Abstract:
An eyelash extensions support device for supporting a pair of eyelash extensions strips, each of the eyelash extensions strips including a plurality of eyelash extensions provided in a side-by-side relationship relative to each other on a backing strip support, each of the eyelash extensions being individually removable from the backing strip support for securing the eyelash extension to a respective eyelash of a person having left and right cheeks and a nose therebetween, the eyelash extensions support device comprising: a right side support element; abuttable against the right cheek and a left side support element abuttable against the left cheek; the right and left side support elements each defining a strip supporting portion for supporting a respective backing strip support.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the general field of eyelash extensions, and is more specifically concerned with an eyelash extensions support device usable for supporting strips of eyelash extensions during their application on the lash lines of a person, and a method of using same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various trays, holders and support devices for facilitating the work of esthetician and beauty salon personnel when applying eyelash extensions to the lash lines of clients are known. These known trays, holders and support devices typically comprise some form of support on which may be disposed commercially available eyelash extensions strips or, alternatively, individual eyelash extensions, and a handle or attachment means allowing a user to hold the support device with one hand and apply individual eyelash extensions to a person with the other hand using typically pointed tweezers. 
         [0003]    While these known trays, holders and support devices can generally fulfill the main objective of facilitating the work of esthetician and beauty salon personnel when applying eyelash extensions to the lash lines of clients, they also entail one or more of the following disadvantages. 
         [0004]    These known trays, holders and support devices generally do not provide means for helping the user to hold stably the eyelash extensions strips with one hand while the other hand already has a precision task to accomplish. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, these known trays, holders and support devices generally hold the eyelash extensions strips far the work area (e.g. the face of the client) and require that the esthetician supports them with one hand, which can thus not help in the difficult process of attaching the eyelash extensions. 
         [0006]    Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide an improved eyelash extensions support device. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide such a device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In a broad aspect, the invention provides an eyelash extensions support device for supporting a pair of eyelash extensions strips, each of the eyelash extensions strips including a plurality of eyelash extensions provided in a side-by-side relationship relative to each other on a backing strip support, each of the eyelash extensions being individually removable from the backing strip support for securing the eyelash extension to a respective eyelash of a person having left and right cheeks and a nose therebetween, the eyelash extensions support device comprising: a right side support element abuttable against the right cheek; and a left side support element abuttable against the left cheek; the right and left side support elements each defining a strip supporting portion for supporting a respective backing strip support. 
         [0008]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the right and left side support elements are substantially elongated and each define substantially longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions and forward and backward edges each extending between the proximal and distal end portions, the forward edges being configured and sized so that at least part thereof abuts against a respective one of the right and left cheeks when the eyelash extensions support device is operatively abutted against the person, the right and left side support elements being pivotally coupled to each other at their proximal end portions so that an angle between the forward edges is adjustable. 
         [0009]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the right and left side support elements are movable relative to each other between retracted and deployed positions, wherein, in the retracted position, the backward edges are facing each other substantially parallel to each other, and, in the deployed position, the forwards edges cooperatively form a contour profile that generally conforms to the cooperative contour profile of the cheeks and nose. 
         [0010]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the right and left side support elements together define a nose receiving recess for receiving the nose thereinto. 
         [0011]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the right and left side support elements each define opposed top and bottom surfaces each extending between the forward and backward edges, the strip supporting portion being defined in the top surface. 
         [0012]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the strip supporting portion includes a substantially smooth portion of the top surface. 
         [0013]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the strip supporting portion includes an elongated groove formed in the top surface. 
         [0014]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the groove has a substantially inverted T-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration and opens longitudinally and the distal end. 
         [0015]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the right and left side support elements each define a respective fulcrum support portion at the proximal end, the fulcrum support portions being superposed and interconnected through a pin extending through both fulcrum support portions to allow rotation of the fulcrum support portions relative to each other about a rotation axis colinear with the pin. 
         [0016]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the forward edges each include a substantially rectilinear portion for abutting against a respective one of the right and left cheeks. 
         [0017]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the forward edges each include a substantially concave portion for abutting against a respective one of the right and left cheeks. 
         [0018]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device further comprising a glue cup for receiving eyelash extension glue. 
         [0019]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the glue cup engages the pin. 
         [0020]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the glue cup and the pin are removably magnetically coupled to each other. 
         [0021]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device further comprising an angle support bracket provided between the glue cup and the pin, the angle support bracket supporting the glue cup so that the glue cup opens along a cup axis that is angled relative to the rotation axis. 
         [0022]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device further comprising a support magnetically removably securable to the pin, the support including a handle, wherein, with the support secured to the coupling element, the eyelash support can be held through the handle. 
         [0023]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein at least one of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further comprising a support magnetically removably securable to the coupling element, the support including a handle, wherein, with the support secured to the coupling element, the eyelash extensions support device can be held through the handle. 
         [0024]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the support includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling element. 
         [0025]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein at least one of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further comprising a glue cup magnetically removably securable to the coupling element. 
         [0026]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the glue cup includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling element. 
         [0027]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein at least one of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further comprising a cheek support removably securable to the coupling element, the cheek support being configured and sized for abutting against one of the right and left cheeks when operatively secured to the coupling element. 
         [0028]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the cheek support is magnetically coupled to the coupling element. 
         [0029]    The invention may also provide an eyelash extensions support device wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the cheek support includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling element. 
         [0030]    Advantageously, the proposed eyelash extensions support device helps in supporting the eyelash extensions stably close to the site where they are to be applied and thus greatly improve the ergonomics of the eyelash extensions application process. The proposed eyelash extensions support device can in some embodiments be manufactured at a relatively low cost. 
         [0031]    The present application claims benefit from UK request application 1610713.8 filed Jun. 20, 2017, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0032]    Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]      FIG. 1 , in a perspective view, illustrates an embodiment of an eyelash extensions support device, according to the present invention, here shown in a deployed position near the eyes of a person standing upright; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2 , in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4 , in a side elevational view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device of  FIGS. 1 to 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5 , in an enlarged end view, illustrates a groove part of the eyelash extensions support device of  FIGS. 1 to 4 , here shown having an eyelash extensions strip engaged therein; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6 , in a perspective view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , here shown in a retracted position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7 , in an exploded, perspective view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 8 , in a partial perspective view, illustrates a left side support element part of the eyelash extensions support device of  FIGS. 1 to 7 , here shown having an eyelash extensions strip partially engaged in a groove thereof, and a self-adhesive eyelash extensions strip adhered to a top surface thereof; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9 , in a perspective view, illustrates an eyelash extensions support device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 10 , in a partial exploded side elevational, cross-section view, illustrates an eyelash extensions support device in accordance with an other alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 11 , in an exploded side elevational, cross-section view, illustrates yet another embodiment of an eyelash extensions support device, according to the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 12 , in a perspective view, illustrates a an angle support bracket part of the eyelash extensions support device shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 13 , in perspective view, illustrates a cheek support part of the eyelash extensions support device shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 14 , in perspective view, illustrates eyelash extensions support device shown in  FIG. 11 , here shown self-supported in position on the face of a person lying on her back; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 15 , in a perspective view, illustrates yet another embodiment of an eyelash extensions support device, here shown self-supported in position on the face of a person lying on her back. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    The term “substantially” is used throughout this document to indicate variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations are variations that do not materially affect the manner in which the invention works and can be due, for example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes or to small deviations from a nominal value or ideal shape that do not cause significant changes to the invention. These variations are to be interpreted from the point of view of the person skilled in the art. 
         [0049]    Directional terminology, such as right, left, top, bottom, forward and backward, among others, refers to the orientation relative to someone applying eyelash extensions on a person with an upright face. This terminology is used for clarity reasons and should not be used to restrict the scope of the claims. Notably, the claimed invention can be used on faces having a different orientation. Thus, a “top” surface, which would normally face up in the context given above, can be vertical instead is the proposed invention is used on a person lying down. This surface will still be called a “top” surface. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 1 to 8  inclusively illustrate various aspects of an embodiment, according to the present invention, of an eyelash extensions support device  10 . Referring for example to  FIG. 1 , the eyelash extensions support device  10  is usable for supporting commercially available eyelash extensions strips  100  during the application of individual eyelash extensions  102  on the eyelashes  104  of a person having left and right cheeks  108  and  110  and a nose  112  therebetween. Each one of these commercially available eyelash extensions strips  100  typically contains a relatively large number of individual eyelash extensions  102  that are serially releasably adhered side-by-side along a top linear surface portion of a backing strip support  106 . The backing strip support  106  may have a rear surface thereof that is either self-adhesive or not. 
         [0051]    The eyelash extensions support device  10  comprises a right side support element  12  and a left side support element  14  abuttable respectively against the right and left cheeks  110  and  108 . The right and left side support elements  12  and  14  each define a strip supporting portion  15  and  17  for supporting a respective backing strip support  106 . In the embodiment of the eyelash extensions support device  10  shown in the drawings, each of the right side support element  12  and left side support element  14  includes two strip supporting portions  15  and  17 , but only one of them is included in other embodiments. The right and left side support elements  12  and  14  typically have a substantially mirrored shape and size configuration relative to one another. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , each one of the right and left side support element  12  and  14  has a substantially elongated and planar configuration and each define substantially longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions  20  and  22  and forward and backward edges  16  and  18  each extending between the proximal and distal end portions  20  and  22 . The forward edges  16  are configured and sized so that at least part thereof abuts against the right and left cheeks  110  and  108  when the eyelash extensions support device  10  is operatively abutted against the person. The right and left side support elements  12  and  14  are pivotally coupled to each other at their proximal end portions  20  so that an angle between the forward edges  16  is adjustable. Typically, the forward edge  16  and the backward edge  18  extend generally longitudinally parallelly relative to one another. Typically, the right and left side support elements  12  and  14  each define opposed top and bottom surfaces  24  and  26  each extending between the forward and backward edges  16  and  18 , the strip supporting portions  15  and  17  being defined in the top surface  24 . 
         [0053]    The top surface  24  is suitably configured and sized to support substantially longitudinally thereon in the strip supporting portion  15  at least one self-adhesive eyelash extensions support strip  101 , for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Thus, the strip supporting portion  15  includes a substantially smooth portion of the top surface  24 . Smooth for the purpose of this document means flat or gently curved so that good adhesion with the self-adhesive eyelash extensions support strip  101  is promoted. 
         [0054]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the forward edge  16  includes a relatively short forward inner edge portion  28  adjacent the proximal end portion  20  that extends generally towards the backward edge  18 . Thus, the right and left side support elements  12  and  14  together define a nose receiving recess  19  for receiving the nose  112  thereinto. Furthermore, referring to  FIG. 7 , a fulcrum support portion  30  is provided at the proximal end portion  20 . 
         [0055]    The eyelash extensions support device  10  further comprises a pin  32  suitably sized and configured to pivotally connect the right and left side support elements  12  and  14  through their superposed fulcrum support portions  30 . To that effect, the pin  32  extends through both fulcrum support portions  30  to allow rotation of the fulcrum support portions  30  relative to each other about a rotation axis  33  colinear with the pin  32 . The assembled right and left side support elements  12  and  14 , along with the pin  32 , are referred to as an eyelash extensions support assembly  60  hereinbelow. 
         [0056]    The right and left side support elements  12  and  14  are cooperatively angularly positionable relative to one another between a retracted position as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , and a deployed position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3  inclusively. 
         [0057]    When in the retracted position, both backward edges  18  are oppositely facing one another in a substantially parallel configuration. Thus, the eyelash extensions support device  10  may be conveniently stowed away in a compact format that can easily fit in a purse, pocket or the likes. 
         [0058]    When in the deployed position, the forward edges  16 , including their respective forward inner edge portions  28 , cooperatively form a contour profile that generally conforms to the cooperative contour profile of both right and left cheeks  110  and  108  and nose  112  of a person taken along a plane extending horizontally at least slightly below the eyes thereof, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 20 and 21 . 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the right and left side support elements  12  and  14  each defines a cross-section that gradually tapers transversally towards the forward edge  16 , and ending in a relatively soft edge line that can softly contact the cheeks of a person without leaving a noticeable imprint. 
         [0060]    Furthermore, in some embodiments, an elongated portion  34  of the forward edge  16 , part of which contacts the right and left cheeks  108  and  110  in use, may be either substantially straight, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3  inclusively, or may define an at least slightly rounded concave configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , so as to softly contour the typically slightly rounded configuration of the cheeks of the person. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 8  for example, in some embodiments, the strip supporting portion  17  includes an elongated groove  36  formed in the top surface  24  each one of the right and left side support elements  12  and  14 . The groove  36  is for longitudinally slidably engaging therein through its open end  37  a non-adhesive eyelash extensions strip  100 . More specifically, the groove  36  has a substantially inverted T-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration and opens longitudinally and the distal end portion  22 . An inverted T-shaped configuration is one in which the wider part of the “T” is inside an element, this wider part communicating with the environment through a narrower part. In other embodiments, the grooves  36  each define a suitable alternative cross-section configured for substantially freely slidably engaging opposed longitudinal side edge portions of an eyelash extensions strip  100 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . Each groove  36  extends from its open end  37  along from distal end portion  22 , and substantially longitudinally towards the proximal end portion  20  for a major longitudinal portion of the overall length of the respective right or left side support elements  12  and  14 . 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device  10  may further comprise a glue cup  40  for typically containing glue for applying the eyelash extensions  102 . 
         [0063]    The glue cup  40  defines an underside surface  42  pivotally engaged on a top end portion of the pin  32 , as illustrated in an exploded view in  FIG. 7 . For example, a threaded aperture (not shown in the figures) may be defined centrally in the underside surface  42  for threadedly engaging a screw type pin  32  extending through the fulcrum support portions  30  of each one of the right and left side support elements  12  and  14 . 
         [0064]    Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 10  for an alternative eyelash extension support device  10 ′, the glue cup  40 ′ and the pin  32 ′ are removably magnetically coupled to each other. For example, the glue cup  40 ′ may be provided with a magnetic element  44  connected to, or otherwise embedded in, an underside surface  42  of the glue cup  40 ′, for magnetically engaging a magnetizable top end portion  46  of the pin  32 ′. However, in alternative embodiments, the pin  32 ′ is magnetic also. In yet other embodiments, the pin  32 ′ includes a magnet and the glue cup  40 ′ includes a magnetizable portion. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, the glue cup  40  may be provided with a holding tab portion  48  for ease of manipulating the eyelash extensions support device  10 . The holding tab portion  48  may extend substantially laterally from a peripheral portion of the glue cup  40 . Other shape and size configurations for a holding tab portion  48  are also possible. 
         [0066]    As would be obvious to someone familiar with small tools and accessories for the beauty salon industry, the various elements of the eyelash extensions support device  10  described above, including the pin  32 , may be economically made of a substantially light yet relatively rigid plastic material using known injection molding processes. Other substantially light and rigid materials, or combination of materials, are also possible such as, for example, aluminum or a suitable metal alloy. As exemplified in the figures, the various elements of the eyelash extensions support device  10  may be suitably shaped and sized for conforming to the face of an adult, but it is to be understood that other shapes and sizes are possible such as for the relatively smaller face of a teenage person. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device  10 ″ may further comprise a coupling element  50  and a support  52  magnetically removably securable to the coupling element  50 . For example, the coupling element  50  takes the form of an elongated magnetizable strip provided co-planarly longitudinally along one of both of the bottom surfaces  26 , and the support  52  is a magnetic telescopic arm. 
         [0068]    In these embodiments, the support  52  includes a length adjustable telescopic member  54  provided at one end thereof with a resiliently pivotable magnetic head element  56 . The support also includes a handle  55 . With the support  52  secured to the coupling element  50 , the eyelash extensions support device  10 ″ can be held through the handle  55 . 
         [0069]    Thus, by magnetically engaging the magnetic head element  56  at a user selected position along one of the coupling element  50 , the assembled right and left side support elements  12  and  14  may be conveniently remotely handled at a distance with one hand during a procedure where the person receiving the eyelash extensions  102  is seated or standing up. 
         [0070]    Hence, the hand and, consequently, the arm of the user holding the device do not have to be tiredly maintained elevated for a relatively long period of time near the face of the person receiving the eyelash extensions  102 . Furthermore, the general comfort of the person receiving the eyelash extensions  102  is enhanced since there is no intimate presence of a hand to interfere with normal breathing. 
         [0071]    In some embodiments of the eyelash extensions support device  10 ″, the pin  32  (not seen in  FIG. 9 ) itself may be made of a magnetizable material such as a ferrous metal or a magnetic element such that the support  52  may allow to remotely hold the eyelash extensions support assembly  60  through a centred underside position thereof, as illustrated in dashed lines in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device  10 ′″ may further comprise at least one angle support bracket  70  for magnetically holding the glue cup  40  at an angle relative to the eyelash extensions support assembly  60 . The glue cup  40  is thus supported so that the glue cup  40  opens along a cup axis  41  that is angled relative to the rotation axis  33 . 
         [0073]    For example, as seen in  FIG. 12 , the at least one angle support bracket  70  may include a suitable base plate  72  bent in a relatively wide open L-shaped configuration. The base plate  72  is for example made of a resiliently bendable sheet of material such as a relatively thin sheet of aluminum or soft steel so as to be relatively easily bent by hand to a desired angle. Furthermore, the at least one angle support bracket  70  includes a relatively strong magnetic element  74  glued or otherwise connected to a centered portion of each one of the two angled interior surfaces  76  of the base plate  72 . 
         [0074]    Thus, using angle support brackets  70 , one or more glue cups  40  each provided with a relatively strong magnetic element  44  connected to, or otherwise embedded along, an underside surface  42  thereof, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , may by magnetically engaged to a magnetizable pin  32 , so that the angle support bracket  70  is between the glue cup  40  and the pin  32 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 14 , or along one, or each one, of the coupling element  50  along the bottom surfaces  26 , as illustrated in partially hidden views in  FIG. 21 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , in some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device  10 ″″ may further comprise a pair of cheek supports  80  for allowing the eyelash extensions support assembly  60  to be self-supported on the face of a person lying or leaning backward, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
         [0076]    For example, each cheek support  80  is removably securable to the coupling element  50 . The cheek supports  80  are configured and sized for abutting against one of the right and left cheeks  110  and  108  when operatively secured to the coupling element  50 . In a specific embodiment of the invention, each one of the cheek supports  80  may include a base plate  72  substantially similar in shape, size and material as the one described above for the angle support bracket  70 , and only one magnetic element  74  along the one of the interior surfaces  76  of the base plate  72 . 
         [0077]    Thus, as best illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a pair of cheek supports  80 , each having their respective base plate  72  bent at a suitable angle, may be used to substantially stably self-support the eyelash extensions support assembly  60  at a user desired angle relative to the right and left cheeks  110  and  108  of the person by suitably magnetically engaging each one of the coupling elements  50  along the bottom surfaces  26  of the right and left side support elements  12  and  14 . 
         [0078]    It is to be understood the base plate  72  of each one of the cheek supports  80  may have other suitable shape configurations. For example, the portion of the base plate  72  in contact with the right or left cheeks  110  or  108  of the person may extend at least slightly laterally along a soft bend around the cheek toward the ear of the person for a more stable and comfortable support thereon. 
         [0079]    The eyelash extensions support device  10  of the present invention allows a user to stably support eyelash extensions strips (either the self-adhesive or non-adhesive type) close to the work area by holding with one hand the holding tab portion  48  thereof, all the while gently abutting evenly the pair of forward edges  16  along portions of the cheeks of the person on which are to be applied the individual eyelash extensions  102  with the other hand. 
         [0080]    Furthermore, the eyelash extensions support device  10  of the present invention allows a user to configure the latter using a pair of cheek supports  80  so as to free both hands for other tasks. 
         [0081]    Furthermore, the eyelash extensions support device  10  of the present invention allows a user to conveniently hold the glue cup  40  close to the work area using a angle support bracket  70 . 
         [0082]    Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The present invention can thus be modified without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.