U.S. patent application number 14/408067 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for false eyelash holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is Avon Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Maha Raouf.
Application Number | 20150173442 14/408067 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51491804 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150173442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raouf; Maha |
June 25, 2015 |
FALSE EYELASH HOLDER
Abstract
The invention is directed to a housing to hold false eyelashes
without the need of glue to hold the eyelashes in place. The
inventive housing has a cylindrical base that maintains the desired
curvature of the eyelashes during storage and/or transportation and
non-adhesive attachments secure the eyelashes to the cylindrical
base.
Inventors: |
Raouf; Maha; (Franklin
Lakes, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Avon Products, Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51491804 |
Appl. No.: |
14/408067 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
February 28, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US14/19382 |
371 Date: |
December 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61774091 |
Mar 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/286 ;
206/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/02 20130101;
B65D 21/0209 20130101; A41G 5/02 20130101; B65D 25/54 20130101;
B65D 25/14 20130101; B65D 85/70 20130101; B65D 25/108 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20060101
A41G005/02; B65D 25/14 20060101 B65D025/14; B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65D 25/54 20060101 B65D025/54; B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; B65D 25/10 20060101 B65D025/10; B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02 |
Claims
1. A false eyelash holder comprised of: a. a cylindrical base
having a curvature and a circumference; b. at least one
non-adhesive attachment along the circumference of the cylindrical
base, and c. an adaptable length false eyelash having a base strand
and lash strands wherein the base strand adopts the curvature of
the cylindrical base in the absence of any adhesive when the
adaptable length false eyelash is mounted along the circumference
of the cylindrical base and secured using the at least one
non-adhesive attachment.
2. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the adaptable
length false eyelash is spooled around the cylindrical base.
3. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical
base is hollow and has an interior surface.
4. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical
base is a cylinder, truncated cone, conical frustum, inverted
truncated cone, or inverted conical frustum.
5. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, further comprised of a tray
extending outward from the cylindrical base and having a concave
depression having a profile substantially matching the profile to
be imparted to the lash strands of the adaptable length false
eyelash, wherein the lash strands of the adaptable length false
eyelashes reside within the concave depression.
6. The false eyelash holder of claim 5, where in the profile of the
concave depression conforms approximately to the natural curve of
an eyelash.
7. (canceled)
8. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the curvature of
the cylindrical base conforms approximately to the natural curve of
an eyelid.
9. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the circumference
of the cylindrical base is about 0.75 inches to about 7.0
inches.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical
base has a cross-sectional shape and the shape is selected from the
group consisting of circular, oblong, elliptical, and ovals.
13. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the non-adhesive
attachment is selected from the group consisting of an opening,
hole, notch, hook, slit, and combination thereof.
14. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the false eyelash
holder has at least two non-adhesive attachments.
15. (canceled)
16. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the false eyelash
holder has protrusions or indentations along its circumference.
17. The false eyelash holder of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical
base incorporates an integral eyelash cutter.
18. The false eyelash holder of claim 3, wherein implements related
to the use of adaptable length false eyelash are stored within the
hollow cylindrical base.
19. The false eyelash holder of claim 3, wherein the interior
surface of the hollow cylindrical base is roughened or chemically
treated.
20. A multiple false eyelash holder comprising: a mounting rod
having a first and second end, and a circumference less than the
circumference of the cylindrical base along its length except for
the second end; at least two false eyelash holders of claim 5
mounted on mounting rod; and a cap comprised of a cover and an
attachment.
21. The multiple false eyelash holder of claim 20, wherein the
cover is transparent or translucent.
22. A multiple false eyelash holder comprised of; a first false
eyelash holder of claim 5 having a first outer lip; a second false
eyelash holder of claim 5 having a second outer lip; and a hinge
connecting first outer lip of first false eyelash holder to second
outer lip of second false eyelash holder; wherein the second false
eyelash holder can be folded over the first eyelash holder.
23. A false eyelash holder comprised of a cylindrical base having a
curvature and circumference comprised of a first half and a second
half wherein at least one non-adhesive attachment is provided on
the first half of the cylindrical base and at least one
non-adhesive attachment is provided on the second half of the
cylindrical base; a tray extending outward from the cylindrical
base having a first half connected to the first half of the
cylindrical base and a second half connected to the second half of
the cylindrical base wherein both the first half of the tray and
the second half of the tray each have a concave depression having a
profile; and a hinge connecting the first half of the cylindrical
base and the first half of the tray to the second half of the
cylindrical base and the second half of the tray.
24. A kit comprising a false eyelash holder of claim 1 and a
cosmetic or personal care product.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/774,091, filed Mar. 7, 2013, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a container for
storing false eyelashes of the type typically worn by women. More
specifically, the invention relates to a container for false
eyelashes that secures false eyelashes of adjustable length in the
absence of adhesives or fixatives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A person's eyes are an important part of their appearance,
and recently the use of false eyelashes to accentuate the eyes has
become more prevalent. False eyelashes are made of human hairs,
synthetic hairs, nylon, fibers, threads, or even fiber optics.
False eyelashes are manufactured to have a base strand that is
applied to the user's eyelid, typically with adhesive. A plurality
of individual strands (the eyelashes) are secured to the base
strand at intervals and extend therefrom in the same direction. The
lashes are provided in standard lengths and thus may need to be
trimmed for those users having smaller eye lids or creatively
placed, i.e. positioned to cover as much of the eyelid as possible,
for those having larger eye lids.
[0004] In order to assure ease of application and natural
appearance of the false eyelashes the base strand and plurality of
individual strands are provided with a curvature similar to those
of an actual eyelid and eyelashes, respectively. In order to
maintain the curvature, false eyelash sets are typically mounted
side by side on vacuum formed insets that provide a curvature
similar to that of an eyelid. The base strands of the false
eyelashes are attached to appropriately curved portions of the
insets by means of an adhesive substance. In order to remove an
eyelash set from an inset each eyelash is gripped, for example by
tweezers, and the base strand torn away from the curved portion to
which it is attached. Unless this operation is carried out very
carefully the force used to remove each eyelash from the inset will
cause the eyelashes to be distorted and twisted out of shape so
that the base strand loses much of its important curvature
resulting in more difficult application of an eyelash to a user's
eyelid. In addition, adhesive typically utilized to hold the
underside of the lashes to the insets may remain on the lashes,
degrading the appearance and/or performance of the lashes. It would
thus be beneficial to limit the use of adhesive in packaging the
false eyelashes for safety and mechanical reasons.
[0005] Further, the amount of packaging necessary to attractively
and durably package the false eyelashes is considerable and adds to
the complexity and cost of producing the false eyelashes. Moreover,
today's consumers are more environmentally conscious and may not
appreciate the expenditure of energy and resources in the
manufacture the additional packaging and/or the amount of refuse
generated by the discarded packaging.
[0006] Thus a need exists for a false eyelash holder that maintains
the proper curvature of the base strand of the false eyelash in the
absence of adhesives while reducing the amount of associated
packaging.
The current invention provides for a false eyelash holder that
achieves such benefits. The false eyelash holder of the current
invention provides for a cylindrical base, having a natural
curvature/circumference similar to that of an eyelid, to which the
base strand of a false eyelash may be mounted to impart a similar
curvature/circumference to an eyelid using non-adhesive
attachments. This inventive holder provides for the reduced use of
adhesive and packaging, thereby providing greater ease of eyelash
removal from the packaging. Additionally, in the instance of the
packaging of multiple sets of false eyelashes, the invention allows
for more efficient and economical production of the packaging for
false eyelashes given that the lashes may be located in closer
proximity to one another than permitted by previous false eyelash
holders. Further, the false eyelash holder of the current invention
may be suitable for use with adjustable length false eyelashes,
i.e. eyelashes that are longer than those of an average or standard
length false eyelash that may be trimmed/cut to the user's desired
shape or length.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, a false eyelash holder comprised of:
[0008] a. a cylindrical base having a curvature and a
circumference;
[0009] b. at least one non-adhesive attachment along the
circumference of the cylindrical base, and
[0010] c. an adaptable length false eyelash having a base strand
and lash strands wherein the base strand adopts the curvature of
the cylindrical base in the absence of any adhesive when the
adaptable length false eyelash is mounted along the circumference
of the cylindrical base and secured using the at least one
non-adhesive attachment.
[0011] In another embodiment, the adaptable length false eyelash is
spooled around the cylindrical base.
[0012] In another embodiment, the cylindrical base is hollow and
has an interior surface.
[0013] In another embodiment, the cylindrical base is a cylinder,
truncated cone, conical frustum, inverted truncated cone, or
inverted conical frustum.
[0014] In another embodiment, the false eyelash holder comprised of
a tray extending outward from the cylindrical base and having a
concave depression having a profile substantially matching the
profile to be imparted to the lash strands of the adaptable length
false eyelash, wherein the lash strands of the adaptable length
false eyelashes reside within the concave depression.
[0015] In another embodiment, the profile of the concave depression
conforms approximately to the natural curve of an eyelash.
[0016] In another embodiment, the cylindrical base is hollow and
has an interior surface.
[0017] In another embodiment, the curvature of the cylindrical base
conforms approximately to the natural curve of an eyelid.
[0018] In another embodiment, the circumference of the cylindrical
base is about 0.75 inches to about 7.0 inches.
[0019] In another embodiment, the circumference of the cylindrical
base is about 1.5 inches to 6.25 inches.
[0020] In another embodiment, the circumference of the cylindrical
base is about 2.25 inches to about 5.5 inches.
[0021] In another embodiment, the cylindrical base has a
cross-sectional shape and the shape is selected from the group
consisting of circular, oblong, elliptical, and ovals.
[0022] In another embodiment, the non-adhesive attachment is
selected from the group consisting of an opening, hole, notch,
hook, slit, and combination thereof.
[0023] In another embodiment, the false eyelash holder has at least
two non-adhesive attachments.
[0024] In another embodiment, the false eyelash holder has greater
than two non-adhesive attachments.
[0025] In another embodiment, the false eyelash holder has
protrusions or indentations along its circumference.
[0026] In another embodiment, the cylindrical base incorporates an
integral eyelash cutter.
[0027] In another embodiment, in implements related to the use of
adaptable length false eyelash are stored within the hollow
cylindrical base.
[0028] In another embodiment, the interior surface of the hollow
cylindrical base is roughened or chemically treated.
[0029] In another embodiment, a multiple false eyelash holder
comprising:
[0030] a mounting rod having a first and second end, and a
circumference less than the circumference of the cylindrical base
along its length except for the second end;
[0031] at least two false eyelash holders of embodiment 7 mounted
on mounting rod; and
[0032] a cap comprised of a cover and an attachment.
[0033] In another embodiment, the cover is transparent or
translucent.
[0034] In another embodiment, a multiple false eyelash holder
comprised of:
[0035] a first false eyelash holder of embodiment 5 having a first
outer lip;
[0036] a second false eyelash holder of embodiment 5 having a
second outer lip; and
[0037] a hinge connecting first outer lip of first false eyelash
holder to second outer lip of second false eyelash holder;
[0038] wherein the second false eyelash holder can be folded over
the first eyelash holder.
[0039] In another embodiment, a false eyelash holder comprised
of:
[0040] A cylindrical base having a curvature and circumference
comprised of a first half and a second half wherein at least one
non-adhesive attachment is provided on the first half of the
cylindrical base and at least one non-adhesive attachment is
provided on the second half of the cylindrical base;
[0041] A tray extending outward from the cylindrical base having a
first half connected to the first half of the cylindrical base and
a second half connected to the second half of the cylindrical base
wherein both the first half of the tray and the second half of the
tray each have a concave depression having a profile; and
[0042] A hinge connecting the first half of the cylindrical base
and the first half of the tray to the second half of the
cylindrical base and the second half of the tray.
In another embodiment, a kit comprising a false eyelash holder of
embodiment 1, 5, or 23 and a cosmetic or personal care product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict the back and front view,
respectively, of a false eyelash holder of the current invention
without a false eyelash mounted thereon.
[0044] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the back and front view,
respectively, of a false eyelash holder of the current invention
with a false eyelash mounted thereon.
[0045] FIGS. 3A and 3B provide a top down and cross-sectional
perspective, respectively, of another embodiment of the false
eyelash holder of the current invention wherein a tray having a
concave depression is provided to maintain the curvature of the
lash strands.
[0046] FIG. 4 provides a top down view of an alternative embodiment
of the false eyelash holder of FIG. 3 in which the cylindrical base
and tray have two halves joined by a connecting hinge.
[0047] FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the false eyelash
holder of FIG. 4 when the false eyelash holder is folded over
itself to generate a protective enclosure for false eyelashes
mounted thereon.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a false eyelash holder of the current
invention with several sets of false eyelashes mounted thereon and
a central storage space for associated items, i.e. adhesive,
tweezers, etc., for the use of the false eyelashes.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of an eyelash holder
of the current invention in which a single base strand of a false
eyelash is spooled or coiled around the false eyelash holder and an
integral cutting means is provided for cutting/trimming the false
eyelash.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of an eyelash holder
of the current invention wherein multiple sets of false eyelashes
may be secured in individual trays of FIG. 3A and may be mounted
over a central mounting rod. For storage purposes, an integral
false eyelash holder and a removable cover are provided to secure
the trays to the central mounting rod when access to the false
eyelashes is not needed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] All terms used herein are intended to have their ordinary
meaning unless otherwise provided.
[0052] The present invention provides for a false eyelash holder
that maintains the desired curvature of the false eyelash's base
strand with minimal or no use of adhesives and reduced packaging.
In one embodiment, the invention uses a cylindrical base having a
natural curvature and at least one non-adhesive attachment, such as
an opening, hole, notch, hook, slit, other suitable means known in
the art, or some combination thereof, suitable to secure the base
strand of the false eyelash to the cylindrical holder. In practice,
the base strand of the false eyelash is mounted around the
circumference of the cylindrical base and each end or both ends of
the base strand is/are secured within one or more non-adhesive
attachments around the circumference of the cylindrical base.
Without wishing to be bound to a particular theory, the base strand
of the false eyelash naturally maintains a linear configuration,
and thus when mounted on the cylindrical base an outward force
pulls the ends of the base strand away from the cylinder. When
inserted within the non-adhesive attachments of the current false
eyelash holder, the ends of the base strand will push against the
interior walls of the cylinder base, if the non-adhesive attachment
is an opening, hole or notch for example, or an upright member, if
the non-adhesive attachment is a hook. It is this tension between
the ends of the base strand and the non-adhesive attachments that
allows the base strand of the false eyelash to be securely mounted
to the cylindrical base of the current invention in order to impart
a desired curvature to the base strand without the use of
adhesive.
[0053] The false eyelash holder of the current invention provides a
suitably protective and cost-effective way of transporting,
packaging, and selling false eyelashes in singular or multiple
packs. Further, in one embodiment the cylindrical base may be
hollow providing a space for the implements needed to use the false
eyelashes, such as glue, tweezers, eyelash remover solution, etc.,
and thereby provides a convenient centralized storage of necessary
tools within one apparatus. The false eyelash holders of the
current invention provide a more cost-effective and environmentally
friendly way of packaging false eyelashes because an increased
number of false eyelashes and/or sets of lashes can be arrayed per
volume of packing substrate. Lastly, the cylindrical base of the
current invention allows for the use of long single base strand
arrays and thereby permits the user to customize the eyelash length
and potentially the base strand shape. Specifically, the mounting
of the single lash array on the false eyelash holder of the current
invention permits the use of longer length lashes than heretofore
known in the prior art, such as adaptable lashes that are about 2
to 7 inches in length.
[0054] Some embodiments of the false eyelash holder according to
the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1-8. The false eyelash
holder includes a cylindrical base 20 having a natural
curvature/circumference that approximates the curvature of an
eyelid. Cylindrical base 20 has at least one non-adhesive
attachment 30 along its surface suitable for securing the base
strand of a false eyelash to cylindrical base 20 such that the base
strand adopts the curvature of cylindrical base.
[0055] As noted above, cylindrical base 20 of the current invention
possesses a natural curvature that approximates that of a natural
eyelid to impart to the base strand of a false eyelash a similar
curvature. As such, the shape and circumference of cylindrical base
20 should be suitable for maintaining the desired curvature.
[0056] The cross-sectional shape of cylindrical base 20 may include
circles, oblongs, ellipses, ovals, and similar eyelid-like shapes,
in a further embodiment the cross sectional shape is circular,
elliptical or oval, and in yet a further embodiment the cross
sectional shape is circular. In further embodiments, cylindrical
base 20 may be provided as a truncated cone, conical frustum,
inverted truncated cone, and/or inverted conical frustum. Said
shapes may provide benefits in providing additional support for the
lash strands of the mounted false eyelashes (truncated cone and/or
conical frustum) or in the display of the lash strands of the
mounted false eyelashes (inverted truncated cone and/or inverted
conical frustum).
[0057] Further, the diameter of the cylindrical base 10 should
approximate the diameter of an eyelid. The diameter of a natural
eyelid may vary from about 0.5 to 2 inches (about 1.27 to 5.08 cm),
and therefore in one embodiment the diameter of the cylindrical
base should be within about 30% of these natural occurring
diameters, in a further embodiment the diameter is within 20% of
the naturally occurring diameters, and in yet a further embodiment
the diameter is within 10% of the naturally occurring diameters.
Alternatively, the diameter of the cylindrical base may be about
0.25 to 2.25 inches (about 0.64 to 5.72 cm), in a further
embodiment between 0.5 to 2 inches (about 1.27 to 5.08 cm), and in
yet a further embodiment it may be between 0.75 and 1.75 inches
(about 1.91 to 4.44 cm). The circumference of cylindrical base 10
may then be between about 0.75 and 7.0 inches (about 1.91 to 17.78
cm), in a further embodiment the circumference may be between about
1.5 inches and 6.25 inches (about 3.81 to 15.86 cm), and in yet a
further embodiment the circumference may be between 2.25 and 5.5
inches (about 5.72 to 13.97 inches). In those instances where
cylindrical base is provided as a truncated cone or conical
frustum, the base diameter and circumference as well as the upper
diameter and circumference of the truncated cone or conical frustum
may be within the ranges of diameters and circumferences noted
above.
[0058] In further embodiments, cylindrical base 20 may be solid or
hollow. In certain embodiments, namely those in which (1) openings
or holes are used as non-adhesive attachments, (2) it is desired to
store related implements, i.e. adhesive, tweezers, etc., within
cylindrical base 10, FIG. 6, or (3) cylindrical base 10 is intended
to slide over a mounting rod, FIG. 8, a hollow cylindrical base is
preferred. In certain embodiments where cylindrical base 10 is
hollow to accommodate non-adhesive attachments in the form of
openings, holes, notches, etc., the interior surface of cylindrical
base 20 may be roughened, chemically treated, or otherwise modified
to enhance the friction between the base strand ends with the
interior surface of cylindrical base 10. This modification of the
interior surface may provide an enhanced securement of a false
eyelash to cylindrical base 20 without the use of adhesives.
Further, it will be appreciated that the interior
diameter/circumference of hollow cylindrical base 20 should be
sufficient to accommodate various related implements where hollow
cylindrical base is sought to be used as storage space for such
items. Additionally, in such embodiments the bottom of such hollow
cylindrical base 20 should be solid, permanently capped or
removably capped so that the various implements do not slide out
the bottom when inserted through the top of hollow cylindrical base
20.
[0059] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the basic components of the false
eyelash holder 10 of the current invention. FIG. 1A illustrates a
rear view of false eyelash holder 10. As depicted, false eyelash
holder 10 uses a hollow cylindrical base 20 with a first
non-adhesive attachment 30, which is depicted as an opening within
FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B depicts the front of holder 10 and shows an second
non-adhesive attachment 40, which is depicted as a hook, on
cylindrical base 20. FIGS. 2A and 2B, which provide the same views
of the holder as FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, demonstrate the use
of holder 10 with a false eyelash 50 mounted thereon. Specifically,
false eyelash 50 has a base strand 60 with a first end 80 and a
second end 90 and numerous lash strands 70 extending outwards from
base strand 60 in the same direction. Base strand 60 is wrapped
around the circumference of cylindrical base 20, and, as depicted
within FIG. 2A, ends 80 and 90 are inserted within first
non-adhesive attachment 30, i.e., the opening, to secure false
eyelash 50 to cylindrical base 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B,
base strand 60 may be inserted into second non-adhesive attachment
30, which may be optionally present, to further secure base strand
60 to cylindrical base 20 and maintain the position of false
eyelash 50 along the length of cylindrical base 20. In certain
embodiments, protrusions, such as bumps, shelves, tabs, studs,
etc., or indentations, such as grooves, channels, notches, etc. may
be used to maintain the positioning of the false eyelash.
[0060] A further embodiment of a false eyelash holder 100 of the
present invention is depicted within FIGS. 3A and 3B of the current
invention. In this alternative embodiment, a tray 110 is provided
with a concave depression and/or groove 120, the curve of which is
similar to the natural curve of eyelashes. This arrangement allows
the maintenance of the desired curvature of not only base strand 60
but also lash strands 70 as well. Specifically, FIGS. 3A and 3B
depict tray 110 integral to cylindrical base 20 and extending
outward therefrom. Tray 110 has a concave depression 120 wherein
lash strands 70 of false eyelash 50 reside without extending up or
over the outer lip 130 of tray 110. The cross sectional view
provided by FIG. 3B illustrates the attachment and positioning of
false eyelash 50 within this further embodiment of the false
eyelash holder. Similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B above, base strand 60 is
wrapped around the circumference of cylindrical base 20. FIG. 3B
illustrates an alternative way of attaching ends 80 and 90 of base
strand 60 to cylindrical base 20. In this embodiment, first
non-adhesive attachment 30 and second non-adhesive attachment 40
are located within close horizontal proximity to one another such
that ends 80 and 90 are each inserted into a separate non-adhesive
attachment, i.e., end 80 is inserted into first non-adhesive
attachment 30 and end 90 is inserted into second non-adhesive
attachment 40. Within FIG. 3B ends 80 and 90 are shown in contact
with interior surface 140 of cylindrical base 20. The interior
portions of ends 80 and 90, 150 and 160 respectively, are of
sufficient length that the friction generated between them and
interior surface 140 is sufficient to securely maintain base strand
60 on cylindrical base 20 and impart the natural curvature of
cylindrical base 20 to base strand 60. As shown within FIG. 3B,
lash strands 70 of false eyelash 50 reside within concave
depression 120 and thereby adopt a curvature similar to that of a
natural eyelash. In a further embodiment, concave depression 120
may have grooves or ridges radiating away from cylindrical base 20
which may serve to maintain desired spacing and or positioning of
individual lash strands relative to one another. In yet a further
embodiment incorporating the false eyelash holder of FIGS. 3A and
3B, a multiple false eyelash holder may be fashioned by using a
connecting hinge between the outer lip of a first false eyelash
holder of FIGS. 3A and 3B and the outer lip of a second false
eyelash holder of FIGS. 3A and 3B such that either the first or
second eyelash holder may be folded over the other eyelash holder.
In a further variation of this embodiment a closure means is
provided on the side of the outer lip of the first eyelash holder
and/or second eyelash holder opposite the hinge. In this
embodiment, the trays of the respective eyelash holders form a
protective cover for the false eyelashes enclosed therein when the
multiple eyelash holder is closed.
[0061] FIG. 4 provides a top down view of a further embodiment of
false eyelash holder 100 depicted within FIGS. 3A and 3B of the
current invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows both cylindrical base
20 and tray 110 split in half by a connecting hinge 130.
Cylindrical base 20 has halves 20A and 20B, and tray 110 has halves
110A and 110B. First non-adhesive attachments 30A and 30B and
second non-adhesive attachments 40A and 40B are provided on
cylindrical bases 20A and 20B, respectively. False eyelashes 50A
and 50B are mounted on cylindrical bases 20A and 20B,
respectively.
[0062] FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the false eyelash
holder of FIG. 4 folded over on itself. FIG. 5 illustrates that the
fold occurs along hinge 170 and that outer lips 130A and 130B of
tray halves 110A and 110B, respectively, contact one another. In
such a configuration, false eyelashes 50A and 50B, and in
particular lash strands 70A and 70B, are protected by the clam
shell configuration. Although not depicted within FIG. 5, a
temporary closure may be provided at or along outer lips 130A
and/or 130B. Such temporary closures may include latches and their
corresponding catches, tabs and their corresponding opening, etc.
and are provided to maintain the false eyelash holder in a closed
position while stored.
[0063] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 illustrate additional embodiments of the
current invention suitable for use with several sets of false
eyelashes. In particular, FIGS. 6 and 7 demonstrate the use of
false eyelash holder 10 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B for multiple
sets of lashes, and FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of alternative
eyelash holder 100 depicted within FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows a hollow cylindrical base 20, wherein several
sets of false eyelashes, 130, 140, and 150, are mounted around the
circumference of cylindrical base 20 to impart the natural
curvature of cylindrical base 20 upon base strands 230, 240, and
250 using non-adhesive attachments 260, 270, and 280 respectively.
Further, hollow cylindrical base 20 as depicted provides an
internal opening for a pair of tweezers 290 and a container of
eyelash adhesive 300. Hollow cylindrical base 20 may also hold
additional associated implements, i.e. eyelash remover solutions,
scissors, eyelash curler, etc., or additional cosmetics such as an
eye liner pen or pencil, make-up brushes, etc. In particular, since
the false eyelash holder of the current invention may be used in
conjunction with adaptable length false eyelashes, i.e., lashes
that are longer, about double, triple, or sometimes greater in
length than naturally occurring eyelashes and/or standard length
false eyelashes, the false eyelash holder may include implements
that will allow users to determine the desired length of false
eyelash they would like to use. Such implements may include rulers,
templates, guides, instructions, etc., for determining the needed
length and implements such as scissors, clippers, guillotine
cutters, straight edge cutters, etc., for cutting/trimming the
eyelashes. When used to hold such implements and/or cosmetics it
will be appreciated that the interior diameter of hollow
cylindrical base 20 should be wide enough to accommodate these
items. Although not depicted within FIG. 6, it will be understood
that when hollow cylindrical base 20 provides storage for such
implements or cosmetics both ends should be covered to prevent the
items from falling out of hollow cylindrical base 20. In certain
embodiments, both ends of hollow cylindrical base 20 will have
removable covers including, but not limited to, screw caps, push
caps, insertable tabs, and the like. In a further embodiment, one
end of hollow cylinder 20, typically the end considered the bottom,
will be permanently covered through an integral bottom or a cover
permanently attached to hollow cylinder 20, i.e. glued, welded,
bonded, etc., and the other end of hollow cylinder 20, typically
the end considered the top, will have a removable cover.
[0065] FIG. 7 presents a further embodiment in which a single
extended false eyelash 310, having a base strand 320 with first and
second ends 330 and 340 and lash strands 350 extending therefrom,
is wound, spooled and or coiled around hollow cylindrical base 20.
Single extended false eyelash 310 is secured to hollow cylindrical
base 20 at ends 330 and 340 by insertion of first end 330 into a
first non-adhesive attachment 30 and second end 340 into second
non-adhesive attachment 40. FIG. 7 also illustrates optional
non-adhesive attachments 360, 370, 380, 390, and 400 which may be
provided to maintain proper spacing between the coils of extended
false eyelash 310 and secure extended false eyelash 310 to hollow
cylindrical base 20 after first end 330 and/or second end 340 have
been trimmed. Also, illustrated is an integral eyelash cutter 410
incorporated within hollow cylindrical base 20. Integral eyelash
cutter 410 is similar in design to a letter opener in that it has a
wide opening 420 that accommodates base strand 320 into a groove
430. As base strand is inserted further into groove 430, groove 430
narrows until the inner most portion of the groove 440. At the
inner most portion of the groove, the walls of groove 440 are edged
and groove 440 is narrower than the diameter of base strand 320.
Thus, when base strand 320 is pushed against the inner most portion
of the groove 440 base strand 320 will be cut. It will be
appreciated that other means may be provided for trimming/cutting
adaptable length false eyelashes including but not limited to
scissors, clippers, guillotine cutter, and the like which may be
provided with the false eyelash holder in the interior of hollow
cylindrical base 20, as well as integral means such as a guillotine
device, similar to a cigar cutter, that can be integrated into the
top edge of cylindrical base 20.
[0066] In yet a further embodiment of the current invention,
multiple sets of eyelashes stored in eyelash holder 100 of FIGS. 3A
and 3B may be packaged together. In this embodiment, depicted in
FIG. 8, a central mounting rod 450 is provided having a diameter
sufficiently smaller than the inner diameter of hollow cylindrical
base 20, to permit eyelash holder 100 to slide over mounting rod
450. In an embodiment to ensure ease of mounting trays 100 onto
mounting rod 450 a non-adhesive attachment such as a hook 510
depicted in FIG. 8 is used to avoid end portions of base strand
from interfering with mounting of tray 100 on mounting rod 450. In
FIG. 8 an initial false eyelash holder 300 is integrated into the
bottom portion of mounting rod 450. A step or ledge 310 is provided
to properly space integrated false eyelash holder 300 and tray 100
such that false eyelash 470 is not damaged when tray 100 is placed
on top of integrated tray 300. Alternatively, mounting rod 450 may
not have integrated false eyelash holder 300 and have an integrated
or permanently attached platform or lip instead. The platform or
lip would extend perpendicularly from base of mounting rod 450 to a
diameter equal to or greater than exterior diameter of hollow
cylindrical base 20. This configuration will permit an initial tray
100 to be securely mounted on mounting rod 450 without falling off
mounting rod 450. A cap 470 is provided to be removably attached to
end of mounting rod opposite integrated false eyelash holder 410.
Cap 470 generally is made of a cover 480 and an attachment 490.
Cover 480 should have a circumference or area that matches or
exceeds that of tray 100 so as to provide protection for the
enclosed false eyelash 50. In certain embodiments, the cover may be
made of a transparent or translucent material such that the
contents of the top most tray 100 may be viewed even though
covered. Attachment 490 is depicted as a central post that inserts
into a hollow opening 500 within mounting rod 450. It will be
appreciated that such attachment may be accomplished in other
manners as well such as for example attachment 490 may have a screw
top and mounting rod would have matching threads, or vice versa,
similarly, attachment 490 may have a hollow cylinder wide enough
for mounting rod 450 to be securely inserted therein. Additionally,
in embodiments not depicted within FIG. 8 an additional attachment
may also be present at edge 500 of cap 480. As such, this
attachment would form an attachment with outer lip 130 of uppermost
tray and may do so in a manner consistent with that described for
centrally located attachment 490 disclosed above. Further it will
be appreciated that in this embodiment, mounting rod may be hollow
and provide storage for additional implements as disclosed above
for hollow cylindrical post 20 within FIG. 6.
[0067] It will be appreciated in FIGS. 1-8 that the length of the
cylindrical base and, in the case of FIG. 8, the mounting rod that
should be sufficient to support the desired number of false
eyelashes. The length/height of the cylinder or rod may be from
about 0.5 inches to 6 inches (about 1.27 to 15.24 cm), in certain
embodiments from 1 inch to about 5.5 inches (about 2.54 to 13.97
cm), and in yet another embodiment about 1.5 to 5 inches (about
3.81 to 12.7 cm). In certain embodiments, such as for use by beauty
salons, stylists, make-up artists, etc. longer lengths of the
cylinder base or mounting rod may be made available to accommodate
sufficient numbers of false eyelashes to address their commercial
needs.
[0068] The present invention also provides kits or prepackaged
materials containing the false eyelash holder in combination with a
variety of cosmetic and personal care products including without
limitation mascaras, eye liners, eye pencils and or pens, eye
make-up, etc. These kits may further include documentation related
to sizing, trimming, and application of adaptable length false
eyelashes mounted on false eyelash holder of the current invention
including, but not limited to, instructions for use and or
warnings.
[0069] All references including patent applications and
publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety and for all purpose to the same extent as if each
individual publication or patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes. Many modifications and
variations of this invention can be made without departing from its
spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of
example only, and the invention is to be limited only by the terms
of the appended embodiments, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such embodiments are entitled.
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