U.S. patent application number 16/269366 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-06 for warming unit for eyelash curler.
The applicant listed for this patent is CLAY CAMPBELL, MICHAEL WOODFORD FREITAS. Invention is credited to CLAY CAMPBELL, MICHAEL WOODFORD FREITAS.
Application Number | 20200037724 16/269366 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69229482 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200037724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CAMPBELL; CLAY ; et
al. |
February 6, 2020 |
WARMING UNIT FOR EYELASH CURLER
Abstract
A warming unit includes a body and a heating unit, to work in
communication with an eyelash curler to impart a transference of
thermal energy to the eyelash curler for the purpose of
transferring some of the thermal energy to an eyelash to assist in
curling the eyelash. The body has a channel. The channel extends
between sides of the body and passes there through. The heating
unit is in communication with the body. The heating unit has a heat
plate configured to receive electrical energy. The heating unit
being partially within the channel. A tang may be included and
extend away from the body to form a gap between itself and the
heating unit. The eyelash curler is compress therebetween within
the gap so as to locate the pad of the eyelash curler against a
portion of the heating unit.
Inventors: |
CAMPBELL; CLAY; (ARLINGTON,
US) ; FREITAS; MICHAEL WOODFORD; (Plano, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CAMPBELL; CLAY
FREITAS; MICHAEL WOODFORD |
ARLINGTON
Plano |
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69229482 |
Appl. No.: |
16/269366 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62713728 |
Aug 2, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2/48 20130101; A45D
4/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 4/16 20060101
A45D004/16; A45D 2/48 20060101 A45D002/48 |
Claims
1. A warming unit for heating a pad on an eyelash curler,
comprising: a body having a channel; a heating unit in
communication with the body, the heating unit including a heat
plate configured to receive electrical energy; wherein the channel
extends between sides of the body and passes there through, the
heating unit being partially within the channel.
2. The unit of claim 1, wherein the channel is formed to the shape
of an eyelash curler.
3. The unit of claim 1, wherein the heating unit is at least
partially above the channel.
4. The unit of claim 1, further comprising: a tang above a portion
of the heating unit, the tang extending from the body outside of
the channel.
5. The unit of claim 4, wherein a gap is formed between the tang
and the heating unit.
6. The unit of claim 5, wherein the gap and the channel are
configured to accept the eyelash curler.
7. The unit of claim 1, wherein the heating unit includes a heat
plate for imparting thermal energy to the pad.
8. The unit of claim 7, wherein the temperature of the heat plate
is between 150 deg F. and 220 deg F.
9. The unit of claim 7, wherein the heating unit includes a circuit
board, the circuit board has an air gap separating a portion of
itself from neighboring components in the heating unit, the air gap
serves to minimize the transfer of thermal energy to the
neighboring components away from the heat plate, such that the heat
plate is able to reach a desired temperature with less energy and
in a quicker time.
10. The unit of claim 1, further comprising: a port configured to
permit the transfer of electrical energy to the heating unit.
11. The unit of claim 10, wherein the port is a USB port.
12. The unit of claim 10, wherein the port includes the ability to
regulate the temperature of the pad.
13. The unit of claim 10, wherein the port is configured to turn
the heating unit on and off.
14. The unit of claim 1, further comprising: an eyelash curler
having a pad on a first member, the pad being located on a side
facing a second member, the first member configured to selectively
translate toward the second member.
15. The unit of claim 14, wherein the pad includes at least one of
a thermally conductive filler, a carbon additive, and a binder so
as to increase the thermal properties of the pad.
16. A method of using a warming unit for heating a pad of an
eyelash curler, comprising: obtaining a warming unit according to
claim 1; locating a first member of the eyelash curler adjacent the
heating unit; locating a second member of the eyelash curler
adjacent an opposite side of the heating unit as that of the first
member, such that the heating unit extends between the first and
second members; and inducing an electrical current to impart
thermal energy to a heat plate in the heating unit, the heat plate
in contact with the pad of the eyelash curler, the pad on the first
member.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the heating unit includes a
circuit board adjacent to a surface of the heat plate, the circuit
board including an air gap to minimize the transfer of thermal
energy away from the heat plate.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first member is compressed
between the heating unit and a tang, the tang extending out from
the body.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the heating unit extends from
the body into the channel.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/713,728, filed 2 Aug. 2018. The information
contained therein is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present application relates generally to an electronic
warming device, and in particular to a warming unit for an eyelash
curler used in the cosmetic industry.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Various techniques and practices have been incorporated over
time to enhance the beauty of a woman. In the 1800's the idea of
lengthening eyelashes gained ground. By the late 1880's practices
such as cutting the corners off the eyelashes to "inspire growth"
were being done. Other practices including coating the eyelashes
with walnut leaves and water to help them stand out and appear
longer. Even what would appear extreme today, the practice of
sewing hair onto the eyelids to create fake eyelashes was performed
in Paris. Over time this process developed from an initial weaving
practice in the early 1900's to artificial eyelashes in more recent
times.
[0004] Some women prefer not to use artificial eyelashes and prefer
to use their own. The cosmetic industry has developed ways to
enhance the eyelash. Examples include the use of mascara that is
applied with a brush/comb. Various curvatures in the brush and the
mascara are said to enhance the natural look of the eyelashes and
help give them length and stunning appearance. Another tool
developed is the eyelash curler. The curler clamps down on the
eyelashes and helps to induce a temporary curvature in the
eyelashes. This is to help make the eyelashes more stunning.
[0005] Despite such advancements and progress in the area of
eyelashes, shortcomings remain. Artificial eyelashes are cumbersome
to use and involve using an adhesive of some type to adhere the
artificial hairs to the eyelid. Use of these can result in eye
infections and allergic reactions if they are not used properly.
With the more natural methods of using a mascara and a curler,
these steps tend not to last a long time. Mascara can wear off and
any pressing done tends to lose any curling effect if any ever took
shape.
[0006] A new method and system is needed that allows for a natural
method to create a longer lasting curl in the eyelashes without
synthetic hairs and adhesives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present application to provide a
warming unit to work in communication with an eyelash curler and be
able to impart a transference of thermal energy to a portion of the
eyelash curler for the subsequent purpose of transferring some of
the thermal energy to an eyelash to assist in curling the
eyelash.
[0008] In one embodiment, the warming unit includes a body having a
channel. The channel extends between sides of the body and passes
there through. A heating unit is also included and is in
communication with the body. The heating unit has a heat plate
configured to receive electrical energy. The heating unit being
partially within the channel.
[0009] It is an object of the present application to present a
warming unit that locates the heating unit at least partially above
the channel. Furthermore, a tang may extend away from the body to
form a gap between itself and the heating unit. The eyelash curler
is compress therebetween within the gap so as to locate the pad of
the eyelash curler against a portion of the heating unit.
[0010] Furthermore, it is an object of the present application to
utilize a heat plate within the heating unit for imparting thermal
energy to the pad of the eyelash curler. The temperature of the
heat plate is between 150 deg F. and 220 deg F.
[0011] Another object is to facilitate the heating of the heat
plate with less electrical energy such that a smaller draw of
current is needed, thereby enabling a wider range of connectors and
ports. The heating unit includes a circuit board that has an air
gap separating a portion of itself from neighboring components in
the heating unit. The air gap serves to minimize the transfer of
thermal energy to the neighboring components away from the heat
plate, such that the heat plate is able to reach a desired
temperature with less energy and in a quicker time.
[0012] An electrical port may be a USB port in one embodiment.
Furthermore, the port may include the ability to regulate the
temperature of the pad and turn the heating unit on and off.
Ultimately the invention may take many embodiments. In these ways,
this assembly overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior
art.
[0013] The more important features of the assembly have thus been
outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows
may be better understood and to ensure that the present
contribution to the art is appreciated. Additional features of the
system will be described hereinafter and will form the subject
matter of the claims that follow.
[0014] Many objects of the present assembly will appear from the
following description and appended claims, reference being made to
the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification
wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in
the several views.
[0015] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the system in
detail, it is to be understood that the assembly is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The assembly is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be regarded as limiting.
[0016] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the various purposes of the present
system. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as
including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The novel features believed characteristic of the
application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the
application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by
reference to the following detailed description when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a warming unit for
eyelash curler according to an embodiment of the present
application.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the warming unit for
eyelash curler of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of the warming unit for eyelash
curler of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the warming unit for eyelash curler
of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a left view of the warming unit for eyelash curler
of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a right view of the warming unit for eyelash
curler of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a top view of the warming unit for eyelash curler
of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the warming unit for eyelash
curler of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a section view of the warming unit for eyelash
curler of FIG. 4.
[0027] While the assembly and method of the present application is
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in
the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the description herein of specific
embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the
particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention
is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives
falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present
application as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are
described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an
actual implementation are described in this specification. It will
of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made
to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for
those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0029] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial
relationships between various components and to the spatial
orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are
depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized
by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present
application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described
herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use
of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various
components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of
such components should be understood to describe a relative
relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of
aspects of such components, respectively, as the assembly described
herein may be oriented in any desired direction.
[0030] The assembly and method in accordance with the present
application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems
commonly associated with elevated platforms discussed previously.
In particular, the warming unit is a system that operates with an
eyelash curler and is configured to induce a heating effect upon a
surface of the eyelash curler, such that upon use with the
eyelashes, the eyelash curler imparts heat to the lashes and a
curling effect is improved. These and other unique features of the
assembly are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0031] The assembly and method will be understood, both as to its
structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments
of the assembly may be presented herein. It should be understood
that various components, parts, and features of the different
embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one
another, all of which are within the scope of the present
application, even though not all variations and particular
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood
that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or
functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated
herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate
from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions
of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as
appropriate, unless otherwise described.
[0032] The assembly and method of the present application is
illustrated in the associated drawings. The assembly includes a
body that includes a central channel for the acceptance of an
eyelash curler. The eyelash curler is seen in particular in FIG. 1.
A heating element is located within the channel and is configured
to contact a portion of the eyelash curler. An electrical port is
located on the side of the body and provides an attachment location
for the transfer of electricity to heat the heating element. The
heating element may be turned on or off, and in some embodiments
may even permit for the control of temperature. Additional features
and functions of the device are illustrated and discussed
below.
[0033] Referring now to the Figures wherein like reference
characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and
function throughout the several views. The following Figures
describe the assembly of the present application and its associated
features. With reference now to the Figures, an embodiment of the
present application is herein described. It should be noted that
the articles "a", "an", and "the", as used in this specification,
include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1-9 in the drawings, various views of
a warming unit 101 for an eyelash curler 99 is illustrated. Warming
unit 101 is configured to provide structural support for the
resting of the eyelash curler in an erect position. Furthermore,
warming unit 101 is configured to induce a heat transfer of energy
to a portion of the eyelash curler 99. The heat is transferred to
an eyelash when pressed in eyelash curler 99 to induce a curling
effect upon the eyelash.
[0035] In particular with FIG. 1, the eyelash curler 99 is shown in
contact with the warming unit 101. Warming unit 101 is configured
to provide structural support to hold the eyelash curler in an
upright manner. This facilitates ease of grabbing and helps to
ensure that the curler is free of debris and contaminants on the
counter. Additionally, it allows warming unit 101 to maintain a
desired contact with curler 99 along a surface to be heated.
[0036] Warming unit 101 is a small electronic device that is
configured to receive electrical power through a port 105. Power
may be supplied through any known power source, such as a plug or
outlet for example. In some embodiments, warming unit 101 may be
powered either partially or wholly through a power supply (i.e.
battery). The electrical energy is used to heat a heat plate 113.
Heat plate 113 is in close contact with an outer surface of heating
unit 107 or actually serves as the outer surface itself. As it is
heated, it is adjacent to or in contact with a pad 93 of curler 99.
Energy is transferred from heat plate 113 to curler 99.
[0037] Curler 99 is composed of two handles that operate together
to translate a first member 97 toward a second member 95. First
member 97 translates along the two opposing rails towards second
member 95. First member 97 has a pad 93 on the side facing second
member 95. In operation, first member 97 slides toward second
member 95 and presses eyelashes between pad 93 and second member
95. When the pad 93 is heated, the heat is partially transferred to
the eyelashes and helps to induce a curling effect.
[0038] Warming unit 101 includes a body 103, a port 105, and a
heating unit 107. Body 103 is configured to at least partially
surround heating unit 107 and is shaped to include a channel 109
extending across its width. Channel 109 is configured to cradle and
accept second member 95 of the eyelash curler 99 as seen in FIG. 1.
It is understood that the overall shape of body 103 is not herein
limited to that depicted as other contours may be desirable. For
example, depressions are seen along a top surface of body 103 on
either side of channel 109. These may be adjusted to other shapes,
depths, and contours. Additionally, any surface of body 103 can be
configured to receive a surface treatment. Such treatments may
include coloring, protection layering like a clear coat for
example, grip pads, and so forth. Any textures are possible to
improve appearance, comfort, and performance.
[0039] In particular to FIGS. 3-7 in the drawings, various side and
front views of warming unit 101 are provided. Channel 109 is sized
to accept second member 95 of the eyelash curler 99. Channel 109
includes a contour similar to the eyelash curler to permit
relatively flush contact between a portion of the eyelash curler 99
and a side of channel 109. Channel 109 is configured to use
interference fit and friction to secure the positioning of the
curler 99 and does not necessarily require any additional securing
device.
[0040] Heating unit 107 extends inward over a portion of channel
109. When curler 99 is located in channel 109, heating unit 107
extends between first and second members 97 and 95. Heating unit
107 includes a heat plate 113 along an upper surface. Heat plate
113 is exposed through body 103 of heating unit 107 for direct
contact with pad 93.
[0041] When second member 95 is within channel 109, second member
95 of the eyelash curler 99 rests along a surface of channel 109
and adjacent heating unit 107. Heating unit 107 is configured to
operate with a single surface of channel 109. As seen in the
Figures, heating unit 107 may be configured to extend outward into
the central portion of channel 109 thereby exposing one or more
surfaces that may be heated. These surfaces may contact one or more
portions of the eyelash curler 99. In other embodiments, it may be
desired to minimize the profile of heating unit 107. In such
embodiment it is understood that heating unit 107 may be flush with
a surface of channel 109 or may even elect to impart a transference
of heat through body 103 wherein heating unit 107 is fully
concealed. It is understood that various methods of exposing or
transferring heat from heating unit 107 to the eyelash curler is
possible.
[0042] As noted previously, heating unit 107 is activated and
powered through an electrical power source. It may be composed of a
simple resister that emits heat when an electrical current is
passed there through. More complex methods of heating are possible
and capable for use with warming unit 101. Unit 101 is required to
have at least one heating element of any type that is capable of
imparting thermal energy onto pad 93 in communication with warming
unit 101.
[0043] There are various ways and manners of providing power to
heating unit 107. One such way is to rely on an internal power
source, such as batteries. These may be interchangeable or even
rechargeable when so equipped. Port 105 is located on body 103 and
is used to provide a user with operative control of warming unit
101. Port 105 may also include controls to regulate performance of
warming unit 101, namely heating unit 107. For example, member 105
may include an on/off switch to regulate power to heating unit 107.
Furthermore, an additional control may be provided in member 105 to
regulate the amount of power provided to heating unit 107. The idea
being that such a control could regulate the temperature or amount
of heat energy produced through heating unit 107. This allows a
person to adjust the temperature of the eyelash curler to a
comfortable and effective level.
[0044] Referring now also to FIG. 8 in the drawings, a bottom view
of warming unit 101 is provided. Body 103 has a lower surface. One
or more feet or pads are optionally included so as to provide
separation between the lower surface and a corresponding
counter/surface. The feet/pads may provide increased grip to
prevent slippage of body 103 on the surface.
[0045] Referring now also to FIG. 9 in the drawings, a section view
of the warming unit 101 is provided as taken from FIG. 4. A more
clear view of a tang 111 is shown. Tang 111 extends above, and
from, body 103, over a portion of heating unit 107. Additionally,
tang 111 extends over a portion of channel 109. A gap 114 is formed
between tang 111 and unit 107 configured to accept first member 97
of the eyelash curler 99. In this embodiment, both first member 97
and second member 95 are to be located in channel 109. First member
97 is wedged in gap 114 between tang 111 and heat plate 113 in a
manner that compresses pad 93 against heat plate 113. Second member
95 resides in channel 109 and together they are both used to help
maintain curler 99 in an upright manner with the handles of the
eyelash curler in an accessible position to the user.
[0046] As seen in FIG. 9, heating unit 107 is shown internally.
Although the entire body of unit 107 can be referred to as a
heating element, it is actually composed of multiple individual
members. Unit 107 includes heat plate 113 and a circuit board 115.
Heat plate 113 is the device that actually receives the electrical
current to heat up and is exposed in the gap on the upper front
side of unit 107, adjacent tang 111. Beneath plate 113 is circuit
board 115 configured to regulate performance of unit 101. An air
gap 117 is formed beneath circuit board 115 to help minimize the
transfer of heat energy to other parts of unit 107. This helps to
maintain a constant temperature with heat plate 113 and decrease
the electrical energy required to get it up to temperature. The air
gap also serves to minimize the transfer of thermal energy to the
other components away from the heat plate, such that the heat plate
is able to reach a desired temperature with less energy and in a
quicker time. By including the air gap 117, port 105 may be a USB
port wherein minimal electrical current is needed to heat plate
113. It is understood that in combination with or in lieu of air
gap 117, unit 107 may include one or more insulating materials.
These can be layered adjacent to heat plate 113 and/or circuit
board 115 for example.
[0047] In operation, it is advantageous to have pad 93 at an
elevated temperature around 150 deg F. to 220 deg F. Pad 93 is
typically composed of some elastomeric materials that fail to
exhibit good thermal conductivity. Additionally, pad 93 has a poor
thermal mass such that when heated to temperatures above 220 deg F.
(i.e. 250 deg F.), pad 93 may only feel warm to the touch.
Therefore, curler 99 may include a pad 93 that has various
thermally conductive fillers, such as powdered metals like Al, Cu,
Ag, and Au. Furthermore, carbon in various forms (Powdered, Flakes,
Fibers) Boron Nitride, etc. may be included. Obviously, the
elastomeric material must have a degree of heat deflection
temperatures greater than the maximum use temperatures. Binders may
also be incorporated into pad 93 to add strength. It is understood
that warming unit 101 may also include curler 99 wherein pad 93
includes any one of thermally conductive fillers, carbon additives,
and binders.
[0048] Particular advantages of warming unit 101 include at least
the following: (1) the ability to elevate and hold an eyelash
curler in an upright manner for ease of use and to maintain
cleanliness; (2) a heating unit is provided to selectively heat a
portion of the eyelash curler to aid in transferring heat to the
eyelashes of the user to aid in maintaining a curl longer; and (3)
operative control of the heat plate to regulate performance and
temperature.
[0049] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative
only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different
but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having
the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that
the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or
modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope
and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought
herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an
application with significant advantages has been described and
illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited
number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is
amenable to various changes and modifications without departing
from the spirit thereof.
* * * * *