EYELASH STORAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A stackable eyelash storage container includes a base, a raised portion formed in the base, a lash support portion formed on the raised portion, and a wall extending from the base. The lash support portion, which may include a slit formed therein or a sticking surface, is adapted to receive and secure at least one false eyelash thereon. An interlock tab formed in the raised portion. A lash band receiving portion is formed on the lash support portion. The lash band receiving portion receives and secures a lash band of the false eyelash thereon. The base and the wall are formed of a flexible material. The flexible material selectively permits a closed position in which the wall supports the false eyelash for storage thereof, and an open position created by pressing up against the bottom of the raised portion and pulling against wall for retrieval of the false eyelash.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an eyelash storage container for selectively storing and removing false eyelash extensions (also referred to as false eyelashes), and method of using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stackable eyelash storage container which permits shape confirming modular storage for false eyelashes that maintains structural features of the false eyelashes including curvatures thereof, and method using the same.

2. Background Art

False eyelashes provide cosmetic enhancements for human eyes. The false eyelashes help to enhance the length and fullness of natural eyelashes. The false eyelashes which may be made of synthetic or natural fibers are attached to eyelids or to a base of natural eyelashes to give the natural eyelashes a fuller, more dramatic look. The false eyelashes can have various lengths, thicknesses, and curvatures.

Over the past several years, social media attributed to enormous growth and popularity of false eyelashes. Also, portable handheld devices, such as cell phones, have improved cameras adapted to click selfies of photographic quality, which requires users to be camera-ready for selfies when desired. A selfy is a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smart phone or a webcam. Selfies can be easily and instantaneously shared via social media platforms. In order to obtain a celebrity-like selfie appearance drives the users to apply new makeup, or update the makeup and wear false eyelashes.

Generally false eyelashes include lash strips that are applied at the base of the natural eyelashes with temporary lash glue. As packaged for sale, strips of eyelashes are secured within flat, tray-like containers. The false eyelashes are worn multiple times before their disposal. This necessities storage arrangement for false eyelashes when they are not in use. Users have repurposed several containers, including storing them in small plastic cases, trays arranged in a book-like manner, general storage containers, such as pillboxes, and fishing tackle boxes, or on flat surfaces that accept and adhere to the lash band, which is made somewhat tacky by the lash glue.

In each of these known storage arrangements, the false eyelashes are placed upon a flat surface that does not accommodate the curved form of a lash-band of the extending lashes. During storage, inadvertent flattening of the curved lashes can also quickly occur. After cleaning there is no template upon which the false eyelashes can placed or rested to re-curl them. Also the removal of the eyelashes from the flat surface sometimes can be tricky and messy. The removal of the eyelashes generally requires a user to grasp the eyelash band from either the top or an outside edge, which often results in eyelashes tearing off at their base.

It can be seen, therefore, there is a need for a storage container for false eyelashes that can properly store the false eyelashes that can maintain their curvatures without causing a damage thereto and that enables an efficient and reliable method of placing (attaching) the eyelashes in the storage container and removing (detaching) the eyelashes from the storage container.

Accordingly, it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide an eyelash storage container and method of the using the same that enables efficient storage and reliable retrieval of the false eyelashes. Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelash storage container having a compact, modular and stackable structure that maintains shape and curvature of the false eyelashes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention according to a first aspect thereof provides an eyelash storage container including a base, a raised portion formed in the base, a lash support surface formed on the raised portion, and a wall extending from the base. The lash support portion is adapted to receive and secure at least one false eyelash thereon.

The present invention according to another aspect thereof further includes an interlock tab formed in the raised portion.

The present invention according to another aspect thereof further includes at least one lash band receiving portion formed on the lash support surface. The lash band receiving portion is adapted to receive a lash band of the false eyelash thereon.

The present invention according to another aspect thereof is characterized in that at least one of the base and the wall are formed of a material having flexibility.

The present invention according to another aspect thereof is characterized in that the flexibility of the material selectively permits a closed position in which the wall supports the false eyelash for storage thereof, and an open position created by pressing up against the bottom of the raised portion and pulling against wall for retrieval of the false eyelash.

The present invention according to another aspect thereof further includes a lid received and gripped within the top portion of the wall.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the reader is referred to the following detailed description section, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the eyelash storage container disclosed herein in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate perspective views of the eyelash storage container of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration (closed position) and an open configuration (open position), respectively.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of the eyelash storage container of FIG. 1 in an open position thereof in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the eyelash storage container of FIG. 1 as shown in transition between a closed configuration and an open configuration in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the eyelash storage container of FIG. 1 as shown in transition between an open and a closed configuration in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of eyelash storage containers positioned for placement in a stacked configuration in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation, cross-sectional view of a pair of storage containers in a stacked configuration in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of storage containers in a stacked configuration with a lid secured to the top container in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the eyelash storage container of FIG. 1 with alternative lids (transparent and mirrored) placed adjacent thereto in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the eyelash storage container are discussed below. Reference is now made to the drawings in providing a more detailed discussion of the eyelash storage container of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, an eyelash storage container 100 is includes a circular base 102, a circular raised portion 104 formed in the base 102, and a circular outer wall 106 extending from base 102, The raised portion 104 is centered within a circular outer wall 106.

The base 102 shown in FIG. 1 is circular. However, the base may be of a square, a rectangle or other even or uneven geometrical shapes.

A flattened lash band peripheral receiving surface 108 extends downward from a crest of the raised portion (raised base) 104, with a curved lash support surface 110 extending in a downward, curved manner between a lower edge of the lash band receiving surface 108 and the outer wall 106, A top edge of the outer wall defines a rim 112, with a lid capture 116 spaced inward from the rim 112 and projecting into the container 100. An interlock tab 114 outwardly projects from a top surface of the raised portion 104.

The eyelash storage container 100 is fabricated from a flexible material. However, the base 1 may be less flexible compared the outer wall 106.

FIGS. 2A-2B show the storage container 100 in a closed position (FIG. 2A) and an open position (FIG. 2B), respectively. A pair of false eyelashes 300 is placed in the container 100 in the closed position (FIG. 2A). A single false eyelash is attached to the container 100 in the open position (FIG. 213). The flexible material of the container 100 enables the outer wall 106 to transition by user action between a raised wall closed position protective of the stored false eyelashes (FIG. 2A), and an outer wall downward open position that provides enhanced access to the false eyelashes (FIG. 213),

FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of the eyelash storage container 100 in an opened position thereof having two false eyelashes 300 securely attached thereon. In the illustrative embodiment, the lash band of each eyelash adheres to the lash band receiving surface 108, either from residual lash clue after use of the eyelashes or from a layer of a suitable adhesive applied to the lash band receiving surface. The accessibility of the false eyelashes 300 when the container 100 is in the open position is demonstrated by the ready ability of a user to grasp the false eyelashes 300.

The present invention provides alternative ways to attach the lash band to the container. For example, magnetic eyelashes are increasingly popular, and where used, the lash band receiving surface 108 includes a ferromagnetic material, permitting the magnetic lash bands of the false eyelashes 300 adhere thereto.

Alternatively, whether magnetic or not, the lash hand receiving surface 108 may include a lash band receiving slit formed therein. While normally closed position, the flexible container material enables a user to stretch open the slit to receive the lash band. As the material is permitted to relax, the slit again closes, securing a portion of the lash band within the slit and securing the eyelashes within the container 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process of transitioning the eyelash storage container 100 from a closed position to an open position thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, a user pushes up against the bottom surface of the raised base (second base) while simultaneously puling down against the outer wall 106, Upon completion such process, the storage container 100 is in the open position configuration. The open position allows easy retrieval of the eyelashes from the container. FIG. 5 illustrates process of transitioning the eyelash storage container 100 from the open position to a closed position thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, a user reverses the procedural steps illustrated in FIG. 4, for transitioning from an open position to a closed position of the eyelash storage container by pushing down against the top surface of the raised base 104 while also pulling up on the outer wall 106. Upon completion of these procedural steps the storage container 100 is placed in the closed position configuration,

FIG. 6 and illustrate the manner in which two storage containers 100 may be stacked together, enabling neat compact storage and convenient packing when traveling. As shown in FIG. 7, when stacked the lower eyelashes are pressed between the lash support surface of the lower container and the outer curved surface of the upper storage container. These paired, stacked curved surfaces of the lash support surface are ideally formed to reintroduce the ideal curl to the lashes, whether the lashes are wet or dry. The size and shape of the lash hand receiving surfaces are appropriate for retaining and maintaining the ideal curve of the lash bands.

In fabricating the interlock tab 116 in the top surface of the raised base 104, the outwardly formed tab results in creating a matching, void-like chamber, i.e., an interlock chamber, in the bottom surface of that raised base. Although FIGS. 1-7 show the interlock tab being triangular, the interlock tab can be of a different configuration and either larger or smaller than that shown in FIGS. 1-7.

The stacking of the eyelash storage containers takes advantage of these size-matched interlock tabs 114 and chambers 115, The interlock tab 114 of the lower container (first eyelash storage container) 100A inserts into the interlock chamber 115 of the upper container (second eyelash storage container) 100B. The two connected containers 100, 100 are attached in much the similar manner as the interlocking plastic bricks sold under the LEGO® brand. Multiple eyelash storage containers 100A, 100B can be connected/stacked in this manner, and once stacked, they are easily and selectively separated by a user, as required,

FIG. 8 illustrates the stacking of plural eyelash storage containers, e.g. the first eyelash storage container 100A and the second eyelash storage container 100B, the second container 100B shown with a transparent lid 120 covering the opening of the second eyelash storage container 100B. As shown in FIG. 8, stacking of multiple eyelash storage containers provides a compact manner of storing a collection of pairs of false eyelashes,

FIG. 9 shows an alternative, a mirrored lid 122 that may be used instead of a transparent lid 120. The mirrored lid may be useful when the user is applying/attaching the false eyelashes 300 to the lash line of the user's natural lashes.

Although not shown in the Figures, other lid designs are also contemplated for use in the present invention. For example, the retaining structures may be formed within the lid in the manner of the TUPPERWARE® brand containers, rather than the lid capture structure 116 shown within the container 100 (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, the lid can include one or more loops of a stretchable material, enabling the loops to be extended around the base of the container (or containers if stacked) and in that manner retain the lid in place on the uppermost container.

The eyelash storage container 100 of the present invention is preferably fabricated out of a flexible material, such as polyethylene, polyurethane, or a nonstick food grade matte silicon of approximate thickness of ¼-inch. The use of such material enables a user to pull down upon the outer rims with their fingers while pushing up on the bottom surface of the raised base, converting the closed container into its opened position, and the reverse. It is to be understood and appreciated that other flexible materials can also be used if the material is non-reactive with the materials of the false eyelashes, the eyelash adhesives, and the solutions used for cleaning the false eyelashes.

In an illustrative embodiment, the center raised base 104 is approximately 1 inch in diameter and the outer diameter of the container 100 measures about 2½ inches. Other raised base and container sizes and shapes are considered to lie within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, although shown in the Figures as circular, the raised base can also be oval or eye-shaped, so long as the outer peripheral wall (forming the lash band receiving surface) conforms to the curvature of the lash bands.

The lash band receiving surface 108 can be coated with an adhesive of suitable release characteristics to retain the lash band in place upon the surface. Alternatively, the flexible material used to form the eyelash storage container provides suitable release characteristics permitting attachment and removal of the lash band held by the lash band adhesive.

As an example, and not a limitation of the present invention, one manner of using the eyelash storage container 100 has the user placing the container 100 in the open configuration, enabling, as shown in FIG. 3, easy access to placing the lash band upon the lash band receiving surface 108. When both false eyelashes 300 are attached to the raised base 104, the user pushes down upon the raised base 104 and pulls up on the outer wall 106, such as depicted in FIG. 5, to reverse the container configuration to its closed position (see FIG. 2A).

The curved lashes extend along the lash support surface 110, which assists in maintaining (or restoring) the desired curved shape of the false eyelashes 300 for best fitting a human eye. The lid 120, 122, whether transparent, opaque, or mirrored, can be secured to the rim/lid capture structure 116. Without the lid, another eyelash storage container can be placed on top and secured to the lower container in the manner shown in FIGS. 6-7. The attachment of additional containers follows, with a lid 120, 122 placed upon the last-attached, top container.

When access is desired to the stored eyelashes 300, the user manipulates the eyelash storage container 100 to transition from the closed to the opened position. As shown in FIG. 3, the open position naturally props the eyelashes in a manner making them easier to remove than is the case when they lie upon a flat surface. Such accessibility assumes even greater importance for many users of false eyelashes who also wear fingernail extensions. Providing this access reduces the damage to the false eyelashes inadvertently occurring because when wearing long fingernails, it is difficult to grasp and remove the eyelashes from flat surfaces.

When in the opened configuration, inverting the container 100 provides a basin used for cleaning used eyelashes, Placement of a liquid cleaner within the container 100 and covering with a lid 120, 122 enables soaking and shaking the eyelashes to effect cleaning. Replacement of the cleaned lashes in a closed-configuration container enables the curved surface of the lash support surface to recurve the extending lashes to their proper form, Cleaning could also make use of a closed configuration container in the manner described above.

Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to a number of specific illustrative embodiments, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate, rather than to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the illustrative embodiment could be made which would be operable. All such modifications, which are within the scope of the claims, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An eyelash storage container, comprising a base;a raised portion formed in the base;a lash support portion formed on the raised portion; anda wall extending from the base;wherein said lash support portion is adapted to receive and secure at least one false eyelash thereon.

2. The eyelash storage container according to claim 1, further comprising an interlock tab formed in the raised portion.

3. The eyelash storage container according to claim 1, further comprising a lash band receiving portion formed on the lash support portion, said lash band receiving portion being adapted to receive a lash band of the said one false eyelash thereon.

4. The eyelash storage container according to claim 1, wherein the base and the wall are formed of a flexible material.

5. The eyelash storage container according to claim 4, wherein the flexible material selectively permits a closed position in which the wall supports the false eyelash for storage thereof, and an open position created by pressing up against the bottom of the raised portion and pulling against wall for retrieval of the false eyelash.

6. The eyelash storage container according to claim 1, further comprising a lid received and gripped within the top portion of the wall.

7. The eyelash storage container according to claim 6, wherein the lid is one of a transparent lid and a mirrored lid.

8. A stackable eyelash storage container, comprising a base;a raised portion formed in the base;an interlock tab formed in the raised portion;a lash support portion formed on the raised portion; anda wall extending from the base;wherein said lash support portion is adapted to receive and secure at least one false eyelash thereon.

9. The eyelash storage container according to claim 8, further comprising a lash band receiving portion formed on the lash support portion, said lash band receiving portion being adapted to receive a lash band of the said one false eyelash thereon.

10. The eyelash storage container according to claim 8, wherein the base and the wall are formed of a flexible material.

11. The eyelash storage container according to claim 10, wherein the flexible material selectively permits a closed position in which the wall supports the false eyelash for storage thereof, and an open position created by pressing up against the bottom of the raised portion and pulling against wall for retrieval of the false eyelash.

12. The eyelash storage container according to claim 8, further comprising a lid received and gripped within the top portion of the wall.

13. The eyelash storage container according to claim 12, wherein the lid is one of clear lid and a mirrored lid.

14. An eyelash storage container comprising a plurality of containers, each of said plurality of containers comprising a base;a raised portion formed in the base;an interlock tab formed in the raised portion;a lash support portion formed on the raised portion; anda wall extending from the base;wherein said lash support portion is adapted to receive and secure at least one false eyelash thereon.

15. The eyelash storage container according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of containers comprises a lash band receiving portion formed on the lash support portion, said lash band receiving portion being adapted to receive a lash band of the said one false eyelash thereon.

16. The eyelash storage container according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of containers stacked on each other by engaging the interlock tabs of consecutive two of the plurality of containers.

17. The eyelash storage container according to claim 14, wherein the raised portion, a portion of the base and the wall of each the plurality of containers is configured to maintain a curvature of the false eyelash.

18. The eyelash storage container according to claim 8, wherein the base and the wall of each the plurality of containers are formed of a flexible material.

19. The eyelash storage container according to claim 18, wherein the flexible material selectively permits a closed position in which the wall supports the false eyelash for storage thereof, and an open position created by pressing up against the bottom of the raised portion and pulling against wall for retrieval of the false eyelash.

20. The eyelash storage container according to claim 14, wherein the lash support portion has a lash band receiving slit formed therein.