Heater for heating a metal eyelash curler and method therefor

Abstract

A heater for heating a metal eyelash curler includes a housing, a heating plate, a heating element, and a power source. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall includes a front wall section that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler. The heating plate is attached to the front wall section. The heating plate is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates. The heating plate is designed to be placed immediately adjacent the curved curling plates to heat the curved curling plates. The heating element is positioned in the housing. The heating element is connected to the heating plate to heat the heating plate. The power source is designed to supply power to the heating element.

Description

(B) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable(C) STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH ORDEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable(D) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not Applicable(E) INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM.

[0004] Not Applicable(F) STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

[0005] Not Applicable(G) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(1) Field of the Invention

[0006] The disclosure relates to heating devices for beauty and makeup accessories and more particularly pertains to a new heater for heating a metal eyelash curler. Metal eyelash curlers have a scissors design and include a pair of curved curling plates. Eyelashes of the user can be curled by clamping between the curved curling plates, which are made of metal. Usually one of the plates includes a rubber lip. By heating the curved curling plates, the curling effect of the curved curling plates can be enhanced. The new heater provides a convenient and easy way to heat the curved curling plates.(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

[0007] The prior art relates to heating devices for beauty and makeup accessories. The prior art, as best understood, does not disclose a heater for heating a metal eyelash curler that includes a housing, a heating plate, a heating element, and a power source, wherein the housing includes a front wall section that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler. The heating plate is attached to the front wall section and is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates to heat the curved curling plates.(H) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above in a heater generally comprising a housing, a heating plate, a heating element, and a power source. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall includes a front wall section that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler. The heating plate is attached to the front wall section. The heating plate is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates. The heating plate is designed to be placed immediately adjacent the curved curling plates to heat the curved curling plates. The heating element is positioned in the housing. The heating element is connected to the heating plate to heat the heating plate. The power source is designed to supply power to the heating element.

[0009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0010] The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.(I) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of a heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure in use.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.(J) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new heater embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0019] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the heater 10 for heating a metal eyelash curler 60 generally comprises a housing 12, a heating plate 14, a heating element 16, and a power source 18. In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2 through 5, the housing 12 includes a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22, and a perimeter wall 24. The perimeter wall 24 includes a front wall section 26 that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates 62 at distal ends of scissor arms 64 of a metal eyelash curler 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The heating plate 14 is attached to the front wall section 26. The heating plate 14 is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates 62. The heating plate 14 is designed to be placed immediately adjacent the curved curling plates 62 to heat the curved curling plates 62. The heating element 16 is positioned in the housing 12. The heating element 16 is connected to the heating plate 14 to heat the heating plate 14. The power source 18 is designed to supply power to the heating element 16.

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the housing 12 is designed to be laid onto the metal eyelash curler 60 with the heating plate 14 in contact with a convexly curved side of the curved curling plates 62. In another possible embodiment, the curved curling plates 62 could be laid on top of the heating plate 14.

[0021] The heating element 16 is designed to heat the heating plate 14 to a temperature no greater than 120° F. such that the curved curling plates 62 are heated to a temperature no greater than 120° F. to prevent accidental burning of skin. It is generally known that human skin can withstand temperatures of up to about 114° F. to 120° F. without harm or burning. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved curling plates 62 are not heated above this temperature to avoid accidental burns, especially since the curved curling plates 62 will be placed near the eyes and eyelids. In another possible embodiment, an even lower maximum temperature could be set, such as 80° F. or 90° F. While not shown in the figures, the heating element 16 could include a thermostat to deactivate the heating element 16 when the maximum temperature is reached, as is well known in the heating arts.

[0022] The power source 18 includes a rechargeable battery 32 and a charge port 34 connected to the rechargeable battery 32. The charge port 34 is positioned in an outer surface of the housing 12, specifically the perimeter wall 24 as shown in FIG. 3. The rechargeable battery 32 is positioned in the housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3, the charge port 34 is designed to receive a USB cable 36. However, other designs of the charge port 34 could be used, or the charge port 34 could be replaced with a wired cord, or the charge port 34 could be omitted and the housing 12 could have a compartment for insertion of non-rechargeable batteries.

[0023] The perimeter wall 24 includes a rear wall section 28. The rear wall section 28 is convexly curved to match the front wall section 26. The perimeter wall 24 includes a pair of side wall sections 30 connecting the front wall section 26 and the rear wall section 28. The housing 12 therefore is essentially C-shaped as shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2. However, this is only one possible embodiment. For example, the rear wall section 28 could be squared off and flat rather than being curved.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the housing 12 has a height between the top wall 20 and the bottom wall 22 less than 1.50 inches, a depth between the front wall section 26 and the rear wall section 28 less than 1.50 inches, and a width between the side wall sections 30 of less than 4.0 inches. The housing 12 is relatively small and compact to match the relatively small curved curling plates 62. Other dimensions of the housing 12 are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the heater 10 further includes a power button 38. The power button 38 is positioned at an outer surface of the housing 12. The power button 38 is designed to selectively turn the heating element 16 on and off.

[0026] The heater 10 is used to heat the curved curling plates 62 before use in curling eyelashes. The user presses the power button 38, which in turn activates the heating element 16 and thereby heats the heating plate 14. The user places the heating plate 14 immediately adjacent or in contact with the curved curling plates 62 and thereby heats the curved curling plates 62. The user can now curl the eyelashes of the user with the heated curved curling plates 62, which promote a stronger and faster curling effect. When finished, the user turns off the heater 10 by pressing the power button 38. In one possible embodiment, the heater 10 could be designed to automatically shut off after a period of time, as is well known in the heating arts. Between uses, the user can store the heater 10 in a case 40 having a body 42 and a lid 44, as shown in FIG. 6, which lid 44 could be curved as shown to follow the curved shaped of the rear wall section 28 of the perimeter wall 24.

[0027] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new heater embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0019]As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the heater 10 for heating a metal eyelash curler 60 generally comprises a housing 12, a heating plate 14, a heating element 16, and a power source 18. In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2 through 5, the housing 12 includes a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22, and a perimeter wall 24. The perimeter wall 24 includes a front wall section 26 that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates 62 at distal ends of scissor arms 64 of a metal eyelash curler 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The heating plate 14 is attached to the front wall section 26. The heating plate 14 is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates 62. The heating plate 14 is designed to be placed immediately adjacent the curved ...

(B) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable(C) STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH ORDEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable(D) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not Applicable(E) INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM.

[0004] Not Applicable(F) STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

[0005] Not Applicable(G) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(1) Field of the Invention

[0006] The disclosure relates to heating devices for beauty and makeup accessories and more particularly pertains to a new heater for heating a metal eyelash curler. Metal eyelash curlers have a scissors design and include a pair of curved curling plates. Eyelashes of the user can be curled by clamping between the curved curling plates, which are made of metal. Usually one of the plates includes a rubber lip. By heating the curved curling plates, the curling effect of the curved curling plates can be enhanced. The new heater provides a convenient and easy way to heat the curved curling plates.(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

[0007] The prior art relates to heating devices for beauty and makeup accessories. The prior art, as best understood, does not disclose a heater for heating a metal eyelash curler that includes a housing, a heating plate, a heating element, and a power source, wherein the housing includes a front wall section that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler. The heating plate is attached to the front wall section and is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates to heat the curved curling plates.(H) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above in a heater generally comprising a housing, a heating plate, a heating element, and a power source. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall includes a front wall section that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler. The heating plate is attached to the front wall section. The heating plate is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates. The heating plate is designed to be placed immediately adjacent the curved curling plates to heat the curved curling plates. The heating element is positioned in the housing. The heating element is connected to the heating plate to heat the heating plate. The power source is designed to supply power to the heating element.

[0009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0010] The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.(I) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of a heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure in use.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.(J) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new heater embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0019] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the heater 10 for heating a metal eyelash curler 60 generally comprises a housing 12, a heating plate 14, a heating element 16, and a power source 18. In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2 through 5, the housing 12 includes a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22, and a perimeter wall 24. The perimeter wall 24 includes a front wall section 26 that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates 62 at distal ends of scissor arms 64 of a metal eyelash curler 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The heating plate 14 is attached to the front wall section 26. The heating plate 14 is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates 62. The heating plate 14 is designed to be placed immediately adjacent the curved curling plates 62 to heat the curved curling plates 62. The heating element 16 is positioned in the housing 12. The heating element 16 is connected to the heating plate 14 to heat the heating plate 14. The power source 18 is designed to supply power to the heating element 16.

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the housing 12 is designed to be laid onto the metal eyelash curler 60 with the heating plate 14 in contact with a convexly curved side of the curved curling plates 62. In another possible embodiment, the curved curling plates 62 could be laid on top of the heating plate 14.

[0021] The heating element 16 is designed to heat the heating plate 14 to a temperature no greater than 120° F. such that the curved curling plates 62 are heated to a temperature no greater than 120° F. to prevent accidental burning of skin. It is generally known that human skin can withstand temperatures of up to about 114° F. to 120° F. without harm or burning. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved curling plates 62 are not heated above this temperature to avoid accidental burns, especially since the curved curling plates 62 will be placed near the eyes and eyelids. In another possible embodiment, an even lower maximum temperature could be set, such as 80° F. or 90° F. While not shown in the figures, the heating element 16 could include a thermostat to deactivate the heating element 16 when the maximum temperature is reached, as is well known in the heating arts.

[0022] The power source 18 includes a rechargeable battery 32 and a charge port 34 connected to the rechargeable battery 32. The charge port 34 is positioned in an outer surface of the housing 12, specifically the perimeter wall 24 as shown in FIG. 3. The rechargeable battery 32 is positioned in the housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3, the charge port 34 is designed to receive a USB cable 36. However, other designs of the charge port 34 could be used, or the charge port 34 could be replaced with a wired cord, or the charge port 34 could be omitted and the housing 12 could have a compartment for insertion of non-rechargeable batteries.

[0023] The perimeter wall 24 includes a rear wall section 28. The rear wall section 28 is convexly curved to match the front wall section 26. The perimeter wall 24 includes a pair of side wall sections 30 connecting the front wall section 26 and the rear wall section 28. The housing 12 therefore is essentially C-shaped as shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2. However, this is only one possible embodiment. For example, the rear wall section 28 could be squared off and flat rather than being curved.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the housing 12 has a height between the top wall 20 and the bottom wall 22 less than 1.50 inches, a depth between the front wall section 26 and the rear wall section 28 less than 1.50 inches, and a width between the side wall sections 30 of less than 4.0 inches. The housing 12 is relatively small and compact to match the relatively small curved curling plates 62. Other dimensions of the housing 12 are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the heater 10 further includes a power button 38. The power button 38 is positioned at an outer surface of the housing 12. The power button 38 is designed to selectively turn the heating element 16 on and off.

[0026] The heater 10 is used to heat the curved curling plates 62 before use in curling eyelashes. The user presses the power button 38, which in turn activates the heating element 16 and thereby heats the heating plate 14. The user places the heating plate 14 immediately adjacent or in contact with the curved curling plates 62 and thereby heats the curved curling plates 62. The user can now curl the eyelashes of the user with the heated curved curling plates 62, which promote a stronger and faster curling effect. When finished, the user turns off the heater 10 by pressing the power button 38. In one possible embodiment, the heater 10 could be designed to automatically shut off after a period of time, as is well known in the heating arts. Between uses, the user can store the heater 10 in a case 40 having a body 42 and a lid 44, as shown in FIG. 6, which lid 44 could be curved as shown to follow the curved shaped of the rear wall section 28 of the perimeter wall 24.

[0027] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new heater embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0019]As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the heater 10 for heating a metal eyelash curler 60 generally comprises a housing 12, a heating plate 14, a heating element 16, and a power source 18. In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2 through 5, the housing 12 includes a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22, and a perimeter wall 24. The perimeter wall 24 includes a front wall section 26 that is concavely curved to match curved curling plates 62 at distal ends of scissor arms 64 of a metal eyelash curler 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The heating plate 14 is attached to the front wall section 26. The heating plate 14 is concavely curved to match the curved curling plates 62. The heating plate 14 is designed to be placed immediately adjacent the curved ...

Claims

1. A heater for heating a metal eyelash curler comprising:a housing, the housing including a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall, the perimeter wall including a front wall section being concavely curved to match curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler;a heating plate, the heating plate being attached to said front wall section, the heating plate being concavely curved to match the curved curling plates, the heating plate being configured to be placed immediately adjacent the curved curling plates to heat the curved curling plates;a heating element, the heating element being positioned in the housing, the heating element being connected to the heating plate to heat the heating plate; anda power source, the power source being configured to supply power to the heating element.

2. The heater of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be laid onto the metal eyelash curler with the heating plate in contact with a convexly curved side of the curved curling plates.

3. The heater of claim 1, wherein the heating element being configured to heat the heating plate to a temperature no greater than 120° F. such that the curved curling plates are heated to a temperature no greater than 120° F. to prevent accidental burning of skin.

4. The heater of claim 1, wherein:the power source includes a rechargeable battery and a charge port connected to the rechargeable battery;the charge port is positioned in an outer surface of the housing; andthe rechargeable battery is positioned in the housing.

5. The heater of claim 4, wherein the charge port is configured to receive a USB cable.

6. The heater of claim 1, wherein:the perimeter wall includes a rear wall section;the rear wall section is convexly curved to match the front wall section; andthe perimeter wall includes a pair of side wall sections connecting the front wall section and the rear wall section.

7. The heater of claim 1, wherein the housing has a height between the top wall and the bottom wall less than 1.50 inches, a depth between the front wall section and the rear wall section less than 1.50 inches, and a width between the side wall sections of less than 4.0 inches.

8. The heater of claim 1, wherein further comprising a power button, the power button being positioned at an outer surface of the housing, the power button being configured to selectively turn the heating element on and off.

9. The heater of claim 5, wherein the housing is configured to be laid onto the metal eyelash curler with the heating plate in contact with a convexly curved side of the curved curling plates.

10. The heater of claim 9, wherein the heating element being configured to heat the heating plate to a temperature no greater than 120° F. such that the curved curling plates are heated to a temperature no greater than 120° F. to prevent accidental burning of skin.

11. The heater of claim 10, wherein:the perimeter wall includes a rear wall section;the rear wall section is convexly curved to match the front wall section; andthe perimeter wall includes a pair of side wall sections connecting the front wall section and the rear wall section.

12. The heater of claim 11, wherein the housing has a height between the top wall and the bottom wall less than 1.50 inches, a depth between the front wall section and the rear wall section less than 1.50 inches, and a width between the side wall sections of less than 4.0 inches.

13. The heater of claim 12, wherein further comprising a power button, the power button being positioned at an outer surface of the housing, the power button being configured to selectively turn the heating element on and off.

14. A method of heating curved curling plates of a metal eyelash curler, the method comprising the steps of:providing a heater for heating a metal eyelash curler comprising:a housing, the housing including a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall, the perimeter wall including a front wall section being concavely curved to match curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler;a heating plate, the heating plate being attached to said front wall section, the heating plate being concavely curved to match the curved curling plates, the heating plate being configured to be placed immediately adjacent the curved curling plates to heat the curved curling plates;a heating element, the heating element being positioned in the housing, the heating element being connected to the heating plate to heat the heating plate; anda power source, the power source being configured to supply power to the heating element;activating the heating element and thereby heating the heating plate; andplacing the heating plate immediately adjacent curved curling plates at distal ends of scissor arms of a metal eyelash curler and thereby heating the curved curling plates.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of placing the heating plate includes laying the housing onto the metal eyelash curler with the heating plate in contact with a convexly curved side of the curved curling plates.

16. The heater of claim 14, wherein the step of heating the heating plate includes heating the heating plate to a temperature no greater than 120° F. such that the curved curling plates are heated to a temperature no greater than to 120° F. to prevent accidental burning of skin.

17. The heater of claim 16, wherein the step of placing the heating plate includes laying the housing onto the metal eyelash curler with the heating plate in contact with a convexly curved side of the curved curling plates.

Images