Mascara Drying and Eyelash Lifting Device and Methods Therefor

This 371 national phase application claims priority to and incorporates PCT Application No. PCT/US24/11272, filed Jan. 11, 2024, which claims priority to and incorporates U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/438,453, filed Jan. 11, 2023, in their entirety by reference.

In the realm of cosmetics and beauty products, it is generally known that the application of mascara on a user's eyelashes can be heavy on the eyelashes when wet. The weight thus may cause the eyelashes to fall, and in some cases may smear over the eye. As such, many users attempt to dry the mascara. In doing so, some users further desire to curl and/or lift the eyelashes upward after application of the mascara using hand tools. Users try various methods to dry the eyelashes directly. For example, some attempt to dry the eyelashes directly with known hair dryers or even eyelash dryers. Regardless of the means used to dry the mascara, or even when allowed to simply dry without mechanical means, the eyelashes frequently end up drying in undesirable orientations (i.e., fallen flat, awry, etc.).

This disclosure is directed to a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device. A user may use this device when applying mascara to eyelashes on an eyelid. In some instances, a user may desire to have their eyelashes be more noticeable and to orient them in a preferred orientation, such as curling and/or lifting the eyelashes upward. Upon application of mascara, the product is more malleable than after it has dried. Accordingly, the device described herein helps to dry the mascara after application thereof to the eyelashes while simultaneously pressing against the user's eyelashes in order to assist the user in achieving the desired lifted orientation of the eyelashes.

depicts an isometric view “A” and a back view “B” of an embodiment of a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device(“device”). In an embodiment, the devicemay include a handlevia which a user may manually grasp the device, an air applicator(“applicator”) via which the user may dry the user's eyelashes, and an eyelash padvia which the user may apply pressure directly to the eyelash to lift the eyelashes.

In an embodiment, the handlemay include a power toggle, via which the user may turn and/or off the power to engage a motor. The power togglemay be any one of, or a combination of, a touch sensitive surface on the outside of the handle, a mechanical switch or button engageable via a user's thumb or finger disposed along an outside surface of the handle, or other toggle form that is suitable to power on the motor. The motormay be completely or at least partially contained within the handle. Further, in an embodiment, the motormay be a compressor motor or other motor sufficient to power an axial fan (discussed in more detail below but not shown in), both of which may be sized to fit (e.g., be supported, contained, etc.) within the handle. Additionally, and/or alternatively, it is contemplated that a fan may be supported outside of the handle (not shown), and the eyelashes may still be dried and lifted.

The motoris engageable to pull air through the handleof the device. As such, in an embodiment, the handlemay further include one or more sidewall air intake apertures(“intake apertures”) via which the motormay cause air to be pulled up through the handleand exit out the applicator. The intake aperturesmay be positioned anywhere in the handle(or applicator, though not shown as such) that provides a sufficient intake amount of air for drying the eyelashes. For example, as shown in, in an embodiment, the intake aperturesmay be located at an end of the handle, whereat the intake aperturesare less likely to be blocked by the user's hand during use. Moreover, to minimize the risk of blocking the intake aperturesin an embodiment, the handlemay be sized such that a distance between the power toggleand the intake apertures, in a longitudinal length direction, is greater than a width of the average target user's palm. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the intake aperturesmay be sized, shaped, or located on the handlein a least obstructive position based on how a user may hold the handle.

In an embodiment, the applicatormay include an air flow direction chamber(“chamber”), which may be shaped to direct the incoming air toward one or more air output channelsto apply the air to the user's eyelashes. For example, in an embodiment, as shown in, the chambermay have a conical, frustoconical, or other suitable shape, in which the air is forced to circulate in an upward direction so as to enter the one or more air output channels. The one or more air output channelsare disposed in fluid communication with the chamber(and/or the handledirectly) to direct the air further to the upper endof the applicatorwhere the air exits the vent apertureand passes to the user's eyelashes to dry mascara.

In an embodiment, such as that shown in, where two air output channelsare positioned opposite of each other, the upper endof the applicatormay bridge across between the two air output channelsso as to direct air across a length of the upper end. Doing so may provide air along a greater portion of a user's eyelash, thereby reducing drying time and enhancing the lift of the eyelashes.

Furthermore, by splitting the air flow along opposite sides of the applicatorbefore reuniting the air output channels, the applicatorincludes a viewing window, which allows a user the ability to see better while using the device, instead of having a centralized flow through a channel that would obstruct the vision at least of the eye for which the eyelash is being lifted and dried. That is, the oppositely disposed air output channels, united with the bridge at the upper endform a framed “viewing window”, as depicted. Accordingly, when the user dries the eyelash, the upper endand the air output channelsare positioned out of the user's direct view, so that the user is able to see and better position the applicatoras needed.

In an embodiment,shows that the vent apertureat upper endof the applicatormay be delineated by a concave wallon one side and an opposing vent wallopposite the concave wall. The concave wallmay be shaped in an arch to correspond to the average convex curvature of the user's eyelid and eyelash. While it is contemplated that the opposing vent wallmay be designed in some manner to also be concave, it is understood that such is not necessary, since only one side of the applicatoris usable at any time anyway. Further, the opposing vent wallmay be correspondingly shaped and in an embodiment, even beveled inward (see view A inand top view D in) toward the concave wallto assist in directing the drying air directly to the targeted eyelash.

As is indicated by the orientation of the elements above, in an embodiment, the devicemay be used by placing the concave wallside of the applicatornear the eyelash so that the air is forced from the opposite side of the device, away from the user's eyeball. By doing so, the air is less likely to dry out the user's eye and thereby minimize irritation to the eye. While it is contemplated that a user might directly place the concave wallagainst the eyelash to apply pressure thereon and lift the eyelash. However, as stated above and shown in, the devicemay include the eyelash pad. In, for convenience and for clarity, the eyelash padis shown in an “exploded” view position, i.e., separated from the concave wallat the upper end. This separation indicates that in an embodiment, the eyelash padmay be removably attachable/detachable from the applicator. For example, the eyelash padmay become too filthy, or it may be difficult to clean, and a user may desire to simply replace the eyelash padand not have to buy an entire deviceagain. Alternatively, the device may be used in a public shop or modeling group, where many users are present, and as a measure of sanitation, it may be desirable to swap the eyelash padbetween users and prevent unintentional transfer of bacteria from one user's eye to the next. Thus, the eyelash padmay be shaped and/or formed of a malleable material, such as silicone or a soft rubber, to conform to the shape of the concave walland may be attached to the concave wall either via a lower attachment portion(see) or a side attachment portionThe eyelash padmay thus be attached to the concave wall: either via sliding the concave wall into the lower attachment portione.g., a slit, slot, groove, channel, etc., located in the lower side of the eyelash pad; or to a sidewall thereof via the side attachment portionThe attachment may be done via a pre-applied adhesive or other appliable adhesive or chemical/mechanical means that can be done in situ when needed.

Alternatively, the eyelash padmay be more fixedly secured to the concave walland may be cleansed, if desired or needed, for multiple uses.

Regardless of the structure of the connection, the eyelash padincludes a pad sidewhich is placed against the user's eyelashes to gently press on and directly lift the eyelashes as desired when drying.

Moreover, it is considered that an embodiment (not shown) of the device may include a design where the eyelash pad may be connected directly to the handle. Alternatively, as described above, the eyelash padis considered to be connected to the handle, whether directly or indirectly (i.e., via the applicator), so that a user may place the eyelash pad in contact with a user's eyelashes. Note, “users” may include service providers using the device to dry and lift the eyelashes of a client or other individual other than themselves.

depicts a bottom view C and a top view D of the device. In an embodiment, the handlefurther includes a handle housing wall, which is enclosed by a bottom plate. The bottom platemay include one or more air intake apertures, which are additional to, and distinct from the sidewall air intake apertures. Though depicted as a plurality of adjacent hexagonal openings, the air intake aperturesmay be of any shape and may vary in size. Notably, the fan bladesmay be seen through the air intake apertures.

An additional feature of the applicatoris also more clearly visible in the top view D of. In an embodiment, the upper endof the applicatormay further include cornersthat curve inward from the respective air output channels. The curvature of the cornersmay help direct the drying air along the entirety of the length of the vent aperture.

In, the fanis depicted in cross-section (taken along lineA, see) and in a partial cut-away view (taken along lineB, see). Fanmay be an axial fan, as shown, although other fan types, such as centrifugal or blower fans, are contemplated. As shown, in an embodiment, the fanand fan bladesmay be located near the distal end of the handlethat is farthest from the vent aperture. However, it is contemplated that the fan may be positioned otherwise and may still serve similarly (see, in which it is shown the fan may be positioned closer (more proximal) to the vent aperture, as shown in. Still, in other embodiments, not shown, the fan mechanism may be located in a middle area of the handle of the device. Regardless,further show an air passageway, leading from the fanthrough the handleand to the applicator.

depicts a top view E, a side view F, and a bottom view G of the eyelash padof, whiledepict alternative eyelash padsand, respectively. Eyelash padmay, for example, be much thinner and somewhat stiffer than eyelash padand may be formed of a different material. Eyelash padmay further be shaped differently as well, such as the crescent shape shown. In an embodiment, an eyelash pad,,may have a texturethat may enhance the ability of the pad to secure the eyelashes in the desired position while drying. For example, texturemay include laterally spaced elongated grooves/depressions in the pad, small channels, ridges, hash marks, bumps, intersecting micron sized peaks and valleys at the pad side, etc.

As an alternative embodiment,depicts an isometric view H and a rotated side view I of a version of a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device(“device”). As shown in, the applicatorhas a concave wallsurface that is positioned on the opposite side of the vent aperture(s), compared to the orientation of the vent aperturewith respect to the concave wall. In the device, the air will undoubtedly blow at least partially across the user's eyeball, which may cause the user to have dry eyes temporarily. Nevertheless, such an embodiment is contemplated as the eyelash is still able to be dried and pressed upon with the corresponding concave wallto lift the eyelash.

Additionally,shows an alternative location for air intake apertures. That is, air intake aperturesmay be located along a mid-section of the deviceif desired.

depicts a schematic back view J of another embodiment of a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device(“device”). In an embodiment, the devicemay include an ergonomic handlevia which the user may grasp the device using either the palm and fingers, or via one or more fingers and the thumb. For example, in an embodiment, the handle may have a width that approximates the length of an average user's first link of an index finger and/or a thumb.

Additionally, the devicemay include an applicatorand an eyelash pad. The eyelash padmay be curved as shown into assist a user by being pressed against the eyelashes in a similar curve shape over the eyeball. Accordingly, the eyelash padmay be curved in two directions, such as away from the handlein the lengthwise direction, and in a direction transverse thereto. In other embodiments, the eyelash padmay be curved in only a single direction.

shows further that devicemay include a power toggle. Further, in an embodiment, a device(and any other embodiments disclosed herein) may include another settings toggle. Settings togglemay permit the selection of different amounts of time for the application of air, force, volume flow, etc. or other applicable settings, to be modified for a user-customized drying feature to exit the deviceat vent aperture(not directly visible in).

depicts schematic top views of potential shapes of a vent aperture of a mascara drying applicator device. For example, embodimentdepicts a continuous slot for vent aperture(Also depicted in embodimentis a Pad, however, such is not required for each or any of the views for whichis merely depicting different vent apertures. The embodimentdepicts a vent aperturehaving a surface which surface is perforated with a single row of sectioned openings, divided by thin walls. Alternatively, embodimentdepicts a vent aperturehaving a surface which is perforated with holes of a predetermined size, overlapping in two (or more) rows.

illustrates a methodof using a mascara drying and eyelash lifting device, as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the methodmay include a stepof applying mascara to eyelashes. In step, the user may hold the device up to the eyelash by pressing the eyelash pad against the eyelash. In step, the user turns on the air flow by toggling the power toggle on the device. The user holds the device in place for a predetermined amount of time (e.g. ranging from 1-30 sec, 15 sec, 20 sec, 25 sec, 30 sec, etc., or more or less), in step. Finally, if necessary, the user powers down the device(in the case where a timer doesn't automatically shut off the device).

Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.