CN116194010A

CN116194010A - Flat eyelash curler

Info

Publication number: CN116194010A
Application number: CN202180063630.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·伦纳德; E·马纳赫
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2020-10-13
Filing date: 2021-07-09
Publication date: 2023-05-30
Also published as: WO2022079965A1; KR20230042743A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an eyelash curler (1) to be used for curling eyelashes (F), comprising: (i) A lower plate (10) having a central axis (A) ₁ ) A proximal end (100 a) and a distal end (100 b), wherein the lower plate (10) comprises at the proximal end (100 a) a central axis (A) with the lower plate (10) ₁ ) A pair of lower ridges (110 a,110 b) extending in intersecting directions, wherein the lower plate (10) further comprises an elastic pad (190) for receiving eyelashes (F) to be curled, the elastic pad (190) being disposed in a groove (120) defined between the lower ridges (110 a,110 b); and (ii) an upper plate (20) having a central axis (A) ₂ ) A proximal end (200 a) and a distal end (200 b), wherein the upper plate (20) is disposed atThe proximal end (200 a) is included at a central axis (A) with the upper plate (20) ₂ ) An upper ridge (210) extending in the intersecting direction, wherein the upper ridge (210) is configured to be capable of pinching eyelashes (F) to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad (190). The lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are configured such that they can be coupled to each other to a non-use position or a ready-to-use position. In the non-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are bonded to each other such that the upper plate (20) is in close contact with the lower plate (10), and the upper plate (20) cannot pivot relative to the lower plate (10). In the ready-to-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are coupled to each other such that the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210) face each other, and the upper plate (20) is pivotable relative to the lower plate (10) to pinch the eyelashes (F) to be curled between the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210).

Description

Flat eyelash curler

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an eyelash curler of the type used as a cosmetic treatment tool, and in particular to a flat type eyelash curler.

Background

Many women currently use eyelash curlers daily or occasionally for cosmetic purposes. As is well known, an eyelash curler is configured to curl up natural eyelashes of an upper eyelid or to curl up false eyelashes attached to the natural eyelashes together with the natural eyelashes. It is desirable that such eyelash curls can be performed not only at home but also in various places and traveling. Accordingly, various types of eyelash curlers are designed to be portable.

For example, KR20130003164 describes an eyelash curler comprising: a main body; a connector rotatably connected around the main body; a first eyebrow clamping portion including a first contact; a second eyebrow clamping part mounted on one end of the main body; and a third eyebrow clamping part mounted on the other end of the main body.

CN203314330 describes an eyelash curler, comprising: a housing; a pulling member; a movable clamping member; and a spring acting on the movable clamp. The pulling member is arranged on the housing in a pivoting mode and the movable clamping member is assembled in the housing in a sliding mode. The housing is provided with a fixed clamping member cooperating with an end portion of the movable clamping member. The movable clamping piece clamps and fixes the clamping piece under the action of the pulling piece.

JP5324932 describes an eyelash curler comprising two gripping surfaces which can be moved towards and away from each other. The eyelashes may be pinched between the two gripping surfaces. The gripping surface is shaped to match the actual condition of the eyelashes.

JP4559263 describes an eyelash curler comprising: a receiving member provided with a first pinching portion for pinching one side of eyelashes; a sliding member provided with a second pinching portion for pinching the other side of the eyelashes; and an operating member for moving the sliding member so that the sliding member can be pressed against the receiving member.

JP4473641 describes an eyelash curler comprising: an upper presser part for pressing eyelashes from above; and a lower presser portion for pressing eyelashes from below. Each presser portion has a snap pressing portion. When the eyelash curler is used, an eyelid pad having a higher friction coefficient than that of the upper presser portion is mounted on at least a portion of the front face of the upper presser portion that is in contact with the eyelid.

JP4226924 describes an eyelash curler that includes a pair of upper and lower pressing portions for pinching eyelashes. The paired pressing portions have a plurality of protruding portions extending in the longitudinal direction, respectively. These protrusions serve as a nip for pressing the eyelashes.

JP2001204535 describes an eyelash curler comprising: a body having an upper holding portion for holding eyelashes from above; and a sliding member having a lower holding portion for holding eyelashes from below. The sliding member is mounted to the body in a manner capable of vertically sliding within a certain sliding movement range. A guide means for guiding the slide member is interposed between the slide member and the body. The guiding means are not present at each end of the lower holding part, but below the lower holding part.

Such known eyelash curlers generally tend to be relatively bulky due to their complex structure, thus taking up a lot of space when carried, and thus cannot be said to be easy to carry. Further improvements are needed to make it easier to carry the eyelash curler. In addition to being easy to carry, there is a need to reduce the manufacturing costs of the eyelash curler by simplifying the structure of the eyelash curler.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems of the existing eyelash curlers. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel eyelash curler that is easy to carry, in other words, occupies a small space when carried. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel eyelash curler that is easy to carry but has excellent operability in use. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel eyelash curler that is simple in structure and thus can be manufactured at low cost.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an eyelash curler to be used for curling eyelashes, comprising: a lower plate having a central axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the lower plate includes a pair of lower ridges extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the lower plate at the proximal end, wherein the lower plate further includes an elastic pad for receiving eyelashes to be curled, the elastic pad being disposed in a groove defined between the lower ridges; and an upper plate having a central axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the upper plate includes an upper ridge extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the upper plate at the proximal end, wherein the upper ridge is configured to be capable of pinching eyelashes to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad, wherein the lower plate and the upper plate are configured such that they can be bonded to each other to a non-use position or a ready-use position, wherein in the non-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate are bonded to each other such that the upper plate is in tight contact with the lower plate, and the upper plate cannot pivot relative to the lower plate, and wherein in the ready-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate are bonded to each other such that the elastic pad and the upper ridge face each other, and the upper plate can pivot relative to the lower plate for pinching eyelashes to be curled between the elastic pad and the upper ridge.

In the present invention, the eyelashes to be curled by the eyelash curler may be natural eyelashes, clustered false eyelashes that have been attached to or are to be attached to the natural eyelashes, or both natural eyelashes and clustered false eyelashes.

According to the present invention, when not used for cosmetic treatment, the lower plate and the upper plate of the eyelash curler may be coupled to each other such that the upper plate is in close contact with the lower plate. In other words, in such a non-use position, the eyelash curler according to the present invention may take a flat form with a minimal volume, which requires little space when carried. In this way, portability or portability of the eyelash curler is significantly increased as compared to a conventional eyelash curler having a relatively large volume. On the other hand, the eyelash curler according to the present invention may exhibit excellent operability for cosmetic treatment when combined to a ready-to-use position. That is, with the eyelash curler according to the present invention, eyelashes can be curled safely by a simple operation in which the eyelashes to be curled are clamped between the elastic pad of the lower plate and the upper ridge of the upper plate, and then the upper plate is pivoted with respect to the lower plate. In addition, according to the present invention, the eyelash curler is basically composed of only two plates (i.e., an upper plate and a lower plate). Accordingly, the eyelash curler according to the present invention is very simple in structure and thus can be manufactured at low cost as compared to existing eyelash curlers.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the orientation of the upper plate relative to the lower plate in the non-use position may be opposite to the orientation of the upper plate relative to the lower plate in the ready-to-use position.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the lower plate may further comprise a slot at the proximal end into which the upper ridge of the upper plate may enter when the lower and upper plates are coupled to each other in the non-use position, in particular if the orientation of the upper plate in the non-use position becomes opposite to the orientation of the upper plate in the ready-to-use position. This aspect is particularly advantageous for flattening and compressing the eyelash curler in the non-use position.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the lower plate may further comprise an aperture at the distal end extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the lower plate. In this case, the distal end of the upper plate may have a width smaller than the width of the orifice of the lower plate. Further, in this case, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate may be coupled to each other such that the distal end of the upper plate passes through the aperture of the lower plate. This preferred aspect advantageously provides a scissor mechanism that achieves excellent operability during the crimping process. That is, according to this preferred aspect, the crimper can be operated as easily as, for example, a clothes peg. According to a more preferred aspect of the present invention, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate may be in contact with each other along a straight line. In this case, the line along which the lower plate and the upper plate contact each other in the ready-to-use position may define a virtual pivot axis about which the upper plate pivots relative to the lower plate.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the distal end of the upper plate may be offset from the main surface area of the upper plate in a direction perpendicular to the main surface area of the upper plate. In particular, the distal end of the upper plate may be offset in the same direction as the upper ridge. Further, if the distal end of the upper plate is offset, a portion of the lower plate distal to the aperture may be at least partially offset from the major surface area of the lower plate in a direction perpendicular to the major surface area of the lower plate. In particular, the portion of the lower plate may be offset in a direction opposite to the lower ridge. In addition, the hollow formed by offsetting this portion of the lower plate may be able to accommodate the offset distal end of the upper plate. This aspect is particularly advantageous in case the orientation of the upper plate in the non-use position with respect to the lower plate becomes opposite to the orientation of the upper plate in the ready-to-use position with respect to the lower plate. This is because it realizes a non-use position (i.e., a rigidly joined state of the lower plate and the lower plate) in which unintentional separation of the lower plate and the lower plate is unlikely to occur.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the window may be formed in the lower plate, and the corresponding window may be formed in the upper plate. In this case, the window of the lower plate and the window of the upper plate may at least partially overlap each other, at least in the non-use position. Furthermore, according to a more preferred aspect of the present invention, the window of the lower plate and the window of the upper plate may have different sizes and/or shapes from each other. According to this preferred aspect, the user can visually confirm a portion of her face reflected in the mirror, especially the area around her eyes and her eyelashes, through one of the windows. Furthermore, if the two windows have different sizes and/or shapes from each other, one plate can be pushed out through the window formed in the other plate with a fingertip when separating the two plates. As a result, it is possible for the user to more easily switch from the non-use position to the ready-to-use position.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, both the lower ridge of the lower plate and the upper ridge of the upper plate may be curved such that they are convex towards their distal ends. The curvature of the lower and upper ridges may be, for example, along a circle, oval, parabola, hyperbola, or any other curve. Further, the lower ridge and the upper ridge may partially include straight portions.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the eyelash curler may further include a locking mechanism. In this case, the locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the upper plate from being unintentionally separated from the lower plate when the lower plate and the upper plate are coupled to each other to the non-use position. According to a more preferred aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism may comprise at least one boss protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the slot of the lower plate into the slot (if the slot is present). In this case, the boss may be configured to retract when the upper ridge of the upper plate enters the slot to apply a pressing force to the upper ridge of the upper plate. This aspect also facilitates achieving a non-use position (i.e., a rigidly bonded state of the lower plate and the lower plate) in which unintentional separation of the lower plate and the lower plate is unlikely to occur.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate may be made of a non-metallic material selected from the group consisting of plastic material, wood material, and bamboo material. In particular, at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate (more preferably both) may be made of a plastic material. Furthermore, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one of the lower plate and the upper plate (more preferably both) may be made of a transparent or translucent plastic material. If both the lower and upper plates are made of transparent plastic material, it is possible for the user to visually confirm a portion of her face reflected in the mirror, especially the area around her eyes and her eyelashes, through the plates.

Drawings

Non-limiting and representative embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an eyelash curler according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the eyelash curler is in a flat, non-use position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1, with the eyelash curler in a ready-to-use position.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a lower plate of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a lower plate of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is along X in FIG. 4 ₃ -X ₃ A cross-sectional view of the lower plate of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2, taken along the line.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an upper plate of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of an upper plate of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2.

FIG. 8 is a view taken along line X in FIG. 7 ₄ -X ₄ A cross-sectional view of the upper plate of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2, taken along the line.

Fig. 9 is along X in fig. 1 ₁ -X ₁ A cross-sectional view of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1, taken along the line.

FIG. 10 is a view taken along line X in FIG. 2 ₂ -X ₂ A cross-sectional view of the eyelash curler shown in fig. 2, taken along the line.

Fig. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a process of re-coupling the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2 from a flat non-use position to a ready-to-use position.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing steps taken by a user to curl her eyelashes using the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a process of re-coupling the eyelash curler shown in fig. 1 and 2 from a ready-to-use position to a flat non-use position.

Detailed Description

Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 1 to 13. In each drawing, the scale ratio of the width, length, height, diameter, etc. of each element may not be constant. It should be noted that in some figures, certain elements or features are drawn larger or smaller than they actually are for emphasis instead.

As used herein, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "upward", "downward", "above", "below", "right", "left", and the like should be understood in connection with the orientation of the crimper in the drawings, which may or may not match the actual orientation in use. Furthermore, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in this specification, the term "distal" means the side that is away from the user's eyelashes when the user is curling the eyelashes using the curler. On the other hand, the term "proximal" means a side closer to the user's eyelashes when the user is curling the eyelashes using the curler.

Fig. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an eyelash curler 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, for curling eyelashes, which are indicated by reference "F" in some figures. In particular, fig. 1 shows the eyelash curler 1 in a fully flattened "non-use" position as described in detail below. Fig. 2 schematically shows the same eyelash curler 1 in a "ready to use" position as described in detail below.

As can be seen from fig. 1 and 2, the eyelash curler 1 includes a lower plate 10 and an upper plate 20. In this embodiment, both the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are made of a plastic material, in particular a transparent plastic material (except for an elastic pad described later). The lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be formed, for example, by an injection molding process. The lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 have both required flexibility and rigidity. For example, PCTA (poly (cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate)), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate copolymer), PP (polypropylene) may be used as the plastic material for forming the two

plates

10, 20. However, in another embodiment, only one of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of a plastic material. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, only one of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of a transparent plastic material. Alternatively, one or both of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of a translucent plastic material. One or both of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of other non-metallic materials such as wood material and/or bamboo material.

As illustrated in fig. 3-5, the lower plate 10 has a central axis (i.e., longitudinal axis) a ₁ A proximal end 1OOa, a distal end 100b, and a major surface region 100c extending between the proximal end 100a and the distal end 100 b. Fig. 3 to 5 show the lower plate 10 seen from all directions. That is, fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lower plate 10, fig. 4 is a plan view of the lower plate 10, and fig. 5 is a view taken along X in fig. 4 ₃ -X ₃ A cross-sectional view of the lower plate 10 taken along the line. As shown, the proximal end 100a of the lower plate 10 has a curved recess 102, which curved recess 102 is convex toward the distal end 100 b. The curvature of the recess 102 is appropriately selected according to the anatomical features of the race's face in the region or zone in which the product (eyelash curler) is provided. For example, typically, the radius of curvature of the eyelid profile of caucasian individuals has a smaller value than the radius of curvature of asian individuals. This anatomical knowledge can be used to determine the curvature (radius of curvature) of the recess 102.

Along the curved recess 102, the lower plate 10 includes a pair of

lower ridges

110a,110b at the proximal end 100 a. These

lower ridges

110a,110b are located at a central axis A with the lower plate 10 ₁ Extending in the intersecting direction. The lower plate 10 also includes an elastic pad 190 for receiving eyelashes to be curled in use. A pair of

lower ridges

110a,110b cooperate to define a groove 120 therebetween. The elastic pad 190 is disposed in the groove 120 defined between the

lower ridges

110a,110 b. The resilient pad 190 extends in the recess 120 beyond the same extension as the

lower ridges

110a,110 b. In this embodiment, the rounded upper end of the resilient pad 190 protrudes slightly from the opening of the recess 120. In addition, in this embodiment, both

lower ridges

110a,110b are curved, for example, along a circular profile having a given radius of curvature (which may be variable),such that they are convex toward distal end 100 b. Further, in this embodiment, the elastic pad 190 is composed of, for example, silicone rubber, but may be constructed using other suitable elastic materials.

On the other hand, as illustrated in fig. 6 to 8, the upper plate 20 has a central axis (i.e., longitudinal axis) a ₂ A proximal end 200a, a distal end 200b, and a major surface region 200c extending between the proximal end 200a and the distal end 200 b. Fig. 6 to 8 show the upper plate 20 seen from various directions. That is, fig. 6 is a perspective view of the upper plate 20, fig. 7 is a plan view of the upper plate 20, and fig. 8 is a view taken along X in fig. 7 ₄ -X ₄ A cross-sectional view of upper plate 20 taken along the line. As shown, the proximal end 200a of the upper plate 20 has a recess 202, the recess 202 being convex toward the distal end 200 b. The curvature of the concave portion 202 is also appropriately selected as described above.

Along the curved recess 202, the upper plate 20 includes an upper ridge 210 at the proximal end 200 a. The upper ridge 210 is located at a central axis A with the upper plate 20 ₂ Extending in the intersecting direction. As described in detail below, the upper ridge 210 is configured to pinch eyelashes to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad 190 of the lower plate 10. In this embodiment, the upper ridge 210 is also curved corresponding to the curvature of the

lower ridges

110a,110b such that it is convex toward the distal end 200 b.

The

ridges

110a,110b of the lower plate 10 and the ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 may have various cross-sections. In this embodiment, an elongated rectangle having rounded ends is employed as the cross-sectional shape of these ridges. However, the cross-sectional shape of the ridge may be trapezoidal (or inverted trapezoidal) or any other suitable shape.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are configured such that they can be coupled to each other to a non-use position or a ready-to-use position. In particular, in this embodiment, the orientation of the upper plate 20 relative to the lower plate 10 in the non-use position is opposite to the orientation of the upper plate 20 relative to the lower plate 10 in the ready-to-use position. As seen from fig. 9 (fig. 9 is the eyelash curler 1 shown in fig. 1 along X in fig. 1) ₁ -X ₁ A cross-sectional view taken along a line) also shows that in the non-use position, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are coupled to each other such that the upper plate 20 is in close contact with the lower plate 10. In such a tightIn the close contact state, the upper plate 20 cannot pivot with respect to the lower plate 10. Accordingly, the eyelash curler 1 shown in fig. 1 and 2 may be referred to as a "flat eyelash curler".

On the other hand, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are coupled to each other such that the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210 face each other. In this coupled state, the upper plate 20 may act as a lever arm. That is, the upper plate 20 may pivot relative to the lower plate 10 to pinch the eyelashes to be curled between the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210 (if needed or in some cases, with proper elastic deformation of the upper plate 20). As seen from fig. 10 (fig. 10 is an illustration of the eyelash curler 1 shown in fig. 2 along X in fig. 2) ₂ -X ₂ A cross-sectional view taken along a line) it can also be seen that in the ready-to-use position the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are in contact with each other along a straight line. The line along which the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 contact each other in the ready-to-use position defines a virtual pivot axis B about which the upper plate 20 pivots relative to the lower plate 10.

Referring again to fig. 3-5, the lower plate 10 also includes a slot 130 at its proximal end 100 a. The upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 may enter the slot 130 when the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are coupled to each other in the non-use position. In addition, the lower plate 10 includes a central axis A at its distal end 100b that is orthogonal to the lower plate 10 ₁ An aperture 140 extending in the direction of (a). Distal end 200b of upper plate 20 has a width W that is less than the width W of aperture 140 ₁ Width W of (2) ₂ (see FIGS. 4 and 7). Thus, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are coupled to each other such that the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 passes through the aperture 140 of the lower plate 10.

In this embodiment, the eyelash curler 1 further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to prevent the upper plate 20 from being unintentionally separated from the lower plate 10 when the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are coupled to each other in the non-use position. More specifically, the locking mechanism includes a boss 160 protruding into the slot 130 from the inner peripheral surface of the slot 130 of the lower plate 10. As best shown in fig. 4, a slot 170 having a width slightly greater than the width of the boss 160 is formed in the lower plate 10 behind the boss 160, i.e., between the boss 160 and the ridge 110 a. Thus, when the upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 enters the slot 130, the boss 160 may retract slightly, as shown in fig. 1. In this retracted state, the boss 160 may apply a pressing force to the upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20. Although embodiments having a single boss have been described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be multiple bosses.

As can be seen from fig. 8, the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 is offset from the main surface area 200c of the upper plate 20 in a direction perpendicular to the main surface area 200c. Similarly, as can be seen in fig. 5, a portion of the distal end 100b of the lower plate 10 distal to the aperture 140 is partially offset from the major surface region 100c of the lower plate 10 in a direction perpendicular to the major surface region 100c. As described above, in the non-use position, the orientation of the upper plate 20 relative to the lower plate 10 is opposite to the orientation of the upper plate 20 relative to the lower plate 10 in the ready-to-use position. Thus, as shown in fig. 9, in the flat non-use position, the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 may fit snugly within the hollow 180 (see fig. 3-5) formed by offsetting the portion of the distal end 100b of the lower plate 10. This effectively prevents unintentional separation of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20, and combines the additional separation preventing effect brought about by the engagement between the upper ridge 210 and the slot 130 of the lower plate 10.

Referring again to fig. 4, a window 150 is formed in the lower plate 10. Similarly, as shown in fig. 7, a window 250 is formed in the upper plate 20. The window 150 of the lower plate 10 and the window 250 of the upper plate 20 are configured to partially overlap each other in both the non-use position and the ready-to-use position. That is, the window 150 of the lower plate 10 and the window 250 of the upper plate 20 have different sizes and shapes from each other. In this embodiment, window 150 is a rectangle with one side curved (a rectangle with a somewhat trapezoid), and window 250 is a square with one side also curved (a square with a somewhat trapezoid). However, the

windows

150, 250 may have any other shape. For example, polygonal shapes, semicircular shapes, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, and the like may be employed for the

windows

150, 250 in addition to square and rectangular shapes. In another embodiment, the window may be provided on only one of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20. In yet another embodiment, both

plates

10, 20 may not have any windows. By providing the window 250, the user can visually confirm the portion of her face reflected in the mirror, particularly the area around her eyes and her eyelashes, through the window 250. Further, since the two

windows

150, 250 have different sizes and shapes from each other, the two

plates

10, 20 can be easily separated when the eyelash curler 1 is converted from the non-use position to the ready-to-use position. To do this, the user need only push out a portion (the portion having the grid pattern in fig. 7) of the main surface 200c of the upper plate 20, which is present in the window 150 (or visible from the window 150) in the lower plate 10, with her fingertip.

Hereinafter, a method for curling natural eyelashes using the above-described eyelash curler 1 is described. However, the eyelashes to be curled may be clustered false eyelashes attached to the natural eyelashes or both the natural eyelashes and the false eyelashes. For reference, false eyelashes typically include a plurality of discrete eyelash fibers and a baseline linking or connecting the eyelash fibers to one another substantially in parallel. The eyelash fibers may be synthetic fibers or natural fibers. For example, the eyelash fibers may be silk fibers, cotton fibers, wool fibers, flax fibers, cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, polyamides

Fibers, viscose fibers, acetate fibers, acrylic polymer fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) fibers, glass fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene (such as->

) Fibers, insoluble collagen fibers, polyester fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers or polyvinylidene chloride fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, chitosan fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyallylate fibers, human hair or fibers formed from a mixture of polymers such as mentioned above, for example polyamide/polyester fibers.

Prior to use for curling, the eyelash curler 1 is switched to a ready-to-use position. That is, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are recombined from the non-use position to the ready-use position. For this, the upper plate 20 is first separated from the lower plate 10 (see fig. 11 (a)). This can be easily accomplished, for example, by pushing the major surface area 200c of the upper plate 20 with a fingertip through the window 150 of the lower plate 10. Subsequently, the upper plate 20 is again bonded to the lower plate 10 in an orientation opposite to that in the non-use position. This can be easily accomplished by first inverting the upper plate 20 and then inserting the distal end 200b of the inverted upper plate 20 into the aperture 140 of the lower plate 10 (see fig. 11 (b) and 11 (c)). As a result, the eyelash curler 1 is now in the ready-to-use position (see fig. 11 (d)).

The curling process using the eyelash curler 1, which is switched from the non-use position to the ready-to-use position, may be performed as follows. First, the user positions the eyelash curler 1 in front of the face such that the eyelashes F are located between the upper ridge 210 of the curler 1 and the elastic pad 190 (see fig. 12 (a)). Subsequently, by applying force to the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 10 from above and below with fingertips, the user pivots the upper plate 20 relative to the lower plate 10 so that their

proximal ends

100a, 200a approach each other. This causes the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210 to work together to curl up the eyelashes F (see fig. 12 (b)). In this state, the upper end of the elastic pad 190 is elastically collapsed and becomes concave by the upper ridge 210. As described above, the pivoting of the upper plate 20 may be accompanied by a moderate elastic deformation thereof.

Once the eyelashes F have been pressed, the user pivots the upper plate 20 in the opposite direction relative to the lower plate 10 such that their

proximal ends

100a, 200a are spaced apart from each other (see fig. 12 (c)). This can be easily accomplished by applying force with fingertips on the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 and the distal end 100b of the lower plate 10 from above and below. The above process is generally repeated as many times as necessary, wherein the position where the eyelashes F are pinched slightly moves toward the tips of the eyelashes F. As a result, the eyelashes F are now curled upward as a whole.

After the curling process of the eyelashes F has been completed, the curler is converted to a fully flat, non-use position for portability or storage. That is, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are recombined from the ready-to-use position to the non-use position. For this reason, the upper plate 20 is separated from the lower plate 10 again (see fig. 13 (a)). This can be easily accomplished by pulling the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 out of the aperture 140 of the lower plate 10. Subsequently, the upper plate 20 is bonded to the lower plate 10 again in an orientation opposite to that in the ready position. This can be easily accomplished by first inverting the lower plate 10 and then reinserting the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 into the aperture 140 of the inverted lower plate 10 (see fig. 13 (b) and 13 (c)). Finally, the upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 is inserted into the slot 130 of the lower plate 10 by overcoming the resistance of the locking mechanism described above. As a result, the eyelash curler 1 is now in a completely flat, non-use position that is convenient to carry about (see fig. 13 (d)).

As described above, when not used for cosmetic treatment, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 of the eyelash curler 1 may be coupled to each other such that the upper plate 20 is in close contact with the lower plate 10. That is, in the non-use position, the eyelash curler 1 may take a completely flat form with a minimum volume, which requires little space to carry and store. Thus, portability or portability of the eyelash curler is significantly increased as compared to a conventional eyelash curler having a relatively large volume. On the other hand, when combined to the ready-to-use position, the eyelash curler 1 exhibits excellent operability for cosmetic treatment. That is, with the eyelash curler 1, the eyelashes F can be curled safely by a simple operation of sandwiching the eyelashes F to be curled between the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210 and then pivoting the upper plate 20 with respect to the lower plate 10. In addition, since the eyelash curler 1 is basically composed of only two plates (i.e., the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20) obtained, for example, by an injection process, the eyelash curler 1 is simple in structure and thus can be manufactured at low cost as compared to the existing eyelash curlers.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and variations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An eyelash curler (1) to be used for curling eyelashes (F), comprising:

a lower plate (10) having a central axis (A) ₁ ) A proximal end (100 a) and a distal end (100 b), wherein the lower plate (10) is comprised at the proximal end (100 a) at the central axis (A) with the lower plate (10) ₁ ) A pair of lower ridges (110 a,110 b) extending in intersecting directions, wherein the lower plate (10) further comprises an elastic pad (190) for receiving the eyelashes (F) to be curled, the elastic pad (190) being disposed in a groove (120) defined between the lower ridges (110 a,110 b); and

an upper plate (20) having a central axis (A) ₂ ) A proximal end (200 a) and a distal end (200 b), wherein the upper plate (20) is comprised at the proximal end (200 a) at the central axis (A) with the upper plate (20) ₂ ) An upper ridge (210) extending in an intersecting direction, wherein the upper ridge (210) is configured to be capable of pinching the eyelashes (F) to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad (190),

wherein the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are configured such that they can be coupled to each other in a non-use position or in a ready-to-use position,

wherein, in the non-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are bonded to each other such that the upper plate (20) is in close contact with the lower plate (10), and the upper plate (20) is not pivotable relative to the lower plate (10), and

wherein, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are coupled to each other such that the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210) face each other, and the upper plate (20) is pivotable with respect to the lower plate (10) to pinch the eyelashes (F) to be curled between the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210).

2. Eyelash curler (1) according to claim 1, wherein the orientation of the upper plate (20) with respect to the lower plate (10) in the non-use position is opposite to the orientation of the upper plate (20) with respect to the lower plate (10) in the ready-to-use position.

3. The eyelash curler (1) of claim 2, wherein the lower plate (10) further comprises a slot (130) at the proximal end (100 a), the upper ridge (210) of the upper plate (20) being able to enter into the slot (130) when the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are coupled to each other in the non-use position.

4. Eyelash curler (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower plate (10) further comprises at the distal end (100 b) a central axis (a ₁ ) Wherein the distal end (200 b) of the upper plate (20) has a width (W) smaller than the aperture (140) ₁ ) Width (W) ₂ ) Wherein, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are joined to each other such that the distal end (200 b) of the upper plate (20) passes through the aperture (140) of the lower plate (10).

5. Eyelash curler (1) according to claim 4, wherein in the ready-to-use position the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are in contact with each other along a straight line, wherein the line along which the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are in contact with each other in the ready-to-use position defines a virtual pivot axis (B), about which the upper plate (20) pivots relative to the lower plate (10).

6. The eyelash curler (1) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the distal end (200 b) of the upper plate (20) is offset from the main surface area (200 c) of the upper plate (20) in a direction perpendicular to the main surface area (200 c) of the upper plate (20), and a portion of the lower plate (10) distal to the aperture (140) is at least partially offset from the main surface area (100 c) of the lower plate (10) in a direction perpendicular to the main surface area (100 c) of the lower plate (10).

7. Eyelash curler (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a window (150) is formed in the lower plate (10) and a window (250) is formed in the upper plate (20), wherein the window (150) of the lower plate (10) and the window (250) of the upper plate (20) at least partly overlap each other at least in the non-use position.

8. Eyelash curler (1) according to claim 7, wherein the window (150) of the lower plate (10) and the window (250) of the upper plate (20) have different sizes and/or shapes from each other.

9. Eyelash curler (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the lower ridges (110 a,110 b) of the lower plate (10) and the upper ridges (210) of the upper plate (20) are curved such that they are convex towards the distal ends of the upper and lower plates.

10. The eyelash curler (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash curler (1) further comprises a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the upper plate (20) from being unintentionally separated from the lower plate (10) when the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are coupled to each other in the non-use position.

11. The eyelash curler (1) of claim 10 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one boss (160), the at least one boss (160) protruding into the slot (130) from an inner peripheral surface of the slot (130) of the lower plate (10).

12. The eyelash curler (1) of claim 11, wherein the boss (160) is configured to retract and apply a pressing force to the upper ridge (210) of the upper plate (20) when the upper ridge (210) of the upper plate (20) enters the slot (130).

13. Eyelash curler (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the upper plate (10) and the lower plate (20) is made of a non-metallic material selected from the group consisting of plastic material, wood material and bamboo material.

14. Eyelash curler (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the upper plate (10) and the lower plate (20) is made of a plastic material.

15. Eyelash curler (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) is made of a transparent or translucent plastic material.