Patent Publication Number: US-9848662-B2

Title: System for attaching artificial eyelashes on a tape strip

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation-in-Part application of Ser. No. 14/174,601, filed on Feb. 6, 2014, which is a non-provisional application U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/761,565, filed on Feb. 6, 2013, entitled, “Lashes on Tape.” 
     This is ALSO a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/127,816, filed on Mar. 3, 2015, entitled, “System for attaching artificial eyelashes on a tape strip.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to artificial eyelashes and, more particularly, to a system for attaching the artificial eyelashes to a tape strip. 
     (2) Description of Related Art 
     Eyelash extensions have been a popular cosmetic enhancement for several years. Eyelash extensions are applied to a user&#39;s natural eyelashes to save the user time and enhance their natural beauty. 
     Currently, there are many types of artificial eyelashes on the market, some better than others. Historically, artificial eyelashes were made of several artificial eyelashes that were adhered to a sticky strip. The sticky strip would then be applied to the user&#39;s eyelid to provide many artificial eyelashes in one easy procedure. A problem with the traditional artificial eyelashes is that they are bulky and do not look natural. 
     With advances in technology, single artificial eyelashes have been conceived. In other words, with single lashes, a single eyelash extension can be glued to a single natural eyelash. By gluing the eyelash extensions directly to the natural eyelashes, the natural look and fullness of the user is enhanced. 
     A problem with single eyelash extensions is that they are difficult to adhere to packaging for individual use. Traditionally, single eyelash extensions are attached with their ends against and in line with a sticky strip as depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3 . This is also illustrated with respect to twin-eyelash extensions in  FIG. 5 . The configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3  is the easiest configuration to generate as it allows the manufacture to lay the lashes on the edge of the adhesive strip to provide the end result, which looks nice and is the most easy to manufacture. However, such a configuration does not allow for the ends to protrude from both sides of the tape strip. Importantly, while they look nice, a problem exists because the ends of the eyelash extensions are not clean since the glue on the tape strip may stick to the end (root) of the eyelash extensions when drawn from the tape strip, which affects the ability of the eyelash extension adhesive to properly glue the eyelash extension with the natural lash. In other words, when a user pulls the roots from the tape strip, the roots may have glue that is stuck onto the roots. This glue can create a problem when attempting to apply the eyelash extension adhesive and, further, could inhibit the ability of the eyelash extension adhesive from properly adhering to the user&#39;s natural lashes. 
     Another problem with the prior art is with respect to flared lashes/branched lashes (i.e., many lashes merged together) that are positioned against the tape (in the configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3 ). When there are many lashes merged together, it can be difficult to peel them from the tape or, in some cases, after peeling the branched lashes from the tape the flared lashes separate or break. 
     Therefore, there is a continuing need for a system for attaching artificial eyelashes on a tape strip such that the artificial eyelashes are easily cleanable and do not separate or break when removed from the tape. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to artificial eyelashes and, more particularly, to a system for attaching the artificial eyelashes to a tape strip. The present invention relates to artificial eyelashes and, more particularly, to a system and method for attaching the artificial eyelashes to a tape strip. The system includes an elongated tape strip having at least one surface with an adhesive and having opposing edges that run along a length of the elongated tape strip. A plurality of artificial eyelashes having lash ends are attached with the at least one surface along the length of the elongated tape strip. Further, each of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have physical characteristics such that at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have physical characteristics that are different than one another. 
     In another aspect, the at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes are different colors. 
     In yet another aspect, the at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes are different lengths. 
     In another aspect, the at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes are different shapes. 
     Additionally, the at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have different curvatures. 
     In yet another aspect, the at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have different thicknesses. 
     Further, the artificial eyelashes are attached with the tape strip such that at least one of the artificial eyelashes is attached with the elongated tape strip such that at least one lash end of said at least one artificial eyelash is not, flush with the opposing edges of the elongated tape strip, and wherein at least a portion of the lash ends are freely exposed. 
     Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the invention described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1A  is a top-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the prior art, where the end of each artificial eyelash extension is flush with and edge of the adhesive strip; 
         FIG. 1B  is a top-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the prior art, where the end of each artificial eyelash extension is flush with and edge of the adhesive strip; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a top-view illustration of a technique for affixing, artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip, where the end of each artificial eyelash extension is flush with and edge of the adhesive strip; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side-view illustration of a technique for affixing artificial eyelash extensions with an adhesive strip according to the principles of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration depicting another aspect, where each of the artificial eyelash extensions on the tape strip is the same or different. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to artificial eyelashes and, more particularly, to a system for attaching the artificial eyelashes to a tape strip. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. 
     Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object. 
     (1) Introduction 
     The present invention relates to artificial eyelashes and, more particularly, to a system and method for attaching the artificial eyelashes to a tape strip. Traditionally and as shown in the prior art as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , artificial eyelashes  103  are adhered to an elongated tape strip  101  such that an edge  102  (e.g., root) of all of the artificial eyelashes  103  are flush with the edge  109  of the tape strip  101 .  FIG. 1A  depicts lashes  103  with one tapered end  104  and one blunt or cut end  108 , while  FIG. 1B  depicts lashes  103  with two tapered ends  104 . As noted above, in both cases, of edges  102  are in line and flush with the edge  109  of the tape strip  101  and are not moved  107  away from the edge  109  of the tape strip  101 . 
     However, such a configuration does not allow for the ends to protrude from both sides of the tape strip. In other words, when a user pulls the roots from the tape strip, the roots may have glue that is stuck onto the roots. This glue can create a problem when attempting to apply the eyelash extension adhesive and, further, could inhibit the ability of the eyelash extension adhesive from properly adhering to the user&#39;s natural lashes. 
     Alternatively, the configuration according to the principles of the present invention and depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D, 4B, 4D and 5B  allows a user to clean the roots of the eyelash extensions before using (while still adhered to the tape strip). In other words, the present invention allows a user to clean the roots (with a cleaning solution, etc.) while the lashes are still adhered to the tape strip. 
     Another problem with the prior art is with respect to flared lashes/branched lashes (i.e., many lashes merged together) that are positioned against the tape (in the configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). When there are many lashes merged together, it can be difficult to peel them from the tape or, in some cases, after peeling the branched lashes from the tape the flared lashes separate or break. 
     Alternatively, it is easier for a user if the flare lashes/branched lashes are positioned against the tape strip as depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4C  because the body of the flare lashes/branched lashes touch the tape less. Therefore, in various embodiments, the present invention provides artificial eyelashes on a tape strip such that the artificial eyelashes extend from both sides of the strip; or one side only, or any combination thereof. 
     (2) Specific Aspects 
     In one aspect, the present invention improves upon the prior art by providing artificial eyelash extensions (or any other thin, filament-like item, e.g., hair, strands, etc.) that are adhered to a strip of material (e.g., tape strip, paper strip, foil strip, etc.) such that one or more of the ends are not flush with an edge of the tape strip or are of the same or different lengths, color, shape, curvature and thickness, or any combination of thereof. This concept is depicted throughout  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, and 6 , which show how the strip (e.g., elongated tape strip) can be positioned anywhere along the length or body of the lashes and still be within the scope of the present invention.  FIGS. 4C and 4D  show that the present invention can also be employed with branched lashes. 
     It should be understood that the present invention is a configuration for packaging, storing, and transporting a collection or plurality of eyelash extensions, in which the eyelash extensions are affixed individually with a tape strip or other adhesive item. 
     For example,  FIGS. 2A through 2D  illustrate artificial eyelashes extensions  103  that are attached individually to a tape strip  101 . Importantly, the eyelash extensions  103  are affixed with the tape strip  101  such that at least one of (or all) the ends  104  and  108  of the eyelash extensions are not flush or aligned with the edge  109  of the tape strip  101 .  FIGS. 2A and 2C  depict eyelash extensions  103  with one tapered end  104  and one blunt or cut end  108 , while  FIGS. 2B and 2D  depict eyelash extensions  103  with two tapered ends  104 . It is noted that the tape strip  101  can be affixed along any point along the length  107  oldie body of the eyelash extensions  103  so long as the ends  104  and  108  are not flush with the edge  109  of the tape strip  101 . Thus, the tape strip  101  includes at least one surface with an adhesive and having opposing edges  109  that run along a length of the elongated tape strip  101 , with eyelash extensions  103  attached with the at least one surface with the adhesive and along the length of the elongated tape strip  101 . 
     This concept is further illustrated in the side-view illustrations of  FIGS. 3, and 4A through 4D .  FIG. 3  is a side-view illustration, illustrating the eyelash extension  103  affixed with the tape strip  101  such that an end  108  of the extension  103  is flush with an edge  109  of the tape strip  101 . Alternatively, the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 4A through 4D , which illustrate eyelash extensions  103  attached to the tape strip  101  such that the ends  108  of the eyelash extensions  103  are not flush or aligned with an edge  109  of the tape strip  101 . It should noted that although the blunt end  108  is depicted, the invention is not intended to be limited thereto as the concept can be equally applied to tapered ends, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2D . 
     It should be noted that the present invention is also directed to all branched lashes that include more than two lashes that branch from to common end. Such branched eyelash extensions  500  can be placed at any location on the adhesive strip  100  (as shown in  FIGS. 5A through 5C ), including at the edge  109  of the strip  101  as shown in  FIG. 5C . 
     In another aspect as shown in  FIG. 6 , the individual eyelash extensions  103  on the tape strip  101  have physical characteristics such that they can be of any shape, thickness, color, curve, or length, or any combination thereof. Further, the individual eyelash extensions  103  on any given tape strip  101  can each have the same physical characteristics or different physical characteristics or any combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, the individual eyelash extensions  103  can be of different colors, such as pink  400  and blue  402  (as depicted) or any other desired color or combination thereof. By having different physical characteristics on a single tape strip  101 , a technician can easily offer the client various aesthetic appearances and retrieve the different eyelash extensions  103  without having to move or change out the tape strip  101  that is currently being used during the application process. 
     Additionally, the roots (ends) of the eyelash extensions can be flush with the end of the tape (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), or be positioned such that the ends of the eyelash extensions are not flush or aligned with an edge of the tape strip (as shown in  FIGS. 4A through 4D ), or positioned such that some are flush while others are not, or any combination thereof.