MANIPULATION OF EYELASHES TO REDUCE TEAR EVAPORATION

Abstract

A method of mitigating tear evaporation, including manipulating eyelashes to project more downwardly from an upper eyelid, or more upwardly from a lower eyelid or a combination both; and further manipulating at least one of spacing, orientation, direction, contour or shape of the eyelashes to enhance interference with airflow of the eyelashes between a tear film of the eye and an ambient atmosphere to be greater than the interference with airflow which exists because of the eyelashes in an unmanipulated state.

Claims

1. A method of mitigating tear evaporation, comprising: manipulating eyelashes to project more downwardly from an upper eyelid, or more upwardly from a lower eyelid or a combination both; and further manipulating at least one of spacing, orientation, direction, contour or shape of the eyelashes to enhance interference with airflow of the eyelashes between a tear film of the eye and an ambient atmosphere to be greater than the interference with airflow which exists because of the eyelashes in an unmanipulated state thereby mitigating tear evaporation.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising applying a lash setting material to the eyelashes.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising applying a fibrous substance to the eyelashes to assist in setting the lashes to mitigate tear evaporation.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising inserting micro-structures between or applying micro-structures to the eyelashes thereby at least partially filling spaces between the eyelashes.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising manipulating spacing between the eyelashes to reduce spacing between the eyelashes to mitigate tear evaporation.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising manipulating spacing between the eyelashes to make the eyelashes closer together.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising manipulating the eyelashes with an eyelash manipulator.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising curling upper eyelashes downward from a upper eyelid, curling lower eyelashes upward from a lower eyelid or a combination of both of the foregoing.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising applying a grid of material to the eyelashes to at least partially fill spaces between the eyelashes.

10. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising making or selecting the lash setting material to comprise a wax, an adhesive or a gel.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising applying the lash setting material in combination with a fiber material or a fiber grid material applied to the eyelashes.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising applying heat to the eyelashes.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising applying simulated eyelashes in between the eyelashes along with bridging structures supporting the simulated eyelashes between than the eyelashes to at least partially fill spaces between the eyelashes.

14. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising selecting or making the grid of material to reduce spaces between the eyelashes.

15. A tool for manipulating upper eyelashes, comprising: an upper resilient member and a lower rigid member, the lower rigid member being narrower than and resiliently receivable into the upper resilient member by indentation of the upper resilient member; wherein the upper resilient member and the lower rigid member are movable relative to one another from a first position in which the upper resilient member and the lower rigid member are separated by a distance to a second position in which the lower rigid member impinges upon the upper resilient member and compresses a central portion of the upper resilient member thereby facilitating curving eyelashes of an upper eyelid located therebetween into a downward orientation; and a reservoir containing a lash setting material and positioned to transfer the lash setting material to the eyelashes.

16. The tool as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a second reservoir containing fibrous material to be applied with the lash setting material to facilitate reducing spaces between the eyelashes.

17. The tool as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a second reservoir containing mesh material to be applied with the lash setting material to facilitate reducing spaces between the eyelashes.

18. The tool as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a heating element located to apply heat to the eyelashes.

19. The tool as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a second reservoir containing microstructures to be applied to or between the eyelashes to at least partially fill spaces therebetween.

20. The tool as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a second reservoir containing simulated lashes, bridges or both to be applied to and between the eyelashes to at least partially fill spaces therebetween.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art tool;

[0061] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another prior art tool;

[0062] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further prior art tool;

[0063] FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of an eye and eyelashes in their unmanipulated orientation;

[0064] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an eyelid and eyelashes in their unmanipulated orientation;

[0065] FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of an eye and lie lashes having been manipulated in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

[0066] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an eyelid and eyelashes having been manipulated according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0067] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0068] FIG. 9 is a schematic depiction of a grid structure according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0069] FIG. 10 is a schematic depiction of a grid structure with defined apertures located within the grid according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0070] FIG. 11 depicts a series of horizontal fibers applied across the natural eyelashes according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0071] FIG. 12 depicts a series of micro-structures placed between the natural eyelashes according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0072] FIG. 13 depicts artificial eyelashes inserted between the natural eyelashes and supported in place by bridging structures according to an example embodiment of the invention, and

[0073] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an eyelash manipulator tool according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[0074] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Referring, for example, to FIGS. 6, 7, 11 and 12, according to an example embodiment of the invention, tear evaporation is expected to be mitigated by manipulation of eyelashes 100.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, eyelash manipulators 102 including eyelash curlers, and various brushes and combs are known in the art, but the prior art structures, so far as applicant is aware, are uniformly intended and generally applied to curl upper eyelashes 100 upward for aesthetic appeal.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 1, prior art eyelash manipulator 102 includes lash separating structures 104 such as straight or curved metal comb 106 and handle 108. Handle 108 may optionally be foldable for ease of storage.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 2, prior art eyelash manipulator 102 may alternatively include fibrous bristles 110 and straight handle 112. Compared to the rigid and straight lash separating of metal comb 106 lash separating structure 104 has a spoolie shape and is softer on eyelashes 100.

[0079] Referring now to FIG. 3 according to the prior art, eyelash curler 114 can be used to manipulate eyelashes and curl them upwards from the upper eyelid for aesthetic appearance. Generally eyelash curler 114 includes upper rigid curved top 116 and lower curved resilient padded base 118 as well as mutually opposed handles 120. In application, eyelashes 100 are positioned between upper rigid curved top 116 and lower curved resilient padded base 118 while opposed handles 120 are opened to admit eyelashes 100. Opposed handles 120 are then closed similar to a pair of scissors. Closing of opposed handles 120 forces upper rigid curved top 116 and resilient padded base 118 together, thereby crimping and curling eyelashes 100 upwardly to create a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 14, eyelash manipulator 122 according to an example embodiment of the invention, includes handles 124, upper curved resilient padded base 126, curved bar 128 and optionally, removable toothed insert 130. Eyelash manipulator 122 may further include heating element 131.

[0081] In the depicted embodiment, curved bar 128 is slidably movable between a first position located away from upper curved resilient padded base 126 and a second position in contact with upper curved resilient padded base 126. Optional toothed insert 130 may be coupled to either upper curved resilient padded base 126 or curved bar 128. Teeth 132 of removable toothed insert 130 may be sized and spaced to facilitate spacing eyelashes 100 closer together. Removable toothed insert 130 and/or upper curve resilient padded base 126 may further include reservoir 134 adapted to contain lash setting material. When curved bar 128 contacts upper curved resilient padded base 126, curved bar 128 is impressed into upper padded base 126 because of the resiliency thereof. Handles 124 are linked to curved bar 128 and upper curved resilient padded base 126 to accomplish slidable or other relative movement of the two parts relative to one another.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, in the schematic depiction, under normal circumstances eyelashes 100 of upper eyelid 136 extend outwardly and upwardly from upper eyelid margin 138. Eyelashes 100 of lower eyelid 140 extend generally outwardly and downwardly from lower eyelid margin 142. While example embodiments of the invention presented in this application generally refer to upper eyelashes 148, it should be understood that the invention may be applied lower eyelashes 149 as well so that upper eyelashes 100 may be manipulated, the lower eyelashes 149 may be manipulated or both may be manipulated.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, in a cross-sectional view of upper eyelid 136 it can be seen that, under normal circumstances, upper eyelid margin 138 is a roughly planar structure from which eyelashes 100 of upper eyelid 136 extend. While eyelashes 100 exit upper eyelid margin 138 in a generally downward and outward direction, the normal curvature of eyelashes 100 in addition to the structure of upper eyelid 136 generally causes eyelashes 100, in particular eyelashes 100 of central portion 144 to extend outwardly and upwardly at their distal terminus 146.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, according to an example embodiment of the invention at least central upper eyelashes 148 of upper eyelid 136 extend downwardly from upper eyelid 136 thus partially shielding eye 150 from ambient air.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 7, central upper eyelashes 148 are depicted after having been manipulated according to an example embodiment of the invention, to extend downwardly from upper eyelid 136.

[0086] According to a further example embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIG. 8, a method of mitigating tear evaporation generally includes manipulating eyelashes 100 to project more downwardly from an upper eyelid 136 or more upwardly from a lower eyelid 140 or a combination of both. S1A And, further manipulating at least one of spacing, orientation, direction, contour or shape of eyelashes 100 to increase a barrier between a tear of eye 100 and an ambient atmosphere to a greater degree than that which exists because of eyelashes 100 in an unmanipulated state. S1 B.

[0087] According to a further example embodiment of the invention the method further includes applying a lash setting material to eyelashes 100. S2. Eyelashes may be adhered, joined or fused together with the lash setting material to mitigate tear evaporation.

[0088] According to a further example embodiment, the method further includes applying a fibrous substance to eyelashes 100 to assist in setting the eyelashes to mitigate tear evaporation S3.

[0089] The fibrous material may be applied generally parallel to or generally perpendicular to the normal extension of natural eyelashes 100. In this context, parallel and perpendicular should be broadly interpreted beyond their precise geometric meeting in view of the non-rectilinear linear nature of natural eyelashes 100. For example, the fibrous material may be applied transverse to eyelashes 100 to facilitate mitigation of tear evaporation. According to another example embodiment, fibrous material may be applied to extend the length of the eyelashes to facilitate extension to facilitate mitigation of tear evaporation. Fibrous material utilized for extending the length of eyelashes 100 may include naturally occurring materials such as hairs from the mink or other animals or plant-based materials such as cellulose fibers as well as synthetic materials. Silk may be utilized as well. Any materials that are utilized in the application of cosmetic eyelash extensions can be utilized as well according to example embodiments of the invention.

[0090] According to another example aspect of the invention, false eyelashes 166 may be utilized as well. False eyelashes 166 differ from eyelash extensions in that they are generally adhered to upper eyelid 136 rather than to eyelashes 100 and that they are generally made to extend across most of the width of upper eyelid 136. According to example embodiments of the invention, contrary to the known prior art, the false eyelashes 166 extend downwardly from upper eyelid 136 or upwardly from lower eyelid 140 to shield the tear film and mitigate tear evaporation rather than being curled as in cosmetic false eyelashes 166.

[0091] According to a further example embodiment, the method further includes inserting micro-structures 164 between or applying micro-structures to eyelashes 100. S4.

[0092] According to another example embodiment, the method further includes manipulating spacing between eyelashes 100 to reduce spacing between eyelashes 100 to mitigate tear evaporation. S5.

[0093] According to another example embodiment, the method further includes applying heat to the eyelashes 100. S6.

[0094] According to a further example embodiment, the method further includes applying simulated eyelashes 166 in between eyelashes 100 along with bridges 168 supporting simulated eyelashes 166 between eyelashes 100 to at least partially fill spaces between the eyelashes 100.

[0095] S7.

[0096] According to another example embodiment of the invention, the method further includes manipulating eyelashes 100 with a eyelash manipulator 122. S8.

[0097] According to another example embodiment of the invention, the method further includes curling upper eyelashes 148 downward. S9.

[0098] According to another example embodiment of the invention, the method further includes applying grid structure 152 to upper eyelashes 148 to mitigate air passage through eyelashes 100 to mitigate tear evaporation. S10

[0099] According to another example embodiment of the invention, the method further includes making or selecting eyelash setting material to comprise a wax, an adhesive or a gel. S11.

[0100] According to another example embodiment of the invention, the method further includes applying the lash setting material in combination with fiber material or fiber grid material. S12.

[0101] According to another example embodiment of the invention, the method further includes applying heat to eyelashes 100 to facilitate setting in a desired position. S13.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 9, grid structure 152, according to an example embodiment of the invention is depicted. Grid structure 152 may be applied to upper eyelashes 148 or lower eyelashes 149 thereby further facilitating mitigation of tear evaporation. Grid structure 152 may include, for example, horizontal grid members 154 and vertical grid members 156. Grid structure 152 may be held in reservoir 134 along with or separate from lash setting compound.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 10, grid structure 152 according to an example embodiment of the invention may further include aperture structures 158. Aperture structures 158 may for example include structures defining a central circular aperture 160. Central circular apertures 160 may be of a consistent size or may be of variable sizes according to example embodiments of the invention. Grid structure 152 with aperture structures 158 may be held in reservoir 134 along with or separate from lash setting compound.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, a series of horizontal fibers 162 are depicted as applied across upper eyelashes 148 according to an example embodiment of the invention. Horizontal fibers 162 may be secured to natural upper eyelashes 148 by a lash setting compound as discussed elsewhere in this application. Horizontal fibers 162 may be held in reservoir 134 along with or separate from lash setting compound.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 12 according to an example embodiment of the invention, micro-structures 164 may be inserted on between or adjacent to eyelashes 100. Micro-structures 164 may vary in size and density and may be secured to or between eyelashes 100. Micro-structures 164 may be held in reservoir 134 along with or separate from lash setting compound.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 13, according to another example embodiment of the invention, two or more false or simulated eyelashes 166 may be inserted adjacent to or between upper eyelashes 148 and supported by bridges 168 inserted between natural central upper eyelashes 100.

[0107] Similarly, two or more false or simulated eyelashes 166 may be inserted adjacent to or between lower eyelashes 149. Accordingly, desired reduction in spacing between a combination of false or simulated eyelashes 166 and eyelashes 100 are created. Bridges 168 may be inserted between eyelashes 100 for example of the upper eyelid 136 as well as eyelashes 100 peripherally located or of lower eyelid 140. Further, false or simulated eyelashes 178 may either envelop eyelashes 100 or be located between eyelashes 100 to facilitate mitigation of tear evaporation. Further, false or simulated eyelashes 178 as well as bridges 168 if utilized may be held in reservoir 134 along with or separate from lash setting compound.

[0108] In operation, referring to FIG. 14, eyelash manipulator 122 is positioned over upper eyelashes 148 so that upper eyelashes 148 are located between upper curve resilient padded base 126 and curved bar 128. Handles 124 are brought together to impress curved bar 128 into upper curve resilient padded base 126. If present, heating element 131 is activated to apply heat to upper eyelashes 148 to assist in curving them downward.

[0109] If utilized, grid structures 152, horizontal fibers 162, microstructures 164, false or simulated eyelashes 166 and/or bridges 168 are applied to upper eyelashes 148. Lash setting compound is applied to facilitate adhesion of the foregoing to upper eyelashes 148.

[0110] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0111] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0112] Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

[0113] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0114] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms means for or step for are recited in a claim.