundamental principle of this invention. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the apparatus and the interrelationships between the component parts of the preferred system, it will be appreciated that many systems can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred system without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred system as well as other systems in accordance with this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. I Claim: - 1. A flexible article, which can be removably secured to a part of the human body or animal body comprising: - (a) a first laminate contactable with a pre-determined part of a human body or an animal body; (b) a second optically transparent laminate secured at least to the edge of the first laminate to define an enclosed space between the first and the second laminate; (c) at least one fluid provided in the said enclosed space; (d) at least one display element provided on at least the first laminate, the second laminate or within the fluid to form an aesthetic display or advertising media; and (e) means to secure the article to a pre-determined part of the human body or an animal body. 2. A flexible article as claimed in claim 1,wherein the first laminate is opaque and is of biocompatible material and printing is provided on the surface of the first laminate, which is in contact with the fluid. 3. A flexible article as claimed in claim 1,wherein the fluid is in the form of gel or jelly. 4. A flexible article as claimed in claim 1,wherein the first and the second laminate are heat sealed with respect to each other to define the said enclosed space. 5. A flexible article as claimed in claim 1,wherein the display elements is provided within the fluid and is adapted to float in the said fluid. 6. A flexible article as claimed in claim 1,wherein the article is an eye mask and the first and the second laminates are in the form of an eye mask. 7. A flexible article as claimed in claim 6, wherein the securing means are elastic bands secured to the corners of the eye mask and adapted to secure the eye mask around the eyes. 8. A flexible article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first laminate is transparent and the display element is applied on either one or both surfaces of the first laminate. 9. A flexible article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display elements provided on the first laminate, the second laminate and/or within the fluid, form a three-dimensional advertising display. 10.A flexible article as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least two dissimilar fluids are filled in the said space for heightened effect of display, the said fluids differing in at least one property such as colour, density, and viscosity. ll.A flexible article as described herein with respect to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 28th day of October 2005 Mohan Dewan of R. K. Dewan & Co Applicant's Patent Attorney

Documents:

1162-mum-2004-abstract(28-10-2005).doc

1162-mum-2004-abstract-(28-10-2005).pdf

1162-mum-2004-cancelled pages(28-10-2005).pdf

1162-mum-2004-claims(granted)-(28-10-2005).doc

1162-mum-2004-claims(granted)-(28-10-2005).pdf

1162-mum-2004-correspondence(9-1-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2004-correspondence(ipo)-(29-9-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2004-drawing-(28-10-2005).pdf

1162-mum-2004-form 1(28-10-2004).pdf

1162-mum-2004-form 18(8-1-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2004-form 2(granted)-(28-10-2005).doc

1162-mum-2004-form 2(granted)-(28-10-2005).pdf

1162-mum-2004-form 26(28-10-2004).pdf

1162-mum-2004-form 3(28-10-2004).pdf

1162-mum-2004-form 5(28-10-2005).pdf