Cascading Eyelashes

Abstract

The present invention relates to eyelash structures, kits comprising said eyelash structures and methods for preparing the same. The eyelash structures of the invention comprise at least two eyelash units, which optionally differ in terms of design, material, length and curvature, are connected in a cascading fashion. The invention further provides a kit comprising said eyelash structures, and optionally a glue. In addition, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the eyelash structures of the invention.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Eyelashes, designed to be affixed to the natural lash line of the eyelid to add length, thickness and fullness to naturally present eyelashes, are known in the prior art. They are available in various lengths, colors, thicknesses, and designs, from natural-looking to dramatic. They may further contain adornments, such as feathers, rhinestones, etc.

[0002] It can be desirable to combine two or more eyelash units in order to enhance their look or create a new overall appearance. Typically, eyelash units are combined by stacking or doubling their eyelash bands on top of one another ("stacked eyelashes").

[0003] However, stacked eyelashes have several disadvantages. Because the bands are stacked on top of each other, they are very thick and inflexible. A lot of glue is needed to keep the eyelash bands stuck together and to attach them to the eyelid, and the excess glue tends to stick to the naturally present eyelashes, which will easily be ripped out. The inflexible thick eyelash band and the excess glue further can irritate the eye, and is uncomfortable to wear. Because of their inflexibility, stacked eyelash bands also tend to detach from the eyelid, which results in unappealing lifting edges and decreases their wearing time unless more glue is used to re-attach them. The stacked eyelash bands as well as the excess glue which is needed to keep stacked eyelashes in place which tends to form visible clumps upon drying, can result in an artificial, unappealing look.

[0004] In addition, stacked eyelashes are not easily reusable. Because a lot of glue is needed to keep them attached, once they removed from the eyelid, the dried glue forming a comparably thick, uneven layer has to be removed before the eyelashes can be attached to the eyelid again, using fresh glue. However, upon removing excess dried glue, the stacked eyelash bands easily rip apart. As an alternative to stacked eyelashes manufacturers provide eyelashes having twice the amount of lash filaments on one band.

[0005] Thus, in sum, stacked eyelashes are produced and are on the market. The same is true for eyelashes having twice the amount of lash filaments. However, both variants of eyelashes do not yet satisfy the needs and demands of customers as regards their appearance of the eyes, while at the same time eyelashes shall particularly be comfortable to wear and shall preferably be reusable.

[0006] It is therefore the intention of the present invention to provide a solution to the problems satisfy the needs and demands in the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an eyelash structure comprising at least two eyelash units, each of which comprises an elongated mounting portion and lash filaments, wherein the mounting portions of said at least two eyelash units are connected in a cascading fashion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the eyelash structure comprises 2, 3, 4, or 5 eyelash units.

[0009] In one embodiment, the eyelash units are connected permanently.

[0010] In one embodiment, the eye lash units are (exclusively) connected via the mounting portions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connection can be mediated by glue or heat.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least two eyelash units are different. The eyelash units can differ from each other in terms of design, color, and/or length.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lash filaments of the at least two eyelash units are different. The lash filaments can differ from each other in terms of design, color, length, and/or thickness. In one embodiment, the lash filaments can be natural or synthetic.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elongated mounting portion of the at least two eyelash units is transparent or colored.

[0015] In one embodiment, the eyelash units are in the form of a full strip, corner lash, or a plurality of subassemblies.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a kit comprising an eyelash structure as defined herein, optionally comprising a glue.

[0017] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a package comprising an eyelash structure as defined in herein, optionally comprising or having imprinted instructions for use. The package is preferably transparent.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for the production of an eyelash structure as defined herein, the method comprising selecting at least two eyelash units from a pre-determined plurality of given eyelash units and connecting them in a cascading fashion. By that eyelash structures of the same or different providers that may offer a pre-determined plurality can be combined.

[0019] It must be noted that as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the", include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a reagent" includes one or more of such different reagents and reference to "the method" includes reference to equivalent steps and methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art that could be modified or substituted for the methods described herein.

[0020] Unless otherwise indicated, the term "at least" preceding a series of elements is to be understood to refer to every element in the series. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0021] The term "and/or" wherever used herein includes the meaning of "and", "or" and "all or any other combination of the elements connected by said term".

[0022] The term "about" or "approximately" as used herein means within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range. It includes, however, also the concrete number, e.g., about 20 includes 20.

[0023] The term "less than" or "greater than" includes the concrete number. For example, less than 20 means less than or equal to. Similarly, more than or greater than means more than or equal to, or greater than or equal to, respectively.

[0024] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integer or step. When used herein the term "comprising" can be substituted with the term "containing" or "including" or sometimes when used herein with the term "having".

[0025] When used herein "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. When used herein, "consisting essentially of" does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim.

[0026] In each instance herein any of the terms "comprising", "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of" may be replaced with either of the other two terms.

[0027] It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, or material described herein and as such can vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

[0028] All publications and patents cited throughout the text of this specification (including all patents, patent applications, scientific publications, manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.), whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. To the extent the material incorporated by reference contradicts or is inconsistent with this specification, the specification will supersede any such material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] FIG. 1 shows the assembly of an eyelash structure of the invention from three eyelash units of different styles. A Eyelash structure of two different eyelash units connected via their mounting portions in a cascading fashion B Affixation of a third eyelash unit via its mounting portion in a cascading fashion C Eyelash structure comprising three different eyelash units.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows two illustrative examples of cascading eyelashes. In particular, a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit--marked by "2"--is placed on top of the lash filaments of a first eyelash unit--marked by "1". In the alternative, a first eyelash unit--marked by "1"--is placed under/below a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit--marked by "2".

[0031] FIG. 3 shows in A and B illustrative examples of cascading eyelashes. In particular, a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit--marked by "2"--is placed on top of the lash filaments of a first eyelash unit--marked by "1". In the alternative, a first eyelash unit--marked by "1"--is placed under/below a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit--marked by "2".

[0032] Eyelash structures having alongitudinal section as is illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3B and 3C are preferred ones of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows how an eyelash structure of the present invention can be prepared.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows how a multiple layer eyelash structure of the present invention can be prepared.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present inventor, for the first time, developed a way to combine eyelash units in a cascading fashion (resulting in so called "cascading eyelashes" or "staggered eyelashes"). Said cascading eyelashes combine at least two eyelash units for an intensified look, and/or an eclectic design. In contrast to stacked eyelashes, the eyelash units of the cascading eyelashes of the invention are not connected by stacking their eyelash bands on top of each other, but rather in a staggered or cascading fashion.

[0036] Indeed, the inventor found that the biggest problem for a skilled artisan in the field of artificial eyelashes is that homemade and professional doubled or multilayered lashes are dysfunctional. When one is trying to stick together eyelash units, then a customer will stick the bands directly on top of one another. If so, this results in somewhat which may resemble the professional versions offered, for example, by a provider such as Eylure, where lashes are "doubled" that are premade as well; again with the bands on top of one another, i.e. stacked. Apart from that, stacked lashes were always thought to bear the risk that the extra added lashes are visible in a way which makes you feel uncomfortable. Thus, when somehow would have thought of doubling lashes, there was a fear of the artificial obviousness, all the more, if the lash bands are stacked or connected in a cascading fashion. Moreover, skilled artisans when thinking of doubling lashes, would have thought that one cannot wear the cascading eyelashes of the present invention without eyeliner, since otherwise a customer would not look natural. This is because bands are normally so thick that one cannot wear them without heavy liner. Furthermore, skilled artisans would have thought that the extending lash bands are noticeable. Hence, skilled artisans would have feared to prepare lashes in a cascading fashion as the present invention does, because they are so used to seeing these thick bands that they do not understand using a thin band or invisible band will make it nearly impossible to see the extra bands.

[0037] However, much to the surprise of the inventor, the cascading eyelash structures as provided herein makes customers look more natural and the cascading fashion in which eyelash units are connected is no issue at all, but gives a customer a natural look. The natural look can be even more natural with, for example, a thin band, and/or with an invisible band for optimum discreetness. Hence, eyelash structures of the present invention having a thin band and/or even an invisible band are preferred.

[0038] A great advantage of the present invention is that cascading eyelash structures are more flexible than stacked eyelashes known from the prior art, thus enabling comfortable and long wearing. In addition, in order to apply the eyelash structures of the invention, less glue is needed, because only one band of eyelashes will come into contact with the eyelid. This means less waste of glue, less visible clumps of dried glue, and less irritation to the eye. In addition, the thinner soft eyelash band is also much less inclined to pull out the naturally present lashes.

[0039] As an additional advantage, the cascading eyelashes of the invention are readily reusable. Because they are not connected by affixing their eyelash bands on top of each other, dried glue can easily be removed from the only eyelash band which comes into contact with the eyelid while all other eyelash bands remain untouched. Thus, the cascading eyelashes of the invention are readily available for several uses.

[0040] Another advantage of the eyelash structure of the present invention allows combining different colors, lengths, thickness and styles of eyelashes. It furthermore provides double the adhesive area of mounting portions which decreases the need of re-applying the eyelashes to the eye. Accordingly, the present invention provides eyelash structures composed of multiple layers of eyelashes (2 or more) of different colors, lengths, thickness and/or styles connected to each other in a cascading fashion.

[0041] Further advantages of the eyelash structure of the present invention are:

--less tension, --increased wear, increased comfort, --increased discretion, --ability to stack multiple layers comfortably, --increased variety, --"user friendly" for all skill level customers, --easy application, --increased durability, --increased re-application, --increased market, layered lashes for every walk of life, --more aesthetically pleasing, --easily conforms to shape of eye.

[0042] Indeed, the unique construction of the cascading multi-layer eyelash structures of the present invention is able to provide optimum customer satisfaction. The preferably thin mounting portion (sometimes also referred to herein as "band" or "lash band") is able to easily conform to the round shape of the eye increasing the wear, amount of uses, and comfort of the eyelash structure of the present invention. The additional layers are attached to the initial mounting portion in a cascading fashion as described herein, which reduces tension that would be created if eyelash were combined directly on top of one another; the "sandwich" effect. With reduced tension the eyelash structure of the present invention feel lighter and are easier to bend and contort. This also eliminates the issue of the corners of the bands detaching from one another where they are combined, or the eyelash corners lifting off the consumer's eyes. This construction creates maximum durability.

[0043] Moreover, cascading the eyelash units as described herein provides a thinner lash band that gives the customer a natural lash line that can either be enhanced with a thin black band, which eliminates the need for eyeliner or an invisible band for maximum discretion. For example, with all eyelash units combined having used invisible bands it is virtually impossible to see where the additional lashes are attached. For those who would like to eliminate the need for eyeliner, with a thin black band and all additional lashes combined being combined with invisible band to remain discreet about the layering. For customers who prefer to have all lash bands be combined by a thin black band, the cascading construction can be finessed to be carefully placed closer to the first lash band to hide layering.

[0044] By providing the eyelash structure of the present invention, the inventor provide an enhanced lash line for those who want to skip the step of applying eyeliner; the inventor eliminates the need for mascara with the fullness of layering lashes, and for those who want to look as natural as possible, invisible lash bands can prevent the ability to detect false lashes. The eyelash structure of the present invention meets the need of the average customer who is not advanced in makeup but wants to join the latest craze of layering lashes by providing the lashes premade in an easy to apply construction; making it more user friendly. The present invention thus meets the need of makeup artists who want to layer eyelash structures, but would like to save the time by having them premade, but needs them to be the same quality that they can make by hand, with the same durability and wear. Furthermore, the present invention also meets the need of the average woman who wants to enhance her look in the professional world while joining the new trend, by providing layered lashes that can be "day looks"; which is fulfilling a need that the market has left behind, as most "stacked" lashes provide only dramatic night looks.

[0045] The beauty of the present invention is that the construction can be applied to any style of lash, and any type of lash, (natural or synthetic); this meets every customers needs across the spectrum as far as age, profession, skill level, and preference. Accordingly, the eyelash structures of the present invention fills a gap that is in the market.

[0046] The above being said, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to an eyelash structure comprising at least two eyelash units, each of which comprises an elongated mounting portion and lash filaments, wherein said eyelash structure is characterized in that said mounting portions of said at least two eyelash units are connected in a cascading fashion. It is preferred that the eyelash structure of the present invention is premade, preferably premade for customers. "Premade" means that the eyelash structure is ready-for-use, i.e., it can be readily applied to the eyelid by the usual means and methods. Sometimes the term "eyelash structure" is equivalently used with the term "eyelashes" or "lashes". Similarly, the term "mounting portion" is sometimes equivalently used with the term "band" or its plural form "bands".

[0047] In practice, when at last two eyelash units are connected in a cascading fashion, a subsequent eyelash unit can be placed on top of a first eyelash unit, i.e. in ascending fashion, such that the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit is not in direct contact with the mounting portion of the first eyelash unit. Specifically, the subsequent eyelash unit is placed on top of the lash filaments of a first eyelash unit such that the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit is not in direct contact with the mounting portion of the first eyelash unit. As a result of this connection, the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit can be to the right (see FIG. 2A or 2B) or left (see FIG. 3B) of the first mounting portion, with right being preferred. The subsequent and first eyelash units are then connected to each other as described herein, thereby said eyelash units are connected in a staggered (or cascading) fashion. A typical procedure as described before is illustrated in FIG. 4. If any further eyelash unit is intended to be connected to the first and subsequent eyelash units the afore-described process is to be repeated as often as desired. For example, a third eyelash unit is placed on top of the subsequent eyelash unit in the same way as said subsequent eyelash unit is placed on top of the first eyelash unit. The subsequent and first eyelash units are then connected to each other as described herein. FIG. 3C shows a preferred eyelash structure of the present invention that is obtainable by the afore-described method of connecting at least two eyelash units in a cascading fashion.

[0048] In the alternative to the above, when at last two eyelash units are connected in a cascading fashion, a first eyelash unit can be placed under/below a subsequent eyelash unit, i.e. in descending fashion, such that the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit is not in direct contact with the mounting portion of the first eyelash unit. Specifically, the first eyelash unit is placed/below under the lash filaments of the subsequent eyelash unit such that the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit is not in direct contact with the mounting portion of the first eyelash unit. As a result of this connection, the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit can be to the right (see FIG. 2A or 2B) or left (see FIG. 3B) of the first mounting portion, with right being preferred. The subsequent and first eyelash units are then connected to each other as described herein, thereby said eyelash units are connected in a staggered (or cascading) fashion. If any further eyelash unit is intended to be connected to the first and subsequent eyelash units the afore-described process is to be repeated as often as desired. For example, a third eyelash unit is placed under/below of the subsequent eyelash unit in the same way as said subsequent eyelash unit is placed under/below the first eyelash unit in the same way as said first eyelash unit is placed under/below the subsequent eyelash unit. The subsequent and first eyelash units are then connected to each other as described herein.

[0049] The term "cascading fashion" is used herein to refer to a way of connecting at least two eyelash units (which can be the same or different) in an ascending or descending staggered way so that their mounting portions are not in direct contact with each other. An illustrative and preferred example of an eyelash structure of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3B, while the illustrative examples of an eyelash structure shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B represent a more preferred example of an eyelash structure of the present invention. The term "not in direct contact" means that the mounting portions of the eyelash units have a distance to each other of 1 mm or more, e.g., 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm. This distance is preferably over the entire length of the mounting portions.

[0050] The mounting portion which is affixed to the eyelid will hereinafter also be referred to as the "first mounting portion", whereas the mounting portions which are affixed to the first mounting portion in a cascading fashion will be termed the "subsequent mounting portion(s)". Preferably, the term "cascading fashion" is used to refer to a way of connecting at least two eyelash units wherein an upper eyelash unit is affixed onto the lower eyelash unit, but is not in contact with the mounting portion of the lower eyelash unit. It is envisaged that the upper mounting portion is affixed near the lower mounting portion. Preferably, the upper mounting portion is affixed directly to the lash filaments of the lower eyelash unit. However, any other way of connecting upper and lower eyelash units are conceivable, as long as the mounting portions of upper and lower eyelash units are not stacked. Thus, in general, the at least two eyelash units of the eyelash structure of the present invention are not connected in a stacked fashion. An illustrative and preferred example of cascading eyelashes is shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B or FIG. 3C.

[0051] The term "stacked" or "stacking" as used herein refers to a way of connecting at least two eyelash units, wherein the mounting portions of the eyelash units are in direct contact with each other, e.g., affixed on top of each other.

[0052] The eyelash units of the cascading eyelash structure of the invention are preferably (exclusively) connected via the mounting portions. It is to be understood that "connected (exclusively) via the mounting portions" means connected as described in a cascading fashion, i.e. the mounting portions of the eyelash units are not connected to each other. Rather, "connected via the mounting portions" herein means that the connection means, such as glue or heat, affix the mounting portion of the upper eyelash unit to the lower eyelash unit, preferably to the lash filaments of the lower eyelash unit.

[0053] The elongated mounting portion, herein also referred to as "mounting portion", can be an eyelash band. It can be of any suitable material, e.g. natural or synthetic materials, as long as it preferably is non-irritating to eye and/or skin and enables attachment (to the eyelid or to a lower eyelash unit).

[0054] It can in general be of any thickness, design and/or color. It may or may not contain further adornments, such as rhinestones. It is one further envisaged to combine eyelash units with different mounting portions. With regard to color, mounting portions can in general have any color, for example black, brown, or be transparent. Eyelash units having different mounting portions can be combined in order to create a desired look. E.g., it is conceivable to combine only eyelash units with colored (e.g., black or brown) mounting portions, e.g. to create an intensified look. It is however also conceivable to combine only eyelash units with transparent mounting portions, e.g. to create a natural look. Eyelash units with colored and transparent mounting portions can also be combined.

[0055] The first mounting portion is in general attached to the eyelid using an adhesive strip, or a liquid or paste glue. The adhesive strip may be pre-fixed to the mounting portion. The liquid/paste type glue may be applied as part of the affixation process. In general, any suitable adhesive strip or glue may be used. It is for example preferred that it does not irritate eyes and/or skin, is able to affix the eyelash structure to the eyelid, and/or is removable. "Removable" means that the glue can be removed from eyelid and/or first mounting portion after the eyelash structure is detached from the eyelid, so that when repeated use of the eyelash structure is intended, fresh glue can be added to the first mounting portion.

[0056] In general, the eyelash structure of the invention can comprise as many eyelash units as desired. Preferably, the eyelash structure comprises 2, 3, 4 or 5 eyelash units.

[0057] It is envisaged that the eyelash units of the eyelash structure of the invention are connected to each other permanently, preferably by glue or heat. However, it is also conceivable that the eyelash units are connected to each other non-permanently, thereby enabling removal of one or more eyelash units without rupturing the eyelash unit(s) when desired.

[0058] It is one advantage of the present invention that eyelash units of different designs can be combined. Said eyelash units can differ in terms of design (including applications, adornments, assembly of lash filaments), color, material and/or length. Thus, the present invention also envisages an eyelash structure wherein at least two eyelash units are different, e.g. in terms of design, color, material and/or length.

[0059] However, it is also envisaged that eyelash units of the same design and/or style and/or color are combined in an eyelash structure of the present invention, e.g. in order to provide an enhanced look.

[0060] The lash filaments of the eyelash units can be of any suitable material. The material can differ from the material of the mounting portion, or it can be the same material. The lash filaments can be of synthetic, or of natural material. Eyelash structures of the present invention can have both natural and synthetic lash filaments. Natural materials that are suitable as lash filament materials are for example natural hair, feathers, silk and other natural materials

[0061] In one embodiment, the eyelash units are in the form of a full strip, corner lash, or a plurality of subassemblies.

"Full strip" means that the eyelash unit is a single assembly of lash filaments for each eye. Such an assembly typically includes an elongated mounting portion and lash filaments formed from, e.g. from synthetic fibers or natural hair. The mounting portion from which the lash filaments extend typically corresponds approximately to the shape of the edge of an eyelid (hereafter referenced as "a lash line", regardless of whether individual native lash filaments are present in that area). The mounting portion is usually temporarily affixed to the lash line using an adhesive strip, or a liquid or paste adhesive. Where used, the adhesive strip is often pre-fixed to the mounting portion by the manufacturer. The liquid/paste type adhesive may be applied as part of the affixation process. "Corner" lashes are usually intended to be used at the lateral corner of an eye. While corner lashes will fit the majority of eyes, they generally have a very specific shape. An eyelash structure being in the form of a plurality of subassemblies is, e.g., described in WO 2007/138289, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising an eyelash structure as described herein, and optionally a glue or an adhesive strip as described herein. It may further contain one or more of the following, a mirror, adhesive remover, scissors, tweezers, a lash application tool, a lash separator/comb, mascara, any other suitable items to assist in affixing the eyelash structure.

[0063] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a package comprising an eyelash structure as described herein, optionally comprising or having imprinted instructions for use.

[0064] The present invention further provides a method for producing an eyelash structure as defined herein, said method comprising selecting at least two eyelash units from a pre-determined plurality of given eyelash units and connecting them in a cascading fashion as described herein. The person skilled in the art will readily understand that what has been described in the context of the eyelash structure of the invention may also apply to the method of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

[0065] Embodiments of the present invention also could be used in a system-based approach, wherein different eyelash units are presented. This approach is particularly suitable for use in a professional application, where a consultant is available to assist a wearer in the selection of a combination of eyelash units to create a desired effect. The eyelash units may, in such a case, be affixed to the wearer by the consultant and/or taken by the wearer for self-affixation at a later point in time.

[0066] A system-based approach is also suitable for use with computer-aided eyelash design, where images of different eyelash units combinations can be superimposed upon an image of the wearer, so that various combinations of eyelash units can be considered prior to making a choice. In such a process, the computer-aided design aspect can be operated by a consultant or by the wearer. Such a process can even be conducted remotely over a network and/or via the Internet. For example, an image of the wearer could be uploaded to a remote server, the computer-aided design process conducted online, and the chosen eyelash structure or eyelash unit purchased online for subsequent delivery via mail order or store pickup. This computer-aided system has particular benefits in that the wearer can make a selection from a vast range of potential eyelash units which can be supplied directly from a warehouse (thus eliminating the need for large store inventories), and the software can assist in making an appropriate selection (from among what might otherwise be a bewildering choice of potential lash subassemblies). In such a case, the resulting eyelash structure could quite reasonably be classed as "custom-made".

[0067] While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiment above, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, though certain colors (e.g., black, brown, clear, etc.) and visual descriptor(s) (e.g., "soft", "delicate", "rich", "thick", "chaotic", "subtle", etc.) have been used with reference to various eyelash structures and/or eyelash units, each structure or unit may be provided with any color(s) and/or visual descriptor(s), singly or in combination, as desired for a particular application of the present invention; such design choices may be made for any embodiment of the present invention without regard to the naturalness of the resulting effect or any other consideration. The Figures do not indicate absolute or relative scales of any features of the depicted embodiments. Any structures of the eyelash structure or eyelash unit according to any embodiment of the present invention may be made with any suitable method, including, but not limited to, one-piece construction, multi-piece construction, knotting, molding, other affixation, or any combinations thereof, without deference to the manufacturing methods referenced herein.

[0068] Each eyelash structure or eyelash unit may exhibit any desired simple or compound curves, curvilinear characteristics, rectilinear characteristics, or any combinations thereof when viewed from any direction; for instance, the lash filaments of any embodiment of the present invention may curve downward, from a sagittal view, in much the same manner as natural eyelashes curl or are commonly made to curl. Any described use environments for the various embodiments of the present invention (e.g., theatrical applications) do not limit situations and embodiments in which the present invention could be used, but are merely examples. The specific values for lengths (absolute or relative) are presented merely as examples of suitable dimensions for certain applications of the present invention, and one of ordinary skill in the art can readily specify desired values, which may differ from those suggested, for a particular application. The eyelash structure can be temporarily affixed (e.g., by using removable adhesive) for short-term use or can be more permanently affixed (e.g., by using a less readily removable adhesive or through other joining to the natural eyelashes or eye area structures) for more long-term use. The eyelash structure can be one-time use, disposable products, or can be configured for repeated uses. The lash filaments may each have any suitable color, material, cross-sectional shape, construction, or any other traits as desired for a particular application of the present invention, and the lash filaments making up a single eyelash unit need not be matched in any traits except as desired. A device or method incorporating any of these features should be understood to fall under the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims below and any equivalents thereof. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. An eyelash structure comprising at least two eyelash units each comprising an elongated mounting portion and lash filaments, wherein said eyelash structure is characterized in that said mounting portions of said at least two eyelash units are connected in a cascading fashion.

2. The eyelash structure of claim 1, comprising 2, 3, 4, or 5 eyelash units.

3. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein the eyelash units are connected permanently.

4. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein the eye lash units are (exclusively) connected via the mounting portions.

5. The eyelash structure of claim 3, wherein the connection is mediated by glue or heat.

6. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein said at least two eyelash units are different.

7. The eyelash structure of claim 6, wherein the eyelash units differ from each other in terms of design, color, and/or length.

8. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein said lash filaments of said at least two eyelash units are different.

9. The eyelash structure of claim 8, wherein said lash filaments differ from each other in terms of design, color, length, and/or thickness.

10. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein lash filaments are natural or synthetic.

11. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein the elongated mounting portion of said at least two eyelash units is transparent or colored.

12. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein the eyelash units are in the form of a full strip, corner lash, or a plurality of subassemblies.

13. A kit comprising an eyelash structure as defined in claim 1, optionally comprising a glue.

14. A package comprising an eyelash structure as defined in claim 1, optionally comprising or having imprinted instructions for use.

15. A method for the production of an eyelash structure as defined in claim 1, comprising selecting at least two eyelash units from a pre-determined plurality of given eyelash units and connecting them in a cascading fashion.