US20240172826A1

US20240172826A1 - False eyelash and application device for same

Info

Publication number: US20240172826A1
Application number: US18/059,229
Authority: US
Inventors: William Robert Bickford; Yingchao Chen; Francesca D. Cruz
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2022-11-28
Filing date: 2022-11-28
Publication date: 2024-05-30

Abstract

A false eyelash system includes a false eyelash and an applicator. The false eyelash has an elongate bridge with a plurality of fibers extending laterally therefrom. The bridge has a plurality of slots sized to receive keratinous fibers therethrough. A channel extends axially through the bridge is sized and configured to receive an elongate placement element of an applicator.

Description

SUMMARY

An embodiment of a false eyelash system includes a false eyelash and an applicator. The false eyelash has an elongate bridge with a plurality of fibers extending laterally therefrom. The bridge has a plurality of slots sized to receive keratinous fibers therethrough. A channel extends axially through the bridge is sized and configured to receive an elongate placement element of an applicator.
In one aspect, the applicator includes a locator element slidingly mounted to the placement element.
In another aspect, the placement element is at least partially formed from shape-memory alloy.
In another aspect, the placement element is mounted at one end to a handle.
In another aspect, the placement element has a stop formed at an end opposite the handle.
In another aspect, each of the plurality of slots extend laterally through a portion of bridge.
In another aspect, the bridge has a circular cross-section, the channel extending through a central portion of the bridge.
In another aspect, at least some of the plurality of slots extend into the channel.
In another aspect, the bridge is formed by a flat strip rolled about a centerline.
In another aspect, the plurality of fibers is integrally formed with the flat strip.
In another aspect, the flat strip comprises at least one of a thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomer, or polymer.
In another aspect, the bridge includes an elongate base with a plurality of rings attached thereto.
In another aspect, the plurality of rings are aligned along the elongate base to define the channel.
In another aspect, spaces between adjacent rings of the plurality of rings define the plurality of slots.
In another aspect, the plurality of fibers is integrally formed with the elongate base.
An embodiment of a false eyelash applicator includes a placement element configured to engage a channel extending axially along a bridge of a false eyelash.
In one aspect, the placement element is formed from one or more flexible, deformable, or malleable materials.
In another aspect, the placement element is formed from one or more temperature sensitive deformable or malleable materials.
In another aspect, the placement element is formed from a shape memory alloy having at least two distinct phases responsive to a temperature change or an applied stress.
In another aspect, the false eyelash applicator further includes a locator element slidably mounted along the placement element.
In another aspect, the locator element slidably mounted along the placement element comprises a disk.
In another aspect, the locator element is held in place along the along the placement element via a friction fit element (o ring).
In another aspect, the false eyelash applicator further includes a spherical tip at a distal end of the placement element.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a false eyelash according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a false eyelash according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an applicator for a false eyelash according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows the applicator of FIG. 3 with an eyelash engaged therewith in a first position; and

FIG. 5 shows the applicator of FIG. 4 with the eyelash in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to prosthetic appliances, such as false or artificial eyelashes, applied to a user's eyelashes (keratinous fibers) to enhance the appearance of the eyelashes. These appliances, hereinafter “false eyelashes,” are typically made from animal hair or synthetic hair and combine with the user's natural lashes to provide the appearance of longer, fuller eyelashes.
False eyelashes are typically the same length as a user's eyelid and are applied using an adhesive substance, such as glue. With the false eyelashes adhered to the eyelid and/or eyelashes, the false eyelashes extend outward to mimic the appearance of real eyelashes. The false eyelashes overlap the real eyelashes to give the appearance of a single, full set of eyelashes.
Applying false eyelashes can be challenging and time consuming. False eyelashes can be difficult to manipulate when positioning the false eyelashes along the user's eyelid or natural eyelash. In addition, when applying false eyelashes, a user's hand will often at least partially block the view of the false eyelash as it is being applied. The use of adhesives, which are commonly used to maintain the position of the applied false eyelashes, further complicates the application process.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a false eyelash 20 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The eyelash 20 includes a flexible, elongate bridge 22 sized and configured to be applied to a user's eyelash. The bridge 22 includes a body 24 with a central channel 26 that defines a centerline 34 and extends along the length of the body 24. A series of parallel slots 28 are formed along the length of the body 24 such that the slots are perpendicular to the centerline 34. Each slot 28 extends at least partially through the channel 26 that extends through the body 24. The slots 28 are sized and configured to correspond to a size and spacing of a typical user's natural eyelashes 100.
A plurality of elongate fibers 30 extend laterally from the body 24 of the false eyelash 20. The fibers 30 are sized and positioned to simulate lashes that enhance and supplement a user's eyelashes 100 when the false eyelash 20 is applied.
In an embodiment, the bridge 22 is formed of a polymeric material, a fibrous material, or any material having suitable weight and flexibility. In an embodiment, the bridge 22 is made from an elongate flat strip 32 formed around the centerline 34. In an embodiment, at least some of the fibers 30 are integral to the flat strip 32. In an embodiment, at least some parts of the eyelash 20 are formed by injection molding, co-molding, extrusion, or any other suitable manufacturing techniques.
FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a false eyelash 40 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The eyelash 40 includes a flexible, elongate bridge 42 sized and configured to be applied to a user's eyelash 100. The bridge 42 has an elongate base 44 with a plurality of rings 46 attached thereto or formed therewith. For each ring 46, an edge of the ring is connected to the base 44, and the central plane of the ring is generally perpendicular to the elongate base 44. As a result, the central openings 48 of the rings 46 cooperate to define a channel 50 having a centerline 56 that is parallel to the base 44. A plurality of slots 52 is defined by the spaces between the rings 46. That is, the space between adjacent rings 46 defines a slot 56, and the slots 56 are sized and configured to correspond to a size and spacing of a typical user's natural eyelashes.
In an embodiment, the bridge 42 is formed of a polymeric material, a fibrous material, or any material having suitable weight and flexibility. In an embodiment, at least some of the fibers 54 and/or rings 46 are integrally formed with the elongate base 44. In an embodiment, at least some parts of the eyelash 40 are formed by injection molding, co-molding, extrusion, or any other suitable manufacturing techniques.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an applicator 60 suitable for use with embodiments of false eyelashes 20, 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. The applicator and application process will be described herein with reference to false eyelash 20 with the understanding that the same applicator and application process can be utilized with false eyelash 40 and other embodiments of the disclosed false eyelashes.
The applicator includes a handle 62 with an elongate placement element 64 extending from an end thereof. The handle is sized and configured to be comfortably held by a user to control placement of embodiments of false eyelashes during application. In an embodiment, the handle 62 is formed form one or more polymeric materials, one or more metals, wood, or and any other suitable material or materials. In an embodiment, the handle 62 is formed by molding, casting, machining, or any suitable manufacturing process or processes.
The placement element 64 is sized and configured to be received into the channel 26 of the false eyelash 20. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 is formed from a material or combination of materials that are rigid, flexible, malleable, and/or deformable. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 is formed from one or more temperature sensitive deformable or malleable materials. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 is formed from a polymer, a metal, or any suitable materials or combination of materials. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 is a polymeric material with a metal core. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 is at least partially formed from a shape-memory alloy, which is deformable when cold, but returns to its original, i.e., undeformed, shape when heated. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 the shape-memory alloy has at least two distinct phases responsive to a temperature change and/or an applied stress. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 is at least partially formed from a nickel-titanium alloy, i.e., Nitinol. In an embodiment, the placement element 64 is formed by extrusion, casting, molding, or other process or combination of process.
Still referring to FIG. 3 , in an embodiment, the free end 66 of the placement element, i.e., the end opposite the handle 62, is rounded or otherwise blunted to aid in initial placement of the applicator 60 against a user's face when applying a false eyelash. Rounding or otherwise blunting the free end 66 also provides increased safety by eliminating sharp edges, particularly around a user's eye.
A locator element 68 is slidably mounted to the placement element 64 to locate a false eyelash mounted to the placement element 64. In an embodiment, the locator element 68 is slidably coupled to the placement element 64 and configured to be selectively positioned on the placement element. In an embodiment, the locator element 68 is generally shaped like a disk and includes a central channel sized and configured to receive the placement element 64. In an embodiment, one or more friction fit elements are slidably mounted to the placement element 64 and limit movement of the locator element, i.e., hold the locator element 68 in place relative to the placement element. In an embodiment, the one or more friction fit elements are O-rings sized to receive the placement element 64 therethrough. In an embodiment, the locator element 68 has any suitable size of shape and is mounted to the placement element 64 to enable selective positioning of the locator element 68 along the placement element 64.
To apply a false eyelash 20, a user first ensures that the eyelash 20 to be applied is sized according to the user's features. The user positions the applicator 60 proximate to the user's natural lash 100 with the stop 66 located at one end of the natural lash 100. The user then moves the locator element 68 along the placement element 64 until the locator element is proximate to the other end of the natural lash 100. As a result, the distance between the stop 66 and the locator element 68 along the placement element 64 corresponds to the length of a false eyelash 20 to be applied. Because the user adjusts the locator element 68 along the placement element 64, the user can control the distance between the stop 66 and the locator element 68 according to the user's preferences and then trim the false eyelash 20 to the desired length using the applicator 60 as a guide.
With the locator element 68 positioned on the placement element 64, the user mounts a false eyelash 20 to the applicator 60 by inserting the placement element 64 through the channel 26 of the bridge 22. That is, the user slides the false eyelash 20 onto the placement element 64 until the false eyelash contacts the locator element 68. The user then trims the false eyelash 20 at the stop 66, thereby customizing the length of the eyelash 20 according to the user's personal features and/or preferences, as shown in FIG. 4 .
To apply the false eyelash 20, the user applies glue or adhesive to the base of the natural lash 100. The user holds the handle 62 of the applicator 60 and positions the applicator such that the false eyelash 20 mounted thereto is located proximate to the natural lash 100 of the user. The locator element 68 and the stop 66 (or end of the placement element 64) act as visual markers that assist the user in the placement of the natural lash 100. The false eyelash 20 is pressed against the base of the user's natural lash 100 so that the natural lashes engage the slots 28 formed in the body 24 of the false eyelash 20, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5 .
With the natural lashes 100 engaging the slots 28 of the false eyelash 20, the user moves the applicator 60 to withdraw the placement element 64 from the channel 26 of the false eyelash. As the placement element 64 is withdrawn, as shown in FIG. 5 , the false eyelash 20 remains engaged with the natural lash 100. The user continues to withdraw the placement element 64 until the placement element 64 is completely disengaged from the false eyelash 20, thereby leaving the false eyelash applied to the user's natural lash 100. In some embodiments, the application of the false eyelash 20 is maintained by the glue or adhesive in combination with the engagement of the natural lashes 100 with the slots 28 in the false eyelash 20. In some embodiments, the engagement of the natural lashes 100 with the slots 28 in the false eyelash 20 is sufficient to maintain the application of the false eyelash 20 without the use of glue or adhesive.
Embodiments of a disclosed false eyelash and application device thereof provide many advantages over known false eyelashes and associated applicators. The applicator with the movable locating disc 68 enables a user to mark the width of the natural eyelash and then trim the false eyelash to the appropriate width for the given natural eyelash. In addition, the applicator enables the user to apply a pair of false eyelashes more easily and in a symmetrical manner. Further, the applicator enables the user to apply the false eyelash to the natural eyelash while positioning the false eyelash from the side of the eye. That is, the user's hand does not obstruct the view of the eye while the false eyelash is being applied. In addition, the configuration of the false eyelash provides a more secure application of the false eyelash to the natural eyelash due to the engagement of the natural lashes with the slots in the false eyelashes. In some embodiments, the engagement of the natural lashes with the slots renders the use of glue or adhesive unnecessary.
The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.
In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.
The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.
The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is equivalent to “A and/or B” or vice versa, namely “A” alone, “B” alone or “A and B.”. Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.
The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.
While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A false eyelash system, comprising a false eyelash having an elongate bridge with a plurality of fibers extending laterally therefrom, the bridge having a plurality of slots sized to receive keratinous fibers therethrough, a channel extending axially through the bridge and being sized and configured to receive an elongate placement element of an applicator.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the applicator includes a locator element slidingly mounted to the placement element.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the placement element is at least partially formed from shape-memory alloy.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the placement element is mounted at one end to a handle.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the placement element has a stop formed at an end opposite the handle.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the each of the plurality of slots extend laterally through a portion of bridge.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the bridge has a circular cross-section, the channel extending through a central portion of the bridge.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein at least some of the plurality of slots extend into the channel.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the bridge is formed by a flat strip rolled about a centerline.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of fibers is integrally formed with the flat strip.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the flat strip comprises at least one of a thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomer, or polymer.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the bridge includes an elongate base with a plurality of rings attached thereto.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of rings are aligned along the elongate base to define the channel.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein spaces between adjacent rings of the plurality of rings define the plurality of slots.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of fibers is integrally formed with the elongate base.

16. A false eyelash applicator, comprising;

a placement element configured to engage a channel extending axially along a bridge of a false eyelash.

17. The false eyelash applicator of claim 16, wherein the placement element is formed from one or more flexible, deformable, or malleable materials.

18. The false eyelash applicator of claim 16, wherein the placement element is formed from one or more temperature sensitive deformable or malleable materials.

19. The false eyelash applicator of claim 16, wherein the placement element is formed from a shape memory alloy having at least two distinct phases responsive to a temperature change or an applied stress.

20. The false eyelash applicator of claim 16, further comprising:

a locator element slidably mounted along the placement element.

21. The false eyelash applicator of claim 20, wherein the locator element slidably mounted along the placement element comprises a disk.

22. The false eyelash applicator of claim 20, wherein the locator element is held in place along the along the placement element via a friction fit element (o ring).

23. The false eyelash applicator of claim 16, further comprising:

a spherical tip at a distal end of the placement element.