Mascara Drying & Eyelash Lifting Device and How to Use It

Abstract

The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device includes a handle, an eyelash pad connected to the handle, and a fan supported by the handle for blowing air across the eyelash pad.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of cosmetics and beauty products, it is commonly known that applying mascara to a user's eyelashes makes them heavy when wet. Therefore, the weight can cause the eyelashes to fall off and, in some cases, smear them against the eyes. Therefore, many users attempt to dry their mascara. In doing so, some users further desire to curl and / or lift their eyelashes after applying the mascara using hand tools. Users have tried various methods to dry their eyelashes directly. For example, some users attempt to dry their eyelashes directly with known hair dryers or eyelash dryers. Regardless of the means used to dry the mascara, or even when simply drying without mechanical means, the eyelashes often dry in an undesirable direction (i.e., falling flat, becoming distorted, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device. A user can use this device when applying mascara to their eyelashes. In some instances, a user may wish to make their eyelashes more prominent and orient them in a preferred direction, such as curling and / or lifting the eyelashes upward. When mascara is applied, the product is more flexible than after drying. Thus, the device described herein is useful for applying mascara to the eyelashes and then simultaneously pressing the mascara against the user's eyelashes to help the user achieve the desired lift direction of the eyelashes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which that reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. Furthermore, the drawings may be considered to provide a schematic depiction of the relative sizes of individual components within each drawing. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of individual components both within each drawing and between different drawings may differ from what is shown. In particular, some of the drawings may depict components as a particular size or shape, while other drawings may depict the same components on a larger scale or with a different shape for clarity. [Figure 1] 1A and 1B show isometric and rear views of one embodiment of the mascara drying and eyelash lifting device of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 shows a top view and a bottom view of the mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to FIG. 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to FIG. 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 2 shows a bottom perspective cutaway view of the mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to FIG. 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 2A and 2B show top, side, and bottom views of the eyelash pad of the mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to FIG. 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 1A and 1B show partial perspective views of different embodiments of the eyelash pad of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] 1A-1C show top views of different embodiments of the eyelash pads of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 2 shows a top perspective view and a rotated side view of one embodiment of a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to FIG. 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A-1C show schematic rear and side views of one embodiment of a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1A-1C show schematic top views of various embodiments of pad / air output vents for a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8]1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for drying mascara and lifting a user's eyelashes using a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] <Exemplary embodiment of the mascara drying and eyelash lifting device> 1 shows an isometric view "A" and a rear view "B" of one embodiment of a mascara drying and lash lifting device 100 ("device 100"). In one embodiment, device 100 may include a handle 102 that allows a user to manually grip device 100, an air applicator 104 ("applicator 104") that allows a user to dry the user's lashes, and an lash pad 106 that allows a user to apply pressure directly to the lashes to lift them.

[0006] In one embodiment, the handle 102 may include a power toggle 108 that a user can turn on and / or off to engage the motor 110. The power toggle 108 may be any one or combination of a touch-sensitive surface on the outside of the handle 102, a mechanical switch or button engageable via a user's thumb or finger located along the exterior surface of the handle 102, or other toggle form suitable for powering the motor 110. The motor 110 may be contained completely or at least partially within the handle 102. Further, in one embodiment, the motor 110 may be a compressor motor or other motor (described in more detail below but not shown in FIG. 1 ) sufficient to power an axial fan, both of which may be sized to fit (e.g., supported, housed, etc.) within the handle 102. Additionally and / or alternatively, it is contemplated that the fan may be supported on the outside of the handle (not shown) and the lashes may still be dried and lifted.

[0007] The motor 110 is engageable to pull air through the handle 102 of the device 100. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the handle 102 may further include one or more sidewall air intake openings 112 (“intake openings 112”) through which the motor 110 can draw air through the handle 102 and out the applicator 104. The intake openings 112 may be located anywhere within the handle 102 (or applicator 104, although not shown as such) that provides a sufficient intake volume of air to dry the eyelashes. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the intake openings 112 may be located at the end of the handle 102, where the intake openings 112 are less likely to be blocked by a user's hand during use. Furthermore, in one embodiment, to minimize the risk of blocking the intake openings 112, the handle 102 may be sized such that the longitudinal distance between the power toggle 108 and the intake openings 112 is greater than the width of the palm of an average target user's hand. Additionally and / or alternatively, the intake opening 112 may be sized, shaped, or positioned on the handle 102 in a less obstructive position based on how a user may hold the handle 102.

[0008] In one embodiment, the applicator 104 may include an airflow direction chamber 114 (“chamber 114”), which may be shaped to direct incoming air into one or more air output channels 116 for application to a user's eyelashes. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the chamber 114 may have a conical, frusto-conical, or other suitable shape that forces air to circulate upwardly to enter the one or more air output channels 116. The one or more air output channels 116 are disposed in fluid communication with the chamber 114 (and / or the handle 102) and further direct the air toward a top end 118 of the applicator 104, where it exits through vent openings 120 and passes over the user's eyelashes to dry the mascara.

[0009] 1, in which two air output channels 116 are positioned opposite each other, the top end 118 of the applicator 104 may bridge between the two air output channels 116 to direct air along the length of the top end 118. Doing so may provide air along a greater portion of the user's lashes, thereby reducing drying time and increasing lash lift.

[0010] Additionally, by splitting the air flow along opposite sides of the applicator 104 before rejoining the air output channels 116, the applicator 104 includes a viewing window 122 that allows the user the ability to see better while using the device 100, instead of having concentrated flow through the channels that would obstruct vision in at least the eye where the eyelashes are being lifted and dried. That is, as shown, the oppositely located air output channels 116 joined with the bridge at the top end 118 form a framed "viewing window" 122. Thus, as the user dries their lashes, the top end 118 and the air output channels 116 are positioned out of the user's direct line of sight, allowing the user to see and better position the applicator 104 as needed.

[0011] In one embodiment, FIG. 1 shows that the vent opening 120 at the top end 118 of the applicator 104 may be delineated by a concave wall 124 on one side and an opposing vent wall 126 on the opposite side of the concave wall 124. The concave wall 124 may be arched to accommodate the average convex curvature of a user's eyelids and eyelashes. It is contemplated that the opposing vent wall 126 may also be designed in some manner to be concave, although it is understood that this is not necessary since, anyway, only one side of the applicator 104 is usable at any one time. Furthermore, the opposing vent wall 126 may be correspondingly shaped and, in one embodiment, may be angled inward toward the concave wall 124 to help direct drying air directly at the target eyelashes (see view A in FIG. 1 and top view D in FIG. 2).

[0012] As indicated by the orientation of the elements above, in one embodiment, the device 100 may be used by positioning the concave wall 124 side of the applicator 104 near the eyelashes so that air is forced out the opposite side of the device 100 and away from the user's eyeball. Doing so reduces the likelihood of air drying out the user's eyes, thereby minimizing eye irritation. It is contemplated that the user may place the concave wall 124 directly on the eyelashes to apply pressure thereon and lift the eyelashes; however, as described above and shown in FIG. 1 , the device 100 may include the lash pad 106. For convenience and clarity, in FIG. 1 , the lash pad 106 is shown in an “exploded” view position, i.e., separated from the concave wall 124 at the top end 118. This separation indicates that, in one embodiment, the lash pad 106 may be removably attachable / detachable from the applicator 104. For example, where the lash pad 106 may become dirty or difficult to clean, a user may wish to simply replace the lash pad 106 and avoid having to purchase the entire device 100 again. Alternatively, the device may be used in a public shop or modeling group where many users are present, and it may be desirable to replace the lash pad 106 between users as a measure of hygiene and to prevent the unintentional transfer of bacteria from one user's eye to the next. Accordingly, the lash pad 106 may be molded and / or formed from a malleable material, such as silicone or soft rubber, to conform to the shape of the recessed wall 124 and may be attached to the recessed wall via either the bottom mounting portion 128a (see FIG. 4A) or the side mounting portion 128b. Thus, the lash pad 106 may be attached to its side wall by sliding the bottom mounting portion 128a, e.g., a slit, slot, groove, channel, etc., located on the underside of the lash pad 106, or via the side mounting portion 128b. Attachment can be via pre-applied adhesive or other applicable adhesives or chemical / mechanical means, which can be done in-situ if desired.

[0013] Alternatively, the lash pad 106 may be fixedly secured by the recessed wall 124 and may be cleaned for multiple uses as needed or as desired.

[0014] Regardless of the structure of the connection, the lash pad 106 includes a pad side 130 that is placed against the user's lashes to gently compress and directly lift the lashes as desired during drying.

[0015] Additionally, it is contemplated that an embodiment of the device (not shown) may include a design in which the lash pad may be directly connected to the handle. Alternatively, as discussed above, the lash pad 106 is considered to be connected to the handle 102, whether directly or indirectly (i.e., via the applicator 104), so that the user can place the lash pad in contact with the user's lashes. Note that "user" may include a service provider who uses the device to dry and lift the lashes of clients or other individuals.

[0016] 2 shows a bottom view C and a top view D of the device 100. In one embodiment, the handle 102 further includes a handle housing wall 200 surrounded by a bottom plate 202. The bottom plate 202 may include one or more air intakes 204 in addition to and distinct from the sidewall air intakes 112. While shown as multiple adjacent hexagonal openings, the air intakes 204 may be any shape and may vary in size. Notably, fan blades 206 are visible through the air intakes 204.

[0017] Additional features of the applicator 104 are also more clearly visible in top view D of Figure 2. In one embodiment, the top end 118 of the applicator 104 may further include corners 208 that curve inward from each air output channel 116. The curvature of the corners 208 may help direct dry air along the entire length of the vent opening 120.

[0018] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, fan 300 is shown in cross section (taken along line 3A, see FIG. 2) and partial cutaway view (taken along line 3B, see FIG. 2). Fan 300 may be an axial fan, as shown, although other fan types, such as centrifugal or blower fans, are contemplated. As shown, in one embodiment, fan 300 and fan blades 206 may be positioned near the distal end of handle 102, farthest from vent opening 120. However, it is contemplated that the fan may be positioned in other ways and still function similarly (see FIG. 6, which illustrates that the fan may be positioned closer (or closer) to vent opening 120, as shown in FIG. 1). Nevertheless, in other embodiments not shown, the fan mechanism may be located in a central region of the device's handle. Nevertheless, FIGS. 3A and 3B further illustrate an air passage 302 from fan 300, through handle 102, and to applicator 104.

[0019] FIG. 4A shows top view E, side view F, and bottom view G of the lash pad 106 of FIG. 1 , while FIGS. 4B and 4C show alternative lash pads 400 and 402, respectively. The lash pad 400 may be, for example, much thinner and somewhat stiffer than the lash pad 106, and may be formed of a different material. The lash pad 402 may also have a different shape, such as the crescent shape shown. In one embodiment, the lash pads 106, 400, 402 may have a texture 404 that can enhance the pad's ability to secure the lashes in a desired position during drying. For example, the texture 404 may include laterally spaced elongated grooves / depressions within the pad, small channels, ridges, hash marks, ridges, micron-sized peaks and valleys intersecting the pad side 130, etc.

[0020] As an alternative embodiment, FIG. 5 shows an isometric view H and a rotated side view I of a version of a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device 500 ("device 500"). As shown in FIG. 5, the applicator 502 has a concave wall 504 surface positioned opposite the vent opening 506, compared to the orientation of the vent opening 120 relative to the concave wall 124. In device 500, air will undoubtedly blow at least partially across the user's eyeball, which may cause the user to experience temporary dry eyes. Nevertheless, such an embodiment is contemplated because the eyelashes can still be dried and lifted by pressing against the corresponding concave wall 504.

[0021] 5 also shows an alternative location for the air intake 508. That is, the air intake opening 508 can be located along the mid-section of the device 500, if desired.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows a schematic rear view J of another embodiment of a mascara drying and lash lifting device 600 ("device 600"). In one embodiment, device 600 may include an ergonomic handle 602 that allows a user to grip the device using either the palm and fingers, or via one or more fingers and thumb. For example, in one embodiment, the handle may have a width that approximates the length of the first joint of an average user's index finger and / or thumb.

[0023] Additionally, device 600 may include an applicator 604 and an lash pad 606. Lash pad 606 may be curved, as shown in FIG. 6, to assist the user by pressing the lashes against the eyeball in a similarly curved shape. Thus, lash pad 606 may curve in two directions, such as longitudinally away from handle 102 and transversely to handle 102. In other embodiments, lash pad 606 may curve in only a single direction.

[0024] 6 further illustrates that device 600 may include a power toggle 608. Additionally, in one embodiment, device 600 (and any other embodiment disclosed herein) may include another settings toggle 610. Settings toggle 610 may allow selection of different amounts of time for applying air, force, volumetric flow rate, etc. or other applicable settings to be modified so that user-customized drying characteristics exit device 600 at vent opening 612 (not directly visible in FIG. 6 ).

[0025] FIG. 7 shows schematic top views of potential shapes for vent openings in a mascara drying applicator device. For example, embodiment 700 shows a continuous slot for vent opening 700a. (Embodiment 700 also depicts a pad, but this is not necessary for each or any of them, as FIG. 7 is simply a view depicting different vent openings.) Embodiment 702 shows vent opening 702a having a surface perforated with a single row of cross-sectional openings separated by a thin wall. Alternatively, embodiment 704 shows vent opening 704a having a surface perforated with two (or more) overlapping rows of holes of a predetermined size.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of using a mascara drying and lash lifting device as disclosed herein. In one embodiment, method 800 may include step 802 of applying mascara to the eyelashes. In step 804, a user may hold the device close to the eyelashes by pressing the lash pad against the eyelashes. In step 806, the user activates airflow by flipping a power toggle on the device. In step 808, the user holds the device in place for a predetermined time (e.g., 1-30 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, etc., or more or less). Finally, if desired, the user may power off device 810 (unless the timer automatically shuts off the device).

[0027] <Conclusion> Although some embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the particular features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A mascara drying and eyelash lifting device, comprising: The handle and an eyelash pad connected to the handle; a fan supported by said handle for blowing air across said lash pad; A mascara drying and eyelash lifting device comprising:

2. 2. The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device of claim 1, wherein the lash pad is connected to the handle at a distal end thereof via at least one air output passage including a ventilation opening, the ventilation opening being positioned directly adjacent to the lash pad.

3. the handle includes a housing; 2. The mascara drying and lash lifting device of claim 1, wherein the fan is contained within the housing.

4. 2. The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device of claim 1, wherein the fan is an axial fan located at a first end of the handle, drawing the air into the handle at the first end through an air intake opening and forcing the air out of the second end of the handle into at least one air output channel.

5. 10. The mascara drying and lash lifting device of claim 1, further comprising an air applicator through which the fan pushes and blows the air across the lash pad, the air applicator being connected to the end of the handle and to the lash pad.

6. 2. The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the eyelash pad is removably attachable.

7. a pair of air output channels; a chamber for directing the air from the handle into the pair of air output passages, the pair of air output passages being located on opposite sides of the chamber; a bridge connecting the pair of air output channels and forming a frame for an observation window; a vent opening extending along the bridge; 10. The mascara drying and lash lifting device of claim 1, further comprising an air applicator including:

8. A mascara drying and eyelash lifting device, comprising: a handle containing a fan therein; an air applicator connected to the handle; an eyelash pad connected to the air applicator; The fan blows air through the handle and the air applicator and out of a vent opening at an end of the air applicator across the lash pad.

9. 9. The mascara drying and lash lifting device of claim 8, wherein the air applicator includes an observation window.

10. 9. The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to claim 8, wherein the eyelash pad is made of a silicone material.

11. 9. The mascara drying and lash lifting device of claim 8, wherein the end of the air applicator includes a concave surface to which the lash pad is removably attachable.

12. 9. The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device according to claim 8, wherein the device lifts the eyelashes by applying pressure to the eyelashes through the eyelash pad, and simultaneously dries the mascara on the eyelashes.

13. 9. The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device of claim 8, wherein the eyelash pad is attached at its side to the end of the air applicator so that the air flows across the top side of the eyelash pad, thereby minimizing air being blown onto the user's eyeball.

14. 9. The mascara drying and lash lifting device of claim 8, wherein the handle includes a power toggle for activating the fan.

15. 9. The mascara drying and lash lifting device of claim 8, wherein the handle includes a setting toggle for changing the timing of the device once powered on.

16. 1. A method of using a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device, comprising: applying mascara to the eyelashes; holding the mascara drying and lash lifting device against the eyelashes by pressing an eyelash pad against the eyelashes; generating airflow by switching a power toggle on the mascara drying and lash lifting device; holding the mascara drying and lash lifting device in place for a predetermined period of time; A method comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of turning off power to the mascara drying and lash lifting device.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising setting timer settings via a settings toggle.

19. providing the mascara drying and eyelash lifting device; The mascara drying and eyelash lifting device comprises: a handle containing a fan therein; an air applicator connected to the handle; an eyelash pad connected to the air applicator; 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of creating a flow of air comprises causing the fan to blow air through the handle and the air applicator and out of a vent opening in an end of the air applicator across the eyelash pad.

20. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the predetermined time period ranges from 1 to 30 seconds.

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