APPARATUS FOR CURLING EYELASHES

Abstract

A curling device for curling eye lashes includes a handle extending along a longitudinal axis thereof; and a curling blade extending from the handle along the longitudinal axis, the curling blade having a first lateral face and a second lateral face, each of the first lateral face and the second lateral face being flat, the curling blade having a contact edge, the contact edge longitudinally from the handle and terminating at a distal end of the curling blade, and the contact edge extending laterally between the first lateral face and the second lateral face.

Claims

1. A curling device for curling eye lashes, the curling device comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis thereof; and a curling blade extending from the handle along the longitudinal axis, the curling blade having a first lateral face and a second lateral face, each of the first lateral face and the second lateral face being flat, the curling blade having a contact edge, the contact edge extending longitudinally from the handle and terminating at a distal end of the curling blade, and the contact edge extending laterally between the first lateral face and the second lateral face.

2. The curling device of claim 1, wherein the first lateral face is parallel to the second lateral face.

3. The curling device of claim 1, wherein the first lateral face and the second lateral face are oriented at an angle relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

4. The curling device of claim 1, wherein the contact edge is flat.

5. The curling device of claim 1, wherein the contact edge is perpendicular to the first lateral face and the second lateral face.

6. The curling device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the contact edge is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

7. The curling device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the contact edge has an arcuate section which curves inwardly toward the longitudinal axis and terminates at the distal end of the curling blade.

8. The curling device of claim 7, wherein the arcuate section has a radius of curvature.

9. The curling device of claim 1, wherein the contact edge has squared off corners.

10. The curling device of claim 1, wherein the contact edge has rounded corners.

11. The curling device of claim 1, wherein the contact edge has chamfered corners.

12. A method for curling eye lashers using the curling device of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Referring now to the Figures, which are exemplary embodiments, and wherein the like elements are numbered alike:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of the curling device of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is bottom view of the curling device taken across section 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the curling device taken across section 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the curling device taken across section 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the curling device taken across section 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 6. is a cross-sectional view of the curling device taken across section 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a user employing the curling device of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a side view of the curling device of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 16 is a front end view of the curling device of FIG. 15 taken from view 16-16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a curling device 10 for curling eye lashes includes a handle 20 that extends along a longitudinal axis L thereof. The curling device 10 includes a curling blade 30 that extends from the handle 20 along the longitudinal axis L. The curling blade 30 has a first lateral face 38A and a second lateral face 38B. Each of the first lateral face 38A and the second lateral face 38B are flat. The curling blade 30 has a contact edge 33, 35. The contact edge 33, 35 extends longitudinally from the handle 20 and terminating at a distal end 32 of the curling blade 30, and the contact edge extending laterally between the first lateral face and the second lateral face. As shown in FIG. 2-5, the first lateral face 38A is parallel to the second lateral face 38B. As shown in FIG. 6, the first lateral face 38A and the second lateral face 38B are oriented at an angle θ relative to an axis X (see FIGS. 3-6) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, such that the thickness T6 at the top edge 37 is about 0.5 mm (e.g., 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm) and tapers to a thickness T7 of about 0.2 mm (e.g., 0.15 mm to about 0.25 mm) at the contact edge 33, 35, as shown in FIG. 16. The contact edge 33, 35 shown in FIG. 16 has a squared off edge similar to that shown in FIG. 3.

[0029] In some embodiments, the contact edge 33 is flat. In some embodiments, contact edge 33, 35 is perpendicular to the first lateral face 38A and the second lateral face 38B. In some embodiments, a portion of the contact edge 33 between a point 31 and a second point 34 is parallel to the longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments, a portion of the contact edge 35 has an arcuate section between the point 34 and the distal end 32. The portion of the contact edge 35 with the arcuate section curves inwardly toward the longitudinal axis L and terminates at the distal end 32 of the curling blade 30. The portion of the contact edge 35 with the arcuate section has a radius of curvature R1.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the contact edge 33, 35 has squared off corners 35E and 35F. As shown in FIG. 4, the contact edge 33, 35 has rounded corners 35G and 35H. As shown in FIG. 5, the contact edge 33, 35 has chamfered corners 35J and 35K.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the curling device 10 has an overall length L of about 4 inches up to about 8 inches; the handle 20 has a length L1 of about 3 inches up to about 5 inches; and the curling blade 30 has a length L2 of about 1.0 up to about 2.0 inches and preferably 1.5 inches. The handle 20 has a width T2 (between a top edge 22 and a bottom edge 24) of about 0.5 inches up to about 1.0 inches and as shown in FIG. 2 has a thickness T3 of about 0.25 up to about 0.5 inches. As shown in FIG. 1, the curling blade has a width T1 (between a top edge 37 and the contact edge 33) 0.5 to 1.0 inches and as shown in FIG. 2 has a uniform thickness T4 (between the first lateral face 38A and the second lateral face 38B 0.2 mm up to about 0.5 mm.

[0032] In some embodiments the handle 20 is made from a polymer based material such as a thermosetting plastic. In some embodiments, the curling blade 30 is manufactured from a metallic material such as stainless steel or brass. In some embodiments, the handle 20 and curling blade 30 are integrally formed as a single unitary piece. In some embodiments, the curling blade 30 is made from a polymer based material such as a thermosetting plastic. In some embodiments, the handle 20 and/or the curling blade 30 are made from a composite material. In some embodiments, where the curling blade 30 is manufactured from a polymer based material such as a thermosetting plastic, the contact edge 33, 35 has a metallic edge insert therein.

[0033] There is disclosed herein a method for curling eye lashes. The method can be achieved with the curling device 10 grasped by either the user's right or left hand for the full duration of the curling process. While the method disclosed herein can be performed with either the right or left hand of the user, the method is described herein assuming the curling device 10 is held in the right hand and starts with the left upper eyelashes. If the curling device is held in the left hand the curling process would begin with the right upper eyelashes. While the method is described with the curling device held in the user's right hand and starting with the left upper eye lashes, the present method is not limited in this regard as the user can decide to start with either the left or righteye, and with the device being held in either hand for one or both eyes, adjusting the method per hand and device position per eye to suit the curling process. If the user is more comfortable using firstly the left hand for the right eye and secondly the right hand for the left eye this is also included in the present method, as the curling device is designed to be used bi-directionally.

[0034] The method includes the following steps in the order presented below.

[0035] Step 1—Providing a curling device 10 having a handle 20 extending along a longitudinal axis L thereof and a curling blade 30 extending from the handle 20, along the longitudinal axis L, the curling blade 30 having a first lateral face 38A and a second lateral face 38B, each of the first lateral face 38A and the second lateral face 38B being flat, the curling blade 30 having a contact edge 33, 35, the contact edge 33, 35 extending longitudinally from the handle 20 and terminating at a distal end 32 of the curling blade 30, and the contact edge 33, 35 extending laterally between the first lateral face 38A and the second lateral face 38B.

[0036] Step 2—Gripping the handle 20 of the curling device 10 in either hand with the outer surface of the middle phalanx's facing towards the users face and the pad of the distal phalanx along the bottom edge 24 of the handle, with the wrist and hand being parallel to the user's face.

[0037] Step 3—Positioning the curling device 10 in front of the user's eye with the distal end 32 of the curling blade 30 nearest the user's nose.

[0038] Step 4—Gently, but firmly, pinch approximately half of the user's upper eyelashes, beginning at the base of the upper eyelashes, at the inner corner of the user's eye between the pad of the distal phalanx and the contact edge 33, 35 of the curling blade 30.

[0039] Step 5—Rolling in one motion the user's wrist upwards, gently but firmly pulling the upper eyelashes through the pad of the distal phalanx and the contact edge 33, 35, resulting in the proximal phalanx's now being positioned in front of the eye and the wrist and hand being at a 90 degree angle.

[0040] Step 6—Releasing the curled upper eyelash.

[0041] Step 7—Moving the curling device 10 to the base of remaining half of upper lashes at outer edge of eye and with distal end 32 of curling blade 30 still pointing towards the user's nose repeat the curling process.

[0042] Step 8—For the next eye, gripping curling device 10 bring across the user's face to position the contact edge 33, 35 of curling blade away from the nose, pointing towards the ear.

[0043] Step 9—Gently, but firmly, at base of upper lashes, pinch approximately half of the upper eyelashes at the outer corner of the eye between the pad of the distal phalanx and the contact edge 33, 35 of the curling blade 30.

[0044] Step 10—In one motion, rolling the user's wrist upwards, gently but firmly pulling the upper eyelashes through the pad of the distal phalanx and the contact edge 33, 35, resulting in the proximal phalanx's now being positioned in front of the eye and the user's wrist and hand being at a 90 degree angle.

[0045] Step 11—Releasing the curled upper eyelash.

[0046] Step 12—Moving curling device to remaining half of upper lashes, gripping at base of upper lashes, at inner edge of eye, with contact edge 33, 35 of curling blade 30 still pointing away from the nose and towards the ear, and repeat the curling process.

[0047] Step 13—Release curled upper eyelashes.

[0048] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein. The various features and elements of the invention described herein may be combined in a manner different than the specific examples described or claimed herein without departing from the scope of the invention. In other words, any element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility between the two, or it is specifically excluded.

[0049] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification.

[0050] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a plant” includes a plurality of such plants. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as “solely,” “only,” and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a “negative” limitation. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

[0051] The term “and/or” means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase “one or more” is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage.

[0052] Each numerical or measured value in this specification is modified by the term “about”. The term “about” can refer to a variation of ±5%, ±10%, ±20%, or ±25% of the value specified. For example, “about 50” percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term “about” can include one or two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of the range. Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term “about” is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.

[0053] As will be understood by the skilled artisan, all numbers, including those expressing quantities of reagents or ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth, are approximations and are understood as being optionally modified in all instances by the term “about.” These values can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings of the descriptions herein. It is also understood that such values inherently contain variability necessarily resulting from the standard deviations found in their respective testing measurements.

[0054] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges recited herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as the individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. A recited range includes each specific value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.

[0055] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as “up to”, “at least”, “greater than”, “less than”, “more than”, “or more”, and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio. Accordingly, specific values recited for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for radicals and substituents.

[0056] One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group, the invention encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group. Additionally, for all purposes, the invention encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members. The invention therefore envisages the explicit exclusion of any one or more of members of a recited group. Accordingly, provisos may apply to any of the disclosed categories or embodiments whereby any one or more of the recited elements, species, or embodiments, may be excluded from such categories or embodiments, for example, as used in an explicit negative limitation.