Ready-To-Use Eyelash Extensions
Patent No. US12171288 (titled "Ready-To-Use Eyelash Extensions") was filed by Kiss Nail Products Inc on Aug 23, 2021.
What is this patent about?
’288 is related to the field of artificial eyelashes, specifically addressing the problem of difficult and messy application. Traditional artificial eyelashes require separate adhesives, which can be tricky to apply and lead to uneven or insecure attachment. Newer "do-it-yourself" systems still require the user to apply adhesive, creating a continued need for improvement.
The underlying idea behind ’288 is to integrate the adhesive directly onto the artificial eyelash extension before it is packaged and sold. This eliminates the need for the user to handle separate adhesives, simplifying the application process and making it more convenient. The adhesive is pre-positioned on the lash filaments themselves, ready for immediate use.
The claims of ’288 focus on an artificial eyelash extension system comprising a plurality of eyelash filaments, each having a base and a tip, a support strip attached to the bases of the eyelash filaments, and an adhesive element applied to the plurality of the eyelash filaments before packaging. The adhesive element is connected to the support strip and extends along a length of the eyelash filaments, or is disposed on the support strip and a portion of the filaments extending outward from it, and is adapted to adhere to natural eyelashes.
In practice, the eyelash extension system can be applied by simply grasping the filaments and pressing the pre-applied adhesive against the underside of the user's natural lashes. The adhesive element can take different forms, such as discrete droplets of adhesive or a continuous strip along the filaments. To maintain the adhesive's cleanliness and stickiness during storage, a temporary overlayment or backing can be used, which is removed just before application.
This design differentiates itself from prior approaches by providing a truly ready-to-use eyelash extension system. Unlike traditional methods that require separate adhesive application, ’288 integrates the adhesive directly onto the lashes, streamlining the process. The optional temporary overlayment further enhances usability by protecting the adhesive until the moment of application, ensuring a clean and effective bond with the user's natural lashes. This pre-applied adhesive approach simplifies the process, making it more accessible and convenient for users.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2020s when ’288 was filed, at a time when artificial eyelashes were typically applied using specialized adhesives. Do-it-yourself eyelash extension systems were emerging, often in small sections, but still required the user to apply specialty adhesive.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner allowed the claims because none of the prior art references, either individually or in combination, taught or suggested providing eyelash extensions with a support strip and a plurality of eyelash filaments extending from the support strip, with an adhesive element extending on the support strip and from the support strip along a length of the eyelash filaments, wherein the adhesive element is adapted to adhere to natural eyelashes of the user when the artificial eyelash extension system is applied.
Claims
This patent contains 19 claims, with claims 1 and 19 being independent. The independent claims are directed to artificial eyelash extension systems that include eyelash filaments, a support strip, and an adhesive element. The dependent claims generally specify details and variations of the adhesive element and eyelash filament arrangement.
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Date
Description
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US12171288
- Application Number
- US17409705
- Filing Date
- Aug 23, 2021
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jul 23, 2042
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents