U.S. patent application number 14/592538 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-30 for eyelash extension, and method for making and attaching the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to MATSUKAZE CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Masahiko SANBONMATSU. Invention is credited to Masahiko SANBONMATSU.
Application Number | 20150114423 14/592538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45769758 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150114423 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SANBONMATSU; Masahiko |
April 30, 2015 |
EYELASH EXTENSION, AND METHOD FOR MAKING AND ATTACHING THE SAME
Abstract
An artificial eyelash 100 for increasing a length of an eyelash
50 is disclosed. The artificial eyelash 100 disclosed herein
includes an artificial eyelash main body 10 and an annular member
20 for coupling the artificial eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash
50. The annular member 20 is formed of a shrinkable material.
Inventors: |
SANBONMATSU; Masahiko;
(Osaka-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SANBONMATSU; Masahiko |
Osaka-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
MATSUKAZE CO., LTD.
OSAKA
JP
|
Family ID: |
45769758 |
Appl. No.: |
14/592538 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13137684 |
Sep 2, 2011 |
8967158 |
|
|
14592538 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/201 ;
132/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/201 ;
132/53 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20060101
A41G005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 3, 2010 |
JP |
2010-197572 |
Apr 11, 2011 |
JP |
2011-001984 |
Apr 11, 2011 |
JP |
2011-001985 |
Jun 30, 2011 |
JP |
2011-003725 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. An eyelash extension for increasing a length of an eyelash, the
eyelash extension comprising: an artificial eyelash main body
having a tip portion and an end portion; and silver ions contained
in the artificial eyelash main body; wherein the end portion of the
artificial eyelash main body has a diameter which is larger than a
diameter of the tip portion.
3. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash
main body is formed of a resin, and the silver ions are dispersed
in the resin.
4. The eyelash extension of claim 3, wherein the resin is
polybutylene terephthalate, and the artificial eyelash main body
has a circular cross-section.
5. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash
main body has a polygonal cross-section.
6. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein the artificial eyelash
main body is colored with a color selected from the group
consisting of black, dark brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green,
light orange, light gold, red, wine red, white and yellow.
7. The eyelash extension of claim 2, wherein an incorporating ratio
(% by mass) of the silver ions is 10% or less.
8. A method for making an eyelash extension, comprising:
incorporating silver ions into a resin; extruding the resin
containing the silver ions from a mold to produce a fibriform
member; and cutting the fibriform member so as to have a length of
the artificial eyelash main body.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: immersing a part of
the artificial eyelash main obtained as a result of the cutting in
a chemical.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: coloring the resin
with a color selected from the group consisting of black, dark
brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold,
red, wine red, white and yellow.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein an incorporating ratio (% by
mass) of the silver ions to the resin is 10% or less.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the resin is polybutylene
terephthalate, and the mold has an opening of a circular
cross-section to produce the fibriform member.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the mold has an opening of a
polygonal cross-section to produce the fibriform member.
14. A method for attaching eyelash extension, comprising: preparing
an eyelash extension including an artificial eyelash main body
having a tip portion and an end portion, the artificial eyelash
main body containing silver ions, wherein the artificial eyelash
main body is formed of a resin and the silver ions are dispersed in
the resin; applying glue to the end portion of the artificial
eyelash main body; and attaching the glue to an eyelash in the
state where the glue is applied to the end portion of the
artificial eyelash main body.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the attaching the glue includes
locating the artificial eyelash main body near the eyelash by
picking up the artificial eyelash main body with tweezers or by
hand.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the resin is colored with a
color selected from the group consisting of black, dark brown,
purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold, red,
wine red, white and yellow.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein an incorporating ratio (% by
mass) of the silver ions to the resin is 10% or less.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/137,684, filed on Sep. 2, 2011, which
claims the benefit of priority based upon Japanese Patent
Application No. 2010-197572 filed on Sep. 3, 2010, Japanese Utility
Model Application No. 2011-1984 filed on Apr. 11, 2011, Japanese
Utility Model Application No. 2011-1985 filed on Apr. 11, 2011, and
Japanese Utility Model Application No. 2011-3725 filed on Jun. 30,
2011, the entirety of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an artificial eyelash, and
specifically to an eyelash extension.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A set of false eyelashes is provided for adding length and
volume to natural eyelashes and thus making eyes appear larger,
more beautiful and more attractive. A false eyelash set is produced
by tying a plurality of artificial eyelashes and providing a glue
portion at an end thereof. The glue portion is attached to an
eyelid of a user, and thus the false eyelash set can add length and
volume to the natural eyelashes of the user (e.g., Japanese
Laid-Open Patent Publications Nos. 2008-231632 and 2005-146500).
Such a false eyelash set is bonded to the skin of the user, and so
makes the user feel uncomfortable and occasionally gives a rash to
the skin of the user.
[0006] In the meantime, an artificial eyelash having substantially
the same shape as that of a natural eyelash and adding length and
volume thereto, namely, a so-called "extension" has been recently
proposed (e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2010-24579). The extension (artificial eyelash) is not bonded to
the eyelid but is directly bonded to an eyelash with glue.
Therefore, the extension makes the user feel comfortable and has a
lower risk of giving a rash to the skin of the user. Since one
extension is bonded to one eyelash, such extensions can add length
and volume to the eyelashes more naturally than the false
eyelashes.
[0007] As described above, the extension is bonded to the eyelash
with glue, and so can lower the risk of giving a rash to the skin
as compared with a false eyelash, the glue component of which is in
contact with the skin (eyelid). However, even though the glue is
bonded to the eyelash instead of the skin (eyelid), when a user
whose skin easily gets a rash due to an allergic reaction to the
glue uses the extension, a volatile substance of the glue or the
solidified glue may possibly cause a rash to the skin of the user.
There is medical glue which does not easily cause a rash to the
skin. However, it is merely that such glue does not easily cause a
rash and it is not that such glue never causes a rash. Such glue is
not commonly used in the industry of eyelash extensions and false
eyelashes. In addition, such medical glue may cause problems in
terms of costs because the materials thereof cost about 100 times
higher than the glue typically used in the industry of eyelash
extensions and false eyelashes.
[0008] Moreover, even if the glue does not cause a rash to the skin
of the user, the smell of the glue may give a discomfort or cause
sneezing or a runny nose to the user. These problems may be caused
to both of the users and engineers who attach the extensions.
However, the extensions cannot be attached to the eyelashes without
glue, and such discomfort cannot be avoided. There is another
problem that when the bonding surfaces have oil components or
stains, the extensions are easily detached.
[0009] The extension disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Publication No. 2010-24579 has a recessed portion which covers at
least 1/4 of the eyelash of the user. A glue is applied to the
extension having such a recessed portion, and the eyelash of the
user is put into close contact with the recessed portion of the
extension. Thus, the extension can be bonded to the eyelash. Owing
to the close contact of the eyelash with the recessed portion, the
bonding area size of the extension and the eyelash can be
increased, which easily prevents the extension from being detached
or slipped.
[0010] However, it takes a lot of time and labor to accurately fit
the recessed portion to each of the eyelashes from below. An
extension with no recessed portion (usual extension) can be bonded
to the eyelash with glue; whereas in the case of the extension
disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-24579,
each eyelash needs to be fit to an inner face of the recessed
portion of the extension. The extension with such a recessed
portion is held by tweezers for operation, and so it needs time and
labor to direct the inner face of the recessed portion upward each
time.
[0011] The extension is not directly attached to the eyelid and so
has a lower risk of causing a rash to the skin. For this reason, it
has not been conceived to make the extension antibacterial in the
industry of extensions. However, the extension is kept attached to
the eyelid and so it is not preferable that bacteria are propagated
in the extension.
[0012] The present inventor noted such problems of extensions, and
conducted active studies in an attempt to solve the problems from a
viewpoint different from the conventional viewpoint. The present
invention, made in light of such a situation, has a main object of
providing a novel artificial eyelash. Specifically, an object of
the present invention is to provide an artificial eyelash
attachable with no use of glue. Another object of the present
invention is to provide an artificial eyelash extension on which
glue stays well. Still another object of the present invention is
to provide an eyelash extension on which glue stays well and which
is lightweight. Still another object of the present invention is to
provide an eyelash extension which is antibacterial.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] An artificial eyelash in an embodiment according to the
present invention is an artificial eyelash for increasing a length
of an eyelash. The artificial eyelash includes an artificial
eyelash main body; and an annular member for coupling the
artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash. The annular member is
formed of a shrinkable material.
[0014] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
is an eyelash extension.
[0015] In a preferable embodiment, the annular member is formed of
a thermally shrinkable material shrinkable by heat.
[0016] In a preferable embodiment, the annular member is formed of
a rubber material.
[0017] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
and the annular member are integral.
[0018] In a preferable embodiment, a plurality of the annular
members are provided for one artificial eyelash.
[0019] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
is formed of a colored resin.
[0020] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
is formed of a natural resin.
[0021] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
contains silver ions.
[0022] A method for attaching an artificial eyelash in an
embodiment according to the present invention includes the steps of
preparing an artificial eyelash main body and an annular member
formed of a shrinkable material; locating the artificial eyelash
main body near an eyelash; locating a portion of the artificial
eyelash main body overlapping the eyelash in an opening of the
annular member; and shrinking the annular member to fix the
artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash.
[0023] In a preferable embodiment, the annular member is formed of
a thermally shrinkable resin film shrinkable by heat; and in the
step of fixing the artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash,
the annular member is shrunk by heat from a heater, thereby
coupling the artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash.
[0024] In a preferable embodiment, in the step of locating a
portion of the artificial eyelash main body overlapping the
eyelash, the artificial eyelash main body is temporarily attached
to at least one of the eyelash and the annular member by use of a
liquid.
[0025] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
is an eyelash extension.
[0026] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
and the annular member are integral.
[0027] In a preferable embodiment, in the step of fixing the
artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash, the artificial
eyelash main body and the eyelash are fixed with no use of
glue.
[0028] An eyelash extension in an embodiment according to the
present invention is an eyelash extension for increasing a length
of an eyelash. The eyelash extension includes an artificial eyelash
main body; and grooves formed in the artificial eyelash main body.
The artificial eyelash main body includes a root portion
contactable with the eyelash and a tip portion located opposite to
the root portion; and the root portion has a polygonal
cross-section which has at least five apexes and grooves located
between the apexes.
[0029] In a preferable embodiment, the grooves are formed to extend
in an extending direction of the artificial eyelash main body; and
the grooves extend from the root portion to at least a middle
point, which is located in the middle between an end face of the
root portion and the tip portion.
[0030] In a preferable embodiment, the apexes of the cross-section
are located at apexes of a regular octagon, and the grooves are
located between the apexes of the regular octagon.
[0031] In a preferable embodiment, tips of the apexes are
rounded.
[0032] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
contains silver ions.
[0033] An eyelash extension in an embodiment according to the
present invention is an eyelash extension for increasing a length
of an eyelash. The eyelash extension includes an artificial eyelash
main body including a root portion contactable with the eyelash and
a tip portion located opposite to the root portion. The root
portion has a coarse surface portion.
[0034] In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion is
formed on the entirety of the artificial eyelash main body.
[0035] In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion
includes a plurality of particle-like convexed and concaved
portions.
[0036] In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion
includes convexed and concaved portions formed by frosting.
[0037] In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion
includes convexed and concaved portions formed of a plurality of
scratch-like grooves.
[0038] In a preferable embodiment, the coarse surface portion
includes convexed and concaved portions formed by rubbing with a
file.
[0039] An artificial eyelash in an embodiment according to the
present invention is an artificial eyelash for increasing a length
of an eyelash. The artificial eyelash includes an artificial
eyelash main body including a tip portion and an end portion; and
an antibacterial material contained in the artificial eyelash main
body. The end portion of the artificial eyelash main body has a
diameter which is larger than a diameter of the tip portion.
[0040] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
is an eyelash extension.
[0041] In a preferable embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body
is formed of a resin; the antibacterial material is silver ions;
and the silver ions are dispersed in the resin.
[0042] In a preferable embodiment, the resin is polybutylene
terephthalate; and the artificial eyelash main body has a circular
cross-section.
[0043] A method for attaching an artificial eyelash in an
embodiment according to the present invention includes the steps of
preparing an artificial eyelash main body containing an
antibacterial material; locating the artificial eyelash main body
near an eyelash; and fixing the artificial eyelash main body and
the eyelash.
[0044] In a preferable embodiment, in the step of fixing the
artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash, the artificial
eyelash main body is temporarily attached to the eyelash by use of
a liquid.
[0045] According to the artificial eyelash of the present
invention, the artificial eyelash main body and the eyelash are
coupled together by an annular member formed of a shrinkable
material. Therefore, the artificial eyelash main body (e.g., an
eyelash extension) can be attached to the eyelash with no use of
glue.
[0046] The eyelash extension of the present invention includes an
artificial eyelash main body and grooves formed in the artificial
eyelash main body. The root portion of the artificial eyelash main
body has a polygonal cross-section having at least five apexes and
grooves located between the apexes. The grooves in such a polygonal
shape of the artificial eyelash main body can easily hold the glue,
and thus can improve the adhesiveness between the eyelash of the
user and the artificial eyelash main body. Since the grooves are
located between the apexes of the polygonal cross-section, the
artificial eyelash main body can be bonded to the eyelash by use of
the grooves holding the glue, not only in one direction but in
other directions.
[0047] The artificial eyelash main body has a plurality of grooves.
Therefore, the weight of the eyelash extension can be decreased as
compared with that of an eyelash extension with no groove. The
eyelash extension is to be attached to the eyelash of the user.
Therefore, although each eyelash extension is lightweight,
decreasing the weight thereof influences how a user (wearer) feels
when wearing the eyelash extension. The resultant eyelash extension
is comfortable to wear.
[0048] Where the cross-section is octagonal, there are advantages
that the interval of the grooves can be made appropriate and that
it is relatively easy to produce the eyelash extension.
[0049] According to the eyelash extension of the present invention,
the root portion of the artificial eyelash main body has a coarse
surface portion. The coarse surface portion can easily hold the
glue, and thus can improve the adhesiveness between the eyelash of
the user and the artificial eyelash main body. In the case where
the coarse surface portion is formed on the entirety of the
circumference of the artificial eyelash main body, the glue can be
applied to the coarse surface portion, not only in one direction
but in other directions, to bond the artificial eyelash main body
to the eyelash.
[0050] According to the artificial eyelash of the present
invention, the artificial eyelash main body contains an
antibacterial material. Therefore, the eyelash extension can be
antibacterial owing to the antibacterial effect of the
antibacterial material (e.g., silver ions).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] FIG. 1 shows artificial eyelashes 100 in an embodiment
according to the present invention in an attached state.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a structure of one artificial eyelash 100 in
the embodiment according to the present invention.
[0053] FIGS. 3(a) through (c) show steps of a method for attaching
the artificial eyelash 100.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an example in which two annular members 20 are
provided to one eyelash 50.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows an annular member 24 integrated with an
artificial eyelash main body 10.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows how the artificial eyelash main body 10 is
fixed by the annular member 20 integrated therewith.
[0057] FIGS. 7(a) and (b) show a method for attaching an artificial
eyelash main body 16 of a false eyelash type to the eyelashes
50.
[0058] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view schematically showing how the
artificial eyelash main body 16 is fixed by the annular members 20
at an end thereof.
[0059] FIGS. 9(a) and (b) show a method for attaching a short false
eyelash 18 to the eyelashes 50.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows how a root portion of the false eyelash 18 is
fixed to the eyelash 50 by the annular member 20.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows how an artificial eyelash portion 13L of the
false eyelash 18 is fixed to the eyelash 50 by the annular member
20.
[0062] FIG. 12 shows how an artificial eyelash main body 10 is
fixed to the eyelash 50 by use of an annular member 24 formed of a
rubber material.
[0063] FIG. 13(a) shows a structure of an artificial eyelash 150,
and FIG. 13(b) shows the artificial eyelash 150 which is attached
to the eyelash 50.
[0064] FIG. 14 shows an extension 200 in an embodiment according to
the present invention in an attached state.
[0065] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure of the
extension 200 in the embodiment according to the present
invention.
[0066] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the extension 200 taken
along line A-A in FIG. 15.
[0067] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of part B of the extension 200
in FIG. 15.
[0068] FIGS. 18(a) through (c) show a method for attaching the
extension 200 to the eyelash 50.
[0069] FIG. 19 shows the extensions 200 which are attached to upper
eyelashes 50.
[0070] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of
the extension 200.
[0071] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of
the extension 200.
[0072] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of
the extension 200.
[0073] FIG. 23 shows an extension 250 in an embodiment according to
the present invention in an attached state.
[0074] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a structure of the
extension 250 in the embodiment according to the present
invention.
[0075] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the extension 200 taken
along line A-A in FIG. 24.
[0076] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of part B of the extension 250
in FIG. 24.
[0077] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of
the extension 250.
[0078] FIG. 28 shows an extension 300 in an embodiment according to
the present invention in an attached state.
[0079] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a structure of the
extension 300 in the embodiment according to the present
invention.
[0080] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the extension 300 taken
along line A-A in FIG. 29.
[0081] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of part B of the extension
300 in FIG. 29.
[0082] FIGS. 32(a) through (c) show a method for attaching the
extension 300 to the eyelash 50.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0083] The present inventor conceived from a different viewpoint
from the technological common knowledge of the extension that the
extension is bonded to the eyelash by use of glue. The extension
could be bonded to the eyelash by use of nonirritating medical
glue, but instead, the present inventor did active studies to
develop a technique of attaching an extension with no use of glue
and arrived at the structures of embodiments of the present
invention.
[0084] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will
be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings
referred to below, elements having substantially the same functions
will be represented with the same reference numerals for
simplifying the description. The present invention is not limited
to the following embodiments.
Embodiment 1
[0085] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an artificial eyelash
100 in an embodiment according to the present invention will be
described. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of artificial eyelashes 100 in
this embodiment which are attached to eyelashes 50 of a user 1000.
FIG. 2 shows a structure of the artificial eyelash 100 in this
embodiment.
[0086] The artificial eyelash 100 in this embodiment is for
increasing a length of the eyelash 50 of the user 1000, and
includes an artificial eyelash main body 10 and an annular member
20 for coupling the artificial eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash
50. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment is an
artificial eyelash extension. The annular member 20 in this
embodiment is formed of a shrinkable material (e.g., thermally
shrinkable resin material). The artificial eyelash main body 10 is
attached to the eyelash 50 extending from skin 55 (in this example,
a part of the eyelid) by the annular member 20 in a shrunk
state.
[0087] Now, with reference to FIGS. 3(a) through (c), a method for
attaching the artificial eyelash 100 in this embodiment will be
described. Herein, the annular member before being shrunk (ring
member) is represented by "22", and the annular member after being
shrunk (tightening member or fixing member) is represented by "20"
for the sake of convenience.
[0088] First, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the artificial eyelash main
body 10, which is a main body of the artificial eyelash 100 in this
embodiment, is located near the eyelash 50. The artificial eyelash
main body 10 is picked up with, for example, tweezers and is
located near the eyelash 50.
[0089] The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment is
formed of, for example, a resin (typically, polybutylene
terephthalate, polyester, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride, nylon).
The artificial eyelash main body 10 has a length of, for example, 5
mm to 20 mm and a diameter (or thickness) of, for example, 0.07 mm
to 0.3 mm. The artificial eyelash main body 10 may be formed of a
black material or a different-colored material. The artificial
eyelash main body 10 may be colored, for example, dark brown,
purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold, red,
wine red, white, yellow or the like, and thus can realize a color
extension. The artificial eyelash main body 10, although so called,
is for artificially increasing the length of the eyelash, and so
may be formed of a natural material (e.g., animal-derived material,
typically, human hair, animal hair (hair of mink, etc.) or silk; or
plant-derived material, typically, cotton) instead of an artificial
material (resin, etc.).
[0090] Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the artificial eyelash main
body 10 is put into contact with a part of the eyelash 50 (e.g., a
part from the center to the tip thereof), and the annular member 22
is located at a position where the eyelash 50 overlaps the
artificial eyelash main body 10. The annular member 22 is formed of
a thermally shrinkable material (e.g., vinyl chloride, polyolefin,
polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene). When being
heated (as represented by arrow 70), the annular member 22 is
shrunk. The annular member 22 may be formed a thermally shrinkable
resin film which has been shaped like a ring.
[0091] In the example shown in FIG. 3(b), a part of the eyelash 50
and a part of the artificial eyelash main body 10 are located in an
opening 22a of the annular member 22, and these elements are heated
by use of a heating device (not shown) as represented by arrow 70.
The heat may be from a dryer or any other source (e.g., a lamp,
typically, a candescent lamp, an LED, etc.; a heater, etc.). In
this example, the annular member 22 is outserted over the
artificial eyelash main body 10 as represented by arrow 25, and
then is set around the eyelash 50. Alternatively, the annular
member 22 may be set around a part of the eyelash 50 (e.g., the tip
thereof), and then a part of the artificial eyelash main body 10
may be inserted into the opening 22a of the annular member 22.
[0092] Next, the annular member 22 is heated to be shrunk as shown
in FIG. 3(c). As a result, the shrunk annular member 20 couples the
artificial eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50. Namely, heating
of the annular member 22 causes the artificial eyelash main body 10
and the eyelash 50 to be fixed by the annular member 20.
[0093] According to the structure of this embodiment, the
artificial eyelash main body 10 can be attached to the eyelash 50
by the annular member 20. Therefore, the artificial eyelash 100
attachable with no use of glue can be realized. In the above
description, the artificial eyelash main body 10 is attached to the
upper eyelash 50, but may be attached to a lower eyelash.
[0094] The inner diameter of the annular member 22 (diameter of the
opening 22a) and the outer diameter of the annular member 22 may be
determined to be preferable values in accordance with the form
used. The inner diameter of the annular member 22 (diameter of the
opening 22a) needs to be such that both of the eyelash 50 and the
artificial eyelash main body 10 can be inserted thereto (e.g., 0.2
mm or greater). The diameter of the opening 22a also needs to be
such that the annular member 22 after being heated and thus shrunk
can bind the eyelash 50 and the artificial eyelash main body 10
(e.g., 1 mm or less).
[0095] In the above-described embodiment, one annular member 20 (or
22) is provided for one eyelash 50, but alternatively, a plurality
of annular members 20 may be provided for one eyelash 50. In the
example shown in FIG. 4, two annular members 20 (20A, 20B) are
provided for one eyelash 50. Where a plurality of annular members
20 are provided like this, the attachment operation requires time
and labor, but the bonding force of the eyelash 50 and the
artificial eyelash main body 10 is increased and so the time until
the artificial eyelash main body 10 is detached can be
extended.
[0096] According to the structure of the above-described
embodiment, the artificial eyelash main body 10 and the annular
member 20 (22) are independent elements. The present invention is
not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5, an annular member 24
integrated with the artificial eyelash main body 10 may be used. In
this example, the artificial eyelash main body 10 with the annular
member 24 is picked up with tweezers 60, and then a part of the
eyelash 50 is inserted into an opening 24a of the annular member 24
as represented by arrow 25. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the annular
member 24 is heated to be shrunk by heat 70. Thus, the artificial
eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50 can be fixed by the shrunk
annular member 20.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 5, the artificial eyelash main body 10
integrated with the annular member 24 can be picked up and moved,
and then the annular member 24 can be outserted over the eyelash
50. Such a structure is more convenient to attach the artificial
eyelash 100 than the structure in which the annular member 22 and
the artificial eyelash main body 10 are independent from each
other. The artificial eyelash main body 10 integrated with the
annular member 24 can be produced by, for example, mutual fusion of
the annular member 24 and the artificial eyelash main body 10.
Alternatively, the annular member 24 may be bonded to the
artificial eyelash main body 10 by use of glue. A reason why glue
can be used in this step is that since the glue is used for
producing the artificial eyelash main body 10 integrated with the
annular member 24 and is cured before the artificial eyelash main
body 10 is attached, the risk that the glue influences the skin 55
of the user 1000 can be avoided.
[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the artificial eyelash
main body 10 is an eyelash extension. The present invention is not
limited to this and is applicable to an artificial eyelash main
body of a false eyelash type. FIGS. 7(a) and (b) show a method for
attaching an artificial eyelash main body 16 of a false eyelash
type to the eyelashes 50 of the user 1000.
[0099] First, as shown in FIG. 7(a), an artificial eyelash main
body (false eyelash type) 16 including a support portion 14 and
artificial eyelash portions 19 extending from the support portion
14 is prepared, and is located near the eyelashes 50 as represented
by arrow 75. Then, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the artificial eyelash
portions 19 of the artificial eyelash main body 16 and the
eyelashes 50 are fixed by use of the annular members 20.
[0100] In this embodiment, the annular members 20 are used at both
of two ends and a central part of the artificial eyelash main body
16. More specifically, two annular members 20 are used at each of
the two ends of the artificial eyelash main body 16, and three
annular members 20 are used at the central part thereof. FIG. 8 is
an enlarged view schematically showing how the annular members 20
fix the artificial eyelash portions 19 and the eyelashes 50 at an
end of the artificial eyelash main body 16.
[0101] In addition, a short false eyelash (artificial eyelash main
body) 18 as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and (b) may be attached to the
eyelash 50 by the annular member 20. The short false eyelash 18
includes a plurality of artificial eyelash portions 13 (13L, 13S).
The short false eyelash 18 shown in the figures includes three
artificial eyelash portions 13, namely, one long portion 13L and
two short portions 13S. As the number and lengths of the artificial
eyelash portions, preferable values may be appropriately
selected.
[0102] First, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the short false eyelash 18 is
prepared and located near the eyelash 50 as represented by arrow
75. Next, the short false eyelash 18 is fixed to the eyelash 50 by
the annular member 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a root
portion of the short false eyelash 18 may be fixed to the eyelash
50 by the annular member 20; or as shown in FIG. 11, the artificial
eyelash portion 13L of the false eyelash 18 may be fixed to the
eyelash 50 by the annular member 20.
[0103] The annular member 20 (22) is described above as being
formed of a thermally shrinkable material, but the present
invention is not limited to this. The annular member 20 (22) may be
formed of any other shrinkable material which can fix the
artificial eyelash main body 10 (or 19, etc.) to the eyelash 50.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the artificial eyelash main body
10 may be fixed to the eyelash 50 by use of an annular member 26
formed of an expandable rubber material (e.g., an expandable
material such as silicone rubber or the like). In this case, while
an opening 26a of the annular member 26 is expanded with tweezers
60B, the artificial eyelash main body 10 held with tweezers 60A is
inserted into the expanded opening 26a. Then, when the tweezers 60B
are detached, the annular member 26 is shrunk to fix both of the
elements (10, 50).
[0104] As shown in FIG. 13(a), this embodiment may be modified to
an artificial eyelash (extension) 150 including a band-like portion
28 connected to a part of the artificial eyelash main body 10 (root
portion). The band-like portion 28 of the extension 150 is formed
of a shrinkable material (typically, a thermally shrinkable
material). As shown in FIG. 13(b), the band-like portion 28 of the
extension 150 is wound around the eyelash 50 to form an annular
member 29. The annular member 29 is shrunk to fix the artificial
eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50. In the above-described
embodiment, the annular member 22 is shrunk by heat provided
thereto, but alternatively, the annular member 22 may be shrunk by
an ultrasonic energy provided thereto, instead of the heat. From
the viewpoint of the annular member 22, provision of the ultrasonic
energy is also considered to be provision of heat because the
ultrasonic energy also vibrates the annular member 22. However, the
technique of providing the ultrasonic energy has advantages that,
for example, the hands of the operator do not feel hot or do not
burn. For providing the ultrasonic energy, an element for
generating ultrasonic waves is located at tips of the tweezers, an
iron or tongs, and the annular member 22 is held between the tips
to obtain an ultrasonic energy. In this manner, the annular member
22 can be shrunk.
[0105] This embodiment has been described by way of various
examples. These examples do not limit the present invention, and
the present invention can be modified in various manners, needless
to say. For example, in the step shown in FIG. 3(b) or the like, at
least two among (or all of) the artificial eyelash main body 10,
the annular member 22, and the eyelash 50 can be temporarily
attached together by use of a liquid (e.g., water or a liquid
having a higher viscosity than that of water, typically, a liquid
cosmetic material). Where the above-mentioned element (10 or 22)
and the eyelash 50 can be temporarily attached together by use of
such a liquid having a viscosity usable for temporary attachment
(e.g., water or a liquid cosmetic material), the operation of the
operator who attaches the artificial eyelash 100 may become easier.
Even if a trace amount of glue is used for the temporary
attachment, the glue does not cause any problem because the
fixation of the elements is realized by the annular member 20. Even
if medical glue is used as the glue for temporary attachment, the
cost can still be reduced because the amount of the medical glue
used here is very small.
Embodiment 2
[0106] With reference to FIG. 14, an eyelash extension 200 in an
embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 14 shows the eyelash extension 200 in this embodiment which is
attached to an eyelash 50 of a user (wearer) 1000.
[0107] The eyelash extension 200 in this embodiment is for
increasing the length of the eyelash 50 of the user 1000. In
embodiments according to the present invention, an eyelash
extension may be occasionally referred to as an "extension".
[0108] The extension 200 in this embodiment includes an artificial
eyelash main body 10 and grooves 34 formed in the artificial
eyelash main body 10. The artificial eyelash main body 10 includes
a root portion 15 contactable with the eyelash 50 of the user 1000
and a tip portion 11 located opposite to the root portion 15. In
this embodiment, the root portion 15 has a polygonal cross-section
having at least five apexes 32 and the grooves 34 located between
the apexes 32.
[0109] In the extension 200 in this embodiment, glue 21 is applied
to the root portion 15. The extension 200 is bonded and thus fixed
to the eyelash 50 with the glue 21.
[0110] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure of the
extension 200 in this embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a cross-section
taken along line A-A in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 shows an enlarged side
view of part B in FIG. 15.
[0111] In the extension 200 in this embodiment, the grooves 34
extend in an extending direction 65 of the artificial eyelash main
body 10. As shown in FIG. 16, the cross-section of the artificial
eyelash main body 10 has a regular octagonal shape, with the
grooves 34 being formed between the apexes 32. More specifically,
the apexes 32 of the cross-section of the artificial eyelash main
body 10 are located at apexes of the regular octagon. Thus, the
apexes 32 are formed at every 45.degree.. Regarding a part of the
regular octagon between 0.degree. and 90.degree., the apexes 32 are
located at 0.degree., 45.degree. and 90.degree., and a groove 34 is
located between the apexes at 0.degree. and 45.degree. and another
groove 34 is located between the apexes at 45.degree. and
90.degree..
[0112] The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment has a
shape in which the root portion 15 is thick and becomes thinner
toward the tip portion 11. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in
this embodiment is formed of, for example, a resin (typically,
polybutylene terephthalate, polyester, acrylic resin, vinyl
chloride, nylon). The artificial eyelash main body 10 has a length
of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm and a diameter (or thickness) of,
for example, 0.07 mm to 0.3 mm.
[0113] The artificial eyelash main body 10 may be formed of a black
material or a different-colored material. The artificial eyelash
main body 10 may be colored, for example, dark brown, purple, blue,
pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold, red, wine red,
white, yellow or the like, and thus can realize a color extension.
The artificial eyelash main body 10, although so called, is for
artificially increasing the length of the eyelash, and so may be
formed of a natural material (e.g., animal-derived material,
typically, human hair, animal hair (hair of mink, etc.) or silk; or
plant-derived material, typically, cotton) instead of an artificial
material (resin, etc.).
[0114] Each of the grooves 34 formed in the artificial eyelash main
body 10 may have a depth T of, for 20 to 40 (typically, 30) where
the thickness of the artificial eyelash main body 10 is 100.
According to the structure of this embodiment, the grooves 34 are
formed from an end face 15a of the root portion 15 to the tip
portion 11. However, the grooves 34 do not need to be formed up to
the very tip of the tip portion 11 and merely need to be formed in
at least the root portion 15. A reason for this is that where the
extension 200 is produced by a certain method, the grooves 34 may
disappear in the tip portion 11 having a smaller diameter.
[0115] In the extension 200 in this embodiment, the grooves 34 can
extend from the root portion 15 to, for example, a middle point 17,
which is located in the middle between the end face 15a of the root
portion 15 and the tip portion 11. Where the extension 200 is
produced by a certain method, a part of the artificial eyelash main
body 10 may melt to disappear at the position of the end face 15a
of the root portion 15. Therefore, even where the grooves 34 are
formed in the root portion 15, it is not absolutely necessary that
the grooves 34 are formed at the position of the end face 15a of
the root portion 15.
[0116] Now, with reference to FIGS. 18(a) through (c), a method for
attaching the extension 200 in this embodiment to the eyelash 50
will be described.
[0117] First, as shown in FIG. 18(a), a part of the extension 200
is picked up with the tweezers 60, and the extension 200 is located
near the eyelash 50 in the state where the glue 21 is applied to
the root portion 15.
[0118] Next, as shown in FIG. 18(b), the glue 21 of the extension
200 is attached to the eyelash 50 and the extension 200 is put into
close contact with the eyelash 50. When the glue 21 is cured to fix
the extension 200 to the eyelash 50, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the
tweezers 60 are detached. Thus, the attachment of the extension 200
is completed. This operation is conducted for each eyelash 50.
[0119] In the extension 200 in this embodiment, the root portion of
the artificial eyelash main body 10 has a polygonal cross-section
having the grooves 34 between the apexes 32. The grooves 34 in such
a polygonal shape of the artificial eyelash main body 10 can easily
hold the glue 21, and thus can improve the adhesiveness between the
eyelash 50 of the user and the artificial eyelash main body 10.
Since the grooves 34 are located between the apexes 32 of the
polygonal cross-section, the artificial eyelash main body 10 can be
bonded to the eyelash 50 by use of the grooves 34 holding the glue,
not only in one direction but in other directions. As compared with
an extension having a C-shaped recessed portion in one direction,
the extension 200 can be attached to the eyelash 50 more
easily.
[0120] The artificial eyelash main body 10 has a plurality of
grooves 34. Therefore, the weight (mass) of the extension 200 can
be decreased as compared with that of an extension with no groove
34. The extension 200 is to be attached to the eyelash of the user.
Therefore, although each extension 200 is lightweight, decreasing
the weight thereof influences how the user 1000 feels when wearing
the extension 200. The resultant extension 200 is comfortable to
wear. The extension 200 in this embodiment, although depending on
the thickness of the artificial eyelash main body 10 or the depth T
of the grooves 34, can be decreased in weight by, for example, 10%
to 70% as compared with an extension with no groove 34.
[0121] FIG. 19 shows the extensions 200 which are attached to the
upper eyelashes 50. As shown in FIG. 19, the extensions 200 are
attached to many eyelashes 50. The extension 200 in this embodiment
allows the artificial eyelash main body 10 to be attached to the
eyelash 50 easily owing to the plurality of grooves 34 formed in
the artificial eyelash main body 10. Therefore, the operation of
attaching many extensions 200 can be made more easily as compared
with the case of a conventional extension with no groove.
[0122] In addition, the extension 200 in this embodiment is more
lightweight than a conventional extension with no groove.
Therefore, even where many extensions 200 are attached to the
eyelashes 50, the user 1000 feels lighter as compared with the
conventional extension. Namely, the extension 200 in this
embodiment can give a sense of lightness, which cannot be provided
by the conventional extension, to the user 1000.
[0123] The extension 200 in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 15 and
FIG. 16 can be produced as follows, for example. First, a resin is
extruded from a mold having an opening of the cross-sectional shape
as shown in FIG. 16 to produce a fibriform member having the apexes
32 and the grooves 34. Next, the fibriform member is cut so as to
have the length of the artificial eyelash main body 10. Then, a
part of the artificial eyelash main body 10 obtained as a result of
the cutting is immersed in a chemical to make the tip portion 11 of
the artificial eyelash main body 10 thinner than the remaining part
thereof. Thus, the extension 200 in this embodiment can be
produced. The artificial eyelash main body 10 having a
cross-section in which the apexes 32 are located at apexes of a
regular octagon as shown in FIG. 16 is convenient because the mold
can be produced such that the apexes 32 are located at an interval
of 45.degree..
[0124] For producing the extension 200 in this embodiment using a
natural material, the artificial eyelash main body 10 formed of
such a natural material may be processed to have the grooves 34 by
use of a cutting tool or the like.
[0125] The extension 200 in this embodiment may be modified as
follows. In the extension 200 shown in FIG. 16, the apexes 32 of
the cross-section are pointed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20,
the apexes 32 may be rounded.
[0126] In the extension 200 shown in FIG. 16, the apexes 32 of the
cross-section are located at apexes of an octagon (especially, a
regular octagon). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, the apexes 32
of the cross-section may be located at apexes of a pentagon
(especially, a regular pentagon). Still alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 22, the apexes 32 of the cross-section may be located at
apexes of a hexagon (especially, a regular hexagon). It is
preferable that the apexes 32 of the cross-section are located at
apexes of a regular polygon (a regular octagon, etc.) because the
grooves 34 are located equidistantly and thus the extension 200 has
a preferable shape and structure. It is preferable that the grooves
34 are located equidistantly because even when the weight is
decreased, a relatively high strength can be maintained.
Embodiment 3
[0127] With reference to FIG. 23, an eyelash extension 250 in an
embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 23 shows the artificial eyelash 250 in this embodiment which
is attached to an eyelash 50 of a user (wearer).
[0128] The extension 250 in this embodiment includes an artificial
eyelash main body 10. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this
embodiment includes a root portion 15 contactable with the eyelash
50 and a tip portion 11 located opposite to the root portion 15.
According to the structure of this embodiment, the root portion 15
has a coarse surface portion 30.
[0129] In the extension 250 in this embodiment, glue 21 is applied
to the root portion 15. The extension 250 is bonded and thus fixed
to the eyelash 50 with the glue 21. Specifically, the glue 21 is
applied to the coarse surface portion 30 of the root portion 15,
and the extension 250 (or the artificial eyelash main body 10) is
attached to the eyelash 50 with the glue 21.
[0130] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a structure of the
extension 250 in this embodiment. FIG. 25 shows a cross-section
taken along line A-A in FIG. 24. FIG. 26 shows an enlarged side
view of part B in FIG. 24.
[0131] In the extension 250 in this embodiment, the coarse surface
portion 30 is formed on the end face 15a side of the root portion
15 with respect to a middle point of the artificial eyelash main
body 10 in a longitudinal direction thereof. Especially, the coarse
surface portion 30 merely needs to be formed in an area to be in
contact with the eyelash 50, and may be selectively formed only in
an area on which the glue 21 is to be applied.
[0132] The coarse surface portion 30 in this embodiment includes a
plurality of particle-like convexed and concaved portions 31. The
coarse surface portion 30 formed of the particle-like convexed and
concaved portions 31 is formed on the entirety of a circumference
of the root portion 15. Accordingly, the root portion 15 has the
coarse surface portion 30 in all the azimuths of the surface
thereof. In whichever direction the glue 21 may be applied to the
root portion 15, the glue 21 can be applied to the coarse surface
portion 30.
[0133] Like in the above-described embodiments, the artificial
eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment has a shape in which the
root portion 15 is thick and becomes thinner toward the tip portion
11. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment is
formed of, for example, a resin (typically, polybutylene
terephthalate, polyester, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride, nylon).
The artificial eyelash main body 10 has a length of, for example, 5
mm to 20 mm and a diameter .phi. (or thickness) of, for example,
0.07 mm to 0.3 mm.
[0134] According to the structure of this embodiment, the coarse
surface portion 30 of the artificial eyelash main body 10 is formed
by frosting. In other words, the artificial eyelash main body 10
has the convexed and concaved portions 31 provided by frosting.
"Frosting" is a type of processing of making a surface coarse like
frost (or like frosted glass). In this embodiment, the convexed and
concaved portions 31 are formed on the artificial eyelash main body
10 by sandblast. "Sandblast" is a type of processing of blowing an
abrasive such as sand or the like to a surface. For example,
compressed air provided by a compressor and containing an abrasive
mixed therein is blown to the root portion 15 of the artificial
eyelash main body 10, and thus the coarse surface portion 30 can be
formed on the root portion 15. The "sand" (abrasive) used for
sandblast is not limited to so-called sand and may be any abrasive
suitable to form the convexed and concaved portions 31 on the
artificial eyelash main body 10.
[0135] The depth of the convexed and concaved portions 31
(difference between the top of the convexed portions and the bottom
of the concaved portions) in this embodiment is, for example, about
0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, but is not limited to such a range.
Specifically, the depth is determined based on the conditions of
frosting (e.g., sandblast) used for forming the coarse surface
portion 30. In accordance with the type of frosting used,
preferable convexed and concaved portions 31 can be appropriately
formed.
[0136] Alternatively, the coarse surface portion 30 may be formed
by through-holes which are formed in the artificial eyelash main
body 10. In this case, the length of the through-holes which form
the convexed and concaved portions 31 correspond to the diameter
.phi. of the artificial eyelash main body 10. Formation of the
through-holes also provides an advantage that the weight (mass) of
the extension 250 can be decreased. The extension 250 is to be
attached to the eyelash of the user. Therefore, although each
extension 250 is lightweight, decreasing the weight thereof
influences how a user (wearer) feels when wearing the extension
250. The resultant extension 250 is comfortable to wear.
[0137] The coarse surface portion 30 in this embodiment can be
formed by rubbing the root portion 15 with a file (specifically,
sandpaper). Sandpaper is a tool used for polishing and is obtained
by applying an abrasive to a paper-like sheet. In the case where
the coarse surface portion 30 is formed by use of sandpaper, the
shape, depth and the like of the convexed and concaved portions 31
of the coarse surface portion 31 can be adjusted by the roughness
(count) of the sandpaper to be used.
[0138] For forming the coarse surface portion 30 on the root
portion 15 of the artificial eyelash main body 10, it is advisable
to align many artificial eyelash main bodies 10 and sandblast the
root portions 15. This way, many artificial eyelash main bodies 10
having the coarse surface portions 30 can be formed in one cycle of
processing. It is also advisable to align many artificial eyelash
main bodies 10 and rub the root portions 15 with sandpaper. This
way also, many artificial eyelash main bodies 10 having the coarse
surface portions 30 can be formed in one cycle of processing.
Needless to say, one artificial eyelash main body 10 may be rubbed
with sandpaper to form the coarse surface portion 30.
[0139] The extension 250 in this embodiment can be attached to the
eyelash 50 by substantially the same method as shown in FIGS. 18(a)
through (c).
[0140] In the extension 250 in this embodiment, the root portion 15
of the artificial eyelash main body 10 has the coarse surface
portion 30. The coarse surface portion 30 can easily hold the glue
21, and thus can improve the adhesiveness between the eyelash 50 of
the user and the artificial eyelash main body 10. A conventional
extension has a smooth surface and so glue does not stay
necessarily well thereon. The extension 250 in this embodiment
holds the glue 21 in a better manner because a surface area size
thereof is increased by the coarse surface portion 30 (or the
convexed and concaved portions 31) as compared with a smooth
surface, and therefore allows the glue 21 to stay thereon well.
[0141] The surface area size increased by the coarse surface
portion 30 improves the force of holding the glue 21. It is
preferable that the coarse surface portion 30 is formed in an area
larger than the area to which the glue 21 is to be applied. Even if
the coarse surface portion 30 is formed in an area smaller than the
area to which the glue 21 is to be applied, it does not cause any
problem because the coarse surface portion 30 can hold the glue 21
in a good manner.
[0142] Recently, there are cases where glue having a relatively
weak adhesive force needs to be used because strong glue cannot be
used in consideration of the rash or allergy of the skin of the
users or other influences of an organic solvent. In such cases, a
conventional extension cannot cause glue to stay on well, which may
possibly hinder the operation of attaching the extension. By
contrast, the extension 250 in this embodiment allows the glue 21
to stay on well, and so suppresses the problem even where glue
having a relatively weak adhesive force is used.
[0143] In the extension 250 in this embodiment, the coarse surface
portion 30 is formed on the entirety of a circumference of the
artificial eyelash main body 10. Therefore, the glue 21 can be
applied to the coarse surface portion 30, not only in one direction
but in other directions, to bond the artificial eyelash main body
10 to the eyelash 50. As compared with an extension having a
C-shaped recessed portion in one direction, the extension 250 can
be attached to the eyelash 50 more easily.
[0144] The extension 250 in this embodiment may be modified as
follows. In the extension 250 shown in FIG. 23, the coarse surface
portion 30 is selectively formed on the root portion 15 of the
artificial eyelash main body 10. Alternatively, the coarse surface
portion 30 may be formed on the entirety of the artificial eyelash
main body 10. In the case where the coarse surface portion 30 is
formed on the entirety of the artificial eyelash main body 10 also,
the glue 21 can be applied to the root portion 15 of the artificial
eyelash main body 10 to attach the artificial eyelash main body 10
to the eyelash 50, needless to say.
[0145] The extension 250 in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 24 and
FIG. 25 can be produced as follows, for example. First, a resin is
extruded from a mold having an opening of a circular cross-section
to produce fibriform members having an identical diameter .phi..
Next, the fibriform members are cut so as to have the length of the
artificial eyelash main body 10. Then, a part of each artificial
eyelash main body 10 obtained as a result of the cutting is
immersed in a chemical to make the tip portion 11 of the artificial
eyelash main body 10 thinner than the remaining part thereof. In
the case where the artificial eyelash main body 10 is frosted to
form the coarse surface portion 30 on the entirety of the
artificial eyelash main body 10 before being partially immersed in
the chemical, when the part (tip portion) of the artificial eyelash
main body 10 is immersed in the chemical, the coarse surface
portion 30 may disappear from that part. In this case, the
artificial eyelash main body 10 has the coarse surface portion 30
on the root portion 15 (or the vicinity thereof) thereof.
[0146] Alternatively, the artificial eyelash main body 10 may be
frosted to form the coarse surface portion 30 on the entirety of
the artificial eyelash main body 10 after the tip portion 11
thereof is made thinner. In this case, the extension 250 having the
coarse surface portion 30 on the entirety thereof can be obtained.
Even after the tip portion 11 of the artificial eyelash main body
10 is made thinner, if the artificial eyelash main body 10 is
frosted with the tip portion 11 (or the portion excluding the root
portion 15) being masked, the coarse surface portion 30 can be
formed on the root portion 15 of the artificial eyelash main body
10.
[0147] The coarse surface portion 30 may or may not be formed on
the end face 15a of the root portion 15. According to the structure
of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the coarse surface portion
30 (convexed and concaved portions 31) is formed on the entire
circumference of the root portion 15. Alternatively, the
circumference of the root portion 15 may have an area where the
coarse surface portion 30 (convexed and concaved portions 31) is
not formed. For example, the coarse surface portion 30 (convexed
and concaved portions 31) may be formed in four areas (at an
interval of 90.degree.) or eight areas (at an interval of
45.degree.) instead of the entire circumference of the root portion
15. Even with the structure in which the coarse surface portion 30
(convexed and concaved portions 31) is formed in four areas (at an
interval of 90.degree.) or eight areas (at an interval of
45.degree.), the glue 21 can be applied to the root portion 15 in a
plurality of directions, not in one direction, and thus the glue 21
can stay on the root portion 15 well.
[0148] The extension 250 in this embodiment may also be modified as
follows. In the extension 250 shown in FIG. 27, convexed and
concaved portions 33 formed of a plurality of scratch-like grooves
are formed on the root portion 15 of the artificial eyelash main
body 10. In other words, a coarse surface portion 35 including the
convexed and concaved portions 33 formed of scratch-like grooves is
formed on the artificial eyelash main body 10.
[0149] The convexed and concaved portions 33 formed of a plurality
scratch-like grooves can be provided by scratching the surface of
the artificial eyelash main body 10 by use of a device including an
array of tiny cutting tools. Alternatively, the convexed and
concaved portions 33 formed of a plurality of scratch-like grooves
may be provided by rubbing the artificial eyelash main body 10 with
sandpaper in a certain manner. Specifically, the convexed and
concaved portions 33 formed of a plurality scratch-like grooves can
be provided by rubbing the artificial eyelash main body 10 with
sandpaper such that the tiny grooves (short linear grooves) are not
connected to each other.
[0150] In the extension 250 shown in FIG. 27, the convexed and
concaved portions 33 are formed on the entirety of the artificial
eyelash main body 10. Alternatively, the convexed and concaved
portions 33 formed of scratch-like grooves (or scratches) may be
formed on the root portion 15 (or the vicinity thereof).
[0151] In the extension 250 shown in FIG. 27 also, the coarse
surface portion 35 can easily hold the glue 21, and thus can
improve the adhesiveness between the eyelash 50 of the user and the
artificial eyelash main body 10. In addition, in the example shown
in FIG. 27, the coarse surface portion 35 are formed on the entire
circumference of the artificial eyelash main body 10. Therefore,
the glue 21 can be applied to the coarse surface portion 35, not
only in one direction but in other directions, to bond the
artificial eyelash main body 10 to the eyelash 50. As compared with
an extension having a C-shaped recessed portion in one direction,
the extension 250 can be attached to the eyelash 50 more
easily.
[0152] When the extension 250 is attached to each upper eyelash 50,
substantially the same state as that shown in FIG. 19 is obtained.
The extensions 250 are attached to many eyelashes 50. The extension
250 in this embodiment allows the artificial eyelash main body 10
to be attached to the eyelash 50 easily by use of the coarse
surface portion 30 (or 35) formed on the artificial eyelash main
body 10. Therefore, the operation of attaching many extensions 250
can be made more easily as compared with the case of a conventional
extension having a smooth surface.
[0153] This embodiment has been described by way of preferable
examples. These examples do not limit the present invention, and
the present invention can be modified in various manners, needless
to say.
Embodiment 4
[0154] With reference to FIG. 28, an eyelash extension 300 in an
embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 28 shows the eyelash extension 300 in this embodiment which is
attached to the eyelash 50 of a user (wearer).
[0155] The extension 300 in this embodiment includes an artificial
eyelash main body 10 and silver ions (Ag+) contained in the
artificial eyelash main body 10. The artificial eyelash main body
10 has a shape of an eyelash. Specifically, an end portion 15 of
the artificial eyelash main body 10 has a diameter which is larger
than a diameter of a tip portion 11. The artificial eyelash main
body 10 is slightly curved, and the tip portion 11 has a pointed
tip. The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment has a
length of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm. An end face 15a of the end
portion 15 has a diameter (or thickness) of, for example, 0.07 mm
to 0.3 mm.
[0156] In the extension 300 in this embodiment, glue 21 is attached
to the end portion 15. The extension 300 is bonded and thus fixed
to the eyelash 50 with the glue 21.
[0157] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a structure of the
extension 300 in this embodiment. FIG. 30 shows a cross-section
taken along line A-A in FIG. 29. FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional
view of part B in FIG. 29.
[0158] According to the structure of this embodiment, the
artificial eyelash main body 10 is formed of a resin 42, and the
silver ions (Ag+) 40 are dispersed in the resin 42. The silver ions
are shown schematically in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 for illustration.
FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 show the diameter .phi. of the end portion
15.
[0159] The silver ions (Ag+), which are antibacterial, are usable
in the form of, for example, silver ion water or silver
nanoparticles. A silver ion (Ag+) is a silver ion existing as a
cation obtained as a result of an electron being released from
silver (Ag), which is an atom, and has a size of about 200
picometers, which is approximately the same as the size of a silver
atom and is a general size of an atom. Silver ions can be eluted
by, for example, subjecting silver to electrolysis in water. In
silver ion water, silver ions are in an independently free state in
water molecules and basically exist in an ion state in water. Two
main methods for generating silver ions include an electrolysis
method of sending an electric current through a pure silver
electrode in water to generate silver ions, and a chemical method
of incorporating a chemical containing silver ion components to
water. Silver nanoparticles are silver particles reduced in size to
the order of nanometers. Silver nanoparticles which are silver ions
reduced in size to nanoparticles and held by alumina silica, which
is a mineral, are also usable.
[0160] The resin used to form the artificial eyelash main body 10
in this embodiment is, for example, polybutylene terephthalate,
polyester, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride or nylon. In this example,
the artificial eyelash main body 10 is formed of polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT). The artificial eyelash main body 10 may be
formed of a black material or a different-colored material. The
artificial eyelash main body 10 may be colored, for example, dark
brown, purple, blue, pink, silver, green, light orange, light gold,
red, wine red, white, yellow or the like, and thus can realize a
color extension.
[0161] The artificial eyelash main body 10 in this embodiment can
be formed as follows. The silver ions (Ag+) 40 are incorporated
into the resin 42 and these components (40, 42) are mixed together.
Then, the mixture is extruded from a mold having an opening which
defines the shape of the artificial eyelash main body 10. In more
detail, the resin 42 containing the silver ions 40 is extruded from
the mold to produce a fibriform member. The fibriform member is cut
so as to have the length of the artificial eyelash main body 10.
Then, a part of the artificial eyelash main body 10 obtained as a
result of the cutting is immersed in a chemical to make the tip
portion 11 of the artificial eyelash main body 10 thinner than the
remaining part thereof. Thus, the extension 300 in this embodiment
can be produced.
[0162] According to the structure of this embodiment, the silver
ions 40 are incorporated into the resin (e.g., PBT) 42. The ratio
(% by mass) of the silver ions 40 is 10% or less, typically, 5% or
about 5%.
[0163] It is known that the silver ions 40 have an antibacterial
effect, but it has not been known whether the silver ions 40
contained in the resin 42 used to form the extension 300 has an
antibacterial effect. The present inventor performed an experiment
on the antibacterial property of the extension 300 in this
embodiment and obtained the following results.
[0164] The test method used was the bacteria solution absorption
method of JIS L 1902 (2008). The test bacterium provided was
Staphylococcus aureus NBRC 12732. As samples, test bacteria
suspensions containing a surfactant (Tween80) were used. Sample A
was the extension 300 in this embodiment, and sample B was an
extension as a comparative example with no silver ions.
[0165] In the case of sample A (extension 300), the common
logarithm value of the number of live bacteria was 4.3 immediately
after inoculation and 4.3 after 18-hour culturing. The numerical
value was not changed even after 18-hour culturing. The
bacteriostatic activity value was 2.8. From this inspection result,
the extension 300 was recognized to be antibacterial.
[0166] By contrast, in the case of sample B (comparative example),
the common logarithm value of the number of live bacteria was 4.3
immediately after inoculation was inoculated and 6.4 after 18-hour
culturing. The numerical value was confirmed to be increased after
18-hour culturing. The bacteriostatic activity value was 0.7. From
this inspection result, the extension as the comparative example
was not recognized to be antibacterial.
[0167] For reference, in the case of the cotton standard white
cloth, the common logarithm value of the number of live bacteria
was 4.3 immediately after inoculation and 7.2 after 18-hour
culturing. As the criteria for recognizing the antibacterial
property, a bacteriostatic activity value of 2.2 or greater can be
used. The bacteriostatic activity value is found by
(Mb-Ma)-(Mc-Mo). When the bacteriostatic activity value 2.2
regarding a certain substance, the substance is recognized to be
antibacterial.
[0168] Mb is the average value of the common logarithm values of
the number of live bacteria of three samples after 18-hour
culturing in the unprocessed cloth (or standard cloth). Ma is the
average value of the common logarithm values of the number of live
bacteria of three samples immediately after inoculation to the
unprocessed cloth (or standard cloth). Mc is the average value of
the common logarithm values of the number of live bacteria of three
samples after 18-hour culturing in the antibacterial-processed
cloth (in this example, the material of the extension). Mo is the
average value of the common logarithm values of the number of live
bacteria of three samples immediately after inoculation to the
antibacterial-processed cloth (in this example, the material of the
extension 300.
[0169] As described above, the extension 300 in this embodiment was
recognized to be antibacterial, whereas the extension as the
comparative example was not recognized to be antibacterial. The
difference between the results of the antibacterial properties of
the two types of extensions was conspicuous.
[0170] The extension 300 in this embodiment can suppress the
propagation of the bacteria (germs) owing to the antibacterial
effect of the silver ions contained in the artificial eyelash main
body 10. Namely, the extension can be antibacterial. Therefore, the
extension 300, even if attached to the eyelash 50 for a long time,
can suppress the harm which would have been caused by the
propagation of the bacteria.
[0171] Silver ions can strongly adsorb cells of various types of
bacteria, and block and thus extirpate the cellular enzymes. Thus,
silver ions can control the propagation of bacteria. Silver ions
have features of having a relatively strong antibacterial effect
but of being highly safe to the human body. Therefore, even if the
extension 300 is inadvertently put into the mouth of the user,
there is substantially no problem caused by the silver ions.
[0172] Now, with reference to FIGS. 32(a) through (c), a method for
attaching the extension 300 in this embodiment to the eyelash 50
will be described.
[0173] First, as shown in FIG. 32(a), a part of the extension 300
is picked up with tweezers 60, and the extension 300 is located
near the eyelash 50 in the state where the glue 21 is applied to
the end portion 15.
[0174] Next, as shown in FIG. 32(b), the glue 21 of the extension
300 is attached to the eyelash 50 and the extension 300 is put into
close contact with the eyelash 50. When the glue 21 is cured to fix
the extension 300 to the eyelash 50, as shown in FIG. 32(c), the
tweezers 60 are detached. Thus, the attachment of the extension 300
is completed. This operation is conducted for each eyelash 50.
[0175] The extension 300 in this embodiment is antibacterial.
Therefore, even if the extension 300 is touched with the fingers of
the hand, instead of the tweezers 60, in any of the steps of FIGS.
32(a) through (c), the propagation of bacteria can be suppressed.
In addition, even if the user (wearer) touches the extension 300
with his/her fingers after the extension 300 is attached to the
eyelash 50, the propagation of bacteria can be suppressed.
[0176] When the extension 300 in this embodiment is attached to
each upper eyelash 50, substantially the same state as that shown
in FIG. 19 is obtained. The extensions 300 are attached to many
eyelashes 50. When many extensions 300 are attached to the upper
eyelashes 50, there are more chances that the fingers or skin
touches the extension 300. However, the extension 300 in this
embodiment is antibacterial and so can suppress the propagation of
bacteria more than a conventional extension.
[0177] The extension 300 shown in FIG. 30 has a circular
cross-section, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The extension may have an elliptical (or substantially elliptical
or egg-shaped) cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of
the extension 300 may be polygonal (hexagonal, octagonal, etc.), or
star-shaped (star-shaped with six apexes or eight apexes).
[0178] In the above-described structure, silver ions (Ag+) are
contained as an antibacterial material in the artificial eyelash
main body 10. Alternatively, any other antibacterial material may
be contained in the artificial eyelash main body 10 in the
conditions in which such a material provides an antibacterial
effect. For example, titanium oxide may be contained in the
artificial eyelash main body 10 instead of (or in addition to)
silver ions. Antibacterial materials other than silver ions or
titanium oxide may be used. Usable antibacterial materials include
inorganic antibacterial materials (which use the bacteriostatic
activity of metal ions) and organic antibacterial materials (which
use organic substances; synthetic type antibacterial materials and
natural type antibacterial materials).
[0179] The structure of this embodiment is described above as being
used for an extension (eyelash extension) but is not limited to
this. The structure of this embodiment is also applicable to a
false eyelash (see, for example, "16" in FIG. 7(a), "18" in FIG. 9.
Namely, even where an antibacterial material (e.g., silver ions) is
contained in the artificial eyelash main body (16, 18) of a false
eyelash type, the propagation of bacteria can be suppressed more
than in a conventional false eyelash since the artificial eyelash
(false eyelash) 300 in this embodiment is antibacterial.
[0180] The present invention has been described by way of various
embodiments. These embodiments do not limit the present invention,
and the present invention can be modified in various manners,
needless to say. For example, the artificial eyelashes (extensions)
100, 200, 250 and 300 in the above-described embodiments may be
attached to lower eyelashes. As described above, in the states
shown in, for example, FIGS. 32(a) through (c), the artificial
eyelash main body 10 in any of the above-described embodiments of
the extension may be temporarily attached to the eyelash 50 by use
of a liquid (e.g., water or a liquid having a higher viscosity than
that of water, typically, a liquid cosmetic material) instead of
the glue 21. Such temporary attachment allows the user (wearer)
1000 to check the design or how he/she feels when wearing the
extension in the embodiment. In the case of the extensions 200 and
250 in the embodiments according to the present invention, the use
of a liquid (water or a liquid cosmetic material) has an advantage
of making the temporary attachment operation easy because the
artificial eyelash main body 10 has an increased surface area size
and so has an increased force of holding the liquid owing to the
surface tension thereof. In the case of the extension 300, the use
of a liquid has an advantage of making the temporary attachment
operation easy because the antibacterial material is hydrophilic,
and when the antibacterial material is on the surface of the
artificial eyelash main body 10, the surface has an increased force
of holding the liquid.
[0181] In the above-described embodiments, the extensions (100,
200, 250, 300) are each attached to the eyelash 50 of the user
(wearer) 1000. The eyelash 50 may be an eyelash portion of a false
eyelash. Namely, the extension of any of the embodiments of the
present invention can be attached to the eyelash portion 50 of a
false eyelash, instead of a human eyelash. This way, a unique false
eyelash which meets the tastes of the user can be produced. As a
practice of attaching an extension, the extension 100 or the like
may be attached to the eyelash portion 50 of a false eyelash. In
the case where the extension 100 or the like is attached to the
eyelash portion 50 of a false eyelash also, the above-described
effects of the embodiments can be provided.
[0182] The structures of the embodiments may be appropriately
combined. For example, the structure of the extension 100 in
Embodiment 1 may be combined with the structure of the extension
300 in Embodiment 4 (antibacterial material). Specifically, an
antibacterial material can be contained in the artificial eyelash
main body 10 and/or the annular member 20 in Embodiment 1. The
structure of the extension 200 or 250 in Embodiment 2 or 3 may be
combined with the structure of the extension 300 in Embodiment 4
(antibacterial material). The structure of the extension 100 in
Embodiment 1 may be combined with the structure of the extension
200 or 250 in Embodiment 2 or 3 to decrease the weight of the
extension.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0183] 10 Artificial eyelash main body [0184] 11 Tip portion [0185]
13 Artificial eyelash portion [0186] 14 Support portion [0187] 15
Root portion (end portion) [0188] 15a End face [0189] 16 Main body
[0190] 17 Middle point [0191] 18 False eyelash (short type) [0192]
19 Artificial eyelash portion [0193] 20 Annular member [0194] 21
Glue [0195] 22 Annular member [0196] 22a Opening [0197] 24 Annular
member [0198] 24a Opening [0199] 26 Band-like portion [0200] 27
Annular member [0201] 30 Surface portion [0202] 31 Concaved and
convexed portion [0203] 32 Apex [0204] 33 Concaved and convexed
portion [0205] 34 Groove [0206] 35 Surface portion [0207] 40 Silver
ions (antibacterial material) [0208] 42 Resin [0209] 50 Eyelash
(eyelash portion) [0210] 55 Skin [0211] 60 Tweezers [0212] 65
Extending direction [0213] 70 Heat [0214] 100 Extension [0215] 150
Extension [0216] 200 Extension [0217] 250 Extension [0218] 300
Extension [0219] 1000 User
* * * * *