U.S. patent application number 15/618097 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for eyelash extensions support device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Marie-Claude Charron, Francois Ferrier. Invention is credited to Marie-Claude Charron, Francois Ferrier.
Application Number | 20170360136 15/618097 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56895159 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170360136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferrier; Francois ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
EYELASH EXTENSIONS SUPPORT DEVICE
Abstract
An eyelash extensions support device for supporting a pair of
eyelash extensions strips, each of the eyelash extensions strips
including a plurality of eyelash extensions provided in a
side-by-side relationship relative to each other on a backing strip
support, each of the eyelash extensions being individually
removable from the backing strip support for securing the eyelash
extension to a respective eyelash of a person having left and right
cheeks and a nose therebetween, the eyelash extensions support
device comprising: a right side support element; abuttable against
the right cheek and a left side support element abuttable against
the left cheek; the right and left side support elements each
defining a strip supporting portion for supporting a respective
backing strip support.
Inventors: |
Ferrier; Francois;
(Cayamant, CA) ; Charron; Marie-Claude; (Cayamant,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ferrier; Francois
Charron; Marie-Claude |
Cayamant
Cayamant |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
56895159 |
Appl. No.: |
15/618097 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/30 20130101;
A45D 2002/003 20130101; A45D 44/00 20130101; A41G 5/02
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20060101
A41G005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2016 |
GB |
1610713.8 |
Claims
1. An eyelash extensions support device for supporting a pair of
eyelash extensions strips, each of the eyelash extensions strips
including a plurality of eyelash extensions provided in a
side-by-side relationship relative to each other on a backing strip
support, each of the eyelash extensions being individually
removable from the backing strip support for securing the eyelash
extension to a respective eyelash of a person having left and right
cheeks and a nose therebetween, the eyelash extensions support
device comprising: a right side support element abuttable against
the right cheek; and a left side support element abuttable against
the left cheek; the right and left side support elements each
defining a strip supporting portion for supporting a respective
backing strip support.
2. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 1,
wherein the right and left side support elements are substantially
elongated and each define substantially longitudinally opposed
proximal and distal end portions and forward and backward edges
each extending between the proximal and distal end portions, the
forward edges being configured and sized so that at least part
thereof abuts against a respective one of the right and left cheeks
when the eyelash extensions support device is operatively abutted
against the person, the right and left side support elements being
pivotally coupled to each other at their proximal end portions so
that an angle between the forward edges is adjustable.
3. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 2,
wherein the right and left side support elements are movable
relative to each other between retracted and deployed positions,
wherein, in the retracted position, the backward edges are facing
each other substantially parallel to each other, and, in the
deployed position, the forwards edges cooperatively form a contour
profile that generally conforms to the cooperative contour profile
of the cheeks and nose.
4. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 2,
wherein the right and left side support elements together define a
nose receiving recess for receiving the nose thereinto.
5. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 2,
wherein the right and left side support elements each define
opposed top and bottom surfaces each extending between the forward
and backward edges, the strip supporting portion being defined in
the top surface.
6. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 5,
wherein the strip supporting portion includes a substantially
smooth portion of the top surface.
7. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 5,
wherein the strip supporting portion includes an elongated groove
formed in the top surface.
8. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 7,
wherein the groove has a substantially inverted T-shaped
transversal cross-sectional configuration and opens longitudinally
and the distal end.
9. The eyelash support as defined in claim 2, wherein the right and
left side support elements each define a respective fulcrum support
portion at the proximal end, the fulcrum support portions being
superposed and interconnected through a pin extending through both
fulcrum support portions to allow rotation of the fulcrum support
portions relative to each other about a rotation axis colinear with
the pin.
10. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, wherein the forward
edges each include a substantially rectilinear portion for abutting
against a respective one of the right and left cheeks.
11. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, wherein the forward
edges each include a substantially concave portion for abutting
against a respective one of the right and left cheeks.
12. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, further comprising a
glue cup for receiving eyelash extension glue.
13. The eyelash support as defined in claim 12, wherein the glue
cup engages the pin.
14. The eyelash support as defined in claim 13, wherein the glue
cup and the pin are removably magnetically coupled to each
other.
15. The eyelash support as defined in claim 12, further comprising
an angle support bracket provided between the glue cup and the pin,
the angle support bracket supporting the glue cup so that the glue
cup opens along a cup axis that is angled relative to the rotation
axis.
16. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, further comprising a
support magnetically removably securable to the pin, the support
including a handle, wherein, with the support secured to the
coupling element, the eyelash support can be held through the
handle.
17. The eyelash support as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one
of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling
element, the eyelash support further comprising a support
magnetically removably securable to the coupling element, the
support including a handle, wherein, with the support secured to
the coupling element, the eyelash extensions support device can be
held through the handle.
18. The eyelash support as defined in claim 17, wherein the
coupling element is magnetizable and the support includes a magnet
for magnetically coupling to the coupling element.
19. The eyelash support as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one
of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling
element, the eyelash support further comprising a glue cup
magnetically removably securable to the coupling element.
20. The eyelash support as defined in claim 17, wherein the
coupling element is magnetizable and the glue cup includes a magnet
for magnetically coupling to the coupling element.
21. The eyelash support as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one
of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling
element, the eyelash support further comprising a cheek support
removably securable to the coupling element, the cheek support
being configured and sized for abutting against one of the right
and left cheeks when operatively secured to the coupling
element.
22. The eyelash support as defined in claim 21, wherein the cheek
support is magnetically coupled to the coupling element.
23. The eyelash support as defined in claim 17, wherein the
coupling element is magnetizable and the cheek support includes a
magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling element.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of
eyelash extensions, and is more specifically concerned with an
eyelash extensions support device usable for supporting strips of
eyelash extensions during their application on the lash lines of a
person, and a method of using same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various trays, holders and support devices for facilitating
the work of esthetician and beauty salon personnel when applying
eyelash extensions to the lash lines of clients are known. These
known trays, holders and support devices typically comprise some
form of support on which may be disposed commercially available
eyelash extensions strips or, alternatively, individual eyelash
extensions, and a handle or attachment means allowing a user to
hold the support device with one hand and apply individual eyelash
extensions to a person with the other hand using typically pointed
tweezers.
[0003] While these known trays, holders and support devices can
generally fulfill the main objective of facilitating the work of
esthetician and beauty salon personnel when applying eyelash
extensions to the lash lines of clients, they also entail one or
more of the following disadvantages.
[0004] These known trays, holders and support devices generally do
not provide means for helping the user to hold stably the eyelash
extensions strips with one hand while the other hand already has a
precision task to accomplish.
[0005] Furthermore, these known trays, holders and support devices
generally hold the eyelash extensions strips far the work area
(e.g. the face of the client) and require that the esthetician
supports them with one hand, which can thus not help in the
difficult process of attaching the eyelash extensions.
[0006] Against this background, there exists a need in the industry
to provide an improved eyelash extensions support device. An object
of the present invention is therefore to provide such a device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a broad aspect, the invention provides an eyelash
extensions support device for supporting a pair of eyelash
extensions strips, each of the eyelash extensions strips including
a plurality of eyelash extensions provided in a side-by-side
relationship relative to each other on a backing strip support,
each of the eyelash extensions being individually removable from
the backing strip support for securing the eyelash extension to a
respective eyelash of a person having left and right cheeks and a
nose therebetween, the eyelash extensions support device
comprising: a right side support element abuttable against the
right cheek; and a left side support element abuttable against the
left cheek; the right and left side support elements each defining
a strip supporting portion for supporting a respective backing
strip support.
[0008] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the right and left side support elements are
substantially elongated and each define substantially
longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions and forward
and backward edges each extending between the proximal and distal
end portions, the forward edges being configured and sized so that
at least part thereof abuts against a respective one of the right
and left cheeks when the eyelash extensions support device is
operatively abutted against the person, the right and left side
support elements being pivotally coupled to each other at their
proximal end portions so that an angle between the forward edges is
adjustable.
[0009] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the right and left side support elements are movable
relative to each other between retracted and deployed positions,
wherein, in the retracted position, the backward edges are facing
each other substantially parallel to each other, and, in the
deployed position, the forwards edges cooperatively form a contour
profile that generally conforms to the cooperative contour profile
of the cheeks and nose.
[0010] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the right and left side support elements together
define a nose receiving recess for receiving the nose
thereinto.
[0011] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the right and left side support elements each define
opposed top and bottom surfaces each extending between the forward
and backward edges, the strip supporting portion being defined in
the top surface.
[0012] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the strip supporting portion includes a
substantially smooth portion of the top surface.
[0013] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the strip supporting portion includes an elongated
groove formed in the top surface.
[0014] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the groove has a substantially inverted T-shaped
transversal cross-sectional configuration and opens longitudinally
and the distal end.
[0015] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the right and left side support elements each define
a respective fulcrum support portion at the proximal end, the
fulcrum support portions being superposed and interconnected
through a pin extending through both fulcrum support portions to
allow rotation of the fulcrum support portions relative to each
other about a rotation axis colinear with the pin.
[0016] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the forward edges each include a substantially
rectilinear portion for abutting against a respective one of the
right and left cheeks.
[0017] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the forward edges each include a substantially
concave portion for abutting against a respective one of the right
and left cheeks.
[0018] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device further comprising a glue cup for receiving eyelash
extension glue.
[0019] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the glue cup engages the pin.
[0020] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the glue cup and the pin are removably magnetically
coupled to each other.
[0021] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device further comprising an angle support bracket provided between
the glue cup and the pin, the angle support bracket supporting the
glue cup so that the glue cup opens along a cup axis that is angled
relative to the rotation axis.
[0022] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device further comprising a support magnetically removably
securable to the pin, the support including a handle, wherein, with
the support secured to the coupling element, the eyelash support
can be held through the handle.
[0023] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein at least one of the right and left side support
elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further
comprising a support magnetically removably securable to the
coupling element, the support including a handle, wherein, with the
support secured to the coupling element, the eyelash extensions
support device can be held through the handle.
[0024] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the support
includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling
element.
[0025] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein at least one of the right and left side support
elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further
comprising a glue cup magnetically removably securable to the
coupling element.
[0026] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the glue
cup includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling
element.
[0027] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein at least one of the right and left side support
elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further
comprising a cheek support removably securable to the coupling
element, the cheek support being configured and sized for abutting
against one of the right and left cheeks when operatively secured
to the coupling element.
[0028] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the cheek support is magnetically coupled to the
coupling element.
[0029] The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support
device wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the cheek
support includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling
element.
[0030] Advantageously, the proposed eyelash extensions support
device helps in supporting the eyelash extensions stably close to
the site where they are to be applied and thus greatly improve the
ergonomics of the eyelash extensions application process. The
proposed eyelash extensions support device can in some embodiments
be manufactured at a relatively low cost.
[0031] The present application claims benefit from UK request
application 1610713.8 filed Jun. 20, 2017, the contents of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0032] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of some embodiments thereof, given by
way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1, in a perspective view, illustrates an embodiment of
an eyelash extensions support device, according to the present
invention, here shown in a deployed position near the eyes of a
person standing upright;
[0034] FIG. 2, in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the
eyelash extensions support device of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3, in a bottom plan view, illustrates the eyelash
extensions support device of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0036] FIG. 4, in a side elevational view, illustrates the eyelash
extensions support device of FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0037] FIG. 5, in an enlarged end view, illustrates a groove part
of the eyelash extensions support device of FIGS. 1 to 4, here
shown having an eyelash extensions strip engaged therein;
[0038] FIG. 6, in a perspective view, illustrates the eyelash
extensions support device in FIGS. 1 to 5, here shown in a
retracted position;
[0039] FIG. 7, in an exploded, perspective view, illustrates the
eyelash extensions support device in FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0040] FIG. 8, in a partial perspective view, illustrates a left
side support element part of the eyelash extensions support device
of FIGS. 1 to 7, here shown having an eyelash extensions strip
partially engaged in a groove thereof, and a self-adhesive eyelash
extensions strip adhered to a top surface thereof;
[0041] FIG. 9, in a perspective view, illustrates an eyelash
extensions support device in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 10, in a partial exploded side elevational,
cross-section view, illustrates an eyelash extensions support
device in accordance with an other alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 11, in an exploded side elevational, cross-section
view, illustrates yet another embodiment of an eyelash extensions
support device, according to the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 12, in a perspective view, illustrates a an angle
support bracket part of the eyelash extensions support device shown
in FIG. 11;
[0045] FIG. 13, in perspective view, illustrates a cheek support
part of the eyelash extensions support device shown in FIG. 11;
[0046] FIG. 14, in perspective view, illustrates eyelash extensions
support device shown in FIG. 11, here shown self-supported in
position on the face of a person lying on her back; and
[0047] FIG. 15, in a perspective view, illustrates yet another
embodiment of an eyelash extensions support device, here shown
self-supported in position on the face of a person lying on her
back.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] The term "substantially" is used throughout this document to
indicate variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations
are variations that do not materially affect the manner in which
the invention works and can be due, for example, to uncertainty in
manufacturing processes or to small deviations from a nominal value
or ideal shape that do not cause significant changes to the
invention. These variations are to be interpreted from the point of
view of the person skilled in the art.
[0049] Directional terminology, such as right, left, top, bottom,
forward and backward, among others, refers to the orientation
relative to someone applying eyelash extensions on a person with an
upright face. This terminology is used for clarity reasons and
should not be used to restrict the scope of the claims. Notably,
the claimed invention can be used on faces having a different
orientation. Thus, a "top" surface, which would normally face up in
the context given above, can be vertical instead is the proposed
invention is used on a person lying down. This surface will still
be called a "top" surface.
[0050] FIGS. 1 to 8 inclusively illustrate various aspects of an
embodiment, according to the present invention, of an eyelash
extensions support device 10. Referring for example to FIG. 1, the
eyelash extensions support device 10 is usable for supporting
commercially available eyelash extensions strips 100 during the
application of individual eyelash extensions 102 on the eyelashes
104 of a person having left and right cheeks 108 and 110 and a nose
112 therebetween. Each one of these commercially available eyelash
extensions strips 100 typically contains a relatively large number
of individual eyelash extensions 102 that are serially releasably
adhered side-by-side along a top linear surface portion of a
backing strip support 106. The backing strip support 106 may have a
rear surface thereof that is either self-adhesive or not.
[0051] The eyelash extensions support device 10 comprises a right
side support element 12 and a left side support element 14
abuttable respectively against the right and left cheeks 110 and
108. The right and left side support elements 12 and 14 each define
a strip supporting portion 15 and 17 for supporting a respective
backing strip support 106. In the embodiment of the eyelash
extensions support device 10 shown in the drawings, each of the
right side support element 12 and left side support element 14
includes two strip supporting portions 15 and 17, but only one of
them is included in other embodiments. The right and left side
support elements 12 and 14 typically have a substantially mirrored
shape and size configuration relative to one another.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, each one of the right and left side
support element 12 and 14 has a substantially elongated and planar
configuration and each define substantially longitudinally opposed
proximal and distal end portions 20 and 22 and forward and backward
edges 16 and 18 each extending between the proximal and distal end
portions 20 and 22. The forward edges 16 are configured and sized
so that at least part thereof abuts against the right and left
cheeks 110 and 108 when the eyelash extensions support device 10 is
operatively abutted against the person. The right and left side
support elements 12 and 14 are pivotally coupled to each other at
their proximal end portions 20 so that an angle between the forward
edges 16 is adjustable. Typically, the forward edge 16 and the
backward edge 18 extend generally longitudinally parallelly
relative to one another. Typically, the right and left side support
elements 12 and 14 each define opposed top and bottom surfaces 24
and 26 each extending between the forward and backward edges 16 and
18, the strip supporting portions 15 and 17 being defined in the
top surface 24.
[0053] The top surface 24 is suitably configured and sized to
support substantially longitudinally thereon in the strip
supporting portion 15 at least one self-adhesive eyelash extensions
support strip 101, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Thus, the
strip supporting portion 15 includes a substantially smooth portion
of the top surface 24. Smooth for the purpose of this document
means flat or gently curved so that good adhesion with the
self-adhesive eyelash extensions support strip 101 is promoted.
[0054] As seen in FIG. 1, the forward edge 16 includes a relatively
short forward inner edge portion 28 adjacent the proximal end
portion 20 that extends generally towards the backward edge 18.
Thus, the right and left side support elements 12 and 14 together
define a nose receiving recess 19 for receiving the nose 112
thereinto. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 7, a fulcrum support
portion 30 is provided at the proximal end portion 20.
[0055] The eyelash extensions support device 10 further comprises a
pin 32 suitably sized and configured to pivotally connect the right
and left side support elements 12 and 14 through their superposed
fulcrum support portions 30. To that effect, the pin 32 extends
through both fulcrum support portions 30 to allow rotation of the
fulcrum support portions 30 relative to each other about a rotation
axis 33 colinear with the pin 32. The assembled right and left side
support elements 12 and 14, along with the pin 32, are referred to
as an eyelash extensions support assembly 60 hereinbelow.
[0056] The right and left side support elements 12 and 14 are
cooperatively angularly positionable relative to one another
between a retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 6, and a
deployed position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusively.
[0057] When in the retracted position, both backward edges 18 are
oppositely facing one another in a substantially parallel
configuration. Thus, the eyelash extensions support device 10 may
be conveniently stowed away in a compact format that can easily fit
in a purse, pocket or the likes.
[0058] When in the deployed position, the forward edges 16,
including their respective forward inner edge portions 28,
cooperatively form a contour profile that generally conforms to the
cooperative contour profile of both right and left cheeks 110 and
108 and nose 112 of a person taken along a plane extending
horizontally at least slightly below the eyes thereof, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 20 and 21.
[0059] In some embodiments, the right and left side support
elements 12 and 14 each defines a cross-section that gradually
tapers transversally towards the forward edge 16, and ending in a
relatively soft edge line that can softly contact the cheeks of a
person without leaving a noticeable imprint.
[0060] Furthermore, in some embodiments, an elongated portion 34 of
the forward edge 16, part of which contacts the right and left
cheeks 108 and 110 in use, may be either substantially straight, as
best illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusively, or may define an at
least slightly rounded concave configuration, as illustrated in
FIG. 21, so as to softly contour the typically slightly rounded
configuration of the cheeks of the person.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 8 for example, in some embodiments, the
strip supporting portion 17 includes an elongated groove 36 formed
in the top surface 24 each one of the right and left side support
elements 12 and 14. The groove 36 is for longitudinally slidably
engaging therein through its open end 37 a non-adhesive eyelash
extensions strip 100. More specifically, the groove 36 has a
substantially inverted T-shaped transversal cross-sectional
configuration and opens longitudinally and the distal end portion
22. An inverted T-shaped configuration is one in which the wider
part of the "T" is inside an element, this wider part communicating
with the environment through a narrower part. In other embodiments,
the grooves 36 each define a suitable alternative cross-section
configured for substantially freely slidably engaging opposed
longitudinal side edge portions of an eyelash extensions strip 100,
as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8. Each groove 36 extends from
its open end 37 along from distal end portion 22, and substantially
longitudinally towards the proximal end portion 20 for a major
longitudinal portion of the overall length of the respective right
or left side support elements 12 and 14.
[0062] In some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device
10 may further comprise a glue cup 40 for typically containing glue
for applying the eyelash extensions 102.
[0063] The glue cup 40 defines an underside surface 42 pivotally
engaged on a top end portion of the pin 32, as illustrated in an
exploded view in FIG. 7. For example, a threaded aperture (not
shown in the figures) may be defined centrally in the underside
surface 42 for threadedly engaging a screw type pin 32 extending
through the fulcrum support portions 30 of each one of the right
and left side support elements 12 and 14.
[0064] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10 for an alternative
eyelash extension support device 10', the glue cup 40' and the pin
32' are removably magnetically coupled to each other. For example,
the glue cup 40' may be provided with a magnetic element 44
connected to, or otherwise embedded in, an underside surface 42 of
the glue cup 40', for magnetically engaging a magnetizable top end
portion 46 of the pin 32'. However, in alternative embodiments, the
pin 32' is magnetic also. In yet other embodiments, the pin 32'
includes a magnet and the glue cup 40' includes a magnetizable
portion.
[0065] In some embodiments, the glue cup 40 may be provided with a
holding tab portion 48 for ease of manipulating the eyelash
extensions support device 10. The holding tab portion 48 may extend
substantially laterally from a peripheral portion of the glue cup
40. Other shape and size configurations for a holding tab portion
48 are also possible.
[0066] As would be obvious to someone familiar with small tools and
accessories for the beauty salon industry, the various elements of
the eyelash extensions support device 10 described above, including
the pin 32, may be economically made of a substantially light yet
relatively rigid plastic material using known injection molding
processes. Other substantially light and rigid materials, or
combination of materials, are also possible such as, for example,
aluminum or a suitable metal alloy. As exemplified in the figures,
the various elements of the eyelash extensions support device 10
may be suitably shaped and sized for conforming to the face of an
adult, but it is to be understood that other shapes and sizes are
possible such as for the relatively smaller face of a teenage
person.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the eyelash
extensions support device 10'' may further comprise a coupling
element 50 and a support 52 magnetically removably securable to the
coupling element 50. For example, the coupling element 50 takes the
form of an elongated magnetizable strip provided co-planarly
longitudinally along one of both of the bottom surfaces 26, and the
support 52 is a magnetic telescopic arm.
[0068] In these embodiments, the support 52 includes a length
adjustable telescopic member 54 provided at one end thereof with a
resiliently pivotable magnetic head element 56. The support also
includes a handle 55. With the support 52 secured to the coupling
element 50, the eyelash extensions support device 10'' can be held
through the handle 55.
[0069] Thus, by magnetically engaging the magnetic head element 56
at a user selected position along one of the coupling element 50,
the assembled right and left side support elements 12 and 14 may be
conveniently remotely handled at a distance with one hand during a
procedure where the person receiving the eyelash extensions 102 is
seated or standing up.
[0070] Hence, the hand and, consequently, the arm of the user
holding the device do not have to be tiredly maintained elevated
for a relatively long period of time near the face of the person
receiving the eyelash extensions 102. Furthermore, the general
comfort of the person receiving the eyelash extensions 102 is
enhanced since there is no intimate presence of a hand to interfere
with normal breathing.
[0071] In some embodiments of the eyelash extensions support device
10'', the pin 32 (not seen in FIG. 9) itself may be made of a
magnetizable material such as a ferrous metal or a magnetic element
such that the support 52 may allow to remotely hold the eyelash
extensions support assembly 60 through a centred underside position
thereof, as illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 13.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the eyelash
extensions support device 10''' may further comprise at least one
angle support bracket 70 for magnetically holding the glue cup 40
at an angle relative to the eyelash extensions support assembly 60.
The glue cup 40 is thus supported so that the glue cup 40 opens
along a cup axis 41 that is angled relative to the rotation axis
33.
[0073] For example, as seen in FIG. 12, the at least one angle
support bracket 70 may include a suitable base plate 72 bent in a
relatively wide open L-shaped configuration. The base plate 72 is
for example made of a resiliently bendable sheet of material such
as a relatively thin sheet of aluminum or soft steel so as to be
relatively easily bent by hand to a desired angle. Furthermore, the
at least one angle support bracket 70 includes a relatively strong
magnetic element 74 glued or otherwise connected to a centered
portion of each one of the two angled interior surfaces 76 of the
base plate 72.
[0074] Thus, using angle support brackets 70, one or more glue cups
40 each provided with a relatively strong magnetic element 44
connected to, or otherwise embedded along, an underside surface 42
thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 10, may by magnetically engaged to
a magnetizable pin 32, so that the angle support bracket 70 is
between the glue cup 40 and the pin 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 11
and 14, or along one, or each one, of the coupling element 50 along
the bottom surfaces 26, as illustrated in partially hidden views in
FIG. 21.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the eyelash
extensions support device 10'''' may further comprise a pair of
cheek supports 80 for allowing the eyelash extensions support
assembly 60 to be self-supported on the face of a person lying or
leaning backward, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0076] For example, each cheek support 80 is removably securable to
the coupling element 50. The cheek supports 80 are configured and
sized for abutting against one of the right and left cheeks 110 and
108 when operatively secured to the coupling element 50. In a
specific embodiment of the invention, each one of the cheek
supports 80 may include a base plate 72 substantially similar in
shape, size and material as the one described above for the angle
support bracket 70, and only one magnetic element 74 along the one
of the interior surfaces 76 of the base plate 72.
[0077] Thus, as best illustrated in FIG. 14, a pair of cheek
supports 80, each having their respective base plate 72 bent at a
suitable angle, may be used to substantially stably self-support
the eyelash extensions support assembly 60 at a user desired angle
relative to the right and left cheeks 110 and 108 of the person by
suitably magnetically engaging each one of the coupling elements 50
along the bottom surfaces 26 of the right and left side support
elements 12 and 14.
[0078] It is to be understood the base plate 72 of each one of the
cheek supports 80 may have other suitable shape configurations. For
example, the portion of the base plate 72 in contact with the right
or left cheeks 110 or 108 of the person may extend at least
slightly laterally along a soft bend around the cheek toward the
ear of the person for a more stable and comfortable support
thereon.
[0079] The eyelash extensions support device 10 of the present
invention allows a user to stably support eyelash extensions strips
(either the self-adhesive or non-adhesive type) close to the work
area by holding with one hand the holding tab portion 48 thereof,
all the while gently abutting evenly the pair of forward edges 16
along portions of the cheeks of the person on which are to be
applied the individual eyelash extensions 102 with the other
hand.
[0080] Furthermore, the eyelash extensions support device 10 of the
present invention allows a user to configure the latter using a
pair of cheek supports 80 so as to free both hands for other
tasks.
[0081] Furthermore, the eyelash extensions support device 10 of the
present invention allows a user to conveniently hold the glue cup
40 close to the work area using a angle support bracket 70.
[0082] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be
readily appreciated that many modifications are possible in the
exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, the scope
of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments,
but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as a whole. The present invention can thus be modified
without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject
invention as defined in the appended claims.
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