EYELASH EXTENSION PALLET AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Eyelash extension pallet for use in applying eyelash extensions and method of applying eyelash extensions are disclosed.
This nonprovisional patent application claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the filing of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/650,723 filed on May 23, 2012, titled “EYELASH EXTENSION PALLET”. The contents of application No. 61/650,723 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the cosmetic and beauty treatment industry. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and devices used in the application of eyelash extensions. Still more particularly, this invention relates to an eyelash extension pallet for use in applying and removing eyelash extensions and method of using same.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional approaches to enhancing the beauty and accentuating the eye include the use of mascara to thicken existing eyelashes and thereby drawing attention to eyes. The problem with mascara is that it can flake off or smear on the skin of the person wearing mascara. Additionally, when viewed under magnification, mascara may appear unevenly applied and, thus, have an undesirable appearance.
Another conventional approach to accentuating the eye includes the use of artificial eyelashes (sometimes referred to as false eyelashes) which include a complete set (pair) of eyelashes each adhered to a curved base strip. Each curved base strip is glued to the eyelid of the client using an adhesive or glue. Once the artificial eyelashes are glued to the eyelid, they may be enhanced further with mascara if necessary to blend the artificial eyelashes with the natural eyelashes. One problem with these artificial eyelashes is the tendency for the curved base strip to become unattached and literally fall off the eyelid of the client at unpredictable and undesirable times. Additionally, because of the base strip, artificial eyelashes simply do not look natural.
More recently, eyelash extensions have been developed as a replacement for mascara and solving at least some of the problems associated with mascara. Eyelash extensions have the appearance of lush, even and full eyelashes and may be made from natural hair or synthetic materials. Synthetic mink hair is commonly used for eyelash extensions.
Eyelash extensions may be made from various materials, including but not limited to human or animal (mink) hair, silk, or synthetic materials, e.g., keraspecific fibre, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), synthetic mink and other similar materials that simulate lush eyelashes. Commercial eyelash extensions are sold by the gram weight and may be packaged in ziplock bags, plastic jars (lash pots) and in adhesive strips. Eyelash extensions come in various sizes and configurations that may be difficult or organize or access during application. Conventionally, even adhesive strips of eyelash extensions may be stored loose in a lash pot and thus, disorganized.
Eyelash extensions come in many available thicknesses typically measured in mm, e.g., 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm in 5 mm increments. Eyelash extensions having 0.10 mm lash thickness are typically used on very thin and thin real eyelashes. Eyelash extensions having 0.15 mm lash thickness are typically used on thin and medium thick real eyelashes. Eyelash extensions having 0.20 mm lash thickness are most often used on medium thick real eyelashes. Eyelash extensions having 0.25 mm lash thickness are typically used on strong eyelashes or for special occasions. Eyelash extensions having 0.30 mm lash thickness are typically used for special occasions, photo shoots and not recommended for long-term wearing.
Eyelash extensions come is a variety curl designations that reflect the amount of curl in the lash, e.g., J, A, B, C, CC and D. The J-curl lashes tend to be closest to the actual human eyelashes to create natural looking lashes. The B-curl lashes are more curled than the J-curl lashes and creates lashes that appear as if curled with an eyelash curler. The C-curl lashes appear as if they have been permanently curled (permed). The D-curl lash creates “doll-like” lashes for special occasions. The D-curl lashes tend to be the most curly lash curl designation. In addition to thickness and curl, eyelash extensions are available in various lengths from 5 mm to 20 mm, in 1 mm increments, as well as various colors.
The eyelash extensions are generally installed in designated application areas along the natural upper eyelashes, i.e., from inside nearest the nose all the way to the outside, closer to the client's temples in order to achieve various looks or appearances with the application of one eyelash extension hair at a time. A skilled eyelash extension technician (also artist or stylist) is generally needed to apply adhesive to individual eyelash extensions and then apply the eyelash extensions to the natural eyelash without gluing to the skin (individual eyelashes only) in order to achieve good results without spilling, over applying or wasting the glue. Conventional glue or adhesive used to affix eyelash extensions can very expensive (e.g., $100 USD for a small bottle), volatile and dries quickly.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an eyelash extension pallet and method of applying eyelash extensions that may be used by eyelash technicians and others to organize strips of commercial eyelashes and to apply the glue or adhesive prior to and during application of the eyelash extensions to a client's real eyelashes .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet is disclosed. The pallet may include a front planar surface for receiving strips of eyelash extensions and a back planar surface parallel to the front planar surface. The pallet may further include indicia applied to the front planar surface indicative of thickness and length of new eyelash extensions and used for indexing the new eyelash extensions. The pallet may further include a glue well disposed below the front planar surface for holding glue.
Another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet is disclosed. This pallet may include a rectangular polypropylene sheet having front and back planar surfaces, including dimensions of width, W, a height, H, and thickness, T. This pallet may further include indicia applied to the front planar surface indicative of thickness and length of new eyelash extensions. This pallet may further include a glue well, the glue well having shape of a sliced sphere having a depth, d, disposed within the front planar surface and configured for holding drops of glue, the glue well further comprising a rim, the rim coplanar with the front planar surface, the rim forming a boundary between the front planar surface and the glue well, and the rim having a diameter, D.
An embodiment of a method of applying eyelash extensions using the novel eyelash extension pallet, such as those disclosed herein, is also disclosed.
The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.
Embodiments of the invention include an eyelash extension pallet and method of using same for applying eyelash extensions. It is useful and instructive to understand the procedure for applying eyelash extensions to best understand the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, an embodiment of a general procedure for applying eyelash extensions according to the present invention will first be disclosed. Subsequently, an embodiment of a specific method for applying eyelash extensions according to the present invention will be disclosed. Finally, the structural features of various embodiments of an eyelash extension pallet according to the present invention will subsequently be disclosed.
The general procedures for applying and removing eyelash extensions according to the present invention will be broken down into two sections. Section one includes procedures performed prior to application of the eyelash extensions. Section two includes procedures performed during application of the eyelash extensions.
Section One—Prior to Application of the Eyelash Extensions
The first set of procedures in section one involves making sure that all makeup is removed from the client's eyes. Women frequently have makeup applied, including mascara, eye shadow and other cosmetics upon arrival for their eyelash extensions procedure. It is generally recommended that the client be instructed to wash off all eye makeup. This may be performed preferably using an oil free soap. Once the makeup has been washed off, the client is generally instructed to thoroughly rinse their face and closed eyes with water to rinse off all of the residual soap film. Finally, the client is instructed to thoroughly dry both eyes in preparation for eyelash extension application.
The second set of procedures in section one involves questions to ask the client before applying the eyelash extensions to select the right “look” or “style” that the client desires. For example and not by way of limitation, the client may be asked any or all of the following questions: How much time do you spend on applying makeup in the morning? How many coats of mascara do you put on every day? If you could make your eyelashes longer, how much longer than your natural lashes would you make them? Do you want a more natural or glamorous look? Various style choices may be presented to the client in order to determine the length or multiple lengths of eyelash extensions that should be applied to achieve the desired style or look.
The third set of procedure in section one involve preparing an eyelash extension pallet, such as the novel pallet disclosed herein, for use in applying the eyelash extensions. The particular structure and features of embodiments of the pallet will be described in further detail below. Based on the client's desired look and style preferences, the eyelash extension technician selects one or more strips of eyelash extensions according to curl, thickness and lengths required. Those strips of eyelash extensions are sold as marked strips indicating the curl, thickness and length of the eyelash extensions in the strip. By placing the strips on the appropriate indicia, it will be readily apparent to the technician which size eyelash extensions are on the pallet.
Once the pallet is loaded with strips of eyelash extensions and glue is placed within the glue well, the eyelash extension technician may then place the loaded pallet to the side of the client's head in a position that is comfortable for the technician to access and use. Other useful tools for the technician 250 may include towels 240 and tweezers 230, as shown for example in
Either before or after preparing the eyelash extension pallet, the eyelash extension technician typically must place eye pads on each of the client's eyes.
Section Two—Applying Eyelash Extensions
The first set of procedures in section two involves isolating an individual natural eyelash to which an eyelash extension will be applied.
The technician 250 will want to find a comfortable hand placement on the client's head 700 that allows the technician 250 to gently separate the natural upper lashes 306 until one lash is easily separated on its own.
Method 100 may further include isolating 112 a single client eyelash to apply an eyelash extension. The single client eyelash is chosen for extension, typically by using one or more tweezers. Method 100 may further include retrieving 114 a single eyelash extension from the at least one strip of eyelash extensions. This single eyelash extension will be glued to the single client eyelash. Method 100 may further include dipping 116 the single eyelash extension in the glue well. This provides the adhesive necessary to glue the extension to the natural eyelash. Method 100 may further include dragging 118 the single eyelash extension along an edge of the glue well to remove excess glue. This avoids “globing” of the glue and minimizes multiple lashes being glued together. Method 100 may further include placing 120 the single eyelash extension on the isolated client eyelash and releasing. The glue dries in 1 to 2 seconds. According to another embodiment, method 100 may further include repeating the isolating 112, retrieving 114, dipping 116, dragging 118, placing 120 and releasing steps, in order to build a lush and even set of eyelash extensions. This same procedure may be repeated for the other eye according to another embodiment.
The indicia shown in
Another useful feature of pallet 1100 is the built in glue well 1106. According to the commercial embodiment of pallet 1100 shown in
Once poured into the glue well 1106, the glue is below the pallet surface 104, thereby potentially reducing air flow over the surface and lessening evaporation of the glue. The glue well 1106 allows the user to drag the excess glue from the eyelash lash extension during its application to prevent globing and dripping of the glue or adhesive.
Pallet 1100 may be formed of any suitable hard material, e.g., plastic, polypropylene, metal or ceramic. Materials that are resistant to acetone which may be used for cleaning the pallet 1100 may be preferred for ease of cleaning. Pallet 1100 may have any suitable dimensions for width, length and thickness, so long as it is useful for storing eyelash extension strips and can support a glue well 1106. The eyelash extension pallet 1100 illustrated in
An embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet is disclosed. The pallet may include a front planar surface for receiving strips of eyelash extensions and a back planar surface parallel to the front planar surface. The pallet may further include indicia applied to the front planar surface indicative of thickness and length of new eyelash extensions and used for indexing the new eyelash extensions. The pallet may further include a glue well disposed below the front planar surface for holding glue.
According to another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the pallet may be formed of a hard material that may be repeatedly cleaned with acetone. According to a couple embodiments, the hard material may be formed of a hard plastic material, or polypropylene.
According to still another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the indicia may be printed on the planar surface. For example screen printing may be used to apply indicia on the pallet surface. According to yet another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the indicia may be stamped into the planar surface of the pallet. According to another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the indicia may first be applied or printed on an adhesive sticker. Then adhesive sticker may be subsequently adhered to the planar surface.
According to another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the planar surface may have dimensions including a width, W, a height, H, and thickness, T. According to a particular embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, W is about 4″, H is about 7″ and T is about ¼ inch.
According to yet another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the glue well forms a spherical depression in the pallet surface. Such a glue well may be formed using a flute ball mill to drill a spherical depression in the front surface of the pallet without drilling all the way through to the back surface. According to one particular embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the glue well has a maximum depth of about 3/16″.
According to another particular embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the glue well may include a rim, the rim being coplanar with the front planar surface, the rim forming a boundary between the front planar surface and the glue well, and the rim having a diameter at the front planar surface of about ⅝″. According to yet another particular embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the rim is at least ¼″ from any pallet edge.
According to an embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the pallet is rectangular with four edges. According to one particular embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, all edges of the pallet are rounded. According to another particular embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, the glue well is located closer to one corner of the pallet than any other corner.
Another embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet is disclosed. This pallet may include a rectangular polypropylene sheet having front and back planar surfaces, including dimensions of width, W, a height, H, and thickness, T. This pallet may further include indicia applied to the front planar surface indicative of thickness and length of new eyelash extensions. This pallet may further include a glue well, the glue well having shape of a sliced sphere having a depth, d, disposed within the front planar surface and configured for holding drops of glue, the glue well further comprising a rim, the rim coplanar with the front planar surface, the rim forming a boundary between the front planar surface and the glue well, and the rim having a diameter, D. According to a particular embodiment of an eyelash extension pallet, W is about 4″, H is about 7″, T is about ¼ inch, d is about 3/16″ and D is about ⅝″.
While the foregoing advantages of the present invention are manifested in the illustrated embodiments of the invention, a variety of changes can be made to the configuration, design and construction of the invention to achieve those advantages. Hence, reference herein to specific details of the structure and function of the present invention is by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
Claims
1. A method of applying eyelash extensions to a client, comprising:
- providing an eyelash extension pallet including a planar surface for receiving strips of eyelash extensions, surface indicia for indexing the strips of eyelash extensions according to thickness and length, and an integrated glue well;
- selecting at least one strip of eyelash extensions;
- placing the selected at least one strip of eyelash extensions on the pallet according to the surface indicia;
- placing at least one drop of eyelash extension glue in the glue well;
- positioning the pallet adjacent to head of the client;
- isolating a single client eyelash to apply an eyelash extension;
- retrieving a single eyelash extension from the at least one strip of eyelash extensions;
- dipping the single eyelash extension in the glue well;
- dragging the single eyelash extension along an edge of the glue well to remove excess glue; and
- placing the single eyelash extension on the isolated client eyelash and releasing.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising repeating the isolating, retrieving, dipping, dragging, placing and releasing steps.
3. An eyelash extension pallet, comprising:
- a front planar surface for receiving strips of eyelash extensions and a back planar surface parallel to the front planar surface;
- indicia applied to the front planar surface indicative of thickness and length of new eyelash extensions and used for indexing the new eyelash extensions; and
- a glue well disposed below the front planar surface for holding glue.
4. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the pallet comprises a hard material that may be repeatedly cleaned with acetone.
5. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 4, wherein the hard material comprises a hard plastic material.
6. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 4, wherein the hard material comprises polypropylene.
7. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the indicia are printed on the planar surface.
8. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the indicia are stamped into the planar surface.
9. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the indicia are printed on an adhesive sticker, the adhesive sticker adhered to the planar surface.
10. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the planar surface has a width, W, a height, H, and thickness, T.
11. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 10, wherein W is about 4″, H is about 7″ and T is about ¼ inch.
12. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the glue well forms a spherical depression in the pallet surface.
13. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 12, wherein the glue well has a maximum depth of about 3/16″.
14. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 12, wherein the glue well comprises a rim, the rim coplanar with the front planar surface, the rim forming a boundary between the front planar surface and the glue well, and the rim having a diameter at the front planar surface of about ⅝″.
15. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 14, wherein the rim is at least ¼″ from any pallet edge.
16. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the pallet is rectangular with four edges.
17. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 16, wherein all edges of the pallet are rounded.
18. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 3, wherein the glue well is located closer to one corner of the pallet than any other corner.
19. An eyelash extension pallet, comprising:
- a rectangular polypropylene sheet having front and back planar surfaces, including dimensions of width, W, a height, H, and thickness, T;
- indicia applied to the front planar surface indicative of thickness and length of new eyelash extensions; and
- a glue well, the glue well having shape of a sliced sphere having a depth, d, disposed within the front planar surface and configured for holding drops of glue, the glue well further comprising a rim, the rim coplanar with the front planar surface, the rim forming a boundary between the front planar surface and the glue well, and the rim having a diameter, D.
20. The eyelash extension pallet according to claim 19, wherein W is about 4″, H is about 7″, T is about ¼ inch, d is about 3/16″ and D is about ⅝″.
Type: Application
Filed: May 23, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 28, 2013
Inventor: Jill Ann Kindall (West Jordan, UT)
Application Number: 13/901,550
International Classification: A41G 5/02 (20060101);