Patent ID: 12239193

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided only for making the description of the present invention complete and fully informing those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains on the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

In various embodiments, the invention provides a ready-to-apply eyelash extension system. The eyelash extension system comprises lash filaments extending from an eyelash strip wherein the filaments feature adhesive elements for attachment to the natural eyelashes of a user.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Turning to the figures,FIG.1Adepicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment10of the invented lash extension support and storage system. The storage system10generally comprises a support assembly12and securing element22that support and store lash extensions14. As depicted, the lash extension system10is designed to support and store a plurality of lash extensions14, wherein the lash extension systems have a lash strip16that is a fraction of the length of a human's eyelid. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. In alternative embodiments, the storage system supports and stores full-size eyelash extensions (not shown).

FIG.2is a detailed view of a lash extension system14. The lash extension system features eyelash filaments18extending from a lash strip16, wherein the lashes extend in a direction away from the longitudinal axis a of the lash strip16. The lash strip16is curved to approximate the curvature of the leading edge of a user's eyelid.

The lash extension storage system10shown inFIG.1Aprimarily comprises two components, a support assembly12and securing elements22.FIGS.1A-Eshow more detailed views of these components.

FIG.1Bis a detailed view of the support assembly12. The support assembly12is a one-piece element formed of a substrate featuring two semi-circular depressions24connected by a substantially flat intermediate portion26. Each semi-circular depression24is surrounded by a lip28that surrounds the semi-circular depression24. The lip28has a width w and extends a height h from the substantially flat intermediate portion.

Any material suitable for making durable packaging is suitable for use as the substrate forming the components of the instant invention. Exemplary materials include plastic, elastomeric polymers, wood, canvas, card stock, and combinations thereof.

The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures all show the invented storage device featuring connected, round storage portions. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. In an embodiment, the invented storage device is an individual storage device designed to hold some fraction of the number of lash extension systems held by a larger system. Users may find smaller embodiments of the invention convenient to carry with them outside of the home or to handle while accessing and using the system.

The lips28surrounding the semi-circular depressions24feature sets of indentations30that are spaced apart along a portion of the lip28. These indentations30are adapted to receive lash extension systems while they are stored by the instant lash support and storage system. As shown inFIG.1B, the indentations feature a bottom surface35featuring linear grooves37extending away from the semi-circular depression. These grooves37provide a mechanism to avoid damage to stored lash extension systems in the event of a downward force on the lash extensions or an overlaying flange (element36inFIG.1C). Should a lash extension or overlaying flange be the subject of downward force, the grooves provide a space for the lash filaments to bend downwardly into without damage. Between each set of indentations,30is a protuberance32extending from the upwardly facing surface33of the lip28. The protuberances32separate sets of indentations30, allowing for storage of an individual lash extension system14in each set of indentations to avoid entanglement of the lash extensions. Further, the protuberances provide a mate for countersunk depressions disposed on the securing elements, as will be discussed, infra.

FIGS.1A-Eshow lash and support and storage systems that have five sets of indentations on the support assembly. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. The number of indentations can be increased where a larger number of smaller lash extension systems are being stored. Alternatively, the number of indentations can be decreased if the size of the lash extension system being stored increases.

FIG.1Cis a perspective view of a securing element22. Generally, the securing element comprises a semi-circular insert34designed to nest within the semi-circular depression on the support assembly12. Said semi-circular insert34is formed around and generated from an annular depression43in a substrate. The annular depression34is surrounded by a flange36. Said flange36has a depending surface38that features small depressions40that are similar in size to the protuberances32extending from the support assembly12. When the securing element22is fit into the support assembly12, the depressions40on the flange36receive and serve as countersinks to the protuberances on the support assembly.

The securing element22shown and described above leverages an annular depression to generate a semi-circular insert to mate with the semi-circular depression on the support assembly. In this embodiment, the annular depression on the securing element surrounds a semi-circular monolith41that can be used to show a logo, trademark, ornamentation, or combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, the securing element22features a semi-circular depression that does not feature this semi-circular monolith.

Returning toFIG.1B, the lip28surrounding each semi-circular depression has at least one portion with a reduced width42. The exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.1B, includes lateral portions44of the lips28as the portions with reduced width42. In this configuration, when the securing element22is nested within the support assembly12, the flanges of the securing elements22overlay the lips28of the support assembly12. In the positions where the flange overlays the portion of the lip28that has a reduced width, there is a space where no structure is in contact with the portion of the underside of the flange overhanging the support assembly. This portion of the flange overlying the reduced width portion of the lip provides a tab for a user to grasp. In other words, where the flange overlays the portion of a lip having a reduced width, there is a space between the flange and the support assembly. In use, a user can fit their finger or another object between the flange and the support assembly to grasp and pull or push the securing assembly from its position nested within the support assembly.

FIG.1Bshows the portions of the lip having a reduced width positioned on a lateral portion of the semi-circular depressions. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. The portions of the lips having a reduced width can be positioned at any point around the semi-circular depressions.

The shape of the embodiment displayed inFIGS.1A-Eis exemplary and not meant to be limiting. The exemplary embodiment is shaped like two spaced apart human eyes or a pair of glasses. The invented eyelash extension support and storage device can be of any shape.

In use, the lash extensions14are inserted into the indentations30in the lip of the support assembly with the lash strip16adjacent to the semi-circular depression of and the lash filaments18extending away from said semi-circular depression. In an embodiment, the lash strip16is reversibly secured in position adjacent to the semi-circular depression using adhesive. Alternative embodiments can utilize grooves within the indentations that approximate the size and curvature of the lash strip16of the lash extensions14to serve as a countersink for the lash strip in place of adhesive.

Once the lash extensions14are secured to the support assembly12, the semi-circular insert34of the securing element22is removably nested or inserted into the semi-circular depression24of the support assembly12. When the securing element is removably nested within the support assembly, the securing element and support assembly are disposed in substantially similar orientation so that the securing element can readily and snugly mate with the support assembly. As the securing element is inserted into the support assembly, the protuberances32on the support assembly are removably received by the depressions40on the flange on the securing element. When the securing element and support assembly are mated, the flange on the securing element is in gentle contact with the lash filaments to prevent upward and downward movement of the lash filaments without crushing or reshaping the lash filaments.

To open and retrieve the lash extensions14, a user locates the portion of the flange (the tab46) of the securing element overhanging the portion of the lip of the support assembly having a reduced width, grasps that portion of the flange, and pulls the securing element away from the support assembly. A user can then retrieve and apply as many lash extensions14to a person's eyelashes as desired. After the lash extensions are used, the lash extensions can be returned to the indentations on the support assembly before the securing element is again mated with the support assembly.

Embodiments shown and described, infra, can be used in substantially the same way. Those embodiments that do not feature portions of the lip of the support assembly of reduced width can still be opened by grasping and pulling the flange of the securing element.

Every embodiment of the invented eyelash extension support and storage system is mechanically robust, wherein the support assembly and related securing element can be mated and separated multiple times without deformation, wearing, or breaking.

FIG.3Ais a perspective view of an alternative embodiment100of the invented lash extension storage system. This embodiment100generally comprises three major elements, a lash support assembly102, a securing element104, and lash extension systems14that are supported and stored by the embodiment100.

FIG.3Bis a detailed view of the support assembly102shown inFIG.3A. As described, supra, the invented lash extension storage system can be any shape as demonstrated by the support assembly102shown inFIG.3B. The support assembly102in this embodiment is an irregular shape resembling a continuous eye shield such as those on of snow-goggles. In this embodiment, the shape of the support assembly102features two portions of higher curvature105than the rest of the perimeter of the support assembly102. These higher curvature105portions of the perimeter of the support assembly102approximate the curvature of the human eyelid to accommodate the storage of several lash extensions14.

The support assembly shown inFIG.3Bfeatures a central depression106surrounded by a lip108. The medial portion of the lip110(portion immediately surrounding central depression) is substantially flat. A lateral portion of the lip112directly adjacent to and surround the medial portion of the lip110slopes downwardly. The meeting between the substantially flat, medial110, and sloped, lateral portion112of the lip defines a shoulder114.

As shown inFIG.3B, the portions of the lateral lip having higher curvature105than the rest of the lip feature a plurality of indentations or indentations116. These indentations are spaced along the higher curvature portion of the lateral lip and extend between the terminal edge of the lip118and the shoulder114of the lip. In the configuration shown inFIG.3B, the indentations are spaced apart with no protrusions disposed between individual indentations. As will be shown and discussed, infra, this design is to accommodate a securing member104shown in detail inFIG.3Cthat does not have countersunk depressions to receive protrusions from the support assembly. Such an assembly is desirable for easier machining and mold-making. In use, the indentations116are configured to reversibly receive a lash extension system14.

FIG.3Cis a detail view of the securing element104of the embodiment100shown inFIG.3A. The securing element comprises a one-piece substrate120mirroring the shape of the support assembly shown inFIG.3A. The securing element features a depression122closely mirroring the perimeter of the shape of the depression in the support assembly. The depression on the securing element is slightly smaller than the depression on the support assembly to allow for nesting of the securing element within the depression on the support assembly.

Similar to the embodiment of the securing element shown inFIG.1C, the securing element104featured in the embodiment shown inFIG.3A-Clikewise features a flange124that surrounds the perimeter of the depression. The flange124is configured to overlay the lip108of the support assembly when the securing element is nested within the support assembly. A medial portion of the flange126(portion immediately surrounding central depression) is substantially flat. A lateral portion of the flange128directly adjacent to and surround the medial portion of the lip126slopes downwardly. The meeting between the substantially flat, medial126and sloped, lateral portion128of the flange defines a shoulder130.

The embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS.1A-Eand3A-C feature support assemblies formed as one piece from a single substrate for ease of engineering, machining, and manufacturing. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. A person of ordinary skill in the art could readily discern how the elements of the instant invention could be assembled from separate components instead of formed from a single substrate.

FIGS.3A-Cdoes not show the use of protuberances on the lip of the support assembly or depressions on the flange of the securing element to receive said protuberances. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. Alternatively, the embodiment shown inFIGS.3A-Ccan feature the aforementioned protuberances and depressions to facilitate mating between the support assembly and the securing element shown inFIGS.3A-C.

All embodiments shown and described heretofore feature two curved portions on separate support assemblies that support lash extensions. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. An alternative embodiment200shown inFIGS.4A-4Bfeatures a single lash support and storage system200. This embodiment features a lash support assembly202, much like the support assembly12of the embodiment10depicted inFIGS.1A-Ewhere the support assembly202comprises a semi-circular depression defined in a substrate, that depression surrounded by a lip having spaced apart indentations separated by protuberances. Similarly, the embodiment200features a similar securing element22to that ofFIGS.1A-Ewith more depressions in the underside of its flange. The embodiment200shown inFIG.4differs from earlier embodiments in that it features more protuberances and indentations disposed on the lip of the support assembly. While the embodiment shown inFIGS.1A-Efeatures grooves and protuberances spread over half or less than half of the length of the lip, the embodiment200shown inFIG.4features indentations spread over much more of the length of the lip in order to accommodate support and storage of more lash extension systems.

FIGS.5A-5Bshow another embodiment220of the instant invention providing a refillable lash extension and support system. This embodiment features a refillable scaffolding222comprising a substrate224defining a plurality of semi-circular voids226.

FIG.5Bshows a combined storage and support module228adapted for reversible insertion into the semi-circular voids226of the scaffolding222. The storage and support modules228are standalone lash extension storage systems similar to that ofFIG.4designed for reversible insertion into the voids226of the scaffolding222. The storage and support modules can be used with or without insertion into the scaffolding222. In use, the modules228can be purchased, inserted into the scaffolding, removed when depleted of available lash extension systems and replaced with new modules full of new lash extension systems.

FIG.6Ais a perspective view of an alternative embodiment300of the invented artificial eyelash extension storage system. This embodiment300generally comprises three major elements: a support assembly302, a securing element304, and a protective element306. The protective element306is designed to cover the support assembly302and the securing element304. Further, the protective element306may be made of a fully or partially transparent material so that the inside thereof can be seen in a state that the protective element306covers the support assembly302and the securing element304. Other elements of the invented artificial eyelash extension storage system300including the support assembly302and the securing element304will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS.6C-6D.

FIG.6Bis a perspective view of the invented artificial eyelash extension storage system300ofFIG.6Ain a state that each element is combined or fittingly engaged with each other. In one embodiment, the securing element304may fit into a groove formed in the support assembly302, and the protective element306may fully or partially enclose the support assembly302to cover the top surface of the support assembly302and the securing element304, as shown inFIG.6B.

FIG.6Cis a detailed view of the support assembly302shown inFIG.6A. The support assembly302in this embodiment has an overall rectangular shape. The support assembly302may have one or more grooves312formed therein. The securing element304fits into the groove312. As illustrated inFIG.6C, a plurality of grooves312may be formed to accommodate a plurality of securing elements304. In one embodiment, the plurality of the grooves312may be arranged side by side, parallel to the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the support assembly302. Otherwise, in another embodiment, the plurality of grooves312may be disposed obliquely or diagonally in the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the support assembly302. Although it is illustrated that the groove312has a shape of an elongated rectangle with rounded corners, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the shape of the groove312may be variously determined to be suitable for accommodating the securing element304.

A lip314protruding upward from the surface of the support assembly302may be formed around each of all or some of the groove312. In one embodiment, the lip314may have a raised step315at one end or both ends such that when the securing element304fits into the groove312, there is a gap (having a height equal to the height of the raised step315) between the securing element304and the lip314that allows users to easily remove the artificial eyelash extension systems326that are placed in that space on the flange324without deforming them. Further, the shape of the lip314may be variously determined to be suitable for surrounding the groove312. For example, the shape of the lip314may be different from the contour of the groove312while still surrounding the groove312(e.g., a semi-circular lip surrounding a rectangular groove). Although it is illustrated inFIG.6Cthat all lips314have the same height, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and some lips314may have different heights than other lips314, as shown inFIG.6A. Likewise, although it is illustrated that the lips314have rounded corners, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the shape of the lips314may be variously determined.

The support assembly302may have an auxiliary space316for accommodating an applicator for artificial eyelash extension systems that is used to pick up an artificial eyelash extension system from the artificial eyelash extension storage system300. In one embodiment, the auxiliary space316may include a depression into which the eyelash extension applicator can be placed and stored. In this case, the shape of the depression may be variously determined according to the shape of the artificial eyelash extension system applicator.

The support assembly302may have an outer wall318defining the overall shape and dimensions of the support assembly302. As described above with reference toFIG.6B, the protective element306may cover the support assembly302by enclosing the outer wall318. Although it is illustrated inFIG.6Cthat the outer wall318is formed in a stepwise manner, including two steps, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the outer wall318may be formed in more steps or without any step, including a curved wall.

In one embodiment, additional depressions (not shown) may be formed to surround the lip314in the support assembly302to provide a free space. That way, when a user picks up artificial eyelash extension systems using an applicator, it becomes easier to maneuver the applicator without hitting the support assembly302.

FIG.6Dis a perspective view of the securing element304of the invented artificial eyelash extension storage system300inFIG.6A. The securing element304may comprise an insert322and a flange324. The shape of the securing element304may be variously determined. The insert322has a shape that is designed to fit into the groove312of the support assembly302when the securing element304is fittingly engaged with the support assembly302, as shown inFIG.6B. The insert322is surrounded by the flange324and protrudes downward from the flange324.

The flange324may hold down artificial eyelash extension systems326against the surface of the support assembly302or the lips314during storage. The flange324may also act as the surface on which artificial eyelash extension systems are attached to be stored in the invented artificial eyelash extension storage system300, in which case the raised step315is helpful in creating the aforementioned gap between the flange324and the lip314that allows users to easily remove the artificial eyelash extension systems326that are adhered to the flange324without deforming them. As shown inFIG.6D, the support strip and/or the eyelash filaments of the artificial eyelash extension system326may be attached to the lower surface of the flange324to prevent foreign substances or dusts from sticking to an adhesive, a glue, a sticker, etc. that is applied to or pre-applied to the artificial eyelash extension system326. A plurality of artificial eyelash extension systems326may be attached to the flange324along the longitudinal direction of the flange324.

Alternatively, the artificial eyelash extension systems326may be attached to the upper surface of the lip314, which is covered by the flange324of the securing element304. The shape of the flange324may be variously determined, and it can have shapes that are different from the lips314or the groove312(e.g., a semi-circular flange and a rectangular lip or groove). In one embodiment, the width of the flange324may be so that the flange extends beyond the lip314or the groove312, or vice versa.

When the securing element304is fittingly engaged with the support assembly302, as shown inFIG.6B, the flange324may contact the lip314or the surface of the support assembly302, or there may be a gap between them. Although it is illustrated inFIG.6Dthat the flange324has a shape, in which the width of the middle portion is narrower than both ends, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the shape of the flange324may be variously determined.

Although exemplary implementations of the invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Also, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting but are instead exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.