Method for the production of a glove

A therapeutic applique for treatment of dry hands, either as a patch, face mask, or glove. The applique has the form of a porous, flexible sheet that is applied to the skin, and the sheet has a water-activatable material carried on its surface and also permeating its pores. The water-activated material, when in a dry, inactive state, preferably has a moisture content of less than 10% by weight, of the sheet, and is soluble in water. The arrangement is such that when the applique is applied to the skin, along with water, the applique's water-soluble component partially disassociates from it and leaches onto the skin, either while the sheet is in place on the skin or prior to the sheet being placed on the skin. In addition, with time the outermost layer of the water-soluble component undergoes evaporation, causing it to partially re-solidify, thereby forming an occlusive outer barrier which tends to retain the remaining water-soluble components between itself and the skin. There results improved, all natural skin moisturization, without preservatives and without undesirable greasy or oily residue being left on the skin.

NO CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY-SPONSORED 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
Research and development of the present invention and application have not 
been Federally-sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal 
program. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Field of the Invention 
This invention relates generally to products for treatment of dry skin, 
particularly dry skin on the hands and face. It also relates to a method 
for using such products, and a method for manufacture thereof. 
Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 
Sections 1.97-1.99 
The problem of dry skin has today, become almost universal. There is a 
multitude of skin care products on the market, including various types of 
creams, lotions and oils. 
In the decades subsequent to 1940, lotions incorporating homogenized 
oil-water mixtures were developed, the theory being that the water was, at 
least in part, absorbable into the skin, with the oil remaining on the 
skin so as to form a barrier. It was considered that the barrier 
restricted the inevitable evaporation which occurred, but in practice, 
evaporation was found to be an ongoing process, and the results obtained 
were marginal, at best. 
Also, all oil-based moisturizers suffered from a significant disadvantage, 
namely that of imparting to the skin, a residual, greasy feel and 
appearance. 
Subsequent discoveries included lotions containing urea, which is 
hygroscopic, thus having the ability to absorb and hold water in place on 
the skin itself. An undesirable side effect included inadvertent 
irritation to the skin, due to the fact that urea was somewhat on the base 
side, pH wise, and was capable of forming salts only when combined with 
relatively strong acids. 
Other ventures involved the use of lecithin, a naturally occurring 
substance derived from soybeans. Lecithin is generally considered a 
phospholipid, and is capable of absorbing relatively large amounts of 
water. A preparation containing lecithin is purportedly sold under the 
trademark COMPLEX 15, manufactured by Key Pharmaceuticals. 
Still other compounds involved the use of emulsions containing water, 
glycerine, mineral oil, alcohol, propylene glycol, lanolin, and fatty 
acids. Additional products comprise preparations containing what is known 
as Retin-A, a vitamin A derivative. 
A-hydroxy-acids have also been used for skin treatment. While this class of 
product is often referred to as a moisturizer, in fact, the action of the 
A-hydroxy-acid is actually one involving a mild attack on the skin, 
wherein the outermost cells, which are likely to be the oldest and most 
dried-out, are chemically removed. The remaining cells, previously lying 
below the outer layer, then become the new outer layer. Naturally, these 
new cells, being younger and more protected, yield the desired result, 
namely a "new" skin look and feel, as well as increased moisture content, 
at least for the period immediately following the use of the 
A-hydroxy-acid. 
Other methods of treatment involved what are known as "peeling agents", 
such as benzoyl peroxide; astringents, which firm up the tissues of the 
skin; and in some cases, oral or topical antibiotics, where infection is 
suspected to be a problem. 
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,591,501 and 5,302,377 are directed to related objectives 
in the treatment of dry skin. 
In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,501 relates to a film that is produced 
by applying to a suitable base paper or material, a polypeptide, a 
plasticizer, and a polymer. The film, when moistened, will release the 
polypeptide and enable it to cover the skin. The nature of the polypeptide 
utilized is given in col. 1, line 61, namely, "`Polypeptide` as used 
herein, means and refers to polyamino acids derived from protein along 
with the proteins themselves. The polyamino acids useful in the practice 
of the invention are those . . . having a molecular weight of at least 
3000. Preferably, the polyamino acids are derived from collagen." 
Specific reference is made to the large amount of prior art cited during 
the prosecution of the application which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 
4,591,501. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,377 relates to lotions for use as cold creams, after 
shaves, anti-perspirants, skin moisturizers, and related products. More 
particularly the patent involves a topical preparation of a fatty 
alkoxylate ester. The patentee claims that use of the preparation as an 
emollient, to smooth and soften skin, is superior to some prior known 
techniques, in that there is little or no oily or greasy feel experienced 
by the user, and thus the product is aesthetically more acceptable. 
Finally, most of the creams and lotions on the market today utilize, of 
necessity, a preservative of some type, which can be irritating to the 
skin of the user. In essence, a preservative is a chemical that kills or 
controls bacteria, and the application of such a compound to the skin, 
while deemed acceptable in limited amounts, is considered a potential 
hazard over the long term. An example of a preservative widely used is 
methylparaben, which is a crystalline compound, HOC.sub.6 H.sub.4 
-COOCH.sub.3 ; it is the methyl ester of parahydroxybenzoic acid. Also, 
propylparaben is frequently used as a preservative. It is a crystalline 
ester, HOC.sub.6 H.sub.4 -COOC.sub.3 H.sub.7 ; it is sometimes referred to 
as propyl parahydroxy-benzoate. 
A good number of "moisturizers" currently being marketed in this country, 
are known to contain propylparaben. 
Failure to include a preservative in sufficient quantity to control 
bacterial growth can have serious consequences, as can well be appreciated 
when it is considered that skin care products are used by persons from 
infancy, through the geriatric stage. This latter group is most 
susceptible to adverse side effects, and it is considered that wherever 
possible, use of preservatives in products which are ingested or topically 
applied, should be minimized to the greatest possible extent, since the 
potential hazardous long-term effects of chemicals in our environment is 
only recently, within the last decade or so, being considered to any great 
degree. 
Also, with most lotion/cream products, it is necessary to apply the 
substance and usually leave it on all day. With greasy formulations, this 
leads to inadvertent soiling of papers that may be handled, as during 
office work. Products applied at bed time tend to be rubbed off onto the 
linens, as the user continuously and unconsciously shifts position during 
sleep. 
Accordingly there has existed a long-felt need for a product which can be 
applied to the skin for a relatively short time interval and without 
leaving a greasy look or feel to the skin, and while still performing its 
intended moisturizing function. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The above disadvantages and drawbacks of prior skin care products are 
largely obviated by the present invention, which has for one object, to 
provide a novel and improved skin applique which is extremely simple in 
its structure, and which is both effective and convenient in use. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved skin 
applique as above outlined, which contains ingredients that are 
substantially completely natural and non-toxic. 
A related object of the invention is to provide an improved applique of the 
kind indicated, which does not utilize preservatives of any kind. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved applique in 
accordance with the foregoing, which is completely chemically inactive 
during storage and shipping, and which is purposefully activated solely 
just prior to the use of the product by the consumer. 
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved applique as 
above characterized, which has an extended shelf life, due to the 
inherently inactive nature of the product. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved applique as 
noted above, which can be inexpensively packaged in a watertight pouch, 
and sold in multiple units containing a plurality of individual pouches, 
each being wholly self-contained and totally inactive until just prior to 
use by the consumer. 
The above objects are accomplished by a therapeutic applique for treatment 
of dry hands, comprising in combination a porous, flexible sheet to be 
applied to the skin, and a water-activatable material carried on a surface 
of the sheet and permeating the pores thereof, the water-activated 
material having a moisture content of substantially less than 10% by 
weight, of the sheet, and wherein the material is soluble in water, so as 
to partially disassociate from the sheet and leach onto the skin of the 
user when water is brought into contact with the sheet, either while the 
sheet is in place on the skin or prior to the sheet being placed on the 
skin. 
The objects are further accomplished by a method of manufacturing a 
therapeutic glove for treatment of dry hands, comprising the steps of 
mixing a quantity of water with polyvinyl alcohol, and heating the mixture 
so as to dissolve the polyvinyl alcohol in the water, wetting a porous 
sheet with the mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and water, heating the sheet 
so as to reduce the water content to substantially less than 10% by weight 
of the sheet and to convert the polyvinyl alcohol to a solid state, 
superposing the sheet on a second sheet so as to form a double layer 
thickness, and cutting the superposed sheets and joining edge portions 
thereof to form the shape of a glove. The method further includes 
packaging the glove in a container, to minimize its exposure to moisture, 
and thereby maintain the solid polyvinyl alcohol in a dry, inactive state, 
until the glove is ready to be removed from the container and applied to 
the hand of the user. 
The objects are further accomplished by a method of imparting moisture to 
the hands of a person having dry skin, comprising the steps of forming a 
glove of porous material, and impregnating the glove with a quantity of 
polyvinyl alcohol, thereafter heating the glove and impregnated polyvinyl 
alcohol, so as to reduce the water content of the glove to an extent 
sufficient to solidify the polyvinyl alcohol on the surfaces and in the 
pores of the glove, and applying the glove to the hand. The method further 
embraces the step of applying water to the exterior of the glove so as to 
partially dissolve the polyvinyl alcohol and allow it to directly contact 
and saturate the skin of the hand, for an extended length of time. 
The arrangement is such that as the outer portions of the polyvinyl 
alcohol/water mixture evaporate, they form an occlusive barrier layer 
which in effect, traps moister, inner portions of the mixture and keeps 
these inner portions in continual contact with the skin, to optimize water 
transfer thereto. 
Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The present invention involves essentially the production and use of an 
applique that is intended to be placed onto the skin of a person, the 
applique preferably taking the form of a simple single-layer patch which 
may be of generally kidney-shape or other outline, or alternately a face 
mask or a glove. The skin is preferably wetted just prior to application, 
such that the applique will adhere to it, as will be described below. 
In the case of the glove, it is preferable to first don the glove and 
thereafter apply water sparingly, which will cause a normally inactive 
component of the glove to partially dissolve and conform to the contours 
of the hand in such a manner as to expose most areas of the hand to the 
water-dissolved component. 
As an example of the fabrication of the skin-care glove of the invention, 
reference is made to FIGS. 4-6. A glove constructed in accordance with the 
invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated by the numeral 10. In 
FIGS. 4-6, the process of manufacture of a glove in accordance with the 
invention is essentially as follows: 
A vat or tub generally designated 12 is filled with a quantity of cold 
water along with pellets of polyvinyl alcohol, which may be of a type sold 
under the Trademark AIR VOL 523. Typically, the percentage by weight of 
the polyvinyl alcohol is 15% of the total weight of the mixture of 
polyvinyl alcohol and water. The pellets are small in size, sufficiently 
so to be characterized as granular in nature. As the pellets are being 
introduced into the vat 12, a paddle 14 is activated via an electric motor 
16 to stir the polyvinyl alcohol and water, and in addition, the vat is 
heated by a heater 18 up to a temperature on the order of 140-165 degrees 
F., for a period of up to 3-4 hours, depending on the time required for 
the polyvinyl alcohol pellets to completely dissolve in the hot water. 
When all of the polyvinyl alcohol pellets have gone into solution in the 
water, the mixing is halted. 
The resulting solution in the vat 12 is then pumped, via a first pump 20, 
to a trough 22, for temporary storage. An additional pump 24 draws the 
solution from the trough 22, to a distribution nozzle or head 26, which 
preferably emits a spray across the sheet 30 which is disposed immediately 
below. A supply roll 28 of silicone-coated backing paper is provided, with 
the backing paper or sheet 30 that is drawn off the roll being coated with 
a slurry or slush 32 of polyvinyl alcohol and water, the sheet 30 
thereafter extending to a knife-over-roller apparatus, generally 
designated 34, and comprising a rotating roller 36 and doctor blade 38. 
The spacing between the roller 36 and lower edge of the doctor blade 38 is 
on the order of 2-3 mils or so, resulting in a uniform spreading of the 
polyvinyl alcohol and water mixture on the backing paper or backing sheet 
30 at the location of the arrow B. Thus the solution from the nozzle 26 is 
spread over the backing paper 30. The quantity of polyvinyl alcohol and 
water at the location B is such that after the sheet is dried, a thickness 
of solid, dried polyvinyl alcohol on the order of 2.5 mils or so is 
obtained. 
Following the processing at the knife-over-roller apparatus 34, a sheet 40 
of mesh or scrim from a supply roll 42 is laid over the wet-coated sheet 
30 of backing paper, as in FIG. 4. The scrim 40 may be nylon or other 
plastic-type composition, having a pore size on the order of several mils 
or more. The layer of wetted backing paper 30 and scrim 40 constituting an 
assemblage 44, are joined under a positioning roller 46, and travel past 
additional rollers 48, to a furnace 50, comprising a series of drying 
ovens, typically three in number. These heat the superposed layers 30, 40 
and remove a large part of the water content, leaving a combined backing 
paper-scrim/polyvinyl alcohol-water composite sheet assemblage 52 having 
an overall water percentage, by weight, of preferably less than 10 
percent, at the location indicated by the arrow C. 
The dried sheet assemblage 52 is drawn from the ovens to a take up roll 54, 
for temporary storage. 
Referring now to FIG. 5, one such roll 54 is shown, typically 521/2 inches 
in width. The next step, according to the invention, involves cutting the 
roll 54 into five separate rolls 56 each about 101/2 inches in width. This 
is preferably done by suitable knives 58, which slit completely through 
the 521/2 inch roller at four equally spaced locations, corresponding to 
the cuts 60 shown in FIG. 5. 
Referring now to FIG. 6, two 101/2 inch rolls are selected from the five 
rolls 56, and are mounted on spindles 62, respectively. A sheet 52" from 
one roll 56 meets the sheet 52' from the other roll 56, and the sheets 
become superposed, as they pass between rollers 64 and to roller 66, and 
thereafter enter a combined die-cutting and heat-fusing station 68, where 
two functions are carried out. The die portion of the station 68 cuts a 
blank from the superposed sheets 52', 52", in the form of the article 
ultimately being produced, in the present example, the glove 10 shown in 
FIG. 1. Simultaneously, the edge portions around all five fingers of the 
glove 10 are heat-fused to one another in the station 68, by melting the 
material of the mesh 40. The sheets 52', 52" exit the die-cutting and 
heat-fusing station 68, and the blank, constituting the glove 10 either 
drops out of the sheet or is manually removed therefrom. The remaining 
sheet material (which originally surrounded the glove, indicated by the 
arrow D) is discarded as scrap. FIG. 6, shows, in dotted outline, a glove 
as it is separated from the sheet. There is then removed from each glove, 
the two pieces of silicone-coated backing paper, now designated 70, which 
originally were part of the original carrier sheet 30 in FIG. 4. 
Preferably, the glove is then inserted in a laminated, metallic-foil 
backed, water- and moisture-impervious pouch 72, FIG. 7, and sealed 
therein, for shipment to a store, and subsequent purchase by the consumer. 
The pouch 72 can have a foil thickness of 3.5 mils, and a suitable backing 
material for the foil of the pouch can be polyethylene. 
The finished glove 10 in FIG. 1 comprises two layers of mesh or scrim, an 
upper palm panel or layer 74 and a lower back-of-the-hand or layer 76. The 
scrim is heat fused at the borders 78 of all five fingers, shown in dotted 
outline. The mesh layers have a coating of dried polyvinyl alcohol, as 
well as one or more optional components, which can be included, to be 
described below. 
In use, the glove can be applied to one hand by first wetting the hand with 
luke warm water, and applying the glove with the free hand. Any creases or 
bubbles in the glove layers can be smoothed out by lightly tapping with 
the finger tips of the free hand, optionally pre-moistened. The glove 
exterior is then preferably gently misted with an atomizer sprayer. Any 
extra length in the fingers of the glove that extends past the wearer's 
finger nails can be folded back over the nails, to produce a double layer 
glove thickness, and correspondingly increased water retention in this 
area. 
As the glove which is being worn is moistened, most or all of the polyvinyl 
alcohol coating (which was present on the dry glove) dissolves, leaving 
mixture of dissolved polyvinyl alcohol and water, held captive in the mesh 
in a somewhat slurry or slush form, by capillarity. Furthermore, as the 
outermost part of the slurry begins to dry by normal evaporation, the 
inner parts of the slurry disposed between this outer part and the skin, 
continue to moisturize the skin, because the outer, drying layer forms, in 
effect, an occlusive or barrier layer. This leads to improved penetration 
of the moisture underlying the barrier layer and into the skin. 
Optionally, one hand can be treated at a time. Alternately, the formerly 
free hand can be treated, by donning a second glove (dry condition) in an 
analogous manner. It is preferable to wear the gloves for between 30 and 
45 minutes, and re-moisten them every 15 minutes or so, either with 
droplets from a faucet, or with a spray mister. 
To remove the gloves, the wrist portions can be merely peeled off. Placing 
the hands in warm water just prior to such peeling off may also facilitate 
this process. 
In the case of severely dry hands, re-application of new gloves can be 
undertaken as often as desired, typically several times a week. The time 
interval for wearing the gloves can also be increased, up to between 60 
and 90 minutes, if desired, preferably repeating the misting of the gloves 
every 15 minutes or so. 
Further in accordance with the invention, additional ingredients can be 
optionally incorporated in the original mixture of water and polyvinyl 
alcohol contained in the vat 12, to supplement and/or complement the basic 
moisturizing properties provided by the basic water/polyvinyl alcohol 
mixture as described in connection with the fabrication of the gloves as 
described above. The following constitute optional materials to be added 
to the polyvinyl alcohol/water solution either alone, or incombination 
with one another: 
1. Phospholipid EFA, moisturizer, comprising Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium 
Chloride Phosphate, in a quantity of up to 3% by weight, of the total 
mixture of water and polyvinyl alcohol. 
2. AMG-O: Oleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride, a surfactant, in a quantity 
of up to 3% by weight, of the total mixture of water and polyvinyl 
alcohol. 
3. Honey, in a quantity of less than 1% by weight, of the total mixture of 
water and polyvinyl alcohol. 
4. AJIDEW N-50, comprising sodium PCA, a moisture retention salt, in a 
quantity of less than 1% by weight of the total mixture of water and 
polyvinyl alcohol. 
5. VEGEPLEX 2500, a botanical extract complex, including extracts of 
Cranesbill, Comfrey, Elder Flower, Calendula, Tormentil, Plantain, 
Horsetail, Burdock, and Cucumber, in a quantity of less than 1% by weight 
of the total mixture of water and polyvinyl alcohol. These botanical 
extracts are considered to assist in the moisturizing process. 
6. Aloe Vera, in a quantity of less than 1% by weight, of the total mixture 
of water and polyvinyl alcohol. The Aloe Vera is a moisturizer, and 
soothes and heals the skin. 
7. PG 865, comprising propylene glycol, in a quantity of up to 2.5% by 
weight, of the total mixture of water and polyvinyl alcohol. 
8. Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid, in a quantity of up to 0.8% by weight, of the 
total mixture of water and polyvinyl alcohol. 
9. Vitamin A, in a quantity of up to 0.25% by weight, of the total mixture 
of water and polyvinyl alcohol. 
10. Vitamin E, in a quantity of up to 0.8% by weight, of the total mixture 
of water and polyvinyl alcohol. 
As to the added benefits of the ten categories of ingredients listed 
immediately above, some or all of which may be included in accordance with 
the invention, as options, it is considered that the following specific 
effects are realizeable: Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy skin cell 
tissues and is used to restore damaged skin. It also retards aging of the 
skin. Vitamin C helps manufacture collagen and ensure collagen's strength. 
It has been shown to be capable of stimulating a fourfold increase in 
collagen synthesis. It further helps keep the skin soft, firm, supple, and 
wrinkle-resistant. Finally, the vitamin is an essential ingredient to any 
healing process. 
Vitamin E prevents cell damage due to free-radicals. Vitamin E screens both 
UVB and phototoxic UVA rays, protecting the skin against sun damage, and 
helps heal previously damaged skin. It also tends to improve skin 
elasticity. 
Botanical extracts such as Calendula, Comfrey, Cranesbill, Cucumber, 
Horsetail and Burdock enhance moisturization of the cells and accelerate 
microcirculation; they also tend to fight skin aging by improving the 
elasticity of the skin, and seek out free-radicals, as well as protecting 
against damage from pollution and ultraviolet rays. 
Aloe Vera provides for soothing and healing of skin. Honey, when included 
in the initial polyvinyl alcohol solution utilized to manufacture the 
gloves or appliques, facilitates shaping of the gloves to the hands, 
thereby enhancing absorption of the water and other ingredients into the 
skin. 
Sodium PCA tends to capture moisture, and retain it in the skin cells 
themselves. 
Phospholipids bind moisture and proteins to the cell structure of the skin 
and nails, promotes fast absorption of the ingredients contained in the 
glove mesh, increases microcirculation in the skin, and promotes flow of 
nutrients to the skin cells. 
FIG. 2 illustrates a series of patches 80 applied to a person's face, in 
accordance with the principles of the invention. Each patch preferably is 
constituted as a mesh or scrim, manufactured in accordance with the 
illustration of FIG. 4, so as to produce a porous, single-layer sheet 
having solidified polyvinyl alcohol on its surface and in its pores. Such 
patches are especially convenient for use in localized areas. In practice, 
the skin can be wetted first, and the patches 80 directly applied to the 
wetted skin. The polyvinyl alcohol component of the patch will start to 
dissolve in the presence of the water, and the patch will adhere by 
capillarity. Incidental wrinkles in the patch can be smoothed out readily, 
using the tips of the fingers. 
FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment, depicting a face mask designated 82, 
having cutouts 84 for the eyes and mouth, and a slit 86 for the nose. The 
flap formed by the slit 86 can be easily wrapped onto the contour of the 
bridge of the nose, and around the nostrils, if desired. 
Again, the mask is preferably a single-layer mesh impregnated with 
polyvinyl alcohol, which dissolves upon contact with water on the skin, 
where the skin has been wetted first. 
Optionally, periodic re-application of moisture from a mist bottle, will 
rejuvenate the action of the patch, glove or mask, and enhance the basic 
moisturizing action on the skin. 
From the above it can be seen that I have provided a novel and improved 
therapeutic applique, which is especially simple in its structure, and 
which has been found to be highly effective in imparting moisture to the 
skin. Essentially the applique utilizes a polyvinyl alcohol-impregnated 
mesh, with the polyvinyl alcohol in a dry state prior to use. 
The dry state is important for shipping and storage, due to the fact that 
bacteria have great difficulty surviving in a largely dry environment. 
Thus, in this respect, the applique of the invention is unique when 
considered in the light of the numerous lotions and creams that are 
currently available, all of which possess the required moisture 
characteristics necessary to support copious amounts of bacteria, and thus 
require the addition of preservative chemicals. Moreover, these chemicals 
must be sufficiently strong to kill off such bacteria, and on a continuing 
basis. 
This consideration of wet-based lotions, in contrast to a dry storage of 
the appliques of the present invention, is thus important in that with 
applicant's arrangement, the need for preservative is substantially 
completely eliminated. Thus, with the appliques of the present invention, 
there can occur absolutely no irritation of a type arising from contact 
with a preservative, (which in effect, is a mild form of a poison.) This 
feature is very beneficial for people who have sensitive skin, and/or who 
are allergic to preservatives. In some cases of dry, chapped hands, the 
condition is such that they are cut and/or bleeding. Under such 
circumstances, the fewer the ingredients which might be irritating, the 
better. Optimally, inclusion of only those ingredients that moisturize, 
soothe and heal, and perform a beneficial function, should be included in 
a skin care product. Preservatives are to be avoided. These objectives are 
effectively accomplished by the present invention. 
The disclosed products and methods are thus seen to constitute a distinct 
advance and improvement in the field of skin moisturization and general 
skin care. 
Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit 
of the invention. 
Each and every one of the appended claims defines an aspect of the 
invention which is separate and distinct from all others, and accordingly 
it is intended that each claim be treated as such when examined in the 
light of the prior art devices in any determination of novelty or 
validity.