Artificial Lash Extensions
Patent No. US11253020 (titled "Artificial Lash Extensions") was filed by Lashify Inc on Jun 8, 2021.
What is this patent about?
’020 is related to the field of artificial eyelashes, specifically addressing the problem of time-consuming and costly application of individual lash extensions. The background highlights the drawbacks of traditional methods, including the lengthy process of applying individual extensions and the limitations of strip lashes, which often appear unnatural and can be uncomfortable.
The underlying idea behind ’020 is to create a system of pre-formed lash extension segments that can be quickly and easily applied to the underside of natural lashes. This is achieved by grouping multiple clusters of artificial hairs into a single lash extension, where the hairs within each cluster are connected at the base using heat to form a stable and easily manageable unit.
The claims of ’020 focus on an artificial lash extension system comprising multiple lash extensions, each designed to attach to the underside of natural lashes. Each lash extension includes multiple clusters of artificial hairs, with each cluster containing at least two hairs. A key feature is that at least some of the artificial hairs are connected to each other at the base through the application of heat , creating a unified structure.
In practice, the system allows for a faster application process compared to individual lash extensions. Instead of attaching each hair separately, the user applies pre-made segments, significantly reducing the time and skill required. The heat-based connection at the base ensures that the clusters remain intact during application and wear, providing a more uniform and natural look.
This approach differentiates itself from traditional methods by offering a balance between the convenience of strip lashes and the natural appearance of individual extensions. By attaching to the underside of the natural lashes, the extensions blend seamlessly, avoiding the artificial look often associated with strip lashes. The pre-clustered and heat-sealed design simplifies the application process, making it accessible to a wider range of users without the need for professional assistance.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2010s when ’020 was filed, eyelash extensions were typically applied individually, which was time-consuming and expensive. Clusters of artificial lashes were also used, but they had to be individually applied to avoid sticking together. False eyelashes offered a quicker application but were easily distinguishable from natural lashes and could be uncomfortable.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner allowed the claims because the prior art, specifically Choe, teaches artificial lash extensions with clusters of artificial hairs and a base for attachment, but it does not teach attaching the clusters to the base using heat. Meehan teaches lash extensions with clusters attached to a base using wax, but the examiner determined that applying wax is not the same as applying heat because the wax is already cooling when applied. Byrne teaches multiple extensions with clusters, but does not teach attaching the clusters to the base with heat. Therefore, the examiner determined that no prior art teaches or suggests a lash extension with clusters connected to a base by heat, where the base is designed to attach to the underside of natural lashes.
Claims
This patent contains 19 claims, with claim 1 being the only independent claim. The independent claim focuses on an artificial lash extension system comprising multiple lash extensions designed for attachment to natural lashes, each extension having clusters of artificial hairs connected to a base, where heat is applied to connect some hairs at the base. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific materials, configurations, and methods of manufacture related to the lash extension system described in the independent claim.
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Date
Description
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US11253020
- Application Number
- US17342355
- Filing Date
- Jun 8, 2021
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jul 27, 2037
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents