US20040149303A1

US20040149303A1 - Eyelash lenghtening platform

Info

Publication number: US20040149303A1
Application number: US10/355,996
Authority: US
Inventors: Fumiko Kobayashi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-03
Filing date: 2003-02-03
Publication date: 2004-08-05

Abstract

The eyelash lengthening platform for an eyelash perm has a cross-sectional shape that resembles an airplane wing cross-section. The front portion is rounded to provide some curl to the eyelashes. The middle portion and back portion have a slight curvature to their top surface. The middle portion and back portion provide extra surface support for long eyelashes and keep the tips of the eyelash straight, for the appearance of longer length.

Description

BACKGROUND

The field of invention relates to devices for straightening eyelashes, which enhance the visual presentation of the eyelash. More specifically, the field of invention pertains to a platform for securing the eyelashes in the appropriate position during the straightening treatment.

There are conventional eyelash rods, which are designed for curling the eyelash. These devices do not focus on straightening the tip of the eyelash. Conventional eyelash perm techniques use a rod with a cross-section that is a circle or oval shape, which tends to curl the full length of the eyelash. The extensive curling of the eyelash causes the appearance of a shorter eyelash. Eyelashes that are naturally short then appear to be even shorter because of the curling. It would be beneficial to have some curling, while maintaining some of the straight length of the eyelash.

The conventional disposable eyelash rods are formed in a long cylindrical shape, with the cross section being a circle or oval. The circumference of disposable eyelash rod tends to be small in relation to the length of an eyelash. Thus, longer eyelashes when bent during the curling process, may extend beyond the circumference of the eyelash rod. Only a portion of the eyelash is adhered to the rod and the excess length of the eyelash is left dangling. Therefore, the cylindrical shaped rods fail to provide a surface that will adequately support longer eyelashes.

Larger rods are available that provide greater surface area for the eyelashes. The larger rods are easy to grip while securing to the eyelid, but once in place their extra size and weight can cause discomfort and sagging of the eyelid. The larger rods still tend to create more curl in the eyelashes, which can make the eyelash appear shorter in length. The circular cross-section of conventional rods can be to severe of a bending of the eyelash. Thus, there is a requirement for a device with a circumference that is smoother in transition, which avoids the creases and kinks that occur with conventional eyelash rods.

Disposable conventional eyelash rods are a straight cylindrical shape. They must be bent to conform to the shape of the eyelid. They have a tendency to return to their natural straight shape, even after they are adhered by glue to the eyelid. This can cause separation of the conventional eyelash rod from the eyelid during the procedure. The rod must be re-secured to the eyelid, which requires additional time and significant frustration. There is a need for a device that better conforms to the shape of the eyelid.

Eyelashes of Caucasians, Afro-Americans and Latinos are naturally curled. Additional curling on top of the natural curl would create excessive curling to the eyelash, which would make the eyelash appear shorter. This is a disadvantage of the circular eyelash perming rods. There is a need for a device that retains the straightness in a portion of the eyelash, to enhance the appearance of length.

Furthermore, the eyelashes of Asians are relatively short in comparison to other ethnic groups. If additional curl is given the eyelash appears shorter and is harder to see, especially when viewed from the side profile. Modern standards of attractiveness require a delicate balance between the amount of curl and the apparent length of the eyelash.

Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that will curl a portion of the eyelash, while leaving the remaining length of the eyelash straight to enhance visual appearance. The device should avoid the creases and excessive curling that occur with conventional eyelash rods. The device should be minimal in weight to minimize the discomfort to the eyelids.

SUMMARY

An objective of the eyelash lengthening platform is providing a balance of curling to the root of the eyelashes, while maintaining the straightness of the body and tip of the eyelashes.

Another objective of the eyelash lengthening platform is to minimize the weight upon the eyelid and the sagging of the eyelid, which can be uncomfortable during the time period that the eyelash straightening procedure is being performed.

Another objective is providing additional surface area on the back portion to support the flaring out of the eyelashes.

Another objective is forming the bottom surface of the platform with a curvature that conforms to the shape of the eyelid. The benefit is that the eyelash lengthening platform does not have to be bent from its natural shape when it is adhered to the eyelid.

In one embodiment, the “eyelash lengthening platform” for an eyelash perm has a cross-sectional shape that resembles an airplane wing cross-section. The front portion is rounded to provide some curl to the eyelashes. The middle portion and back portion have a slight curvature to their top surface. The middle portion and back portion provide extra surface support for long eyelashes. This provides a smooth bend to the eyelash, which is desired for maximum esthetic enhancement of the eyelash.

In a typical procedure, the platform is first adhered to the skin of the eyelid, above the eye. Then the eyelashes are bent upward and adhered to the platform. Liquid adhesives can be used or thin materials with double-sided adhesive surfaces secure the eyelash firmly against the platform.

Eyelashes of Caucasians, Afro-Americans and Latinos have more natural curl than the eyelashes of Asians. If to much curl is given the eyelash appears shorter and is harder to see, especially when viewed from the side profile. As people age, their eyelashes tend to droop lower. The drooping eyelash can sometime interfere with proper vision. For drooping eyelashes a slight curling at the root of the eyelash is advantageous with the remainder of the eyelash straight and uncurled.

The present device will provide the appropriate combination of curled eyelash and straight eyelash. The root portion of the eyelash near the eye is curled and raised. The remaining length of the eyelash toward the body and tip is left straight for the appearance of long lengthy eyelashes. The perm solution is not applied to the last 1 mm to 1.5 mm of the eyelash near the tip. Leaving the eyelash unattached with no adhesive near the tip allows the natural curl or straightness of the eyelash to be retained.

There is a rounded front edge that is positioned near the eye. The front edge creates a slight curl in the eyelash, near the root of the eyelash. The upper surface has a very minor smooth curvature with no sharp transitions in angle. The curvature of the upper surface is a convex shape. The minimal curvature allows the portion of the eyelash resting on the upper surface to be straightened, which provides the appearance of lengthened eyelashes. Thus, the root of the eyelash is curled, while the middle and tip of the eyelash are straightened. This results in an uplifting of the eyelash from the drooping position and the appearance of a long straight eyelash. The look is very desirable and considered quite attractive.

An eyelash lengthening platform for eyelashes includes a front portion having a circumference, a middle portion adjacent to the front portion and a back portion radially projecting from the middle portion. The front portion, the middle portion and the back portion form a top surface with a convex shape and form a bottom surface that is a concave shape. The concave shaped bottom surface conforms to the curvature of the eyelid.

The front portion has a height ‘h 2’, the middle portion has a height ‘h1’, and the back portion has a height ‘h3’. The height ‘h1’ in the middle portion is greater than ‘h3’ or ‘h2’. The higher middle portion provides a gradual transition in curvature from the more dramatic curl that is created in the eyelash by the front portion. The front portion provides curl in the eyelash that raises the eyelashes above the eye and overcomes the sagging look of the eyelash.

The eyelash lengthening platform has a back tip, which is where the top surface and the bottom surface intersect. The lower surface has a front edge that forms a substantially half-moon arc shape when viewed from the front view. The circumference forms a substantially arc shape when view from the side view. The circumference can form about a half-circle shape. Alternately, the circumference can be an arc shape that changes over its length. The circumference can even include parts that are very near straight and linear. In one embodiment the convex shape of the upper surface is significantly reduced, such that the upper surface is nearly substantially linear.

The eyelash lengthening platform has a first extension with a first end and a second extension with a second end. The first extension and the second extension provide additional surface area for supporting the eyelashes. The eyelashes have a tendency to spread into a wider area as the eyelashes get farther away from the eyes. The platform is slightly wider on the back edge in relation to the front edge. This reduction in width at the front edge gives the platform less weight due to the reduction in overall size and amount of material used. Additionally, the platform is easier to position on the eyelid when the front edge is narrower.

The circumference can vary in the amount of curvature over its length. One portion of the circumference may be a rounded with another portion having less curvature. The root of each eyelash bends and curls around the circumference. This curling raises the eyelash higher above the eye. The body and tip of the eyelashes lie on the top surface, which straightens and lengthens this portion of the eyelash. The bending of the root uplifts the eyelashes, thereby maximizing the appearance of length in the body and tip.

Although the present invention is briefly summarized, a fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0024]
FIG. 1 is a side view. [0025]
FIG. 2[0026] a is a front view of the lens.
FIG. 2[0027] b is a front view of the lens showing greater curvature.
FIG. 3 is a top view. [0028]
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view. [0029]
FIG. 5 is a side view of prior art. [0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the side view illustrated in FIG. 1, an [0031] eyelash lengthening platform 10 for eyelashes 100 includes a front portion 12 having a circumference 14, a middle portion 16 adjacent to the front portion 12 and a back portion 18 radially projecting from the middle portion 16. The front portion 12, the middle portion 16 and the back portion 18 form a top surface 20 with a convex shape. The three portions 12, 16, 18 form a bottom surface 22 that is a concave shape. The concave shaped bottom surface 22 conforms substantially to the curvature of the eyelid 102. The convex shape of the top surface 20 provides slight curvature to the eyelashes 100, while still maintaining sufficient straightness to create the appearance of extensive length to the eyelashes 100.
The [0032] front portion 12 has a height ‘h2’, the middle portion 16 has a height ‘h1’, and the back portion 18 has a height ‘h3’. The height ‘h1’ within the middle portion 16 is greater than the height ‘h3’ at the back portion 18. Also, ‘h1’ in the middle portion 16 is greater than ‘h3’ within the front portion 12. The higher middle portion 16 provides a gradual transition in curvature from the more dramatic curl that is created in the eyelash 100 by the front portion 12. The front portion 12 creates a significant curl in the eyelashes 100, as the eyelashes 100 bend at their root 106 and curl over the front edge 28. The curling of the eyelash root 106 overcomes the sagging look of the eyelash 100, which is so prevalent in older people.
The height ‘h[0033] 2’ of the front portion 12 is greater than ‘h3’ in the back portion 18. This height differential provides a gentle downward sloping curvature to the top surface 20. The eyelashes 100 lie substantially straight and flat upon the top surface 20. The downward sloping curvature provides a slight bending of the eyelashes 100. The bending will result in a gentle upward bend to the body 108 and tip 110 portion of the eyelashes 100, after the eyelash lengthening platform 10 and adhesive are removed and the eyelashes 100 return to the natural state of supporting themselves. The downward sloping curvature will keep the body 108 and tip 110 of the eyelashes 100 substantially straight. The platform has a depth ‘d1’, which is greater than the maximum height ‘h1’. The depth provides surface area to support the eyelashes 100 for straightening and lengthening appearance.
The [0034] back portion 18 has a back tip 24, which is where the top surface. 20 and the bottom surface 22 intersect. At the back tip 24, the top surface 20 and the bottom surface 22 form an angle “Φ” 26 (“theta”). The angle “Φ” 26 ranges between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. In one embodiment the angle “Φ” 26 is between about 10 degrees and about 15 degrees.
The [0035] circumference 14 forms a substantially arc shape when viewed from the side view. The circumference 14 can form about a half-circle shape within the front portion 12. The circumference 14 is contained within the front portion 12, while the top surface 20 relates to the front portion 12, middle portion 16 and the back portion 18.
The [0036] top surface 20 can be an arc shape that changes over its length. The top surface 20 can even include parts that are very near straight and linear, particularly in the back portion 18. In one embodiment the convex shape of the top surface 20 is significantly reduced, such that the top surface 20 is nearly substantially linear through the middle portion 16 and the back portion 18.
The [0037] top surface 20 can vary in the amount of curvature over its distance. One portion of the top surface 20 may be a rounded circular arc, while another portion can have less curvature and be approaching a linear form. The root 106 of each eyelash 100 bends around the circumference 14 and top surface 20, which provides some curl to the root 106. This curling raises the eyelash 100 above the eyeball and eye socket. The body 108 and tip 110 of the eyelashes 100 lie substantially perpendicular to the top surface 20, which straightens and lengthens this portion of the eyelash 100. The bending of the root 106 uplifts the eyelashes 100, and such that the body 108 and tip 110 are maximized in straight length.
Referring to the front view of FIGS. 2[0038] a and 2 b, the bottom surface 22 has a front edge 28 that forms a substantially half-moon arc shape. The arc extends along the front edge 28 from the first end 32 to the second end 36. The half-moon arc shape of the front edge 28 has greater curvature than the circumference 14 of the front portion 12, with the circumference 14 being viewed from the side view.
FIG. 2[0039] a and FIG. 2b illustrate the height of the front edge 28 varying over the width of the front. The front edge 28 has a center 42. The front edge 28 has a height ‘H4’ at the center 42, a height ‘H5’ about adjacent to the first end 32, and a height ‘H6’ about adjacent to the second end 36. The center 42 is higher than the first end 32 and the second end 36, thus ‘H4’ is greater than ‘H5’ and ‘H4’ is greater than ‘H6’.
The [0040] eyelashes 100 are longer in the center of the eye 104, thus the eyelashes 100 have sufficient length to rise over the front portion 12 and still extend out to the middle portion 16 and back portion 18. Near the first end 32 and the second end 36 the eyelashes 100 are shorter, thus height ‘H5’ and height ‘H6’ are reduced in height to allow the shorter eyelashes 100 to have a balance of curl and straightness.
Referring to the top view of FIG. 3, the [0041] eyelash lengthening platform 10 has a first extension 30 with the first end 32 and a second extension 34 with the second end 36. The first end 32 and the front edge 28 form an angle ‘A-1’ (“alpha-1”). The second end 36 and the front edge 28 form an angle ‘A-2’ (“alpha-2”) . Typically ‘A-1’ and ‘A-2’ are the same, but they can be varied to better conform to the shape of the face. The first extension 30 and the second extension 34 provide additional surface area for supporting the eyelashes 100. The eyelashes 100 have a tendency to flair out in a wider area as the eyelashes 100 get farther away from the eyes 104. Therefore, the platform should be slightly wider near the back tip 24 and does not need to be as wide on the front edge 28. The platform is lighter in weight due to the reduction in overall size and amount of material used for the front edge 28 in comparison to the back tip 24. Furthermore, the platform is easier to position on the eyelid 102 when the front edge 28 is narrower. In one embodiment the angles ‘A-1’ and ‘A-2’ are between about 100 degrees and about 120 degrees.
Referring to the side perspective view of FIG. 4, the [0042] eyelash 100 folds over the platform 10. The platform 10 is positioned on the eyelid 102 directly above the eye 104. The root 106 of the eyelash 100 is curved, while the body 108 and the tip 110 are kept straight for the appearance of greater length.
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a prior art example. The [0043] rod 120 is cylindrical in shape and is circular when viewed from the side.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to the preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained herein. [0044]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An eyelash lengthening platform for eyelashes comprising:

a) a front portion having a circumference;

b) a middle portion adjacent to the front portion; and

c) a back portion radially projecting from the middle portion,

wherein the front portion, the middle portion and the back portion forming a top surface having a convex shape and forming a bottom surface having a concave shape.

2. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 1, wherein the front portion having a height ‘h2’, wherein the middle portion having a height ‘h1’, wherein the back portion having a height ‘h3’, and wherein ‘h1’ is greater than ‘h2’, and ‘h1’ is greater than ‘h3’.

3. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 2, wherein ‘h2’ is greater than ‘h3’

4. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 3, further having a back tip, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface intersect at the back tip thereby forming an angle “theta”, wherein the angle “theta” is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees.

5. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 4, wherein the angle “theta” is between about 10 degrees and about 15 degrees.

6. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 5, wherein the bottom surface having a front edge, wherein the front edge forming a substantially half-moon arc shape.

7. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 6, wherein the circumference forming a substantially arc shape.

8. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 7, further comprising a first extension having a first end and a second extension having a second end, wherein the first end and the front edge form an angle ‘Alpha-1’, and wherein the second end and the front edge form an angle ‘Alpha-2’, and whereby the first extension and the second extension provide additional surface area for supporting the eyelashes.

9. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 6, wherein the angle ‘Alpha-1’ is between about 100 degrees and about 120 degrees.

10. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 4, wherein the front edge having a center, wherein the front edge having a height ‘H4’ at the center, and having a height ‘H5’ about adjacent to the first end, and having a height ‘H6’ about adjacent to the second end, and wherein ‘H4’ is greater than ‘H5’, and ‘H4’ is greater than ‘H6’.

11. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 7, wherein the convex shape of the upper surface is reduced, such that the upper surface is substantially linear.

12. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 11, wherein the platform having a maximum depth ‘D1’, wherein ‘D1’ is greater than two times ‘h1’.

13. An eyelash lengthening platform for eyelashes comprising:

d) a front portion having a circumference;

e) a middle portion adjacent to the front portion; and

f) a back portion radially projecting from the middle portion,

wherein the front portion, the middle portion and the back portion forming a top surface having a convex shape and forming a bottom surface having a concave shape; wherein the circumference varies in amount of curvature, whereby the root of the eyelashes bend around the circumference, whereby the body and tip of the eyelashes lie substantially perpendicular to the top surface, such that the bending of the root uplifts the eyelashes, and such that the body and tip are maximized in straight length.

14. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 13, wherein the front portion having a height ‘h2’, wherein the middle portion having a height ‘h1’, wherein the back portion having a height ‘h3’, and wherein ‘h1’ is greater than ‘h2’, and ‘h1’ is greater than ‘h3’.

15. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 14, wherein ‘h2’ is greater than ‘h3’.

16. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 15, further having a back tip, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface intersect at the back tip thereby forming an angle “theta”, wherein the angle “theta” is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees.

17. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 16, wherein the angle “theta” is between about 10 degrees and about 15 degrees.

18. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 17, wherein the bottom surface having a front edge, wherein the front edge forming a substantially half-moon arc shape.

19. The eyelash lengthening platform of claim 18, wherein the circumference forming a substantially arc shape.