Patent Publication Number: US-2017360175-A1

Title: Eyelash curler and method of using same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The following description relates to an eyelash curling device or eyelash curler. Also, a method of using an eyelash curler is described. For example, an eyelash curler is a cage-free curler having an applicator with upper and lower shells having outer surfaces forming concave semi-circular shapes. 
     2. Related Art 
     Eyelash curling devices are used for the curling of a user&#39;s eyelashes to embellish the appearance of the eyelashes. Typical curlers may include two arms that are separable for opening and closing two eyelash curling elements that receive a user&#39;s eyelashes. As the user presses on the eyelashes, the eyelashes become more curved and have a fuller appearance. Typical curlers include a cage element that is formed by the connection of the arms with the eyelash curling elements at the front of the curlers. Eyelash curlers are typically curved in shape and form a concave outer surface for curling the eyelashes. Eyelash curling elements are typically short in height and extend a short distance about a concave curvature. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an aspect, an apparatus adapted to curl a user&#39;s eyelashes includes a first arm having a first end and a second end, a second arm having a first end and a second end, the second arm joined to the first arm, and an applicator including an upper shell that is attached to the first end of the first arm, and a lower shell that is attached to the first end of the second arm, wherein a surface of the upper shell is configured to face the user&#39;s eyelashes and has a concave curve that extends approximately 90 degrees or greater from one side to another side. 
     In another aspect, an apparatus adapted to curl a user&#39;s eyelashes includes a first arm having a first end and a second end, a second arm having a first end and a second end, the second arm joined to the first arm, and an applicator including an upper shell that is attached to the first end of the first arm, and a lower shell that is attached to the first end of the second arm, where a surface of the lower shell is configured to face the user&#39;s eyelashes and has a concave curve that extends approximately 101 degrees or greater from one side to another side. 
     In yet another aspect, an apparatus adapted to curl a user&#39;s eyelashes includes a first arm having a first end and a second end, a second arm having a first end and a second end, the second arm joined to the first arm, and an applicator including an upper shell that is attached to the first end of the first arm; and a lower shell that is attached to the first end of the second arm, where an edge of the upper shell comprises a first endpoint, a second endpoint, and a midpoint, and a line extending through the first endpoint and the midpoint forms an acute angle with a line that is parallel to an extension of the first end of the first arm. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustration, there is shown in the drawings certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of systems and apparatuses consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of an eyelash curler including an applicator having an upper shell and a lower shell. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler including the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler including the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a top elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler including the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a bottom elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler including the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler including the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the example of the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a top elevation view of the example of the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the example of the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of the example of the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a cross section of the example of the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell along the line  11 - 11  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler including the applicator in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of the example of the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell in an open configuration 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a side perspective view of the example of the applicator having the upper shell and the lower shell in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the upper shell of the applicator. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating a common shape of an eyelid of a user of the eyelash curler. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before explaining at least one example of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The Figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for which patent protection is sought. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment are shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in the art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventions will require numerous implementation—specific decisions to achieve the developer&#39;s ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. While these efforts may be complex and time-consuming, these efforts nevertheless would be a routine undertaking for those of skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In addition, 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. For example, the use of a singular term, such as, “a” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” are used in the description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that any one of the features of the invention may be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the Figures and the detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. The terms “approximately” or “about” as used throughout the specification and the claims of this application are hereby defined to mean plus or minus five percent (5%) of a given value. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of an eyelash curler  100  including an applicator  110  having an upper shell  112  and a lower shell  114 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the eyelash curler  100  includes the applicator  110 , a first arm  120 , and a second arm  130 . The first arm  120  includes a first handle  124  and the second arm  130  includes a second handle  134 . The first and second handles  124 ,  134  of this example are plastic and coated with silicone but may be formed of other materials and may have other shapes such as handles with openings as used in conventional scissors. 
     In this example, the first arm  120  includes a right arm  121  and a left arm  122  that are adjacent and in contact with one another at one end of the eyelash curler  100  that is adjacent to the first handle  124  and diverge to opposite sides as they reach the upper shell  112 . The second arm  130  includes a right arm  131  and a left arm  132  that are adjacent and in contact with one another at one end of the eyelash curler  100  that is adjacent to the second handle  134  and diverge to opposite sides as they reach the lower shell  114 . 
     The first arm  120  and the second arm  130  intersect at a point of intersection  150 , and the right and left arms  121 ,  122  of the first arm  120  and the right and left arms  131 ,  132  of the second arm  130  travel together from one end of the curler  100  until the point of intersection  150 . At the point of intersection  150 , the first right and left arms  121 ,  122  cross over the second right and left arms  131 ,  132  and diverge from one another. The right arm  121  of the first arm  120  extends to a right end of the lower shell  114 , the left arm  122  of the first arm  120  extends to a left end of the lower shell  114 , the right arm  131  of the second arm  130  extends to a right end of the upper shell  112 , and the left arm  132  of the second arm  130  extends to a left end of the upper shell  112 . 
     Still referring to the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the curler  100  also includes a spring element  140 . In this example the spring element  140  is attached at one end to the first handle  124  and at the other end to the second handle  134 . The spring element  140  maintains a tension that is formed between the first arm  120  and the second arm  130 . As the first arm  120  is moved by a user away from the second arm  130 , the applicator  110  opens. That is, the first shell  112  is moved away from the second shell  114  to allow a user to insert their eyelashes between the two shells  112 ,  114 . As the first arm  120  is moved back by the user towards the second arm  130 , the two shell  112 ,  114  comes together again to press on the eyelashes and perform the curling function. 
     The upper shell  112  includes an upper arm receiving member  112   a  that extends behind the upper shell  112  for receiving the second right and left arms  131 ,  132 . Similarly, the lower shell  114  may include a lower arm receiving member  114   a  that extends behind the lower shell  114  for receiving the first right and left arms  121 ,  122 . The arm receiving members  112   a ,  114   a  may be formed of the same or similar material as the upper and lower shells  112 ,  114 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler  100  including the applicator  110  having the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the applicator  110  is shown in a closed configuration where the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  are in contact. As also described in reference to  FIG. 1 , the second right and left arms  131 ,  132  are shown as extending together until the point of intersection  150  at which point they diverge and extend to opposite ends of the upper shell  112 . Because this is a front view, the connection between the second right and left arms  131 ,  132  and the upper shell  112  is not shown. Further, the first right and left arms  121 ,  122  are shown diverging at the point of intersection  150  and connecting to opposite ends of the lower shell  114 . Because this is a front view, the connection between the first right and left arms  121 ,  122  and the first handle  124  is not shown while the connection between the second right and left arms  131 ,  132  and the second handle  134  is shown. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler  100  including the applicator  110  having the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the first right and left arms  121 ,  122  are shown as extending together until the point of intersection  150  at which point they diverge and extend to opposite ends of the lower shell  114 . The connection between the first right and left arms  121 ,  122  and the upper shell  112  is shown. Further, the second right and left arms  131 ,  132  are shown connecting to opposite ends of the upper shell  113 . Because this is a back view, the connection between the second right and left arms  131 ,  132  and the second handle  134  is not shown while the connection between the first right and left arms  121 ,  122  and the first handle  124  is shown. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the applicator  110  in the preferred example does not include a cage. A cage is typically formed by the attachment of arms such as the arms  120 ,  130  of the curler  100  to the applicator  110 . In the preferred example, there is no cage as a result of the attachment mechanism between the arms  120 ,  130  and the applicator  110  because the arms  120 ,  130  are positioned entirely behind the upper shell  112  and lower shell  114  such that they do not interfere with the user&#39;s eyelashes while the curler  100  is being used. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a top elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler  100  including the applicator  110  and the upper shell  112 .  FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a bottom elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler  100  including the applicator  110  and the lower shell  114 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first arm  120 , the second arm  130 , the right and left arms  121 ,  122  of the first arm  120 , the right and left arms  131 ,  132  of the second arm  130 , the first handle  124 , and the second handle  134  are all shown. In addition, referring to  FIG. 4 , the upper arm receiving member  112   a  is shown, and referring to  FIG. 5 , the lower arm receiving member  114   a  is shown. Further, the concave dimensions of the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  are illustrated. 
     In a preferred example, the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  may form a substantially similar concave outer surface for receiving the eyelashes of a user. The upper shell  112  and lower shell  114  may also form different concave surfaces. In this example, the upper shell  112  has a semi-circular shape formed by the circumference of a circle having radius r 1 . The angle θ formed by the intersection of the lines normal to the opposite ends  112   b ,  112   c  of the upper shell  112  may range from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees. In the preferred example, the angle θ is about 90 degrees or greater. 
     Similarly the lower shell  114  has a semi-circular shape formed by the circumference of a circle having radius r 2 . The angle α formed by the intersection of the lines normal to the opposite ends  114   b ,  114   c  of the lower shell  114  may range from about 80 degrees to about 120 degrees. In the preferred example, the angle α is about 101 degrees or greater. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , in an example, the radius r 1  of the upper shell  112  and the radius r 2  of the lower shell  114  are substantially equal but not identical in value. In an example, the radii r 1 , r 2  as measured from a top, planar view may range from about 15 mm to about 25 mm but the shapes of the shells  112 ,  114  are not limited to these dimensions. In a preferred example, the radius r 1  of the upper shell  112  is about 20.6 mm and the radius r 2  of the lower shell  114  is about 20.0 mm. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler  100  in a closed configuration including the applicator  110  having the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114 .  FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of the example of the eyelash curler  100  in an open configuration including the applicator  110  having the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 12 , the first arm  120 , the second arm  130 , the right arm  121 ,  121  of the first arm  120 , the right arm  131  of the second arm  130 , the first handle  124 , and the second handle  134  are all shown. Also, the upper arm receiving member  112   a , the lower arm receiving member  114   a  are shown and attached to the upper shell  112  and lower shell  114 , respectively. The spring element  140  is shown being attached to the first handle  124  and the second handle  134 . In a preferred example, the attachment of the spring element  140  to the handles  124 ,  134  is at the interior portion of the handles  124 ,  134  such that the spring element  140  is embedded between both handles  124 ,  134 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the attachment between the upper shell  112  and the upper arm receiving member  112   a  forms a first angle β 1  between the back surface of the upper shell  112  and the upper arm receiving member  112   a . In turn, this is also the angle between the back surface of the upper shell  112  and the extension of the second arm  130 . Similarly, the attachment between the lower shell  114  and the lower arm receiving member  114   a  forms a second angle β 2  between the back surface of the lower shell  114  and the lower arm receiving member  114   a . In turn, this is also the angle between the back surface of the lower shell  114  and the extension of the first arm  120 . In this example, the first angle β 1  and the second angle β 2  are equal and about 90 degrees. In other examples, the angles β 1 , β 2  are different and may range in value from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. 
       FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11  are diagrams illustrating different view of the applicator  100  with the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  in a closed configuration. Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , the upper shell  112  extends from the first end  112   b  to the second end  112   c  to form a concave surface, and includes the for receiving the second arm  130 . The lower shell  114  extends from the first end  114   b  to the second end  114   c  to form a concave surface, and includes the upper arm receiving member  114   a  for receiving the second arm  120 . 
     In a preferred example, the lower shell  114  includes a rubber pad  118  and a rib holder  116  for holding the rubber pad  118 . Referring the  FIG. 11 , showing a cross section of the applicator  100  along the line  11 - 11  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the rubber pad  118  may act to provide a cushion grip to enhance the curling results and/or provide a structural support element that provides a more rigid surface to the lower shell  114 . The rubber pad  118  is supported and held in place by the rib holder  116 . A height h 1  of the applicator  110  at one end may be approximately the same as the height at the other end and different than a height h 2  at the line  11 - 11  going through a middle portion of the applicator  110  in a closed configuration. Both the upper surface of the upper shell  112  and the lower surface of the lower shell  114  curve upwardly, and in the preferred example the heights h 1 , h 2  not the same. In a preferred example, the height h 1  is about 9.4 mm and h 2  is about 12.3 mm, and the heights h 1 , h 2  may range from about 9 mm to about 13 mm but are not limited to these dimensions. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a side elevation view of the example of the applicator  110  having the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  in an open configuration.  FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a side perspective view of the example of the applicator  110  having the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  in an open configuration. Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  form an opening  117  for receiving a user&#39;s eyelashes when in an open configuration. As described above, the upper shell  112  and the lower shell  114  separate and are opened when the first arm  120  and the second arm  130  are moved away from each other. Accordingly, a user may adjust the size of the opening  117  by moving the first arm  120  and the second arm  130  with respect to one another. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the upper shell  112  of the applicator. Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 15 , the upper shell  112  includes three points P 1 , P 2 , P 3  at its bottom bending edge. The midpoint P 2  is equidistant from the endpoints P 1 , P 3 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the vertical distance d from one endpoint P 3  to the midpoint P 2  is approximately 4.5 mm and in a preferred example may range from approximately 4 mm to 5 mm. The angle γ formed by a line going through one endpoint P 3  to the midpoint P 2  and a line that is parallel with the extension the upper arm receiving member  112   a , is approximately 40 degrees and in a preferred example may range from approximately 35 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. Referring to  FIG. 15 , in a preferred example, a circle that goes through the endpoints P 1 , P 3  and the midpoint P 2  has a radius of approximately 36 mm to 38 mm and preferably ranges from 35 mm to 40 mm. In a preferred example, a straight line from one endpoint P 1  to the other endpoint P 3  is approximately 29.00 mm or greater. 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating a common shape of an eyelid and eyelashes of a user of the eyelash curler. This diagram illustrates the most common shape which the eyelash curler  100 , specifically the bottom bending edge of the upper shell  112  of the eyelash curler  100 , aims to emulate. The vertical distance a shown in  FIG. 16  corresponds to the distance d discussed above in reference to  FIG. 13 , and the distance b corresponds to the distance from one endpoint P 1  to the other endpoint P 3  discussed above in reference to  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, the shape of the bottom bending edge of the upper shell  112  is as similar as possible to the common eyelid shape so that the bending edge of the upper shell  112  may bend the eyelash as close to the root of each hair of the eyelash as possible. In an aspect, this provides an advantageous, more effective, and longer lasting curling shape to the eyelash as a result of being bent at the root, or as close to the eyelid as possible. 
     In an example, a method of using the eyelash curler  100  includes separating the upper shell  112  from the lower shell  114  using a first arm  120  and a second arm  130 , inserting a user&#39;s eyelashes in an opening  117  formed by the upper shell  112  from the lower shell  114 , closing the upper shell  112  from the lower shell  114  using the first arm  120  and the second arm  130 , applying a pressure and a curvature to a user&#39;s eyelashes, and releasing the user&#39;s eyelashes by again separating the upper shell  112  from the lower shell  114  using the first arm  120  and the second arm  130 . 
     In an aspect, it should appreciated that advantages of the eyelash curler  100  include providing a cage-free and long-extending eyelash curving surface. Specifically, the applicator  110  provides the most ideal shape and surface for the most effective curvature of a user&#39;s eyelashes. Other advantages include providing a product that is easy to use and configured to apply a curvature to a user&#39;s eyelashes quickly. Further, the eyelash curler  100  is portable, graspable by a user using a single hand, and is easy to carry. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the advantages of the eyelash curler  100  are not limited to those described herein and are merely examples of the advantages of the invention. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.