EYELASH EXTENSIONS SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

An eyelash extensions support device for supporting a pair of eyelash extensions strips, each of the eyelash extensions strips including a plurality of eyelash extensions provided in a side-by-side relationship relative to each other on a backing strip support, each of the eyelash extensions being individually removable from the backing strip support for securing the eyelash extension to a respective eyelash of a person having left and right cheeks and a nose therebetween, the eyelash extensions support device comprising: a right side support element; abuttable against the right cheek and a left side support element abuttable against the left cheek; the right and left side support elements each defining a strip supporting portion for supporting a respective backing strip support.

Claims

1. An eyelash extensions support device for supporting a pair of eyelash extensions strips, each of the eyelash extensions strips including a plurality of eyelash extensions provided in a side-by-side relationship relative to each other on a backing strip support, each of the eyelash extensions being individually removable from the backing strip support for securing the eyelash extension to a respective eyelash of a person having left and right cheeks and a nose therebetween, the eyelash extensions support device comprising: a right side support element abuttable against the right cheek; and a left side support element abuttable against the left cheek; the right and left side support elements each defining a strip supporting portion for supporting a respective backing strip support.

2. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 1, wherein the right and left side support elements are substantially elongated and each define substantially longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions and forward and backward edges each extending between the proximal and distal end portions, the forward edges being configured and sized so that at least part thereof abuts against a respective one of the right and left cheeks when the eyelash extensions support device is operatively abutted against the person, the right and left side support elements being pivotally coupled to each other at their proximal end portions so that an angle between the forward edges is adjustable.

3. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 2, wherein the right and left side support elements are movable relative to each other between retracted and deployed positions, wherein, in the retracted position, the backward edges are facing each other substantially parallel to each other, and, in the deployed position, the forwards edges cooperatively form a contour profile that generally conforms to the cooperative contour profile of the cheeks and nose.

4. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 2, wherein the right and left side support elements together define a nose receiving recess for receiving the nose thereinto.

5. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 2, wherein the right and left side support elements each define opposed top and bottom surfaces each extending between the forward and backward edges, the strip supporting portion being defined in the top surface.

6. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 5, wherein the strip supporting portion includes a substantially smooth portion of the top surface.

7. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 5, wherein the strip supporting portion includes an elongated groove formed in the top surface.

8. The eyelash extensions support device as defined in claim 7, wherein the groove has a substantially inverted T-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration and opens longitudinally and the distal end.

9. The eyelash support as defined in claim 2, wherein the right and left side support elements each define a respective fulcrum support portion at the proximal end, the fulcrum support portions being superposed and interconnected through a pin extending through both fulcrum support portions to allow rotation of the fulcrum support portions relative to each other about a rotation axis colinear with the pin.

10. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, wherein the forward edges each include a substantially rectilinear portion for abutting against a respective one of the right and left cheeks.

11. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, wherein the forward edges each include a substantially concave portion for abutting against a respective one of the right and left cheeks.

12. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, further comprising a glue cup for receiving eyelash extension glue.

13. The eyelash support as defined in claim 12, wherein the glue cup engages the pin.

14. The eyelash support as defined in claim 13, wherein the glue cup and the pin are removably magnetically coupled to each other.

15. The eyelash support as defined in claim 12, further comprising an angle support bracket provided between the glue cup and the pin, the angle support bracket supporting the glue cup so that the glue cup opens along a cup axis that is angled relative to the rotation axis.

16. The eyelash support as defined in claim 9, further comprising a support magnetically removably securable to the pin, the support including a handle, wherein, with the support secured to the coupling element, the eyelash support can be held through the handle.

17. The eyelash support as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further comprising a support magnetically removably securable to the coupling element, the support including a handle, wherein, with the support secured to the coupling element, the eyelash extensions support device can be held through the handle.

18. The eyelash support as defined in claim 17, wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the support includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling element.

19. The eyelash support as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further comprising a glue cup magnetically removably securable to the coupling element.

20. The eyelash support as defined in claim 17, wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the glue cup includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling element.

21. The eyelash support as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the right and left side support elements includes a coupling element, the eyelash support further comprising a cheek support removably securable to the coupling element, the cheek support being configured and sized for abutting against one of the right and left cheeks when operatively secured to the coupling element.

22. The eyelash support as defined in claim 21, wherein the cheek support is magnetically coupled to the coupling element.

23. The eyelash support as defined in claim 17, wherein the coupling element is magnetizable and the cheek support includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the coupling element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1, in a perspective view, illustrates an embodiment of an eyelash extensions support device, according to the present invention, here shown in a deployed position near the eyes of a person standing upright;

[0034] FIG. 2, in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3, in a bottom plan view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0036] FIG. 4, in a side elevational view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0037] FIG. 5, in an enlarged end view, illustrates a groove part of the eyelash extensions support device of FIGS. 1 to 4, here shown having an eyelash extensions strip engaged therein;

[0038] FIG. 6, in a perspective view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device in FIGS. 1 to 5, here shown in a retracted position;

[0039] FIG. 7, in an exploded, perspective view, illustrates the eyelash extensions support device in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0040] FIG. 8, in a partial perspective view, illustrates a left side support element part of the eyelash extensions support device of FIGS. 1 to 7, here shown having an eyelash extensions strip partially engaged in a groove thereof, and a self-adhesive eyelash extensions strip adhered to a top surface thereof;

[0041] FIG. 9, in a perspective view, illustrates an eyelash extensions support device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 10, in a partial exploded side elevational, cross-section view, illustrates an eyelash extensions support device in accordance with an other alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 11, in an exploded side elevational, cross-section view, illustrates yet another embodiment of an eyelash extensions support device, according to the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 12, in a perspective view, illustrates a an angle support bracket part of the eyelash extensions support device shown in FIG. 11;

[0045] FIG. 13, in perspective view, illustrates a cheek support part of the eyelash extensions support device shown in FIG. 11;

[0046] FIG. 14, in perspective view, illustrates eyelash extensions support device shown in FIG. 11, here shown self-supported in position on the face of a person lying on her back; and

[0047] FIG. 15, in a perspective view, illustrates yet another embodiment of an eyelash extensions support device, here shown self-supported in position on the face of a person lying on her back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The term “substantially” is used throughout this document to indicate variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations are variations that do not materially affect the manner in which the invention works and can be due, for example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes or to small deviations from a nominal value or ideal shape that do not cause significant changes to the invention. These variations are to be interpreted from the point of view of the person skilled in the art.

[0049] Directional terminology, such as right, left, top, bottom, forward and backward, among others, refers to the orientation relative to someone applying eyelash extensions on a person with an upright face. This terminology is used for clarity reasons and should not be used to restrict the scope of the claims. Notably, the claimed invention can be used on faces having a different orientation. Thus, a “top” surface, which would normally face up in the context given above, can be vertical instead is the proposed invention is used on a person lying down. This surface will still be called a “top” surface.

[0050] FIGS. 1 to 8 inclusively illustrate various aspects of an embodiment, according to the present invention, of an eyelash extensions support device 10. Referring for example to FIG. 1, the eyelash extensions support device 10 is usable for supporting commercially available eyelash extensions strips 100 during the application of individual eyelash extensions 102 on the eyelashes 104 of a person having left and right cheeks 108 and 110 and a nose 112 therebetween. Each one of these commercially available eyelash extensions strips 100 typically contains a relatively large number of individual eyelash extensions 102 that are serially releasably adhered side-by-side along a top linear surface portion of a backing strip support 106. The backing strip support 106 may have a rear surface thereof that is either self-adhesive or not.

[0051] The eyelash extensions support device 10 comprises a right side support element 12 and a left side support element 14 abuttable respectively against the right and left cheeks 110 and 108. The right and left side support elements 12 and 14 each define a strip supporting portion 15 and 17 for supporting a respective backing strip support 106. In the embodiment of the eyelash extensions support device 10 shown in the drawings, each of the right side support element 12 and left side support element 14 includes two strip supporting portions 15 and 17, but only one of them is included in other embodiments. The right and left side support elements 12 and 14 typically have a substantially mirrored shape and size configuration relative to one another.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, each one of the right and left side support element 12 and 14 has a substantially elongated and planar configuration and each define substantially longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions 20 and 22 and forward and backward edges 16 and 18 each extending between the proximal and distal end portions 20 and 22. The forward edges 16 are configured and sized so that at least part thereof abuts against the right and left cheeks 110 and 108 when the eyelash extensions support device 10 is operatively abutted against the person. The right and left side support elements 12 and 14 are pivotally coupled to each other at their proximal end portions 20 so that an angle between the forward edges 16 is adjustable. Typically, the forward edge 16 and the backward edge 18 extend generally longitudinally parallelly relative to one another. Typically, the right and left side support elements 12 and 14 each define opposed top and bottom surfaces 24 and 26 each extending between the forward and backward edges 16 and 18, the strip supporting portions 15 and 17 being defined in the top surface 24.

[0053] The top surface 24 is suitably configured and sized to support substantially longitudinally thereon in the strip supporting portion 15 at least one self-adhesive eyelash extensions support strip 101, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Thus, the strip supporting portion 15 includes a substantially smooth portion of the top surface 24. Smooth for the purpose of this document means flat or gently curved so that good adhesion with the self-adhesive eyelash extensions support strip 101 is promoted.

[0054] As seen in FIG. 1, the forward edge 16 includes a relatively short forward inner edge portion 28 adjacent the proximal end portion 20 that extends generally towards the backward edge 18. Thus, the right and left side support elements 12 and 14 together define a nose receiving recess 19 for receiving the nose 112 thereinto. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 7, a fulcrum support portion 30 is provided at the proximal end portion 20.

[0055] The eyelash extensions support device 10 further comprises a pin 32 suitably sized and configured to pivotally connect the right and left side support elements 12 and 14 through their superposed fulcrum support portions 30. To that effect, the pin 32 extends through both fulcrum support portions 30 to allow rotation of the fulcrum support portions 30 relative to each other about a rotation axis 33 colinear with the pin 32. The assembled right and left side support elements 12 and 14, along with the pin 32, are referred to as an eyelash extensions support assembly 60 hereinbelow.

[0056] The right and left side support elements 12 and 14 are cooperatively angularly positionable relative to one another between a retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 6, and a deployed position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusively.

[0057] When in the retracted position, both backward edges 18 are oppositely facing one another in a substantially parallel configuration. Thus, the eyelash extensions support device 10 may be conveniently stowed away in a compact format that can easily fit in a purse, pocket or the likes.

[0058] When in the deployed position, the forward edges 16, including their respective forward inner edge portions 28, cooperatively form a contour profile that generally conforms to the cooperative contour profile of both right and left cheeks 110 and 108 and nose 112 of a person taken along a plane extending horizontally at least slightly below the eyes thereof, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 20 and 21.

[0059] In some embodiments, the right and left side support elements 12 and 14 each defines a cross-section that gradually tapers transversally towards the forward edge 16, and ending in a relatively soft edge line that can softly contact the cheeks of a person without leaving a noticeable imprint.

[0060] Furthermore, in some embodiments, an elongated portion 34 of the forward edge 16, part of which contacts the right and left cheeks 108 and 110 in use, may be either substantially straight, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusively, or may define an at least slightly rounded concave configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 21, so as to softly contour the typically slightly rounded configuration of the cheeks of the person.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8 for example, in some embodiments, the strip supporting portion 17 includes an elongated groove 36 formed in the top surface 24 each one of the right and left side support elements 12 and 14. The groove 36 is for longitudinally slidably engaging therein through its open end 37 a non-adhesive eyelash extensions strip 100. More specifically, the groove 36 has a substantially inverted T-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration and opens longitudinally and the distal end portion 22. An inverted T-shaped configuration is one in which the wider part of the “T” is inside an element, this wider part communicating with the environment through a narrower part. In other embodiments, the grooves 36 each define a suitable alternative cross-section configured for substantially freely slidably engaging opposed longitudinal side edge portions of an eyelash extensions strip 100, as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8. Each groove 36 extends from its open end 37 along from distal end portion 22, and substantially longitudinally towards the proximal end portion 20 for a major longitudinal portion of the overall length of the respective right or left side support elements 12 and 14.

[0062] In some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device 10 may further comprise a glue cup 40 for typically containing glue for applying the eyelash extensions 102.

[0063] The glue cup 40 defines an underside surface 42 pivotally engaged on a top end portion of the pin 32, as illustrated in an exploded view in FIG. 7. For example, a threaded aperture (not shown in the figures) may be defined centrally in the underside surface 42 for threadedly engaging a screw type pin 32 extending through the fulcrum support portions 30 of each one of the right and left side support elements 12 and 14.

[0064] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10 for an alternative eyelash extension support device 10′, the glue cup 40′ and the pin 32′ are removably magnetically coupled to each other. For example, the glue cup 40′ may be provided with a magnetic element 44 connected to, or otherwise embedded in, an underside surface 42 of the glue cup 40′, for magnetically engaging a magnetizable top end portion 46 of the pin 32′. However, in alternative embodiments, the pin 32′ is magnetic also. In yet other embodiments, the pin 32′ includes a magnet and the glue cup 40′ includes a magnetizable portion.

[0065] In some embodiments, the glue cup 40 may be provided with a holding tab portion 48 for ease of manipulating the eyelash extensions support device 10. The holding tab portion 48 may extend substantially laterally from a peripheral portion of the glue cup 40. Other shape and size configurations for a holding tab portion 48 are also possible.

[0066] As would be obvious to someone familiar with small tools and accessories for the beauty salon industry, the various elements of the eyelash extensions support device 10 described above, including the pin 32, may be economically made of a substantially light yet relatively rigid plastic material using known injection molding processes. Other substantially light and rigid materials, or combination of materials, are also possible such as, for example, aluminum or a suitable metal alloy. As exemplified in the figures, the various elements of the eyelash extensions support device 10 may be suitably shaped and sized for conforming to the face of an adult, but it is to be understood that other shapes and sizes are possible such as for the relatively smaller face of a teenage person.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device 10″ may further comprise a coupling element 50 and a support 52 magnetically removably securable to the coupling element 50. For example, the coupling element 50 takes the form of an elongated magnetizable strip provided co-planarly longitudinally along one of both of the bottom surfaces 26, and the support 52 is a magnetic telescopic arm.

[0068] In these embodiments, the support 52 includes a length adjustable telescopic member 54 provided at one end thereof with a resiliently pivotable magnetic head element 56. The support also includes a handle 55. With the support 52 secured to the coupling element 50, the eyelash extensions support device 10″ can be held through the handle 55.

[0069] Thus, by magnetically engaging the magnetic head element 56 at a user selected position along one of the coupling element 50, the assembled right and left side support elements 12 and 14 may be conveniently remotely handled at a distance with one hand during a procedure where the person receiving the eyelash extensions 102 is seated or standing up.

[0070] Hence, the hand and, consequently, the arm of the user holding the device do not have to be tiredly maintained elevated for a relatively long period of time near the face of the person receiving the eyelash extensions 102. Furthermore, the general comfort of the person receiving the eyelash extensions 102 is enhanced since there is no intimate presence of a hand to interfere with normal breathing.

[0071] In some embodiments of the eyelash extensions support device 10″, the pin 32 (not seen in FIG. 9) itself may be made of a magnetizable material such as a ferrous metal or a magnetic element such that the support 52 may allow to remotely hold the eyelash extensions support assembly 60 through a centred underside position thereof, as illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 13.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device 10′″ may further comprise at least one angle support bracket 70 for magnetically holding the glue cup 40 at an angle relative to the eyelash extensions support assembly 60. The glue cup 40 is thus supported so that the glue cup 40 opens along a cup axis 41 that is angled relative to the rotation axis 33.

[0073] For example, as seen in FIG. 12, the at least one angle support bracket 70 may include a suitable base plate 72 bent in a relatively wide open L-shaped configuration. The base plate 72 is for example made of a resiliently bendable sheet of material such as a relatively thin sheet of aluminum or soft steel so as to be relatively easily bent by hand to a desired angle. Furthermore, the at least one angle support bracket 70 includes a relatively strong magnetic element 74 glued or otherwise connected to a centered portion of each one of the two angled interior surfaces 76 of the base plate 72.

[0074] Thus, using angle support brackets 70, one or more glue cups 40 each provided with a relatively strong magnetic element 44 connected to, or otherwise embedded along, an underside surface 42 thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 10, may by magnetically engaged to a magnetizable pin 32, so that the angle support bracket 70 is between the glue cup 40 and the pin 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 14, or along one, or each one, of the coupling element 50 along the bottom surfaces 26, as illustrated in partially hidden views in FIG. 21.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the eyelash extensions support device 10″″ may further comprise a pair of cheek supports 80 for allowing the eyelash extensions support assembly 60 to be self-supported on the face of a person lying or leaning backward, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0076] For example, each cheek support 80 is removably securable to the coupling element 50. The cheek supports 80 are configured and sized for abutting against one of the right and left cheeks 110 and 108 when operatively secured to the coupling element 50. In a specific embodiment of the invention, each one of the cheek supports 80 may include a base plate 72 substantially similar in shape, size and material as the one described above for the angle support bracket 70, and only one magnetic element 74 along the one of the interior surfaces 76 of the base plate 72.

[0077] Thus, as best illustrated in FIG. 14, a pair of cheek supports 80, each having their respective base plate 72 bent at a suitable angle, may be used to substantially stably self-support the eyelash extensions support assembly 60 at a user desired angle relative to the right and left cheeks 110 and 108 of the person by suitably magnetically engaging each one of the coupling elements 50 along the bottom surfaces 26 of the right and left side support elements 12 and 14.

[0078] It is to be understood the base plate 72 of each one of the cheek supports 80 may have other suitable shape configurations. For example, the portion of the base plate 72 in contact with the right or left cheeks 110 or 108 of the person may extend at least slightly laterally along a soft bend around the cheek toward the ear of the person for a more stable and comfortable support thereon.

[0079] The eyelash extensions support device 10 of the present invention allows a user to stably support eyelash extensions strips (either the self-adhesive or non-adhesive type) close to the work area by holding with one hand the holding tab portion 48 thereof, all the while gently abutting evenly the pair of forward edges 16 along portions of the cheeks of the person on which are to be applied the individual eyelash extensions 102 with the other hand.

[0080] Furthermore, the eyelash extensions support device 10 of the present invention allows a user to configure the latter using a pair of cheek supports 80 so as to free both hands for other tasks.

[0081] Furthermore, the eyelash extensions support device 10 of the present invention allows a user to conveniently hold the glue cup 40 close to the work area using a angle support bracket 70.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The present invention can thus be modified without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.