Artificial eyelash extension applicator and method of use and manufacture thereof

Abstract

To provide an applicator which can be applied to an eyelash extension, a method of using the same and a method of producing the same.SOLUTION: An applicator comprises a first arm which has an arc-shaped first clamp edge including a first inner side in which a protruding part is placed and a second arm which has an arc-shaped second clamp edge including a second inner side in which a recessed part is placed. The first inner side faces the second inner side, and when the first arm and the second arm are in a default position, the protruding part and the recessed part are separated from each other, and when the first arm and the second arm are in a gripping position, the protruding part and the recessed part are engaged closely.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. US62 / 748335, filed October 19, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying eyelash extensions to natural eyelashes.

[0003] Typically, eyelash extensions can be applied to a user's natural eyelashes via an adhesive using an applicator. However, the adhesive may not adhere properly to the eyelash extensions or natural eyelashes. For example, the adhesive may not spread properly or may harden. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In summary, the technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an applicator that can be applied to eyelash extensions, its method of use and its method of manufacture. In particular, the applicator has a convex / concave tip, which can improve the application performance of eyelash extension or natural eyelash adhesive. Regardless of what shape the applicator is (e.g., eyelash curler style), or even if the applicator is not shaped like an eyelash extension or natural eyelash, the convex / concave tip can help, enable or cause the adhesive to spread (e.g., along the protrusions of the convex part, in the concave grooves of the concave part) or make the adhesive less visible to the user (e.g., reduce adhesive clumping as much as possible). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the applicator includes a first arm having an arc-shaped first clamp tip with a first inner side and a convex portion disposed on the first inner side, and a second arm having an arc-shaped second clamp tip with a second inner side and a concave portion disposed on the second inner side, the first inner side facing the second inner side, such that when the first arm and the second arm are in a default position, the convex portion and the concave portion do not fit closely together, and when the first arm and the second arm are in a gripping position, the convex portion and the concave portion fit closely together.

[0006] In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of grasping the eyelash extension via a first inner convex portion located on a first arc-shaped tip of a first arm of the applicator and a second inner concave portion of a second arc-shaped tip of a second arm of the applicator, closely mating the first inner convex portion with the second inner concave portion, with the first inner side facing the second inner side, disabling the convex portion and the concave portion from mating and with the first inner side facing the second inner side, and releasing the eyelash extension onto the user's natural eyelash.

[0007] As another example, the applicator can include a first arm including a first clamp tip having a first inner side, the first inner side including at least one protrusion constituting a convex portion, and a second arm including a second clamp tip having a second inner side, the second inner side including at least one depression constituting a concave portion, the first inner side facing the second inner side, the convex portion and the concave portion being aligned with each other such that when the first arm and the second arm are in an open position, the convex portion and the concave portion are separated from each other and when the first arm and the second arm are in a closed position, the convex portion and the concave portion fit closely together.

[0008] Another example of the method includes holding an eyelash extension formed from a plurality of fibers to the natural eyelash with an adhesive; and simultaneously clamping the eyelash extension and the natural eyelash with at least one protrusion and at least one recessed groove, the at least one protrusion forming a convex portion located on a first inner side of a first tip of a first arm of the applicator, and the at least one recessed groove forming a concave portion located on a second inner side of a second tip of a second arm of the applicator, thereby allowing the adhesive to spread along the area between the convex portion and the recessed portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method for redistributing adhesive to eyelash extensions formed by a plurality of fibers and natural eyelashes may include the steps of: disposing adhesive on the natural eyelashes and eyelash extensions along a surface of an elongated groove located at a first end of a first arm of the applicator and a surface of an elongated protrusion located at a second end of a second arm; and when the elongated protrusion extends vertically into the elongated groove, the adhesive, natural eyelashes and eyelash extensions are positioned between the elongated groove and the elongated protrusion.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method of making an applicator may include forming a first arm including a first clamp tip having a first interior side including at least one projection defining a convex portion, and forming a second arm including a second clamp tip having a second interior side including at least one recess defining a concave portion. The first and second arms may be coupled to each other at first and second ends, and the first and second ends may be coupled in opposing relation to the first and second clamp tips. The convex and concave portions may be aligned such that when the first and second arms are in an open position, the convex and concave portions are separated from each other, and when the first and second arms are in a closed position, the convex and concave portions fit closely together. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In summary, the present invention provides an applicator for eyelash extensions, its method of use and method of manufacture. In particular, the applicator has a concave / convex tip, which can improve the coating performance of adhesive on eyelash extensions or natural eyelashes. Regardless of the particular shape of the applicator, the concave / convex tip favors the spreading of the adhesive, aiding, enabling or causing the spreading of the adhesive (e.g., along the protrusions of the convex portion and within the recessed grooves of the concave portion) and / or making the adhesive less visible to the user (e.g., reducing adhesive clumping as much as possible).

[0013] 1-8 show multiple views of an embodiment of an applicator according to the present invention. Specifically, the applicator 100 (e.g., tweezers, forceps) includes a pair of arms 102 having a pair of central parts 106 and a pair of clamp tips 108. The pair of arms 102 are connected at the common point 104 such that the pair of central parts 106 are located between the common point 104 and the pair of clamp tips 108, and the pair of arms 102 form a V-shape, which is a default position. Thus, when the V-shape is formed by the common point 104, the pair of arms 102 are in a default position. Thus, the applicator 100 includes a first arm 102 having a first clamp tip 108 in an arc shape and a second arm 102 having a second clamp tip 108 in an arc shape.

[0014] Each arm of the pair of arms 102 has an inside and an outside such that the insides face each other in a default position and the pair of arms 102 are symmetrical to each other about a center portion 106 or clamp tip 108. It should be understood that asymmetric embodiments are possible.

[0015] Each of the pair of central portions 106 is raised to form a concave shape (e.g., to rest against the user's cheekbones or nose bridge). Similarly, each of the pair of clamp tips 108 is arcuate to form an arcuate portion. Thus, the concave and arcuate portions are continuous in position and each face the same lateral direction relative to the pair of arms 102. Correspondingly, each of the pair of central portions 106 and each of the pair of clamp tips 108 extend continuously and longitudinally to form a valley therebetween. The two valleys are opposed longitudinally in their respective default positions.

[0016] Each of the pair of cores 106 has an exterior with a textured portion 110, which may be parallel grooves and ridges, or may be non-textured. The exteriors of the cores 106 face in opposite directions.

[0017] The clamping tip 108 includes a first clamping tip 108 and a second clamping tip 108. The first clamping tip 108 has a first interior side that receives, contains, and defines a convex portion 114 (e.g., a protrusion). The convex portion 114 is D-shaped, however, the convex portion 114 can be other different shapes (e.g., U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, P-shaped, B-shaped, or other shapes). The convex portion 114 can be continuous (e.g., a single protrusion, projection, or the like) or discontinuous (e.g., a set of protrusions adjacent to one another). The second clamping tip 108 has a second interior side that receives, contains, and defines a concave portion 112 (e.g., a recessed groove). The shape of the recess 112 can accommodate a D-shape, but the recess 112 can accommodate other different shapes (e.g., U-shape, C-shape, V-shape, P-shape, B-shape, or other shapes). The recess 112 can be continuous (e.g., a single groove) or discontinuous (e.g., a set of grooves adjacent to each other). Generally, the convex portion 114 and the recess 112 have inverse profiles to each other, so that when the clamp tip 108 is closed, the convex portion 114 and the recess 112 fit closely together, thereby spreading the fluid adhesive more evenly distributed on the eyelashes so that the artificial eyelash extensions look more natural.

[0018] When the first arm 102 and the second arm 102 are in a V-shaped default or open position, the convex portion 114 and the concave portion 112 are spaced apart. However, when the first arm 102 and the second arm 102 are in a closed or gripping position, the convex portion 114 and the concave portion 112 fit together tightly (i.e., the elongated protrusion of the convex portion 114 extends into the elongated recessed groove of the concave portion 112 and are assembled together). When a user grips the two arms 102 simultaneously, the first clamp tip 108 and the second clamp tip 108 move relative to each other from the default position to form the gripping position. For example, in the gripping position, the first arm 102 and the second arm 102 can form an I-shape. Similarly, when the user reduces pressure on the first clamp tip 108, or the second clamp tip 108, or at least one of the central portions 106 (each of the two central portions 106 has a textured portion 110), the first clamp tip 108 and the second clamp tip 108 can move against each other, thereby resetting to the default position. Thus, the arms 102 can move elastically between the gripping position and the default position (e.g., from the gripping position to the default position) or towards one arm.

[0019] The applicator 100 can be used to apply artificial eyelashes to natural eyelashes. A user can first apply adhesive to the natural eyelashes to which the eyelash extensions will be applied using a mascara wand or other method. Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to the eyelash extensions before applying the eyelash extensions to the natural eyelashes. The process includes the eyelash extension (or another object) being resiliently gripped (e.g., by a bristles, base) to achieve clamping when the eyelash extension (or another object) is positioned between the first inner convex portion 114 of the first arc-shaped clamp tip 108 of the first arm 102 of the applicator 100 and the second inner concave portion 112 of the second arc-shaped clamp tip 108 of the second arm 102. At this time, the convex portion 114 and the concave portion 112 fit closely together, with the first inner side facing the second inner side. It should be noted that the method further includes a step of releasing or placing the eyelash extension (or another object) onto the user's natural eyelashes (e.g., above or below the upper natural eyelashes, or above or below the lower natural eyelashes). Thus, the method can achieve self-application of the eyelash extension via the applicator 100. In another embodiment, a user can use their finger to coat the adhesive onto the natural eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions, thereby attaching the eyelash extensions to the natural eyelashes. Thus, the first arm 102 has a first longitudinally extended non-tip portion (e.g., central portion 106) and the second arm 102 has a second longitudinally extended non-tip portion (e.g., central portion 106) such that when the eyelash extension is delivered to the natural eyelash (e.g., by adhering, magnetizing, fastening, fixing, etc.), the first longitudinally extended non-tip portion and the second longitudinally extended non-tip portion are lateral to the natural eyelash (e.g., to the right or left side thereof).

[0020] After placing the eyelash extensions on the natural eyelashes and lightly bonding the natural eyelashes and the eyelash extensions with adhesive, the user can grasp the tip 108 so that the convex portion 114 and the concave portion 112 are positioned on the natural eyelashes and the eyelash extensions, and press the convex portion 114 and the concave portion 112 simultaneously to distribute the adhesive more evenly, thereby allowing the adhesive to better bond the eyelash extensions and the natural eyelashes. Additionally, the convex portions 114 and concave portions 112 may be made of a non-stick material or coated with a non-stick material, so that the adhesive does not adhere to the convex portions 114 and concave portions 112 or adheres only to a minimum.

[0021] The adhesive may be pressure sensitive and may be a waterproof (semi-permanent) adhesive, mascara, or other copolymer solution with adhesive properties. Latex-based adhesives are generally avoided to avoid irritating the individual's eyelids (e.g., due to allergic reactions), but the adhesive may contain a variety of other natural and / or chemical components.

[0022] Examples of possible adhesives include acrylates / ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer, aqua, propylene glycol, ceteareth-25, hydrogenated castor oil, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, methylparaben, and optionally a colorant (e.g., carbon black 2 (C177266)), polyterpene, styrene / isoprene copolymer, and the like. copolymer, petrolatum, polyisobutene, microcrystalline wax (cera microcristalina, cire microcrystalline), hydrogenated styrene / methyl styrene / indene copolymer, styrene / VA copolymer, and optionally an antioxidant (e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)), chlorine dioxide, p-anisic acid, biotin, lavandula angustifolio oil, propylene glycol, water, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and optionally a preservative (e.g., benzalkonium chloride), acrylic copolymer, and water.It should be noted that many other adhesive compositions are possible and, indeed, may be desirable for individuals with specific allergies, individuals expecting a particular duration of fixation (also known as the "permanence" of the eyelash extensions), etc., or other embodiments.

[0023] Semi-permanent eyelash extension clusters may be applied using Federal Drug Administration approved (FDA approved) adhesives that achieve a strong bond. Such adhesives usually contain cyanoacrylates. Different types of cyanoacrylates (e.g., ethyl, methyl, propyl, butyl, octyl) are designed to bond different surfaces. For example, adhesives made from methyl-2-cyanoacrylate are designed to bond smooth surfaces (e.g., eyelash extensions) to porous surfaces (e.g., natural eyelashes), but will not bond to skin, which can cause irritation.

[0024] The adhesive may be a semi-permanent adhesive or mascara. The adhesive may include an oil-soluble or water-soluble polymer that helps to increase the adhesion and affinity of the eyelash extensions to the natural eyelashes. The adhesive may be a waterproof formulation that allows the set of eyelash extensions to remain fixed to the natural eyelashes for a longer period of time (e.g., days, weeks, or months).

[0025] Although latex-based adhesives are generally avoided to avoid eyelid irritation (e.g. due to allergic reactions), the adhesive may contain a variety of other natural ingredients (e.g. sugar or honey) and / or chemical ingredients. For example, copolymers are usually the main component of many adhesive formulations. The adhesive may be a commercially available adhesive for conventional eyelash extensions or a dedicated composition for a set of eyelash extensions according to the invention. The adhesive may be clear or colored (e.g. milky white or black to emulate mascara).

[0026] The convex portion 114 may include one or more protrusions (e.g., one or more protrusions extending along one inner wall of the clamp tip 108) and may be disposed on a first inner side (e.g., secured, bonded, matched, magnetized, bolted, stapled, nailed, welded, thermally bonded, or formed or configured by an inner surface of the clamp tip 108). The concave portion 112 may include one or more recessed grooves (e.g., one or more grooves extending along the inner wall of the other clamp tip 108) and may be disposed on a second inner side (e.g., secured, bonded, matched, magnetized, bolted, stapled, nailed, welded, thermally bonded, or formed or configured by an inner surface of the clamp tip 108). The convex portion 114 may be integrally formed with the first inner side (e.g., formed of the same material). The concave portion 112 may be integrally formed with the second inner side (e.g., formed of the same material).

[0027] The convex portions 114 or concave portions 112 may be coated with a friction-enhancing or friction-reducing coating layer, or may be free from being coated. For example, the friction-enhancing coating layer may be rubber. Or, the friction-reducing coating layer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, or others. The convex portion 114 or the concave portion 112 may be treated (e.g., by powder coating) to improve durability, scratch resistance, washability, chemical / solvent resistance, adhesion to eyelash extensions, adhesion of eyelash extensions, or others. For example, the convex portion 114 or the concave portion 112 may have a non-sticky surface to avoid stickiness, or limit the ability of the eyelash extension to hold adhesive after the tip 108 is squeezed or pinched to coat the adhesive on the eyelashes. Examples of non-sticky coating layers include a PTFE coating layer, a silicone coating layer, or others.

[0028] The applicator 100 may be partially or completely constructed from a metal (e.g., aluminum, iron, gold, silver, titanium, copper), an alloy (e.g., stainless steel, brass), plastic, or some other material (e.g., wood). For example, in some embodiments, the applicator 100 may have a smooth powder coating layer (e.g., for aesthetics and improved cleanability), while in other embodiments, the applicator 100 may include a recyclable (i.e., disposable) plastic body that is not intended to have a longer useful life (e.g., months or years). For example, in some embodiments, plastic may be desirable because it is recyclable and resistant to adhesives that are typically applied to eyelash extensions before being secured to natural eyelashes. For example, the applicator 100 may be constructed from a metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. Metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel) are generally preferred because they can provide greater durability and the applicator 100 can have a high degree of precision. The term "precision" refers to the size of the object that can be clamped by the applicator 100. A high-precision gripping tool (e.g., tweezers) can grip very small objects. To achieve high precision, the arms 102 can be precisely aligned and balanced to allow an individual to grip their own artificial eyelashes. Other materials can also be used to form the applicator 100. For example, the pair of arms 102 can include plastic, glass, foam, or other suitable materials. Additionally, the applicator 100 can be formed from one material, rather than a pair of separate pieces. In these examples, a single material can form a V-shaped body with opposing arms 102 and a common point 104 that is the apex (e.g., applying heat to the center point of the single material to cause it to fold).

[0029] As shown in Figures 1-8, an applicator 100 can be used to apply artificial eyelash extensions, where the applicator 100 includes a textured center portion 106 and an arc-shaped tip 108 having a convex portion 114 or concave portion 112 therein. The applicator 100 has a pair of arms 102 (e.g., metal, plastic) connected to each other at a common point 104 (e.g., melted, glued, molded) such that the arms 102 form a V-shape in a default position. Each arm 102 has a raised center portion 106 and an arc-shaped tip 108. Artificial eyelash extensions can be manufactured manually or automatically (e.g., using an industrial machine to feed, drip, or deposit a plurality of artificial eyelashes onto a surface, applying an electric charge to the artificial eyelashes to orient the artificial eyelashes in the same direction, and applying a heating element or hot liquid to a common end region of the artificial eyelash extensions to fuse among themselves to form a cluster of artificial eyelash extensions).

[0030] The central portion 106 of at least one arm of the applicator has an external textured portion 110 (e.g., parallel lines, intersecting lines) to aid in finger grip, but the at least one central portion may be smooth or otherwise untextured. The at least one central portion 106 may also be devoid of external texture. The textured portion 110 may be textured in a variety of ways, such as knurling, shading, spikes, bumps, or other inward or outward methods.

[0031] As described in the present invention, at least one clamp tip 108 can be configured to have an arc-shaped longitudinal extension corresponding to a housing that accommodates multiple artificial eyelash extensions, and the outer edge of the outer wall of the housing is arc-shaped and extends outward. For example, if both the arc shape and longitudinal direction of the two clamp tips 108 correspond to the outer edge of the outer wall, the structure allows the clamp tips 108 to simultaneously grip multiple artificial eyelash extensions from the housing. For example, the arc-shaped longitudinal extension of the at least one clamp tip 108 can structurally correspond or match the curvature of the upper eyelid, which may include the upper waterline or tightline of a user. The clamp tips 108 and the convex portion 114 / concave portion 112 mate when the arms 102 are pressed together.

[0032] The clamp tip 108 has opposing inner sides that form a convex portion 114 / concave portion 112 such that when a force is applied to the central portion 106 to move them from a default position relative to one another, the convex portion 114 / concave portion 112 on the inner side of the clamp tip 108 are operatively joined to one another to grip the clamp tip 108 and thereby grip an item, such as artificial eyelash extensions from a case. The convex portion 114 / concave portion 112 can extend along the length of the clamp tip 108 in a continuous (e.g., solid line or interspersed pattern) or discontinuous (e.g., dashed line or interspersed pattern) manner. As shown, the left arm 102 has a concave portion 112 (e.g., U-shaped in cross section) and the right arm 102 has a convex portion 114 (e.g., D-shaped in cross section), although of course this arrangement can be reversed.

[0033] The convex 114 / concave 112 may provide a crimping or clamping mechanism that aids, enables, or causes the adhesive to spread (e.g., along the male protrusions and within the female recesses) to reduce the visibility of the adhesive (e.g., to minimize adhesive clumping) and to allow for more effective, more impactful, or stronger fusion. The convex 114 / concave 112 with a crimping or clamping mechanism can spread the adhesive more evenly, thereby improving fusion between the artificial eyelash extension and the natural eyelash. The adhesive may be relatively soft or liquid (e.g., ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer) as compared to adhesives that cure in a hard state (e.g., cyanoacrylate). In one embodiment, a convex 114 to convex 114 or concave 112 to concave 112 arrangement is possible. Similarly, there may be convex or concave to smooth or flat portions. Instead of being configured as a tool for shaping eyelashes, the convex / concave portions 114 / 112 may be configured as a fusing tool (i.e., a tool for fusing eyelash extensions to natural eyelashes). The clamping tip 108 may be integrally formed with the central portion 106 or may be manufactured from the same material (e.g., metal, alloy, rubber, plastic, etc.) as the central portion 106. The clamping tip 108 may have an inside coated with a friction-enhancing or friction-reducing material (e.g., rubber, plastic, foam, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) or the inside may have a texture (e.g., parallel lines, intersecting lines) to help grip items. Of course, the inside may not be smooth or otherwise textured. The texture may be textured in a variety of ways, such as knurling, shading, spikes, bumps, or other inward or outward ways.

[0034] The tips 108 may be encased in a sock-shaped, tubular flexible sheath (e.g., plastic, rubber). When using the applicator 100, the arms 102 are pushed inwardly through the center 106 from a default position, causing the tips 108 to move towards each other to grasp an item, such as artificial eyelash extensions from a case, and the center 106 are configured not to contact each other, thereby forming a gap between the centers 106. It is noted that the applicator 100 may be configured to clamp or crimp. For example, the applicator 100 may clamp when it hosts a ratchet mechanism (e.g., gears and pawls) between the arms 102 that controls the inward movement of the arms 102 when the arms are pushed inwardly through the center 106 from a default position, such that the tips 108 move towards each other to grasp an item, and remain in that position, which may include a grasping position, when the arms 102 are released or the application of force ceases.

[0035] 9-16 show several views of another embodiment of the applicator of the present invention. Specifically, the applicator 200 may be similar in functional operation to the applicator 100 having a different shape. Specifically, the applicator 200 has a pair of arms 202, a pair of central portions 204, a pair of tips 206, a pair of recesses 208, a pair of arcuate portions 210, a pair of concave portions 212, a plurality of pairs of ridges 214, and a pair of convex portions 216. Thus, the first clamping tip 206 or the second clamping tip 206 may extend transversely or at least partially perpendicularly to the first arm 202 and / or the second arm, respectively. Furthermore, at least one central portion 204 forms a depression via the recesses 208. It is noted that the recesses 208 may be textured as in the case of the applicator 100. Additionally, both ends of the first arcuate portion 210 are bulged to form a first clamping tip, and both ends of the second arcuate portion 210 are bulged to form a second clamping tip.

[0036] The applicator 100 can be used to perform the operation of applying artificial eyelashes to natural eyelashes. A user may first apply adhesive to the natural eyelashes to which the eyelash extensions will be applied using a mascara wand or other method. Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to the eyelash extensions before applying the eyelash extensions to the natural eyelashes. The process can include an eyelash extension (or another object) being resiliently clamped (e.g., by a bristle, base) by clamping between a first inner convex portion 216 of a first arcuate portion 210 of a first arm 202 of the applicator 200 and a second inner concave portion 212 of a second arcuate portion 210 of a second arm 202 of the applicator 200, with the convex portion 216 and the concave portion 212 fitting closely together such that the first inner side faces the second inner side. Further, the method may include a step of releasing or placing the eyelash extension (or another object) on the user's natural eyelashes (e.g., above or below the upper natural eyelashes, or above or below the lower natural eyelashes). Thus, the method may allow for third-party application of the eyelash extension by the applicator 200. In another embodiment, the user may use their finger to attach the eyelash extension to the natural eyelashes and coat the adhesive on the natural eyelashes and / or the eyelash extension. The first arcuate portion 210 extends laterally relative to the first arm 202 and the second arcuate portion 210 extends laterally relative to the second arm 202, so that when the first arm 202 and the second arm 202 face the natural eyelashes and when the eyelash extension is released or placed on the natural eyelashes, the first arm 202 and the second arm 202 extend vertically relative to the natural eyelashes.

[0037] As shown in Figures 9-16, an applicator 200 can be used to apply artificial eyelash extensions, the applicator 200 having a recessed center portion 208 and a pair of "snail head" shaped arcuate portions 210 having a convex portion 216 or a concave portion 212 disposed on an inner surface of the second arcuate portion 210. The applicator 200 has a pair of arms 102 (e.g., metal, plastic) connected to each other at a common point (e.g., melted, glued, molded) such that the pair of arms form a V-shape in a default position. Each arm 202 has a central portion 204 recessed inwardly with a recess 208 to aid the user in manipulating the applicator 200 and an arcuate (e.g., C-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped) tip 210, the two opposing arcuate ends 214 of which form ridges. It should be understood that the ridges on the ends 214 are exemplary and alternative embodiments may not include ridged ends 214. The recesses 208 may have texture (e.g., parallel lines, intersecting lines) to aid in finger gripping. Of course, the recesses 208 do not have to have a texture, smooth or otherwise. The recesses 208 may also be smooth or otherwise untextured. The recesses 208 may be textured in a variety of ways, such as with knurls, shading, spikes, bumps, or other inward or outward facing methods.

[0038] As described herein, at least one tip 210 can be configured to have an arc-shaped longitudinal extension corresponding to a housing that accommodates multiple artificial eyelash extensions, and the outer edge of the outer wall of the housing is arc-shaped and extends outward. For example, if both the arc shape and longitudinal direction of the two tips 210 correspond to the outer edge of the outer wall, the structure allows the tips 210 to simultaneously grip multiple artificial eyelash extensions from the housing. For example, the arc-shaped longitudinal extension of the at least one tip 210 can structurally correspond or match the curvature of the upper eyelid, including the upper waterline or tightline of the user.

[0039] The arc-shaped portion 210 has opposite inner sides, and the opposite inner sides are provided with a convex portion 216 / concave portion 212. When a force is applied to the central portion 204, the arc-shaped portions 210 move from their default positions to each other to grab an item, for example, grab artificial eyelash extensions from a case through the arc-shaped portion 210, and the convex portion 216 / concave portion 212 can fit tightly together. The convex portion 216 / concave portion 212 can be extended along the length of the arc-shaped portion 210 in a continuous (e.g., solid line or sparse pattern) or discontinuous (e.g., dashed line or sparse pattern) manner. As shown, the left arm 202 has a concave portion 212 (e.g., U-shaped in cross section) and the right arm 202 has a convex portion 216 (e.g., D-shaped in cross section), although of course this arrangement can be reversed. The convex portion 216 / concave portion 212 provides a crimping or clamping mechanism that allows for more effective, more impactful, or stronger fusion, or that aids, enables, or causes the adhesive to spread (e.g., in the protrusions along the convex portion, in the recessed grooves or depressions of the recessed portion) so that the adhesive is less visible to the user (e.g., minimizing adhesive clumping). The convex portion 216 / concave portion 212 with the crimping or clamping mechanism can spread the adhesive more evenly, thereby improving fusion of the artificial eyelash extension with the natural eyelash. The adhesive may be a relatively soft or liquid adhesive (e.g., ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer) compared to adhesives in a crimped state (e.g., cyanoacrylates) in a cured state. In one embodiment, the arrangement may be convex portion 216 to convex portion 216 or concave portion 212 to concave portion 212. Similarly, there can be convex or concave portions to smooth or flat portions. Instead of being configured as a tool for shaping eyelashes, the convex / concave portions 216 / 212 can be configured as a fusing tool (i.e., a tool for fusing eyelash extensions to natural eyelashes). The arc-shaped portion 210 can be integrally formed with the central portion 204 or can be manufactured from the same material as the central portion 204 (e.g., metal, alloy, rubber, plastic, etc.).The arcuate portion 210 may have an interior that is coated with a friction-enhancing or friction-reducing material (e.g., rubber, plastic, foam, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) or the interior may have texture (e.g., parallel lines, intersecting lines) to aid in gripping items. Of course, the interior does not have to be smooth or otherwise textured. The texture may be textured in a variety of ways, such as knurling, shading, spikes, bumps, or other inward or outward facing methods.

[0040] 17A-17C show the sequence of applying adhesive to the natural eyelashes, placing the eyelash extensions on the natural eyelashes, and fusing the eyelash extensions with the natural eyelashes using an applicator with concave / convex features at the tip to apply an even coating of adhesive. The process can begin in FIG. 17A, where an eye 1700 includes natural eyelashes 1702 and an adhesive applicator 1704 can provide a flexible adhesive to attach the natural eyelashes 1702 to the underside of the natural eyelashes. The adhesive applicator 1704 can be a traditional mascara wand or a wand specifically designed for applying flexible adhesives. The application of adhesive by the adhesive applicator 1704 can be relatively uniform across the natural eyelashes 1702, although the adhesive may have some inconsistencies (e.g., there may be a globular shape or more adhesive in certain areas of the natural eyelashes and less adhesive in other areas). The adhesive is soft and flowable, allowing the user to later distribute or redistribute the adhesive (see FIG. 17C).

[0041] As shown in Figure 17B, after adhesive is applied to the natural eyelash 1702 of Figure 17A (or alternatively or additionally applied to the top side of the eyelash extensions), eyelash extensions 1706a-1706n (collectively 1706) can be placed under the natural eyelash 1702 such that the top side of the eyelash extension 1706 is in contact with the adhesive of the natural eyelash (or the adhesive of the eyelash extension 1706 is in contact with the natural eyelash) and is glued or otherwise attached to the natural eyelash 1702. Because the eyelash extensions 1706 in this case are very light (e.g., hot fuse fibers), the adhesive properties of the adhesive can be sufficient to hold the eyelash extensions 1706 in place. As mentioned above, when placing the eyelash extensions 1706, a user can clamp one or more sets of eyelash extensions 1706 by the tips 1708, which include a first tip and a second tip, the first tip and the second tip extending from a first arm and a second arm of the applicator 1710. The tips 1708 can have protrusions and recesses provided on respective inner surfaces of the tips 1708.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 17C, the user may rotate the applicator 1710 such that the curvature of the arc-shaped tip 1708 in this case extends along the natural eyelash 1702 and the eyelash extension 1706, where one tip is located on one side of the natural eyelash 1702 and another tip is on the opposite side of the natural eyelash 1702. When the user applies force to the arm of the applicator 1710, the first tip and the second tip are pressed or applied simultaneously to the adhesive, the natural eyelash 1702, and the eyelash extension 1706, thereby distributing the adhesive along the gap formed by the groove formed by the concave groove of the concave portion of one tip and the protrusion formed by the convex portion of the other tip. That is, the soft adhesive is distributed more evenly along the natural eyelash 1702 and the eyelash extension 1706, thereby blending the natural eyelash 1702 and the eyelash extension 1706 in a more seamless manner. Compressing the tips can also help the eyelash extensions 1706 blend better with the natural eyelashes 1702 .

[0043] 18A and 18C show a sequence of fusing natural eyelashes and eyelash extensions using an applicator with a concave / convex feature at the tip. As shown in FIG. 18A, the applicator tips 1802a, 1802b (collectively 1802) are in an open state 1800a (which may be a preset state), in which the protrusion 1804a constituting the convex portion and the concave groove or depression 1804b constituting the concave portion are separated, and the protrusion 1804a and the depression 1804b are placed at the tips 1802a and 1802b, respectively. The protrusion 1804a may extend long along the tip 1802a, and the depression 1804b may extend long along the tip 1802b. The natural eyelash 1806 may have adhesive applied, for example, to the underside of the natural eyelash 1806 to form an adhesive region 1808a. The eyelash extension 1810 may be placed on or in contact with the natural eyelash 1806 and may remain secured by adhesion of the adhesive at the adhesive region 1808a. As shown, the eyelash extension 1810 has a base 1812, which in one embodiment may be heat fused to make it thin (e.g., between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm). It should be understood that alternative eyelash extensions may be used.

[0044] 18B, when the protrusions 1804a of the convex portion are pressed into the depressions 1804b of the concave portion, the natural eyelashes 1806 and the eyelash extensions 1810 are adhesively secured together, and the adhesive regions 1808a are compressed and pass through the passages formed between the protrusions 1804a and the depressions 1804b, redistributing the adhesive regions 1808a to adhesive regions 1808b, which may provide a more evenly distributed adhesive area, thereby providing a stronger bond between the natural eyelashes 1806 and the eyelash extensions 1810.

[0045] Another embodiment of a process for applying eyelash extensions to natural eyelashes may include simultaneously gripping an adhesive holding the eyelash extension formed together with a plurality of fibers and the natural eyelash between at least one protrusion defining a first inner convex portion of a first tip of a first arm disposed on the applicator and at least one concave groove defining a second inner disposed concave portion of a second tip of a second arm of the applicator, thereby causing the adhesive to spread along an area between the convex portion and the concave portion.

[0046] The process may further include simultaneously gripping the convex portion and the concave portion and then separating them to adhere the eyelash extension to the natural eyelash and more evenly distribute the adhesive on the eyelash extension and the natural eyelash. During the process of simultaneously gripping, the first tip and the second tip may be aligned and extended longitudinally through the natural eyelash of the eye prior to the simultaneous gripping.

[0047] One embodiment of a method for redistributing adhesive applied to an eyelash extension formed from a plurality of fibers and natural eyelashes may include disposing adhesive on the natural eyelash and eyelash extension such that the adhesive extends along a surface of an elongated recess disposed at a first tip of a first arm and a surface of an elongated protrusion disposed at a second tip of a second arm of an applicator when the adhesive, natural eyelash, and eyelash extension are disposed between the elongated recess and the elongated protrusion, the elongated protrusion extending perpendicularly into the elongated recess. The process may further include reducing the adhesive strength of the adhesive to any surface of the elongated recess or the elongated protrusion.

[0048] One embodiment of a method for manufacturing an applicator may include forming a first arm including a first clamp tip having a first inner side including at least one projection constituting a convex portion, and forming a second arm including a second clamp tip having a second inner side including at least one recess constituting a concave portion, the first arm and the second arm may be coupled to each other at a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being opposite ends of the first clamp tip and the second clamp tip, the first inner side facing the second inner side, the convex portion and the recessed portion may be aligned with each other such that when the first arm and the second arm are in an open position, the convex portion and the recessed portion are separated from each other, and when the first arm and the second arm are in a closed position, the convex portion and the recessed portion fit closely together.

[0049] The steps may further include forming a first arm having a first inner convex portion and a second arm having a second inner concave portion, where forming the first arm may include forming a first inner concave portion of the first clamping tip, and forming the second arm may include forming a second inner convex portion of the second clamping tip.

[0050] It should be understood that the applicator of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the relevant art.

[0051] Various terms used herein may refer to direct or indirect, complete or partial, temporary or permanent, action or non-action. For example, when an element is referred to as being "on," "connected," or "coupled" to another element, the element may be open, connected, or coupled to the other element and / or directly between the two elements, and includes indirect and / or direct variations. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there is no intermediate element present.

[0052] The term "or" as used herein means an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise stated or the context is clear, "x uses a or b" means the naturally included arrangement. That is, if x uses a, x uses b, or x uses a and b, then "x uses a or b" is satisfied in either embodiment.

[0053] In this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not necessarily limited to such terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0054] As illustrated, relative terms such as "lower", "lower side", "upper", "upper" and the like may be used to describe the positional relationship of one element to another element. In addition to the orientation shown in the figures, these relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the technology shown. For example, when a device in the figures is flipped over, elements originally described as being "lower" than other elements are changed to be "upper" than other elements. Similarly, when a device in any of the figures is flipped over, elements originally described as being "low" or "below" are changed to be "above" other elements. Thus, the terms "low" and "below" can encompass high and bottom orientations.

[0055] The terms used herein are used to describe certain exemplary embodiments and are not necessarily intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "a" and / or "an" shall mean "one or more", even if the phrase "one or more" is also used herein. As used herein, the terms "comprise", "include" and / or "comprise", "comprises" limit the presence of a described feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and / or assembly thereof, but do not exclude the presence and / or addition, and / or combination, of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or assemblies thereof. As used herein, when the present invention states that an object is "based" on another object herein, the statement refers to a basis on which the object may also be based on one or more other objects. In other words, unless otherwise specified, "based" as used herein includes "based at least in part on" or "based at least in part on".

[0056] Features described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments may be combined and / or subcombined in various other exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that different aspects and / or elements of the exemplary embodiments may also be combined and subcombined in a similar manner as disclosed herein. It is to be understood that some exemplary embodiments, individually and / or collectively, may be components of a larger system, other processes may take precedence, and / or the application may be amended in other ways. It is to be understood that many steps may be required before, after, and / or concurrently with the embodiments as disclosed herein. It is to be noted that at least as disclosed herein, any and / or all methods and / or processes may be at least partially performed in any manner by at least one entity.

[0057] This specification describes specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to figures of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) disclosed by the present invention. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as necessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but should include deviations resulting, for example, from manufactured shapes.

[0058] As disclosed herein, any and / or all of the elements may be formed from the same, structurally continuous piece (e.g., integral) and / or separately manufactured and / or connected (e.g., components and / or modules). Any and / or all of the elements disclosed herein may be manufactured by any manufacturing process, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and / or any other type of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer-controlled wiring, milling, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, photolithography.

[0059] Any and / or all of the elements disclosed herein can include and / or partially and / or entirely include solids including metals, minerals, gemstones, amorphous materials, ceramics, glass-ceramics, and / or organic solids such as polymers, e.g., wood and / or polymers, e.g., rubber, composites, semiconductors, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and / or any combination thereof. Any and / or all of the elements disclosed herein may include and / or partially and / or completely include information coating layers such as inks, adhesive coating layers, adhesive coating layers such as vacuum sealing layers and / or heat sealing, release coating layers such as tape liners, low surface energy coating layers, optical coating layers such as tint, color, hue, saturation, hue, shade, transparency, translucency, opacity, luminescence, reflection, phosphorescence, anti-reflective and / or holography, photosensitive coating layers, electronic and / or thermal performance coating layers (e.g., passivation, insulating, resistive, or conductive), magnetic coating layers, waterproof and / or water resistant coating layers, odor coating layers, and / or any combination thereof. Any and / or all of the elements disclosed herein may be rigid, flexible, and / or any other combination thereof. Any and / or all of the elements disclosed herein may be the same or different in material, shape, size, color, and / or any measurable dimension (e.g., length, width, height, depth, area, orientation, perimeter, volume, width, density, temperature, resistance, etc.).

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. These terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the relevant technical and / or legal documents, and should not be interpreted as ideal and / or excessive forms unless expressly defined herein.

[0061] As used herein, the terms "about" and / or "substantially" refer to a ±10% variation from the nominal value / term. Such variation is always included in any given value / term specified by the present invention, regardless of whether such variation is specifically mentioned.

[0062] If any disclosure is incorporated herein by reference and such disclosure conflicts with any and / or all of the disclosure of the present invention, then to the extent of the conflict and / or broader disclosure and / or broader term definitions, this disclosure shall control. If any and / or all of the disclosure conflicts with the other party, then to the extent of the conflict, the disclosure of the later disclosure date shall prevail.

[0063] Although preferred embodiments have been described and illustrated in detail herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, additions, substitutions, etc. without departing from the present invention, which are deemed to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An applicator for artificial eyelash extensions, comprising: a pair of opposing arms, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm being joined at their respective proximal ends to form a hinge, each of the first arm and the second arm having: a first side opposite a second side and an inner side opposite an outer side, the inner side and the outer side extending between the first side and the second side; a central section extending distally from the proximal end; a gripping section extending distally from the central section, the gripping section having a first end region forming a tip, a second end region, a concave curvature disposed between the first end region and the second end region and along at least a portion of the second side corresponding to the gripping section, and a convex curvature disposed between the first end region and the second end region and along at least a portion of the first side corresponding to the gripping section, the central section being coupled to the gripping section at a portion of the gripping section closer to the second end region than to the first end region; a portion of the inner surface corresponding to the gripping section of the first arm has (i) a first support portion protruding from the inner surface and being substantially flat; and (ii) a convex portion consisting of a protrusion disposed on the first support portion, the convex portion being spaced from the first and second side surfaces of the first arm such that a portion of the first support portion is disposed on a first and second side of the protrusion, the first support portion and the protrusion extending between the first and second end regions and having an arcuate profile corresponding to the concave and convex curvatures of the gripping section; an applicator, wherein a portion of the inner surface corresponding to the gripping section of the second arm has (i) a second support portion protruding from the inner surface and being substantially flat, and (ii) a concave portion consisting of at least one recessed groove disposed within the second support portion, the convex portion and the concave portion having inverse contours designed to crimp a natural eyelash and an artificial eyelash extension disposed therebetween.

2. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the convex portion is secured to the first arm and the concave portion is secured to the second arm.

3. 2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the convex portion is integrally formed with a portion of the inner surface corresponding to the gripping section of the first arm and the concave portion is integrally formed with a portion of the inner surface corresponding to the gripping section of the second arm.

4. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are coated with a friction reducing coating layer.

5. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the exterior surface corresponding to the central section of each of the arms is textured.

6. 2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein a first valley is formed at an intersection between the gripping section of the first arm and the central section of the first arm and a second valley is formed at an intersection between the gripping section of the second arm and the central section of the second arm.

7. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the convex portion has a single continuous protrusion and the concave portion has a single continuous groove.

8. 2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator transitions from an open position to a closed position, in which the convex and concave portions are separated from each other and in which the convex and concave portions are fitted together, the open position of the applicator being an initial position, and the applicator transitions from the open position to the closed position by applying pressure to the outer surface of each arm of the applicator.

9. The applicator of claim 8 , wherein the convex portion and the concave portion have opposing contours that mate with each other in a closed position.

10. The applicator of claim 8 , wherein in the closed position, the convex portion extends at least partially into the concave portion.

11. The applicator of claim 5 , wherein the textured portion of each arm includes ridges and grooves.

12. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the convex portion and the concave portion are designed to mate to grip hairs of an artificial eyelash extension.

13. 13. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the arcuate contour of the convex portion of the applicator is designed to fit into the concave portion to adhere an artificial eyelash extension to the underside of a natural eyelash.

14. The applicator of claim 1 , comprising at least one of a metal or a metal alloy.

15. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein an apex of the concave curvature is located distal to the second end region and proximal to the first end region.

16. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the first end region of the grip section has a single terminated distal end.

Images