U.S. patent application number 14/801198 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for non-adhesive false eyelash system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Katy Stoka. Invention is credited to Katy Stoka.
Application Number | 20160206031 14/801198 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56406805 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160206031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stoka; Katy |
July 21, 2016 |
NON-ADHESIVE FALSE EYELASH SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A false eyelash system comprised of upper and lower eyelash
assemblies, each including a magnetic and/or metallic element, the
assemblies are frictionally secured through magnetic attraction to
the wearer's natural eyelash which is sandwiched therebetween.
Inventors: |
Stoka; Katy; (Miami Beach,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stoka; Katy |
Miami Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56406805 |
Appl. No.: |
14/801198 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62105089 |
Jan 19, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20060101
A41G005/02 |
Claims
1. A false eyelash comprised of: a substrate strip having a first
surface and a second surface, said substrate strip having a
generally elongated shape and a longitudinal axis, said first
surface and said second surface located on opposing sides of said
substrate strip; a plurality of hairs affixed to, and extending
from, said substrate strip, said hairs oriented substantially
perpendicularly with respect to said longitudinal axis; and one or
more flat metallic elements affixed to said substrate strip.
2. The false eyelash of claim 1 wherein said hairs are affixed to
said first surface of said substrate strip and said metallic plates
are affixed to said second surface of said substrate strip.
3. The false eyelash of claim 1 wherein said one or more metallic
elements are inherently magnetic.
4. The false eyelash of claim 1 wherein said one or more metallic
elements are magnetizable.
5. The false eyelash of claim 1 wherein said hairs are selected
from the group comprised of: human hairs, animal hairs, synthetic
hairs and combinations thereof.
6. A false eyelash comprised of: a substrate strip having a first
surface and a second surface, said substrate strip having a
generally elongated shape and a longitudinal axis, said first
surface and said second surface located on opposing sides of said
substrate strip; a plurality of hairs affixed to, and extending
from, said substrate strip, said hairs oriented substantially
perpendicularly with respect to said longitudinal axis; and said
substrate strip having a metallized coating, said metallized
coating comprising metallic particles embedded within a polymer or
plastic binder.
7. The false eyelash of claim 6 wherein said hairs are affixed to
said first surface of said substrate strip and said metallized
coating is applied to said second surface, of said substrate
strip.
8. The false eyelash of claim 6 wherein said metallic particles are
inherently magnetic.
9. The false eyelash of claim 6 wherein said metallic plates are
magnetizable.
10. The false eyelash of claim 6 wherein said hairs are selected
from the group comprised of: human hairs, animal hairs, synthetic
hairs and combinations thereof.
11. A false eyelash system comprised of: an upper false eyelash and
a lower false eyelash the upper false eyelash comprising a
substrate strip having a first surface and a second surface, said
substrate strip having a generally elongated shape and a
longitudinal axis, said first surface and said second surface
located on opposing sides of said substrate strip; the upper false
eyelash further comprising a. plurality of eyelash hairs affixed
to, and extending from, said upper false eyelash substrate strip,
said hairs oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to
said longitudinal axis of said upper false eyelash substrate strip;
the upper false eyelash further comprising one or more flat
metallic elements affixed to said upper false eyelash surface
strip; the lower false eyelash comprising a substrate strip having
a first surface and a second surface, said substrate strip having a
generally elongated shape and a longitudinal axis, said first
surface and said second surface located on opposing sides of said
substrate strip; the lower false eyelash further comprising a
plurality of eyelash hairs affixed to, and extending from said
lower false eyelash substrate strip, said hairs oriented
substantially perpendicularly with respect to said longitudinal
axis of said lower false eyelash substrate strip; and the lower
false eyelash further comprising one or more flat metallic elements
affixed to said lower false eyelash surface strip.
12. The false eyelash of claim 11 wherein said hairs are affixed to
said first surfaces of said upper and lower false eyelash substrate
strips and said metallic elements are affixed to said second
surfaces of said upper and lower false eyelash substrate
strips.
13. The false eyelash of claim 11 wherein said one or more metallic
elements are inherently magnetic.
14. The false eyelash of claim 11 wherein said one or more metallic
elements are magnetizable.
15. The false eyelash of claim 11 wherein said hairs are selected
from the group comprised of: human hairs, animal hairs, synthetic
hairs and combinations thereof.
16. A method for applying a Use eyelash system to a human eyelash
comprising: placing in close proximity to the upper part of the
human eyelash a first false eyelash comprised of a first substrate,
a plurality of hairs affixed to the first substrate, and one or
more metallic elements affixed to the first substrate; placing in
close proximity to the lower part of the human eyelash a second
false eyelash comprised of a second substrate, a plurality of hairs
affixed to the second substrate, and one or more metallic elements
affixed to the second substrate; wherein one or more of the
metallic elements in said first or second false eyelashes contain a
magnetic charge; converging said first and second false eyelashes
onto said human eyelash until magnetic force engages said first
false eyelash with said second false eyelash with said human
eyelash in between.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is being filed as a non-provisional patent
application under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.111(b) and 37 CFR .sctn.1.53(c)
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.111(e) to
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/105,089 filed on
Jan. 19, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to false eyelashes and in
particular to false eyelashes that are secured to the wearer's real
eyelashes by non-adhesive means, such as by magnetic force.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] False eyelashes, and the reason for wearing them, are well
known in the cosmetic arts. People are often dissatisfied with the
look of their eyelashes or simply wish to don eyelashes that are
more suitable to a particular occasion. False eyelashes can have
different curl, color, fullness, length, or other physical
characteristics which can enhance the appearance of the wearer.
While eyelash-enhancing cosmetic products, such as mascara, are
available to improve these characteristics, even greater
enhancements are possible through the use of false eyelashes.
[0004] False eyelashes typically consist of synthetic, human or
animal hairs that are attached or tied to an elongated substrate.
The substrate can be a textile or non-woven material having a
skin-facing surface and an outward-facing surface. The false
eyelash hairs are tied or adhered to the outward-facing surface.
The skin-facing surface is impregnated with a pressure-sensitive
adhesive that is used to temporarily affix the false eyelash to the
wearer's eyelid. Alternatively, an adhesive substance can be
applied directly to the eyelid and the false eyelash is then
attached to the eyelid by placing the skin-facing surface over the
adhesive substance.
[0005] False eyelashes in the prior art suffer from a number of
disadvantages. These disadvantages include but are not limited to
the following. First, they are typically single-use items. That is,
once applied and removed they may not be reused. The act of
applying adhesive and removing a false eyelash has a tendency to
deform the substrate and/or eyelash hairs. Therefore, after one
use, the false eyelash must usually be discarded. Second, false
eyelashes are difficult to apply. Often, the false eyelash is not
perfectly aligned with the wearer's eyelid and must be re-applied.
If the adhesive bond has set in, removing the eyelash in order to
relocate it can result in deformation of the false eyelash and the
need to use a new false eyelash. Third, the adhesive materials used
in prior art false eyelashes can irritate some wearers' eyes and/or
skin and can often leave a residue on the wearer's eyelid which is
often difficult to remove. Fourth, the adhesive materials used in
prior art false eyelashes can lose holding power as it is exposed
throughout the day to oils secreted by the wearer's eyelid,
resulting in false eyelashes that come loose from the eyelid.
Fifth, false eyelashes in the prior all are limited in the number
of hairs that can be applied to the substrate and therefore
sometimes do not add sufficient fullness to the wearer's
eyelashes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the
disadvantages of existing false eyelash systems by providing a
false eyelash that can be easily and conveniently reused. It is a
further object of the present invention to provide a false eyelash
system that is easy to apply and inherently aligns itself to the
wearers' eyelid. It is a further object of the present invention to
provide a false eyelash that does not use adhesives and does not
irritate the wearer's eye or eyelid skin and does not leave any
residue on the user's eyelid. It is a further object of the present
invention to provide a false eyelash that does not physically
contact the wearer's eyelid when installed. It is yet a further
object of the present invention to provide a false eyelid with
enhanced fullness relative to false eyelashes in the prior art.
[0007] These and other objects are achieved through the false
eyelash system of the present invention as described in the
following disclosure.
[0008] The false eyelash system of the present invention can be
applied to the eyelash in the upper eyelid of the wearer and/or the
lower eyelid of the wearer, and to either the left or right eye of
the wearer. For ease of reference and to avoid. redundant
description, unless otherwise stated. the description in the
present disclosure references application to the eyelash located in
the upper eyelid of the wearer. Although there may be dimensional
or ornamental differences in eyelashes applied to the various
locations, the construction and method for application to each such
location is essentially the same.
[0009] The false eyelash system of the present invention consists
of two primary eyelash assemblies. An upper eyelash assembly and a
lower eyelash assembly. Both the upper and the lower eyelash
assemblies consist of a substrate strip of narrow and elongated
construction. The substrate strip is long enough to substantially
cover at least a portion of a wearer's eyelid edge and, optimally,
can be shaped to mirror the contour of the eyelid edge. Thus, the
false eyelash system of the present invention may include false
eyelashes that cover the entire length of the eyelash, a portion of
the eyelash, eyelash tips, or even a single eyelash hair. The
substrate can be composed of a textile, a non-woven material, a
polymer, or other suitable material that is thin, flexible,
lightweight, and can be readily adaptable to the adhesion of
eyelash hairs and metallic components. Each substrate strip has an
upward facing surface and an opposite downward facing surface.
[0010] Eyelash hairs (be they human, animal or synthetic) are
attached to the surface of the substrate in a generally
perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the
substrate strip. In the case of the upper eyelash assembly, the
hairs are preferably attached to the upward facing surface of the
substrate strip. In the case of the lower eyelash assembly, the
hairs are preferably attached to the downward facing surface of the
substrate strip. However, attachment to either surface of the
substrate strip is acceptable.
[0011] One or more non-adhesive attractive elements, in one
embodiment magnetic elements, are attached to the upper eyelash
substrate strip, preferably to its downward facing surface. The
magnetic elements can be placed at discrete locations along the
substrate surface or can cover the entire substrate surface. The
magnetic elements can be composed of an inherently magnetic
material, such as neodymium. Alternatively, the magnetic element
can be composed of a magnetizable material, such as magnetite or
any other ferrous material, which is magnetized after application
to the substrate, and periodically re-magnetized. Because magnetic
force will penetrate the substrate strip, when magnetic elements
are used they may be attached to either surface of the substrate
strip. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be placed on the
lashes.
[0012] The magnetic elements may be formed in one of several ways.
One way is to magnetize a material such as magnetite or another
ferromagnetic material that is embedded into a polymer in the
substrate. One such method is to expose the magnetite or
ferromagnetic material to a strong magnetic field. Other methods of
magnetization exist and may be applicable to this invention.
[0013] Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be manufactured
from inherently magnetic materials such as neodymium or
samarium-cobalt. To produce a magnetic element, small uniform sized
particles of the material can be incorporated into a polymer
coating, such as a nylon-6 polymer or nitrocellulose which allows
the magnetic field to penetrate beyond the substrate. After the
particles have been incorporated into the coating, the coating is
then cured. Then, the coating can be applied permanently to the
substrate. Similar to a polymer coating, a plastic material can be
embedded with such magnetic, or magnetizable, particles through
methods that are known in the art.
[0014] In corresponding fashion, one or more metallic elements are
attached to the lower eyelash assembly's substrate strip,
preferably to its upward facing surface. The metallic elements are
composed of a material that is magnetically attractive, such as
many ferrous materials, so as to engage the magnetic elements in
the upper eyelash assembly. If the magnetic material is located at
discrete locations along the length of the upper eyelash assembly's
substrate, then the metallic elements can be placed at
corresponding locations along the length of the lower eyelash
assembly's substrate. Alternatively, the metallic element can cover
the entire length of the lower eyelash assembly's substrate.
Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be placed on the lashes.
The metallic elements described above can he manufactured using the
same techniques as those described for the magnetic elements. As
with the attractive elements in the upper eyelash, because magnetic
force will penetrate the substrate strip, the metallic elements of
the lower eyelash may be attached to either surface of the
substrate strip.
[0015] Although the above embodiment describes an upper eyelash
assembly with magnetic element(s), and a lower eyelash assembly
with metallic element(s), the reverse embodiment is equally
feasible. That is, the upper eyelash assembly can be equipped with
metallic element(s) and the lower eyelash assembly with magnetic
element(s). A third alternative embodiment is also possible in
which both the upper and lower eyelash assemblies are equipped with
magnetic elements having opposite polarities and thus ensuring
magnetic attraction between them. Alternatively, the magnetic
elements may be placed on the lashes.
[0016] In use, the false eyelashes of the present invention are
applied by placing the upper eyelash assembly directly above the
wearer's natural eyelash and along the edge of the wearer's eyelid.
Simultaneously, the lower eyelash assembly is placed directly below
the wearer's natural eyelash and along the edge of the wearer's
eyelid. As the upper and lower assemblies are moved closer
together, magnetic force between the magnetic and metallic elements
in the assemblies cooperatively engage the two assemblies with the
wearer's natural eyelash "sandwiched" between the two assemblies.
The magnetic force is sufficient to keep the two assemblies
cooperatively engaged and frictionally secured to the wearer's
natural eyelash.
[0017] To remove the false eyelashes of the present invention, the
two assemblies can be pulled apart until the magnetic force is
overcome. Alternatively, the assemblies, still magnetically
engaged, can be slid forward along the wearer's natural eyelash
until they disengage the natural eyelash. They can then be
separated for storage.
[0018] It will be noted that the present invention achieves the
above-stated objects by providing a fully-reusable, easy to apply
remove and reapply, self-aligning false eyelash without the use of
adhesives. Moreover, because both the upper and lower assemblies
can contain eyelash hairs, twice the fullness can be achieved, when
compared to false eyelashes in the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a human eye in which a magnetic
embodiment of the false eyelash system of the present invention is
about to he installed on the upper eyelash of the wearer.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a human eye showing a magnetic
embodiment the false eyelash system of the present invention once
installed on the upper eyelash of the wearer.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of a human eye showing a magnetic
embodiment of the false eyelash system of the present invention
once installed on the upper and lower eyelashes of the wearer.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the upper eyelash
assembly of an embodiment of the present invention in which
magnetic elements are attached to the substrate strip.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the upper eyelash
assembly of an embodiment of the present invention in which
magnetic elements are embedded within a coating in the substrate
strip.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a human eye showing a
magnetic embodiment of the false eyelash system of the present
invention once installed on the upper eyelash of the wearer.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an eyelash, assembly of an
embodiment of the present invention in which magnetic elements are
attached at discrete locations along the substrate strip.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an eyelash assembly of an
embodiment of the present invention in which magnetic elements are
attached at discrete locations along the substrate strip.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an eyelash assembly of FIG. 8.
shown from the opposite side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawings, shown therein is
a frontal view of a human eye in which a magnetic embodiment of the
false eyelash of the present invention is about to be installed on
the upper eyelash (6) of the wearer. The upper eyelash assembly (2)
and lower eyelash assembly (10) are in position, respectively above
and below the upper eyelash (6) of the wearer. In order to apply
the false eyelash, the upper eyelash assembly (2) is moved in a
downward direction (4) towards the wearers upper eyelash (6) while
the lower eyelash assembly (10) is moved in an upward direction (8)
towards the towards the wearer's upper eyelash (6). As the upper
and lower assemblies (2,10) approach each other, magnetic force
urges them towards each other "sandwiching" the wearer's upper
eyelash (6).
[0029] FIG. 2 shows the upper and lower eyelash assemblies (2,10)
magnetically engaged with each other and installed on the wearer's
upper eyelash (6). The assemblies are retained on the upper eyelash
(6) by friction caused by the magnetic attraction between the two
assemblies.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention
incorporating assemblies for the upper and lower eyelashes of the
wearer (not numbered). In addition to the upper and lower eyelash
assemblies for the upper eyelash (2,10), upper and lower assemblies
for the lower eyelash (3,5) are shown after installation in a
similar fashion to that described above in connection with FIG.
1.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the upper eyelash
assembly (2) of one embodiment of the present invention. Shown are
a substrate strip (14), false eyelash hairs (12), and an attractive
element (26) attached to the substrate strip (14). The lower
eyelash assembly (10) has similar construction. As indicated
previously, the attractive element (26) can be magnetic, but of
opposite polarities, on both the upper and lower eyelash assemblies
(2,10) or can be magnetic in one assembly and metallic in the
other.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the upper eyelash
assembly in which a coating with embedded metallic or magnetic
particles is used. Shown are a substrate strip (14), false eyelash
hairs (12), and a magnetic and/or metallic particles (16) embedded
within a polymer coating (15) applied to the substrate strip. The
lower eyelash assembly (10) has similar construction. As indicated
previously, particles (16) can be magnetic, but of opposite
polarities, on both the upper and lower eyelash assemblies (2,10)
or can be magnetic in one assembly and metallic in the other.
[0033] An alternative embodiment of the present invention, not
shown on the drawings, can incorporate substrate strips which
themselves are embedded with metallic or magnetic particles. The
substrate strip, in such a case, may be composed of a polymer or a
plastic which can be molded and embedded with the particles.
Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be placed on the lashes
themselves, such as by coating the lashes with a magnetic
material.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the installed upper
eyelash on the wearer's eye in accordance with FIG. 2 using
discrete attractive elements (per FIG. 4). As illustrated, the
upper and lower eyelash assemblies (2,10) sandwich the wearer's
upper eyelash (20). The attractive elements (26,28) attached to the
substrate strips (14,24) are magnetically engaged and frictionally
secured to the wearer's natural eyelash (20).
[0035] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show various views of an eyelash assembly
of an embodiment of the present invention in which magnetic
elements are attached at discrete locations along the substrate
strip in accordance with FIG. 4. As explained previously, eyelash
hairs (12) are affixed to substrate strip (14) and metallic or
magnetic elements (26) are attached to the substrate strip at
discrete locations. In the shown embodiment, the metallic or
magnetic elements (26) consist of rectangular plates, uniform in
size, evenly spaced along the substrate strip (14). Of course,
other suitable shapes can be used such as circular, polygonal,
ovoid or even irregular shapes. In addition, all of the magnetic
metallic elements (26) do not need to have the same shape or be
placed in a regular pattern. Although in the shown embodiment the
magnetic or metallic elements (26) are attached or bonded to the
substrate strip (14) using adhesives, they could also be affixed
thereto by alternative means, such as by building suitable sized
pouches to retain them in relation to the substrate strip (14).
[0036] Although the present invention is described above in
connection with a magnetic false eyelash having a particular
arrangement of upper and lower eyelash assemblies, and
corresponding magnetic and metallic elements, these descriptions
are not intended to be limiting as various modifications may be
made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the following
claims.
[0037] For example, although the described embodiments utilize
magnetic and metallic elements to create an attractive force
between the upper and lower eyelash assemblies, other types of
elements, also creating an attractive force, may be used without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. Non-limiting
examples of such elements include: (a) hook and loop material
(commercially known as Velcro.RTM.); (b) static-cling plastics (c)
micro suction cups and similar micro-suction technology; or any
number of other materials.
[0038] Although the invention is described herein in sufficient
detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the relevant art to
practice it, various modifications and structural changes may he
made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
* * * * *