EP2375934B1

EP2375934B1 - Original butterfly eyelash guard

Info

Publication number: EP2375934B1
Application number: EP09807962.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nikolai Yakimov; Natalia Franklin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-22
Filing date: 2009-07-22
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-22
Also published as: EP2375934A4; EP2375934A1

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The embodiment of the present invention the eyelash guard relates to a disposable eye makeup shields for use in the cosmetic field as a skin, eyes and eyelash protector from excess eye makeup falling thereon during application.
The area around the eyes is critical in the field of any cosmetic manipulations. The application of eye makeup is the most difficult, complex, and lengthy part of beautifying procedures. That is why the application of mascara on eyelashes, and eye shadows on eyelids never can be perfect without the use of the protective shield behind the eyelashes. Such misapplication causes a user to appear old and tired from eye makeup smears. A mirror with small magnification reveals that small drops of mascara and eye shadow's powder disperse under eyes, on the nose bridge and on the cheekbone area. Such dispersal can be perceived as dark clogged pores. An attempt to remove eye makeup smudges, results in unattractive shadows under the eyes and/or eye and skin irritation. In addition, it ruins the consuming and meticulous work of a camouflage of dark circles and bags under the eyes by facial makeup. Specifically, every cosmetic specialist knows that the breakage of a layer made by concealer, foundation, and dry powder is impossible to patch. The user must spend more precious time to remove makeup and reapply it again to achieve excellent results. The follow-on stress and frustration, and anxiety rob precious time.
During the eyelash tinting procedures, when permanent black dye is applied on eyelashes, and presses to the skin without the support behind eyelashes, permanent discoloration of the skin occurs. As a result, the recipient needs to wait for a week until the damaged epidermis sheds and new and clean skin cells grow.
During an eye makeup removal procedure the eyelashes must be cleaned by pressing them against the skin resulting in residual black mascara rubbing off around the eye area, and as a result, requires more cleaning. It is a well-known fact that daily application of harsh chemicals, such as alkaline soaps or mascara removal solutions, on unprotected delicate and sensitive skin around eyes may cause the irritation of the eyes and eyelids skin damage, premature aging, wrinkles, dark circles, pigmentation and loss of eyelashes. The skin pigmentation may also be caused by micro makeup particles of black or dark shades of the eye makeup penetrating into the dermis; these problems can be avoided with the protective shield such as the eyelash guard.
Several different devices have been proposed to assist in the application of eye makeup. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,814 issued to Burke ; U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,142 issued to Karafilis ; U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,170 issued to Kassai ; U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,658 issued to Green ; U.S. Pat. No. 2004/0255971 issued to Houghton ; U.S. Pat. No. D536,129 issued to Davis ; U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,232 issued to Braun . All those plastic handhold mascara protectors are supposed to hold under the angle to the eye. However, they can slide from hands and damage the eye. The coverage of those devices is too small and too smooth to protect the skin from falling eye shadow's fine powder. Plastic tools that are featuring smooth surfacing, allow mascara to permeate beneath the device, or sticks to the skin, breaking makeup coverage under the eye. All these devices are made for the use in limited applications. It is impossible to use handhold shields during eyelash extension procedures and eyelash tinting where a specialist must use both hands. Those devices are not made to use in public facilities because they are not disposable and are not able to have a proper sanitization.
Other type of protective shields made from paper or fabric, for example, U.S. Pat. No. D533,302 issued to Luciano ; U.S. Pat. No. D461,278 issued to Takechi ; U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,624 issued to Kobe ; U.S. Pat. No. 1,850,540 issued to Erickson . The coverage of those devices is too small and it requires a lot of hand holding. All of these devices are made for the use in limited applications.
Some eye makeup protectors on the market today have adhesive materials positioned directly under the eyes to hold them in place, for example U.S.2009/0151744 A1 by Villanueva is of this type. This area, directly under the eyes, is the precisely where the face has its most delicate and thinnest skin. Repeated use of any kind of adhesive materials on delicate may cause an excessive skin exfoliation and irritation. Moreover, stickers will break the previously placed makeup coverage that was on the skin under the eyes.
The following devices are not invented to protect the area under the eyes from eye makeup smears. For example, U.S. Pat. No. D499,509 issued to Hiroi ; U.S. Pat. No. D426,019 issued to Aoki ; U.S. Pat. No. D487,942 issued to Hiroi ; U.S. Pat. No. D423,712 issued to Aoki. These are mascara penetrable facial masks sheets to use for the skin treatments as compresses saturated in skin care products as cream-masks, lotions, serums and paraffin applications.
The following devices are never proposed for the protection of the skin from mascara/eyeshadow smudges that can occur during the application. For example, U.S 20040231694 A1 by Rosenblatt ; JP No. 07-209068 A by Kokuni ; KR 10-2007-0025158 A by Kim ; KR 20-0294053 Y1 by Tarae International Co, LTD. Each of them is perforated eyebrow applicator template intended for simulated eyebrow application which provides right and left eye holes to oversee the process of the application. The eyebrow template is forming a straight line between the eyebrow and the cheek bone when positioned on the face. That is why the top and bottom edges of the eye holes are located far from the human eye and do not curve along the lower eyelids matching the line of the roots of eyelashes. The bottom portion of the eyebrow template is not able to lay flat directly under eyelashes, and provide a perfect cover for the skin without any edges of device touching the eyelashes and standing on the way of the mascara brush. The body of the eyebrow template is not able to mold along the nose bridge because of the bottom medial concave of the nose portion which is cut out too deep to incorporate the rectangular pliable metal strip as the adjuster of the size and position of the device on the person's face to work as a eye makeup shield. Also, the following eyebrow templates were invented specifically for drawing human simulated eyebrows. They cannot be transformed to the eye makeup shield and used for the protection of the skin under eyelashes from mascara/eyeshadow smudges. For example, US Pat. 3,718,145 by Chateau ; US Pat. 1,812,425 by Wosse . If the apparatus is turned upside down and pressed at the middle by fingers over the nose bridge or a metal strip is attached and deformed to contour to the shape of the nose, the right and left sides of the eyebrow template will go down away from the eyes at approximately 45° degrees angle that makes it impossible to use these devices as the skin protecting shields because the area under eyelashes must be precisely covered directly under eyelashes, matching the roots of eyelashes by the top concave edges of the device, to be used as the eye makeup shield.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The eyelash guard is a comprehensive tool for eye area protection that can be deployed in multiple applications. It has addressed all extremely important goals in the field of beautifying procedures. The eyelash guard has been tested by private users and professionals in the cosmetic field and has enjoyed a great response.
The eyelash guard invention is directed to the eye makeup protective shield according to claim 1 and a method of using it according to claim 2. The protective eye-makeup shield overcomes difficulties of prior art (devices) by providing a hands-free-use device which provides the precise and fixed coverage of around the eyes area that prevents the leakage of mascara under the shield and excess eye makeup falling on the skin during application . It curves along the eyelids and fits perfectly under any size of eye, maximum close to the roots of the eyelashes, protecting the delicate area under both eyes. The device molds over the nose bridge with the help of a metal strip (B) that is integrated in the middle narrow portion (5-6) of the device and works as a size adjuster. The metal strip (B) helps to hold the eyelash guard on it place and to position the makeup shield on the person's face. The method of fastening the device to the user's face is accomplished by two identical elastic ear loops (C) which are connected to the lateral straight edged sides (2) of the body (A) of the device.
The eyelash guard-improves and enhances the process for applying mascara to the eyelashes, assisting the user to achieve longer and fuller looking eyelashes and saving a time during eye makeup application. The eyelash guard provides a protective surface (A) against which the mascara brush can operate firmly and easily. Many women have puffiness and bags under eyes. They refrain from using mascara because it is impossible to apply mascara without smears under eyes. Moreover, there is no way to remove stains and smears without messing mascara coating of the low eyelashes. It is impossible to attain such a result without utilizing of the eyelash guard.
The eyelash guard shields the delicate under eye skin from the harsh chemicals used during daily eye makeup removal which may cause the formation of wrinkles and dark circles.
Black eyelash extension procedures as well as black mascara enhancements performed upon darkly pigmented users is simplified by the use if the white colored eyelash guard.
The hand-free-use eyelash guard protects the skin during the application and removal of permanent dye on eyelashes during eyelash tinting procedures. In addition, it can be utilized during permanent makeup tattooing. The eyelash guard works as a protective shield during artificial eyelash extension procedures, thereby speeding the process. It provides great cover from glue residue that result from low eyelash and upper eyelash glue applications. All available handhold devices are useful in very limited applications. It is impossible to use handhold shields during eyelash extension procedures, eyelash tinting or permanent makeup tattooing where a specialist must use both hands in order to provide them.
The eyelash guard does not have a smooth plastic structure and adhesive materials placed directly under the eyes. It is not able to stick to the skin and cause any skin damage. It is not break the under eye makeup coverage. That is why it is very important that eyelash guard is very safe to use.
The eyelash guard is hands free device when used. It is not required to hold under the angle against the eye to apply eye makeup as all plastic handhold mascara protectors used, that makes the eyelash guard safe to use for anyone, even for a person with any kind of tremor in the hands.
The design of the eyelash guard allows for the much more rapid application and removal of makeup without smears around the eyes, which greatly contributes to the user's productivity both in a home and business environment. It is a great tool to save a lot of time and money and reduce stress.
The eyelash guard is disposable, which enhances its essential and wide ranging appeal to various business users: Spas, salons, and theatrical and movie production studios. The eyelash guard can be used in medical facilities given the compelling requirement for medical personnel to protect their patient's eyes, the delicate skin around the eyes, and the eyelashes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the eyelash guard structured in accordance with principles of the present invention, a rear elevation view of the eyelash guard being identical to the front view;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial view in bracket of the FIG.1;
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the metal strip (B) that is integrated in the middle part (5-6) of the eyelash guard as shown in FIG.1 of the drawings. A rear elevation view of the metal strip being identical to the front view;
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the securing mechanism (C) that is connected to the eyelash guard as shown in FIG.1, FIG. 5-7 of the drawings. A rear elevation view of the securing mechanism (C) being identical to the front view;
FIG. 5 is a side view of an eyelash guard on the user's face structured and used in accordance with principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a front view of the eyelash guard on the user's face structured and used in accordance with principles of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a side view of the eyelash guard as shown in FIG.6 structured and used in accordance with principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed specification read in conjunction with the drawings. The eyelash guard is a device for use as a protective tool in the application of eye makeup according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.1 and FIGS.5 - 7 the illustrated eyelash guard comprises of three parts: the body (A) of the device, which provides a precise cover (1A-4) to both sides of the area under the eyes; the pliable metal part (B) that molds over the nose bridge and works as a size adjuster; the fastening method such as the elastic ear loops (C) placed on both sides (2) of the body (A) of the device.
FIG.1 shows a flat form of the device. Right side of the eyelash guard if folded at the centerline is the mirror image of the left side. FIG.5 shows the method of adjusting and wearing of the device on the person's face. FIGS. 6 - 7 show the eyelash guard in a modified form, fitted to the user's face and the way that this device works for the protection under the eye area (1A-4) for the application and removal of eye makeup and other beautifying procedures for eyelashes as eyelash extension, permanent makeup tattooing and tinting of eyelashes.
The eyelash guard is very easy to adjust to fit and to use and comfortable to wear FIGS. 5 - 7. It is manufactured with lightweight and thin materials. Consequently, the eyelash guard does not cause the pressure upon the eyes or the surrounding area. However, the precise fit around the eyes (1A) prevents the leakage of mascara under the shield as it can happen with bulky and smooth plastic devices.
The body (A) of the device FIG. 1, FIGS. 5 - 7 can be made with non-glossy, hypoallergenic, mascara resistant materials such as paper or fabric. These kind of materials are semi-porous that able to hold eye makeup in liquid and powder form from sliding and leaking through the device down all over the user's face. Plastic and other synthetic, non-breathable and glossy materials cause skin to sweat underneath that damage the layer of makeup under the eyes that was placed before. Those materials stick to the skin and should be avoided in the manufacturing of the eyelash guard.
Referring to FIG.1, FIGS.5-7 , the device has a long flexible body (A) that curves along the eyelids and directly under eyelashes (1A) protecting the delicate under the eyes area. The planar body (A) of the device extending along a longitudinal axis which made up of two identical segments (1A-4) that are disposed symmetrically about a central line of symmetry, the central line of symmetry being orthogonal to a longitudinal axis. The planar body (A) having opposed top and bottom longitudinal edges connected by two parallel lateral edges (1, 3). The top edge comprising two concave top edges (1A) on opposing sides of the central line of symmetry which adapted to meet and confirm to the roots of eyelashes line to fit precisely under eyelashes. A medial concave edge (6) disposed between the top concave edges (1A); and a top end edge (1) extending from each of the top concave edges parallel to the longitudinal axis extending away from the central line of symmetry. The bottom edge comprising a convex edge (4) disposed under each concave edge (1A) of the top edge, a bottom concave edge (5) extending between the convex edges (4) and beneath the medial concave edge (6) of the top edge; and a bottom end edge (3) extending from each of the convex edges (4) parallel to the longitudinal axis extending away from the central line of symmetry, wherein the lateral edges are orthogonal to the_top end edge. A medial narrow portion (6-5) is approximately 10mm wide is adapted to contour the bridge of the nose for the precise fit of the device under eyelashes with the help of the ductile metal strip (B) which is incorporated within the narrow portion of the body (A), Two identical segments (1A-4) adapted to shield both sides of the face under the eye area, which is about 30mm wide. The convex edges of the four top corners between points (d) and (e) FIGS.1-2, that belong to the concave edges (1A) are smoothed out. The FIG.2 is an enlarged partial view of corners (e-d). The lateral edges (2) are about 25mm where the points (1AC) and (2AC) are adapted for the connection of the ear loops (C). Referring to FIG.1, one unit (A) can be cut from a rectangular piece of material approximately 185 mm long and 45 mm wide.
Referring to FIG.1, 3, 5-7. wherein the body (A) is the second part of the device is pliable ductile strip of metal (B) that extending between the medial concave edge (6) and the bottom concave edge (5) along the longitudinal axis of the body (A) FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 5-7. The part (B) is adapted to work together with the medial narrow portion within the body (A) as a method of adjustment of the size and correct position of said device on the person's face in the order to fit by top concave edges (1A) precisely under eyelashes and to provide a perfect and smooth coverage of the portion of a person's face under the eyes by two identical segments (1A-4), with the maximum closeness of the top concave edges (1A) to the roots of eyelashes without help of adhesive materials FIG.6, 7
Type of material, thickness and the plasticity is crucial for the metal strip (B) FIG.3 to be able to work as a size adjuster and to keep the device in the correct and safe position. The said metal strip (B) is made from a type of pliable ductile material that is able to hold firmly a letter "U" shape over the nose bridge when the device, under the moderate extending tension of the elastic ear loops (C) that secures said device on the person's face FIGS. 5 - 7, to ensure the precise and confirming fit of the body (A) of the device over the nose bridge and under the eyes. The rectangle shape of the part (B) of the device is approximately 45mm long (1B) and 4mm wide (2B) FIG.3.
The method of securing the device to the user's face is achieved through the use of two identical thin elastic ear loops (C) FIGS. 5 - 7, where each is minimum 168mm long (3C) FIG.4. The ending (1C) of the elastic ear loop is connected to the body (A), on the lateral edge (2) of the device at the point (1AC). The ending (2C) is connected to the point (2AC); accordingly, it is done to the other side of the device, as its right side is the mirror image of the left side.
A method of using and protecting the skin under the eyes by the prevention of stains and smears that are caused when eye makeup is applied on the eyelashes and eyelids comprising: providing the protective makeup shield (A); deforming the pliable ductile metal strip (B) which is incorporated at the medial portion of the body (A) at the centerline over a small finger as a letter "U"; folding slightly at the centerline so the endings (2) of the body (A) can meet; pressing both endings of the metal strip (B) to make it as a firm loop placing the body (A) of said device over the person's face, with the pliable metal strip (B) over the person's nose bridge such that the top concave edges (1A) are disposed below the person's eye and the medial concave edge (6) is disposed over the user's nose FIG.5 to cover the skin under the eyes FIGS. 6, 7; adjusting the device to precise and fixed fit under person's eyes with the help of the pliable metal strip (B) and the flexible middle narrow portion (5-6) of the body (A), where the said metal strip (B) is incorporated, bringing the edges (1A) of said device exactly to the roots of eyelashes, providing a perfect and smooth coverage of the portion of a person's face under the eyes; arranging the elastic loops (C) over the ears of the user to secure the eyelash guard to the user's face without holding the device by hand during eye makeup application FIGS.5-7; applying makeup to the user's eyelashes and eyelids.
The eyelash guard must be manufactured in a clean facility that can be suitable for the production of safe for human health goods. Materials for the product and packaging must be very clean, non-toxic, latex, odor, and dust free. Parts of the product can be connected by the sonic fusion, glue, adhesive tape or other ways. The eyelash guard can be manufactured utilizing very simple and low cost production processes because it complete of three simple parts and it made from recycle materials.
The eyelash guard improves and enhances the process for applying mascara to the eyelashes. The eyelash guard provides a protective surface (A) against which the mascara brush can operate firmly FIG.1, FIG. 5 - 7 The user can apply an appropriate level of force all the way through the eyelashes, which allows for an even and complete mascara application without clumps and smears. The even coat of mascara seals every eyelash and it prevents black sheds and drops on the skin. It is impossible to attain such a result without utilizing of the eyelash guard.
The eyelash guard helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles and dark circles by shielding the delicate skin under the eyes from the harsh chemicals used during daily eye makeup removal. Upon softly pressing the eyelashes against the body (A) of the eyelash guard, the unit allows for the gentle cleansing of the eyelashes with a cotton swab saturated with eye makeup removal solution all the way through the eyelashes without forceful rubbing. The design of the eyelash guard encourages the diffusion of mascara on cotton swabs and on the protective shield thereby negating mascara diffusion upon the skin. In addition, the device may help to prevent eyelashes from falling out and irritation of the eyes and eyelids. Also, it protects the skin from the pulling and stretching motions associated with unprotected eye makeup removal that contributes to formation of shadows and bags resulting from excessively stretched skin. In summary, eye makeup removal, as enhanced by the eyelash guard, is easy and healthful.
From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention provides a simple and inexpensive device that is a new and useful improvement over previous devices for use in the application of eye makeup and skin and eyelash protection.

Claims

A protective eye-makeup shield, able to precisely cover both sides of the under eyes area or eyelids by conforming to the curvature of the human eyeballs, the precise fit of which prevents the leakage of mascara under the shield comprising:
a planar body (A) made from natural, light soft and flexible material;

the planar body (A) extending along a longitudinal axis;

the planar body (A) being made up of two identical segments that are disposed symmetrically about a central line of symmetry, the central line of symmetry being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis;

the planar body (A) having opposed top and bottom longitudinal edges connected by two parallel lateral edges;

the top edge comprising two concave top edges (1A) on opposing sides of the central line of symmetry; a medial concave edge disposed between the top concave edges (1A); and

a top end edge extending from each of the top concave edges (1A) parallel to the longitudinal axis extending away from the central line of symmetry;

the bottom edge comprising a convex edge disposed under each concave edge of the top redge(1A), a bottom concave edge extending between the convex edges and beneath the medial concave edge of the top edge; and a bottom end edge extending from each of the convex edges parallel to the longitudinal axis extending away from the central line of symmetry;

wherein the lateral edges are orthogonal to the top end edge;

an elastic ear loop (C) is attached to each lateral edge;
characterized in that
a ductile strip of metal (B) extends between the medial concave edge and the bottom concave edge along the longitudinal axis of the body (A).
A method of using the protective eye-makeup shield of claim 1 comprising:
providing the shield of claim 1,

adjusting the shield on the user's face,

molding the strip of metal (B) firmly around the bridge of the nose, thereby making the device fitting perfectly under any size of eye, maximum close to the roots of the eyelashes,

securing the ear loops (C) to both sides of the face, thereby freeing the hands to apply makeup, removing makeup, performing eyelash extensions, permanent makeup tattooing and tinting of eyelashes.