Patent Publication Number: US-2020275718-A1

Title: Multi-segment false eyelash system and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/812,214, filed Feb. 28, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, an eyelash artist, a cosmetologist, or a person self-applying eyelash extensions is required to make dozens to hundreds of visual design decisions. These decisions are based on how to select the proper length, angle of attachment, and placement for each individual extension to each individual eyelash. Consequently, only highly skilled individuals with extensive training and experience can consistently achieve a suitable false eyelash look, allowing professionals to charge expensive fees, typically on the order of hundreds of dollars per session. 
     Professionally-applied eyelash extensions provide long-lasting results (approximately 1-3 weeks), but require a trained cosmetologist (a “lash artist”) to design and apply the lashes, and to re-apply (in a “refill session”) new lashes approximately every other week, because (a) the lash extensions naturally shed along with the user&#39;s eyelashes to which they are affixed, and (b) because the glue that adheres the lash extensions fails over time. Without regular refill sessions, the applied lashes will thin out, and look aesthetically unappealing. Furthermore, an appointment in the salon typically requires the customer to sit for 2 hours or more, while a lash artist applies the lash extensions. This is a costly and time-consuming requirement for the customer. Additionally, the glue commonly used to adhere lash extensions often creates bloodshot eyes, burning, itching, redness, inflammation, and swelling of eyelids. 
     In addition to the issues with the application of the professionally-applied eyelash extensions, there are pitfalls to the daily wear of professionally-applied eyelash extensions. The weight of the lash extension unit (with typically 5-15 individual hairs per unit) is borne by a single eyelash. That unnatural weight, which is well beyond what nature intended, causes stress to the eyelash follicle, often resulting in the follicle falling out prematurely. When it does fall out, the user loses both her natural eyelash and the lash extension unit. Moreover, the lash extension units can be subject to stress as the user tosses and turns in bed while asleep, causing the lashes to twist into the eye itself, causing irritation to the cornea, and requiring the consumer to either remove the lash extension unit or clumsily attempt to brush it back into place. And as the consumer&#39;s natural lashes continue to grow longer, the lash extensions extend out longer than designed, which causes them to overextend and fall into the eyes. This leads to eye irritation, itching, and can cause a bacterial infection or damage to the cornea. 
     Alternatively, people can purchase single-strip false eyelashes available from a variety of retailers. Single-strip false eyelashes offer relatively foolproof application and deliver consistent visual results (i.e., the consumer knows exactly what their eyelashes will look like). Easy self-application, affordability, and a consistent look have led to a rise in popularity of self-applied false eye-lashes. 
     However, single-strip false eyelashes suffer from a variety of major functional limitations. These limitations include being prone to fall off unexpectedly, and typically having a use lifetime of only a single day per application. As the consumer opens and closes her eyes, the flexing creates tension on the strip to which it is attached. The tension wears away the bond between the strip and the eyelid or eyelashes to which it is attached, which causes the strip lashes to fall off in 12-72 hours if a safe adhesive system is used, or, if a strong glue is used, causing excessive irritation and damage to the consumer&#39;s skin and natural eyelashes. Single-strip false eyelashes can also damage the sensitive eyelid skin with repeated use. The single-strip eyelashes may also cause infections of the cornea and eyelids because of the irritation and glue. Furthermore, the single-strip eyelashes can strain the eye muscles, because of their weight. Removal of the single-strip eyelashes can cause wrinkling, sagging, or other damage to the eye area, and can cause damage to the wearer&#39;s natural eyelashes. And single-strip eyelashes are conventionally not water resistant. 
     A third option for consumers is individually-sold eyelash segments. Individually-sold eyelash segments have no pre-designed look, meaning the consumer must design her own lash style. Designing a lash style is very difficult to do well. Additionally, developing a new look with individual eyelashes is time-consuming, as the consumer must apply dozens of variable length lashes to their eyelids. Conventionally, the use of individual lash segments requires a user to decide which length of lash to use (typically from a small, medium, and long option) and how to combine those, which can result in a frustrating and error-prone experience for non-professionals. Lastly, the individual lashes are applied to the eyelid, like single-strip false eyelashes, and are applied with a glue that may be irritating to the user&#39;s eye. Further, like single-strip false eyelashes, they typically last only a few days, are generally not waterproof, do not adhere well to the user&#39;s eyelid, and are prone to falling off at inopportune moments for the wearer. 
     A new type of false-eyelashes is needed to provide a pre-defined eyelash look while also providing benefits such as long-lifetime and reduced risk of sensitivity as well as affordability and convenience. 
     SUMMARY 
     A multi-segment false eyelash product provides a hybrid solution that combines the long-lasting advantages of professional eyelash extensions with the predictable, consistent look, ease of use, and affordability of single-strip self-applied false eyelashes. The multi-segment false eyelash product enables users to easily and consistently achieve a suitable false-eyelash look, capable of being applied in a short period of time in the comfort of their home, which lasts for days or weeks without having to be removed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts the supplies used for proper application of the multi-segment false eyelash product, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a user determining proper alignment of the right and left set of eyelashes for application in a case, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts the proper placement of one of the eye patches in the set of two eye patches on the right eye of a user, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  is an illustration of the user wearing the eye patches along with an illustration of the lashes, glue tray and glue in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  depicts the process of removing a single segment of the set of multi-segment false eyelashes  101  from the packaging, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  depicts the application of the specialized glue  302  to the single segment (lash band) of eyelashes, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  depicts the user&#39;s eyelashes prior to an application of the single segment of eyelashes, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of the user applying a lash band in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of the user applying a lash band in accordance with one more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     The figures depict various embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts the supplies used for proper application of the multi-segment false eyelash product, according to one or more embodiments. The supplies comprise a set of multi-segment false eyelashes  101 , a set of tweezers  102 , a bottle of specialized glue  103 , and a set of two eye patches  104 , according to one embodiment. The supplies depicted in  FIG. 1  provide an apparatus that allow users, including novice users, to achieve professional-grade eyelash-extensions results at home. The process can typically be completed in under five minutes, whereas professionally-applied eyelashes typically require time on the order of 2-3 hours in a salon. 
     The set of multi-segment false eyelashes  101  comprises a right set of false eyelashes and a left set of false eyelashes, and each of the right set and left set contain multiple segments of false eyelashes. Each segment comprises a plurality of individual eyelashes and a band to which each of the individual eyelashes are attached at one end. The individual eyelashes comprised within each set of multi-segment false eyelashes can be made using several different types of hair including but not limited to: mink, faux mink, extremely fine synthetic fibers, human hair, horsehair, silk, and/or any other type of animal hair. The band can be made of plastic or natural fibers. A heat-activated glue affixes the individual eyelashes to the band. 
     The specialized glue  103  is formulated to provide sufficient time to apply the eyelashes prior to curing (i.e., 60 seconds or more). Additionally, the specialized glue  103  is non-irritating to the sensitive skin near the eyes. The specialized glue  103  also provides a longer lasting hold when compared to conventional eyelash glues. Specifically, the specialized glue  103  can provide a hold on the order of 5-10 days longer than conventional eyelash glues. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a user determining proper alignment of the right and left set of eyelashes for application, according to one or more embodiments. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the user is holding the packaging of the set of multi-segment false eyelashes  101  under her nose with the eyelashes facing out. In this position, the right set and the left set of eyelashes  101  are properly aligned with the respective right and left eye, from the perspective of the user, for subsequent application. The positioning of the packaging allows users, including novice users, to correctly align each of the right set and the left set of false eyelashes. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts the proper placement of one of the eye patches in the set of two eye patches  104  on the right eye of a user, according to one or more embodiments. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the user has placed the eye patch on the lower eyelid of her right eye with the lower eyelashes securely tucked in underneath the eye patch. When applied, the set of two eye patches  104  has the benefit of preventing stray bottom eyelashes from getting glues to the top eyelashes during the process of applying the multi-segment false eyelashes.  FIG. 3B  is an illustration of the user wearing the eye patches along with an illustration of the lashes, glue tray  304  and glue  302 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts the process of removing a single segment of the set of multi-segment false eyelashes  101  from the packaging, according to one or more embodiments. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the user uses the tweezers  102  to gently remove the single segment by lightly tugging on and lifting the band that connects the individual eyelashes within the segment of eyelashes. 
       FIG. 5  (also referencing  FIG. 3 ) depicts the application of the specialized glue  302  to the single segment of eyelashes, according to one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, the user places 2-3 drops of the specialized glue  302  on the upper part of the packaging tray  304 . The user uses the tweezers  102  to apply a small amount of glue to the side of the band opposite the set of eyelashes. One technique for the application of the glue  302  is for the user to swipe the single segment of eyelashes across the 2-3 drops of specialized glue  302 . Only a fraction of the 2-3 drops of glue needs to be applied to the single segment of the eyelashes in order to allow the segment to stick to the user. In some embodiments the segments slightly overlap, in other embodiments the segments do not overlap. 
       FIG. 6  depicts the user&#39;s eyelashes prior to an application of the single segment of eyelashes, according to one or more embodiments. The user closes the eye to which the single segment of eyelashes is to be applied. Closing the eye allows for proper placement of the single segment of eyelashes such that the segment is glued to the user&#39;s natural eyelashes, rather than to the user&#39;s eyelid. 
     The single segment of eyelashes is applied to the user&#39;s natural eyelashes, approximately 1-2 mm away from the base of the eyelash, according to one embodiment. One technique for applying the single segment of eyelashes includes holding the single segment of eyelashes and the user&#39;s natural eyelashes tightly together with the tweezers for long enough for the specialized glue  302  to at least partially cure (e.g., approximately 10 seconds) and then releasing the tweezers. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of the user applying a lash band in accordance with one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, the user dips the bottom side of the lash band in the glue  302  in the glue tray  304  and wipes off excess glue along the glue tray  304 . The user allows the glue to partially cure before placing the lash band on eyelashes. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of the user applying a lash band in accordance with one more embodiments. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the segments of eyelashes are applied directly to the user&#39;s natural eyelashes rather than the user&#39;s eyelid because the individual segments within the multi-segment system are light enough to be supported by the user&#39;s natural lashes. In one embodiment, the segments are attached to groups of roughly 15 natural eyelashes, 1-2 mm from the base of the natural eyelashes. Conventional single-strip false eyelashes are too heavy to be supported by attachment to natural eyelashes and therefore must be attached to the eyelid. 
     The application of the segments of eyelashes to the user&#39;s natural eyelashes rather than to the eyelid provides numerous benefits. The application to the natural eyelashes reduces skin irritation since there is no direct contact between the glue and the user&#39;s skin. Additionally, the resulting false eyelashes are longer lasting than conventional at-home false eyelash systems and are aesthetically comparable or superior in terms of both length and volume to the results achievable by a professional lash artist. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the user can work from the outside of the eye then inward. The user can drag the lash band with the glue over the lashes before setting and bonding tin plash over the user&#39;s natural eyelashes. While making sure that the user&#39;s natural lashes are coated in blue—the user can set the lash band in place and squeeze the lashes and extensions together with tweezer for approximately 15 seconds with a steady grip. 
     The user can open their eyes after application of each segment of eyelashes to confirm they are satisfied with the appearance. If the placement of a particular segment of eyelashes needs to be adjusted, the user may use the tweezers  2  to remove the segment of eyelashes and re-apply the segment by repeating the process described above, using slightly less specialized glue  103  in the re-application. The slow-curing rate of the specialized glue  103  allows users to make small adjustments relatively easily, and to restart the process to be able to achieve the exact look desired. 
     The application process described above is repeated by the user for each individual segment of false eyelashes within the set of multi-segment eyelashes. The application process described above is repeated on the user&#39;s other eye when the user is ready to apply the multi-segment eyelashes to their other eye. In one embodiment, the right set and left set each comprise five individual segments of false eyelashes for application. However, there are other embodiments with fewer or more segments comprised in each set of multi-segment eyelashes. Additionally, a user may only use some of the segments within the set of multi-segment false eyelashes. For example, in the embodiment wherein the set for each eye comprises five segments, a user who has smaller eyes or desires a less voluminous look may only use 3 or 4 of the segments on each eye. 
     As compared to single-strip false eyelashes, the multi-segment eyelash system provides numerous benefits and novelties. As previously discussed, single-strip false eyelashes prematurely detach from the eyelids because they do not have the ability to flex naturally with the eye&#39;s natural movement (which causes repeated tension on the lash band as the consumer opens and closes her eyes throughout the day). The multi-segment eyelash system is designed with custom parts for each part of the eyelashes (beginning, middle, and end), dramatically reducing tension on the lash system, and allowing the eye to open and close naturally without damaging the system. Furthermore, each individual segment in the multi-segment system is glued individually to multiple eyelashes, creating a stronger bond, and more flexibility for movement. 
     Additionally, single-strip false eyelashes can cause wrinkling and sagging during removal, because of the pulling and tugging on the skin around the eye. In one embodiment, the multi-segment eyelash system includes a special remover that dissolves our glue within a couple minutes, allowing for painless and easy removal of the lash strips. Furthermore, the individual segments are attached to the natural lashes, not the eyelid, so there is no tugging or pulling on the delicate skin of the eyelid during removal. 
     The single-strip false eyelashes are glued directly to the eyelids, which impairs the root of the eyelashes&#39; ability to breathe. This can cause an allergic reaction and/or discomfort associated with the extra weight. The individual segments in the multi-segment system are glued to the eyelash hairs themselves, allowing the eyelash follicles access to fresh air and oxygen, and reducing the likelihood of bacterial infections common with competing options. Additionally, the band is made of a lightweight material, so that it can be applied directly to the lashes without a sensation of excessive weight or discomfort. 
     False eyelash glue is typically heavy and irritating to the eyes and eye skin. As previously discussed, the specialized glue used as part of the multi-segment eyelash system is formulated to be lighter, stronger, and non-irritating to the sensitive eye area. 
     Single-strip false eyelashes generally do not last more than 8-12 hours. By comparison, the multi-segment eyelash system typically lasts 10 days or more with a single glue application. Additionally, single-strip false eyelashes are not water resistant, and will often fall off if they get wet. By comparison, multi-segment eyelashes are water-resistant, making every day wear easy, and allowing the user to swim and shower normally. 
     The multi-segment eyelash system also provides numerous benefits over conventional professionally-applied eyelash extensions. For professionally-applied extensions, the eyelash extension hair units are applied to each individual eyelash. Because the natural eyelash will be forced to support 5-15 individual hairs contained in the lash extension unit, there is a high risk of trauma and damage to the lash follicle. The multi-segment eyelash system distributes the weight more evenly, by adhering to several lashes, and thereby reducing the risk of damage to the natural lashes. 
     Additionally, professionally-applied extensions are prone to twisting as the user twists and turns while asleep, because they are applied to a single relatively weak eyelash. The multi-segment system is applied to multiple lashes, providing much greater support to keep the lashes in place. 
     Furthermore, a trained cosmetologist lash artist must design, apply, refill, and remove the lash extensions. This typically requires a 2+ hour appointment with a cosmetologist lash artist for application. The multi-segment system does not require a trained third-party for application, refills, or removal. The multi-segment system can be self-applied in under 5 minutes in the user&#39;s own home. 
     The professionally-applied extensions will bend and droop into the user&#39;s eye. The bending and drooping occurs when the anchor eyelash to which the lash extension unit is adhered grows longer, and can no longer support the weight of the lash extension unit. When the lash extension droops into the eye, it can lead to eye irritation, itching, a bacterial infection, or damage to the cornea. By contrast, each segment of the multi-segment system is glued to several of the user&#39;s eyelashes, providing much more robust support than a single lash, and dramatically reducing the likelihood of the hair drooping into the user&#39;s eye. 
     Additionally, the multi-segment system has benefits over individually-sold eyelash segments. As previously discussed, individual eyelash segments have no pre-designed look, meaning the user must design her own lash style, which is very difficult to do well. The multi-segment lash system provides several looks, ranging from very natural to doll-like glamorous ones, that are easy to apply, even for novice users. The user applies the lashes as instructed, and obtains the exact look and style they wanted, every time, without any special training or skill required. 
     The individually-sold eyelash segments also require the user to decide which length of lash to use (typically from a small, medium, and long option) and how to combine those, which results in a frustrating and error-prone experience. By contrast, the multi-segment system provides a pre-designed look, and multiple parts that work perfectly together to achieve it. The user simply applies each part of the multi-segment system to the designated part of the eye. The user does not have to make any choices about which part goes where, or how to combine individual lengths. 
     Individually sold eyelash segments are also time-consuming to apply, as the consumer has to apply dozens of variable length lashes to their eyelids. The multi-segment eyelash system takes under 5 minutes to apply. 
     And, like the single-strip false eyelashes, individually-sold eyelash segments apply to the user&#39;s eyelid. By contrast, the multi-segment eyelash system is designed to apply easily to the user&#39;s eyelashes, 1-2 mm above the base of the eyelash. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the patent rights to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. 
     The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the patent rights be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the patent rights.