Eyelash Extension Protector

Abstract

The present invention relates to an eyelash extension protector to protect eyelash extensions and false lashes from water, moisture and steam. The eyelash extension protector includes an eyewear frame and an adjustable strap. The eyewear frame comprises a pair of eye socket protectors. The eyewear frame is dimensioned to accommodate eyelashes and eyelash extensions, wherein the eyewear socket protector is wider and deeper where it covers the eye to accommodate longer and fuller eyelashes. The adjustable strap is configured to secure the eyewear frame in place.

Claims

1. An eyelash extension protector comprising: an eyewear frame comprising: a pair of eye socket protectors; a bridge connecting the pair of eye socket protectors; and an inside periphery; and a strap comprising a pair of securing elements for attaching the strap to the eyewear frame.

2. The eyelash extension protector of claim 1, wherein each of the eye socket protectors are oval in shape.

3. The eyelash extension protector of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.

4. The eyelash extension protector of claim 1, wherein each securing element is a threaded knot.

5. The eyelash extension protector of claim 1, wherein each eye socket protector comprises a sidewall, a receiving hole, and a lens.

6. The eyelash extension protector of claim 5, wherein each sidewall is at least 15 millimeters deep.

7. An eyelash extension protector comprising: an eyewear frame comprising: a pair of eye socket protectors, each eye socket protector comprising a sidewall, a receiving hole, and a lens; a bridge connecting the pair of eye socket protectors; and an inside periphery; and a strap comprising a pair of securing elements for attaching the strap to both of the receiving holes.

8. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein each sidewall comprises an upper portion and a lower portion.

9. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein each securing element engages the respective receiving hole to form a watertight connection.

10. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein each lens is convex.

11. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein each lens is flat.

12. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein each lens is scratch resistant.

13. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein each lens comprises a protective layer.

14. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein the inside periphery is flexible.

15. The eyelash extension protector of claim 7, wherein the strap further comprises an adjusting element.

16. An eyelash extension protector comprising: an eyewear frame comprising: a pair of eye socket protectors, each eye socket protector comprising a sidewall, a receiving hole, and a lens; a bridge connecting the pair of eye socket protectors; and an inside periphery; and a strap comprising a pair of securing elements for attaching the strap to both of the receiving holes; and a cushioning element attached to the inside periphery of the eyewear frame.

17. The eyelash extension protector of claim 16, wherein the cushioning element is attached to the inside periphery of the eyewear frame by an adhesive.

18. The eyelash extension protector of claim 16, wherein each lens comprises a protective layer.

19. The eyelash extension protector of claim 16, wherein each sidewall is at least 15 millimeters deep.

20. The eyelash extension protector of claim 16, wherein the strap further comprises an adjusting element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the eyelash extension protector of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an eyewear portion of the eyelash extension protector of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the eyelash extension protector of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded side view of one potential embodiment of the eyewear portion of the eyelash extension protector of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the eyelash extension protector of the present invention being worn in a shower in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

[0021] As noted above, there exists in the art a long-felt need for an eyelash extension protector and a method for protecting eyelash extensions and false eyelashes from various external factors such as water, steam, moisture, heat, etc., and therefore protecting the extensions from falling out prematurely. There also exists in the art a long-felt need for an eyelash extension protector which increases the useful life of eyelash extensions, and keeps the eyelash extensions in place longer. The innovative product of the present invention features an eyelash extension protector which covers and protects eyebrows, eyelashes and eyelash extensions, in order to prevent them from getting exposed to water, steam, moisture, etc., and, therefore, permitting the eyelash extensions to remain intact on the user's eyelashes for a longer period of time.

[0022] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the eyelash extension protector 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The eyelash extension protector 100 comprises an eyewear frame 102 and a strap 134. The eyewear frame 102 covers the eye sockets of a user like a pair of goggles, and accommodates eyelash extensions (i.e., does not interfere with the same). More specifically, the eyewear frame 102 comprises a pair of eye socket protectors 104, namely a right eye socket protector 104a and a left eye socket protector 104b. The right eye socket protector 104a and the left eye socket protector 104b are of sufficient width and depth in the eye portion to accommodate (i.e., not interfere with) longer and fuller eyelashes. Each of the eye socket protectors 104 may be oval, rounded, geometric, non-geometric, cylindrical, domed, or spherical in shape.

[0023] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the eyewear frame 102 further comprises a bridge 126, and an inside periphery 128. The bridge 126 connects the right and left eye socket protectors 104a and 104b in spaced apart fashion, and the inside periphery 128 is flexible to conform to the user's face. The eyewear frame 102 may be manufactured of a moldable transparent or generally translucent material such as silicone, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, other types of moldable plastics, acrylic materials, fiberglass, glass, clear aluminum, resin, etc. The material used to form pair of eye socket protectors 104, is preferably relatively thin, non-collapsible, and able to maintain its form in warm, humid or moist conditions. The strap 134 is adjustable and is configured to secure the eyewear frame 102 in place on a user. In one embodiment, the adjustable strap 134 is a head strap that encircles a user's head.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 2, each eye socket protector 104a and 104b comprises a sidewall 106, a receiving hole 114, and a lens 116. Each sidewall 106 further comprises an upper portion 108, a lower portion 110, and a lateral portion 112. The sidewall 106 is typically at least 10-15 mm deep to accommodate most eyelash extensions that may be attached to a user's eyelashes. Each receiving hole 114 is located in the lateral portion 112 of the respective eye socket protector 104a and b, the purpose of which is described more fully below.

[0025] As previously stated, the strap 134 is adjustable, and is releasably securable to the eyewear frame 102 through the respective receiving holes 114 therethrough. The strap 134 comprises a plurality of securing elements 136 at each end for engaging said receiving holes 114. The securing elements 136 utilize a securing mechanism, such as a threading knot, to attach the adjustable strap 134 to the eyewear frame 102. In an alternate embodiment, other securing mechanisms such as a threading nut or other fastening mechanisms can be used.

[0026] Furthermore, it may be desirable for the material of the eyewear frame 104 to be generally lightweight, so that very little pressure is felt around the eye area of the user, which could result in skin irritation or deterioration for the user, and even the development of pressure sores over time. Many embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular shape, size, depth, density, composition, and durability of the eyewear. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that in some embodiments alternate methods may be used to form the eyewear structure including, without limitation, vacuum forming, thermoforming, machining, etc., and in such embodiments, non-moldable materials may also be used. The materials disclosed are designed to prevent water, moisture and/or steam from entering the interior space of the eyewear 102 (i.e., the space between the eyewear frame 104 and the user's face). Depending on the material and manufacturing method chosen to make the eyewear, some embodiments may be intended for one-time usage and then disposal while others may be intended to offer multiple usages.

[0027] The bridge 126 is capable of resting on the user's nose to permit the eyelash extension protector 100 to be worn by the user. Accordingly, the eyewear frame 102 is configured to fully cover the false eyelashes or eyelash extensions of the user. The right eye socket protector 104a and the left eye socket protector 104b shield the false eyelashes against water, moisture, shampoo, dust, and the like. After each use, the eyelash extension protector 100 may be hung for drying or otherwise stored until needed again.

[0028] As further illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the eye socket protectors 104a and 104b are typically transparent to facilitate the user to visualize the surroundings. The eye socket protectors 104a and 104b include the receiving holes 114 respectively, which utilizes a securing mechanism such as a threading knot to attach the adjustable strap 134. Each securing element 136 may engage the respective receiving hole 114 to form a generally watertight connection. Further, the upper portion 108 of the sidewall 106 covers the eyebrows of the user; and the lower portion 110 covers where the eyewear frame 102 will touch the user's face below the bottom eyelashes of the user's eyes. According to an embodiment herein, the transparent eye socket protectors 104a and 104b are fitted within the eyewear frame 102 and are significantly shaped in a bubble or convex configuration to ensure that the transparent eye socket protectors 102 do not interfere with the eyelash extensions of the user.

[0029] The depth of the sidewall 106 of the transparent eye socket protectors 104a and 104b may be deep enough to typically ensure that eyelash extensions do not touch the eye socket portions, whereby protecting extensions from being bent while still offering protection for eyelash extensions from outside interference. In addition, the eye socket protectors 104a and 104b typically have a relatively small footprint, covering only a small portion of the face of a user. The eye socket protectors 104a and 104b may be of any shape such as cylindrical, spherical, dome, or other, as suitable to user needs.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each lens 116 comprises an inside surface 118 and an outside surface 122. Each lens 116 may be convex or flat in configuration, and may comprise a protective layer that is comprised of one or more of the following coatings: an anti-fogging coating, a UV protection coating, and a water-shedding or repellant coating. In one preferred embodiment, the inside surface 118 has a fog-resistant coating. In another preferred embodiment, each lens 116 has UV protection incorporated therein, and the outside surface 122 may have a water-shedding coating. The material of each lens 116 may be coated to resist fogging as well as protect against UV penetration. According to an embodiment herein, each lens 116 may be treated with an anti-fogging agent in order to prevent the user's view from becoming obstructed. Additionally, each lens 116 may be scratch resistant.

[0031] Additionally, the pair of eye socket protectors 104 are preferably non-porous in nature and act as a barrier to heat, e.g., dry heat emitted from opening a hot oven, or heat from a steam room that may otherwise damage or melt the adhesive use to attach the false eyelashes to the user's eyelashes. An adhesive and/or cushioning may also have waterproofing attributes that may further contribute as a form of barrier not only from water and steam but also from the heat in similar circumstances. The material of the pair of eye socket protectors 104, pads and adhesive are not limited in its properties and may also include some form of heat reflective, or heat-insulating properties. Thus, it is contemplated that the eyelash extension protector 100 may also be used effectively in a steam room, sauna or hot bath. Furthermore, in some applications, users may use the eyelash extension protector 100 in other scenarios such as, but not limited to, bathroom, gym settings, swimming in a pool, on the beach, and during other similar water related activities. Moreover, some embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with numerous additional and alternative features such as, but not limited to, various designs on the pair of eye socket protectors 104 to add a whimsical or decorative touch, etc. The eyewear 102 may also include a sealant or a thin layer of cushioning pad placed around a periphery 124 of the right eye socket portion 102a and the left eye socket portion 102b to make the eyewear more comfortable to wear.

[0032] As noted above, the adjustable head strap 134 is adjustable in length and is designed to be placed below the hairline of the user. In one embodiment, the head strap 134 is a rubber strap that is long enough to extend right around the user's head. The head strap 134 may be elastomeric, elasticated cord or ordinary cord. The material of the head strap 104 allows for a snug fit, creating a shower proof seal. The strap 134 may further comprise an adjusting means 138. In an embodiment, the head strap 134 can be continuous or may include a slide adjustment. In an alternative embodiment, the adjustable strap 134 is composed of two Velcro® straps originating from the receiving holes 114 such that a fastener known in the art such as a Velcro® fastener may be used to fasten the two Velcro® straps of the head strap 134. The design of the head strap 134 allows for a snug fit along with and just below the entire hairline, thereby creating a shower proof seal. Further, to remove the eyewear frame 102, the Velcro® straps may be detached.

[0033] In an embodiment, the strap 134 may further comprise an adjusting means 138, such as a buckle, hook, clip or other tightening or fastening mechanism, or have free ends for tying. In one embodiment, the head strap 134 is a flexible strap made of a double latex strap. In another embodiment, the head strap 134 may have a plurality of colors such as grey, black, white, red or may include various color changing mechanisms. The color-changing mechanism may allow for different colors with different ray luminance to be visible in different settings (e.g., indoor or outdoor). In one embodiment, the head strap 134 further provides a desirable surface which may have corporate logos or other graphics and/or designs. For example, the corporate logos or other graphics may be positioned at the rear of the user's head where visibility to others will be maximized, or may be affixed to the sides of the head strap 134. Further, a name of the user may also be printed on the head strap 134 itself in order to personalize the eyelash extension protector 100 to suit user need and/or preference.

[0034] The inside periphery 128 may be strategically shaped to conform to a typical eye socket comfortably. In addition, the depth of the pair of eye socket protectors 104 may be sufficiently deep to reduce the possibility of eyelash extensions being bent while the device is worn. Further, the depth of the pair of eye socket protectors 104 may be designed to accommodate virtually any length of eyelash extensions. In some embodiments, eyelash extension protector 100 may be made available with eyewear socket portions 104 of different depths to enable a user to choose the depth that is appropriate for them.

[0035] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the eyewear extension protector 100 may further comprise a cushioning element 132. The cushioning element 132 may be attached to the inside periphery 128 of the eyewear frame 102, and may include a sealant or a thin layer of cushioning pad placed around the periphery 128. The sealant or the cushioning pad 132 is adhered to the periphery 128 by utilizing an adhesive 132. The sealant may be a gel-based, fluid-tight sealant comfortable to a user's face while under tension, thereby creating a watertight seal and a controllable airflow seal. Similarly, thin layer of cushioning pad 132 may be comprised of a material which is comfortable to the user's face while under the tension, thereby creating a watertight seal and a controllable airflow seal. In one preferred embodiment, the eyewear frame 102 comprises a plurality of pads assembled on the inside periphery 128, wherein the plurality of pads is made of a soft material for providing comfort for the user. It is contemplated that various materials may be used for said padding or cushioning including, without limitation, foam, silicone, rubber, corrugated fiberboard pads, molded pulp, forms of inflatable air cushioning, etc. In a further preferred embodiment, the cushioning 132 may include a thin layer of waterproof and/or pressure-sensitive skin adhesive to connect the eye socket protectors 104 to the surface skin of the eye socket of the user and comfortably cover the eyelashes and eyelash extensions. More specifically, the cushioning and the adhesive may work together to offer a comfortable and secure seal between the eye socket portion and the user's skin to effectively protect the user's eyelash extensions from water, steam, moisture, heat, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may be hypoallergenic and/or latex-free to reduce the possibility of an allergic response from the user, and of a grade that is suitable and conformable for the delicate eye area. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented without padding in which the skin adhesive is located directly on the inside periphery 128.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the eyelash extension protector 100 being worn by a user during a shower and in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary eyelash extension protector 100 as applied to the eye areas of a user, wherein the right eye socket protector 104a covers the user's right eye and the left eye socket protector 104b covers the left eye of the user. The right eye socket protector 104a and the left eye socket protector 104b are comprised of a cushioning pad around the periphery of the eyewear, which may also have waterproofing attributes that may further contribute as a form of barrier not only from water and/or steam from the shower, but also from the accompanying heat. In an alternative embodiment, the cushioning may not be required and periphery 128 of the eyewear frame 102 may naturally stick to the face of the user and achieve the same objective.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion 108 of the sidewall 106 will cover the eyelash extensions and the eyebrows of the user, and the lower portion 110 of the sidewall 106 of the eye wear 102 will contact or touch the user's face below the bottom eyelash extensions of the eye of the user. Accordingly, the device will cover both the top and bottom eyelash extensions of the user's eyes. In the present embodiment, the head strap 134 in combination with the eyewear frame 102 conforms comfortably to the orbital bone of the user, and may offer a secure bond between the eye socket cover and the skin of the user. Further, the relatively small footprint of eyewear frame 102 along with the head strap 134 that goes around the back of the user's head may allow the user to wash her hair and face comfortably and thoroughly. Moreover, the depth of the sidewall 106 is preferably deep enough to ensure that the glasses do not come into contact with the eyelash extensions, thereby both preserving and protecting the same from outside interference.

[0038] The eyelash extension protector 100 is designed to be worn by the use in the shower, hot tubs, swimming pool, bathrooms, etc., and protects various cosmetics such as eyelash extensions, false-eyelashes and/or mascara applied to the user's eyelashes from getting exposed to moisture, water, heat, dust and the like. Further, the eyelash extension protector 100 can be used by users while swimming, shampooing their and/or washing their face. In one preferred embodiment, the eyelash extension protector 100 may be designed to reduce the overall hydrodynamic drag when the user is swimming while wearing the protector 100.

[0039] Throughout this specification the terms “eyewear socket cover”, “eyewear socket portion” and “eye socket cover” may be used interchangeably to refer to protecting covers of eyewear. Also, the terms “adjustable strap”, “head strap” and “headband” are used interchangeably.

[0040] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the eyelash extension protector 100 of the present invention and its various structural components can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the eyelash extension protector 100 and its various components, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of eyelash extension protector 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of eyelash extension protector 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the eyelash extension protector 100 and its components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user needs and/or preference.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will recognize, in accordance with the teachings of the present eyelash extension protector and method, that some embodiments may be used in a wide variety of scenarios to protect the eye area, whether a person has eyelash extensions or not. For example, without limitation, some embodiments may be used to protect eyes and extensions during a facial, as oftentimes steam is involved. Some embodiments may also be used to protect the eyes following a cosmetic tattoo procedure, such as, but not limited to, the application of permanent eyeliner. Some embodiments may be used to protect one's eye makeup including, but not limited to, mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow from water, steam, heat, and the like. In some embodiments, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and UV (ultraviolet) protection may be added to the protective eye cover for use in tanning beds, on the beach, or poolside, which may cause the user to perspire.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the eyelash extension protector of the present invention may utilize antiglare properties and polarization. Additionally, the present eyelash extension protector does not cause puffiness, bruising, laxity of the eye-lids, capillary breakage, dark circles, deep lines and loose skin relative to the user, and may also protect eyelash extensions from perspiration during various different types of activities such as, but not limited to, aerobic exercises, hiking, sports, yard work, etc.

[0043] The present invention provides protection to eyebrows along with eyebrow extensions. Similarly, to eyelash extensions, eyebrow extensions also require protection from water, steam, heat, etc., particularly within the first 48 hours after application. Eyebrow extension covers can also be used after a micro-blading procedure, which is a manual method used to deposit small amounts of ink in the superficial layer of the skin, similar to a semi-permanent tattoo or following a more permanent tattoo cosmetic procedure done on the brows.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.