Ready-to-use eyelash extensions

Abstract

An artificial eyelash extension system is described. The system uses a plurality of eyelash filaments. A support strip is attached to the base of the eyelash filaments. An adhesive element is applied to the artificial eyelash extension system before it is packaged for sale to a user. The adhesive comprises an adhesive that retains its tackiness during storage of the artificial eyelash extension system. The artificial eyelash extension system is adapted to be attached to a user's natural eyelashes without applying additional adhesive to the user's natural eyelashes. Also described is a method of applying the artificial eyelash extensions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority as a non-provisional application to currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 068,728, filed August 21, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0002] The field of the invention is eyelash extension systems and methods of application thereof, and more particularly, but not exclusively, artificial eyelashes having a pre-applied adhesive element. [Background technology]

[0003] Artificial eyelashes are a popular product used to improve the appearance of a user's eyelashes by adding length and / or volume to the eyelashes. Such artificial eyelashes are typically comprised of an eyelash line strip and an eyelash filament extending therefrom. The eyelash filament can be made from mink, synthetic materials, horse hair, or in some cases, human hair. Artificial eyelashes are typically applied by spreading an adhesive on or around the eyelash line strip component of the eyelash extension and pressing the eyelash line strip against or near the user's lash line. Such eyelash extensions are difficult to apply, requiring the user to have access to both the extension and the special adhesive.

[0004] Recently, do-it-yourself lower eyelash extension systems have been developed. In these systems, strips of eyelash extensions are glued to the underside of the user's natural eyelashes in a manner similar to traditional upper eyelash extension systems. Do-it-yourself systems often come in small sections (e.g., wisp lashes, cluster lashes, individual lashes) to allow inexperienced users to apply eyelash extensions without the difficulty of aligning a long single strip of eyelash extension. However, these do-it-yourself systems still require the user to have and apply a special adhesive to either their own eyelashes or the eyelash extension system prior to use.

[0005] There is a need in the art for an eyelash extension system that overcomes the difficulties of the prior art systems. There is also a need for a means to make it easier for users to apply eyelash extensions without the drawbacks of existing systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create an eyelash extension that overcomes many of the shortcomings in the prior art. A feature of the present invention is that the eyelash extension has a pre-applied adhesive element before it is packaged for sale to a user. An advantage of the present invention is that the eyelash extension system is ready to use without the need for additional supplies such as glue. A further advantage of the present invention is that the eyelash extension system according to the present invention can be applied by a user quickly and with one hand.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a ready-to-use eyelash extension system having a pre-applied adhesive that can be easily applied by a user. A feature of the present invention is that the pre-applied adhesive is a droplet of adhesive applied to the eyelash filaments of the eyelash extension system. Alternatively, the present invention is characterized in that the pre-applied adhesive is a double-sided tape. An advantage of the present invention is that the user can apply the eyelash extension system of the present invention without modifying the pre-applied adhesive.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to maintain a ready-to-use eyelash extension system in a usable condition prior to use. A feature of the present invention is the use of a temporary overlap of pre-applied adhesive elements that are removed prior to use of the eyelash extension system. An advantage of the present invention is that the pre-applied adhesive elements of the eyelash extension system are maintained in a clean condition for use by the user.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an eyelash extension system that is easily worn by a user on their natural eyelashes. A feature of the present invention is that the eyelash extension system is attached directly to the user's natural eyelashes at a location that is not directly adjacent to the user's eyelid. An advantage of the present invention is that by attaching the eyelash extension system to the user's eyelashes at a location spaced from the eyelid, the user avoids any pain and skin irritation associated with eyelash systems that are worn on the eyelid or adjacent skin.

[0010] The present invention provides an artificial eyelash extension system comprising a plurality of eyelash filaments, each having a base and a tip, a support strip attached to the base of the eyelash filaments, and an adhesive element applied to the plurality of eyelash filaments before the artificial extension system is packaged for sale to a user.

[0011] Also provided is a method of applying artificial eyelash extensions, the method including the steps of providing an eyelash extension system to a user, the eyelash extension system already having an adhesive element disposed on the eyelash extension system prior to being packaged for sale to the user, and moving the adhesive element of the eyelash extension system into contact with the user's natural eyelashes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The present invention, together with the above and other objects and advantages, will best be understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of an eyelash extension system having a pre-applied adhesive element in accordance with a feature of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an eyelash extension system having a pre-applied adhesive element in accordance with a feature of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an eyelash extension system having a pre-applied adhesive element in accordance with a feature of the present invention. [Figure 1D] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an eyelash extension system having a pre-applied adhesive element overlaid with a temporary backing in accordance with a feature of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an eyelash extension system having an alternative pre-applied adhesive element in accordance with a feature of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2A featuring temporary overlap of adhesive elements in accordance with a feature of the invention. [Figure 2C] 2C shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2B featuring an alternative embodiment of temporary overlap of the adhesive elements in accordance with a feature of the invention. [Figure 3A] 1A shows a schematic diagram of using the eyelash extension system depicted in FIG. 1A in accordance with a feature of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 2B shows a schematic diagram of using the eyelash extension system depicted in FIG. 2A in accordance with a feature of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In various embodiments, the present invention provides a ready-to-wear eyelash extension system, which includes an eyelash filament extending from an eyelash support strip, the filament including an adhesive element for attachment to a user's natural eyelashes, the eyelash extension system sometimes being referred to as a lash extension system or an artificial eyelash extension system.

[0015] 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.

[0016] As used herein, elements or steps described in the singular and followed by the word "a" should be understood not to exclude a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Moreover, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may also include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "lash," "artificial eyelash," and "eyelash" are used interchangeably and, unless specifically indicated otherwise, refer to a device that is not part of the wearer's body (e.g., the terms "natural eyelashes" or "user's eyelashes" refer to a part of the wearer's body).

[0018] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of one embodiment 10 of an eyelash extension system of the present invention. The eyelash extension system may include a plurality of artificial eyelash filaments, a support strip, and an adhesive element. The eyelash extension system comprises a support strip 12 having a length L and a width W. (Width W is representational, not drawn to scale, and may be narrower.) The support strip 12 may be attached to the base of the eyelash filament. The support strip 12 has a leading edge from which the eyelash filament 14 extends. The width W of the support strip 12 extends between a proximal edge 12a and a distal edge 12b of the support strip 12. As shown in FIG. 1A, the eyelash extension system 10 features an eyelash filament 14 that extends between a base 16 and a tip 18. The base 16 of the eyelash filament 14 is embedded within and / or affixed to the support strip 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1A , the bases 16 of the lash filaments 14 are spaced apart and extend away from the support strip 12 such that the lengths of the lash filaments 14 are substantially parallel and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length L of the support strip 12.

[0019] 1A, the width W of the support strip 12 is about 10% of the length of the filament 14, but in other embodiments, the width W of the support strip 12 is much smaller than the length of the lash filament 14. For example, in some embodiments, the width W is less than 5% of the length of the lash filament 14. The larger width W is shown only for purposes of illustration and to allow the structure of the support strip 12 to be shown.

[0020] 1A, the lash filaments 14 have varying lengths and arrangements. Some lash filaments 14 are substantially parallel and other lash filaments 14 cross one another. The lash filaments 14, in one embodiment, will have an average length that provides the desired overall appearance of lash length after wear.

[0021] The eyelash filaments 14 are made from conventional materials used in eyelash extensions. Suitable materials include materials that have an appearance similar to human eyelashes. Exemplary materials include mink, horsehair, human hair, synthetic materials, and combinations thereof.

[0022] Materials used for the support strip 12 are well known in the art and include any suitable material for attaching the base of the eyelash filaments 14. Exemplary materials include PBT, nylon, cotton, silk, and combinations thereof.

[0023] A distinctive feature of the eyelash extension system 10 of the present invention is the inclusion of an adhesive element 20 disposed on the eyelash filament 14. The adhesive element 20 may be applied to a plurality of eyelash filaments before the artificial eyelash extension system is packaged for sale to a user. The adhesive element 20 may be applied at a location between the support strip and one-half of the average length of the eyelash filament away from the support strip. The adhesive element 20 may be continuously applied at a predetermined location less than half of the average length of the eyelash filament away from the support strip. At least a portion of the adhesive element 20 is applied to the eyelash filament 14 during the manufacture of the system. FIG. 1A shows an adhesive element 20 disposed on each eyelash filament 14. The depiction of the location of the adhesive element 20 is intended to be exemplary and non-limiting. In some figures, the adhesive element 20 is shown as a discrete droplet of adhesive. However, the depiction should not be limiting. In FIG. 1A, all of the eyelash filaments 14 are shown with an adhesive element 20 applied thereto. In some embodiments, not all of the lash filaments 14 receive the adhesive. In one embodiment, between one-half and three-quarters of all of the lash filaments comprising the artificial eyelash extension system receive the adhesive element. In other embodiments, the plurality of lash filaments comprises multiple layers, and only one layer of the lash filaments receives the adhesive.

[0024] An advantage of the adhesive element 20 is that the eyelash extension system is ready to use without the application of an external adhesive, as described below.

[0025] Although the figures depict the eyelash extension system as being used in combination with a full strip artificial eyelash extension system, the ready to use adhesive concept may be used with artificial eyelash extension systems of various styles, lengths and sizes, such as small "wisp" eyelash systems that are segmented versions of the full strip eyelash system, whose support strip length is one-half to one-fifth the length of the support strip of the full strip eyelash extension system (e.g., KISS Falscara Eyelash, manufactured by Kiss Products, Inc., Port Washington, NY), or even smaller "cluster" eyelash systems (e.g., KISS Lash Couture LuXtensions, also manufactured by Kiss Products, Inc.), or the smallest "flare" or "individual" eyelash systems that may include only a few lash filaments 14 attached together at their base (e.g., KISS i·ENVY Ultra Black Flare Short / Medium / Long, KISS i·ENVY Ultra Black 3D Individual Lash Medium / Long, all of which are manufactured by Kiss Products, Inc.). (manufactured by Inc.)

[0026] The adhesive elements 20 may be disposed on a plurality of the lash filaments 14 over the entire length L of the support strip 12, or may be disposed on a fraction of the lash filaments 14, such as two-thirds, one-half, or one-third. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the fraction of the lash filaments 14 that have adhesive elements disposed thereon may be adjusted depending on the weight of the section of the lash extension system 10 being used. For example, an lash extension system 10 designed to be attached to all of a user's natural eyelashes may require all of the lash filaments 14 to have corresponding adhesive elements. Alternatively, an lash extension system 10 designed to be attached to a small portion of a user's natural eyelashes may only require that half or less of the lash filaments 14 have corresponding adhesive elements.

[0027] As depicted in FIG. 1A, the adhesive element 20 may be a discrete application or droplet of adhesive. The adhesive element 20 may consist of multiple discrete droplets of adhesive. The adhesive element 20 may be applied to the upwardly facing surface of the lash filament. In one embodiment, the adhesive element 20 is disposed at approximately the same location along the length of each lash filament 14 away from the support strip 12. FIG. 1A illustrates the adhesive element 20 as a small flat section of adhesive that overlaps a portion of the lash filament 14. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive element 20 may be an uncured droplet of adhesive.

[0028] Adhesives suitable for use in the present invention include any adhesive that can be applied to the eyelash filament 14 and that can retain its tackiness while the eyelash extension system 10 is stored in its packaging. Suitable adhesives can be applied to the eyelash filament 14 and then stored without being allowed to dry.

[0029] FIG. 1A shows the adhesive element 20 as a discrete application of adhesive on the lash filament 14. An alternative embodiment 30 is shown in FIG. 1B. The lash extension system 30 shown in FIG. 1B features an adhesive element 32 that extends continuously along the length of the lash filament 14 starting from the support strip 12 to a predetermined position. In some embodiments, the length along the lash filament 14 covered by the adhesive element 32 is customized for the weight and other attributes of the lash extension set using the present system. Preferably, the adhesive element 32 extends continuously over the first half to one third of the average length of the lash filament extending from the support strip (i.e., the length of the lash filament embedded in the support strip is not included in this length). In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive element 32 is disposed continuously along the length of the lash filament 14 that is not adjacent to the support strip (i.e., the middle and tip portions of the lash filament). Additionally, in another embodiment, the adhesive element 32 may be applied continuously from a location between the support strip 12 and one-half the average length of the lash filament, while in other embodiments, the location is selected in the range from the support strip 12 to one-half the average length of the lash filament.

[0030] 1A and 1B show the lash filaments 14 in the same direction and with similar lengths. In alternative embodiments, such as the exemplary lash extension section 40 shown in FIG. 1C, the lash filaments 14 can extend in different directions from the support strip 12 and have different lengths. The lash filaments may extend from the support strip 12 such that at least a portion of the lash filaments overlap or cross one another. In one embodiment, the lash filaments may extend from the support strip 12 such that at least a quarter of the lash filaments overlap or cross one another. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1C can utilize both continuous and discrete applications of the adhesive element shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 1C shows an adhesive element 20 substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 1A.

[0031] FIG. 1D shows yet another embodiment 50 of the eyelash extension system according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the adhesive element 20 (or like the adhesive element 32 from FIG. 1B) is overlaid with an elongated substrate 52. The elongated substrate 52 may further include a removably overlaying adhesive element. The elongated substrate 52 is a thin piece of material that removably contacts the adhesive element 20 disposed on the eyelash filament 14 extending from the support strip 12. This temporary overlap of the adhesive element 20 maintains the cleanliness of the adhesive element 20 on the eyelash extension system 50 before the user is ready to wear the eyelash extension system, and prevents the system from tangling or sticking to undesirable surfaces or objects.

[0032] 1D , the bond between the lash filament 14 and the adhesive element 20 is stronger than the bond between the adhesive element 20 and the elongated substrate 52. This bond strength relationship corresponds to the ability of a user to peel the elongated substrate 52 from the adhesive element 20 without removing the adhesive element 20 from the lash filament 14 or otherwise damaging the eyelash extension system 50.

[0033] In one embodiment, the strength of the bond between the adhesive element 20 and the elongated substrate 52 is adjusted by selecting the thickness of adhesive applied to the surface of the elongated substrate 52 that contacts the adhesive element 20. With a particular adhesive applied to the elongated substrate 52, a thin layer of adhesive may facilitate easy removal of the elongated substrate 52 from the adhesive element 20, while a thicker layer of adhesive may improve the strength of the bond between the elongated substrate 52 and the adhesive element 20.

[0034] In another embodiment, the strength of the bond between the adhesive element 20 and the elongate substrate 52 is adjusted by applying a pre-glue (an adhesive that does not completely coalesce during storage of the stored eyelash extension system) to the surface of the elongate substrate 52 that is in contact with the adhesive element 20.

[0035] 1A-1D show the adhesive element applied on the upwardly facing surface of the eyelash filament 14 of the eyelash extension system. In these configurations, the eyelash extension system of the present invention is removably attached to the underside of a user's natural eyelashes. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive element is disposed on the downwardly facing surface of the eyelash filament 14 of the eyelash extension system. In this alternative embodiment, the eyelash extension system can be removably attached to the top of a user's natural eyelashes.

[0036] 2A illustrates another embodiment 60 of an eyelash extension system according to the present invention. This embodiment 60 features the same configuration of eyelash filaments 14 and support strip 12 as the embodiment illustrated in FIG 1A. In this embodiment, however, the adhesive element 61 in this embodiment 60 is an elongated substrate disposed across the eyelash filaments 14 such that the longitudinal axis x of the elongated substrate 62 is parallel to the length L of the support strip 12. The elongated substrate 62 may be shorter than the length L of the support strip 12.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2A, the elongated substrate 62 is disposed across the lash filament 14 in a direction perpendicular to the length of the lash filament 14. The adhesive element 61 may be comprised of an elongated substrate 62 having a longitudinal axis, an upwardly facing surface 66, a downwardly facing surface 64, and an adhesive disposed on the upwardly facing and downwardly facing surfaces, the adhesive on the downwardly facing surface contacting the lash filament. The adhesives used on the upwardly facing and downwardly facing surfaces of the elongated substrate may be different. The lash extension system or artificial eyelash extension system may be adapted to remove the elongated substrate from the user's eyelashes without removing the elongated substrate from the lash filament. The downwardly facing surface 64 of the elongated substrate 62 is secured to the lash filament 14. The upwardly facing surface 66 of the elongated substrate 62 features an adhesive or other tacky substance disposed thereon.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the elongated substrate 62 may be positioned across the lash filament 14 anywhere along its length. Preferably, the elongated substrate 62 is positioned such that its centerline (line x in FIG. 2A ) is disposed on the lash filament 14 at a location corresponding to one-third to one-half of the length of the lash filament 14 that extends from the support strip 12. This positioning of the elongated substrate 62 is exemplary and is not meant to be limiting. The elongated substrate 62 may be reasonably positioned over any portion of the lash filament 14.

[0039] The elongated substrate 62 can be any suitable material for layering the lash filaments 14 without unduly weighing down the lashes and without bending the lashes when worn by a user. Suitable materials for the elongated substrate 62 include double-sided tape and other types of thin strips with adhesive applied to both sides.

[0040] A notable feature of this embodiment is that a user can obtain the eyelash extension system 60 and use it without applying their own adhesive to either the system or their own eyelashes. To enable this feature, the eyelash extension system 60 must be ready for use when desired by the user. As such, the eyelash extension system 60 must not stick to undesired surfaces or objects and must feature a clean adhesive disposed on the upwardly facing surface 66 of the elongated substrate 62. As shown in FIG. 2B, to maintain the eyelash extension system 70 in a ready-to-use configuration, a backing (second elongated substrate) 72 is removably secured to the adhesive disposed on the upwardly facing surface 66 of the elongated substrate 62. A system overlaid by a backing 72 is shown in embodiment 70. This backing 72 is a temporary overlap of the adhesive on the upwardly facing surface of the elongated substrate 62, which prevents the eyelash extension system from adhering to undesired objects or from entraining debris that could detract from the adhesive's tackiness or appearance.

[0041] The backing 72 is double-sided in one embodiment. The backing 72 can be removably secured to an adhesive disposed on the upwardly facing surface 66 of the elongated substrate 62 and can be made from any material suitable for temporary overlay of the adhesive on the elongated substrate 62. Suitable materials include paper, plastic, fabric, and combinations thereof.

[0042] In embodiments featuring a backing 72, the bond between the backing 72 and the first elongated substrate 62 is weaker than the bond between the first elongated substrate 62 and the lash filament 14. This can be accomplished by forming a permanent bond between the first elongated substrate 62 and the lash filament 14 and a temporary bond between the backing 72 and the first elongated substrate 62. Alternatively, the adhesive contact surface of the backing 72 is scored, matte, or otherwise treated to prevent over-adhesion. These configurations are exemplary and are not meant to be limiting. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any configuration that allows the second elongated substrate (backing 72) to be removed from the overlap of the first elongated substrate 62 without tearing the first elongated substrate 62 from the lash filament 14 is suitable.

[0043] FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment 70 of the inventive eyelash extension system shown in FIG. 2B with the addition of an element to facilitate removal of the backing 72 from the elongated substrate 62. As shown in FIG. 2C, the backing 72 can feature a terminal end 72a that extends beyond the periphery of the eyelash extension system and defines a tab 74. The tab 74 of the backing 72 can be the same shape as the remainder of the backing 72. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2C, the tab of the backing 72 can feature a larger, different shape, such as a circular shape, that provides a larger area for a user to grasp. In use, a user can grasp the tab 74 and pull it toward the opposite end of the backing 72 to remove the backing 72 from the eyelash extension system.

[0044] FIG. 3A shows a schematic diagram of a method of using the embodiment of the present invention characterized in FIG. 1A. A method for applying artificial eyelash extensions may include providing a user with an eyelash extension system, which already has an adhesive element disposed thereon before being packaged for sale to the user, and moving the adhesive element of the eyelash extension system into contact with the user's natural eyelashes. Moving the adhesive element of the extension system into contact with the user's natural eyelashes may include contacting the underside of the user's natural eyelashes with an adhesive disposed on an upwardly facing surface of an elongated substrate. In this method, the user receives the eyelash extension system 10 by grasping the tip of the eyelash filament 14 and positioning the eyelash extension system 10 under the user's natural eyelashes 80. The user's natural eyelashes 80 are the user's eyelashes in the depicted embodiment. The user then moves the eyelash extension system 10 upward so that the adhesive elements 20 of the eyelash filaments 14 contact the user's natural eyelashes 80 .

[0045] The adhesive element of the eyelash extension system may contact any portion of the underside of the user's natural eyelashes 80. Preferably, the adhesive element of the eyelash extension system contacts the user's natural eyelashes 80 such that the support strip 12 of the eyelash extension system covers the underside of the user's natural eyelashes 80 or their eyelid.

[0046] A user applying any of the embodiments of the eyelash extension system described herein uses an eyelash applicator, such as the KISS Falscara Eyelash Applicator manufactured by Kiss Products, Inc. of Port Washington, New York. The Kiss applicator is one eyelash applicator suitable for use with the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many false eyelash applicators are suitable for use with the present invention. Alternatively, a user may use their hand to grasp an eyelash extension system according to the present invention and move it into contact with the user's natural eyelashes.

[0047] A distinguishing feature of the present invention is its ready-to-use nature. Prior art eyelash systems require application of an adhesive solution to the eyelash extensions and / or the user's natural eyelashes prior to application. The pre-applied adhesive element is suitable for immediate application to the user's eyelashes without further preparation of the eyelash extension system or the user's natural eyelashes.

[0048] After the eyelash extension system is contacted with the natural eyelashes, the eyelash extension system of the present invention remains in place without further pressure with the hand or applicator. Furthermore, no additional adhesive needs to be applied. Once the eyelash system of the present invention is in place, the user can optionally use the applicator or hand to adjust the exact position of the eyelash extension system or to firmly press the adhesive element and the natural eyelash together. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the inventors have discovered that the step of firmly pressing one's natural eyelashes and the adhesive element together from the eyelash extension system is not necessary as in the prior art systems. Similarly, the present invention does not require the natural eyelashes to be sandwiched between an eyelash extension system on top of the eyelashes and an eyelash extension system on the bottom of the eyelashes to form a lasting bond as in the prior art. Another important feature of the present invention is that the eyelash extension system described herein can be applied using only one hand.

[0049] (Using eyelash extensions) Figure 3A shows a general schematic diagram for using the eyelash extension system of the present invention after the adhesive element is exposed. For example, the embodiment shown in Figure 1D requires that the temporary overlap of the adhesive element be removed first before the eyelash extension system is applied to the user's natural eyelashes. The advantage of this system is that the extensions can be worn without applying additional adhesive.

[0050] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a method of using the embodiment of the eyelash extension system shown in Figure 2A depicting an embodiment 60 having a support strip 12 and an elongated substrate 62. Similar to the schematic diagram shown in Figure 3A, application of the eyelash extension system shown in Figure 2A requires only one step, which is to grasp the end of the eyelash filament with a hand or applicator and move the adhesive element into contact with the desired portion of the user's natural eyelash 80.

[0051] The adhesive element may further include a second elongated substrate that temporarily overlaps the adhesive disposed on the upwardly facing surface of the elongated substrate, the second elongated substrate being removed prior to moving the adhesive element of the extension system into contact with the user's natural eyelashes. If the adhesive element of the eyelash extension system shown in FIG. 2B is overlapped with a backing (second elongated substrate), the backing is removed prior to application of the eyelash extension system to the user's natural eyelashes.

[0052] After the application step of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the user wears the eyelash extension system of the present invention for a period of up to 24 hours. After wearing, the user grasps the unattached end of the worn eyelash extension system and gently pulls downwards to remove the eyelash extension system from the eyelashes. The eyelash extension can then be stored for reuse. Once removed, the eyelash extension system can be reused until the associated adhesive element wears out. Alternatively, the original adhesive element of the eyelash extension system according to the present invention can be rejuvenated or removed and replaced with a new adhesive element. If the user removes the original adhesive element from the eyelash extension system of the present invention, the removed system can then continue to be used as an eyelash extension system to which the user applies his or her own glue.

[0053] The figures show eyelash extension systems having a length close to the length of the user's eyelids. This is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. In one embodiment, the user will only wear one removable eyelash extension system under all or substantially all of the user's natural eyelashes. In such an embodiment, the user only needs to wear one eyelash extension system over the user's natural eyelashes. In an alternative embodiment, the length of the support strip will be shorter and the user will need to wear multiple eyelash extension systems to be removable under all or substantially all of their eyelashes. In yet another embodiment, the user will cut a long strip of eyelash extension system into multiple eyelash extension systems having a desired length to form a cluster of eyelash extension systems.

[0054] In one embodiment, the step of using includes applying, drying, and heating additional glue. Heat activated adhesives become more pliable when heated. In this embodiment, the user applies heat by using a heat applicator. In one embodiment, the heat applicator is a small heater included in the package. In another embodiment, the heat source is a forced-activation heat pack. In another embodiment, the heat source comprises a layer of material that heats when exposed to electromagnetic radiation found in a microwave oven.

[0055] When dried on the eyelashes, the glue is substantially solid. When heated, the glue changes state to become a slightly liquid or soft, jello-like, jelly-like, or pudding-like state that is more comfortable to apply to natural eyelashes.

[0056] While illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, and therefore are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0057] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials set forth 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 skilled in the art upon review of the above description. The scope of the present 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. Moreover, the following claim limitations are not written in means-plus-function form, and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, to the extent that such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a recitation of a function without further structure.

[0058] The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

Claims

1. 1. An artificial eyelash extension system comprising: a plurality of bristle filaments each having a base and a tip; a support strip attached to the base of the lash filament; an adhesive element connected to the support strip and applied to the plurality of eyelash filaments before the artificial eyelash extension system is packaged for sale to a user; Equipped with the adhesive element is adapted to adhere to the user's natural eyelashes upon application of the artificial eyelash extension system; The adhesive element extends from the support strip along the length of the eyelash filament.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive element is applied to a location between the support strip and one-half of the average length of the eyelash filament away from the support strip.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the adhesive element comprises an elongate substrate having a longitudinal axis, an upwardly facing surface, a downwardly facing surface, and adhesive disposed on the upwardly facing surface and the downwardly facing surface, the adhesive on the downwardly facing surface contacting the lash filament.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the adhesive on the upwardly facing surface of the elongated substrate is removably mated with a second elongated substrate.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the elongated substrate comprises double-sided tape.

6. The system of claim 3 , wherein the adhesive on the upwardly facing surface of the elongated substrate is different from the adhesive on the downwardly facing surface.

7. The system of claim 3 , wherein the system is adapted to remove the elongated substrate from the user's eyelashes without removing the elongated substrate from the eyelash filament.

8. The system of claim 2 , wherein the adhesive element comprises a plurality of discrete droplets of adhesive.

9. The system of claim 2 , wherein the adhesive element is applied to an upwardly facing surface of the lash filament.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the adhesive element is continuously applied from a location between the support strip and half the average length of the lash filament to a distance equal to or less than half the average length of the lash filament.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive element comprises an adhesive that retains its tackiness during storage of the artificial eyelash extension system.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is adapted for attachment to the user's natural eyelashes without the application of additional adhesive to the user's natural eyelashes.

13. The system of claim 1 further comprising an elongate substrate removably overlying the adhesive element.

14. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein between one-half and three-quarters of all eyelash filaments comprising said artificial eyelash extension system receive said adhesive element.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lash filaments extend from the support strip such that at least a portion of the lash filaments overlap.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lash filaments extend from the support strip such that at least one quarter of the lash filaments overlap.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the artificial eyelash extension system is a segmented eyelash extension system that is shorter than a full strip eyelash extension system.

18. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the bond between the lash filament and the adhesive element is stronger than the bond between the adhesive element and the elongate substrate.

19. 1. An artificial eyelash extension system comprising: a plurality of lash filaments, each lash filament having a base and a tip; a support strip attached to the base of the lash filament; an adhesive element disposed on the support strip and on a portion of the plurality of eyelash filaments extending outwardly from the support strip before the artificial eyelash extension system is packaged for sale to a user; Equipped with The adhesive element is adapted to adhere to a user's natural eyelashes upon application of the artificial eyelash extension system.

Images