NEW LASH FILAMENT CONFIGURATION AT THE LATERAL PORTION OF FALSH EYELASH

Abstract

An improved eyelash adornment that provides for further enhancing and/or correcting eye attributes via a series of new tip profile configurations at the lateral region.

Description

BACKGROUND

The application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/859,267, filed Jun. 10, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to an eyelash adornment or false eyelash used as a beauty accessory where enhanced eyelash, lash line, and eye visibility is often desired for a variety of reasons.

The present applicant owns previously issued patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,225,800 and 8,596,284, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Those patents disclose successful improvements relating to enhancing the appearance of eyelashes, lash lines, and the eyes of the wearer. A variety of different embodiments are disclosed in the patents, and include arrangements that include multiple lash subassemblies capable of being attached to an eyelid to enhance the lateral/medial (L/M) and superior/inferior (S/I) appearance of the eye and lash line, and present a visibly stronger than natural horizontal and vertical impression and/or increased appearance in the eye attributes in order to flatter, balance, and enhance the appearance of the eye, natural eye lashes and lash line, as well as to address the wearer's concerns regarding the advantages and/or disadvantages of their general eye shape or specific attributes.

The tips of existing lash filaments known in the marketplace mimic the tip profiles of natural lashes and define a generally convex arcuate profile that slopes from one side of the assembly to the other. The following description will repeatedly refer to the “profile” of the lash assembly and collective lash subassemblies. Herein, “profile” or “tip profile”, unless stated otherwise, indicates an average or mean shape produced by the tips of the lash filaments, which trends in the stated form (e.g. convex, sloping, variegated, etc.) and may have individual lash filaments which slightly depart from the “profile” shape. A “tip profile” in other words, is an impression or mean approximation of the stated shape rather than an exact tracing or outline thereof.

It is already known, for example, to provide a standard lash filament arrangement where a one-piece eyelash or multi-piece eyelash assembly provides for a reduced lash filament length and/or density and thickness which is evident in the reduction of an arcuate convex tip profile graduation of length and density at the inner portion of the assembly, often placed at the medial region of the wearer's eye so that the lash filaments are generally longer and more dense than the wearer's own eyelashes but mimic the natural arcuate (e.g., convex) reduction in graduation of length and density of the wearer's natural eye lashes at the central and or medial portions of the eye.

Known products can be categorized into two primary shapes, either “round” where the longest and most dense distribution of lash filaments is at the center of the arrangement, predominantly located above the wearer's iris when in use, and such a tip profile is predominantly used for enhancing the S/I appearance and the wearer's natural eyes. The other primary shape is a “flare” where the longest and most dense distribution of lash filaments in the tip profile is predominantly located closest to the outer portion lateral region of the arrangement, therefore usually positioned nearer the outer portion of the wearer's eye. When the eye is open, this ‘flare’ style is intended to present a stronger than natural horizontal appearance generally making the S/I height, L/M width of the eye, and the length of the lash line itself appear larger while the lash filaments which are longer and more dense than the wearer's own natural eye lashes present a shape along the wearer's browbone that is intended to give a horizonal emphasis upward and slightly outward toward the lateral portion of the eye area. These two tip profile and lash filament distribution configurations may be suitable for some eye shapes/types, but are more often unflattering and not ergonomic, so ill-fitting on the wearer's eye that instead of a creating the impression of an increased S/I width of the eye or creating the impression of an increased L/M width of the eye in either a horizontally elongated or diagonally upward emphasis, (which are considered to be the most flattering and desirable effects), the appearance of the eye is smaller, droopy or misshapen, or the combined appearance of the eye, lash line and eye lashes seems to have a reduced S/I and L/M emphasis than actual. This effect of the tip profile and lash filament arrangement is not considered flattering and is most often associated with aging eye shapes where the natural lash line has a downward inclination, the skin nearest the brow bone, eyelid and lash line starts to descend and becomes more vertically oriented nearer the lateral portion and therefore the position of the lash line and eye lashes and skin on the eye at the outer lateral corner also appearing more vertical in orientation, making both the L/M and S/I impression become both smaller and lower on the face. Existing products only address the S/I appearance and/or the lateral portion of the eye wherein the convex arcuate tip profile and general length of the central and lateral portions of the assembly or subassemblies is equal to or longer than the medial portion or, generally speaking, the convex arcuate tip profiles of the lateral and medial portions are designed to be similar or effectively symmetrical, appearing to mirror each other while the actual filament lengths may be different.

Existing products do not address the outer lateral portion of the eye wherein the outer corner has a configuration at the lateral portion of the base elongated mounting portion and corresponding tip profile that has a mean length of lash filaments noticeably shorter than the mean length of filaments at the inner medial corner, or wherein the filament tip profile or overall configuration of the arrangement of lash filaments at the outer lateral portion is obviously, intentionally, and dramatically asymmetrical to the configuration of the filaments of the inner portion and remaining non-lateral portions (including, but not limited to, distinctly non-arcuate, non-convex, steeply graduated, severely angled, crenelated (indented or notched), geometric, graphic and otherwise unnatural looking tapered fiber arrangements nearest the lateral portion of the assembly where it then blends into a more standardized convex arcuate tip profile graduation toward the non-lateral parts and remainder of the of the assembly).

Thus, a need still exists for further enhancing or correcting eye shapes/types/attributes.

An improved arrangement is desired that provides at least one or more of the above-described features, as well as still other features and benefits.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an improved eyelash adornment.

The present disclosure provides for further enhancing or correcting eye shapes/types/attributes or what we refer to as a ‘lifting effect’ or truly functional universal diagonal upward and slightly outward emphasis via a series of new tip profile configurations, or non-arcuate/non-convex/severe straight line slope/unnatural tip profile configurations at the outer lateral region such that the intended flattering effect created by the lash assembly or subassemblies remains uplifting/unchanged even when the wearer's eye has a downward characteristic or becomes more vertical when the orientation of the lash line changes to meet the opposing eyelid at the lateral portion of the eye, or where the skin of the brow bone is loose/heavy and rests very near or on the lash line, such that the intended visual effect of the lash assembly is unaffected and not distorted by the wearer's natural eye shape. Such an effect is generally considered flattering, desirable and an advantage for one of ordinary skill in the art who does not experience a larger than natural exaggeration of their natural lash line, or an enhanced L/M, S/I eye size or the diagonal lifting effect intended with standard ‘round’ and ‘flare’ assemblies (for example, round, protruding and/or droopy eyes and/or droopy eyelid or downturned eyes).

The lateral portion has a distinctly different tip profile than the configuration of the non-lateral and medial portions. The visually distinct lateral portion can be configured differently from the non-lateral and/or medial portions utilizing (i) severe straight line slope configuration; (ii) non-convex/non-arcuate differences; (iii) overall different mean lash filament lengths; and/or (iv) density.

The improved adornment includes angled, multi-angled, non-arcuate, non-convex, steeply graduated, severely angled, crenelated, geometric, graphic and/or otherwise unnatural looking tapered fiber arrangements at the lateral portion of the eye that can be configured in multiple ways to create the desired tip profile for a visible ‘lifting effect.’ In utilizing these new tip profiles at the lateral portion, the appearance or visual impression of the wearer's natural lash line (L/M and S/I size of the eye) is enhanced or altered when the eye is open as the assemblies create shapes along the wearer's browbone in the lateral region, resulting in a more universally flattering fit for the eye shapes/types/attributes that are currently not serviced in the eye lash industry.

By utilizing acute, perpendicular, and/or obtuse angles at the lateral portion, the appearance or visual impression of the enlargement of the wearer's natural lash line, L/M and S/I size of the eye, which when the eye is open and the assemblies create shapes along the user's browbone in the lateral region, produce a visible ‘lifting effect’ and therefore more universally fits and flatters the eye shapes/types/attributes that are currently not serviced in the eye lash industry.

Particularly, in either a one-piece or multi-piece arrangement, that portion of the adornment in the lateral region is modified to provide a new tapering and shaping of the tip profile or dramatic change in the typical lash filament arrangement/tip profile at the outer lateral region of the eye.

The present disclosure corrects, balances and/or enhances eye shapes and attributes including, but not limited to, what are commonly referred to as downturned, round, almond, deepset, upturned, hooded, monolid, protruding, close set, wide set, small, and large; for example, by providing a dramatic graduation (reduced taper of tip profile) or series of new graduations, shapes and angles in the tip profile as the arcuate portion of the filaments approach the outer lateral region of the assembly.

The tip profile graduation or angled, or convex, non-arcuate tapering provided by either the one-piece or multi-piece false eyelash of the present disclosure may be used with or without any other modification to the remainder of the filaments.

Still other benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from reading and understanding the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region “flared” lash style filament arrangement.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a modified lateral region eyelash adornment of the “flared” lash style shown in FIG. 1 modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region “round” lash style filament arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a modified lateral region eyelash adornment of the “round” lash type shown in FIG. 3 modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a known, standard round “wispy” lash style filament arrangement.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a modified lateral region one-piece eyelash adornment of the “wispy” round type shown in FIG. 5 modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a modified lateral region multi-piece eyelash adornment of the “wispy” round type shown in FIG. 5 modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region “diagonal flare” lash style filament arrangement.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified lateral region eyelash adornment of the “diagonal flare” type shown in FIG. 8 modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region “rounded square” lash style filament arrangement.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a modified lateral region eyelash adornment of the “rounded square” type shown in FIG. 10 modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region natural round lash style filament arrangement.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a modified lateral region eyelash adornment of the “natural” round type shown in FIG. 12 modified in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region round “center flare” lash style filament arrangement that has symmetrical generally convex tip profiles at the medial and lateral regions.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region round “center flare” lash style filament arrangement that has asymmetrical mean lengths of the medial and lateral regions and generally symmetrical convex tip profiles of medial and lateral regions and wherein the tip profile is substantially the same even though the mean length of the filaments is different.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a modified lateral region eyelash adornment of the “center flare” type shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region ‘corner accent’ eyelash typically presented in a ‘flared’ shape and intended to enhance the lateral region of the user's eye, so that the length of the elongated base portion is intentionally less than the natural width of the eye.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a modified lateral region ‘corner accent’ eyelash where the lateral portion has a shorter tip profile than the non-lateral portion consisting of the remainder of the lash filaments.

FIG. 19 shows a user with almond eyes wearing store bought ‘flare’ style eyelashes on the right eye.

FIG. 20 shows the same subject with the disclosed modified lateral region ‘flare’ false eyelash adornment on the right eye.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific details of different embodiments and should be construed as including all changes and/or equivalents or substitutes included in the ideas and technological scope of the appended claims. In describing the drawings, where possible similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.

The terms “include” or “may include” used in the present disclosure indicate the presence of disclosed corresponding functions, operations, elements, and the like, and do not limit additional one or more functions, operations, elements, and the like. In addition, it should be understood that the terms “include”, “including”, “have” or “having” used in the present disclosure are to indicate the presence of components, features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof.

The terms “or” or “at least one of A or/and B” used in the present disclosure include any and all combinations of words enumerated with them. For example, “A or B” or “at least one of A or/and B” mean including A, including B, or including both A and B.

Although the terms such as “first” and “second” used in the present disclosure may modify various elements of the different exemplary embodiments, these terms do not limit the corresponding elements. For example, these terms do not limit an order and/or importance of the corresponding elements, nor do these terms preclude additional elements (e.g., second, third, etc.) The terms may be used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first mechanical device and a second mechanical device all indicate mechanical devices and may indicate different types of mechanical devices or the same type of mechanical device. For example, a first element may be named a second element without departing from the scope of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and similarly, a second element may be named a first element.

It will be understood that, when an element is mentioned as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to another element, and there may be an intervening element between the element and another element. To the contrary, it will be understood that, when an element is mentioned as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there is no intervening element between the element and another element.

The terms used in the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

All of the terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as those generally understood by an ordinary skilled person in the related art unless they are defined otherwise. The terms defined in a generally used dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meanings as the contextual meanings of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as having inconsistent or exaggerated meanings unless they are clearly defined in the various exemplary embodiments.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a standard eyelash adornment 100, and particularly a lateral region lash filament arrangement formed as a single (one-piece) assembly. The adornment 100 includes an elongated base portion or mounting portion 102 and a series of individual filaments or lash or filament groups 104 extending from the base portion. The lash assembly 100 in this embodiment is referred to as a “flared” lash style that is configured and designed so that the elongated base portion 102 is used as the mounting portion when fitting the adornment to an eyelid (or when attached to natural eye lashes, other eye lash adornments, and/or any intermediary substance or material, to enhance and/or modify the user's eyelashes and lash line). As is generally known, a paste, liquid adhesive, adhesive strip, magnet, or magnetic compound can alternatively be used to readily provide fixation between the adornment 100 and the eyelid. Still other mounting arrangements known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

Typically, the lash assembly or subassemblies 100 are manufactured using any one or a combination of a number of known techniques. For example, lash filaments 104 are molded into plastic or elastomeric strips 102 where the strips then serve as the mounting portion(s) during use. In other processes, the filaments 104 are molded to each other and/or to a common line, which then forms the basis for the mounting portion, either on its own or after the addition of supplementary materials for additional structure. Other manufacturing processes make use of microbonding. It is even possible to co-mold the filaments and mounting portion in order to form an integral lash assembly. Some manufacturing techniques enable the resulting lash assembly or subassembly to be cut/altered by the user while maintaining the structural integrity. Of course, any suitable manufacturing technique may be chosen and used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention.

Various materials may be used for the lash filaments 104 including natural materials, such as hair or feathers, and synthetic fibers. Some of these, for example synthetic fibers, are only suitable for certain manufacturing techniques, e.g. co-molding. Aside from materials which simulate hair, other materials can be used with varying effect including, for example, metal foil, paper, feathers or any other material which can provide a desired natural or unnatural looking effect as may be desired for a particular application or use. The choice of material might also be influenced by the desired visual or functional effect and/or cost, and it will be understood by one skilled in the art that these attributes do not include costume styles like paper creations that make geometric patterns along the browbones, and instead covers natural, non-costume styles.

The adornment may be presented as a packaged article, with the lash subassemblies presented together, or as a single assembly, ready for fitting to the eyelid (or a single assembly ready for fitting to one eyelid, and a second assembly ready for fitting to the other eyelid). As also previously disclosed in the noted commonly owned patents, the adornments may be sold as a part of a kit where a number of lash assemblies or subassemblies are presented as a collection of subassemblies in a collection or palette type format or along with ancillary items such as one or more of a mirror, adhesive, adhesive remover, scissors, tweezers, a lash grabber/manipulating tools, a lash application tool, a lash separator/comb, bonding mascara, camouflage eyeliner, eyeliner and glue hybrid, magnetic eyeliner and any other suitable item to assist in affixing, assisting in affixing, fittings/removal, repairs/adjustments, grasping, or tidying the adornment.

Lash filaments may be arranged individually or in a series of adjacent groupings where a grouping takes the form of a relatively large grouping or in which filaments are strongly convergent to form a generally triangular, rounded, tapered, zigzag or squared shape. These may or may not be interspersed with rather more wispy intermediate groupings in which filaments are generally divergent. Alternate groupings may also have alternating long and short mean filament lengths and densities. As a consequence of the alternating characteristics of the groupings, respective filament tips often collectively cause a crenellated pattern (triangular in character). The density and placement of lash filaments may be the same in each subassembly or assembly or may be of varying thicknesses across each lash assembly or subassembly.

From FIG. 1, it can be seen that the lash filament grouping 104 has the longest mean filament length at the lateral region 120/102b. Generally, its convex arcuate tip profile and filament length also graduates from a maximum on one side region 120/102b. which would typically be located in the lateral region of an eye in a ‘flared’ style when being worn, and then gradually narrows and becomes shorter nearer the medial region of the eye 110/102a. The mean length of the lash filaments of groupings 104 is generally longer and more dense than the length and thickness of an average natural eyelash. In use, when the lash subassembly 100 is applied to an eyelid, the shape or pattern that forms against the skin along the brow bone when the eye is open is made up of elongated filament groups 104. From a sagittal view (that is, a view taken substantially along the plane of the page in the orientation of the Figures), the lash filaments 104 curve downward, away from the base portion 102 and then upward again, similar to the curve of natural lashes that are not straight or unruly.

The lash 100 creates a visual impression of lashes having a more dense distribution and longer filament length than the natural eyelashes. Moreover, the graduation in the mean length of the filaments 130 (from longer at the lateral region 120/102b of the lash to shorter at the medial region 110/102a) can help to blend the exaggerated length of the filaments into the natural lash line (mimic the natural decrease in lash length and density of the natural lash line at the medial region of the eye).

When the lash 100 is placed at the lateral region of the upper or lower lash line on a selective group of eye shapes, the density of its filaments 104 appears to enhance the characteristic of the natural lash line, making the horizontal impression of the lash line L/M and S/I width of the eye seem greater. The exaggerated length and convex arcuate tip profile of the lash filaments combined with their curve creates an effect where the lash filaments 140 is intended but does not always extend both upwardly and laterally (i.e. diagonally upward from the eye perimeter), thereby exaggerating the relationship between the eyelashes and the eye, creating vertical emphasis at the lateral region and again making the L/M and S/I width of the eye appear larger.

The resulting visual effect created by positioning the lash 100 in the lateral region of the eye dramatically differs according to the wearer's natural eye shape. For example, for eye shapes that naturally extend horizontally or are upturned at the lateral region, the eye appears to have a stronger than natural horizontal appearance, which generally makes the L/M width of the eye seem larger and the length of the user's natural lash line seem larger. The exaggerated length of the lash filaments gives diagonal emphasis upward and slightly outward toward the lateral region of the eye area, making the S/I width of the eye seem larger. Such an arrangement generally creates an advantageous visual effect for almond, upturned, deep-set, narrow/close-set, and/or small eyes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mean length of the lash filaments 104 is generally longer than the length of an average natural eyelash. With the lash assembly or subassemblies 100 applied to an eyelid, the lash filaments 104 blend into the natural lashes of the user, creating a visual impression of lashes having a more dense distribution and longer filament length than the natural eyelashes. Moreover, the mean length of the filaments 104 in FIG. 1 generally increase from the medial region 110 toward the lateral region 120. As is represented by outline marks 130, the longest filament length or mean filament length at the lateral region 102b of each adornment 100 remains substantially the same. With this flared lash, the exaggerated length of the fibers combined with their convex arcuate curve, gives the impression of enlarging of the lash line, strengthening the L/M emphasis and S/I width of eye shapes having a naturally horizontal characteristic (almond, upturned, hooded, monolid, small, close set, deepset). With an emphasis of the longest filaments nearest the lateral region, when in use the shape created along the user's brow bone is also most emphasized at the lateral region.

For eye shapes with a more vertical or diagonal orientation of the lash line at the lateral region, where the upper lid transitions into a more vertical or downward position to meet the opposing eyelid, the intended lateral exaggeration of the lash filaments and their graduated convex arcuate tip profile causes the natural lash line at the lateral region to appear lower on the face than normal, producing a visibly stronger than actual sagging effect, which is not a desired flattering effect but, as previously stated, is associated with an aging appearance wherein the skin and eye naturally droops and becomes lower on the structure of the face.

When the eye is open, the shape created by this flared lash along the eye lid and brow bone of a wearer with a more vertical or diagonal orientation at the lateral region of the eye will be one where the lateral region of the lash line is visibly dominantly lower than the central and medial parts of the lash line, exaggerating the lateral region of the eye to look substantially lower than it is naturally positioned on the face.

In contrast, and as shown in FIG. 2, a visually distinct portion of the collective appearance of filaments 104 in the lateral region 102b is provided. Particularly, outline mark 140 includes three portions representative of the lash filament lengths: (i) first portion 140a which shows a general constant length of filament 104 as the lash filaments extend outwardly from the base portion 102 from a central portion of the adornment 100, (ii) second portion 140b where the length of the filaments or lash filaments 104 dramatically decrease in mean length across only a small section of the base portion 102, and terminate at a (iii) third portion 140c is slightly squared off at the lateral region 102b of the adornment 100. This provides a dramatic change in graduation of the length of the lash or filament 104 within approximately 33% or less of an overall length (or in the range of approximately 25% or less in other embodiments, or in the range of approximately 10% to 15% or less in still other embodiments) of an average sized eyelid of a user at the lateral region usually just in from the outer corner 102b such that the assembly creates a larger than natural impression of the lash line and the L/M size of the eye before its (the eye's) orientation changes and becomes more vertical to meet the opposing eyelid at the lateral region of the eye. The exaggerated length of the filaments, combined with the curve of the fibers extending from the base portion toward the filament tips, exaggerates the relationship between the eyelashes and the natural eye shape, creating a horizontal and slightly vertical emphasis at the lateral region, giving the S/I width a larger appearance that is independent of the characteristic of the lateral corner of the user's natural lash line/eyelid.

For eye shapes where the lateral part of the natural lash line has a downward inclination, or becomes more vertical (where the orientation of the lash line changes to meet the opposing eyelid at the lateral corner of the eye) than other eye shapes, or where the skin of the brow bone is loose and rests very near the lash line, the lash in FIG. 2 is unaffected by the downward, more vertical nature of the natural eye shape and therefore creates the impression of a longer lash line than the eye has naturally. Such a visually distinct portion is generally considered flattering and an advantage in that the pattern that forms against the skin along the brow bone when the eye is open is predominant at the lateral region and therefore emphasized at neither the lateral corner (flare) nor just above the iris (round), as do all existing lash styles, but rather has a tip profile that most strongly emphasizes the area of the eye and user's natural lash line that is just in from the lateral corner, which accommodates, corrects and balances eyes that are more vertical than horizontal at the lateral region of the eye including round, protruding, downturned, aging and/or droopy eyes and/or droopy eyelids, among others.

In FIG. 3, a conventional “round” lash style is illustrated. Here, the mean length of the filaments or lash filaments 104 is effectively identical adjacent the medial region 102a to the lateral region 102b. This predominantly constant lash length, tip profile and fiber density is emphasized by the outline mark 150 in FIG. 3. Generally, the outline mark 150 represents the same average mean length of filaments 104 over substantially the entirety of the adornment 100, although the medial region 102a and lateral region 102b may taper to a very slightly reduced mean filament length, creating only a marginal change in the tip profile of the fibers.

When in use, the density of the tip profile of the lash filaments 150 creates a shape along the wearer's brow bone while the exaggerated length of the lash filaments and predominately uniform tip profile creates the appearance of upward and slightly lateral eye orientation, making the overall lash line and therefore eye shape seem larger in L/M and S/I width.

With this round lash, the exaggeration and appearance of enlarging eye shapes having a naturally horizontal characteristic within the lash line and eye shape (almond, upturned, hooded, monolid, small, close set, deepset) is more evenly dispersed across the whole lash line than it would be if the emphasis of the filaments was nearer the lateral region in a flare style of eyelash. But for eye shapes with a more vertical or diagonal orientation at the lateral region, the uniformity of the lash filaments and their predominately homogenous tip profile causes the natural lash line to appear lower, or more vertical where the natural lash line changes orientation to meet the opposing eyelid, which is not a desired flattering effect but as previously stated is associated with an aging appearance wherein the skin naturally droops and becomes lower on the structure of the face. When the eye is open, the shape created by this round lash along the eye lid and brow bone of a wearer with a more vertical or diagonal orientation at the lateral region of the eye will be one where the lateral region of the lash line is visibly dominantly lower than the central and medial parts of the lash line, exaggerating the lateral region of the eye to look substantially lower than it is naturally positioned on the face.

In contrast, and when comparing FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a central portion of the individual filaments have a filament length that is the same and as represented by outline mark portion 160a, then tapers dramatically in an outer portion 160b as it nears the outer corner 102b, prior to termination at portion 160c as illustrated in FIG. 4. This angled, dramatic graduation and asymmetrical tapering of the lash filament length and tip profile as the lashes or lash groupings approach the lateral region 102b again provides a dramatically more desirable eye shaping effect with advantages similar to that of FIG. 2. The transition in the dramatically tapered obtuse angled lateral region of the assembly or tip profile of the filaments 160b that are tapered in the opposite manner to which eye lashes are currently structured, creates a point of emphasis located just in from the lateral corner, before eye and lash line orientation changes from a horizontal orientation and into a more diagonal or vertical position to meet the opposing eyelid at the lateral corner.

When in use, exaggerated length of the filaments, combined with their non-convex/non-arcuate tip profile creates a shape along the eyelid brow bone of a wearer, which does not descend at the lateral corner but rather creates a reduced horizontal emphasis of the L/M size of the eye and the lash line which then appears to be a more diagonally upward, lifting effect via vertical emphasis of the S/I width such that it looks larger and more dominant just inward of the lateral corner of the eye independent of the characteristics of the lateral corners of the user's natural lash line/eyelid.

For eye shapes where the lateral region of the natural lash line has a downward inclination, or becomes more vertical than other eye shapes, or where the skin of the brow bone is loose/heavy and rests very near or on the lash line, this non-/convex/non-arcuate configuration is flattering and an advantage that corrects and balances eyes that are more vertical than horizontal at the lateral region of the eye including overly-round, protruding, downturned, aging and/or droopy eyes and/or droopy eyelids.

FIGS. 5-7 represent a “wispy” lash style. FIG. 5 illustrates a standard or known lateral region lash filament arrangement where the longest length of filament(s) 104 in each grouping of lashes 104 as represented by outline mark 170 is generally constant from a central portion to the outer corner 102b and the whole tip profile is collectively both convex and arcuate and changes the appearance of the eye similar to the assembly in FIG. 1. FIGS. 6 and 7 represent one-piece and multi-piece adornments 100, respectively, where the modified adornment has a dramatically reduced, modified tip profile 175a/175b at the lateral region 102b as represented by outline mark portion 175b and terminate at a third portion 175c at the outer corner 102b of the adornment 100. Once again, this substantial reduction in the length of the lash or filament 104 approaching the lateral region 102b provides a desired shaping similar to FIG. 2, wherein the emphasis of the assembly shortens the horizontal natural lash line and L/M appearance and widens the S/I impression, and changes the combined appearance of the lash line and L/M and S/I impressions such that when in use, the exaggerated length of the filaments, combined with their non-convex/non-arcuate lateral region tip profile creates a shape along the wearer's browbone that is exaggerated just in from the lateral corner of the eye, and remains unaffected by loose/heavy skin on the brow bone and any change of the eye shape and lash line from horizontal to a more vertical orientation where it transitions downward nearer the lateral corner to meet the opposing eyelid, therefore corrects or balances the shape of, for example, almond, monolid and hooded eyes.

FIG. 8 illustrates a pair of right and left adornments 100 of a conventional “diagonal flare” lash style with a clustered convex arcuate tip profile. The mean length or length of the lash clusters or filaments 104 from the central portion to the lateral region of the adornment 100 is substantially the same as represented by outline mark portion 180. Comparatively, the “diagonal flare” clustered lash style of FIG. 9 was modified in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure by providing an angled, steep reduction in the length of the lash filament clusters 104 approaching the outer corner 102b of the adornment 100. This is particularly represented by outline mark portion 190a where it is evident that the individual clusters of fibers 104 of the tip profile dramatically decrease in length into a non-convex/non-arcuate perpendicular angle through the portion represented by mark portion 190b and terminate at a third portion 190c at a very small length of the outer corner 102b of the adornment 100 at the lateral region 102b of the adornment 100, providing a slightly shorter appearance of the user's natural lash line, L/M and S/I sizes of the eye just in from the lateral corner such that it corrects or balances the shape of, for example, downturned, round and almond eyes, much like FIG. 2.

A comparison of FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the same concept applied to a “rounded square” lash style of adornment. Particularly, the conventional rounded square lash style is shown in FIG. 10 and the mean length of the filaments 104 is generally constant over the central and lateral regions 200 and extending to the outer corner 102b of the adornment 100, with advantages similar to FIG. 3. On the other hand, FIG. 11 provides for a corrected, balanced shape, for example, for deep set eyes, by using the non-convex/non-arcuate tip profile 104 over a very small section of the base portion as the lash portion 210b approaches the lateral region 102b and provides slightly shorter appearance of the user's natural lash line, L/M and S/I sizes of the eye just in from the lateral corner such that it corrects or balances the shape of, for example, deep set eyes similar to the advantages stemming from the modifications in FIG. 2.

Still another example is associated with the “natural” lash style shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The conventional “natural” round lash adornment style is shown in FIG. 12. The longest length of the lash filament 104 is constant over the arcuate extent of the adornment 100, similar to the construction of FIG. 3. A different approach is illustrated in FIG. 13 where the length of the “natural” round lash style of filaments 104 reduces over that portion 230b of the arcuate extent of the adornment 100 as the lashes approach the lateral region 102b. In these groupings of filaments 104 at the lateral region 102b, the longest of the lashes in each (crenelated, zigzag, non-convex/non-arcuate tip profile) is shown as a peak length of each group and gradually reduces in length (just as the associated lashes in each group also reduce in length). Again, this results in an obtuse angled tapering or reduction in overall tip profile length of the filaments 104 in portion 230b approaching the outer corner 102b and terminate at a third portion 230c at the outer corner 102b of the adornment 100. As a result, an eye shaping effect that is slightly shorter in appearance than the user's natural lash line, L/M and S/I sizes of the eye just in from the lateral corner such that it corrects or balances the shape of hooded, downturned, and/or almond eyes, similar to the effects in FIG. 4.

Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, there is shown a “center flare” rounded lash style. This style of false lashes is less common than typical outer-flared styles (where the emphasis is on the outermost lateral region which is either longest or as long as the center part of lash (See reference 240, 250 in FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively). However, the “center flare” eyelash style has become more popular in recent years. In FIGS. 14 and 15 the most exaggerated emphasis is on the central part of the assembly, which exaggerates the S/I size of the eye. In FIG. 14 the tip profile and mean lengths of the filaments are approximately the same whereas in FIG. 15 the tip profiles appear similar even though the mean lengths of the filaments differ slightly (much like the traditional flared style). However, this predominantly affects the appearance of the eye and lash line at the central portion above the iris much like FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 16, though, the medial region 102a and lateral region 102b never match and/or mirror each other as a result of the tapering techniques of the present disclosure. This is particularly evident in the left eye illustration where the outline mark portion 260 is shown by three portions 260a representative of the longest filament length at the central portion, 260b where the length of the filaments significantly decreases and then starts to taper in a severe straight line slope toward the lateral region 102b, and terminate at the third portion 260c which combine to form two obtuse angles and one acute angle in the lateral region of the non-convex/non-arcuate tip profile. The medial region 102a does not have these significant tip profile angles and is clearly different and not the same as the lateral region 102b of FIG. 16, and is significantly different than the symmetric tapers and tip profiles of the medial and lateral regions used in the “center flare” lash style shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The tapering techniques applied to both the medial and lateral regions of FIG. 16 are significantly different. As a result, an eye shaping effect of FIG. 16 is emphasized just in from the lateral corner of the eye is obtained that corrects or balances the shape of hooded, downturned, and/or almond eyes, a more extreme effect similar to FIG. 4.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a known, standard lateral region ‘corner accent’ eyelash typically presented in a ‘flared’ shape and intended to enhance the lateral region of the user's eye, so that the length of the elongated base portion is intentionally less than the natural width of the eye.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a modified lateral region ‘corner accent’ eyelash where the lateral portion has a shorter tip profile than the non-lateral portion consisting of the remainder of the lash filaments.

FIG. 19 shows a user with almond eyes wearing store bought ‘flare’ style eyelashes on the right eye. When placed as intended the longest fibers at the lateral region create the impression of a downward graduation of the user's lash line and eye shape, making the eye appear smaller and more vertical, which is considered less flattering.

FIG. 20 shows the same subject with the disclosed modified lateral region ‘flare’ style eyelash adornment on the right, creating and illustrating the dramatic impact of the present disclosure that both the user's lash line and the eyelashes have a more upward and outward appearance at the lateral corner.

As is evident in these different embodiments of the present invention, when the eye is open, the shape created by the lash (e.g., flared, round, wispy, diagonal flare, rounded square, natural lash, center flare rounded lash, etc.) along the eye lid and brow bone of a wearer with a more vertical or diagonal orientation at the lateral corner of the eye will be one where the lateral region of the lash line is visibly dominantly lower than the central and medial parts of the lash line. This advantageously results in exaggerating the lateral region of the eye to look substantially lower than it is naturally positioned on the face. Further, in many of these embodiments, a tip profile that most strongly emphasizes the area of the eye and lash line that is just in from the lateral corner, advantageously accommodates, corrects and balances eyes that are more vertical than horizontal at the lateral part of the eye including round, protruding, downturned, aging and/or droopy eyes and/or droopy eyelids, among others.

It will be appreciated that in the present new disclosure, the lateral regions are always extremely tapered with non-convex/non-arcuate tip profiles and asymmetrical when compared to the medial regions, and where the lateral region does not mirror the medial region, nor does the overall tip profile of the assembly or collection of subassemblies maintain a convex and arcuate tip profile. Existing ‘natural’ lash styles generally have continuity in the tip profile across the whole assembly.

It will be recognized that other lash styles have either symmetrical inner and outer corners, or asymmetrical corners where the inner corner is always shorter than the outer corner.

This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. Other examples that occur to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the invention if they have structural elements that do not differ from the same concept or that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the same concept or from the literal language of the claims. Moreover, this disclosure is intended to seek protection for a combination of components and/or steps and a combination of claims as originally presented for examination, as well as seek potential protection for other combinations of components and/or steps and combinations of claims during prosecution.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and description herein, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the methods described herein may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 USC 112 (f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Claims

1. An eyelash adornment for an eye comprising:

an elongated base for mounting to a lash line which includes one of an eyelid, natural eye lashes, other eyelash adornments and or any intermediary substance or material used to enhance and/or modify the user's eyelashes and lash line;

the elongated base having an inner or non-lateral portion for attachment to the lash line, the elongated base also having an outer portion for attachment to a lateral region of the lash line;

a first tip profile formed by a plurality of lash filaments having one end attached along the elongated base and filament tips oppositely extended away from the elongated base; and,

a visually distinct, second tip profile defined by a collective appearance of filament shapes, filament distribution density, filament thickness, mean filament length, and/or the tips of the lash filaments mounted at the lateral region of the lash line,

the visually distinct, second tip profile having a different appearance from the first tip profile established by at least one of the filament shapes, filament distribution density, filament thickness, mean filament length or the tips of the lash filaments of the second tip profile being different than the appearance of at least one of the filament shapes, filament distribution density, filament thickness, mean filament length or the tips of the lash filaments of the first tip profile.

2. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

3. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the elongated base outer portion is configured for attachment to a lateral region of the lash line, and the elongated base has a central or non-lateral portion disposed between the inner and outer portions.

4. The eyelash adornment of claim 3, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

5. The eyelash adornment of claim 1 wherein the first tip profile of the lash filaments mounted to the inner or non-lateral portion of the elongated base has a mean filament length greater than that of the visually distinct second tip profile.

6. The eyelash adornment of claim 5, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

7. The eyelash adornment of claim 3 further comprising a first portion collectively defined by the tip profile of the lash filaments mounted to the central portion of the elongated base, the first portion of lash filaments having a mean length greater than that of the visually distinct second tip profile.

8. The eyelash adornment of claim 7, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

9. The eyelash adornment of claims 1, wherein the lash filaments of the first tip profile define non-lateral lash filaments, having a generally constant filament length.

10. The eyelash adornment of claim 9, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

11. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, further comprising a third, non-lateral tip profile defined by the tip profile of the lash filaments mounted between the first tip profile and the visually distinct, second profile, having a mean filament length greater than that of the visually distinct, second tip profile.

12. The eyelash adornment of claim 11, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

13. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the first tip profile have a mean filament length which generally increases in a direction from the first non-lateral portion toward the visually distinct, second tip profile.

14. The eyelash adornment of claim 13, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

15. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile have a shorter mean length to create the different appearance from the lash filaments of the first tip profile.

16. The eyelash adornment of claim 15, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

17. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile have a tip profile which is a straight line slope which extends from the outer portion of the elongated base and creates the different appearance from the lash filaments of the first tip profile.

18. The eyelash adornment of claim 17, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

19. The eyelash adornment of claim 1 wherein the inner non-lateral first portion and outer lateral second portion include one of the first and second tip profiles, respectively, and an appearance and mean length of the outer lateral portion that is shorter than the inner non-lateral portion.

20. The eyelash adornment of claim 19, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

21. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein some portion of the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile and/or the remaining lash filaments in the first tip profile contain filaments that are entirely or in portions shorter than the user's natural eyelashes.

22. The eyelash adornment of claim 21, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

23. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the first tip profile or non-lateral remaining lash filaments are generally oriented perpendicularly with respect to the elongated base and the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile are oriented diagonally or differently than the remaining lash filaments with respect to the elongated base to create the different appearance.

24. The eyelash adornment of claim 23, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line

25. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the first tip profile or non-lateral remaining lash filaments are generally oriented diagonally with respect to the elongated base and the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile are oriented perpendicularly or differently than the remaining lash filaments with respect to the elongated base to create the different appearance.

26. The eyelash adornment of claim 25, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

27. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the remaining lash filaments of the first tip profile define a generally arcuate profile and the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile are generally non-arcuate to create the different appearance.

28. The eyelash adornment of claim 27, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

29. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the remaining lash filaments of the first tip profile are composed of a specific filament fiber and the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile are not composed of the same filament fiber to create the different appearance.

30. The eyelash adornment of claim 29, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

31. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the lash filaments of the remaining lash filaments of the first tip profile are composed of a specific color or combination of colors and the lash filaments of the visually distinct, second tip profile are not composed of the same color or combination of colors to create the different appearance.

32. The eyelash adornment of claim 31, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

33. The eyelash adornment of claim 1 wherein the eyelash adornment includes a first and second subassembly, each subassembly including an elongated base, a plurality of lash filaments, and the lateral portion(s) of the assemblies has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

34. The eyelash adornment of claim 33 wherein the eyelash adornment includes a third subassembly, each subassembly including an elongated base, a plurality of lash filaments, and the lateral portion(s) of the subassemblies has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

35. The eyelash adornment of claim 34 wherein the eyelash adornment includes a fourth subassembly, each subassembly including an elongated base, a plurality of lash filaments, and the lateral portion or portions of the subassemblies has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

36. The eyelash adornment of claim 35 wherein the eyelash adornment includes a fifth subassembly, each subassembly including an elongated base, a plurality of lash filaments, and the lateral portion or portions of the subassemblies has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

37. The eyelash adornment of claim 36 wherein the eyelash adornment includes a sixth subassembly, each subassembly including an elongated base, a plurality of lash filaments, and the lateral portion or portions of the subassemblies has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

38. The eyelash adornment of claim 1 wherein the eyelash adornment includes a first subassembly and additional subassemblies, each subassembly including an elongated base, a plurality of lash filaments, and the lateral portion or portions of the subassemblies has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

39. The eyelash adornment of claim 1 wherein the eyelash adornment is a strip lash or single apparatus intended for use for a smaller portion of the natural eyelid, the majority of the natural eyelid, and perhaps larger than the natural eyelid including an elongated base, a plurality of lash filaments, and the lateral portion of the assembly has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

40. The eyelash adornment of claim 1 wherein the eyelash adornment is either a single apparatus or a collection of subassemblies configured to be attached directly to the lash line, and the lateral portion or portions of the assembly or subassemblies has the visually distinct, second tip profile.

41. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the eyelash adornment is configured as a modified version of a flared lash style, a round lash style, a wispie lash style, a diagonal or outer corner lash style, a rounded square lash style, or a center flare lash style with the visually distinct, second tip profile.

42. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the visually distinct, second tip profile is configured to correct and balance eye attributes including at least one of round, protruding, downturned, aging, droopy, almond, monolid, hooded, deep set, close set, wide set, upturned, small, narrow, crepey, or feathery.

43. The eyelash adornment of claim 1, wherein the visually distinct, second tip profile includes at least one of (i) severe straight line slope, (ii) non-convex, (iii) non-arcuate (iv) overall shorter mean lash filament length than the remainder of the assembly or subassemblies, (v) convex, (vi) concave, (vii) obtuse angled, (viii) acute angled, (ix) right angled, (x) crenelated, (xi) notched, (xii) zigzag, (xiii) stepped, (xiv) squared, (xv) filament distribution different to the first tip profile of the non-lateral remainder of the assembly or subassemblies and or (xvi) a visual characteristic that is different to the remainder of the assembly or subassemblies.

44. The eyelash adornment of claim 43, comprising multiple elongated base portions for mounting to the lash line.

45. The eyelash adornment of claim 1 wherein the visually distinct, second profile portion is located at the lateral portion of the elongated base of the assembly or subassemblies, defined by a dimension that is approximately 33% or less of an overall length of an average sized eyelid of a user.

46. The eyelash adornment apparatus of claim 1, wherein eyes of a person to whom the assembly or group of subassemblies are to be fitted or assessed are attached to the lash line responsive to the assessment to address an eye attribute enhancement or correction.

47. An eyelash apparatus of claim 1, contained in a kit, the kit comprising a single assembly, multiple assemblies, or a combination of single and multiple assemblies presented with an ancillary item.

48. The eyelash kit of claim 47, wherein the ancillary item includes but is not limited to a mirror, adhesive, adhesive remover, scissors, tweezers, lash grabber/manipulating tool, lash application tool, lash separator/comb, mascara, eyeliner, eyeliner and glue hybrid, storage case, template, style guide, lash and eyelid assessment tool and/or technical tool for assisting the user in self-assessment and/or arranging the eyelash adornment.

49. The eyelash kit of claim 48, wherein the kit addresses eye attributes to correct and/or enhance the natural attributes of the user.

50. An eyelash apparatus of claim 1, contained in a palette, the palette comprising multiple single assemblies, multiple subassemblies, or a combination of multiple single and multiple subassemblies presented together in the form of a palette or collective.

51. The eyelash palette of claim 50, wherein the palette includes an ancillary item which includes but is not limited to a mirror, adhesive, adhesive remover, scissors, tweezers, lash grabber/manipulating tool, lash application tool, lash separator/comb, mascara, eyeliner, eyeliner and glue hybrid, storage case, template, style guide, lash and eyelid assessment tool or technical tool for assisting the user in self-assessment and/or arranging the eyelash adornment.

52. The eyelash palette of claim 51, wherein the kit addresses eye attributes to correct and/or enhance the natural attributes of the user.

53. Multiple apparatus of claim 1, contained in a system, the system comprising a group of multiple single assemblies, multiple subassemblies, or a combination of multiple single and multiple subassemblies presented together in the form of a system such that the user can be assessed and received a bespoke recommendation to suit their individual eye attributes.