U.S. patent application number 14/937655 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-04 for tray for holding eyelash extensions and processes for applying eyelash extensions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bella Lash Extensions, LLC. Invention is credited to Haley Chipman, Zachary Chipman.
Application Number | 20160219959 14/937655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56417868 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160219959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chipman; Zachary ; et
al. |
August 4, 2016 |
TRAY FOR HOLDING EYELASH EXTENSIONS AND PROCESSES FOR APPLYING
EYELASH EXTENSIONS
Abstract
A support for holding individual eyelash extensions includes a
tray that is configured to be positioned on the back of an
individual's hand and/or wrist, as well as an attachment member
associated with the tray to secure the tray in place on the back of
the individual's hand and/or wrist. The tray includes a surface for
holding individual eyelash extensions. More specifically, the
surface may be configured to receive a strip that carries
individual eyelash extensions and to cause the individual eyelash
extensions to fan out in a manner that makes them easy to
individually grasp. Methods for applying eyelash extensions to a
person's natural eyelashes are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Chipman; Zachary; (Pleasant
Grove, UT) ; Chipman; Haley; (Pleasant Grove,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bella Lash Extensions, LLC |
Vineyard |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56417868 |
Appl. No.: |
14/937655 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62107286 |
Jan 23, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A44C 5/0007 20130101; A41G 5/02 20130101; A45D 44/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20060101
A41G005/02 |
Claims
1. A portable support for a strip carrying a plurality of
individual eyelash extensions, comprising: a tray with a surface
for receiving a strip carrying a plurality of individual eyelash
extensions, the tray configured to be carried on a back of a hand
and/or a back of a wrist of a user and to cause the plurality of
individual eyelash extensions to fan out; and an attachment member
associated with the tray in a manner that enables the tray to be
secured in place on the back of the hand and/or on the back of the
wrist.
2. The portable support of claim 1, wherein the surface of the tray
has a shape that positions a center of the strip at a different
position than ends of the strip.
3. The portable support of claim 2, wherein the shape of the
surface causes outer ends of individual eyelash extensions of the
plurality of eyelash extensions to spread farther apart from one
another than base ends of the individual eyelash extensions that
are secured to the strip.
4. The portable support of claim 2, wherein the surface of the tray
comprises a partially cylindrical surface.
5. The portable support of claim 1, wherein the surface of the tray
is carried by a base of the tray and rotates relative to the base
of the tray and relative to a position where the attachment member
is secured to the tray.
6. The portable support of claim 1, wherein the surface of the tray
is carried by a base of the tray and is removable from the base of
the tray and replaceable upon the base of the tray.
7. The portable support of claim 1, further comprising: a
receptacle for adhesive material configured to removably couple
with the tray.
8. The portable support of claim 7, wherein the removable
receptacle is configured to be received by the tray at a location
adjacent to the surface for receiving the strip carrying the
plurality of individual eyelash extensions.
9. The portable support of claim 1, further comprising: a
cushioning element on a bottom surface of the tray, the cushioning
element configured to be placed against and to at least partially
conform to a contour of the back of the hand and/or the back of the
wrist.
10. The portable support claim 1, wherein the attachment member is
configured to enable adjustment of a position and/or an orientation
of the tray relative to the back of the hand and/or the back of the
wrist.
11. The portable support of claim 10, wherein the attachment member
comprises a flexible, length-adjustable strap.
12. A system for applying eyelash extensions, comprising: a strip
carrying a plurality of individual eyelash extensions, a base end
of each individual eyelash extension of the plurality of individual
eyelash extensions being releasably secured to the strip, an outer
end of each individual eyelash extension extending away from the
strip; a tray with a surface for receiving the strip, the tray
configured to be carried on a back of a hand and/or a back of a
wrist of a user and configured to cause outer ends of individual
eyelash extensions of the plurality of eyelash extensions to spread
farther apart from one another than base ends of the individual
eyelash extensions that are secured to the strip; and an attachment
member associated with the tray in a manner that enables the tray
to be secured in place on the back of the hand and/or on the back
of the wrist.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the surface of the tray has a
shape that positions a center of the strip at a different position
than ends of the strip.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the surface of the tray has a
convex curvature.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the surface of the tray
comprises a -partially cylindrical surface.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the tray is configured to be
oriented at an angle relative to a length of the hand and/or
wrist.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the surface of the tray is
carried by base of the tray and rotates relative to the base of the
tray and relative to a position where the attachment member is
secured to the tray.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the surface of the tray is
configured to be removed from a base of the tray and to be replaced
upon the base of the tray.
19. The system of claim 18, comprising a plurality of surfaces.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one of the surfaces of
the plurality of surfaces is preloaded with a plurality of strips,
each strip of the plurality of strips carrying a plurality of
individual eyelash extensions.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of surfaces
includes surfaces of a plurality of different configurations.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the plurality of different
configurations includes a plurality of shapes, a plurality of
widths and/or a plurality of lengths.
23. The system of claim 12, wherein the attachment member is
adjustable to enable the tray to be positioned in a plurality of
orientations relative to the hand and/or the wrist.
24. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a receptacle for
adhesive material configured to removably couple with the tray.
25. The system of claim 24, comprising a plurality of receptacles
pre-loaded with adhesive material.
26. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a cushioning
element on a bottom surface of the tray, the cushioning element
configured to be placed against and to at least partially conform
to a contour of the back of the hand and/or the back of the
wrist.
27. A method for attaching eyelash extensions to eyelashes of a
person, comprising: positioning a tray on a back of a hand and/or a
back of a wrist of a cosmetician with the eyelash extensions
extending away from a surface of the tray with outer ends of
adjacent eyelash extensions spaced a greater distance apart from
one another than base ends of the adjacent eyelash extensions; and
grasping at least one eyelash extension; removing the at least one
eyelash extension from the strip; and attaching the at least one
eyelash extension to a natural eyelash of the person.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: securing at least
one strip carrying the eyelash extensions to the surface of the
tray, the base end of each eyelash extension of the eyelash
extensions being removably secured to the at least one strip.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein securing the at least one strip
carrying the eyelash extensions to the surface of the tray
comprises securing the at least one strip to a convexly curved
surface of the tray such that the outer ends of the adjacent
eyelash extensions are spread apart farther than the base ends of
the adjacent eyelash extensions.
30. The method of claim 27, further comprising: dipping the base
end of the at least one eyelash extension in an adhesive
material.
31. The method of claim 27, further comprising: isolating the
natural eyelash of the person with one hand, wherein attaching the
at least one eyelash extension to the natural eyelash occurs with
another hand.
32. The method of claim 27, further comprising: orienting the
surface and the eyelash extensions on the back of the hand and/or
the back of the wrist.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein orienting comprises adjusting a
length and/or an orientation of an attachment element that secures
the tray to hand and/or the wrist.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein orienting comprises rotating
the surface of the tray relative to a base of the tray after
positioning the tray on the back of the hand and/or the back of the
wrist.
35. The method of claim 27, wherein positioning the tray comprises
placing the tray at a location that enables the cosmetician to
simultaneously focus on the at least one eyelash extension and the
natural eyelash while grasping, removing and attaching the at least
one eyelash extension.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] A claim for the benefit of priority to the Jan. 23, 2015,
filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/107,286,
titled HAND TRAY APPARATUS FOR EYELASH EXTENSIONS AND PROCESSES FOR
APPLYING EYELASH EXTENSIONS ("the '286 Provisional Application"),
is hereby made pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e). The entire
disclosure of the '286 Provisional Application is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to apparatuses that are
used to hold eyelash extensions in place as a cosmetician applies
the eyelash extensions. More specifically, this disclosure relates
to apparatuses that are configured to be held on a cosmetician's
hand or wrist and, in turn, hold the eyelash extensions at a
location and in an orientation that makes the eyelash extensions
readily accessible to the cosmetician as she applies them to an
individual's existing eyelashes.
BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART
[0003] Artificial eyelashes are used to provide an individual with
the appearance of having long, thick, beautiful eyelashes. They may
be used in lieu of eye make-up, such as mascara. There are two main
types of artificial eyelashes--false lashes and individual eyelash
extensions.
[0004] False eyelashes include a plurality of lashes that are
permanently affixed to a single strip for one application, and are
typically made to adhere to an individual's eyelid, but are only
supposed to remain in place on the individual's eyelid for a day or
two.
[0005] Individual eyelash extensions are configured to be
independently secured to an individual's existing eyelashes. There
are several different colors, sizes (e.g., thicknesses, etc.) and
lengths of individual eyelash extensions, and different types of
individual eyelash extensions may be used in combination.
Typically, a cosmetician will grasp a single eyelash extension with
a pair of tweezers and dip a base end of the eyelash extension in
an adhesive material, or glue. The adhesive material is typically
non-toxic, strong and flexible, and made just for eyelash
extensions. With the glue in place on the base end of the
individual eyelash extension, it may be applied to one of the
individual's natural eyelashes, where it may remain for three or
four weeks or more.
[0006] Individual eyelash extensions may be packaged loosely in a
small container, as shown in FIG. 1. In that arrangement, the
individual eyelash extensions may be mixed together and even
tangled, making it difficult for a cosmetician to grasp them one at
a time. In addition, the cosmetician may have to identify the end
of the eyelash extension to which adhesive material, or glue, is to
be applied (e.g., the base end, or proximal end, etc.), and then
properly orient the eyelash extension so that the adhesive
material, or glue, is applied to the appropriate end.
[0007] Alternatively, individual eyelash extensions may be arranged
in a neatly organized row on a strip, to which base ends of the
individual eyelash extensions are temporarily and removably
secured, as shown in FIG. 2. This type of arrangement is much more
user-friendly, as it makes it much easier for a cosmetician to
grasp a single eye lash extension. The strip may include an
adhesive backing so that it, along with the individual eyelash
extensions secured to it, may be secured to a surface.
[0008] As shown in FIG. 3B, and as mentioned above, a cosmetician
may use tweezers to grasp in individual eyelash extension and to
remove it from the strip, or to grasp two or more eyelash
extensions and remove them from the strip in a process known as
"volume lashing." While holding the individual eyelash extension(s)
with the tweezers, the cosmetician may dip the base end of the
eyelash extension(s) into a suitable adhesive material. With the
adhesive material in place on the base end(s) of the individual
eyelash extension(s), the adhesive material is placed onto a
client's natural eyelash to secure the base end(s) of the
individual eyelash extension(s) to the client's natural eyelash.
The individual eyelash extension(s) is (are) briefly held in
position with the tweezers as the adhesive material sets. The
process is then repeated, one eyelash extension at a time (or one
group of eyelash extensions at a time), until a desired number of
eyelash extensions have been adhered to the client's natural
eyelashes (e.g., most or all of the client's natural eyelashes have
extensions adhered to them, etc.).
[0009] As disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 8,701,685 to Chipman ("the
'685 patent"), it is easier to grasp an individual eyelash
extension from a strip if the strip is placed across a surface
having a convex curvature in an orientation that enables outer
ends, or distal ends, of the individual eyelashes held by the strip
to separate from one another, or to fan out, as shown in FIG. 3B.
By causing the outer ends of the individual eyelash extensions to
fan out, each individual eyelash extension may be more accessible
from between adjacent individual eyelash extensions.
[0010] In a specific implementation of the improvements disclosed
by the '685 patent, as depicted by FIG. 4, one or more strips
carrying a plurality of individual eyelash extensions may be
temporarily adhered to a convexly curved surface of a support so
that the outer ends of the individual eyelash extensions carried by
the strip(s) are fanned out. The support may then be positioned at
a location where the individual eyelash extensions are readily
accessible to the cosmetician and in proximity to the customer's
own eye lashes.
[0011] It takes a substantial amount of concentration for a
cosmetician to isolate a person's natural lash from adjacent
lashes. Substantial amounts of concentration and effort are also
needed for the cosmetician to hold that individual natural lash in
isolation. While holding the isolated natural lash with one hand,
it is especially difficult for the cosmetician to abandon her field
of focus to grasp one or more individual eyelash extensions with
her other hand. While the support disclosed by the '685 patent
makes individual eyelash extensions readily accessible relative to
one another, it is configured to rest upon a stable surface, such
as a table or a tray, which can be positioned close to the
customer's eyes. Nevertheless, the support of the '685 patent is
still spaced some distance from the customer's eyes, requiring the
cosmetician to repeatedly move her hand back and forth between the
support and the customer's eyes--typically, a cosmetician will
apply about one hundred individual eyelash extensions in each
session. Even where the support is placed upon a stable surface
located close to a customer's eyes, repeated movement between the
support and the person's eyelashes can distract the cosmetician,
disrupting her focus and concentration each time she has to reach
for another individual eyelash extension. Furthermore, since the
cosmetician's movements are usually repeated so many times, the
process of moving her hand may consume a significant amount of time
during the session. The repetitious movement may also become
tiresome and even fatiguing to the cosmetician.
[0012] In an attempt to overcome these problems, some cosmeticians
have adhered strips that carry pluralities of individual eyelash
extensions to the backs of their hands, minimizing the distance
between the individual eyelash extensions and the customers' eyes.
This approach is, however, can be unsanitary and often results in
dropped strips that carry individual eyelash extensions, as the
adhesive material on the strips does not adhere as well to an
individual's hand as it does to a more solid surface (e.g.,
plastic, metal, etc.).
[0013] Furthermore, the placement of adhesive material on the
cosmetician's hand can be a challenge. The adhesive cannot be
placed directly on her hand, nor should the cosmetician be required
to steadily hold onto a receptacle for the adhesive material over
prolonged periods of time (e.g., the amount of time it typically
takes a cosmetician to apply a set of individual eyelash extensions
to a customer's existing eyelashes, etc.) so that the liquid
adhesive material will not spill out of the receptacle.
[0014] One effort to position adhesive material on a cosmetician's
hand without requiring her to hold onto a receptacle is the
so-called "glue ring," an embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 5B.
While a glue ring eliminates the need for a cosmetician to hold
onto a receptacle for the adhesive material, its use can be
undesirably dangerous, as it will move whenever the finger or thumb
on which it is placed moves, and because of the risk that some of
the liquid adhesive material may spill each time the cosmetician
moves her finger or thumb. In addition, glue rings are typically
top-heavy--particularly when they carry adhesive material--when may
cause them to unexpectedly roll on a cosmetician's finger and to
spill the liquid adhesive material that they carry. The danger of
spilling the liquid adhesive material is of particular concern
because glue rings are intended to enable a cosmetician to place
the adhesive material close to a customer's face and eyes--the very
locations that are prone to injury if the liquid adhesive material
is spilled. Thus, to be used safely, a glue ring and one or more
strips that have been secured to a cosmetician's hand must be
positioned at a location to the side of a customer's head.
[0015] Another ring, such as that depicted by FIG. 5A, may be used
to hold strips of individual eyelash extensions, on an individual's
finger. Unfortunately, positioning individual eyelash extensions on
the individual's finger limits her ability to use that finger and,
thus, the hand of which that finger is a part, for other purposes.
Moreover, if the individual bends the finger that holds the
individual eyelash extensions, the individual eyelash extensions
may be moved from their preferred orientation, which may increase
the difficulty of grasping and applying adhesive material to the
base ends of the individual eyelash extensions.
SUMMARY
[0016] An apparatus that supports a plurality of individual eyelash
extensions and positions the plurality of individual eyelash
extensions at a location where they may be readily accessed as a
cosmetician applies them to a person's natural eyelashes is
disclosed, as are methods for applying individual eyelash
extensions to a person's natural eyelashes. Such a support
apparatus may be configured to be carried upon the back of an
individual's hand and/or wrist or on her thumb. As such, a support
according to this disclosure may be referred to as both "portable"
and "hand-held." A support according to this disclosure may also be
configured to preserve the dexterity of the individual's hand and
fingers for use in applying individual eyelash extensions while she
carries the support on or adjacent to that hand.
[0017] An apparatus that supports a plurality of individual eyelash
extensions includes a tray and an attachment member. The tray is
configured to be positioned on the back of an individual's hand
and/or wrist (e.g., a cosmetician's hand and/or wrist, etc.), while
the attachment member is configured to secure the tray in place on
the back of the individual's hand and/or wrist. Such an apparatus
may enable the individual to readily access eyelash extensions at a
location that is close to the natural eyelashes to which the
individual eyelash extensions are to be applied.
[0018] The tray includes a surface that is configured to hold the
plurality of individual eyelash extensions. The surface of the tray
may be configured to cause individual eyelash extensions with base
ends that are removably secured to a strip to fan out in such a way
that outer ends of the eyelash extensions, which are opposite from
the base ends of the individual eyelash extensions, to be spaced
farther apart from one another than their corresponding base ends.
In some embodiments, the surface comprises a convex surface or a
convexly curved surface. Such a surface may be elongated and even
have a partially cylindrical configuration (i.e., a segment of a
solid consisting of two parallel planes bounded by identical closed
curves, such as circles, oval, ellipses, etc., that are
interconnected at every point by a set of parallel lines, which may
be oriented perpendicular or oblique to the planes). In embodiments
where the plurality of individual eyelash extensions are carried by
a strip, to which base ends of the individual eyelash extensions
are secured and from which the base ends of the individual eyelash
extensions may be removed, the strip may be temporarily secured
(e.g., by way of a pressure-sensitive adhesive material, etc.) to
the surface. Positioning of the strip on the surface may cause the
individual eyelash extensions that are carried by the strip to fan
out, with outer ends of the individual eyelash extensions being
spaced farther apart from one another than their corresponding base
ends. Such an arrangement may make it easier for an individual
(e.g., a cosmetician, etc.) to grasp an individual eyelash
extension from a group of eyelash extensions that are arranged in
close proximity to one another.
[0019] The tray may be configured in such a way that the surface is
conveniently oriented when the tray is positioned on the back of an
individual's hand and/or wrist. For example, the surface may be
oriented at an angle that extends toward the individual's other
hand, making it easier for the individual to use her other hand to
grasp individual eyelash extensions from the surface of the tray.
The surface of the tray may be configured to rotate relative to a
base of the tray so the individual may position the surface and the
eyelash extensions carried thereby in desired orientations.
[0020] In addition to the surface, which carries eyelash
extensions, the tray may also be configured to hold an adhesive
material at a location that may be easily and readily accessed by
the individual's other hand, and which is close to the natural
eyelashes to which the individual eyelash extensions are to be
applied. As a non-limiting example, the tray may include a
receptacle which is configured to place adhesive material close to
(e.g., directly adjacent to, etc.) the individual eyelash
extensions and, depending upon the location of the tray, close to
the natural eyelashes to which the individual eyelash extensions
are to be applied. In some embodiments, the tray may be configured
to receive a removable, replaceable receptacle that holds adhesive
material.
[0021] The attachment member of the support may comprise a strap
that is configured to be positioned around part or all of an
individual's hand and/or wrist. The strap may be configured to hold
the tray securely in place without diminishing the individual's
dexterity. In some embodiments, a length of the strap may be
adjustable.
[0022] The support may also include a cushioning element on a
bottom surface of the tray, the cushioning element configured to be
placed against the back of the individual's hand and/or wrist and
to at least partially conform to a contour of the back of the hand
and/or the back of the wrist. As a surface of the cushioning
element that is positioned against the back of the hand and/or the
back of the wrist may conform to the shape of the back of the hand
and/or the back of the wrist, and it may reduce or eliminate any
spacing between the support and the back of the hand and/or the
back of the wrist, it may increase the stability with which the
support is secured the back of the individual's hand and/or
wrist.
[0023] In another aspect, a system for applying eyelash extensions
to a person's natural eyelashes is disclosed. Such a system
includes a support according to this disclosure, as well as one or
more strips that carry individual eyelash extensions. In
embodiments where the system includes a plurality of strips, each
strip may carry the same type (e.g., style, length, thickness,
color, etc.) of individual eyelash extensions, or the system may
include strips that carry different types of individual eyelash
extensions from one another.
[0024] According to another aspect, this disclosure includes
methods for attaching individual eyelash extensions to the natural
eyelashes of a person. Such a method includes positioning a
portable tray on the back of a hand and/or a wrist of an individual
(e.g., a cosmetician, etc.) and placing a plurality of individual
eyelash extensions on a surface of the tray so outer ends of
adjacent individual eyelash extensions are spaced apart from one
another. With the individual eyelash extensions in place on the
tray, the individual may position the tray at a location that will
be convenient and comfortable for her as she applies the individual
eyelash extensions to a person's natural eyelashes. Without
limitation, such a position may be adjacent to or over the person's
head, directly adjacent to the person's natural eyelashes.
[0025] With the tray in position and the outer ends of the
individual eyelash extensions fanned out or otherwise spaced apart
from one another, the individual who applies one or more individual
eyelash extensions to a person's natural eyelash may isolate the
natural eyelash from adjacent eyelashes with the hand that carries,
or that is associated with the wrist that carries, the tray. The
individual may also grasp one or more of the individual eyelash
extensions, apply glue to the base end of each individual eyelash
extension and apply the individual eyelash extension(s) to the
natural eyelash.
[0026] Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various
aspects, of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the
ensuing disclosure, the accompanying drawings and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a container that holds a plurality of
loose individual eyelash extensions;
[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a plurality of strips, with each strip
carrying a plurality of individual eyelash extensions;
[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates the spacing between adjacent individual
eyelash extensions when a strip of the type shown in FIG. 2 is
secured to a flat surface;
[0031] FIG. 3B illustrates the spacing between adjacent individual
eyelash extensions when a strip of the type shown in FIG. 2 is
secured to a convexly curved surface, with the individual eyelash
extensions fanning out and outer ends of the adjacent individual
eyelash extensions being spaced father apart than base ends of the
corresponding, adjacent individual eyelash extensions;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a tray for holding strips of
individual eyelash extensions, which tray is configured to be
placed upon and supported by a surface, such as the surface of a
table or another tray;
[0033] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate rings that hold eyelash
extensions and adhesive material, respectively;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support
for individual eyelash extensions according to this disclosure,
with the support being configured to be positioned on the back of
an individual's hand and/or wrist;
[0035] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of another embodiment
of a support for individual eyelash extensions according to this
disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a top edge view of the embodiment of support shown
in FIG. 6;
[0037] FIG. 7A is a top edge view of the embodiment of support
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a front view of the embodiment of support shown in
FIG. 6;
[0039] FIGS. 8A and 8B are front view of the embodiment of support
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a side edge view of the embodiment of support
shown in FIG. 6;
[0041] FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, a side edge view of the
embodiment of support shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and a cross
sectional view through a longitude of the embodiment of support
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B;
[0042] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the embodiment of
support shown in FIG. 6; and
[0043] FIGS. 11-17 depict use of the embodiment of support shown in
FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the disclosed apparatuses, systems and
methods. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details.
[0045] Reference in the specification to "an example" or similar
language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the example is included
in at least that one example, but not necessarily in other
examples.
[0046] The terms "cosmetician," "stylist" and "technician" are
interchangeable and refer to an individual who applies eyelash
extensions to the natural eyelashes of another person. The person
to whom the individual eyelash extensions are applied may also be
referred to herein as a "client" or as a "customer."
[0047] The terms "support" and "platform" are interchangeable and
refer to a palette used to provide materials that are used to apply
eyelash extensions to a cosmetician. The term "hand tray" refers to
a tray for attachment to a hand and/or wrist of an individual, such
as a cosmetician.
[0048] The following embodiments provide a new and useful platform
for organizing eyelash extension work materials and for providing
access to those work materials in close proximity to a client,
while maintaining the adhesive at a safe distance from the client's
eyes.
[0049] A support according to this disclosure is configured to
minimize a distance between a working platform and a person's
natural eyelashes, which may substantially reduce the amount of
time needed to apply about one hundred (100) individual eyelash
extensions per session. Minimization of the distance between the
support and the natural eyelashes of the person receiving the
individual eyelash extensions may also improve stability of the
support and the individual eyelash extensions thereon, enable an
individual (e.g., a cosmetician, etc.) who applies the individual
eyelash extensions to reduce the amount of motion required to
properly secure the individual eyelash extensions in place, reduce
the likelihood that the individual eyelash extensions and/or
adhesive material will be dropped (which may also avoid accidents
and injury) and/or better enable the individual to concentrate on
the person who is receiving the individual eyelash extensions.
[0050] With reference to FIGS. 6-10, one embodiment of a support
100 is configured to ergonomically fit on the backside of the hand
and/or the wrist of the individual (e.g., a cosmetician, etc.) who
applies the individual eyelash extensions to another person, and
could also be positioned over her thumb. The support 100 is
configured to position one or more strips 212 (FIG. 3B), each
carrying a plurality of individual eyelash extensions 216 (FIG.
3B), so that the individual eyelash extensions 216 can be easily
accessed by the individual who applies the individual eyelash
extensions.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 11, a support 100 may be configured to fit
comfortably on the back of an individual's (e.g., a cosmetician's,
etc.) hand, wrist, or even on her thumb. Such a configuration may
enable the individual to position the support 100 near another
person's natural eyelashes to reduce the distance the individual is
required to move her hand each time she applies an individual
eyelash extension 216 or a group of individual eyelash extensions
216 (e.g., in a process known as "volume lashing," etc.) to a
person's natural eyelash.
[0052] As illustrated by FIG. 6, the support 100 may include a tray
102 and an attachment member 104. The tray 102 of the support 100
may include a surface 110 that is configured to receive one or more
strips 212 (FIG. 3B), each of which carries a plurality of
individual eyelash extensions 216 (FIG. 3B). The surface 110 may be
configured to cause outer ends 218 (FIG. 3B) of individual eyelash
extensions 216 to spread farther apart from one another than base
ends 217 (FIG. 3B) of the individual eyelash extensions 216 that
are secured to the strip 212. The surface 110 may position a center
portion of each strip 212 at a different position (e.g., a higher
elevation, etc.) than the ends of the strip 212. As illustrated,
the surface 110 of the tray 102 may be curved. The surface 110 may,
in some embodiments, have a convex curvature and, more
specifically, may have a partially cylindrical configuration.
[0053] Such a configuration may, as shown in FIG. 3B, cause the
individual eyelash extensions 216 that are carried by a strip 212
to fan out, thereby spacing their outer ends 218 farther apart from
one another than their respective base ends 217 are spaced apart
from each other, as disclosed by the '685 patent. This spreading of
the outer ends 217 of the eyelash extensions 216 enables an
individual to grasp a specific individual eyelash extension 216
with a pair of tweezers 300. The manner in which the surface 110 of
the tray 102 of the support 100 fans the eyelash extensions 216 is
also useful in volume lashing processes (in which two to six or
more eyelash extensions are arranged in a fan configuration), as
the base ends 217 of the eyelash extensions 216 are already close
together, while the outer ends 218 of the eyelash extensions 216
are already spread apart. Thus, the shape of the surface 110 may
enable the individual to grasp two or more eyelash extensions 216
that have already been arranged in a fan arrangement, and to
maintain that arrangement as the eyelash extensions 216 are applied
to a person's natural eyelash.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 7, a back side 112 of the tray 102 may
be shaped in an ergonomic manner, which may enable it partially
conform to, and to be comfortably held by, the back of the
individual's hand, wrist or thumb. As an example, the back side 112
of the tray 102 may have a convex, partially cylindrical shape. As
illustrated by FIG. The back side 112 of the tray 102 may carry a
cushioning element 113. A cushioning element 113 may enable the
back side 112 of the tray 102 to better conform to the shape of the
back of the individual's hand and/or wrist or to the shape of her
thumb, which may provide comfort and support, and may decrease
movement or slippage of the tray 102 as the individual moves her
hand, wrist and/or thumb. Some examples of materials from which a
cushioning element 113 may be made include, but are not limited to,
foam rubber (i.e., ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam), another
compressible and resilient material (e.g., rubber, a synthetic
rubber, etc.), a viscoelastic material (e.g., a foam, a gel, etc.)
or any other suitable material.
[0055] In some embodiments, the support 100 may include a
disposable liner (not shown) that covers the surface 110 and/or
other surfaces of the support 100 to facilitate clean up after an
eyelash extension procedure is complete.
[0056] Looking at FIG. 8, the tray 102 may include one or more
receptacles 106c, 106s in the surface 110 that is configured to
carry one or more strips 212 (FIG. 3B) or adjacent to that surface
110. Each receptacle 106c, 106s may be configured to receive an
adhesive material (e.g., it may comprise a recess, etc.) in a
location that is in close proximity to a person's natural
eyelashes. By positioning each receptacle 106c, 106s close to the
surface 110, an individual eyelash extension 216 (FIG. 3B) may be
grasped, removed from the strip 212 (FIG. 3B), dipped into the
adhesive material and adhered to the person's natural eyelash with
minimal movement by the individual who applies the individual
eyelash extensions 216. In addition, such a position of each
receptacle 106c, 106s, in combination with stable placement of the
support 100 on the back of the individual's hand and/or wrist may
minimize the risk that the adhesive material will spill onto the
person's face or into her eye.
[0057] As illustrated, the tray 102 includes a central recess 106,
which is located above the surface 110 and any strips 212 that have
been secured to the surface 110, as well as a side recess 106s,
which is located adjacent to a side of the surface 110.
[0058] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B illustrate another
embodiment of support 100', which includes optional features not
shown in or described with reference to FIGS. 6-10.
[0059] As illustrated by the curved arrows in each of FIGS. 6A, 6B,
7A, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, the surface 110' of a tray 102' of a support
100' may be configured to rotate relative to a base 111' of the
tray 102'. Such a configuration may enable an individual to rotate
the surface 110' and the individual eyelash extensions 216 (FIG.
3B) carried thereby to orientations that are most convenient to the
individual. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate,
a number of mechanisms may be used to enable rotation of the
surface 110' of the tray 102' relative to its base 111'. Without
limitation, as illustrated by FIG. 9B, a so-called "rotatable ball
detent" mechanism 150 may be used. In such a mechanism, a pivot pin
152, or an axle, may secure the surface 110' to the base 111',
while one or more spring 154-loaded balls 156 may engage a series
of detents 158 arranged in a circle around an upper surface of the
base 111'.
[0060] In another option, with continued reference to FIG. 6A, the
surface 110' of a tray 102' of a support 100' according to this
disclosure, whether rotatable relative to the base 111' or not, may
be configured to be removed from and to be replaced upon a base
111' of the tray 102'. Such a configuration may enable an
individual to assemble a surface 110' that has been pre-loaded with
strips 212 (FIG. 3B) that carry individual eyelash extensions 216
(FIG. 3B) with the base 111'. Such a configuration may also enable
the individual to select a surface 110' that carries a certain set
of individual eyelash extensions 216 that are best suited for use
with a particular person's natural eyelashes, and to assemble that
tray with the base 111'. The ability of the base 111' to receive a
separate surface 110' may also enable an individual to select a
surface 110' from a variety of configurations (e.g., shapes,
widths, lengths, etc.), which may provide the individual with the
ability to tailor the support 100' to her needs or desires.
[0061] As yet another option, FIGS. 6A and 8A illustrate the tray
102' as including a receptacle attachment element 107'. The
receptacle attachment element 107' may be configured to removably
receive a receptacle 106' that carries adhesive material (not
shown), as depicted by FIGS. 6B and 8B. While the receptacle
attachment element 107' may be embodied in a wide variety of ways
(e.g., as an adhesive element, as a magnetic element, etc.), the
receptacle attachment element 107' depicted in FIGS. 6A and 8A is
shown as comprising a recess, which may be configured to receive a
separate receptacle 106', such as that shown in FIGS. 6B and 8B, by
way of an interference fit. The ability of the receptacle
attachment element 107' to receive a removable receptacle 106' may
facilitate the use of receptacles 106' that are pre-loaded with
adhesive material, rather than requiring an individual who uses the
support 100 to repeatedly clean and fill a receptacle 106 with
adhesive material, which might otherwise be time consuming and
messy.
[0062] Various embodiments of a support 100, 100' according to this
disclosure may enable an individual to easily handle strips of
individual eyelash extensions 216 and adhesive material during the
process of attaching the individual eyelash extensions 216, either
individually or in a volume lashing process. These embodiments may
provide ready and easy access to multiple types (e.g., lengths,
thicknesses, styles, colors, etc.) of individual eyelash extensions
216 organized on a surface 110, 110'.
[0063] The manner in which the surface 110, 110' may fan individual
eyelash extensions 216 may be even more helpful on a support 100,
100' that is portable since access to each individual eyelash
extension 216 is provided in close proximity with a natural eyelash
of a person. Thus, an individual (e.g., a cosmetician, etc.) may,
in one continuous action, access one or more individual eyelash
extensions 216, add adhesive to a base end 217 of each individual
eyelash extension 216 and apply the base end(s) 217 of the
individual eyelash extension(s) 217 to the person's natural eyelash
in one continuous action, without moving away from the person's
natural eyelash or losing focus on the person's eye.
[0064] With reference now to FIGS. 11-17, a process is shown for
using a portable support 200 (e.g., a support 100 (FIGS. 6-10), a
support 100' (FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B), etc.) that has
been positioned on and secured to a cosmetician's hand or wrist 204
to apply individual eyelash extensions 216 to a persons' natural
eyelashes. In FIG. 11, it can be seen that the portable support 200
includes a curved surface 210 disposed at an angle relative to the
arm of a cosmetician to assist the cosmetician in accessing the
eyelash extensions, as well as providing an ergonomic feel for the
cosmetician when accessing one or more individual eyelash
extensions 216. A small receptacle 206 is provided on the side of
portable support 200 for adhesive material.
[0065] An adjustable strap 220 enables the cosmetician to adjust
the tightness of the portable support 200 on her hand or wrist and
to reposition the portable support 200 so that the curved surface
210 may be disposed at different angles and on a different parts of
the hand or wrist of the technician, according to the needs of the
cosmetician. The portable support 200 may be positioned at various
angles using the attachment strap 220. Alternatively, in
embodiments where the curved surface 210 rotates relative to a base
of the portable support 200, the cosmetician may rotate the curved
surface 210 to a desired orientation.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 11-17, multiple strips 212 that carry
individual eyelash extensions 216 may be adhered by adhesive
backing to the curved surface 210 of the portable support 200. Each
strip 212 may be adhered to the curved surface 210 in such a way
that the individual eyelash extensions 216 are directed outward
away from the cosmetician's hand or wrist 204. As discussed above,
this arrangement causes the outer ends 218 of the individual
eyelash extensions 216 to fan out, providing easy access by the
cosmetician to each individual eyelash extension 216.
[0067] During the process of applying each individual eyelash
extension 216, as shown in FIGS. 11-17, individual eyelash
extensions 216 are separately removed from a strip 212, dipped in
an adhesive material and applied to a natural eyelash of a person,
or two or more individual eyelash extensions 216 may be removed
from the strip 212, dipped in adhesive material and glued to a
natural eyelash together. As a strip 212 is depleted of individual
eyelash extensions 216, the adhesive backing on the strip 212 may
enable the strip 122 to be easily removed from the portable support
200 and replaced by a new strip 212. The strips 212 can be
organized by length, thickness, and even color. This allows the
stylist to have all needed individual eyelash extensions in one
place on single portable support 200 instead of having multiple
open containers each with only one kind of individual eyelash
extension.
[0068] The following description assumes that the cosmetician is
left-handed. If the cosmetician is right-handed, the discussion
should be changed accordingly. Looking at FIG. 12, the cosmetician
may position the portable support 200 on her right hand or wrist
204. The cosmetician may also have pair of tweezers 230 in her
right hand 204 and another pair of tweezers 232 in her left hand
238.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 13, the cosmetician may use the tweezers
230 in her right hand 236 to isolate a natural eyelash 240 to
receive an individual eyelash extension 216 (FIG. 12). Next, as
seen in FIG. 14, the cosmetician may use the tweezers 232 in her
left hand 238 to access an individual eyelash extension 216 from
one of the strips 212 carried by the portable support 200. As shown
in FIG. 15, the base end 217 (FIG. 3B) of the individual eyelash
extension 216 may be dipped in adhesive material, which may be
contained in a receptacle 206 of the portable support 200.
[0070] Looking at FIG. 16, the individual eyelash extension 216 may
then be affixed to the natural eyelash 240, which has been isolated
from adjacent eyelashes by tweezers 230. In FIG. 17, the individual
eyelash extension 216 is shown as having been attached to the
natural eyelash 240. FIG. 17 also shows the portable support 200 in
a location on the cosmetician's right wrist 205, farther away from
the person to whom she has been applying the individual eyelash
extensions 216.
[0071] The supports and related processes that have been disclosed
have several advantages over existing apparatuses, systems and
methods for applying individual eyelash extensions to a person's
natural eyelashes. The close proximity between the support and the
person's natural eyelashes enables a cosmetician to easily handle
the individual eyelash extensions and adhesive material during the
process of attaching the individual eyelash extensions, while
quickly completing the process of applying individual eyelash
extensions to a person's natural eyelashes. A surface of the
support may also have a shape that spreads the outer ends of the
individual eyelash extensions apart from one another for easy
individual access and for a fanned arrangement, enabling a stylist
to quickly and easily grasp one individual eyelash extension or
more individual eyelash extensions in a pre-fanned arrangement
during the application procedure. Alone or together, these features
may enable an individual to achieve and maintain the substantial
amounts of concentration and effort that are required for the
individual to isolate a person's natural eyelash from adjacent
eyelashes with one hand, to hold that individual natural eyelash in
isolation and to simultaneously grasp one or more individual
eyelash extensions with her other hand. More specifically, since a
support according to this disclosure may be placed in close
proximity to a person's natural eyelashes, the individual may
simultaneously focus on both the natural eyelashes and the
individual eyelash extensions. There is no need for the individual
to abandon one field of focus for the other.
[0072] A support according to this disclosure may also provide an
individual with ready access to multiple lengths, thicknesses and
colors of individual eyelash extensions, all of which may be
organized on the same surface.
[0073] Although the preceding disclosure provides many specifics,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the
ensuing claims. Other embodiments may be devised which do not
depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different
embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of each claim
is, therefore, indicated and limited only by its plain language and
the full scope of available legal equivalents to its elements.
* * * * *