U.S. patent application number 11/040010 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for false eyelash applicator.
Invention is credited to Stroud, Anna D..
Application Number | 20050166939 11/040010 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34810535 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050166939 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stroud, Anna D. |
August 4, 2005 |
False eyelash applicator
Abstract
The false eyelash applicator is a generally U-shaped hand tool
having two arms joined together by a middle portion. The arms are
mirror images of each other and are parallel to the other. Each arm
has an end, a neck section, and a handle section. The middle
portion is flanked on each side by the handle sections of each arm.
The ends have a width and a slightly concave edge that serves to
hold the false eyelash. The width of the applicator's ends permits
the applicator to grasp up to about three-fourths of the false
eyelash, and not just a few lashes, at one time for more accuracy.
The applicator is constructed of flexible, resilient material to
permit the applicator to be folded into its generally U-shaped
configuration and be manipulated.
Inventors: |
Stroud, Anna D.; (Tyler,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
PO BOX 15035
CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
34810535 |
Appl. No.: |
11/040010 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60541250 |
Feb 4, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/216 |
International
Class: |
A45D 040/30 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A false eyelash applicator, comprising: a first arm; a second
arm; and a resilient middle portion joined to each arm and shaped
to a generally U-shaped configuration; whereby the first arm and
the second arm lie in parallel planes.
2. The false eyelash applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator
is made from stainless steel.
3. The false eyelash applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator
is made from resilient material.
4. The false eyelash applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the
arms has an end, a neck section, and a handle section.
5. The false eyelash applicator of claim 4, wherein the end is
generally T-shaped.
6. The false eyelash applicator of claim 4, wherein the end has a
width of about 3/4" at its widest part, whereby a user may grip
several lashes of a false eyelash simultaneously.
7. The false eyelash applicator of claim 4, wherein the end has a
slightly concave edge adapted to correspond to a natural curve of
both the false eyelash and a user's eyelid.
8. The false eyelash applicator of claim 4, wherein the neck
section is disposed between the end and the handle section, the
neck section having a width of about 1/4" and the handle section
having a width of about 1/2", thereby providing space for the user
to manipulate the applicator with fingers and a thumb.
9. The false eyelash applicator of claim 4, wherein the neck
section has a width, the end has a width and the handle section has
a width, the width of the neck section being narrower than both the
widths of the ends and the handle section permitting the user to
view the false eyelash as the false eyelash is held by the
applicator.
10. The false eyelash applicator of claim 4, wherein each of the
ends has an edge face defining an elongated inner corner between
the edge face and the inner surface of the arm, the applicator
being adapted for gripping the false eyelash between the inner
corners.
11. The false eyelash applicator of claim 10, wherein at least one
of the ends is slightly bent towards the other end in order to
ensure gripping the false eyelash between the inner corners.
12. The false eyelash applicator of claim 1, wherein the middle
portion has a width of about {fraction (5/16)}".
13. The false eyelash applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator
in the U-shaped configuration is between about three and
three-eights inches and three and one-half inches long, and about
seven inches long from the end of the first arm to the end of the
second arm when the applicator is in a pre-bent configuration.
14. A false eyelash applicator, comprising: a first arm and a
second arm, each of the arms having an end, a neck section, and a
handle section, the ends having a broad T-shaped configuration
defining a slightly concave edge face and elongate, arcuate inner
corners at a junction of the edge faces and facing inner surfaces
of the two arms; and a U-shaped, resilient middle portion joined to
each arm; wherein the first arm and the second arm are mirror
images and disposed parallel to each other, the applicator being
adapted for gripping a substantial portion of a false eyelash
between the inner corners of the first and second arms when the
arms are squeezed towards each other.
15. A method of using the false eyelash applicator of claim 14,
comprising the steps of: (a) placing at least one finger on the
first arm of the applicator and a thumb on the second arm; (b)
grasping a center region of lashes on a false eyelash, leaving
opposing ends of the false eyelash extending from the ends of both
the first arm and the second arm; (c) applying adhesive to a base
of the eyelash; (d holding the eyelash until the adhesive becomes
tacky; (e) applying the base of the eyelashes toward a user's
eyelid; (f) placing the base of the eyelashes close to roots of the
user's eyelid; (g) pointing the middle portion of the applicator up
and away from the user's eyelid, thereby providing the user with an
unobstructed view of the eyelid and causing the ends of the arms to
automatically point down to the roots of the eyelid; (h)
identifying and affixing the center three-fourths of the false
eyelash in the center of the eyelid, nearest the roots; and (k)
pressing down the ends of the false eyelash to the ends of the
user's root using tweezers.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the base of the false eyelashes
are directed to the roots of the user's eyelid at an angle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/541,250, filed Feb. 4, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to cosmetics in general, and
more particularly, to an applicator for false eyelashes.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Having the right cosmetic tool is essential for applying
makeup correctly and accurately. Today there are a number of
cosmetic tools in the market each with its own specific purpose. In
some cases people have utilized one cosmetic tool to do more than
one job. For example, individuals who apply and/or wear false
eyelashes may have used narrow-tipped tweezers to help in the
application of the false eyelash. These narrow-tipped tweezers are
generally designed to remove fine hairs, not to hold lashes. The
narrow-tipped tweezers, if used to hold false eyelashes, will only
hold just a few lashes, and will not provide much control over the
false eyelash during application. A number of cosmetic tools have
been developed to help apply false eyelashes, while other tools
having different intended purposes have been substituted to assist
in the process of putting on eyelashes. However, a false eyelash
applicator that is simple, easy to use and specifically designed
for grasping the lashes of the false eyelashes is desired.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,754, issued to Martin, Jr. on Nov. 18,
1969, describes a clamp-like applicator for false eyelashes. The
applicator has handles for manipulating the eyelash. The handles
either move by a sliding action or by pivoting about each other.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,561,454, issued to O'Connell, on Feb. 9, 1971,
describes an implement for applying false eyelashes to an eyelid.
The device comprises a pair of shanks with associated angled tips
that are designed to hold a false eyelash. The shanks are slidably
arranged to engage the eyelash.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,094,409, issued to Phillips, Sr. on Sep. 28,
1937, describes an applicator for artificial eyelashes. The
applicator comprises clamp members that are relatively flat and
broad at one end and having an arcuate eyelid conforming edge. The
clamp members are hinged together by a spring wrapped around a
hinge. U.S. Pat. No. 3,511,248, issued to Panda on May 12, 1970,
describes an eyelash applicator. The applicator has a contoured
surface that conforms to the shape of an eye and a lever to hold an
eyelash to the surface of the applicator. The applicator both holds
and applies the eyelashes to the eyelid. A spring-like tool having
ends that configure to the curvature of the eyelash is used to
place the false eyelash on the applicator.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,268,082, issued to Phillips, Sr. on Dec. 30,
1941, describes an applicator for artificial eyelashes. The
applicator comprises a clamp this is pivotally connected at a
center region, which has a handle end and a concave eyelid
conforming end. In a normal position, the eyelid conforming end is
clamped together to form an eyelash-gripping end. U.S. Pat. No.
3,670,742, issued to Weaner on Jun. 20, 1972, describes an eyelash
applicator. The applicator has a T-shaped base that is pivotally
attached to a T-shaped clamp lever by a spring means. The
functional end of the clamp is crescent-shaped and designed to
engage the arcuate shaped eyelash.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,519, issued to Epstein on Mar. 27, 1973,
describes a false eyelash applicator. The applicator is a handheld
device having a blunt end to hold down an eyelid and a pair of
finger-operated grippers that are pushed forward so that the false
eyelash meets the eyelid. U.S. Pat. No. 3,461,886, issued to Bau on
Aug. 19, 1969, describes a tool for handling false eyelashes. The
tool has a rod-like handle having a number of blades disposed on
the functional end of the rod. The blades provide a combing action
as it passes between the strands of the false eyelash.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,229, issued to Silson on Dec. 7, 1971,
describes tongs for handling false eyelashes. The tongs, made of
polypropylene, have an integrally molded hinge to keep the legs of
the tongs together. The unhinged ends of the tongs are U-shaped to
grip the false eyelash along substantially the whole length of the
eyelash spine. The unhinged U-shaped ends have differing radii so
that the ends can nest within the other. The hinge of the tongs is
formed of narrow webbing that should provide sufficient spring for
the legs of the tong.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,196,235, issued to Tuttle et al. on Apr. 9,
1940, describes an eyelash cosmetic applicator. The applicator
comprises arms that are disposed on a threaded stud and encased
within a rectangular holder. The arms are pushed out of the holder
by rotating an operating knob until the arms are rotated up the
threaded stud. U.S. Pat. No. 1,666,116, issued to Bunnell on Apr.
17, 1928, describes an eyelash applicator for use in applying
coloring material. The applicator may be a pair of tweezers that is
contained in an enclosed body or carrier. The ends of the tweezers
can have notches so that the tweezers can retain a ribbon, a crayon
or a brush.
[0012] Devices for curling or crimping eyelashes are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 2,392,694, issued to Rector on Jan. 8, 1946 (an eye
lash crimper) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,016,059, issued to Hutton on Jan.
9, 1962 (device to curl and treat eyelashes).
[0013] A number of tweezers have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
1,286,673, issued to Linke on Dec. 3, 1918 (tweezers having a
relatively sharp point taking the shape of a pair of legs wearing
shoes); U.S. Pat. No. 3,306,139, issued to Brackett on Feb. 28,
1967 (describes the construction of tweezers where the tweezers are
shaped like legs); U.S. Pat. No. 783,924, issued to Boehm on Feb.
28, 1905 (combined tweezers and blackhead extractor); U.S. Pat. No.
2,082,062, issued to Johnson on Jun. 1, 1937 (tweezers having
members to assist in aligning the tweezer prongs) and U.S. Patent
Application No. 2001/0026074, published on Oct. 4, 2001 (a process
for making precision tweezers).
[0014] Various forms of tweezers are shown in U.S. Design Pat. No.
214,225, issued to Grande on May 20, 1969; U.S. Design Pat. No.
89,315, issued to Segal on Feb. 21, 1933; U.S. Des. Pat. No.
327,751, issued to Colani on Jul. 7, 1992; and U.S. Design Pat. No.
386,808, issued to Litton on Nov. 25, 1997; and W.I.P.O Patent No.
88/00014, published on Jan. 14, 1988 (a tweezers having an attached
battery powered light source).
[0015] Still a number of tweezers specifically designed for use in
non-cosmetic applications have been disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application No. 2002/0127514, published on Sep. 12, 2002 (tweezers
for clamping strip-shaped or thread-shaped material, which have
particular use in the dental field); Japanese Patent Number
2-277,252, published on Nov. 13, 1990 (tweezers for gripping a
wafer using small force); German Patent Number 4,011,721, published
on Oct. 17, 1991 (U-shaped hand tool for handling light bulbs) and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,578, issued to Williams on Jan. 30, 1996
(tweezers for use in making stuffed animals).
[0016] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed. Thus, a false eyelash applicator solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The false eyelash applicator is a generally U-shaped hand
tool having two arms joined together by a middle portion. The arms
are mirror images of each other and lie parallel to the other. Each
arm has an end, a neck section, and a handle section. The middle
portion is flanked on each side by the handle sections of each arm.
The ends have a width and a slightly concave edge that serves to
hold the false eyelash. The width of the applicator's ends permits
the applicator to grasp as much as three-fourths of the false
eyelash and not just a few lashes at one time for more accuracy.
The applicator is constructed of resilient material to permit the
applicator to be folded into its generally U-shaped configuration
and to be manipulated.
[0018] These and other features of the present invention will
become readily apparent upon consideration of the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a false
eyelash applicator according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is plan view of a false eyelash applicator according
to the present invention in a fully extended condition.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of a false eyelash applicator
according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a false eyelash applicator
according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an environmental, perspective view of a false
eyelash applicator in use.
[0024] FIGS. 6A through 6E show how to use the false eyelash
applicator and the steps of how to apply a false eyelash using the
false eyelash applicator, as follows.
[0025] FIG. 6A is a plan view of a false eyelash applicator
according to the present invention holding a false eyelash.
[0026] FIG. 6B is a plan view of a false eyelash applicator
according to the present invention holding a false eyelash, with
arrows indicating where to apply adhesive on the false eyelash.
[0027] FIG. 6C is a block diagram showing how long to hold the
eyelash to the eyelid using the false eyelash applicator.
[0028] FIG. 6D is a perspective view showing the false eyelash
applicator applying the eyelash to a user's eyelid.
[0029] FIG. 6E shows the false eyelash attached to the user's
eyelid, with tweezers being shown to complete application of the
false eyelash.
[0030] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention is a false eyelash applicator,
designated as 10 in the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the
applicator 10 is a device held between a thumb T and fingers IF,
MF, RF of a hand. The applicator 10 is used to hold a false eyelash
F and apply the false eyelash F on the user's eyelid E. The
applicator 10 is constructed from a single piece of resilient
material that is folded into a generally U-shaped configuration.
Alternatively, the applicator may be made from two relatively rigid
arms 20 and 40 joined by a more flexible, resilient middle portion
30.
[0032] The applicator 10 is preferably manufactured by stamping out
the shape of the applicator 10 from stainless steel using
techniques well known in the art. Ideally the stainless steel used
will have a gauge size of twenty. It is feasible, however, to make
the applicator 10 from other resilient material, as well as other
gauges of steel. The benefits of using stainless steel to construct
the applicator 10 are that the applicator 10 will be lightweight,
sturdy and resilient.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, the applicator 10 is shown in a
pre-bent, straight configuration. The applicator 10 has a first arm
20, a middle portion 30 and a second arm 40. The first arm 20 and
the second arm 40 are mirror images of the other. The first arm 20
comprises an end 22, a neck section 24, and a handle section 26.
Likewise, the second arm 40 comprises an end 42, a neck section 44
and a handle section 46. The middle portion 30 is disposed in the
center of the applicator 10, flanked on each side by the handle
section 26 of the first arm 20 and the handle section 46 of the
second arm 40.
[0034] The ends 22, 42 are the operative portions of the applicator
10. The ends 22, 42 are generally T-shaped having a width of about
3/4" at their widest part. The width and the shape of the ends 22,
42 permit the user to grasp several lashes of the false eyelash F
at one time and thereby have better control over the false eyelash
F than with narrow-tipped tweezers. The ends 22, 42 each have a
slightly concave edge 23, 43, respectively. Edges 23, 43 are
designed to correspond to a natural curve of both the false eyelash
F and the user's eyelid E.
[0035] Neck sections 24, 44 are disposed between the ends 22, 42
and the handle sections 26, 46. The neck sections 24, 44 have a
width of about 1/4", while the handle sections 26, 46 have a width
of about 1/2". The width of the handle sections 26, 46 provide
space for the user to manipulate the applicator 10 with her fingers
IF, MF, RF and thumb T.
[0036] The width of the neck sections 24, 44, is narrower than the
width of the ends 22, 42 and the width of the handle sections 26,
46. The narrow width of the neck sections 24, 44 provides the user
with a better view of the false eyelash F and also permits the user
to see more of the false eyelash F as it is held between ends 22,
42. It is helpful to see as much of the eyelash F between ends 22,
42 as possible in order to properly place the false eyelash F on
the eyelid E.
[0037] The middle portion 30 of the applicator 10 has a width of
about {fraction (5/16)}". The middle portion 30 is, therefore,
narrower than the ends 22, 42, and the handle sections 26, 46, but
wider than the neck sections 24, 44. The difference in widths
between the middle portion 30 and the handle sections 26, 46
distinctly defines the middle portion 30 as a separate region from
the handle sections 26, 46. The width of the middle portion 30 also
provides some degree of resilience to the applicator 10 as it is
being manipulated to hold and release the false eyelash F.
Furthermore, the width of the middle portion 30 permits the
applicator 10 to be bent into the generally U-shaped configuration
without making the applicator 10 susceptible to being broken.
[0038] Viewing FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4, the applicator 10
is shown in the U-shaped configuration. End 22, neck 24 and handle
section 26 of arm 20 all lie in a plane above and generally
parallel to end 42, neck 44 and handle section 46 of arm 40,
respectively. The arms 20, 40 are bent toward each other using a
suitable amount of pressure to form the generally U-shaped
configuration. Because of the resiliency of the material used to
make the applicator 10, pressure applied by one's hand is
sufficient to bend the arms 20, 40 together.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, in the U-shaped configuration, end 22
has an outer corner 21 formed by the junction of the outer surface
(or upper surface in the orientation shown in FIG. 4) of the arm 20
with the face of edge 23, and an inner corner 25 formed by the
junction of the inner surface (or lower surface) of arm 20 and the
face of edge 23; similarly, end 42 has an outer corner 41 formed by
the junction of the outer surface (or lower surface in the
orientation of FIG. 4) of arm 40 and the face of edge 43, and an
inner corner 45 formed at the junction of the inner surface (or
upper surface) of arm 40 and the face of edge 43. When the
applicator 10 is being used in the generally U-shaped
configuration, it is the inner corners 25, 45 of the applicator 10
that actually abut and hold the false eyelashes F. Therefore,
although ends 22, 44 are the operative portions of the applicator
10, it is the inner corners 25, 45 that actually grip false eyelash
F. In order to ensure that only the inner corners 25 and 45 grip
the eyelash F, the ends 22 and 44 may be slightly bent towards each
other, or at least one of the ends may be slightly bent toward the
other end. This prevents mashing or flattening the eyelash F.
[0040] In the straight configuration, the applicator 10 is
preferably about seven inches long from one end 22 to the opposite
end 42. When the applicator 10 is bent into the generally U-shaped
configuration, each arm 20, 40 is about three and three-eights of
inches to three and one-half inches long, which, consequentially is
the same dimension for the applicator 10 in it's U-shaped
configuration. The length of the U-shaped applicator 10 is
important because the applicator 10 must be long enough so that the
fingers IF, MF, RF and the thumb T can manipulate the applicator 10
without obstructing the user's view. With a clear view, the user
can see where to place the false eyelash F on the eyelid E.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, in order to use the applicator 10,
the fingers IF, MF, RF of the hand are placed on the topmost arm of
the applicator 10 and the thumb T is placed on the bottommost arm.
The user holds the applicator 10 by placing the thumb T on the
handle region 46 of arm 40, or the bottommost arm, and fingers IF,
MF, RF on the handle region 26 of arm 20, or the topmost arm. The
number of fingers the user may place on the topmost arm can be one,
two or three fingers, depending on the user's expertise in applying
the false eyelash F on the eyelid E. For example, someone who is
inexperienced in applying false eyelashes F may use the index
finger IF, the middle finger MF and/or the ring finger RF on the
arm 20 to apply the eyelash F. On the other hand, an experienced
user may only use one finger, such as the index finger IF, to apply
the eyelash F.
[0042] The fingers and thumb are positioned on the applicator 10 to
apply pressure on the arms 20, 40 and hold the false eyelash F
between ends 22, 42, specifically between inner corners 25, 45.
Only enough pressure is applied to the applicator 10 so that the
inner corners 25, 45 grip the false eyelash F. If too much pressure
is applied to the applicator 10, then the ends 22, 42 lie flat
against each other with the false eyelash F therebetween, crushing
and distorting the curved shape of the false eyelash F. The eyelash
F is correctly placed on the eyelid E when the natural curve of the
false eyelash F is maintained. Without the curve of the false
eyelash F, it becomes difficult for the user to judge where to
place the false eyelash F on the eyelid E.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6A through 6E, the user may use the
following steps to apply the false eyelash F to the eyelid E. Grasp
the false eyelash F by the lashes L at a center region J leaving
ends I, K of the false eyelash F extending beyond the ends 22, 42
of the applicator 10. The applicator 10 should preferably hold the
lashes L about 1 to 2 centimeters from the base B of the eyelash F,
see FIG. 6A. While holding the eyelash F with the applicator 10,
apply a hairline strip of adhesive G to the base B of the eyelash
F, as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, hold the eyelash F for a couple of
seconds, preferably 30 seconds, until the adhesive G becomes tacky,
as indicated in FIG. 6C.
[0044] Once the adhesive G is tacky, the base B of the eyelashes F
should be directed toward the eyelid E, at an angle, and placed as
close to roots R as possible, as indicated in FIG. 6D. The
applicator 10 must be positioned so that the middle portion 30
points up and away from the user's eyelid E in order to place the
false eyelash F in the proper position on the eyelid. By holding
the applicator 10 in this manner, the user's view is unobstructed
and the ends 22, 42 of the applicator 10 are automatically pointed
down to the roots R of the eyelid E.
[0045] The correct way to place the false eyelash F on the eyelid E
is by first identifying and affixing the center three-fourths J of
the false eyelash F, to the eyelid E with ends 22, 42. The slightly
concave edges 23, 43 of ends 22, 42 help in the application of the
false eyelash F because it matches the curve of the eyelid E. Once
the center J of the false eyelash F is placed in the center of the
eyelid E, nearest the roots R, the applicator 10 is removed and the
ends I, K of the false eyelash F are pressed down to meet the ends
of the root R using tweezers 50, as indicated in FIG. 6E. The
tweezers 50, unlike applicator 10, have a narrower functional tip
that helps the user to precisely match ends I, K to the roots R of
the eyelid E.
[0046] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *