HK1245030B - Chemically minimized system for time reduced application of eyelash extensions - Google Patents

Description

Chemically minimized system for time-reduced false eyelash application

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/155,902, filed May 1, 2015, entitled “A CHEMICALLY MINIMIZED SYSTEM FOR TIME REDUCED APPLICATION OF EYELASH EXTENSIONS,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to the staging and attachment of eyelash extensions, and more particularly to a novel system for attaching eyelashes and hair extensions in multiple locations by employing a combination of an adhesive or curable gel and a tool including tweezers with a built-in UV light source, the novel system being intended to improve the application of extensions by reducing application time and using chemically reactive materials.

background

Since false eyelashes became commercially available, successfully operating a system for applying false eyelashes and wigs in a time-efficient manner without sacrificing accurate and safe application or the ability of the subject to freely engage in normal activities after such application has encountered various problems. These problems include adhesive compounds that do not dry quickly enough to allow for effective application or that do not dry effectively without causing unsightly agglomeration, and exposing the subject to potentially toxic off-gassing. These problems also include the subject being unable to use makeup remover while the false part remains attached, or being unable to shower or swim within 24 hours of application. In addition, the prolonged application process can lead to the development of various chronic and degenerative conditions by the application professional.

The system described in this application addresses these issues in a novel way by employing a combination of elements (including a low-viscosity adhesive or sealable adhesive) and tools (which may include a micro-applicator, protective tape, a plastic adhesive disk (P.A.D.), a sponge-tipped attachment, and tweezers attached to a UV light source capable of photo-initiated adhesive curing). The low-viscosity adhesive or sealable adhesive can dry in as little as 2 to 3 seconds after application, thereby shortening the total application period compared to any other currently used application system without sacrificing accurate or secure placement of the attached dummy joints. Accurate placement of the dummy joints can be facilitated by using a micro-applicator, which serves not only as a tool for applying the minimum amount of adhesive or sealable adhesive at each application point, but also as a measuring tool and a device for smoothing the adhesive or sealable adhesive after application. Tweezers can be used to place individual or groups of dummy joints, and by attaching a UV light source to the tweezers, a novel device is formed that can be used to simultaneously cure the preferred adhesive and focus illumination on the attachment area without pausing between dummy joint applications.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention can be characterized as a novel method and apparatus that improves upon current systems for applying and attaching false eyelashes and hairpieces by reducing the amount of time required for the entire attachment process without sacrificing accuracy or safety of the steps, and minimizing the subject's exposure to toxic chemicals, while enabling the subject to engage in daily activities without being hindered immediately after attachment of the false extension.

The present invention is further characterized as a system for professional preparation and application of false eyelashes and wigs, which can include the use of a chemically reduced adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, which is a non-adhesive bonding gel, a microfiber skin guard and a temporary pad, a brushless micro-applicator, and tweezers including an attached UV light source. The adhesive can be colored or transparent as desired and can dry in as little as 2 to 3 seconds after application. The non-adhesive bonding gel can be colored or transparent as desired and can be cured simultaneously by exposure to a UV emission source (such as, for example, a light emitting diode ("LED") or a UV laser) while application is occurring. The microfiber skin guard can be cut to fit the shape and contour of the area surrounding the application area and can be used as a pad for temporarily storing the adhesive or bonding agent, thereby allowing application time and possible skin exposure to be greatly reduced. A brushless micro-applicator, similar to a miniature toothbrush, can be used to apply adhesive or bonding agents to the graft attachment points and can also serve as a measuring tool to obtain graft attachment points that are, as desired, within a millimeter of each other and within a millimeter of the skin surface. Tweezers are typically used to separate the lashes around each application point and hold them while attaching the graft. Tweezers can be attached to a UV light source that directs a directed light onto the attachment area, allowing for greater attachment precision and curing when a non-adhesive bonding gel is used to attach the graft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various aspects of the present invention taken in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an outline perspective view of an apparatus for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes. One of the apparatus's two substantially similar LED arms is shown.

Figure 2 is a perspective view in solid form of an apparatus for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes. One of the apparatus's two substantially similar LED arms is shown.

3 is a side elevation view in profile of a device for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes, showing details of the open underside of the LED housing unit of the device arm.

4 is a side view of a solid form of a device for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes, showing details of the open underside of the LED housing unit of the device arm.

5 shows an enlarged outline perspective view of a base region of an apparatus for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes.

6 shows an enlarged solid form perspective view of a base region of an apparatus for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes.

7 shows a further outline perspective view of an apparatus for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes.

8 shows another solid form perspective view of an apparatus for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes.

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a device for applying false eyelashes to a subject's eyelashes. The device is shown without a base region and with arms with LEDs attached that are attached directly to tweezers on both sides.

Figure 10 shows the first stage of operating the system, with the guard band displayed. A single eyelash is shown adjacent the guard band to provide a scale.

FIG11 illustrates a second stage of operating the system, wherein the application gel is shown placed on a staging area adjacent to the guard band and application area.

FIG12 shows the third stage of operating the system, in which the preparation of a strip of false eyelashes is illustrated.

FIG13 shows a fourth stage of operation of the system, wherein the desired application object (in this case a single false eyelash) is being dipped into the temporarily stored application gel adjacent the application area.

FIG14 shows the fifth stage of operating the system, where the brushless micro-applicator is used to smooth the application gel applied to the false eyelashes.

FIG. 15 shows the sixth stage of operating the system, wherein the eyelash, with the applied gel coating the end of one eyelash, is placed and positioned at the desired attachment point.

FIG16 shows a seventh stage of operating the system, wherein the device is shown with its attached LED turned on and positioned over the eyelash with the applied gel coating the end of one lash.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and novel forms of apparatus for applying false eyelashes to a user's eyelashes and for applying false hair. The following description is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention in the context of a particular application. Various modifications and uses in different applications will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments provided, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

First preferred embodiment

Referring now to the drawings, a first embodiment of the system is shown in Figures 1-8 and may include a number of elements and stages to achieve its operation.

A first embodiment of the system can employ a device 100, which, as shown in Figures 1-8, consists of tweezers attached to two LED elements. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dimensions of the device, viewed from an elevated angle and positioned horizontally, can range within a certain range. The first embodiment of the device can be viewed as a perspective view of the device comprising tweezers and one of two substantially similar arms capable of attaching an LED.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device 100 includes a base region 5 and two forceps portions 6 and 6a connected to the base region 5. In a preferred embodiment, the length of each of the two forceps portions 6 and 6a of the device 100 when measured from the end points 1 and 1a of the forceps portions 6 and 6a, respectively, to the inner edge 2a of the base region 5 can be approximately 131 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the base region 5 of the device 100 between the inner edge 2a of the base region 5 and the outer edge 2 of the base region 5 can be approximately 30 millimeters.

The forceps portions 6 and 6a include generally rectangular main portions 4 and 4a and generally triangular tapered portions 3 and 3a. In a preferred embodiment, the main portions 4 and 4a have a length of approximately ninety-one millimeters when measured from the inner edge 2a of the base region 5 to the curved portions 7 and 7a of the forceps portions 6 and 6a. In a preferred embodiment, the tapered portions 3 and 3a of the forceps portions 6 and 6a may extend approximately forty millimeters from the curved portions 7 and 7a to the end points 1 and 1a.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of the main body portions 4 and 4a between the inner edge 2a of the base region 5 and the curved portions 7 and 7a can be approximately ten millimeters. The tapered portions 3 and 3a of the tweezers portions 6 and 6a can have a width that steadily decreases along both sides of the tapered portions 3 and 3a between the curved portions 7 and 7a and the end points 1 and 1a. In a preferred embodiment, the end points 1 and 1a of the tapered portions 3 and 3a include flattened points 8 and 8a having a surface area of approximately one square millimeter. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the main body portions 4 and 4a and the tapered portions 3 and 3a of each of the tweezers portions 6 and 6a can each be approximately nine millimeters.

In an embodiment, the arm 10 supporting the LED housing unit 22 extends over and above the outwardly facing surface of the main body portion 4 of the tweezers portion 6. As shown in more detail in FIG. 9 with reference to another embodiment, the tweezers portions 29 and 29a can be supported by two arms 30 and 30a, thereby providing a controllable and adjustable light source for the tweezers portions 29 and 29a.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, arm 10 is connected to portion 11 of inner edge 2a of base region 5 and extends outwardly therefrom. Viewed from the perspectives shown in Figures 1 and 2, arm 10 includes an outer surface 9 and an inner surface 16. Outer surface 9 includes a first curved portion 12, a generally straight portion 13, and a second curved portion 14. In a preferred embodiment, the length of outer surface 9 of arm 10 is approximately 74 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the length of inner surface 16 of arm 10, located between curved surfaces 17 and 17a, is approximately 67 millimeters.

In a preferred embodiment, the second curved surface 14 of the arm 10 has a greater curvature than the first curved surface 12 of the arm 10. In a preferred embodiment, the curved portions 12 and 14 of the outer surface 9 of the arm 10 can be convex, while the curved portions 17 and 17a of the inner surface 16 of the arm 10 can be concave. The curved portion 14 can continue to curve through an arc of approximately ninety degrees and the arm 10 can then extend in a generally straight manner until connected to the LED housing unit 22.

The straight portion 15 connects the arm 10 and the LED housing unit 22. In a preferred embodiment, the straight portion 15 has a length of approximately twenty-two millimeters and a width of approximately seven millimeters.

In a preferred embodiment, the LED housing unit 22 comprises one half of a hollowed-out, bullet-shaped housing 18. The LED housing unit 22 can be connected to the vertical straight portion 15 using the hollowed-out portion of the housing 18 positioned so that the open side 19 faces the tapered portion 3 of the tweezers portion 6. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 18 can have a length of approximately thirty millimeters and an internal width of approximately seven millimeters.

In a preferred embodiment, the LED housing unit 22 may comprise a portion of the housing 18 that is closed except for a curved opening 21 at one end that allows for focused light and heat emission.

As shown in FIG3 , the LED housing unit 22 may include an internal bowl 23 capable of receiving a lamp enclosing an LED. The open side 19 of the LED housing unit 22 allows the lamp to be slightly oversized compared to the internal dimensions of its housing area, allowing it to protrude outward from the internal bowl 23. Enclosing an oversized lamp containing LEDs in this manner is intended to reduce the overall heat emitted in the area when the system is in operation. This reduction in heat emission can increase the useful life of the LEDs employed within the system and eliminate the need for the device to incorporate a heat sink, without sacrificing the effectiveness of the gel-cured LEDs that are utilized in the system.

A portion of the LED housing unit 22 may include a cover 24 that can be swung open to allow removal or insertion of the lamp enclosing the LED.

LEDs are considered to be the preferred means for photoinitiating the curing of the applied gel because they can operate at high efficiencies within the system when compared to alternative light sources, such as mercury vapor lamps. The lamp package and LED housing unit 22 can also be sized much smaller than would be required for alternative light sources. As shown above, the lamp package and LED housing unit 22, sized relatively small, can still promote acceptable levels of energy consumption and dissipation within the system while meeting target application times.

In a preferred embodiment, the LEDs in the LED housing unit 22 can be operated with a power input that causes light emission at UV-A wavelengths in the approximate range of 350 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The peak wavelength range can occur between approximately 395 nanometers and 405 nanometers, with an average of approximately 400 nanometers.

3 , LEDs in an LED housing unit 22 that operate within a target wavelength range and are intended for use by the system may have a light emission range 25 of approximately sixty to one hundred and twenty degrees. Light emitted from the LEDs may be focused onto the intended target area by the LED housing unit 22 having the curved opening 21. Most of the light emitted by the LEDs may be further focused by the interior walls 26, 26a of the LED housing unit 22, causing light emissions outside of the range to be reflected back toward the interior portion of the LED housing unit 22.

The use of two LED light sources attached to the arm that holds the tweezers in the device is intended to allow the system to operate at longer wavelengths and closer proximity to the target area without causing unsafe or uneven exposure at the application target. The use of two bracketed LED light sources is further intended to minimize the exposure time required to cure the applied gel during each application instance.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the base region 5 of the device 100 can serve as the connection area between the forceps portions 6 and 6a at the lower portion of the inner edge 2a, and can serve as the connection area between the bracket arms 10 at the upper portion 11 of the inner edge 2a. The base region 5 of the device 100 can serve as the area where the device 100 can be grasped by a person while operating the system. The base region 5 can accommodate a built-in compartment (not shown) for a battery and a microprocessor intended to provide and control the flow of power to the LED lighting employed within the system.

The base region 5 of the device 100 can be curved along one of its outwardly facing longitudinal edges 27 to connect with the outwardly facing curved portion of each arm 10 of the device 100. The opposing longitudinal edge 28 of the base region 5 can extend straight for a length of approximately thirty millimeters. The base region 5 can include a polygonal shape.

The microprocessor is a desirable element in the operation of the system because it can be programmed to allow the power current to the LED to be cut between each application instance and to control the energy density of the pulse width modulation. Using the device's programmed operation in this way allows the system to operate under predetermined exposure periods and delays, eliminating the need for the operator to attempt to determine appropriate exposure and dwell periods while operating the system. This type of pre-determination can increase operating efficiency and LED life expectancy and reduce the possibility of over-emission exposure to the target area.

The microprocessor employed within the system may be connected to the wireless rechargeable circuitry and battery, which may also be housed within the base region 5 of the device 100, and may be connected to the Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, as well as the microcontroller and safety cut-off repeater. Employing a microprocessor may also allow the system to operate wirelessly.

Preferred embodiments of the system may also employ an application gel that may be prepared from a combination of monomers and a photoinitiator.

The preparation of the applied gel can be obtained by combining a monomer including ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and a photoinitiator including trimethylbenzoylphenyl phosphinate.

The composition of the applied gel may include an amount of photoinitiator ranging from one percent to five percent.

The application gel prepared in this manner can be cured from a viscous state to a hardened state by exposure to radiation from an LED lighting lamp attached to the arm 10 of the apparatus 100 .

The application gel is intended to act as a substance that holds each application object in place at each intended target area.

A first preferred embodiment of the system may be operated by employing multiple stages.

As shown in Figure 10, the first stage of operating the system can be represented by preparing the application area. Preparing the application area can include placing a protective tape, which can be composed of a variety of synthetic materials (including cotton), any of which can be coated with plastic to address the problem of applied gel sticking to the tape. The protective tape can be cut to fit the contour of the specific area around which the application point will be located.

As shown in Figure 11, the second stage of operating the system can be represented by temporarily storing a desired amount of application gel at a suitable area. To this end, the application gel can be placed on a plurality of items (including plastic adhesive discs or another protective tape).

As shown in FIG. 12 , the third stage of operating the system may be performed by placing a desired source of application object (such as a strip of false eyelashes) adjacent to the stored application gel.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the fourth stage of operating the system may be represented by grasping a desired number of application objects with the apparatus 100 and dipping each application object into the application gel.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the fifth stage of operating the system may be represented by using the brushless micro-applicator to smooth out any applied gel that may be uneven or clumped on the application object.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the sixth stage of operating the system may be represented by positioning the application object having the application gel thereon at the desired attachment point.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the seventh stage of operating the system may be represented by curing the application gel on the application object using emission from the UV light source, thereby securing the application object in a desired position at a desired application point.

Stages one through seven of the system may be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the desired results.

While the foregoing relates to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the present invention may be envisioned without departing from the basic scope of the invention, including incorporating a plurality of different tweezers and LED housing units of varying sizes and shapes, such as that shown in FIG9 . In other embodiments, the arm 10 of the device 100 may incorporate a length adjustment ring that can be rotated to cause the arm 10 to extend or retract. In other embodiments, application gels containing different combinations of monomers and photoinitiators may be employed.

Second preferred embodiment

In a second preferred embodiment, the system is operable in a second stage represented by placing a desired amount of application gel directly at the desired attachment area.

In a second preferred embodiment, the system is operable in a fifth stage represented by using a brushless micro-applicator to smooth out any applied gel that may be uneven or clumped at the desired attachment area.

In a second preferred embodiment, the system is operable in a sixth stage represented by positioning the application object at the attachment area in the desired location for application of the gel.

Third preferred embodiment

As shown in Figures 9 and 16, in a third preferred embodiment, the system can be operated by using an apparatus 200 including forceps 29 and 29a and bracket arms 30 and 30a, which are attached to each other in a manner different from that shown in Figures 1-8 as described in the first preferred embodiment.

Fourth preferred embodiment

In a fourth preferred embodiment, the system may be operated using a device comprising only a single arm (as opposed to a bracket arm) to which the LED is attached. The use of only a single arm and attached LED may be employed when lower energy consumption is desired.

Fifth preferred embodiment

In a fifth preferred embodiment, the application object may be a wig.

Sixth preferred embodiment

In a sixth embodiment, alternative UV emission sources, including UV lasers, may be incorporated into the apparatus 300 and employed in the operation of the system.

Claims (16)

1. A method for attaching a wig, comprising the following steps: Place protective material to protect the selected area of skin adjacent to one or more hair locations where one or more wigs will be attached; A tool for grasping one or more wigs, the tool having a base region, a pair of opposing tweezers portions, an arm, and an ultraviolet light source connected to the arm near the distal end of one of the tweezers portions, the tweezers portions being connected to the base region at a common proximal end and extending from the base region to their respective distal ends spaced apart from each other, the arm being connected to the base region and extending curvedly away from the base region and close to an outward-facing surface of one of the tweezers portions, wherein the arm includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface including a first curved portion, a generally straight portion, and a second curved portion, and the second curved portion of the arm having a greater curvature than the first curved portion of the arm; Apply adhesive to one or more of the wigs; Smooth the adhesive on one or more strands of hair as needed; Make one or more hair strands contact the one or more hair locations; and The adhesive on one or more wigs is illuminated by the ultraviolet light source, thereby hardening the adhesive to attach the one or more wigs to one or more hair locations. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more wigs comprise false eyelashes attached to natural eyelashes. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more wigs are attached to hair that grows naturally from the skin. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more wigs are attached to the artificial hair. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the protective material comprises a protective strip composed of a synthetic material. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the protective strip is coated with a plastic material. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a low-viscosity adhesive based on cyanoacrylate. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a monomer and a photoinitiator. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the monomer comprises ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and the photoinitiator comprises trimethylbenzoylphenyl hypophosphite. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the monomer comprises an amount ranging from 1% to 5% of a photoinitiator. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the cyanoacrylate-based low-viscosity adhesive is colored. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a UV-curable gel. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the UV-curable gel is colored. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source is a light-emitting diode. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source is a UV laser. 16. A kit for attaching a wig, comprising: One or more wigs; Protective materials; Adhesive; Applicator; and A tool having a base region, a pair of opposing tweezers portions, an arm, and an ultraviolet light source connected to the arm near the distal end of one of the tweezers portions. The tweezers portions are connected to the base region at a common proximal end and extend from the base region to their respective distal ends spaced apart from each other. The arm is connected to the base region and extends curvedly away from the base region and close to an outward-facing surface of one of the tweezers portions. The arm includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface includes a first curved portion, a generally straight portion, and a second curved portion. The second curved portion of the arm has a greater curvature than the first curved portion of the arm.