Patent Publication Number: US-9888737-B2

Title: Systems and methods for eyelash extensions

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Provisional Application No. 62/013,512 filed on Jun. 17, 2014, and this applicant is a continuation of Ser. No. 14/733,380 filed on Jun. 8, 2015, which are fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for eyelash extensions. More particularly, embodiments disclose branched eyelash extensions, wherein two types of eyelash extensions are coupled to an eyelash in different directions. 
     Background 
     Eyelash extensions are an enhancement designed to add length, thickness, and fullness to natural eyelashes. Currently, there are two types of eyelash extensions, temporary and semi-permanent. 
     Temporary eyelashes are configured to be worn for short periods of time, and are typically applied with lash glue. Permanent eyelashes are lashes that are configured to be worn for longer periods of times. Generally, when using either temporary or permanent eyelashes, a single synthetic eyelash extension of a standardized length is applied to each natural lash via an adhesive to couple the synthetic lash to the natural lash. 
     However, applying synthetic eyelash extensions of the same length to a natural lash creates an unrealistic look. Furthermore, overtime natural eyelashes cannot withstand the weight of synthetic eyelashes, and the weight of the synthetic eyelashes may cause tremendous damage to the natural lash, such as thinning and breakage. This damage to the natural lash requires frequent maintenance. 
     Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods to apply eyelash extensions of different weights to a natural lash. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for applying branched eyelash extensions to a user&#39;s natural eyelash, wherein two types of eyelash extensions are coupled to the user&#39;s natural eyelash. In embodiments, the positioning of the eyelash extensions may be based on the direction and/or placement of the user&#39;s natural eyelash. 
     In embodiments, an eyelash extension of a first type may be coupled to a user&#39;s natural lash in a first direction, and an eyelash extension of a second type may be coupled to the user&#39;s natural lash in a second direction. By coupling two types of eyelash extensions to the user&#39;s natural lash, the natural lash may be given a softer, more realistic appearance that the user is born with, while also increasing the volume of the user&#39;s eyelashes. Furthermore, the two types of eyelash extensions may be applied to the shaft of the user&#39;s natural eyelash in opposite direction, wherein each of the types of eyelash extensions may counterbalance the weight of the opposite type of eyelash extension. 
     In embodiments, the first type of eyelash extensions may be a comprised of synthetic fibers. For example, the first type of eyelash extensions may be polypropylene, poly nylons, and/or advanced polymer synthetics. The second type of eyelash extension may be comprised of an authentic mink material. For example, the second type of eyelash extensions may be mink or faux mink, which may be configured to mimic real mink in appearance and weight. 
     In embodiments, the first type of eyelash extensions may be thicker in appearance, and weigh more than the second type of eyelash extension. The first type of eyelash extensions may have a diameter that is based on the user&#39;s natural lash diameter, wherein the diameter of the first type of eyelash is substantially similar to the user&#39;s natural lash diameter. The diameter of the first type of eyelash may be utilized to not damage the user&#39;s natural eyelash. Additionally, because the first type of eyelash has a diameter that is substantially similar to the user&#39;s natural lash, the first type of eyelash may create a seamless realistic attachment. As the user&#39;s natural eyelash grows, the first type of eyelash extension and the user&#39;s natural eyelash may remain a unified eyelash. Furthermore, by having the first type of eyelash have the same diameter as the user&#39;s natural eyelash may reduce, limit, or prevent twisting, which will limit the damage caused to the user&#39;s natural eyelash. 
     In embodiments, the second type of eyelash extensions may be thinner in appearance and weigh less than the first type of eyelash extension. The second type of eyelash extension may be positioned between one millimeter and eight millimeters away from the user&#39;s lash line. The number of second type of eyelash extensions coupled to the user&#39;s natural lash may be based on a desired amount of volume. In embodiments, each of the second type of eyelash extensions may be positioned on both sides of the user&#39;s natural lash. 
     In embodiments, the first direction may be a direction from the user&#39;s eyelash towards the user&#39;s nose, and the second direction may be a direction from the user&#39;s eyelash away from the user&#39;s nose. By applying a first type of eyelash extension in a first direction and a second type of eyelash extension in a second direction, the volume of the user&#39;s eyelash may be increased while maintaining a natural look. Furthermore, by applying the first type of eyelash extension and the second type of eyelash extensions in different directions, the force applied to the natural eyelash may either of the eyelash extensions may be offset by the other type of eyelash extension. 
     In embodiments, the first and second type of eyelash extensions may be applied on a stem of the user&#39;s natural lash, away from the base or eyelid of the user. 
     These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict a branched eyelash extensions system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a method for a branched eyelash extensions system, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods branched eyelash extensions, wherein two types of eyelash extensions are coupled to a base eyelash extension. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict one embodiment of branched eyelash extensions system  100 .  FIG. 1A  depicts a Branched eyelash extension system  100  may include a base lash  110 , nose  115 , first type of eyelash extension  120 , and second type of eyelash extension  125 .  FIG. 1B  depicts a branched eyelash extension system where a first type of eyelash extension  120  and second type of eyelash extension  125  are coupled to base lash  110 , wherein bash lash  110  is a false eyelash. 
     Base lash  110  may be a hair that grows at the edge of the eyelid. Base lash  110  may be may be configured to protect a user&#39;s eye from debris and clear dust off the user&#39;s eye. Base lash  110  may be configured to be grown out of a lash line on the user&#39;s eyelid, wherein the lash line is the initial exposed portion of the base lash  110  disposed outside of the eyelid. Having long, full natural eyelashes is considered a sign of beauty in many cultures. Therefore, users may utilize eyelash extensions of different types  120 ,  125  to increase the length and volume of the appearance of base lash  110 . In embodiments, base lash  110  may be a false eyelash. 
     First type of eyelash extension  120  may be a synthetic eyelash. The synthetic eyelash may be comprised of various synthetic fibers that are configured to be soft and flexible, wherein the synthetic fiber is able to be curled. The synthetic eyelash may have a first weight and a first length. The synthetic eyelash may be configured to be positioned at a first height away from the lash line, and the synthetic eyelash may be configured to be positioned at a first direction away from base lash  110 . 
     Second type of eyelash extension  125  may be a mink eyelash. The mink eyelash may be comprised of various mink fibers. The mink eyelash may have second weight and a second length. The mink eyelash may be configured to be positioned at a second height away from the lash line, and the synthetic eyelash may be configured to be positioned at a second direction away from natural eyelash. In embodiments, the second weight may be greater than the first weight. 
     First type of eyelash extension  120  and second type of eyelash extension  125  may be configured to be coupled to base lash  110  in a plurality of different manners. One example manner may be lash glue which is designed specifically to secure an eyelash extension  120 ,  125  to base lash  110 . In embodiments, a first end of eyelash extensions  120 ,  125  may be configured to be positioned adjacent to base lash  110 , and a second end of eyelash extensions  120 ,  125  may extend vertically past the tip of base lash  110 . 
     In embodiments, the first height associated with first type of eyelash extension  120  may be positioned away from the lash line, and may be different from the second height. In embodiments, the first height may be greater than the second height. For example, the first height may be 1 mm away from the lash line and the second height may be 2 mm away from the lash line. First type of eyelash extension  120  may be positioned away from the lash line at the first height, which is shorter than the second height, to compensate for the difference in weight between the first type of eyelash extension  120  and second type of eyelash extension  125 . Thus, the further away from the lash line an eyelash extension  120 ,  125  is positioned, the greater force eyelash extension  120 ,  125  may have on base lash  110 . Accordingly, first type of eyelash extension  120  with a greater weight than second type of eyelash extension  125  may be positioned closer to the lash line, such that the force on base lash  110  caused by eyelash extensions  120 ,  125  may be approximately equal. 
     In embodiments, the first direction associated with first type of eyelash extension  120  may be different than the second direction associated with the second type of eyelash extension  125 . The first direction may be towards the axis of symmetry of a user&#39;s face and the second direction may be away from the axis of symmetry of the user&#39;s face. The first type of eyelash extension  120  and second type of eyelash extension  125  may be positioned in different directions to counteract the weight of each other, wherein base lash  110  and eyelash extensions  120 ,  125  may be combined to have a natural, full looking appearance. 
     Furthermore, the first direction associated with first type of eyelash extension  120  or the second direction of second type of eyelash extension  125  may be based on the curve and/or direction of base lash  110 , wherein if the curve and/or direction of base lash  110  is towards the axis of symmetry, then the first direction may be towards the axis of symmetry. If the curve and/or direction of base lash  110  is away from the axis of symmetry, then the second direction may be away from the axis of symmetry. 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate that a user may have a plurality of different eyelashes, and each eyelash may have different orientation of positioning and/or direction of the first type of eyelash extension  120  and the second type of eyelash extension  125 . 
     In embodiments, the first type of eyelash extension  120  and the second type of eyelash extension  125  may be utilized to correct a base lash  110 . For example, if first base lash  110  is growing in a direction that is angled or bent away from the user&#39;s nose and away from the rest of the base lashes, a first type of eyelash extension may be positioned on the inner side of the base lash  110  and a second type of eyelash may be positioned on the outer side of the base lash. Therefore, based on the differences in weights between the first type of eyelash extensions  120  and the second type of eyelash extension  125 , the direction of growing of base lash  110  may be changed. 
     However, in another embodiment where base lash  110  is growing in a direction that is angled or bent towards the user&#39;s nose and away from the rest of the base lashes, a first type of eyelash extension may be positioned on the outer side of the base lash, and a second type of eyelash may be positioned on the inner side of the base lash  110 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a method  200  for a branched eyelash extensions system, according to an embodiment. The operations of method  200  presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method  200  may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method  200  are illustrated in  FIG. 2  and described below is not intended to be limiting. 
     At operation  210 , a direction that a natural eyelash protrudes from a lash line may be determined. The direction that the natural eyelash protrudes may be determined based on an adjacent, second natural eyelash. If the natural eyelash protrudes in the same direction as the second natural eyelash, then it may be determined that the eyelash is protruding in a natural direction. 
     At operation  220 , responsive to determining that the eyelash is protruding in a natural direction, a first type of eyelash extension may be coupled to the natural lash. The first type of eyelash extension may be coupled to the natural eyelash at a first height and in a first direction, wherein the first direction is positioned from the natural lash towards the axis of symmetry of the user&#39;s face. 
     At operation  230 , responsive to coupling the first type of eyelash extension to the natural lash at the first height and in the second direction, a second type of eyelash extension may be coupled to the natural lash. The second type of eyelash extension may be coupled to the natural lash at a second height and in a second direction. The second height may be a greater distance away from the lash line as the first height, and the second direction may be an opposite direction as the first direction, wherein the second direction is positioned from the natural lash away from the axis of symmetry of the user&#39;s face. 
     Operations  220  and  230  may be repeated for a plurality of different natural lashes on a user&#39;s lash, wherein different natural lashes may receive different amounts of first type of eyelash extensions or second type of eyelash extensions. For example, a natural lash may be coupled to one first type of eyelash extension and two second types of eyelash extensions, wherein each of the first type and second type of eyelash extensions coupled to a natural lash are positioned in the first direction and second direction, respectively. 
     In embodiments, a first types of eyelash extensions and second types of eyelash extensions may be coupled to a base lash. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on right side of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. Additionally, an embodiment may include a mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on right side of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two Mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, away from nose or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on right side of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two Mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away from nose or slightly toward the nose and one mink eyelash extension slightly higher than two on right side of natural lash either away from nose/toward nose or at an upright position. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on left side of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include a mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on left side of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, away from nose or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on left side of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include a mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away from nose or slightly toward the nose and one mink eyelash extension slightly higher than two on left side of natural lash either away from nose/toward nose or at an upright position. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. Mink eyelash extension is placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, away from nose or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away from nose or slightly toward the nose and one mink eyelash extension slightly higher than two on left side of natural lash either away from nose/toward nose or at an upright position. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include a mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extensions being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, away from nose or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two Mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away from nose or slightly toward the nose and one mink eyelash extension slightly higher than two on right side of natural lash either away from nose/toward nose or at an upright position. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on top of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include a mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on top of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two Mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, away from nose or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on top of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away from nose or slightly toward the nose and one mink eyelash extension slightly higher than two on left side of natural lash either away from nose/toward nose or at an upright position. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on top of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include a mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, away from nose or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include a synthetic eyelash extension being placed on bottom of natural lash slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away from nose or slightly toward the nose and one mink eyelash extension slightly higher than two on right side of natural lash either away from nose/toward nose or at an upright position. 
     An embodiment may include correcting a natural lash growing about 2-6 mm away from and bent from the rest of natural lashes going away from the nose. The synthetic eyelash extension is placed on a left side of natural lash slightly toward nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include a mink eyelash extension being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include correcting a natural lash growing about 2-6 mm away from the rest of the natural lashes going away from the nose. An embodiment may include placing synthetic eyelash extensions on the left side of natural lash, slightly toward a user&#39;s nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extensions being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include correcting a natural lash growing about 2-6 mm away from the rest of the natural lashes going away from the nose. An embodiment may include placing synthetic eyelash extensions on the left side of natural lash, slightly toward nose about 1 mm from lash line. An embodiment may include mink eyelash extensions being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. Also, one mink eyelash extension may be placed on on the left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include correcting a natural lash growing about 2-6 mm away from the rest of the natural lashes going toward nose. An embodiment may include placing a synthetic eyelash extension on right side of the natural lash, slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. Additionally, a mink eyelash extension is placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include correcting a natural lash growing about 2-6 mm away from the rest of natural lashes going toward nose. An embodiment may include placing a synthetic eyelash extension on the right side of natural lash, slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. Additionally, An embodiment may include two mink eyelash extensions being placed about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     An embodiment may include correcting a natural lash growing about 2-6 mm away from the rest of natural lashes going toward nose. An embodiment may include placing a synthetic eyelash extension on right side of natural lash, slightly away from the nose about 1 mm from lash line. Additionally, An embodiment may include placing two mink eyelash extensions about 2 mm away from lash line on left side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. Also, an embodiment may include one mink eyelash extension being placed on right side of natural lash at an upright position, slightly away or slightly toward the nose. 
     In embodiments, first type of eyelash extension  120  or second type of eyelash extension  125  may be coupled to the end of a natural eyelash. By coupling the eyelash extensions to the tip of natural lash  110 , an extra volume look may be created. 
     An embodiment may include a first type of eyelash extension  120  may be coupled to a first side of a natural lash  110 , and a second type of eyelash extension may be coupled to a second side of natural lash  110 . Utilizing branched eyelash system  120 , an appearance that a user has more lashes on their bottom eyelashes may be created. In embodiments, first type of eyelash extensions  120  and second type of eyelash extensions  125  may be used to prevent extensions from getting intertwined with the user&#39;s top lashes. 
     Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 
     Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment“, an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.