U.S. patent application number 12/455539 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler and method for rapid heating of mascara eyelash curler.
Invention is credited to Gyung-Hee Haan.
Application Number | 20100043817 12/455539 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41695178 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100043817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haan; Gyung-Hee |
February 25, 2010 |
Rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler and method for rapid heating
of mascara eyelash curler
Abstract
A rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler includes an eyelash
shaping part having a heating unit to which high voltage power is
supplied from a battery. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler
can quickly drying a mascara liquid applied to the eyelashes by a
mascara brush so as to help users finish eyelash makeup easy and
fast. The high voltage battery fits in a space defined by a grip
and a body of the mascara eyelash curler for serving as a power
supply means. Terminals arranged at the connection of the body and
the grip construct a circuit for the high voltage battery.
Inventors: |
Haan; Gyung-Hee; (Seoul,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ZUBER & TAILLIEU LLP
10866 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 300
LOS ANGELES
CA
90024
US
|
Family ID: |
41695178 |
Appl. No.: |
12/455539 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/211 ;
132/217; 132/218; 219/225; 401/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/265 20130101;
A45D 40/24 20130101; A45D 2200/155 20130101; A45D 2/48 20130101;
A45D 40/18 20130101; A45D 2200/25 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/211 ;
132/217; 132/218; 219/225; 401/129 |
International
Class: |
A45D 2/48 20060101
A45D002/48; A45D 40/26 20060101 A45D040/26; A45D 1/04 20060101
A45D001/04; A45D 7/02 20060101 A45D007/02; A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 19, 2008 |
KR |
2008-0081003 |
Aug 19, 2008 |
KR |
2008-0081005 |
Claims
1. A rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler, comprising: a grip; a
body connected to one side of the grip; a battery arranged in a
space defined by the connected body and grip; and an eyelash
shaping part arranged in the body and including a heating unit
composed of a heating member, with the battery having a supply
voltage larger than a rated voltage accommodated by the heating
member.
2. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 1, further
comprising a mascara coupled to a second side of the grip.
3. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 2, further
comprising a mascara brush attached to a wand, the wand coupled to
a portion of the grip.
4. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 3, wherein
the mascara container includes eyelash mascara for application to
eyelashes.
5. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 4, wherein
the mascara brush is positioned inside the mascara container when
the mascara container is coupled to the second side of the
grip.
6. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 5, wherein
the heating unit includes a heating wire.
7. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 6, further
comprising an inner partition plate placed inside the grip.
8. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 7, wherein
the inner partition plate creates a space inside the grip that
separates the mascara container from the body.
9. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 8, wherein
the grip includes a groove for accepting a protrusion in the body,
the grip and the body being coupled together when the protrusion of
the body is inserted into the groove of the grip.
10. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 9, wherein
the eyelash shaping part is coupled to the body and extends from
the body.
11. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 10, further
comprising a plurality of safety projections positioned on the
eyelash shaping part.
12. The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler of claim 11, wherein
terminals arranged at the body and the grip form the circuit when
the body and grip are coupled together.
13. An eyelash curler, comprising: a grip having a body connected
to a first side of the grip and a mascara container connected to a
second side of the grip, a battery housed in a spaced defined by a
connection between the body and the grip; an eyelash shaping
portion having a heating element powered by the battery; and a
circuit for providing power from the battery to the heating element
is closed by the connection of the body and grip and activated by a
switch on the grip, wherein the circuit allows the heating unit to
rapidly heat so that a user can apply heat to dry mascara to curl
eyelashes.
14. The eyelash curler of claim 13, further comprising a mascara
brush attached to a wand coupled to a portion of the grip.
15. The eyelash curler of claim 14, wherein the mascara container
includes eyelash mascara for application to eyelashes.
16. The eyelash curler of claim 15, wherein the mascara brush is
positioned inside the mascara container when the mascara container
is coupled to the second side of the grip.
17. The eyelash curler of claim 16, wherein the heating unit
includes a heating wire.
18. The eyelash curler of claim 17, further comprising an inner
partition plate placed inside the grip.
19. The eyelash curler of claim 18, wherein the inner partition
plate creates a space inside the grip that separates the mascara
container from the body.
20. The eyelash curler of claim 19, wherein the grip includes a
groove for accepting a protrusion in the body, the grip and the
body being coupled together when the protrusion of the body is
inserted into the groove of the grip.
21. The eyelash curler of claim 20, wherein the eyelash shaping
part is coupled to the body and extends from the body.
22. The eyelash curler of claim 21, further comprising a plurality
of safety projections positioned on the eyelash shaping part.
23. The eyelash curler of claim 22, wherein terminals arranged at
the body and the grip form the circuit when the body and grip are
coupled together.
24. A method of curling eyelashes, comprising: applying mascara to
eyelashes using a mascara wand stored within a mascara container,
the mascara container coupled to one side of a grip; heating an
eyelash shaping portion stored within a body coupled to another
side of the grip by activating a switch to apply heat, the switch
positioned on the outside of the grip, wherein activating the
switch causes a circuit closed by the body coupled to the grip to
provide a power supply voltage to the heating element in the
eyelash shaping portion, the power supply voltage being larger than
a rated voltage accommodated by the heating element; and applying
the heated eyelash shaping portion to eyelashes to dry the
mascara.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising heating the heating
element at predetermined intervals after the heating element
reaches a predetermined temperature.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the power supply voltage is
provided by a battery.
27. The method of claims 26, further comprising separating the body
from the mascara container to form a space inside the grip.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the battery is positioned
within the space formed inside the grip.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising forming terminals
for the battery to provide the power supply voltage when the body
is coupled to the grip.
30. A method of rapidly heating a mascara eyelash curler,
comprising: activating a switch to turn the mascara eyelash curler
to an on state; supplying a power supply voltage to a heating
member via a battery, the power supply voltage being larger than a
rated voltage accommodated by the heating member; supplying the
power from the battery to the heating member at predetermined time
intervals after a temperature of the heating member reaches an
appropriate temperature; and cutting off the power supply from the
battery to the heating member after elapse of preset time from
turning on the activation switch.
31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising the steps
of: measuring elapsed time with the activation switch being in the
on state to determine whether the heating member has reached an
appropriate temperature; and after the heating member has reached
an appropriate temperature, connecting power to the heating member
at predetermined time intervals.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a mascara eyelash curler
for setting eyelashes upwardly in a gentle curve as part of
make-up. Specifically, the present invention relates to a rapidly
heated mascara eyelash curler and a method for rapidly heating a
mascara eyelash curler. The mascara eyelash curler includes a high
voltage battery in a space defined by a grip and a body of the
mascara curler for serving as a power supply means, the body
including an eyelash shaping unit with a heating unit composed of a
heating member, and terminals arranged at the body and the grip for
constructing a circuit for the high voltage battery. The heating
unit allows the eyelash shaping unit to heat up fast for easier and
more convenient eyelash makeup.
[0005] Among many cosmetics commonly used by women, mascara is
particularly used for eyelash makeup to make eyelashes look longer
and thicker, and is used for curling straight eyelashes in an
upward direction to make the eyelashes naturally beautiful.
[0006] When applying mascara to eyelashes, a user first applies a
desired amount of mascara to the brush before beginning, and gently
strokes the mascara wand along the eyelashes, curling the lashes
close to the root of the lash line with eyes looking down. Next,
the user draws the mascara wand from the base to the tips of the
lashes, moving the wand upwards. Then, the user holds the wand
uprightly to apply mascara to the base of the lashes with a slight
wiggle while gently applying the mascara parallel to the lash line.
If the user wants her eyes look deep and full, she will have to
apply mascara to every single lash gently.
[0007] Although a mascara brush alone may be sufficient to finish
eyelash makeup, since it takes time for a mascara liquid to dry,
some women use a heated eyelash curler to get eyelash makeup done
quickly in seconds. That is, a heated eyelash curler dries the
mascara applied to the eyelashes, allowing the user to finish her
eyelash makeup fast and easily.
[0008] One example of such curlers capable of drying the mascara on
eyelashes fast for easy eyelash makeup is disclosed in Korean
Utility Model Registration No. 397146 as shown in FIG. 1A.
[0009] The mascara eyelash curler disclosed in FIG. 1A has an
ON/OFF switch 11 the operation of which enables power supply from a
built-in battery 15 inside a handle 10 to a heating element 24 of
an eyelash shaping support 22, such that the mascara on the
eyelashes is dried and set by the warm heating element 24.
[0010] Screwed to the handle 10 of the eyelash curler is a mascara
case 31 integrated with a mascara brush 35 to apply the
mascara.
[0011] However, one of problems of the disclosed mascara eyelash
curler in FIG. 1A is that there is a gap between the battery 15 and
the handle 10, which leaves the possibility of the battery moving
while the mascara eyelash curler is being used, thereby causing
malfunction of the curler. It also takes some time for the heating
element 24 to get charged by the power from the battery 15 and be
warmed up to a proper temperature for shaping the eyelashes, so
eyelash makeup could not be done fast enough.
[0012] Also, it requires a separate battery holder not only for
securing the battery 15 serving as a power supply means of the
mascara eyelash curler, but also for constructing a circuit between
the switch 11 and the battery 15.
[0013] One example of eyelash shaping devices is disclosed in
Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2002-020348 as shown in
FIG. 1B, with the device being able to automatically shape
eyelashes by applying heat and pressure simultaneously to the
eyelashes for quick and easy makeup for eyelashes.
[0014] Unfortunately though, similar problems found in FIG. 1A
exist in the eyelash shaping device in FIG. 1B. That is, a gap
between a built-in battery 1 in a handle 11 and the handle 11
itself leaves the possibility of the battery moving while the
eyelash shaping device is being used, thereby causing malfunction
of the device.
[0015] Furthermore, it requires a separate battery holder 14 for
constructing a circuit between the battery 1 and an activation
switch 60.
[0016] One example of eyelash beauty tools having an embedded
heating element is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Application
Publication No. 2000-015428 as shown in FIG. 1C, with the tool
capable of blocking a direct transfer of heat from a heating
element to eyelashes so as to prevent clumps or burns on the
eyelashes.
[0017] However, the eyelash beauty tool in FIG. 1C also has similar
problems in that there is a gap between a built-in battery 11 in a
handle 10 and the handle 10 itself leaves the possibility of the
battery moving while the eyelash beauty tool is being used, thereby
causing malfunction of the tool.
[0018] In addition, it requires a separate wiring for constructing
an electric circuit between the battery 11 and a PCB 19.
[0019] Another example of eyelash beauty tools is disclosed in
Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 2000-017442 as
shown in FIG. 1D, wherein the eyelash beauty tool comprises an
embedded heating element in place of a conventional heating wire
that is usually exposed onto the front end of a heating unit of the
beauty tool, and a plurality of temperature regulating buttons and
a lever provided at a handle for allowing user to freely regulate
temperature as desired, with the handle being designed to keep a
battery inside.
[0020] Again, the eyelash beauty tool in FIG. 1D has similar
problems in that there is a gap between a battery 4 and a handle 5
where the battery 4 is stored, which leaves the possibility of the
battery 4 moving while the eyelash beauty tool is being used,
thereby causing malfunction of the tool.
[0021] In addition, it requires a separate battery holder for
constructing an electric circuit between the battery 4 and a
PCB/switch.
[0022] Screwed to the handle 10 of the eyelash curler is a mascara
case 31 integrately with a mascara brush 35 to apply the
mascara.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In view of the foregoing problems, it is, therefore, an
object of the present invention to provide rapidly heated mascara
eyelash curler comprising a high voltage battery to supply high
current power capable of superheating a heating member that
constitutes a heating unit in a very short period of time up to an
appropriate temperature for shaping eyelashes, and a rapid heating
method of the mascara eyelash curler. The high voltage battery fits
in a space defined by a grip and a body of the mascara eyelash
curler for serving as a power supply means, and includes terminals
arranged at the body and the grip for constructing a circuit for
the high voltage battery.
[0024] To achieve the above objects, there is provided a rapidly
heated mascara eyelash curler, comprising a grip, a body connected
to one side of the grip, a replaceable battery arranged in a space
defined by the connected body and grip, and an eyelash shaping part
arranged in the body and including a heating unit composed of a
heating member with terminals arranged at the body and the grip
constructing a circuit for the battery, wherein the battery has a
supply voltage larger than a rated voltage accommodated by the
heating member.
[0025] Another aspect of the present invention provides a rapid
heating method of the mascara eyelash curler, comprising the steps
of: deciding to turn on/off an activation switch; if the activation
switch is turned on, a battery supplying, to a heating member, a
power supply voltage larger than a rated voltage accommodated by
the heating member; if the temperature of the heating member
reaches an appropriate temperature, supplying the power from the
battery to the heating member at predetermined time intervals; and
after elapse of preset time from turning on the activation switch,
cutting off the power supply from the battery to the heating
member.
[0026] The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler and the rapid
heating method of the mascara eyelash curler in accordance with the
present invention have the following advantages.
[0027] (1) The battery is accommodated in a space defined by the
body and the grip, so a separate battery holder for constructing a
circuit for the battery is no longer required.
[0028] (2) Since the terminal, which is provided to electrically
connect a PCB for controlling the mascara eyelash curler with the
battery, is arranged at the inner surface of the body, the
electrical conductivity structure between the PCB and the battery
can be simplified.
[0029] (3) Since the terminal is coupled to a stepped portion on
the inner surface of the body, the terminal and the body are
coupled to each other in a neat and tidy manner.
[0030] (4) The battery is installed tightly, leaving almost no gap
between the battery itself and the battery-storage space, so the
battery can be secured more stably.
[0031] (5) Since the supply voltage (3V) of the battery used as a
power supply means is relatively higher than the rated voltage
(1.8V) the electric heating wire used as a heater can accommodate,
an overcurrent momentarily flows through the electric heating wire
to rapidly heat the heating unit arranged in the eyelash shaping
part, so eyelash shaping is done in a much reduced amount of
time.
[0032] (6) When the heating temperature of the heating unit reaches
a proper temperature for shaping eyelashes, the temperature sensor
built in the heating unit produces a light signal indicative of
proper temperature so the eyelashes may not be shaped with an
insufficiently heated curler or the eyelashes may not be injured by
an overheated curler.
[0033] (7) The user is informed, while in use of the mascara
eyelash curler, of replacement time of the high voltage battery
used as a power supply means, the information being given in form
of blinking LED by a supply voltage-check circuit that is
operationally coupled with the activation switch.
[0034] (8) With the activation switch being turned on, if the body
cap is screwed onto the vial, the activation switch automatically
goes to the off position by the projection that is formed on the
inner face of the cap, so the lifespan of the high voltage battery
can be extended.
[0035] (9) After the temperature of the heating unit reaches a
proper temperature for shaping eyelashes, the activation switch in
the on position automatically goes to the off position in preset
time (e.g., approximately 3 minutes later) to cut off the power
supply from the high voltage battery. In this manner, not only can
the lifespan of the high voltage battery be extended, but the user
is also protected against burns and injuries caused by the
overheated heating unit.
[0036] (10) Teflon wire used as a shape retainer makes sure that
the shape of the electric heating wire of the heating unit is
always retained.
[0037] (11) Teflon wire is strong at the mascara applied for
eyelash shaping and enables the eyelash shaping part to gently
slides along the eyelashes it comes in contact with for easy and
convenient eyelash makeup.
[0038] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention
will be apparent from the following detailed description of the
embodiments, which makes reference to the several figures of the
drawing as listed below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0039] The above and other objects and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description of
the embodiments, given in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0040] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D each show an embodiment of a mascara
eyelash curler according to the prior art;
[0041] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a body of a
rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an upper body of the
rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a fully connected state of the body of the
rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the rapidly heated
mascara eyelash curler according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the rapidly heated mascara
eyelash curler with a cap being attached thereto, according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the rapidly heated mascara
eyelash curler with a cap being detached therefrom, according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the rapidly heated mascara
eyelash curler according to one embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0048] FIG. 9 shows a circuit diagram of the rapidly heated mascara
eyelash curler according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] In the following description of the present invention
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
thereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, exemplary
embodiments illustrating the principles of the present invention
and how it may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized to practice the present invention and
structural and functional changes may be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0050] Hereinafter, the operational principle of the present
invention will be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0051] An eyelash curler according to one embodiment of the present
invention includes a body 300 connected to one side of a grip
100.
[0052] Detachably connected to the other side of the grip 100 is a
mascara vial 200 to enable a user to carry the mascara case
separately.
[0053] The following now explains about an embodiment where the
mascara vial 200 is connected to the other side of the grip
100.
[0054] Defined inside of the mascara case 200 on the other side of
the grip 100 is a mascara-storage space 205 for containing a
mascara liquid.
[0055] The mascara vial 200 is joined with the grip 100 as
follows.
[0056] A mascara brush 221 is formed on one side of a mascara wand
220, and a mascara wand handle 230 is formed to the other side of
the mascara wand 220.
[0057] Along the outer circumferential surface of the mascara wand
handle 230 are formed grooves (not shown) at regular intervals.
[0058] Also, along the inner circumferential surface of the grip
100 are formed projections (not shown) at regular intervals to fit
into the grooves interferentially.
[0059] A screw 231 for the mascara wand handle 231 is provided at
the inner surface of the mascara wand handle 230.
[0060] The screw 231 for the mascara wand handle 231 forms a screw
connection portion with a screw 211 formed on a mascara cap
210.
[0061] The following gives tips on applying mascara kept in the
mascara-storage space 205 for eyelash makeup.
[0062] First, a user detaches the mascara cap 210 from the grip 100
and sweeps the mascara brush 221 attached to the mascara wand 220
vertically in the mascara-storage space 205 to transfer a
sufficient amount of the mascara liquid to the mascara brush
221.
[0063] The user then takes the mascara brush 221 with a sufficient
amount of the mascara liquid thereon out of the mascara cap
210.
[0064] When the mascara brush 221 is being taken out of the mascara
cap 210, a mascara blade 240 which is arranged at the entrance side
of the mascara cap 210 for diminishing the cross-sectional area of
the mascara cap 210 allows only an appropriate amount of the
mascara liquid to be remained at the mascara brush 221.
[0065] In this way, the mascara brush 221 holds an appropriate
amount of the mascara liquid for eyelash makeup.
[0066] For eyelash makeup, the user first applies the mascara
liquid to upper lashes and then lower lashes.
[0067] As the user applies the mascara liquid evenly to the
eyelashes and rolls the mascara brush 221 in an upward direction,
the eyelashes get waved.
[0068] Once the mascara liquid is applied to the eyelashes, the
user dries the mascara liquid to set it on the eyelashes. This is
done with the help of an eyelash shaping part 370 (to be described)
provided at the other side of the grip 100 as part of the body
300.
[0069] The following now explains in detail about the body 300
including the eyelash shaping part 370 used for drying and setting
the mascara liquid on the eyelashes, and the grip 100 where the
body 300 is joined.
[0070] The body 300 includes a space where a battery 500 for
connecting high voltage power to the eyelash shaping part 370 is
accommodated, and the eyelash shaping part 370 formed extendedly
from the body 300.
[0071] The eyelash shaping part 370 is provided with a heating unit
375 having an electric heating wire 371.
[0072] The grip 100 with which the body 300 is joined has a hollow
cylindrical shape, and a space (not shown) is defined at one side
of the grip 100 to accommodate the mascara vial 200 as noted
earlier.
[0073] In addition, a space (not shown) is defined at the other
side of the grip 100 to accommodate the body 300.
[0074] The space reserved for the mascara vial 200 at one side of
the grip 100 and the space reserved for the body 300 at the other
side of the grip 100 are created by a circular inner partition
plate 130 placed inside the grip 100.
[0075] Since the circular inner partition plate 130 is installed
closer to the mascara vial 200, the space for the mascara vial 200
is relatively smaller than the space for the body 300.
[0076] The following now explains how the grip 100 and the body 300
are joined with each other.
[0077] The grip 100 has a click groove 101 formed on the entrance
side (not shown) joining with the body 300.
[0078] In a corresponding position to the click groove 101 of the
grip, a click protrusion 301 is then formed at a protruded plate
302 of a lower body 381 as part of the body 300.
[0079] The click protrusion 301 is formed on the outside of the
protruded plate 302.
[0080] Therefore, when the body 300 is pushed into the grip 100,
the click protrusion 301 of the body is inserted into the click
groove 101 of the grip, thereby joining the grip 100 and the body
300 together.
[0081] The protruded plate 302 having the click protrusion 302
formed thereon is provided at a part of the lower body 381 of the
body 300, and a space 303 is created at the lateral surface and the
front surface of the protruded plate 302 as a room for allowing
deformation of the protruded plate 302.
[0082] That is to say, by virtue of the space 303 given to the
lateral surface and front surface of the protruded plate 302, the
protruded plate 302 is free to make a slight deformation inwardly
of the lower body 381.
[0083] Thus, the click protrusion 301 of the protruded plate 302
experiences a slight elastic deformation inwardly of the lower body
381 as it is joined with the grip 100.
[0084] Once the click protrusion 301 of the protruded plate 302
fits into the click groove 101 of the grip 100, the elastic
deformation occurred in the click protrusion 301 of the protruded
plate 302 disappears, and the click protrusion 301 gets out of the
lower body 381 through the click groove 101 of the grip 100.
[0085] The following now explains an example of how to separate the
grip 100 from its joined state with the body 300.
[0086] First, the user presses the click protrusion 301 formed at
the protruded plate 302 of the lower body 381 inwardly of the lower
body 381. Then, elastic deformation occurs to the click protrusion
301 to make it escape from the protruded plate 302 through the
click groove 101 of the grip 100.
[0087] When the user pulls the grip 100 while the click protrusion
301 is free, the grip 100 and the body 300 are separated from each
other.
[0088] Meanwhile, when the grip 100 and the body 300 are joined
together, a space is created therein as a housing space for a
replaceable, high voltage battery 500 that connects power to the
heating unit 375 of the eyelash shaping part 370 to heat the
electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375.
[0089] The eyelash shaping part 370 is extendedly formed from the
body 300, and arranged inside the eyelash shaping part 370 is the
heating unit 375 that is heated by the high voltage power supplied
from the high voltage battery 500.
[0090] The eyelash shaping part 370 has a plurality of comb-shaped
safety projections 372 to protect the eyelashes against any
possible injuries caused by heat from the electric heating wire 371
of the heating unit 375.
[0091] Spaces are formed between the comb-shaped safety projections
372 at regular intervals to let the eyelashes smoothly slide into
the spaces during the eyelash makeup.
[0092] The following now explains about a rapid heating operation
of the heating unit 375 by the connection of high voltage power of
the high voltage battery 500.
[0093] The high voltage battery 500 is a replaceable battery having
3V nominal capacity, in place of conventionally used batteries
having a 1.5V nominal capacity.
[0094] Since the high voltage battery 500 has a 3V nominal
capacity, it can supply a relatively high voltage to the heating
unit 375, compared with regular batteries.
[0095] The heating unit 375, to which high voltage power from the
high voltage battery 500 is connected to generate heat necessary to
shape or curl the eyelashes, is composed of an electric heating
wire 371 and a Teflon wire 373.
[0096] The electric heating wire 371 winds around the U-shaped
Teflon wire 373, and a coupling element 374 is formed by soldering
or the like between the electric heating wire 371 and a PCB 320
with a built-in IC chip 321 for controlling the operation of the
mascara eyelash curler.
[0097] The heating unit 375 is heated up by high voltage power that
is selectively supplied from the high voltage battery 500 to the
electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375 in response to
the operation of the activation switch 310 which is turned on or
off as being pressed up or down on the outer surface of the grip
100.
[0098] That is, a conductive contactor (not shown) is formed on the
rear surface of the activation switch 310 to be connected with a
terminal of the PCB 320.
[0099] When the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on
position, its conductive contactor contacts the terminal of the PCB
320, and such a touch enables power supply to the electric heating
wire 371 and the LED 360 of the heating unit 375, and to the IC
chip 321 in the PCB 320.
[0100] When the activation switch 310 is pressed down to the off
position, on the other hand, its conductive contactor does not
touch the terminal of the PCB 320 so power supply to the electric
heating wire 371 and the LED 360 of the heating unit 375, and to
the IC chip 321 in the PCB 320 is cut off.
[0101] As noted before, the heating unit 375 includes the electric
heating wire 371, and a rated voltage accommodated by the electric
heating wire 371 is approximately 1.8V.
[0102] When the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on
position, high voltage power (i.e. 3V) from the high voltage
battery 550 is connected to the electric heating wire 371.
[0103] As mentioned above, since the rated voltage of the electric
heating wire 371 is approximately 1.8V, the connection of high
voltage power substantially above the rated voltage of the electric
heating wire 371 rapidly overheats the electric heating wire
371.
[0104] Therefore, the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit
375 is rapidly overheated immediately after the activation switch
310 is pushed up to the on position, reaching an appropriate
temperature for shaping eyelashes in a very short period of
time.
[0105] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 9, the following now explains
in detail about a rapid heating method of the eyelash curler
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0106] The electric heating wire 371 is coupled, as described
earlier, with the PCB 320 by the coupling element 374 used for
itself and the PCB.
[0107] The PCB 320 includes an IC chip 321 and an FET 322.
[0108] The high voltage battery 500 is connected to a condenser C1,
and high voltage power is connected from the high voltage battery
500 to the IC chip 321.
[0109] The IC chip 321 has the following roles.
[0110] When the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on
position, the IC chip 321 sends a signal to immediately connect
high voltage power from the high voltage battery 500 to the
electric heating wire 371, thereby controlling the power connection
time of a 3V supply voltage for enabling rapid heating of the
electric heating wire 371.
[0111] Once the electric heating wire 371 has reached an
appropriate temperature for eyelash makeup, the IC chip 321
controls the power supply to be done intermittently at fixed time
intervals of about 10 sec to 15 sec so as to compensate any
temperature drop in the electric heating wire 371 during the
eyelash shaping as it is exposed to a contact with air.
[0112] By intermittently connecting power to the electric heating
wire 371 at fixed time intervals, the electric heating wire 371 is
maintained at an appropriate temperature for shaping eyelashes.
[0113] After elapse of approximately three minutes since the
activation switch 310 was pressed up to the on position and stayed
on, even if the user does not press down the activation switch 310
to the off position, the IC chip 321 controls that the current of
the high voltage battery would be cut off automatically for the
sake of increasing lifespan of the high voltage battery 500 and
keeping user safety.
[0114] The current connection control is achieved by virtue of a
preset timer in the IC chip 321.
[0115] More details on the IC chip 321 are now proved below.
[0116] There are eight pins in the IC chip 321.
[0117] First, a voltage for driving the IC chip 321 is input
through the 8th pin, and the 1st pin is used as a path (ground) to
output the applied voltage to the IC chip 321.
[0118] The 6th pin sends pre-programmed signals to the 2nd and 5th
pins, if the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on
position.
[0119] In response to the signal from the 6th pin, the 2nd pin
sends a signal for activating the LED 360.
[0120] A resistor R1 is connected between the LED 360 and the IC
chip 321.
[0121] In response to the signal from the 6th pin, a signal flowing
out of the IC chip 321 from the 5th pin goes through a resistor R3
connected to the IC chip 321.
[0122] In response to the signal from the 5th pin, a 3V power
supplied from the high voltage battery 500 crosses the FET 322 and
flows to the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375. As
such, the power connected electric heating wire 371 is heated up
rapidly.
[0123] The 3rd pin is a grounding pin, and the 4th pin is connected
to a resistor R2 and to a condenser C2.
[0124] The FET 322 stands for Field-Effect Transistor, which plays
a role in the output current control with an input voltage, based
on the similar operating principle of a vacuum tube.
[0125] When the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375
is properly warmed up, the user curls her eyelashes upwardly with
the safety projections 372 being positioned towards the eyelashes.
Then, when the user brushes her eyelashes upwardly, the heat of the
electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375 dries and sets
the mascara liquid applied to the eyelashes so the user gets waved
eyelashes as desired.
[0126] For the sake of increasing lifespan of the high voltage
battery 500 and protecting the user against any possible injuries,
the activation switch 310 is automatically turned off when a body
lid 400 covers the body 300.
[0127] That is, even though the activation switch 310 provided at
the outside the body 300 may be in the on position, if the user
covers the body 300 with the body lid 400, an inner projection 402
formed on the inside of the body lid 400 comes in contact with the
activation switch 310.
[0128] If the body lid 400 is pushed further towards the body 300,
the inner projection 402 on the body lid in contact with the
activation switch 310 moves the activation switch 310 to the off
position.
[0129] Furthermore, the LED 360 indicating an operation state of
the body 300 and the temperature sensor 361 indicating an
appropriate temperature for shaping eyelashes are arranged between
the activation switch 310 in the body and the eyelash shaping part
370.
[0130] The temperature sensor 361 shows a similar color (i.e.
black) to the body 300 if it is not powered.
[0131] Meanwhile, as the heating unit 375 is heated up and its
temperature gets higher, the color of the temperature sensor 361
gradually turns from block to red by the time it is ready for
eyelash shaping.
[0132] The LED 360 arranged between the activation switch 310 and
the temperature sensor 361 is lighted when the activation switch
310 moves to the on position, and the LED light is turned off when
the activation switch 310 moves to the off position.
[0133] The emission wavelength of the LED 360 varies depending on
the kind of impurity added to a semiconductor.
[0134] Therefore, the LED can emit a variety colors such as green,
red, yellow, blue, white and the like according to the kind of
added impurity.
[0135] In one embodiment of the present invention, a red LED is
used to emit red light featuring excellent visibility and having
the longest wavelength in the visible range.
[0136] If an output voltage of the high voltage battery 500 becomes
lower than a predetermined reference in the IC chip 321, it is
suggested that the user should press the activation switch 310 up
to the on position and then turns on-and-off the LED 360 three
times in a row, that is, the red light is turned on and off three
times.
[0137] By repeatedly turning on and off the LED 360, the user
easily learns when to replace the high voltage battery 500.
[0138] The following now explains about the high voltage battery
500 housed in the space defined by the joined grip 100 and body
300, and first and second connection terminals 350 and 305
connected to the high voltage battery 500.
[0139] The first connection terminal 350 includes a PCB connection
element 354 connected to the PCB 320, and a battery anode
connection element 352 connected to the anode of the high voltage
battery 500.
[0140] Thus, one side of the first connection terminal 350 is
connected to the PCB 320, and the other side of the first
connection terminal 350 is connected to the anode of the high
voltage battery 500 through an anode connection terminal 120 of the
high voltage battery 500.
[0141] The PCB connection element 354 of the first connection
terminal 350 is relatively shorter than the battery anode
connection element 352 of the first connection terminal 350, and is
used to connect the first connection terminal 350 to the PCB
320.
[0142] The battery anode connection element 352 of the first
connection terminal 350 has a plurality of first connection
terminal grooves 351.
[0143] Also, the battery anode connection element 352 of the first
connection terminal 350 has a projection 353 that is protruded
outwardly of the body 300.
[0144] When the body 300 joins with the grip 100, the projection
353 comes in contact with a lateral surface 121 of the anode
connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery.
[0145] An example of how the first connection terminal 350 is
secured to a first connection terminal seat 340 in the body 300 is
now explained below.
[0146] In order to make the first connection terminal 350 settled
in the first connection terminal seat 340, the plurality of grooves
351 formed in the first connection terminal 350 receives
therethrough a plurality of first connection terminal locking
projections 341 that are formed at corresponding positions to the
grooves 351.
[0147] The plurality of the first connection terminal locking
projections 341 that fit into the plurality of grooves 351 formed
in the first connection terminal 350 form fused junctions by
ultrasonic soldering.
[0148] By such fused junctions, the first connection terminal 350
is securely seated into the body 300.
[0149] Also, the first connection terminal locking projections 341,
which are slightly protruded inwardly towards the body 300, are
fused or molten by ultrasonic soldering to suffer a slight decrease
in their height during the formation of the fused junctions with
the first connection terminal 350.
[0150] In result, during replacement of the high voltage battery
500 in the space defined by the joined body 300 and grip 100, the
first connection terminal locking projections 341 do not impede
putting in or taking out the replaceable battery 500.
[0151] To ensure the first connection terminal 350 is securely
seated on the inside of the lower body 381 of the body 300, the
seat 340 has a stepped surface. This stepped portion will be
referred to as a first connection terminal seat step 342.
[0152] The first connection terminal seat step 342 is in a recess
form in correspondence to the shape of the first connection
terminal 350 seated on the inside of the lower body 381 of the body
300.
[0153] Thus, the first connection terminal 350 fits into the
recessed portion of the first connection terminal seat step 342,
and, as noted earlier, the first connection terminal locking
projections 341 formed on the inside of the lower body 381 are
inserted into the first connection terminal grooves 351.
[0154] Furthermore, the projection 353 of the battery anode
connection element 352 of the first connection terminal is inserted
into a first connection terminal seat groove 343.
[0155] The projection 353 of the battery anode connection element
352 of the first connection terminal being inserted into a first
connection terminal seat groove 343 then comes in contact with the
lateral surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the
high voltage battery connected to the anode of the high voltage
500.
[0156] The following now explains in details about the anode
connection terminal 120 of the high voltage terminal.
[0157] One side of the bottom surface of the anode connection
terminal 120 of the high voltage battery comes in contact with the
inner partition plate 130 of the grip, and the other side of the
bottom surface of the anode connection terminal 120 comes in
contact with an anode contact spring 110 of the high voltage
battery.
[0158] Therefore, the high voltage battery 500 housed in the space
defined by the joined body 300 and grip 100 is brought into contact
with the anode contact spring 110, and the anode contact spring 110
is brought into contact with the anode connection terminal 120 of
the high voltage battery.
[0159] The following now explains about the configuration of a
circuit for connecting high voltage power between the high voltage
battery 500 and the PCB 320.
[0160] The lateral face 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of
the high voltage battery that is designed to contact the inner
surface of the grip 100 is also brought into contact with the
projection 353 of the battery anode connection element of the first
connection terminal (to be described).
[0161] Meanwhile, a cathode of the high voltage battery 500 comes
in contact with the second connection terminal 305 connected to the
PCB 320.
[0162] As discussed before, the first connection terminal 350 is
seated in the first connection seat 340 formed on the inner surface
of the body 300.
[0163] The high voltage battery 500 is accommodated in the space
defined by the joined body 300 and grip 100.
[0164] Therefore, the first connection terminal 350 is positioned
between the high voltage battery 500 and the body 300, and, in
particular, the battery anode connection element 352 of the first
connection terminal 350 is arranged in parallel to the outer
surface of the high voltage battery 500.
[0165] The projection 353 formed on the battery anode connection
element of the first connection terminal is inserted into the first
connection terminal seat groove 343 formed in the position
corresponding to the projection 353.
[0166] The projection 353 of the battery anode connection element
of the first connection terminal is slightly protruded outwardly of
the body 300, passing through the first connection terminal seat
groove 343.
[0167] As such, the projection 353 of the battery anode connection
element of the first connection terminal being slightly protruded
outwardly of the body 300 then comes in contact with the lateral
surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high
voltage battery.
[0168] As just mentioned above, the anode of the high voltage
battery 350 contacts the lateral surface 121 of the anode
connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery which is
connected with the anode connection contact spring 110 of the high
voltage battery.
[0169] The projection 353 of the battery anode connection element
of the first connection terminal in contact with the lateral
surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high
voltage battery forms, through the first connection terminal 350, a
part of the circuit to enable connection between the PCB 320 and
the anode of the high voltage battery 350.
[0170] In addition, the same projection 353 forms, through the
second connection terminal 305 of the high voltage battery, a part
of the circuit to enable connection between the PCB 320 and the
cathode of the high voltage battery 350.
[0171] Accordingly, high voltage power is connected to the PCB 320
through the first and second connection terminals 350 and 305 which
are connected to the anode and cathode of the high voltage battery
500, respectively.
[0172] The following now explains in detail about the support of
the PCB 320 onto the inside the body 300.
[0173] The PCB 320 is supported by a first support 386 and a second
support 387 for the PCB provided at the lower body 381.
[0174] The first PCB support 386 has a stepped portion (not shown)
not only to stably support the PCB 320, but also to immobilize the
PCB 320.
[0175] The second PCB support 387 assists the first PCB support 386
in support of the PCB 320.
[0176] The PCB 320 is therefore fitted stably into a space that is
defined by part (not shown) of the lateral surface of the lower
body 381 at the contact area between the first support 386 and the
PCB 320, and by electric heating wire supports 390 and 391 and the
second support 387.
[0177] The electric heating wire 371 connected to the PCB 320 and
the Teflon wire 373 wound by the electric heating wire 371 are
supported through two grooves (not shown) formed by joining the
electric heating wire support 391 provided at the lower body and
the electric heating wire support 390 provided at the upper
body.
[0178] The upper body 380 and the lower body 381 are joined to form
the body 300 as follows.
[0179] First, a first coupling element 382 and a second coupling
element 384 formed on the upper body 380 are joined with a first
coupling element 383 and a second coupling element 385 formed on
the upper body 381, respectively.
[0180] The first coupling element 382 of the upper body has a
protruded safety bar (not shown) to get into a groove in the first
coupling element 383.
[0181] The cross section of the first coupling element 382 of the
upper body has an angle bracket shape, creating a hollow space
inside.
[0182] Thus, the interior space formed in the first coupling
element 382 of the upper body facilitates its insertion into the
groove of the first coupling element 383 of the lower body, thereby
functioning as a buffer to allow a slight elastic deformation which
occurs to the first coupling element 382 of the upper body.
[0183] The second coupling element 384 of the upper body also has a
safety bar (not shown) to enable its insertion into the groove of
the second coupling element 385 of the lower body.
[0184] As the safety bars fit into the corresponding grooves, the
upper body 380 and the lower body 381 are smoothly joined together,
thereby completing the body 300.
[0185] Then the body 300, as noted earlier, provides a housing
space for the high voltage battery 500.
[0186] While the invention has been shown and described with
respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *