WO2021094264A1

WO2021094264A1 - Manufacturing method for row of artificial eyelashes

Info

Publication number: WO2021094264A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/081527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Caulier; Haroun Sachs
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2019-11-12
Filing date: 2020-11-09
Publication date: 2021-05-20
Also published as: JP2024083364A; US20220386726A1; EP4057861A1; CN114727678A; JP2023502365A; KR20220059545A; EP4057861C0; EP4057861B1; FR3102915A1; FR3102915B1

Abstract

Row of artificial eyelashes and manufacturing method A method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, having at least the two following steps of: (a) knitting an assembly (20) for forming rows (10) of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two base parts (12), at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane (P), and false eyelashes (14), each base part (12) having a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread (16) forming stitches, the false eyelashes (14) passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto, and a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread (18) forming stitches, the false eyelashes (14) passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto, wherein the first (16) and second (18) warp threads are interwoven, and (b) curving the row (10) of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/or the false eyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

Description

Title: MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR ROW OF ARTIFICIAL EYELASHES

Technical field

The present invention relates to makeup articles for the eyes and in particular to artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, and in particular to a row of artificial eyelashes and the manufacturing method therefor.

Prior art

It is known practice to manufacture rows of artificial eyelashes by manually gluing fibers intended to form the false eyelashes to a base part intended to be stuck to the eyelid. However, such a manual manufacturing method is complex and costly. Moreover, the production time may be fairly long and may thus limit productivity.

Furthermore, there is a risk of the false eyelashes coming away from the base part since they are held on the base part by being glued thereto, the gluing being carried out over a very small and nonplanar surface, given the fineness of the fibers intended to form the false eyelashes.

Also known is the patent KR 10-1045497, which relates to artificial eyelashes manufactured by inserting in a zigzag shape two threads intended to form the false eyelashes, both being fixed by chain stitches to two base threads that are likewise constricted by chain stitches, each base thread being covered with an insertion thread.

In this configuration, the manufacturing method is complicated by the fact that the false eyelashes are formed from two threads inserted in a zigzag shape and chain-stitch knitted.

There is a need to obtain in a simple manner arrangements of eyelashes that are impossible to obtain manually and varied curvatures, with greater variety than can be obtained manually.

There is also a need to benefit from a manufacturing method that makes it possible to reduce production times and to increase the regularity of production. Furthermore, it may also be useful to reduce the lead times and purchase costs.

Finally, there is a need to increase the level of quality of the rows of false eyelashes obtained by the repetition by virtue of automation, but with simple means, minimizing the number of parts of the production machine. Knitted false eyelashes

The invention aims to respond to all or some of these needs and achieves this aim, according to one of its aspects, by virtue of a row of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, having (i) a base part intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes, the base part having a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the false eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto.

A “row of artificial eyelashes” is understood to be a row of eyelashes formed from synthetic eyelashes that are not entirely natural, in other words false eyelashes.

The false eyelashes do not form a chain stitch. The false eyelashes do not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

A row of false eyelashes that is simple, quick and inexpensive to produce is obtained. Furthermore, the false eyelashes can be disposed in various manners on the base part.

Moreover, the row according to the invention has good resistance to use, especially when it is handled and when it is worn.

It is solid and resistant, and can be handled easily without any risk of a false eyelash coming away from the base part.

In one embodiment, all the false eyelashes of the row are formed from a single weft thread. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all the false eyelashes. In a variant, the row could have a plurality of weft threads, for example two or more. It is thus possible to obtain a row of eyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some false eyelashes crossing others.

The base part may have a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the weft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a chain stitch. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread. The weft thread passes back and forth between two base parts, which extend in particular parallel and symmetrically with respect to one another. In a variant, it is possible for the two base parts not to be parallel to one another but to form an angle with one another. The angle may for example have a non-zero value of between 0.5° and 70°. According to this aspect of the invention, there are not two separate weft threads forming all the false eyelashes.

The first warp thread may form closed chain stitches. In a variant or additionally, the first warp thread forms open chain stitches.

The base part may have a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the false eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto.

The first and second warp threads may be interwoven. The false eyelashes pass through the chain stitches but are not tied in the first and/or second warp threads. The abovementioned weft thread passes through the chain stitches but is not tied in the first and/or second warp threads. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

The second warp thread may form closed chain stitches. In one embodiment, the first and second warp threads each form closed chain stitches. In a variant, the first warp thread forms open chain stitches and the second warp thread forms closed chain stitches.

In a variant or additionally, the second warp thread may form open chain stitches. In one embodiment, the first and second warp threads each form open chain stitches. In a variant, the first warp thread forms closed chain stitches and the second warp thread forms open chain stitches.

A “chain stitch” is understood to be a stitch forming loops that are disposed in the manner of the links of a chain, one after another, the thread that forms a loop passing over the top of the preceding loop, thereby forming a column of stitches.

An “open chain stitch” is understood to mean that the two ends of a loop cover the top of the preceding loop with a certain non-zero spacing, of around the width of a loop.

A “closed chain stitch” is understood to mean that the two ends of a loop cover the top of the preceding loop with a virtually zero spacing, the two ends being substantially adjacent or even touching.

The production of open and closed stitches results in stitches made in opposite directions. When both are made at the same time around a needle with two threads, an unravelable effect is obtained.

The false eyelashes may be regularly distributed over the base part, being in particular disposed with a regular spacing, which is for example always identical.

In a variant, the spacing may be irregular. It may decrease and then increase along the base part. The spacing between two consecutive false eyelashes of the row of eyelashes is for example between 0.07 and 2 mm, better still between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, or between 0.9 and 1.25 mm, better still between 0.99 and 1.11 mm, for example around 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the false eyelashes may be disposed in groups of false eyelashes, with a first, small spacing between the false eyelashes of one and the same group, and a second, larger spacing between two consecutive groups. A group of false eyelashes may have between 2 and 12 false eyelashes, better still between 3 and 10, for example about 6 or 8 false eyelashes. The groups of false eyelashes of a row of eyelashes may have the same number of false eyelashes, or, in a variant, this number varies along the row of eyelashes, from one group to another. In one embodiment, the row of eyelashes has a succession of groups of two false eyelashes, or, in a variant, for example an alternation of groups of two false eyelashes and groups of eight false eyelashes.

The first and second warp threads may be made from a first synthetic material, chosen for example from the following list, which is not limiting: polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PET, PBT, PES, PTFE, or a thread constituted of a core of polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PBT, PES, PTFE and coated with a heat-activatable adhesive or a heat-activatable resin, TPU silicone, CoPA, CoPES, TPU, TPE, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, PA, PES, PVC.

The color chosen for the first synthetic material may be similar or analogous to the color of a user’s skin, or, in a variant, the synthetic material may be transparent. The first and second warp threads may exhibit one or more colors. The first and second warp threads may each have one or more strands, as described below.

The false eyelashes, and in particular the weft thread, may be made from a second synthetic material, for example chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PET, PBT, PES, PTFE, or any other thermoplastic fiber, or even natural fibers. It may also be a thread constituted of a core of polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PBT, PES, PTFE and coated with a heat-activatable adhesive or a heat-activatable resin, TPU silicone, CoPA, CoPES, TPU, TPE, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, PA, PES, PVC.

The color chosen for the second synthetic material may be similar or analogous to the color of a user’s eyelashes, or, by contrast, a color that contrasts sharply with the color of a user’s eyelashes, for example red, black, green, blue, this list not being limiting. It may be possible to have weft threads that differ in terms of diameter and color. The false eyelashes, and in particular the weft thread, may exhibit one or more colors. They may exhibit for example from 1 to 5 different diameters.

The first and second warp threads and/or the false eyelashes, and in particular the weft thread, may be washed in washing baths as per the Oekotex and REACH standards, in order to ensure sufficient hygienic conditions.

The base part may have an additional thread being interwoven with the first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, in particular being interwoven with the first chain-stitch knitted warp thread and the second chain-stitch knitted warp thread.

This additional thread may enable to block the knots and stitches. It may also enable to further limit the risk of unravelling of the first and/or second warp threads and of the weft thread(s). It may also enable to provide a stiffening effect of the base part to which it belongs, advantageous for the good hold of the row of artificial eyelashes.

The additional thread may be added within a base part comprising a first and a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread. In a variant, the additional thread may be added within a base part comprising a single first chain-stitch knitted warp thread.

This additional thread may run in zigzag way in the base part.

Assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, in particular as are defined above, this assembly having at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes, which are formed from a weft thread, in particular a single weft thread, running back and forth between the two base parts.

The weft thread is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the base parts, with a slight inclination. The weft thread is intended to be cut between the two base parts, so as to separate the base parts and thus form at least one row of artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows of artificial eyelashes. The separation may occur in particular in the median plane, or, in a variant, in a plane parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter, for example flush with said base part.

Each base part may have a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the weft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a chain stitch. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

Each base part may have a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the weft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto.

Each base part may have an additional thread being interwoven with the first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, in particular being interwoven with the first chain-stitch knitted warp thread and the second chain-stitch knitted warp thread., as described above.

In one embodiment, the assembly has two base parts that are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane.

In an embodiment variant, the assembly may have three base parts that are disposed parallel to one another and symmetrically with respect to a median plane. The median plane may for example pass through a central base part, with the two other base parts being disposed on either side of the central base part, parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to the median plane. In this case, there are two weft threads, with a single weft thread passing back and forth between two base parts.

In another variant, the assembly could have more base parts, for example four or five.

Knitting machine

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is a machine for knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, in particular as defined above, having compound needles.

A “compound needle” is a needle formed in two parts, namely a body and a sliding element. The body may be made up of a butt, a stem and a hook. The sliding element may be made up of a butt and a stem. The sliding element may slide inside the stem of the body, closing and opening the hook of the needle. The body of the needle and the sliding element may thus move independently and in a synchronized manner. Compound needles make it possible to produce tighter stitches than latch needles. This tightness makes it possible to ensure that the false eyelashes are fixed very well to the base part.

The machine may in particular not have a latch needle. A latch needle is a needle made up of a butt, a stem and a beard, and a latch articulated on the stem. The latch exhibits an oscillating movement along the axis of the stem, and opens and closes the beard of the needle. A latch needle needs to work with a sinker, which serves to form the stitch.

In the invention, the machine may in particular not have a sinker. The machine according to the invention thus does not have a sinker for forming the stitch.

Manufacturing method

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is a method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, having at least the following step of: (a) knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, in particular as are defined above, this assembly having at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes, which are formed from a weft thread, in particular a single weft thread, running back and forth between the two base parts.

The knitting may take place such that each base part has a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the weft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a chain stitch. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

The knitting may take place such that each base part has a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the weft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto.

In an embodiment, each base part may have a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto, and a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto.

The first and second warp threads may be interwoven.

The knitting step may be implemented by means of compound needles. The knitting step may in particular not be implemented by means of latch needles. The knitting step may in particular not be implemented by means of sinkers.

The method may also have at least the following step of: (e) activating the warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. The activation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heating roller or steam, for example. Activation step (e) may take place preferably after knitting step (a) and before one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned below. This activation step (e) may, in a variant, take place after one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned below.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

The method may have the following additional step of: (b) curving the row of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/or the false eyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

Curving step (b) may take place preferably after knitting step (a). This curving step (b) may take place at the same time as, or before, or, in a variant, after one or more of steps (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned above or below. In particular, steps (b) and (c) may be at the same time or, in a variant, consecutive, preferably with step (b) taking place before step (c), or, in a variant, step (c) may take place after step (b). Step (b) may take place after step

(d) or, in a variant, step (d) may take place after step (b). Separation step (c) and cutting step (d) and curving step (b) may be at the same time or in succession.

Heating may involve the application of steam.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (c) separating the two base parts by cutting the weft thread, in particular in a median plane, so as to form in this way at least one row of artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows of artificial eyelashes, in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. The median plane may be a plane of symmetry between the two base parts.

In one embodiment, the two base parts that are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane are separated in the median plane.

In an embodiment variant, the three base parts are separated in a separation plane parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter, for example flush with said base part. This may be for example the central base part, and a lateral base part.

Finally, the method may have a step of washing the base parts before or after separation, in washing baths as per the Oekotex and REACH standards, in order to ensure sufficient hygienic conditions.

Curving step (b) and separation step (c) may be in succession or at the same time.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (d) cutting the rows of artificial eyelashes to the desired length, in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. In this step (d), the rows of eyelashes are cut perpendicularly to the median plane. There may be different shapes that are regular or irregular, for the right eye or left eye, etc.

Curving step (b), separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be in succession or at the same time.

The manufacture of the rows of artificial eyelashes is simple, inexpensive and quick, being able to be easily automated.

The method may also have an additional step of post-treating the false eyelashes, making it possible to achieve disorganization of the free ends of the latter. In this post treatment step, it is possible to pass the row of artificial eyelashes over one or more cylinders, making it possible to exert friction on the false eyelashes. The cylinders may also be heated, in order to promote the disorganization. In this way, it is possible to achieve crossing of the false eyelashes that would be impossible to obtain manually.

Curved false eyelashes

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is a method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, having at least the two following steps of:

(a) knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes, each base part having a first warp thread forming stitches, in particular a chain-stitch knitted warp thread, and

(b) curving the row of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/or the false eyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. Heating may involve the application of steam.

The false eyelashes may be formed from a single weft thread passing back and forth between the two base parts. In one embodiment, all the false eyelashes of the row are formed from a single weft thread. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all the false eyelashes. In a variant, the row could have a plurality of weft threads, for example two or more. It is thus possible to obtain a row of eyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some false eyelashes crossing others.

The false eyelashes may be held in the stitches of the base part without being tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

The first and second warp threads may be made from a thermoformable material. The false eyelashes, and in particular the weft thread, may be made from a thermoformable material.

In a variant or additionally, the first and/or second warp threads may be made from a heat-shrink material. The heat-shrink nature of the first and/or second warp threads may allow a fanning effect of the false eyelashes. The first and/or second warp threads may have heat-shrink natures with different shrinkage.

The method may have at least the following step of: (e) activating the warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. The activation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heating roller or steam, for example. Activation step (e) may take place preferably after knitting step (a) and before one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned below. This activation step (e) may, in a variant, take place after one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned below.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

Curving step (b) may take place preferably after knitting step (a). This curving step (b) may take place at the same time as, or before, or, in a variant, after one or more of steps (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned above or below. In particular, steps (b) and (c) may be at the same time or, in a variant, consecutive, preferably with step (b) taking place before step

(c), or, in a variant, step (c) may take place after step (b). Step (b) may take place after step

Curving step (b), separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be at the same time or in succession.

In step (b), the energy stimulus may involve the application of ultrasound.

In step (b), the energy stimulus may involve the application of high frequencies.

In step (b), the energy stimulus may involve the application of heating.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (c) separating the two base parts by cutting the weft thread, in particular in a median plane, so as to form in this way at least one row of artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows that are symmetric with respect to the median plane, in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. The median plane may be a plane of symmetry between the two base parts. The separation may occur in particular in the median plane, or, in a variant, in a plane parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter, for example flush with said base part.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (d) cutting the rows of artificial eyelashes to the desired length, in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. In this step (d), the rows of eyelashes are cut perpendicularly to the median plane.

Separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be at the same time or in succession. It is possible to use a cutting tool to carry out curving step (b), separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d).

It is possible to use an anvil to carry out curving step (b), separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d).

It is possible to use one and the same cutting tool and/or one and the same anvil to carry out curving step (b), separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d).

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is a cutting tool for implementing a method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, in particular as are described above, said cutting tool being configured to allow the application of a mechanical cut, ultrasound or high frequencies or heating to an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes. The cut may or may not take place in the median plane. The separation may occur in particular in the median plane, or, in a variant, in a plane parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter, for example flush with said base part.

False eyelashes with blocking of the stitches

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is a row of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, having (i) a base part intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes, the base part having a first warp thread forming stitches, in particular a chain- stitch knitted warp thread, the false eyelashes passing through the stitches of the base part, in particular through the chain stitches of the first warp thread, and being retained in the stitches of the base part without being tied thereto.

In this way, blocking of the stitches and of the false eyelashes in the stitches is obtained, making it possible to prevent the row of artificial eyelashes from unraveling while it is being handled and/or used. In this way, greater security for the user is achieved, and an increase in the lifetime of the row of artificial eyelashes.

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is a row of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, having (i) a base part intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes, the base part having a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the false eyelashes passing through the chain stitches of the first warp thread and being retained in the chain stitches of the first warp thread without being tied thereto.

The first warp thread may have a plurality of strands. Such a configuration with a plurality of strands makes it possible to increase the tightness of the stitches of the warp thread by virtue in particular of greater internal friction of the thread. The number of strands of the warp thread may be between 2 and 100 strands, better still between 20 and 70 strands, being for example around 34 strands per warp thread. A cross section of a strand may have a largest dimension that may be between 4 pm and 0.3 mm, better still between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm, being for example around 0.07 mm. The cross section of a strand may have a shape chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: circular, noncircular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, lobed, trilobed, multilobed. The cross section of a strand may be hollow.

In one embodiment, the base part may have a second warp thread, in particular a chain-stitch knitted warp thread. It is possible for only the first warp thread to have a plurality of strands, or, in a variant, the first and second warp threads may each have a plurality of strands, thereby making it possible to further increase the tightness of the stitches of the warp threads and to improve the solidity of the row of artificial eyelashes.

In an embodiment, the base part may have a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto, and a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The first and second warp threads may be interwoven.

Preferably, at least one warp thread or warp thread strand is thermofusible. The thermofusible thread or strand may be activated after the knitting step, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. The term “activation” means a rise in temperature of the row of artificial eyelashes, making it possible to achieve partial or complete melting of the thermofusible thread or strand, without damaging the other threads or strands that are not thermofusible. The melting of the thermofusible thread or strand allows it to adhere to the adjacent threads or strands, and thus to further improve the solidity of the row of artificial eyelashes. The first and second warp threads or warp thread strand may be made from a first thermofusible synthetic material, chosen for example from the following list, which is not limiting: polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PET, PBT, PES, PTFE, or a thread constituted of a core of polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PBT, PES, PTFE and coated with a heat-activatable adhesive or a heat-activatable resin, TPU silicone, CoPA, CoPES, TPU, TPE, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, PA, PES, PVC.

The first and second warp threads or warp thread strand may be shaped by stretching.

The first and second warp threads or warp thread strand may be subjected to a surface treatment for promoting the holding thereof.

The false eyelashes may be retained in the stitches of the base part by plastic deformation of the false eyelashes and/or of the warp thread, in particular by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes and/or of the warp thread to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. Heating may involve the application of steam.

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combination with the above, is a method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, having at least the following step of: (a) knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, in particular as are described above, this assembly having at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes, the base part having a first warp thread forming stitches, in particular a chain-stitch knitted warp thread, at least one warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand being thermofusible.

The false eyelashes may be formed from a single weft thread passing back and forth between the two base parts. In one embodiment, all the false eyelashes of the row are formed from a single weft thread. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all the false eyelashes. In a variant, the row could have a plurality of weft threads, for example two. It is thus possible to obtain a row of eyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some false eyelashes crossing others.

The false eyelashes may be held in the stitches of the base part without being tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread. The method may also have at least the following step of: (e) activating the warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. The activation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heating roller or steam, for example. Activation step (e) may take place preferably after knitting step (a) and before one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned above. This activation step (e) may, in a variant, take place after one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned above.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

The method may also have at least the following step of: (f) applying plastic deformation to the false eyelashes and/or the warp thread, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. Heating may involve the application of steam. Step (f) of applying plastic deformation may preferably take place after knitting step (a). This step (f) of applying plastic deformation may take place before or, in a variant, after one or more of steps (b), (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned above. Curving step (b), separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be at the same time or in succession.

Shaping step (f) may make it possible to curve the base part intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, in order to confer the shape of the eyelid thereon. This step (f) may be carried out for example at the same time as step (b) of curving the false eyelashes or, for example, after all the other steps.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention may be understood better from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

[Fig 1] Figure 1 schematically shows a row of artificial eyelashes according to the invention.

[Fig 2a] Figure 2a shows, in a conventional schematic manner, an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes.

[Fig 2b] Figure 2b is a view similar to figure 2a of an embodiment variant. [Fig 3 a] Figure 3 a is a view similar to figure 2a of an embodiment variant, in a conventional schematic depiction.

[Fig 3b] Figure 3b is a view corresponding to figure 3a in a realistic depiction.

[Fig 3c] Figure 3c is a view similar to figure 2a of an embodiment variant, in a conventional schematic depiction.

[Fig 3d] Figure 3d is a view corresponding to figure 3c in a realistic depiction.

[Fig 4a] Figure 4a is a view similar to figure 2a of another embodiment variant, in a conventional schematic depiction.

[Fig 4b] Figure 4b is a view corresponding to figure 4a in a realistic depiction.

[Fig 5a] Figure 5a is a view similar to figure 2a of another embodiment variant, in a conventional schematic depiction.

[Fig 5b] Figure 5b is a view corresponding to figure 5a in a realistic depiction.

[Fig 5c] Figure 5c is a view similar to figure 2a of an embodiment variant, in a conventional schematic depiction.

[Fig 5d] Figure 5d is a view corresponding to figure 5c in a realistic depiction.

[Fig 6] Figure 6 schematically and partially illustrates a knitting machine according to the invention.

[Fig 7a] Figure 7a is a perspective view of a curving tool according to the invention.

[Fig 7b] Figure 7b is a view thereof in use.

[Fig 7c] Figure 7c is a perspective view of an embodiment variant.

[Fig 8] Figure 8 is a schematic and partial view in cross section of the curving tool in figures 7a and 7b.

[Fig 9] Figure 9 is a schematic and partial view in cross section of an embodiment variant of a cutting tool.

[Fig 10] Figure 10 is a view similar to figure 3b of an embodiment variant, in a realistic depiction.

Detailed description

Figure 1 illustrates a row 10 of artificial eyelashes that is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid. This row 10 has (i) a base part 12 intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes 14. The base part 12 has a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, the false eyelashes 14 passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The false eyelashes do not form a chain stitch. They are bent in a U shape, with the bottom of the U retained without a knot in the first warp thread 16, as illustrated.

As illustrated in figure 2a in a conventional schematic depiction, all the false eyelashes 14 of the row 10 are formed from a single weft thread T. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all the false eyelashes. In a variant, there could be a plurality of weft threads, in particular in the case of threads with different colors. The base part 12 has a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, the weft thread T passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The weft thread T passes back and forth between two base parts 12, which extend parallel and symmetrically to one another.

Figure 2a shows an assembly 20 for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, in particular as described above. The assembly 20 has two base parts 12, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane P.

The assembly 20 also has false eyelashes 14, which are formed from a single weft thread T passing back and forth between the two base parts 12.

The weft thread is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the base parts. The weft thread is intended to be cut between the two base parts, in particular in the median plane P, so as to separate the base parts 12 and thus form two rows of artificial eyelashes. The false eyelashes may be regularly distributed over the base part, being in particular disposed with a regular spacing, which is for example always identical. It is possible for the weft thread not to be cut between the two base parts in the median plane P, but close to one of the two base parts. In this case, only one row of artificial eyelashes can then be obtained.

In an embodiment variant illustrated in figure 2b, the assembly has three base parts 12 which are disposed parallel to one another and symmetrically with respect to a median plane P. The median plane may for example pass through a central base part, with the two other base parts being disposed on either side of the central base part, parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to the median plane. In this case, there are two weft threads T, with a single weft thread passing back and forth between two base parts.

In this embodiment variant, the three base parts are separated in a first separation plane P’ parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter, for example flush with said base part, and in a second separation plane P” parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter, for example flush with said base part. In the example illustrated, the base part in question is the central base part.

In the assembly 20 in figure 2a, each base part 12 has a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, the weft thread T passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a chain stitch. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

The first warp thread 16 of the base part 12 forms closed chain stitches in the example illustrated. In a variant or additionally, the first warp thread forms open chain stitches.

In the embodiment that has just been described, the row has only one first warp thread 16.

In a variant, and as illustrated in the embodiments in figures 3a to 5b, the base part 12 may have a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread 18. The false eyelashes 14 pass through the chain stitches of this second warp thread 18 without being tied thereto. In the assemblies 20 in figures 3a to 5b, each base part has a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread 18, the weft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The first 16 and second 18 warp threads may be interwoven.

The second warp thread may form closed or open chain stitches.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 3a and 3b, the first and second warp threads each form closed chain stitches. The closed chain stitches are disposed symmetrically with respect to one another.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 3c and 3d, the first and second warp threads each form closed chain stitches, which are all superposed, meaning that they each follow exactly the same path. Moreover, the first and second warp threads each form closed chain stitches.

In a variant, the first warp thread forms closed chain stitches and the second warp thread forms open chain stitches, as illustrated in figures 4a and 4b.

In a further variant, and as illustrated in figures 5a and 5b, the first and second warp threads each form open chain stitches.

In the embodiments that have just been described, the row has only one weft thread. It could have for example two thereof, as illustrated by way of example in figures 5c and 5d. The second weft thread T’ does not pass, in this example, through all the chain stitches of the warp threads. Moreover, the second weft thread T’ in places crosses the first weft thread T. This makes it advantageously possible to be able to form a row of eyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some false eyelashes crossing others.

The embodiment of figure 10 is similar to the one of figure 3b, with the following difference. In the embodiment of figure 10, the base part 12 has an additional thread 24 being interwoven with the first chain-stitch knitted warp thread 16 and the second chain-stitch knitted warp thread 18. There are in particular two additional thread 24, one in each base part 12.

The assembly 20 may be obtained by means of a knitting machine 30, as illustrated in figure 6. The machine 30 has compound needles 32.

The compound needle 32 is formed of a body 33 and a sliding element 34. The body 33 is made up of a butt 33a, a stem 33b and a hook 33c. The sliding element 34 is made up of a butt 34a and a stem 34b. The sliding element may slide inside the stem of the body, closing and opening the hook 33c of the needle. The body of the needle and the sliding element thus move independently and in a synchronized manner.

The machine 30 does not in particular have a latch needle with a latch articulated on the stem, nor does it have a sinker.

The machine 30 has a thread guide 35 that deposits the weft thread T that is going to form the false eyelashes. This thread guide moves from right to left and from left to right above the compound needle 32.

The machine 30 also has a first guide bar 36 for feeding the first warp thread 16. This first guide bar 36 moves from right to left and from left to right, and from top to bottom and from bottom to top, in order to turn about the compound needle. The left-right movement may vary depending on whether the warp thread 16 is intended to be knitted with open or closed chain stitches.

Finally, the machine 30 has a second guide bar 38 for feeding the second warp thread 18. This second guide bar 38 moves from right to left and from left to right, and makes it possible to deposit the second warp thread in the hook 33c of the compound needle. This second warp thread 18 makes it possible to better fix the first warp thread 16, thereby making it difficult to undo the chain stitches of the base part. The knit obtained is thus unravelable. The method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes will now be described.

In a first step (a), an assembly 20 having two base parts 12, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane P, and false eyelashes 14, which are formed from a single weft thread T running back and forth between the two base parts, is knitted by means of compound needles.

The knitting takes place such that each base part has a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, and a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread 18, the weft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto, and the weft thread not forming a chain stitch.

The method may have the step (b) of curving the row of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/or the false eyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

The method then has the step (c) of separating the two base parts 12 by cutting the weft thread T, in particular in the median plane P, so as to form in this way at least one row of artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows of artificial eyelashes. Step (c) may occur by mechanical cutting, by application of ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. The median plane P may be a plane of symmetry between the two base parts 12.

The method may finally then have the step (d) of cutting the rows of artificial eyelashes to the desired length. In this step (d), the rows of eyelashes are cut perpendicularly to the median plane P. The cut may be effected by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

Curving step (b) may take place preferably after knitting step (a). This curving step (b) may take place before, at the same time as or, in a variant, after one or more of steps (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned above or below. Steps (b) and (c) may be at the same time or, in a variant, consecutive, preferably with step (b) taking place before step (c), or, in a variant, step (c) may take place after step (b). Step (b) may take place after step (d) or, in a variant, step (d) may take place after step (b). Separation step (c) and cutting step (d) and curving step (b) may be at the same time or in succession. Figure 7a shows a curving tool 39 and an anvil 50 that are used to carry out curving step (b). This curving tool is configured to allow the application of a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies to or by heating the assembly 20, as illustrated in figure 7b. Heating may involve the application of steam.

The curving tool 35 and the anvil 50 may have complementary shapes, as illustrated schematically in figure 8.

Figure 7c shows a cutting tool 40 and an anvil 45 that are used to carry out curving step (b) and/or separation step (c). It is possible to use the same cutting tool and/or the same anvil to carry out curving step (b) and separation step (c). This cutting tool is configured to allow the application of a mechanical cut, ultrasound or high frequencies or heating to the assembly 20.

The cutting tool and the anvil may have complementary shapes, as illustrated schematically in figure 9.

Moreover, the cutting tool and the anvil may have a separating edge 42, as illustrated in figure 9, in order to implement step (c) of separating the base parts by cutting the weft thread T.

In the embodiment variant illustrated in figure 7c, the anvil 45 is U-shaped. It can be used to carry out separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d). It is possible to use the same cutting tool and/or the same anvil to carry out separation step (c) and cutting step (d). The cutting tool 10 is configured to allow the application of a mechanical cut, ultrasound or high frequencies or heating.

In one embodiment variant, the weft thread is retained in the stitches of the base part without being tied thereto, thereby making it possible to block the stitches and the false eyelashes in the stitches.

To this end, the first warp thread may have a plurality of strands and/or the second warp thread may have a plurality of strands, and/or the first and second warp threads may each have a plurality of strands.

In one embodiment, at least one warp thread or warp thread strand may be thermofusible. The thermofusible thread or strand may be activated after the knitting step, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. In these embodiments, the method has step (e) of activating the warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. The activation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heating roller or steam, for example. Next, the assembly is cleaned.

Activation step (e) may take place preferably after knitting step (a) and before one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned above. This activation step (e) may take place before or, in a variant, after one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned above.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

The false eyelashes may be retained in the stitches of the base part by plastic deformation of the false eyelashes and/or of the warp thread, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. Heating may involve the application of steam.

In this embodiment, the method has step (f) of applying plastic deformation to the false eyelashes and/or the warp thread. Step (f) of applying plastic deformation may occur by application of ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. Step (f) of applying plastic deformation may preferably take place after knitting step (a). This step (f) of applying plastic deformation may take place before or, in a variant, after one or more of steps (b), (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned above.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that have just been described.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method is carried out with the succession of the following steps of:

(a) knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes, each base part having a first warp thread forming stitches, in particular a chain-stitch knitted warp thread.

(e) activating the warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. The activation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heating roller or steam, for example. Next, the assembly is cleaned.

(c) separating the two base parts by cutting the weft thread, in particular in a median plane, so as to form in this way at least one row of artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows of artificial eyelashes, in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. The median plane may be a plane of symmetry between the two base parts.

(d) cutting the rows of artificial eyelashes to the desired length, in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. In this step (d), the rows of eyelashes are cut perpendicularly to the median plane.

(f) applying plastic deformation to the false eyelashes and/or the warp thread, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. Heating may involve the application of steam.

The expression “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, having at least the two following steps of:

(a) knitting an assembly (20) for forming rows (10) of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two base parts (12), at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane (P), and false eyelashes (14), each base part (12) having a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread (16) forming stitches, the false eyelashes (14) passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto, and a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread (18) forming stitches, the false eyelashes (14) passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto, wherein the first (16) and second (18) warp threads are interwoven, and

(b) curving the row (10) of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/or the false eyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

2. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, in step (b), the energy stimulus involves the application of ultrasound.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in step (b), the energy stimulus involves the application of high frequencies.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in step (b), the energy stimulus involves the application of heating.

5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having the following additional step of: (c) separating the two base parts (12) by cutting the weft thread (T), in particular in a median plane (P), so as to form in this way at least one row (10) of artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows that are symmetric with respect to the median plane (P), in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having the following additional step of: (d) cutting the rows (10) of artificial eyelashes to the desired length, in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

7. The method as claimed in either of the two preceding claims, wherein a cutting tool (40) is used to carry out separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d).

8. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein an anvil (45) is used to carry out separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d).

9. The method as claimed in either of the two preceding claims, wherein one and the same cutting tool (40) and/or one and the same anvil (45) is/are used to carry out separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d).

10. A cutting tool (40) for implementing a method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, in particular as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, said cutting tool being configured to allow the application of a mechanical cut, ultrasound or high frequencies or heating to an assembly (20) for forming rows (10) of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two base parts (12), at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane (P), and false eyelashes (14).