U.S. patent application number 13/335306 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for apparatus for packaging and applying an artificial eyelash and method for applying the packaged artificial eyelash.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kiss Nail Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ki-chul AHN, Sung-an Chae, Kyu-sang Han, Won-seok Oh. Invention is credited to Ki-chul AHN, Sung-an Chae, Kyu-sang Han, Won-seok Oh.
Application Number | 20130160787 13/335306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48653344 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130160787 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chae; Sung-an ; et
al. |
June 27, 2013 |
APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING AN ARTIFICIAL EYELASH AND
METHOD FOR APPLYING THE PACKAGED ARTIFICIAL EYELASH
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for packaging and applying artificial
eyelashes, and a method is provided for applying the packaged
artificial eyelashes. The apparatus includes a packaging tray
having a top surface, and at least one artificial eyelash
applicator integrated with the top surface of the packaging tray
through at least one attachment point, and removable from the
packaging tray when the at least one attachment point is
broken.
Inventors: |
Chae; Sung-an; (Levittown,
NY) ; Han; Kyu-sang; (Port Washington, NY) ;
AHN; Ki-chul; (Jericho, NY) ; Oh; Won-seok;
(Port Washington, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chae; Sung-an
Han; Kyu-sang
AHN; Ki-chul
Oh; Won-seok |
Levittown
Port Washington
Jericho
Port Washington |
NY
NY
NY
NY |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kiss Nail Products, Inc.
Port Washington
NY
|
Family ID: |
48653344 |
Appl. No.: |
13/335306 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/201 ; 132/53;
206/216; 206/581 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20130101; B65D
85/00 20130101; B65D 25/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/201 ;
206/216; 206/581; 132/53 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20060101
A41G005/02; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00; B65D 81/36 20060101
B65D081/36 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for packaging and applying artificial eyelashes,
the apparatus comprising: a packaging tray having a top surface; at
least one artificial eyelash applicator integrated with the top
surface of the packaging tray through at least one attachment
point, and removable from the packaging tray when the at least one
attachment point is broken.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator comprises a main body upon which an artificial
eyelash is disposed, and at least one leg extending from the main
body for handling the at least one artificial eyelash
applicator.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator comprises at least one aperture through the main
body at a position where the at least one leg meets the main
body.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an adhesive layer
that is attached to a bottom surface of the main body covering the
at least one aperture, wherein adhesive from the adhesive layer is
accessible from a top surface of the main body for temporary
adherence of the artificial eyelash to the main body.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein adhesive is disposed on a top
surface of the main body at a position where the at least one leg
meets the main body for temporary adherence of the at least one
artificial eyelash to the main body.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator is integrated with the top surface of the
packaging tray through a plurality of attachment points, the
remainder of the at least one artificial eyelash applicator is
separated from the packaging tray, and the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator comprises two legs, one disposed at each end of
the main body.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein two attachment points are
disposed on each side of the main body of the at least one
artificial eyelash applicator proximate to an area where the two
legs meet the main body.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator lies in-line with contours of the top surface of
the packaging tray.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the two legs extend from the
main body when the packaging tray is bent along an axis that runs
parallel with a length of the main body.
10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein two attachment points are
disposed on a single side of the main body opposite from a
direction that the two legs extends from the main body.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the two legs of the at least
one artificial eyelash applicator project outward at an angle from
the top surface of the packaging tray.
12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator is removed from the packaging tray when force is
applied to the at least one leg, breaking the at least one
attachment point.
13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator comprises two legs, one disposed at each end of
the main body, and a central region of the main body between the
two legs has an accordion shape that provides flexibility to the at
least one artificial eyelash applicator when the at least one
artificial eyelash applicator is bent due to individual forces
applied to the two legs.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the packaging tray comprises
at least one contoured projection that is disposed adjacent to a
side of the main body opposite that from which the at least one leg
extends, and wherein the at least one contoured projection is
shaped to support a base of the artificial eyelash when the
artificial eyelash is disposed on the at least one artificial
eyelash applicator and the at least one artificial eyelash
applicator is integrated with the top surface of the packaging
tray.
15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash is
disposed on the main body such that an angle from which the
artificial eyelash extends from its own base is approximately 20-30
degrees from the top surface of the packaging tray.
16. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash is
disposed on the main body such that a line extending through the
length of the base of the artificial eyelash forms an angle of
approximately 10-30 degrees with the top surface of the packaging
tray.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises two
artificial eyelash applicators.
18. An apparatus for packaging and applying artificial eyelashes,
the apparatus comprising: a packaging tray having a top surface and
one or more receiving slits in the top surface; at least one
artificial eyelash applicator attached to the top surface of the
packaging tray via insertion of at least one portion of the
artificial eyelash applicator into the one or more receiving
slits.
19. An apparatus for applying artificial eyelashes, the apparatus
comprising: a main body upon which an artificial eyelash is
disposed; and two legs extending from the main body for handling
the at least one artificial eyelash applicator, one disposed at
each end of the main body.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising two apertures
through the main body, each at position where the one of the two
legs meets the main body.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising adhesive layers
that are attached to a bottom surface of the main body covering the
two apertures, wherein adhesive from the adhesive layers is
accessible from a top surface of the main body for temporary
adherence of the artificial eyelash to the main body.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein adhesive is disposed on a
top surface of the main body at positions where the two legs meets
the main body for temporary adherence of the at least one
artificial eyelash to the main body.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a central region of the main
body between the two legs has an accordion shape that provides
flexibility to the at least one artificial eyelash applicator when
the at least one artificial eyelash applicator is bent due to
individual forces applied to the two legs.
24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the artificial eyelash is
disposed on the main body such that a line extending through the
length of the base of the artificial eyelash forms an angle of
approximately 10-30 degrees with a top surface of the two legs.
25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the main body and the two
legs comprise a cover layer disposed over an adhesive layer.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the main body has a portion
of the adhesive layer exposed.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the cover layer is precut
across the two legs for removal of the cover layer and exposing the
adhesive layer at a lower half of each of the two legs.
28. A method for applying artificial eyelashes comprising the steps
of: applying force to at least one leg of an artificial eyelash
applicator integrated with a top surface of a packaging tray such
that at least one attachment point between the artificial eyelash
applicator and the packaging tray breaks; removing the artificial
eyelash applicator from the packaging tray, wherein an artificial
eyelash is disposed on the artificial eyelash applicator; and
applying the artificial eyelash to an eyelid of a user using the
artificial eyelash applicator.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising bending the
packaging tray so that the at least one leg of the artificial
eyelash applicator is moved from in-line with contours of the top
surface of the packaging tray to projecting outwardly at an angle
from the top surface of the packaging tray.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein in applying the artificial
eyelash comprises: activating an adhesive at a base of the
artificial eyelash; bending the artificial eyelash applicator and
the artificial eyelash in accordance with contours of the eyelid of
the user; applying the artificial eyelash to the eyelid of the
user; and removing the artificial eyelash applicator from the
artificial eyelash; wherein the artificial eyelash applicator
comprises two legs and a central region between the two legs having
an accordion shape that provides flexibility to the artificial
eyelash applicator.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cosmetic items,
and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for packaging
and applying an artificial eyelash and a method for applying the
packaged artificial eyelash.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] As an alternative to or in addition to mascara, eyelash
lengthening, darkening or thickening may be accomplished by
attaching artificial eyelashes to a user's eyelids to enhance the
appearance of eyelashes. Such artificial eyelashes are generally
secured to the user's eyelids by an adhesive.
[0005] The artificial eyelashes may be manually applied to an
eyelid with the user's fingers. Specifically, an artificial eyelash
may be gripped by the fingers, bent to a selected curvature, and
applied to the eyelid. Applicators have been introduced for use in
artificial eyelash application. Effective application requires the
proper adjustment for curvature of the user's eyelid, and also
requires accurate placement of the artificial eyelash. However,
typically, the location of the user's hands, fingers and the
applicator, which are proximate to the user's eye during
application, may obstruct the user's view in a mirror, making
proper placement of the artificial eyelash difficult.
[0006] The adhesive used to secure the artificial eyelash to the
user's eyelid can adhere to the user's fingers and/or the
applicator, requiring excessive handling of the artificial eyelash
and causing unwanted distortion and bending of the artificial
eyelash. Existing applicator devices also do not adequately allow
for effective application of the artificial eyelash on different
eye shapes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been made to address at least the
above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the
advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present
invention provides an apparatus for packaging and applying an
artificial eyelash and a method for applying the packaged
artificial eyelash.
[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus is provided for packaging and applying artificial
eyelashes. The apparatus includes a packaging tray having a top
surface, and at least one artificial eyelash applicator integrated
with the top surface of the packaging tray through at least one
attachment point, and removable from the packaging tray when the at
least one attachment point is broken.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for packaging and applying artificial eyelashes is
provided. The apparatus includes a packaging tray having a top
surface and one or more receiving slits in the top surface. The
apparatus also includes at least one artificial eyelash applicator
attached to the top surface of the packaging tray via insertion of
at least one portion of the artificial eyelash applicator into the
one or more receiving slits.
[0010] According to an additional aspect of the present invention,
an apparatus is provided for applying artificial eyelashes. The
apparatus includes a main body upon which an artificial eyelash is
disposed. The apparatus also includes two legs extending from the
main body for handling the at least one artificial eyelash
applicator, one disposed at each end of the main body.
[0011] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
method for applying an artificial eyelash is provided. Force is
applied to at least one leg of an artificial eyelash applicator
integrated with a top surface of a packaging tray such that at
least one attachment point between the artificial eyelash
applicator and the packaging tray breaks. The artificial eyelash
applicator is removed from the packaging tray. An artificial
eyelash is disposed on the artificial eyelash applicator. The
artificial eyelash is applied to an eyelid of a user using the
artificial eyelash applicator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top view of a packaging
tray for artificial eyelashes, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the
packaging tray for artificial eyelashes, according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an artificial eyelash
applicator integrated with the packaging tray, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a series of diagrams illustrating removal of the
artificial eyelash applicator from the packaging tray, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the artificial eyelash
applicator removed from the packaging tray, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an artificial eyelash
applicator integrated with the packaging tray, according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the
packaging tray for artificial eyelashes, according to the
embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 provides diagrams illustrating top and bottom
surfaces of the artificial eyelash applicator, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the
artificial eyelash applicator, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an artificial eyelash
application methodology, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating perspective
views of an artificial eyelash applicator integrated with a
packaging tray, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating perspective
views of the artificial eyelash applicator of FIG. 11, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating removal of a
cover layer from an adhesive layer of the artificial eyelash
applicator, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar
components may be designated by the same or similar reference
numerals although they are illustrated in different drawings.
Detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the
art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the
present invention. Further, in the following description of the
present invention, various specific definitions found in the
following description are provided only to provide a general
understanding of the present invention, and it is apparent to those
skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented
without such definitions.
[0027] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrates a top
view of a packaging tray 100 for artificial eyelashes, according to
an embodiment of the present invention. A top surface of the
packaging tray 100 of FIG. 1 includes first and second integrated
artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104. The first and second
artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104 are attached to the
packaging tray 100 and lie in-line with the contours are of the top
surface of the packaging tray 100. While the embodiment of the
present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 shows two artificial
eyelash applicators, any number of artificial eyelash applicators
may be integrated into the top surface of the packaging tray 100.
First artificial eyelash applicator 102 has a first main body 106
and two corresponding legs 108a and 108b, while second artificial
eyelash applicator 104 has a second main body 110 and two
corresponding legs 112a and 112b. The corresponding legs 108a,
108b, 112a and 112b extend in substantially the same direction from
one of the main bodies 106 and 110. While the embodiment of the
present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 shows artificial eyelash
applicators having two legs, any number of legs may be provided
that also allow for proper application of the artificial eyelash.
Further, the main bodies 106 and 110 are shown having a slightly
concave curvature that results in a slight wishbone shape of the
first and second artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104.
[0028] First and second artificial eyelashes 114 and 116 are
disposed on and temporarily adhered to the main bodies 106 and 110
of the first and second artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104,
respectively. Base portions of the first and second artificial
eyelashes 114 rest on first and second contoured projections 118
and 120 of the packaging tray 100. The first and second contoured
projections 118 and 120 are disposed on a side of the main bodies
106 and 110 opposite that from which the corresponding legs 108a,
108b, 112a and 112b extend.
[0029] Both the packaging tray 100 and the integrated artificial
eyelash applicators 102 and 104 may be composted a synthetic or
semi-synthetic organic solid, such as, for example, a lightweight
or thin plastic or polymer.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrates a side view
of the packaging tray 100, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The second artificial eyelash 116 is disposed on
the second artificial eyelash applicator 104 in a specific
position. The second contoured projection 120 of the packaging tray
100 supports this specific position of the artificial eyelash 116.
More specifically, in this embodiment of the present invention, an
angle from which the second artificial eyelash 116 extends from its
own base is preferably approximately 20-30 degrees from a vertical
line representing the top surface of the packaging tray 100.
Accordingly, a front surface of the second contoured projection 120
that supports the base of the second artificial eyelash 116 is also
angled at 20-30 degrees from the vertical line of the packaging
tray 100. The first artificial eyelash 114 and the first contoured
projection 118 are angled in a similar manner. This angled
disposition of the first and second artificial eyelashes 114 and
116 allow for proper display when the first and second contoured
projections 118 and 120 are envisioned as the eyelids of the user.
Further, this angled disposition maintains the first and second
artificial eyelashes 114 and 116 in the proper shape so that they
are not damaged within the packaging.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates the first artificial
eyelash applicator 102, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 3 provides a view of the first artificial eyelash
applicator 102 prior to application of the first artificial eyelash
114. As described above with respect to FIG. 1, the first
artificial eyelash applicator 102 includes the first main body 106
and two corresponding legs 108a and 108b. The second eyelash
applicator 104 has a configuration that is substantially identical
to that described herein with respect to FIG. 3.
[0032] The first artificial eyelash applicator 102 is integrated
with the packaging tray 100 through four attachment points
122a-122d. The remaining portions and edges of the first artificial
eyelash applicator 102 are detached from the packaging tray 100.
The four attachment points 122a-122d are preferably disposed on
each side of the first main body 106 proximate to an area where the
corresponding legs 108a and 108b meet the first main body 106. The
four attachment points 122a-122d maintain the first artificial
eyelash applicator 102 in-line with the contours of the packaging
tray 100. The first artificial eyelash applicator 102 is removed
from the packaging tray by breaking the four attachment points
122a-122d. While this embodiment of the present invention
illustrates four attachment points 122a-122d, any number of
connection points may be utilized that maintain the artificial
eyelash applicator 102 in the proper position with respect to this
embodiment and also allow for removal of the artificial eyelash
applicator 102 from the packaging tray 100.
[0033] The first artificial eyelash applicator 102 also includes a
flexible region 124. The flexible region 124 is disposed in a
central portion of the first main body 106. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the flexible region 124 is cut
to an accordion shape so that the first artificial eyelash
applicator 102 is easily bent when the first artificial eyelash
applicator 102 is being used to apply the first artificial eyelash
114, which will be described in greater detail below with reference
to FIG. 10.
[0034] Further, with respect to FIG. 3, the first artificial
eyelash applicator 102 is shown to include a portion of the first
contoured projection 118. More specifically, when the first
artificial eyelash applicator 102 is removed from the packaging
tray 100 a portion of the first contoured projection is also
removed. Thus, the main body 106 of the first artificial eyelash
applicator 102 includes both a substantially horizontal portion and
a substantially vertical portion, which form a ledge-like shape.
This shape of the main body 106 allows for easier retention of the
first artificial eyelash 114, when the artificial eyelash
applicator 102 is being used and the first artificial eyelash 114
is being applied.
[0035] The main body 106 of the first artificial eyelash applicator
102 also includes first and second corner regions 126a and 126b.
The first corner region 126a is disposed at a portion of the first
main body 106 that meets the first leg 108a, and the second corner
region 126b is disposed at a portion of the first main body 106
that meets the second leg 108b. Adhesive is applied at both the
first and second corner regions 126a and 126b for temporary
adhesion of the first artificial eyelash 114 to the first main body
106 of the first artificial eyelash applicator 102. Adhesive may be
applied to a top surface of the main body 106 in the first and
second corner regions 126a and 126b, or adhesive may be applied
from a bottom surface of the main body 106 through apertures in the
first and second corner regions 126a and 126b, as described in
greater detail below with reference to FIG. 8.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, a series of diagrams illustrate
removal of the first and second artificial eyelash applicators 102
and 104 from the packaging tray 100, according to an embodiment of
the present invention. As described above, the first and second
artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104 lie in-line with the
contours of the top surface of the packaging tray 100 when
integrated with packaging tray 100. When it is desired to remove
the first and second artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104, a
portion of the first and second artificial eyelash applicators must
extend out from the packaging tray 100 so that the user is able to
grip a portion of the first and second artificial eyelash
applicators 102 and 104 for removal. Thus, the user preferably
bends the packaging tray 100 along an axis `a` that runs parallel
with lengths of the first and second main bodies 106 and 110,
thereby causing the corresponding legs 108a, 108b, 112a and 112b to
extend outwardly at an angle from the top surface of the packaging
tray 100. This allows the user to grip the corresponding legs 108a,
108b, 112a and 112b and break the four connection points 122a-122d
when force is applied, removing the first and second artificial
eyelash applicators 102 and 104 from the packaging tray 100. An
independent artificial eyelash applicator with an adhered
artificial eyelash after removal from the packaging tray 100 is
illustrated in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 5 represents both the first artificial eyelash
applicator 102 with the first artificial eyelash 114 and the second
artificial eyelash applicator 104 with the second artificial
eyelash 116.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first artificial
eyelash applicator 102 integrated with the packaging tray 100,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Specifically, FIG. 6 only differs from FIG. 3 in the number of
attachment points integrating the first artificial eyelash
applicator 102 with the packaging tray 100. Accordingly a detailed
description of the elements of FIG. 6 can be found above with
reference to FIG. 3. The second eyelash applicator 104 has a
configuration that is substantially identical to that described
herein with respect to FIG. 6.
[0038] In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 6, the first artificial eyelash applicator 102
is only connected to the packaging tray 100 at attachment points
122a and 122b. Accordingly, less force is required to remove the
first artificial eyelash applicator 102 from the packaging tray
100. Further, the first artificial eyelash applicator 102 does not
lie in-line with the contours of the packaging tray 100 when
integrated with the packaging tray 100. While this embodiment of
the present invention illustrates two attachment points 122a and
122b, any number of connection points may be utilized that maintain
the artificial eyelash applicator 102 in the proper position with
respect to this embodiment, and also allow for removal of the
artificial eyelash applicator 102 from the packaging tray 100.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrates a perspective
view of the packaging tray 100 for artificial eyelashes, according
to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6.
Specifically, FIG. 7 clearly illustrates that the first and second
artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104 do not lie in-line with
the contours of the packaging tray 100 when only two attachment
points 122a and 122b are provided. Instead the corresponding legs
108a, 108b, 112a and 112b project outwardly at an angle from the
top surface of the packaging tray 100. In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the ends of the corresponding legs 108a,
108b, 112a and 112b are approximately 3-6 millimeters (mm) away
from the top surface of the packaging tray.
[0040] Accordingly, in the embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the packaging tray 100 does not need
to be bent in order for the corresponding legs 108a, 108b, 112a and
112b to project outwardly, and easier access is provided to the
user.
[0041] Although the first and second artificial eyelash applicators
102 and 104 are disposed differently in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
artificial eyelashes 114 and 116 are disposed in the same manner
and at the same angle as described above with respect to FIG. 2.
Further, when the first and second artificial eyelash applicators
102 and 104 are removed from the packaging tray 100 in the
embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, they are still embodied as described
above with respect to FIG. 5.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 8, diagrams illustrate top and bottom
surfaces of the artificial eyelash applicator, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. As described above with
respect to FIG. 3, in order to adhere the first artificial eyelash
114 to the first artificial eyelash applicator 102, adhesive may be
applied to a top surface of the first main body 106 in the first
and second corner regions 126a and 126b, or adhesive may be applied
from a bottom surface of the main body 106 through apertures in the
first and second corner regions 126a and 126b. The embodiment of
the present invention shown in FIG. 8 illustrates first and second
apertures 128a and 128b in the first and second corner regions 126a
and 126b. Adhesive surfaces 130a and 130b, such as tape, is applied
to the bottom surface of the first artificial eyelash applicator
102 over the first and second apertures 128a and 128b. Thus, the
adhesive is accessed from the top surface of the main body 106 of
the first artificial eyelash applicator 102 through each of the
first and second apertures 128a and 128b for application of the
first artificial eyelash 114. The second eyelash applicator 104 may
have a configuration that is substantially identical to that
described herein with respect to FIG. 8.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the first
artificial eyelash applicator 102, according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The first artificial eyelash 114 is disposed
on and adhered to the first artificial eyelash applicator 102 in a
manner that allows for easy application. Specifically, the first
artificial eyelash 114 is disposed such that hands, fingers and the
first artificial eyelash applicator 102, which are proximate to the
user's eye during application, do not obstruct the user's view in a
mirror when placing the first artificial eyelash 114 on the user's
eyelid. A line extending through the length of the base of the
first artificial eyelash 114 is preferably at an angle of
approximately 10-30 degrees from a vertical line of the top surface
of the packaging tray 100 or the first artificial eyelash
applicator 201, in this embodiment of the present invention. This
angle allows for proper sight lines during application of the first
artificial eyelash 114. The second eyelash applicator 104 has a
configuration that is substantially identical to that described
herein with respect to FIG. 9.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow diagram illustrates an
artificial eyelash application methodology, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The methodology begins in at
block 1002 when the packaging tray 100 is bent by a user so that
the corresponding legs 108a, 108b, 112a and 112b of the first and
second artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104 are moved so that
they are no longer in-line with contours of the top surface of the
packaging tray 100. Instead, the corresponding legs 108a, 108b,
112a and 112b now project outwardly at an angle from the top
surface of the packaging tray 100. As described above with respect
to FIGS. 6 and 7, block 1002 may be skipped in the methodology,
when the first and second artificial eyelash applicators 102 and
104 are connected to the packaging tray 100 at fewer attachment
points.
[0045] In block 1004, a force is applied to at least one leg of one
of the first and second artificial eyelash applicators 102 and 104,
such that the attachment points between the artificial eyelash
applicator and the packaging tray 100 break. In block 1006, the
artificial eyelash applicator is removed from the packaging tray.
The artificial eyelash remains disposed on and adhered to the
artificial eyelash applicator.
[0046] In order to apply the artificial eyelash, an adhesive at the
base of the artificial eyelash is activated, by moisture for
example, in block 1008. The user then bends the artificial eyelash
applicator to shape the artificial eyelash to the contours of the
user's eyelid, in block 1010, and applies the base of the
artificial eyelash to the user's eyelid using the artificial
eyelash applicator, in block 1012. As described above with respect
to FIG. 9, the artificial eyelash is disposed on the applicator
such that hands, fingers and the applicator itself do not obstruct
the user's view in a mirror when placing the artificial eyelash on
the user's eyelid. When adhered to the user's eyelid, the
artificial eyelash applicator is removed from the artificial
eyelash, in block 1014. The artificial eyelash applicator is able
to be removed because it has a weaker adhesive than that between
the artificial eyelash and the user's eyelid.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, diagrams illustrate
perspective views of an artificial eyelash applicator integrated
with a packaging tray, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 11A illustrates artificial eyelash applicators
arranged side by side, while FIG. 11B illustrates artificial
eyelash applicators arranged above and below each other. A
packaging tray 1100, a first artificial eyelash applicator 1102,
and a second artificial eyelash applicator 1104 have substantially
the same shape as the corresponding components described with
respect to FIGS. 1-9. However, the packaging tray 1100 also
includes a plurality of primary receiving slits 1132a-1132d. Each
of the plurality of primary receiving slits 1132a-1132d receives a
corresponding end of legs 1108a, 1108b, 1112a and 1112b of the
first and second artificial eyelash applicators 1102 and 1104.
Specifically, a first primary receiving slit 1132a receives an end
of a first leg 1108a of the first artificial eyelash applicator
1102. A second primary receiving slit 1132b receives an end of a
first leg 1112a of the second artificial eyelash applicator 1104. A
third primary receiving slit 1132c receives an end of a second leg
1108b of the first eyelash applicator 1102. A fourth primary
receiving slit 1132d receives an end of a second leg 1112b of the
second eyelash applicator 1104.
[0048] The packaging tray 1100 of FIG. 11 also includes a plurality
of secondary receiving slits 1134a-1134d. Each of the plurality of
secondary receiving slits 1134a-1134d receives an extension from a
corresponding end of first and second main bodies 1106 and 1110 of
the first and second artificial eyelash applicators 1102 and 1104.
Specifically, a first secondary receiving slit 1134a receives an
extension from first end of a first main body 1106 of the first
artificial eyelash applicator 1102. A second secondary receiving
slit 1134b receives an extension from a second opposing end of the
first main body 1106 of the first artificial eyelash applicator
1102. A third secondary receiving slit 1134c receives an extension
from a first end of the second main body 1110 of the second
artificial eyelash applicator 1104. A fourth secondary receiving
slit 1134d receives an extension from a second opposing end of the
second main body 1110 of the second artificial eyelash applicator
1104. The primary and secondary receiving slits 1132a-1134d assist
in maintaining the first and second artificial eyelash applicators
1102 and 1104 in the packaging tray 1100. The embodiments of the
present invention are not limited to this number and configuration
of receiving slits. Specifically, any number and configuration of
receiving slits may be used that achieve the object of maintaining
the artificial eyelash applicators in the packaging tray.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, diagrams illustrate
perspective views of the artificial eyelash applicator of FIGS. 11A
and 11B, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
12A shows the first artificial eyelash applicator 1102 having a
cover layer 1136 that is disposed on top of an adhesive layer 1138.
The cover layer 1136 is precut in an area on each of the first leg
1108a and the second leg 1108b, which allows for removal of the
cover layer 1136 to expose the adhesive layer 1138 beneath. This
removal is described in further detail below with respect to FIGS.
13A and 13B. The cover layer 1136 covers a portion of the first
main body 1106. A remaining portion of the first main body 1106 has
the adhesive layer 1138 exposed. The adhesive layer 1138 is exposed
on this remaining portion of the first main body 1106 for
attachment of the artificial eyelash, as illustrated in FIG.
12B.
[0050] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating removal of a
cover layer from an adhesive layer of the artificial eyelash
applicator of FIG. 11, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13A, the first and second
legs 1108a and 1108b are bent such that tabs 1140a and 1140b are
exposed. The tabs 1140a and 1140b are precut in the cover layer
1136 in a midsection of each of the first and second legs 1108a and
1108b. The cover layer 1136 is then peeled away from the adhesive
layer 1138 using the tabs 1140a and 1140b, exposing the adhesive
layer 1138 on the lower half of each of the first and second legs
1108a and 1108b. The adhesive layer 1138 allows for easier control
of the artificial eyelash applicator during application.
Specifically, the adhesive layer 1138 adheres to the fingers of a
user during application of the artificial eyelash. The second
artificial eyelash applicator 1104 may be embodied in a manner
substantially identical to that described above in FIGS. 12A-13B
with respect to the first artificial eyelash applicator 1104. The
embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the
positioning and shape of the precut lines and the removed portions
of the cover layer on the first and second legs illustrated in
FIGS. 13A and 13B. Further, the embodiments of the present
invention are not limited to the shape, size or number of exposed
adhesive portions on the main body as illustrated in FIGS. 13A and
13B. Specifically, any shape, configuration or number of exposed
portions of adhesive layer may be used that achieve the object of
the present invention.
[0051] The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS.
11A-13B may include a packaging tray constructed of a lightweight
material, such as, for example, paper or cardboard. Further, the
artificial eyelash applicators in this embodiment of the present
invention may also be constructed of a lightweight material that
includes a paper layer with an adhesive and a wax paper cover layer
that covers the adhesive of the paper layer.
[0052] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
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