WO2022079965A1

WO2022079965A1 - Flat eyelash curler

Info

Publication number: WO2022079965A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/026715
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexis LEONARD; Enora MANACH
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2020-10-13
Filing date: 2021-07-09
Publication date: 2022-04-21
Also published as: CN116194010A; KR20230042743A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an eyelash curler (1) to be used for curling eyelashes (F), comprising: (i) a lower plate (10) having a central axis (A1), a proximal end (100a), and a distal end (100b), wherein the lower plate (10) comprises at the proximal end (100a) a pair of lower ridges (110a, 110b) that extend in a direction intersecting with the central axis (A1) of the lower plate (10), wherein the lower plate (10) further comprises an elastic pad (190) for receiving the eyelashes (F) to be curled, the elastic pad (190) is disposed in a groove (120) defined between the lower ridges (110a, 110b); and (ii) an upper plate (20) having a central axis (A2), a proximal end (200a), and a distal end (200b), wherein the upper plate (20) comprises at the proximal end (200a) an upper ridge (210) that extends in a direction intersecting with the central axis (A2) of the upper plate (20), wherein the upper ridge (210) is configured to be able to pinch the eyelashes (F) to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad (190). The lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are configured such that they can be combined with each other into either a non-use position or a ready-to-use position. In the non-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are combined with each other such that the upper plate (20) is in close contact with the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) cannot pivot with respect to the lower plate (10). In the ready-to-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are combined with each other such that the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210) face each other and the upper plate (20) can pivot with respect to the lower plate (10) for pinching the eyelashes (F) to be curled between the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210).

Description

DESCRIPTION

[TITLE OF INVENTION] FLAT EYELASH CURLER

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

[0001] The present invention relates to an eyelash curler, which is a type of beauty treatment tool, in particular, to a flat type of eyelash curler.

[BACKGROUND ART]

[0002] Many women currently use an eyelash curler on a daily or occasional basis for cosmetic purposes. As is well known, the eyelash curler is configured to curl natural eyelashes of an upper eyelid upwards, or false eyelashes attached to the natural eyelashes upwards together with the natural eyelashes. It is desirable that such a curling treatment of eyelashes can be carried out not only at home but also at various places and on the go. Therefore, various types of eyelash curlers are designed to be carried.

[0003] For example, KR20130003164 describes an eyelash curler comprising: a main body; a connector which is rotationally connected around the main body; a first eyebrow grip part including a first contact; a second eyebrow grip part which is mounted on one end of the main body; and a third eyebrow grip part which is mounted on the other end of the main body.

[0004] CN203314330 describes an eyelash curler comprising: a shell; a pulling piece; a movable clamping piece; and a spring acting on the movable clamping piece. The pulling piece is arranged on the shell in a pivoted mode, and the movable clamping piece is assembled in the shell in a sliding mode. The shell is provided with a fixed clamping piece matched with the end portion of the movable clamping piece. The movable clamping piece clamps the fixed clamping piece under the effect of the pulling piece.

[0005] JP5324932 describes an eyelash curler comprising two sandwiching surfaces that can be moved toward and away from each other. The eyelashes can be clamped between these two sandwiching surfaces. The sandwiching surfaces are shaped so as to match with the actual state of the eyelashes. [0006] JP4559263 describes an eyelash curler comprising: a receiving member provided with a first pinching part for pinching one side of the eyelashes, a sliding member provided with a second pinching part for pinching the other side of the eyelashes, and an operation member for moving the sliding member so that the sliding member can be pressed against the receiving member.

[0007] JP4473641 describes an eyelash curler comprising: an upper presser part for pressing eyelashes from above; and a lower presser part for pressing the eyelashes from below. Each presser part has a clasp-pressing part. An eyelid pad whose friction coefficient is higher than that of the upper presser part is mounted on at least part of a front face of the upper presser part in contact with an eyelid when the eyelash curler is used.

[0008] JP4226924 describes an eyelash curler comprising a pair of upper and lower pressing parts for pinching the eyelashes. The paired pressing parts respectively have a plurality of projections extending in the lengthwise direction. These projections function as pinching parts for pressing the eyelashes.

[0009] JP2001204535 describes an eyelash curler comprising: a body with an upper holding part for holding eyelashes from above, and a sliding member with a lower holding part for holding the eyelashes from below. The sliding member is mounted to the body in such a manner as to be capable of sliding vertically over a certain range of sliding movement. A guide means for guiding the sliding member is interposed between the sliding member and the body. The guide means is not present at each end of the lower holding part but below the lower holding part.

[0010] Such known eyelash curlers generally tend to be relatively bulky due to their complicated structure, which consequently takes up a large amount of space when carrying and thus, are not said to be easy to carry. Further improvements are needed to make carrying the eyelash curler easier. In addition to being easy to carry, there is also a need to reduce the manufacturing cost of the eyelash curlers by simplifying the structure thereof.

[DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION]

[0011] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems with the existing eyelash curlers. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel eyelash curler that is easy to carry, in other words, one that takes up a small space when carrying. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel eyelash curler that is easy to carry but has excellent operability when used. A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel eyelash curler that is simple in structure and therefore can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-stated objects, the present invention provides an eyelash curler to be used for curling eyelashes, comprising: a lower plate having a central axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the lower plate comprises at the proximal end a pair of lower ridges that extend in a direction intersecting with the central axis of the lower plate, wherein the lower plate further comprises an elastic pad for receiving the eyelashes to be curled, the elastic pad is disposed in a groove defined between the lower ridges; and an upper plate having a central axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the upper plate comprises at the proximal end an upper ridge that extends in a direction intersecting with the central axis of the upper plate, wherein the upper ridge is configured to be able to pinch the eyelashes to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad, wherein the lower plate and the upper plate are configured such that they can be combined with each other into either a non-use position or a ready-to-use position, wherein in the non-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate are combined with each other such that the upper plate is in close contact with the lower plate and the upper plate cannot pivot with respect to the lower plate, and wherein in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate are combined with each other such that the elastic pad and the upper ridge face each other and the upper plate can pivot with respect to the lower plate for pinching the eyelashes to be curled between the elastic pad and the upper ridge.

[0013] In the present invention, the eyelashes to be curled by the eyelash curler may be natural eyelashes, tufted false eyelashes already attached to or to be attached to the natural eyelashes, or both the natural eyelashes and the tufted false eyelashes.

[0014] According to the present invention, when not being used for a beauty treatment, the lower plate and the upper plate of the eyelash curler can be combined with each other such that the upper plate is in close contact with the lower plate. In other words, in this non-use position, the eyelash curler according to the present invention can take a flat form with minimal bulk, which requires only a small space when being carried. In this way, as compared with the conventional eyelash curler having a relatively large bulk, the ease for carrying or portability is significantly increased. On the other hand, when combined into the ready-to-use position, the eyelash curler according to the present invention can exhibit an excellent operability for a beauty treatment. That is, with the eyelash curler according to the present invention, the eyelashes can be securely curled by a simple operation in which the eyelashes to be curled are sandwiched between the elastic pad of the lower plate and the upper ridge of the upper plate and then the upper plate is pivoted with respect to the lower plate. In addition to this, according to the present invention, the eyelash curler essentially consists of just two plates, i.e., the upper plate and the lower plate. Accordingly, the eyelash curler according to the present invention is remarkably simple in structure and therefore can be manufactured at a low cost as compared to existing eyelash curlers.

[0015] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, an orientation of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate in the non-use position may be opposite to an orientation of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate in the ready-to-use position.

[0016] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, in particular, if the orientation of the upper plate in the non-use position is made opposite to the orientation thereof in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate may further comprise at the proximal end a slot into which the upper ridge of the upper plate can enter when the lower plate and the upper plate are combined with each other into the non-use position. This aspect is particularly advantageous for flattening and compacting the eyelash curler in the non-use position.

[0017] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, the lower plate may further comprise at the distal end an aperture extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the lower plate. In this case, the distal end of the upper plate may have a width smaller than a width of the aperture of the lower plate. Furthermore, in this case, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate may be combined with each other such that the distal end of the upper plate passes through the aperture of the lower plate. This preferred aspect advantageously provides a kind of scissor mechanism, which realizes an excellent operability during the curling process. That is, according to this preferred aspect, the curler can be easily operated like a clothespin, for example. According to more preferred aspect of the present invention, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate and the upper plate may be in contact with each other along a straight line. In this case, the line along which the lower plate and the upper plate contact with each other in the ready-to-use position may define a virtual pivot axis about which the upper plate pivots with respect to the lower plate.

[0018] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, the distal end of the upper plate may be offset from a main surface area of the upper plate in a direction normal to the main surface area of the upper plate. Particularly, the distal end of the upper plate may be offset in the same direction as the upper ridge. Furthermore, if the distal end of the upper plate is offset, a portion of the lower plate located distal to the aperture may be at least partially offset from a main surface area of the lower plate in a direction normal to the main surface area of the lower plate. Particularly, the portion of the lower plate may be offset in the opposite direction to the lower ridges. In addition to this, a hollow formed by offsetting the portion of the lower plate may be capable of accommodating the offset distal end of the upper plate. In the case that the orientation of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate in the non-use position is made opposite to the orientation of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate in the ready-to-use position, this aspect is particularly advantageous. This is because it realizes the non-use position in which unintentional separation of the lower plate and the lower plate does not easily occur (i.e., a rigid combined state of the lower plate and the lower plate).

[0019] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, a window may be formed in the lower plate and a corresponding window may be formed in the upper plate. In this case, the window of the lower plate and the window of the upper plate may at least partially overlap with each other at least in the non-use position. Furthermore, according to a more preferred aspect of the present invention, the window of the lower plate and the window of the upper plate may have different sizes and/or shapes from each other. According to this preferred aspect, a user can visually confirm a part of her face reflected in a mirror through one of the windows, especially the area around her eyes and her eyelashes. Not only that, if two windows have different sizes and/or shapes from each other, when separating the two plates, one plate can be pushed out with a fingertip through the window formed in the other plate. As a result, it is possible for the user to more easily convert from the non-use position to the ready-to-use position.

[0020] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, both the lower ridges of the lower plate and the upper ridge of the upper plate may are curved such that they are convex toward the distal end thereof. The curvature of the lower ridges and the upper ridge may be, for example, along a circle, an oval, a parabola, a hyperbola, or any other curve. Furthermore, the lower ridges and the upper ridge may partially include a straight portion.

[0021] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, the eyelash curler may further comprise a locking mechanism. In this case, the locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the upper plate from unintentionally separating from the lower plate when the lower plate and the upper plate are combined with each other into the non-use position. According to a more preferred aspect of the present invention, the locking mechanism may comprise at least one boss protruding from an inner peripheral surface of the slot of the lower plate into the slot (if the slot exists). In this case, the boss may be configured to retract when the upper ridge of the upper plate enters into the slot to apply a pressing force to the upper ridge of the upper plate. This aspect is also advantageous for realizing the non-use position in which unintentional separation of the lower plate and the lower plate does not easily occur (i.e., a rigid combined state of the lower plate and the lower plate).

[0022] According to one preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate may be made of a non-metallic material selected from the group of a plastic material, a wood material, and a bamboo material. In particular, at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate, more preferably both, may be made of a plastic material. Furthermore, according to one preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one of the lower plate and the upper plate, more preferably both, may be made of a transparent or translucent plastic material. If both the lower plate and the upper plate are made of a transparent plastic material, it is possible for the user to visually confirm a part of her face reflected in a mirror through the plates, especially the area around her eyes and her eyelashes.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0023] Non-limiting and representative embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in detail below in reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an eyelash curler according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the eyelash curler is in a flat non-use position. [0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the eyelash curler shown in Fig. 1, where the eyelash curler is in a ready-to-use position.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a lower plate of the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the lower plate of the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0028] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lower plate of the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2, taken along X3-X3 line in Fig. 4.

[0029] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an upper plate of the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0030] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the upper plate of the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0031] Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of the upper plate of the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2, taken along X4-X4 line in Fig. 7.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the eyelash curler shown in Fig. 1, taken along X1-X1 line in Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view of the eyelash curler shown in Fig. 2, taken along X2-X2 line in Fig. 2.

[0034] Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing a process to recombine the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2 from the flat non-use position to the ready-to-use position.

[0035] Figs. 12 is a schematic view showing steps taken by a user to curl her eyelashes using the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0036] Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing a process to recombine the eyelash curler shown in Figs. 1 and 2 from the ready-to-use position to the flat non-use position.

[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS]

[0037] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 13. In each figure, the scale ratio of width, length, height, diameter or the like of each element may not be constant. It should be noted that in certain figures, certain elements or features are drawn larger or smaller than they actually are for emphasis.

[0038] As used herein, the terms related to the direction such as "upper", "lower", "up", "down", "upward", "downward", "above", "below", "right", "left" or the like should be understood in relation to the orientation of the curler in the figures, which may or may not match the actual orientation in use. Furthermore, as is obvious to those skilled in the art, in this specification, the term "distal" means the side away from the user's eyelashes when the user is using the curlers to curl the eyelashes. On the other hand, the term "proximal" means the side closer to the user's eyelashes when the user is using the curlers to curl the eyelashes.

[0039] Figs. 1 and 2 schematically show an eyelash curler 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, to be used for curling eyelashes, which are indicated by the reference numeral "F" in some figures. In particular, Fig. 1 shows the eyelash curler 1 in a completely flat "non-use" position as described in detail below. Fig. 2 schematically shows the same eyelash curler 1 in a "ready-to-use" position as described in detail below.

[0040] As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 2, the eyelash curler 1 comprises a lower plate 10 and an upper plate 20. In this embodiment, both the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are made of a plastic material, in particular, a transparent plastic material (except for an elastic pad described later). The lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be formed, for example, by an injection molding process. The lower and upper plates 10, 20 have both required flexibility and rigidity. For example, PCTA (polycyclohexane dimethylene terephthalate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate copolymer), PP (polypropylene) can be used as the plastic material for forming both plates 10, 20. However, in another embodiment, only one of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of the plastic material. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, only one of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of a transparent plastic material. Alternatively, one or both of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of a translucent plastic material. One or both of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 may be made of other non- metallic material, such as a wood material or and a bamboo material.

[0041] As illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, the lower plate 10 has a central axis (i.e., a longitudinal axis) Ai, a proximal end 100a, a distal end 100b, and a main surface area 100c extending between the proximal end 100a and the distal end 100b. Figs. 3 to 5 show the lower plate 10 as seen from various directions. That is, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lower plate 10, Fig. 4 is a plan view of the lower plate 10, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lower plate 10 taken along X3-X3 line in Fig. 4. As shown, the proximal end 100a of the lower plate 10 has a curved recess 102 that is convex toward the distal end 100b. The curvature of the recess 102 is appropriately selected according to the anatomical features of the face of the race in the area or region where this product (the eyelash curler) is supplied. For example, typically, the radius of curvature of the Caucasian eyelid contour has a smaller value than that of Asians. This anatomical knowledge may be used to determine the curvature (radius of curvature) of the recess 102.

[0042] Along the curved recess 102, the lower plate 10 comprises a pair of lower ridges 110a, 110b at the proximal end 100a. These lower ridges 110a, 110b extend in a direction intersecting with the central axis Ai of the lower plate 10. The lower plate 10 further comprises an elastic pad 190 for receiving the eyelashes to be curled in use. The pair of lower ridges 110a, 110b cooperate to define a groove 120 therebetween. The elastic pad 190 is disposed in the groove 120 defined between the lower ridges 110a, 110b. The elastic pad 190 extends in the groove 120 over the same extension range as the lower ridges 110a, 110b. In this embodiment, the rounded upper end of the elastic pad 190 protrudes slightly from the opening of the groove 120. Also, in this embodiment, both the lower ridges 110a, 110b are curved, for example, along a circular contour with a given radius of curvature (which can be variable) such that they are convex toward the distal end 100b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastic pad 190 is composed of, for example, a silicone rubber, but may be constructed using other suitable elastic materials.

[0043] On the other hand, as illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, the upper plate 20 has a central axis (i.e., a longitudinal axis) A2, a proximal end 200a, a distal end 200b, and a main surface area 200c extending between the proximal end 200a and the distal end 200b. Figs. 6 to 8 show the upper plate 20 as seen from various directions. That is, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the upper plate 20, Fig. 7 is a plan view of the upper plate 20, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the upper plate 20 taken along X4-X4 line in Fig. 7. As shown, the proximal end 200a of the upper plate 20 has a recess 202 that is convex toward the distal end 200b. The curvature of the recess 202 is also appropriately selected as described above.

[0044] Along the curved recess 202, the upper plate 20 comprises an upper ridge 210 at the proximal end 200a. The upper ridge 210 extends in a direction intersecting with the central axis A2 of the upper plate 20. As described in detail below, the upper ridge 210 is configured to be able to pinch the eyelashes to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad 190 of the lower plate 10. In this embodiment, the upper ridge 210 are also curved corresponding to the curvature of the lower ridges 110a, 110b such that it is convex toward the distal end 200b.

[0045] The ridges 110a, 110b of the lower plate 10 and the ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 may have various cross sections. In this embodiment, an elongated rectangle with a rounded end is adopted as the cross-sectional shape of these ridges. However, the cross-sectional shape of the ridges may be trapezoidal (or inverted trapezoidal) or any other suitable shape.

[0046] Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are configured such that they can be combined with each other into either a non-use position or a ready-to-use position. In particular, in this embodiment, an orientation of the upper plate 20 with respect to the lower plate 10 in the non-use position is opposite to an orientation of the upper plate 20 with respect to the lower plate 10 in the ready-to-use position. As can also be seen from Fig. 9, which is a cross sectional view of the eyelash curler 1 shown in Fig. 1, taken along Xi-Xi line in Fig. 1, in the non-use position, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are combined with each other such that the upper plate 20 is in close contact with the lower plate 10. In this close contacting state, the upper plate 20 cannot pivot with respect to the lower plate 10. Therefore, the eyelash curler 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 can be referred to as a "flat eyelash curler".

[0047] On the other hand, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are combined with each other such that the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210 face each other. In such a combined state, the upper plate 20 can function as a lever arm. That is, the upper plate 20 can pivot with respect to the lower plate 10 for pinching the eyelashes to be curled between the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210, (if necessary or in some cases with an appropriate elastic deformation of the upper plate 20). As can also be seen from Fig. 10, which is a cross sectional view of the eyelash curler 1 shown in Fig. 2, taken along X2-X2 line in Fig. 2, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are in contact with each other along a straight line. The line along which the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 contact with each other in the ready-to-use position defines a virtual pivot axis B about which the upper plate 20 pivots with respect to the lower plate 10. [0048] Referring again to Figs. 3 to 5, the lower plate 10 further comprises a slot 130 at the proximal end 100a thereof. The upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 can enter into this slot 130 when the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are combined with each other into the non-use position. In addition to this, the lower plate 10 also comprises at the distal end 100b thereof an aperture 140 extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis Ai of the lower plate 10. The distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 has a width W2 smaller than a width Wi of the aperture 140 (see Figs. 4 and 7). Therefore, in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are combined with each other such that the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 passes through the aperture 140 of the lower plate 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the eyelash curler 1 further comprises a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism is configured to prevent the upper plate 20 from unintentionally separating from the lower plate 10 when the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are combined with each other into the non-use position. More specifically, the locking mechanism comprises a boss 160 protruding from an inner peripheral surface of the slot 130 of the lower plate 10 into the slot 130. As is best shown in Fig. 4, a slot 170 having a width slightly larger than the width of the boss 160 is formed in the lower plate 10 behind the boss 160, that is, between the boss 160 and the ridge 110a. Because of this, the boss 160 can be slightly retract when the upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 enters into the slot 130 as shown in Fig. 1. In this retracted state, the boss 160 can apply a pressing force to the upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20. Although an embodiment having a single boss has been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there may be multiple bosses.

[0050] As can be seen from Fig. 8, the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 is offset from the main surface area 200c of the upper plate 20 in a direction normal to the main surface area 200c. Similarly, as can be seen from Fig. 5, a portion of the distal end 100b of the lower plate 10 located distal to the aperture 140 is partially offset from the main surface area 100c of the lower plate 10 in a direction normal to the main surface area 100c. As stated above, in the non-use position, the orientation of the upper plate 20 with respect to the lower plate 10 is made opposite to the orientation of the upper plate 20 with respect to the lower plate 10 in the ready-to-use position. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, in the flat non-use position, the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 can fit snugly within the hollow 180 (see Figs. 3 to 5) formed by offsetting the portion of the distal end 100b of the lower plate 10. This effectively prevents an unintentional separation of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 in combination with an additional separation preventing effect brought about by an engagement between the upper ridge 210 and the slot 130 of the lower plate 10.

[0051] Referring again to Fig. 4, a window 150 is formed in the lower plate 10. Similarly, a window 250 is formed in the upper plate 20 as shown in Fig. 7. The window 150 of the lower plate 10 and the window 250 of the upper plate 20 are configured so as to partially overlap with each other both in the non-use position and the ready-to-use position. That is, the window 150 of the lower plate 10 and the window 250 of the upper plate 20 have different sizes and shapes from each other. In this embodiment, the window 150 is a rectangle (a somewhat trapezoidal rectangle) with one side curved, and the window 250 is a square (a somewhat trapezoidal square) also with one side curved. However, the windows 150, 250 may be of any other shape. For example, other than square and rectangle shapes, a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape or the like can be adopted for the windows 150, 250. In another embodiment, the window may be provided on only one of the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20. In yet another embodiment, both plates 10, 20 may not have any windows. By providing the window 250, a user can visually confirm the part of her face reflected in a mirror through the window 250, especially the area around her eyes and her eyelashes. In addition to this, since two windows 150, 250 have different sizes and shapes from each other, the two plates 10, 20 can be easily separated when converting the eyelash curler 1 from the non-use position to the ready-to-use position. In order to do this, the user only has to push out a part of the main surface 200c of the upper plate 20 (the part with a mesh pattern in Fig. 7) existing in (or visible from) the window 150 in the lower plate 10 with her fingertip.

[0052] Hereinafter, a method for curling natural eyelashes using the above . described eyelash curler 1 is described. However, the eyelashes to be curled may be tufted false eyelashes attached to the natural eyelashes or both natural eyelashes and false eyelashes. As reference, a false eyelashes generally comprise a plurality of discrete eyelash fibers and a baseline that links or connects these eyelash fibers to each other substantially in parallel. The eyelash fibers may be synthetic or natural fibers. For example, the eyelash fibers may be silk fibers, cotton fibers, wool fibers, flax fibers, cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, polyamide (Nylon®) fibers, viscose fibers, acetate fibers, acrylic polymer fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) fibers, glass fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, polytetrafluoroethylene (such as Teflon®) fibers, insoluble collagen fibers, polyester fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers or polyvinylidene chloride fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, chitosan fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyethylene phthalate fibers, human hair or fibers formed from a mixture of polymers such as those mentioned above, for instance polyamide/polyester fibers.

[0053] Prior to use for curling, the eyelash curler 1 are converted into the ready-to-use position. That is, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are recombined from the non-use position to the ready-to-use position. For this, the upper plate 20 is first separated from the lower plate 10 (see Fig. 11 (a)). This can be easily done, for example, by pushing the main surface area 200c of the upper plate 20 with a fingertip through the window 150 of the lower plate 10. Subsequently, the upper plate 20 is combined with the lower plate 10 once again in the orientation opposite to the orientation in the non-use position. This can be easily done by first turning the upper plate 20 over and then inserting the distal end 200b of this flipped upper plate 20 into the aperture 140 of the lower plate 10 (see Fig. 11 (b) and (c)). As a result, the eyelash curler 1 is now in the ready-to-use position (see Fig. 11 (d)).

[0054] The curling process using the eyelash curler 1 converted from the nonuse position to the ready-to-use position may be performed as follows. First, the user positions the eyelash curler 1 forward of the face such that the eyelashes F are located between the upper ridge 210 and the elastic pad 190 of the curler 1 (see Fig. 12 (a)). Subsequently, the user pivots the upper plate 20 relative to the lower plate 10 such that their proximal ends 100a, 200a approach each other, by applying a force thereto from above and below with fingertips. This causes the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210 to work together to curl the eyelashes F upward (see Fig. 12 (b)). In this state,' the upper end of the elastic pad 190 is elastically collapsed by the upper ridge 210 and becomes concave. As stated above, the pivoting of the upper plate 20 may be accompanied by a moderate elastic deformation thereof.

[0055] Once the eyelashes F have been pressed, the user pivots the upper plate 20 in the opposite direction relative to the lower plate 10 such that their proximal ends 100a, 200a are spaced apart from each other (see Fig. 12 (c)). This can be easily done by applying force from above and below with the fingertips on the distal ends 100b, 200b of the upper and lower plates 10, 20. The above process is usually repeated a plurality of times as necessary, with the positions where the eyelashes F are pinched being slightly shifted towards the tips of the eyelashes F. As a result, the eyelashes F are now curled upwards as a whole.

[0056] After the curling treatment of the eyelashes F have been completed, the curlers are converted into a completely flat, non-use position for carrying or storage. That is, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 are recombined from the ready-to-use position to the non-use position. For this, the upper plate 20 is once again separated from the lower plate 10 (see Fig. 13 (a)). This can be easily done by pulling the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 out of the aperture 140 of the lower plate 10. Subsequently, the upper plate 20 is combined with the lower plate 10 once again in the orientation opposite to the orientation in the ready-to-position. This can be easily done by first turning the lower plate 10 over and then inserting the distal end 200b of the upper plate 20 into the aperture 140 of the flipped lower plate 10 once again (see Fig. 13 (b) and (c)). Finally, the upper ridge 210 of the upper plate 20 is inserted into the slot 130 of the lower plate 10 by overcoming the resistance of the locking mechanism as described above. As a result, the eyelash curler 1 is now in the completely flat, non-use position that is convenient for carrying around (see Fig. 13 (d)).

[0057] As described above, when not being used for beauty treatment, the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20 of the eyelash curler 1 can be combined with each other such that the upper plate 20 is in close contact with the lower plate 10. That is, in the non-use position, the eyelash curler 1 can take a completely flat form with a minimal bulk, which requires only a small space for carrying and storage. Therefore, as compared with the conventional eyelash curler having a relatively large bulk, the ease for carrying or portability is significantly increased. On the other hand, when combined into the ready-to-use position, the eyelash curler 1 exhibits excellent operability for a beauty treatment. That is, with the eyelash curler 1, the eyelashes F can be securely curled by a simple operation in which the eyelashes F to be curled are sandwiched between the elastic pad 190 and the upper ridge 210 and then the upper plate 20 is pivoted with respect to the lower plate 10. In addition to this, since the eyelash curler 1 essentially consists of just two plates obtained, for example, by an injection process, i.e., the lower plate 10 and the upper plate 20, the eyelash curler 1 is simple in structure and therefore can be manufactured at a low cost as compared to existing eyelash curlers. [0058] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail referring to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made to the above-described embodiments without deviating from the scope of the present invention, and such modifications and changes are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An eyelash curler (1) to be used for curling eyelashes (F), comprising: a lower plate (10) having a central axis (Ai), a proximal end (100a), and a distal end (100b), wherein the lower plate (10) comprises at the proximal end (100a) a pair of lower ridges (110a, 110b) that extend in a direction intersecting with the central axis (Ai) of the lower plate (10), wherein the lower plate (10) further comprises an elastic pad (190) for receiving the eyelashes (F) to be curled, the elastic pad (190) is disposed in a groove (120) defined between the lower ridges (110a, 110b); and an upper plate (20) having a central axis (A2), a proximal end (200a), and a distal end (200b), wherein the upper plate (20) comprises at the proximal end (200a) an upper ridge (210) that extends in a direction intersecting with the central axis (A2) of the upper plate (20), wherein the upper ridge (210) is configured to be able to pinch the eyelashes (F) to be curled in cooperation with the elastic pad (190), wherein the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are configured such that they can be combined with each other into either a non-use position or a ready-to-use position, wherein in the non-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are combined with each other such that the upper plate (20) is in close contact with the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) cannot pivot with respect to the lower plate (10), and wherein in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are combined with each other such that the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210) face each other and the upper plate (20) can pivot with respect to the lower plate (10) for pinching the eyelashes (F) to be curled between the elastic pad (190) and the upper ridge (210).

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

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

4. The eyelash curler (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the lower plate (10) further comprises at the distal end (100b) an aperture (140) extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis (Ai) of the lower plate (10), wherein the distal end (200b) of the upper plate (20) has a width (W2) smaller than a width (Wi) of the aperture (140), wherein in the ready-to-use position, the lower plate (10) and the upper plate (20) are combined with each other such that the distal end (200b) of the upper plate (20) passes through the aperture (140) of the lower plate (10).

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

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

7. The eyelash curler (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein a window (150) is formed in the lower plate (10) and a window (250) is formed in the upper plate (20), wherein the window (150) of the lower plate (10) and the window (250) of the upper plate (20) at least partially overlap with each other at least in the nonuse position.

8. The eyelash curler (1) according to claim 7, wherein the window (150) of the lower plate (10) and the window (250) of the upper plate (20) have different sizes and/or shapes from each other. 18

9. The eyelash curler (1) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein both the lower ridges (110a, 110b) of the lower plate (10) and the upper ridge (210) of the upper plate (20) are curved such that they are convex toward the distal end thereof.

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

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

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

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

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

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