Patent Publication Number: US-2010114153-A1

Title: Snap-Off Diet Aid™ tragus clip with single-point removable pressure head

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/096,788 which was filed on Sep. 13, 2008 and the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
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     RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA 
     Provisional Application Number 61/096,788 Filed on Sep. 13, 2008 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The Snap-Off Diet Aid™ contemporary methods of plastics design and manufacturing with an ancient method of Chinese healing called “acupressure.” Acupressure is a highly developed treatment modality, which has been used for centuries by Chinese healers. Over time, those healers discovered that, when pressure was accurately applied by their fingers or specially made devices, to specific areas on the human body, often for varying periods of time the physical discomfort and suffering brought about by many acute and chronic human illnesses and diseases were often alleviated. These specific areas of the body, among them the hands, wrists, and ears, are known as “pressure points.” Some of those “pressure points” were found to provide relief from the symptoms of chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. 
     A pressure point located on the tragus of the ear was discovered to be associated with appetite suppression. Pressure applied at this point can be utilized to assist people who are trying to lose weight. The Snap-Loss Diet Aid™ was developed to exert continuous pressure on this relatively small area of the body (approximately 0.080″ x 0.080″). While the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ is not intended as a singular method for weight reduction, it can be an integral tool in the successful dieter&#39;s weight loss program. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The main advantage of the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ over other similar products is that the user is able to position the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ more accurately, as directed, on the tragus of the ear. The result is a more consistent, focused and efficacious compression of a single pressure point on one side of the tragus as opposed to equal pressure on both sides. 
     A second advantage of the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ over similar products is that it is constructed of homogenous injection molded plastic, such as polycarbonate (PC). This material remains flexible from −148° F. and solid to +275° F. without losing its elasticity or breaking. Furthermore, due to its design and construction, the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ will retain its pressure over a longer period of time. The heads are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material which remains flexible from −34.6° F. to +250° F. 
     Another advantage of the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ over similar products is that the clip with the point on one side simulates the effect of a needle in acupuncture in a more comfortable and practical fashion. The clip does not puncture, but achieves an indistinguishable effect. 
     A final advantage of the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ over similar products is that the pads with the specific pressure heads are easily removable and interchangeable without the need for an extra tool. This also allows for more point-specific heads to be added at a later time. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  Assembly sketch of Tranquil pressure head for the Snap-Off Diet Aid. 
         FIG. 2  Assembly sketch of Weight pressure head for the Snap-Off Diet Aid. 
         FIG. 3  Dimensional drawing of clip without pressure heads. 
         FIG. 4  Clearance distance for clip in resting state. 
         FIG. 5  Dimensional drawing of pressure heads. 
         FIG. 6  Demonstrative illustration of the clip on an ear. 
         FIG. 7  Demonstrative illustration of compression of clip by finger and thumb 
         FIG. 8  Illustration of the human ear. 
         FIG. 9  Exploded view of the clip and the pressure heads. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The Snap-Off Diet Aid™ consists of upper and lower arms, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , each end flared with corners rounded and the surfaces crossed width-wise by two raised, embossed ridges, which provide anchors for a finger and thumb, as depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
     Two connecting arms, one upper and one lower, detailed in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each connected to the tapered end of the corresponding tabs, described in the immediately preceding paragraph. 
     Both upper and lower areas are reinforced by increasing the thickness of the arm with a raised plane running the length of the load-bearing surfaces on the arms ( FIG. 3 ). 
     The effect point is located by centering the head of the clip on the tragus thus locating the correct point for the nub to apply pressure for the desired affect. By varying the location of the nub on the different heads, different pressure points are stimulated, thus achieving different effects ( FIGS. 1 ,  2  &amp;  6 ). 
     An interchangeable upper acupressure pressure head ( FIG. 5 ), consisting of a single raised embossed dimple 0.0625″ higher then the head itself applies pressure on the single acupressure point required for the desired effect. A lower retainer compression pad provides back support for the compression exerted by the upper acupressure splayed pad with fitted compression head. In addition, it maintains proper position of the Snap-Off Diet Aid™ on the tragus of the ear. This pad also ensures proper pressure to be applied by the nub of the selected pressure head from the opposing side. 
     When appropriate head is attached, the pressure on the side with the interchangeable head is focused on the appropriate pressure point to give the desired response. The interchangeability of acupressure pads allows for the future addition of other pads to stimulate other known points. 
     The heads being claimed suppress appetite and reduce stress.