CN110786615A - Warming unit for eyelash clip - Google Patents

Abstract

A warming unit includes a body and a heating unit to communicate with an eyelash clip to transfer thermal energy to the eyelash clip to transfer some of the thermal energy to the eyelashes to help curl the eyelashes. The body has a channel. A passage extends between and through the body between the sides of the body. The heating unit is communicated with the body. The heating unit has a thermal plate configured to receive electrical energy. The heating unit is partially located within the channel. A handle may be included and extends away from the body to form a gap between the body itself and the heating unit. The eyelash clip is compressed between the body and the heating unit within the gap to position the pad of the eyelash clip against a portion of the heating unit.

Description

Warming unit for eyelash clip

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.62/713,728 filed on 8/2/2018. The information contained in this U.S. provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to electronic warming devices, and in particular to a warming unit for eyelash clips used in the cosmetics industry.

Background

Various techniques and practices have been incorporated over time to enhance the beauty of women. In the 19 th century, the idea of lengthening eyelashes has gained popularity. By the late 80's of the 19 th century, practices such as cutting sharp corners from eyelashes to "encourage growth" were underway. Other practices include coating the eyelashes with walnut leaves and water to help the eyelashes to stand out and appear longer. Even today, it seems extremely extreme when sewing hair to eyelids to form false eyelashes is performed in paris. Over time, the process has progressed from the original knitting practice in the early 20 th century to modern artificial eyelashes.

Some women prefer not to use artificial eyelashes, but rather prefer to use their own eyelashes. The cosmetic industry has developed methods of lifting eyelashes. Examples include the use of mascara applied by a brush/comb. The various curvatures of the brush and the mascara are believed to enhance the natural appearance of the eyelashes and help impart length and a flamboyant appearance to the eyelashes. Another tool developed is a mascara clip. The eyelash clip clips on the eyelashes and helps to cause temporary curvature of the eyelashes. This helps to make the eyelashes more flamboyant.

Despite these advances and developments in the field of eyelashes, disadvantages remain. Artificial eyelashes are cumbersome to use and involve the use of some type of adhesive to adhere the artificial hair to the eyelid. If improperly used, the use of these artificial eyelashes may result in ocular infections and allergic reactions. In the case of the more natural methods of using mascara and eyelash clips, these steps often do not last for a long time. The mascara may rub off and any pressing action, if any, tends to lose any curling effect.

There is a need for a new method and system that allows for a more permanent curl to be created in the eyelashes without synthetic hair and adhesive for the natural process.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present application to provide a warming unit that operates in communication with an eyelash clip and is capable of transferring thermal energy to a portion of the eyelash clip for the purpose of subsequently transferring some of the thermal energy to the eyelashes to assist in curling the eyelashes.

In one embodiment, the warming cell includes a body having a channel. A passage extends between the sides of the body and through the body. A heating unit is also included and is in communication with the body. The heating unit has a thermal plate configured to receive electrical energy. The heating unit is partially located within the channel.

It is an object of the present application to provide a warming unit that positions the heating unit at least partially over the channel. Furthermore, the handle may extend away from the body to form a gap between the handle itself and the heating unit. The eyelash clip is compressed between the handle and the heating unit within the gap to position the pad of the eyelash clip against a portion of the heating unit.

Further, it is an object of the present application to transfer thermal energy to the mat of the eyelash clip using a hot plate within a heating unit. The temperature of the hot plate is between 150 degrees fahrenheit and 220 degrees fahrenheit.

Another object is to facilitate heating of the hot plate with less electrical energy and thus less current consumption, thereby enabling a larger range of connectors and ports to be available. The heating unit includes a circuit board having an air gap separating a portion of the circuit board itself from adjacent components in the heating unit. The air gap serves to minimize the transfer of thermal energy away from the thermal plate to adjacent components, enabling the thermal plate to reach a desired temperature with less energy and faster time.

In one embodiment, the electrical port may be a USB port. Further, the port may include the ability to regulate the temperature of the pad and turn the heating unit on and off. Finally, the invention may take many embodiments. In these ways, the assembly overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior art.

Accordingly, the more important features of the components have been summarized so that the following more detailed description may be better understood and the present contribution to the art may be assuredly appreciated. Additional features of the system will be described hereinafter and will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

Many objects of the present assembly will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of a specification, wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present system in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The assembly is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present system. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present system.

Drawings

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a warming unit for an eyelash clip according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a rear view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a left side view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a right side view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a top view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a warming unit for the eyelash clip of fig. 4.

While the assembly and method of the present application are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiments are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the description, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientations of various aspects of the components in describing the apparatus in the figures. However, as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, components, apparatuses, etc. described herein can be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, use of terms describing a spatial relationship between various components or describing a spatial orientation of aspects of these components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between components or a spatial orientation of aspects of these components, respectively, as the assemblies described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

The assemblies and methods according to the present application overcome one or more of the above-described problems typically associated with the previously discussed lift platforms. In particular, the warming unit is a system operating with the eyelash clip, and the warming unit is configured to induce a warming effect on the surface of the eyelash clip, so that the eyelash clip transfers heat to the eyelashes when applied to the eyelashes and the curling effect is improved. These and other unique features of the assembly will be discussed below and shown in the drawings.

The assembly and method will be understood both as to its construction and its operation from the accompanying drawings and from the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the assembly may be presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts and features of the different embodiments may be combined and/or interchanged with one another, all within the scope of the present application, even if not all variations and specific embodiments are shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the use of mixtures and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure: features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be combined as appropriate, unless otherwise specified, with another embodiment.

The components and methods of the present application are illustrated in the associated drawings. The assembly includes a body including a central channel for receiving a lash clip. The eyelash clip is particularly observed in fig. 1. A heating element is positioned within the channel and configured to contact a portion of the eyelash clip. An electrical port is located on one side of the body and provides an attachment location for transmitting electrical power to heat the heating element. The heating element may be turned on or off, and may even allow for temperature control in some embodiments. Additional features and functionality of the device are described and discussed below.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. The following figures depict components of the present application and their related features. Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present application are described herein. It should be noted that, as used in this specification, the articles "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring now to fig. 1-9 of the drawings, various views of a warming unit 101 for an eyelash clip 99 are shown. The warming unit 101 is configured to provide structural support for resting of the eyelash clip in the cocked position. Further, the warming unit 101 is configured to cause energy to be transferred to a portion of the eyelash clip 99. When the eyelashes are pressed in the eyelash curler 99, heat is transferred to the eyelashes to produce a curling effect on the eyelashes.

Referring particularly to fig. 1, the eyelash clip 99 is shown in contact with the warming unit 101. The warming unit 101 is configured to provide structural support to hold the eyelash clip in an upright manner. This facilitates easy grasping and helps to ensure that the eyelash clip does not become contaminated with debris and contaminants on the countertop. In addition, the warming unit 101 is allowed to maintain a desired contact with the eyelash clip 99 along the surface to be heated.

Warming unit 101 is a small electronic device configured to receive power through port 105. Power may be supplied by any known power source, such as a plug or socket. In some embodiments, the warming unit 101 may be partially or completely powered by a power source (i.e., a battery). The electric power is used to heat the hot plate 113. The hot plate 113 is in close contact with the outer surface of the heating unit 107 or actually serves as the outer surface itself of the heating unit 107. When the thermal plate 113 is heated, the thermal plate 113 is adjacent to or in contact with the pad 93 of the eyelash clip 99. Energy is transferred from the hot plate 113 to the eyelash clip 99.

The eyelash clip 99 consists of two handles that operate together to translate the first member 97 towards the second member 95. The first member 97 translates along two opposing tracks towards the second member 95. The first member 97 has a pad 93 on a side facing the second member 95. In operation, the first member 97 slides toward the second member 95 and presses the eyelashes between the pad 93 and the second member 95. When the pad 93 is heated, the heat is partially transferred to the eyelashes and helps to induce a curling effect.

The warming unit 101 includes a body 103, a port 105, and a heating unit 107. The body 103 is configured to at least partially surround the heating unit 107 and is shaped to include a channel 109 extending across the width of the body 103. As seen in fig. 1, the channel 109 is configured to support and receive the second member 95 of the eyelash clip 99. It should be understood that the overall shape of the body 103 is not limited to that depicted herein, as other profiles may be desired. For example, a depression is observed along the top surface of the body 103 on either side of the channel 109. The depressions may be adjusted to other shapes, depths and contours. Additionally, any surface of the body 103 may be configured to receive a surface treatment. Such treatments may include coloring, protective layers such as clear coatings, e.g., grip pads, and the like. Any texture is possible to improve appearance, comfort and performance.

With particular reference to fig. 3-7 of the drawings, various side and front views of the warming unit 101 are provided. The channel 109 is sized to receive the second member 95 of the eyelash clip 99. The channel 109 includes a profile similar to that of an eyelash clip to allow for flush contact between a portion of the eyelash clip 99 and one side of the channel 109. The channel 109 is configured to secure the positioning of the eyelash clip 99 using an interference fit and friction, and does not necessarily require any additional securing means.

The heating unit 107 extends inwardly over a portion of the channel 109. When the eyelash clip 99 is positioned in the channel 109, the heating unit 107 extends between the first member 97 and the second member 95. The heating unit 107 includes a hot plate 113 along an upper surface. The hot plate 113 is exposed through the body 103 of the heating unit 107 to be in direct contact with the pad 93.

When the second member 95 is positioned within the channel 109, the second member 95 of the eyelash clip 99 rests along the surface of the channel 109 and adjacent heating unit 107. The heating unit 107 is configured to operate with a single surface of the channel 109. As seen in the figures, the heating unit 107 may be configured to extend outwardly into a central portion of the channel 109, thereby exposing one or more surfaces that may be heated. These surfaces may contact one or more portions of the eyelash clip 99. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to minimize the profile of the heating unit 107. In such embodiments, it should be understood that the heating unit 107 may be flush with the surface of the channel 109, or may even be selected to transfer heat through the body 103, wherein the heating unit 107 is completely hidden. It should be understood that various methods may be employed to expose or transfer heat from the heating unit 107 to the eyelash clip.

As previously described, the heating unit 107 is enabled and powered by the power source. The heating unit 107 may comprise a simple resistor that emits heat when current is passed through it. More complex heating methods are possible and can be used with the warming unit 101. The unit 101 requires any type of heating element having at least one pad 93 that enables thermal energy to be transferred to the pad in communication with the warming unit 101.

There are a variety of ways and methods of providing power to the heating unit 107. One such way is to rely on an internal power source, such as a battery. These internal power sources may be replaceable or even rechargeable when so equipped. A port 105 is located on the body 103 and is used to provide operational control of the warming unit 101 to a user. The port 105 may also include a control element for adjusting the performance of the warming unit 101, i.e. the heating unit 107. For example, the member 105 may include an on/off switch to regulate power to the heating unit 107. Furthermore, additional control elements may be provided in the member 105 to regulate the amount of power provided to the heating unit 107. The idea is that such a control element may regulate the amount or temperature of the heat energy generated by the heating unit 107. This allows one to adjust the temperature of the eyelash clip to a comfortable and effective level.

Referring now also to fig. 8 of the drawings, a bottom view of the warming unit 101 is provided. The body 103 has a lower surface. One or more feet or pads are optionally included to provide separation between the lower surface and the corresponding countertop/surface. The feet/pads may provide increased grip to prevent the body 103 from sliding on a surface.

Referring now also to fig. 9 of the drawings, a cross-sectional view of the warming unit 101 as taken from fig. 4 is provided. A clearer view of handle 111 is shown. The handle 111 extends from the body 103 higher than the body 103 over a portion of the heating unit 107. In addition, a shank 111 extends over a portion of the channel 109. A gap 114 is formed between the handle 111 and the unit 107, the gap 114 being configured to receive the first member 97 of the eyelash clip 99. In this embodiment, both the first member 97 and the second member 95 would be located in the channel 109. First member 97 is wedged in gap 114 between shank 111 and thermal plate 113 in such a way that pad 93 is pressed against thermal plate 113. The second member 95 is located in the channel 109, and both the second member 95 and the channel 109 act together to help hold the eyelash clip 99 in an upright manner with its handle in a position accessible to the user.

As shown in fig. 9, the heating unit 107 is shown from the inside. Although the entire body of the unit 107 may be referred to as a heating element, the unit 107 actually comprises a plurality of individual components. Unit 107 includes a thermal plate 113 and a circuit board 115. The thermal plate 113 is a device that actually receives current to heat up, and the thermal plate 113 is exposed in a gap on the upper front side of the unit 107 adjacent to the shank 111. Below the plate 113 is a circuit board 115 configured to adjust the performance of the unit 101. An air gap 117 is formed below circuit board 115 to help minimize the transfer of thermal energy to other portions of unit 107. This helps to maintain a constant temperature of thermal plate 113 and reduces the electrical power required to bring thermal plate 113 to temperature. The air gap also serves to minimize the transfer of thermal energy away from the thermal plate to other components, enabling the thermal plate to reach a desired temperature with less energy and faster time. By including air gap 117, port 105 may be a USB port, wherein the current required to heat thermal plate 113 is minimal. It should be understood that the unit 107 may include one or more insulating materials in combination with the air gap 117 or in place of the air gap 117. These insulating materials may be laminated adjacent to, for example, thermal plate 113 and/or circuit board 115.

In operation, it is advantageous to have the pad 93 at an elevated temperature of about 150 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The pad 93 is typically constructed of certain elastomeric materials that do not exhibit good thermal conductivity. In addition, pad 93 has a poor thermal mass, and thus pad 93 may feel only warm to the touch when heated to temperatures above 220 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., 250 degrees Fahrenheit). Thus, the eyelash clip 99 can include a pad 93 having various thermally conductive fillers, for example, powdered metals such as Al, Cu, Ag, and Au. In addition, carbon, boron nitride, etc. in various forms (powder, flake, fiber) may be included. Obviously, the elastomeric material must have a heat distortion temperature to a certain extent that is greater than the maximum use temperature. An adhesive may also be incorporated into the pad 93 for added strength. It should be understood that the warming unit 101 may also include such an eyelash clip 99: wherein the pad 93 includes any one of a thermally conductive filler, a carbon additive, and a binder.

Particular advantages of the warming unit 101 include at least the following: (1) the ability to lift and hold the eyelash clip in an upright manner for ease of use and to remain clean; (2) providing a heating unit to selectively heat a portion of the eyelash clip to assist in transferring heat to a user's eyelashes to assist in maintaining curl for a longer period of time; (3) the hot plate is operatively controlled to adjust performance and temperature.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the specification. It is apparent that the present application has been described and illustrated with significant advantages. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, the present application is not limited to only these forms, but various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present application.

Claims (19)

1. A warming unit for heating a cushion on an eyelash clip, the warming unit comprising:

a body having a channel;

a heating unit in communication with the body, the heating unit including a thermal plate configured to receive electrical energy;

wherein the channel extends between and through the sides of the body, the heating unit being located partially within the channel.

2. The unit of claim 1, wherein the channel is formed in the shape of a lash curler.

3. The unit of claim 1, wherein the heating unit is at least partially located above the channel.

4. The unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a handle located over a portion of the heating unit, the handle extending from the body out of the channel.

5. The unit of claim 4, wherein a gap is formed between the handle and the heating unit.

6. The unit of claim 5, wherein the gap and the channel are configured to receive the eyelash clip.

7. The unit of claim 1, wherein the heating unit comprises a hot plate for transferring thermal energy to the pad.

8. The unit of claim 7, wherein the hot plate has a temperature between 150 degrees fahrenheit and 220 degrees fahrenheit.

9. The unit of claim 7, wherein the heating unit includes a circuit board having an air gap separating a portion of the circuit board itself from adjacent components in the heating unit, the air gap for minimizing transfer of thermal energy away from the thermal plate to the adjacent components such that the thermal plate can reach a desired temperature with less energy and faster time.

10. The unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a port configured to allow electrical energy to be transferred to the heating unit.

11. The unit of claim 10, wherein the port is a USB port.

12. The unit of claim 10, wherein the port includes the ability to regulate the temperature of the pad.

13. The unit of claim 10, wherein the port is configured to open and close the heating unit.

14. The unit of claim 1, further comprising:

an eyelash clip having a pad on a first member, the pad on a side facing a second member, the first member configured to selectively translate toward the second member.

15. The unit of claim 14, wherein the pad includes at least one of a thermally conductive filler, a carbon additive, and a binder to enhance thermal properties of the pad.

16. A method of heating a pad of a mascara clip using a warming unit, the method comprising:

obtaining a warming unit according to claim 1;

positioning a first member of the eyelash clip adjacent to the heating unit;

positioning a second member of the eyelash clip adjacent a side of the heating unit opposite the first member such that the heating unit extends between the first member and the second member; and

an electrical current is induced to transfer thermal energy to a hot plate in the heating unit that is in contact with the pad of the eyelash clip, i.e., the pad on the first member.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the heating unit comprises a circuit board adjacent to a surface of the thermal plate, the circuit board including an air gap to minimize transfer of thermal energy away from the thermal plate.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first member is compressed between the heating unit and a handle extending outwardly from the body.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the heating unit extends from the body into the channel.

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