PNEUMATIC PROPULSION EYELASH DEVICE ENABLING MOLDABLE, LONG LASTING, LIFTED AND CURLED NATURAL EYELASHES

Abstract

An eyelash molding device includes an applicator interface including a concave molding surface, a plurality of ribs extending across the concave molding surface, a plurality of vents, wherein a vent is placed between two adjacent ribs, an air propulsion unit that delivers air to the vents, and a heating element that heats the air prior to exiting through the vents.

Claims

1. An eyelash molding device, comprising: an applicator interface including a concave molding surface; a plurality of ribs extending across the concave molding surface; a plurality of vents, wherein a vent is placed between two adjacent ribs; an air propulsion unit that delivers air to the vents; and a heating element that heats the air prior to exiting the vents.

2. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, comprising: an elongated handle having a cylinder shape, wherein the cylinder shape transitions to an oval shape, wherein the oval shape is disposed normal to the cylinder, and the applicator interface is placed within the oval shape.

3. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, wherein the ribs extend across a long dimension of an oval-shaped applicator interface.

4. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, wherein a profile of the rib includes a concave curve.

5. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge within the device, the cartridge including a thermo-reactive formula.

6. The eyelash molding device of claim 5, further comprising a microfluid dispensing unit to dispense the thermo-reactive formula to the applicator interface.

7. The eyelash molding device of claim 5, wherein the cartridge comprises a tag, and the device includes circuitry to read the tag and recognize a temperature parameter for the thermo-reactive formula.

8. The eyelash molding device of claim 7, further comprising a temperature regulation unit that heats air to the temperature parameter that activates the thermo-reactive formula.

7. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, wherein the air propulsion unit delivers cooled air to the vents.

10. The eyelash molding device of claim 9, further comprising circuitry to turn off the heating element after elapse of a pre-programmed amount of time.

8. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, wherein the heating element is a thermoelectric module that heats and cools the air from the air propulsion unit.

9. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, wherein the air propulsion unit comprises an air blower or a compressed air cartridge.

13. The eyelash molding device of claim 1, further comprising a soft pad adjacent to the applicator interface, the soft pad is placed perpendicular to the applicator interface.

14. A method of curling eyelashes, comprising: applying a thermo-reactive formula to eyelashes; applying heated air to the thermo-reactive formula; while applying the heated air, pressing the eyelashes against a concave surface; and automatically turning off heated air after elapse of a pre-programmed amount of time followed by applying non-heated or cooled air to set the thermo-reactive formula.

10. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying the thermo-reactive formula with a device and applying heated air with the same device.

11. The method of claim 15, wherein the thermo-reactive formula is stored in a cartridge within the device, the method further comprising, with the device, reading a tag on the cartridge, and device controls a heating element to provide a pre-programmed temperature and time for applying the heated air.

12. The method of claim 16, further comprising, after elapse of the pre-programmed time, applying non-heated air with the device to the thermo-reactive formula.

13. The method of claim 15, further comprising resting the device on the face adjacent to a cheekbone to allow pressing the curved surface on the device against the eyelashes.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of an eyelash molding device;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical illustration of the eyelash molding device of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3A is a diagrammatical illustration of the end of the eyelash molding device showing the applicator interface;

[0020] FIG. 3B is a diagrammatical illustration of a cross section of FIG. 3A; and

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the components of the eyelash molding device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The disclosure relates to a eyelash molding and curling device 100. The eyelash molding device 100 leverages air to avoid the use of damaging heat and clamping. In an embodiment, the eyelash molding device 100 provides a gentle, warm air fan to use with an eyelash formula for lash curling.

[0023] Referring to the FIGURES, the eyelash molding device 100 includes one or more housing on the exterior of the eyelash molding device 100. In an embodiment, the eyelash molding device 100 comprises an elongated housing in the shape of a cylinder that functions as a handle.

[0024] The eyelash molding device 100 includes an applicator interface 102 constructed at one end of the eyelash molding device 100. The majority of the length of the eyelash molding device 100 includes the cylindrical shape extending from the applicator interface 102 to the opposite end of the eyelash molding device 100. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylinder shape transitions to a flatter oval shape of the applicator interface 102. The oval shape and the applicator interface 102 are generally configured normal to the center axis of the eyelash molding device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0025] The applicator interface 102 has a long dimension and a short dimension. The transition from cylinder to oval shape creates a wide area adjacent to the long dimension of the applicator interface 102. The wide area adjacent to the applicator interface 102 includes a pocket 110 that supports a soft, flexible pad 112 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0026] The applicator interface 102 can be made of a separable part that fits into the eyelash molding device 100. The applicator interface 102 includes a concave molding surface 108 configured within the oval shape. The applicator interface 102 includes a plurality of ribs 104 extending from one side of the long dimension to the opposite side of the long dimension of the applicator interface 102. That is, the ribs 104 are aligned in the direction of the short dimension of the applicator interface. In this configuration, the ribs 104 will become aligned in the same direction as eyelashes during use of the eyelash molding device 100.

[0027] In the plan view of FIG. 3A, the ribs 104 are thin straight structures evenly spaced throughout the long dimension of the applicator interface 102. In the profile view of FIG. 3B, the ribs 104 include a concave curve similar to the concave curve of the molding surface 108 between the ribs 104. Generally, the ribs 104 in the center are the longest with the length of ribs 104 decreasing the further away a rib is from the center. In an embodiment, the number of ribs is from 10 to 18 or any number in-between. The ribs 104 guide the eyelashes to bend vertically.

[0028] The molding surface 108 is between any two adjacent ribs 104 with the ribs 104 standing above from the molding surface 108. The molding surface 108 is curved concave so that the molding surface 108 functions to mold and curve the eyelashes.

[0029] There is an opening or vent 106 between two adjacent ribs 104. A vent 106 can be placed between every two adjacent ribs 104 to provide air to the eyelashes captured between two adjacent ribs 104. In an embodiment, the vents 106 are spaced along the long dimension on the oval applicator interface 102 and closer to and adjacent to the pocket 110. As described herein, the pocket 110 is provided with a soft pad 112 that is used as a fulcrum to leverage the eyelash molding device 100 to press against the upper eyelashes. Therefore, when using the eyelash molding device 100, the pocket 110 will be facing downward (e.g., toward the ground) opposite to what is illustrated in FIG. 3. When using the eyelash molding device 100 in this manner, the vents 106 are configured to be on the bottom so that the air will generally flow upward contacting the roots of the upper eyelashes to the tips of the eyelash.

[0030] The vents 106 are placed on the concave molding surface 108 used for molding the eyelashes. To prevent impeding the molding function, the vents 106 may extend only about one-half to one-third the length of the concave molding surface 108.

[0031] The vents 106 may be elongated and extend generally parallel to the ribs 104. The vents 106 can be used to blow air, which is heated, non-heated, or cooled according to a pre-programmed temperature versus time schedule. The vents 106 may include a mesh or screen to ensure that the eyelashes remain outside of the vents 106.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, the eyelash molding device 100 includes a power unit 402, a heating element 404, and air propulsion unit 406. The power unit 402 can include a DC battery or AC power cord for connecting to a power outlet. The eyelash molding device 100 may be charged using a USB charging port.

[0033] The heating element 404 can include any type of a resistive heating element including, but not limited to, metal elements, ceramic elements, semiconductor elements, thick film elements, polymer elements, and PTC (positive temperature coefficient) elements. For cooling, the heating element 404 may be turned off so cooling air is ambient air. Optionally, a cooling element, such as a thermoelectric module based on the Peltier principle may be used to cool the air below the ambient temperature. A thermoelectric module can be used to provide both heating and cooling of air. The heating element 404 receives power from the power unit 402.

[0034] The eyelash molding device 100 includes an air propulsion unit 406. In one embodiment, the air propulsion unit 406 includes an air blower which takes in ambient air through openings 114 (FIG. 2) on the side of the eyelash molding device 100 opposite to the pad 112. The air blower include a motor that receives power from the power unit 402, and the speed of the blower can be regulated to control the amount of air. The air passes over the heating and/or cooling element 404 to provide both heated, non-heated, or cooled air. The heated, non-heated and cooled air is delivered by suitable internal passages to the vents 106 on the applicator interface 102.

[0035] In one embodiment, the air propulsion unit 406 includes a compressed air canister. When using a compressed air canister, the air propulsion unit 406 may include a valve to open and close the outlet of the compressed air canister which may also function as a pressure regulator to meter the amount of flow of air out of the compressed air canister. The valve, such as a solenoid, can be powered by the power unit 402. The air passes over the heating and/or cooling element 404 to provide both heated, non-heated, or cooled air. The heated, non-heated and cooled air is delivered by suitable internal passages to the vents 106 on the applicator interface 102.

[0036] The formulation microfluid dispensing unit 410 is optional in the eyelash molding device 100. In one embodiment, the thermo-reactive formula is applied manually by the user of the device. In one embodiment, the thermo-reactive formula is dispensed by the eyelash molding device 100. When the eyelash molding device 100 dispenses the thermo-reactive formula, the eyelash molding device 100 includes the microfluid dispensing unit 410. In one embodiment, the microfluid dispensing unit 410 includes a pump for dispensing the thermo-reactive formula. The microfluid dispensing unit 410 receives power from the power unit 402.

[0037] In one embodiment, the microfluid dispensing unit 410 uses a pressurized cartridge 412 containing the thermo-reactive formula to dispense the thermo-reactive formula as an aerosol or a liquid. In one embodiment, the compressed air cartridge from the air propulsion unit 406 can be connected to the microfluid dispensing unit 410. In such case, the compressed air is used to dispense the thermo-reactive formula.

[0038] The thermo-reactive formula may be dispensed via the same vents 106 as are used for distributing the air. The thermo-reactive formula is dispensed first followed by the heated air. The heated air is used to activate the thermo-reactive formula. Alternatively, the applicator interface 102 includes a second set of openings, for example, above or below the air vents 106, to dispense the thermo-reactive formula from the applicator interface 102.

[0039] In one embodiment, the heating element 404 may also directly or indirectly heat the thermo-reactive formula prior to dispensing from the applicator interface 102. For example, heated air may circulate around the cartridge 412 to pre-heat the thermo-reactive formula.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cartridge 412 containing the thermo-reactive formula includes an NFC or RFID tag 414. The tag 414 includes information to enable the eyelash molding device 100 to recognize the thermo-reactive formula. The specific thermo-reactive formula is communicated to the device's PCB 416. The PCB 416 includes circuitry components, such as processors, storage, RAM, ROM. The PCB 416 includes a storage device that is pre-programmed with time and temperature parameters for the specific thermo-reactive formulas that the eyelash molding device 100 is configured to accept. Alternatively, the tag 414 communicates the pre-programmed time and temperature parameters for the specific thermo-reactive formula inside the cartridge 412. The PCB 416 controls a temperature regulation unit 408 that regulates the power to the heating element 404 to keep the air temperature within the pre-programmed temperature parameters during the application process. The temperature regulation unit 408 can also keep track of the elapsed time during which heated air at the programmed temperature has been blowing.

[0041] A temperature sensor (not illustrated) is used to measure a temperature at the heating element 404 or the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air after the heating element 404. The temperature measurement is communicated to the temperature regulation unit 408 which can then adjust the temperature by increasing or decreasing the power to the heating element 404 to maintain the temperature at the pre-programmed temperature for the specific thermo-reactive formula.

[0042] In an embodiment, after the temperature regulation unit 408 determines that the time of blowing heated air at the programmed temperature has elapsed, the temperature regulation unit 408 automatically controls the heating element 404 to stop heating the air, and air propulsion unit 406 blows non-heated air. Alternatively, if the heating element 404 includes a thermoelectric module, such module can actively cool the air being delivered to the vents 106. The temperature regulation unit 408 counts the time of blowing non-heated or actively cooled air, and can automatically turn off the air propulsion unit 406 after elapse of a pre-programmed time for blowing non-heated or cool air. The non-heated or ambient air after the heated air can set the eyelash shape. The user of the eyelash molding device 100 can repeat this gesture to further mold and curl the lashes for increasing performance.

[0043] A method of using the eyelash molding device 100 is described. The user activates the eyelash molding device 100 by pressing the device on/off control 116 connected to the PCB 416. An electrical signal is sent which starts pre-heating the heating element 404 integrated within the eyelash molding device 100 and turn on the air propulsion unit 406. This electrical signal also activates the device's microfluidic dispensing unit 410 (if included in the eyelash molding device 100).

[0044] The eyelash molding device 100 is placed so that the applicator interface 102 is pressing against the upper eyelashes. This places the concave molding surface 108 against the eyelashes. The pad 112 can rest on the part of the face of the cheekbones. The soft pad 112 may be used as a type of fulcrum to leverage the applicator interface 102 against the eyelashes.

[0045] The thermo-reactive formula is then applied by the user via the eyelash molding device 100 (or manually) to their lashes. Simultaneously with or after applying the thermo-reactive formula, the eyelash molding device 100 blows heated air heated by heating element 404 and propelled using the air propulsion unit 406 onto the thermo-reactive formula applied to the eyelashes. The heated air is used to activate the thermo-reactive formula and allow it to be molded to the molding surface applicator mold. This enables a lash curl and lifts the lashes beyond their original position. After a programmed amount of time the temperature regulation system lowers the temperature of the pneumatic system creating a cool shot of air that helps to set the curl in place. Additionally, the user can repeat this gesture to further mold and curl the lashes for increasing performance.

[0046] The disclosure relates to a method of curling eyelashes. The method comprises applying a thermo-reactive formula to eyelashes; applying heated air to the thermo-reactive formula; while applying the heated air, pressing the eyelashes against a concave molding surface 108, and automatically turning off heated air after elapse of a pre-programmed amount of time followed by applying non-heated or cooled air to set the thermo-reactive formula.

[0047] The method includes the step of applying the thermo-reactive formula with the eyelash molding device 100 and also applying heated air with the same eyelash molding device 100 to activate the formula.

[0048] The method includes dispensing the thermo-reactive formula from a cartridge 412 within the eyelash molding device 100, and the device is capable of reading a tag 414 on the cartridge, the tag provides the device with a pre-programmed temperature and time for applying the heated air.

[0049] The method includes the step, after elapse of the pre-programmed time, the eyelash molding device 100 applies non-heated air.

[0050] The includes the step of resting the eyelash molding device 100 on the face adjacent to a cheekbone to allow pressing the curved molding surface 108 on the device against the eyelashes.

[0051] The PCB 416 (printed circuit board) and the temperature regulation unit 408 includes circuitry in order to implement treatment protocols, operably couple two or more components, generate information, determine operation conditions, control the device, and the like.

[0052] Circuitry of any type can be used in the PCB 416 and the temperature regulation unit 408. In an embodiment, circuitry includes, among other things, one or more computing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or any combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more FPGA having a plurality of programmable logic components.

[0053] In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more memory devices that, for example, store instructions or data. Non-limiting examples of one or more memory devices include volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), or the like), persistent memory, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of one or more memory devices include Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, or the like. The one or more memory devices can be coupled to, for example, one or more computing devices by one or more instructions, data, or power buses.

[0054] In an embodiment, the device includes circuitry having one or more modules optionally operable for communication with one or more input/output components that are configured to relay user output and/or input. In an embodiment, a module includes one or more instances of electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control devices. Such devices include one or more instances of memory; computing devices; antennas; power or other supplies; logic modules or other signaling modules; gauges or other such active or passive detection components; piezoelectric transducers, shape memory elements, micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) elements, or other actuators.

[0055] In an embodiment, circuitry includes hardware circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry, implementations in digital circuitry, and the like, and combinations thereof).

[0056] In an embodiment, circuitry includes combinations of circuits and computer program products having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause the eyelash molding device 100 to perform one or more methodologies or technologies described herein.

[0057] In an embodiment, circuitry includes circuits, such as, for example, microprocessors or portions of microprocessor, that require software, firmware, and the like for operation.

[0058] In an embodiment, circuitry includes an implementation comprising one or more processors or portions thereof and accompanying software, firmware, hardware, and the like.

[0059] In an embodiment, circuitry includes a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, or other computing device.

[0060] In an embodiment, an eyelash molding device, comprises an applicator interface including a concave molding surface; a plurality of ribs extending across the concave molding surface; a plurality of vents, wherein a vent is placed between two adjacent ribs; an air propulsion unit that delivers air to the vents; and a heating element that heats the air prior to exiting the vents.

[0061] The eyelash molding device comprises an elongated handle having a cylinder shape, wherein the cylinder shape transitions to an oval shape, wherein the oval shape is disposed normal to the cylinder, and the applicator interface is placed within the oval shape.

[0062] The ribs extend across a long dimension of an oval-shaped applicator interface.

[0063] A profile of the rib includes a concave curve.

[0064] The eyelash molding device further comprise a cartridge within the device, the cartridge including a thermo-reactive formula.

[0065] The eyelash molding device further comprises a microfluid dispensing unit to dispense the thermo-reactive formula to the applicator interface.

[0066] The cartridge comprises a tag, and the device includes circuitry to read the tag and recognize a temperature parameter for the thermo-reactive formula.

[0067] The eyelash molding device further comprises a temperature regulation unit that heats air to the temperature parameter that activates the thermo-reactive formula.

[0068] The air propulsion unit delivers cooled air to the vents.

[0069] The eyelash molding device further comprises circuitry to turn off the heating element after elapse of a pre-programmed amount of time.

[0070] The heating element is a thermoelectric module that heats and cools the air from the air propulsion unit.

[0071] The air propulsion unit comprises an air blower or a compressed air cartridge.

[0072] The eyelash molding device further comprises a soft pad adjacent to the applicator interface, the soft pad is placed perpendicular to the applicator interface.

[0073] In an embodiment, a method of curling eyelashes comprises applying a thermo-reactive formula to eyelashes; applying heated air to the thermo-reactive formula; while applying the heated air, pressing the eyelashes against a concave surface; and automatically turning off heated air after elapse of a pre-programmed amount of time followed by applying non-heated or cooled air to set the thermo-reactive formula.

[0074] The method further comprises applying the thermo-reactive formula with a device and applying heated air with the same device.

[0075] The thermo-reactive formula is stored in a cartridge within the device, the method further comprising, with the device, reading a tag on the cartridge, and device controls a heating element to provide a pre-programmed temperature and time for applying the heated air.

[0076] The method further comprises, after elapse of the pre-programmed time, applying non-heated air with the device to the thermo-reactive formula.

[0077] The method further comprises resting the device on the face adjacent to a cheekbone to allow pressing the curved surface on the device against the eyelashes.

[0078] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.