Abstract:
The present invention is an eyelash curler comprising a fixed stainless steel spatula with attached handle. It utilizes no moving parts. It is operated by a one-handed procedure, allowing the user to apply controlled pressure onto the lash with just the thumb, resulting in a better curl and less chance of pinching the eyelid. It is more easily sterilized and kept clean than conventional eye curlers, thus reducing the possibility of eye irritation or infection resulting from its use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic devices, and more particularly to eyelash curlers.  
       DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART  
       [0002]     Prior art has seen the development of eyelash curlers that are generally constructed of multiple moving parts. Some resemble a tong-like apparatus and function with a scissor-like action that essentially crimps the lashes using indirect force, while the jaws apply direct force. The hand itself would be located away from the eyelashes.  
         [0003]     Eyelash curlers currently used can obscure the vision of the eye and are awkward to use, which can be intimidating and unsafe. The device can be held in a multitude of angles, which can also be very confusing to someone unfamiliar with curling the lashes or unfamiliar with the device itself. Some unwanted effects of eyelash curlers are that the user may accidentally pull out eyelashes, or tear or break them. Control of these devices can be difficult, especially for the inexperienced user.  
         [0004]     There is a need for an eyelash curler that provides better control during the curling process.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention is a manual eyelash curler device. It provides a better curl, greater ease-of-use and safer dynamics than the previous devices because of the comfortable hands-on way in which it is held. The user holds the device in one hand, pressing the thumb against the curling apparatus with the lashes between the thumb and the curling edge of the device. This also results in less loss of lashes. It is slightly larger than prior art, and therefore provides more control in use. It has a solid stainless steel spatula structure, to provide greater durability. It will not rust, and is easily cleaned and sterilized.  
         [0006]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an eyelash curler that provides better hand control during the eyelash curling process.  
         [0007]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyelash curler that avoids denting or breaking of eyelashes during the eyelash curling process.  
         [0008]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyelash curler that is easy to use, with a single hand, even for novice or inexperienced users.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyelash curler that is simply constructed, with no moving parts, yet durable and long lasting.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyelash curler that is inexpensive to manufacture and purchase.  
         [0011]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an eyelash curler that is intuitive, and non-intimidating to the user.  
         [0012]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an eyelash curler that is easy kept clean and sterile, to avoid eye irritation or infections that may arise from eyelash curling.  
         [0013]     Other uses and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the reading of this complete specification. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1 : Right side up view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, oriented as it is to be used against the eyelash.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2 : Perspective view from the side rear of a preferred embodiment of the new invention, with curved face down  
         [0016]      FIG. 3 : Side view of a preferred embodiment of the new invention, with curved face down  
         [0017]      FIG. 4 : Frontal view of a preferred embodiment of the new invention, with curved face down  
         [0018]      FIG. 5 : Perspective view from the front of a preferred embodiment of the new invention, with curved face down  
         [0019]      FIG. 6 : Topside view of invention; the straight edge is used for index finger placement, the curved edge for curling the eyelash  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1 : This is a view of the present invention as held for immediate use in curling eyelashes. In the preferred embodiment, the device is comprised of a wood or plastic handle  1  of about 3 inches in length; a neck  20  connecting handle and spatula; and a spatula  10  of stainless steel. The spatula  10  is about 1.625 inches in length, and is substantially rectangular in shape, but is curved along its horizontal axis, as can also be seen in  FIG. 2 . The spatula has a convex face  40 , and a concave face  30 . The top edge  2 , and the side edge  5  of the spatula  10  are both straight edges. However, the bottom edge  3  of the spatula is curved slightly upward. Side edge  5  is about 1.125 inches in length.  
         [0022]     The thickness of each edge, particularly edges  2  and  3 , is important. The curling edge  3  is the thinner edge, and is preferably about 0.003 inches in width. The stabilizing edge  2  is thicker, and can be at least 0.004 inches in width.  
         [0023]     The view of this apparatus is how it would look if it were to be gripped with the right hand ready to curl the eyelash with its curved edge  3  held firmly by the thumb and eyelash in between, and straight edge  2  to be held firmly with the index finger. The eyelash would be held between thumb and edge  3 . Moving the invention up or down while firmly grasping the eyelash will curl the eyelash.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2 : This view shows the convex side  40  of the present invention, with lower curved edge  3  designed for curling the eyelash, in front, and behind the straight edge  2  used for placement of the index finger for guidance and maneuverability. This drawing shows the handle  1  formed to allow positive grip for remaining 3 fingers to hold onto, with indentations  4  for easier gripping.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  displays a side view showing a profile of the present invention, as it would look if set down on its topside. The handle  1  does show the grip pattern  4  facing upwards. The convex face of the invention is shown facing down.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4 : Frontal view of apparatus shows both curved edge  3  and straight edge  2  of invention, as it would look if set down on a flat surface. The handle  1  is to the rear, with the grip pattern  4  not clearly visible, as it is when viewed from the side, as in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is another view of the preferred embodiment of the invention from the leading edge  5 , in a front perspective view.  
         [0028]     In  FIG. 6 , the preferred embodiment of the invention is demonstrated in use, by a right-handed user. This stainless steel, one-piece eyelash tool is curved on one side  3  that touches the eyelash  12  and thumb  15 . The opposite side  2  is a straight edge used for placement of the index finger  11 . The handle  1  is gripped by the remaining three fingers  12 , 13 , 14  for stability and accuracy. The thumb  15  is held firm against the eyelash  12  and the curved side  3  of the invention to curl the eyelash with one motion while the index finger  11  holds the straight edge  2  of the apparatus for guidance and maneuverability. The device is moved smoothly downward (for upper eyelashes) or upward (for lower eyelashes) while the thumb holds the eyelash slidably against the thin lower edge  3 .  
         [0029]     By using the present invention in this manner, the problem of breaking or denting eyelashes is greatly alleviated. The user has greater control over the degree of pressure applied to the eyelash, and thus better results are attained.  
         [0030]     The present invention is uniquely suited for curling eyelashes. However, by using the same technique, other thin surfaces, such as paper or ribbon, can be similarly given a curled appearance. For example, a spool of ribbon can be easily and quickly curled by pulling one ribbon end with the free hand while curling with the other hand and the present invention.  
         [0031]     It is important to mote that the present invention is more easily sterilized, or otherwise cleaned, than conventional eyelash curlers. Eye irritation, and indeed eye infections, is a very common product of eye curling, and other eye cosmetic treatments, when safe hygiene is not practiced. The present device, being constructed of dishwasher-safe components, and no moving imparts, is easy to keep clean or even sterilize. Thus, using the present invention after cleaning, with clean hands and fresh cosmetics, will lower the risk of infection compared to non-sterilizable prior art eyelash curlers.  
         [0032]     While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention; and all such modifications and equivalents are intended to be covered within the instant patent. Therefore, the entire scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the given examples.