Patent Application
20230097441
The present invention relates to cosmetic treatment methods for adding fibers to natural eyelashes and corresponding assemblies.
Eyelash extensions and false eyelashes are used for enhancing the length, thickness and fullness of natural eyelashes.
Several methods of applying eyelash extensions may be carried out. The primary method is individually adhering the fibers forming the extensions to the lash line one-by-one, thereby preventing the fibers from sticking to one another. Eyelash extensions may remain on for approximately three to four weeks.
The application of eyelash extensions generally requires a professional, is quite expensive, and takes usually one to two hours. When not applied by a professional, application of eyelash extensions typically requires using complicated tools for handling the eyelash extensions.
For non-professional applications, some products contain a mascara tube and a free fiber tube. For most of such products, there are three application steps: (i) applying a mascara coat on the lashes, (ii) quickly applying a free fiber onto the tip of the lashes before the mascara dries completely, and then (iii) then apply the mascara again for the final look. There are two drawbacks with such products. First, they tend to have thin, fluffy, and white free fibers (specifically, very thin fibers with diameters less than 30 μm, which fly easily and fall near consumers' eye area when applying). And second, the fluffy fibers tend to be easily brushed out when the mascara was applied on afterward.
A technique that avoids these drawbacks is therefore useful and desirable.
In the disclosed method, those drawbacks were resolved by, inter alia, applying new, thicker fibers electrostatically with a microbristle brush with specific characteristics, and using glue as a first step to secure the fiber when later brushed with mascara as the final step. No current or previously available products utilize a glue and individual fibers applied using a microbristle brush for eye makeup product.
Disclosed is an inexpensive, simple method for lengthening lashes via the application of eyelash extensions. The method generally involves three steps: (i) applying a water- or oil-based glue onto a distal portion of an eyelash using a first applicator; (ii) allowing the water- or oil-based glue to dry for a period of time (such as less than 10 seconds); and (iii) depositing one or more separate individual fibers onto the distal portion of the eyelash using a second applicator. Critically, the second applicator should be a microbristle brush applicator having a bristle density above 4 bristles/mm2, each separate individual fiber should be held only electrostatically by the microbristle brush applicator, and the separate individual fiber should have a diameter greater than 30 microns and a length of 4 mm or less.
Once the individual fibers have been deposited onto the eyelashes, mascara may optionally then be applied over the eyelashes and the individual fibers, using another applicator configured for applying mascara.
The water- or oil-based glue may have certain advantageous compositions. In some embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue comprise a plurality of solvents present in a total amount between 40% and 60% by weight. The water- or oil-based glue may optionally comprise, or further comprise, a plurality of copolymers, the plurality of copolymers being present in a total amount of between 40% and 50% by weight of the composition, where each of the plurality of copolymers comprises: (i) a monomer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or one of their simple esters, (ii) a hydrogenated styrene monomer; or (iii) a combination thereof. The water- or oil-based glue may optionally comprise, or further comprise, less than 3% by weight of a thickening agent.
Advantageously, each separate individual fiber comprises a synthetic fiber, such as rayon or a nylon (e.g., Nylon 6).
Also disclosed is a kit for achieving the disclosed method. The kit comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: (i) a first composition comprising a water- or oil-based glue; (ii) a first applicator configured to apply the first composition to an eyelash; (iii) a plurality of separate individual fibers, each having a diameter greater than 30 microns and a length of 4 mm or less; (iv) a second applicator (a microbristle brush applicator) configured to deposit the separate individual fiber onto the eyelash electrostatically, the microbristle brush applicator having a bristle density above 4 bristles/mm2; (v) optionally a second container configured to contain the plurality of separate individual fibers, preferably the second container having walls defining a single opening, the second applicator being configured to cover the single opening; and (vi) optional instructions for use. Optionally, the first applicator is formed as part of a cap on a first container, where the first container (which may be, e.g., a glass or plastic bottle) defines an internal volume with a single opening covered by the cap, the internal volume containing the first composition. Preferably, the first container is waterproof.
In some embodiments, the kit may optionally contain a second composition comprising a mascara, and a third applicator configured to apply the second composition over at least a part of the combined eyelash and separate individual fiber after the separate individual fiber has been deposited onto an eyelash. Optionally, the third applicator is formed as part of a cap on a third container, where the third container (which may be, e.g., a glass or plastic bottle) defines an internal volume with a single opening covered by the cap, the internal volume containing the second composition.
The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and from examining the figures, in which:
As used herein, the term “free [of an ingredient]” means that the identified ingredient is only present in an amount below its detectable limit, and preferably that the composition contains 0% of the identified ingredient.
As used herein, the term “substantially free [of an ingredient]” means that the composition contains less than 1% of the identified ingredient.
Embodiments of the disclosed method can best be described with reference to
As seen in
The first step 20 involves applying a water- or oil-based glue (sometimes referred to herein as an adhesive) to a distal portion of one or more eyelashes. Referring briefly to
A “water-based glue” as used herein, refers to a glue that contains at least 1% water. Generally, such compositions will contain multiple ingredients that are water-soluble. An “oil-based glue” as used herein, refers to a glue that contains less than 1% water. Preferably, the oil-based glues are free of water and silicones.
The glues used in the disclosed method are not mascaras. The glues used in some embodiments of the disclosed method are preferably substantially free, or free, of waxes. The glues used in some embodiments of the disclosed method are preferably substantially free, or free, of pigments and/or colorants. The glues used in some embodiments of the disclosed method are more preferably substantially free, or free, of waxes, pigments, and/or colorants.
The glues used in the disclosed method will have a high tack. “Tack” as used herein refers to the quality exhibited by compositions that adhere to an object after application to a substrate. Tack may be evaluated by any method known in the art for evaluating it, such as using a texture analyzer. For example, a sample can be applied to a substrate (for example, a 1 mil drawdown), allowed to dry (for example, for 1 minute), and contacted by an object such as a rubber conical probe (18.3 mm at the tip, 29 mm in height, and 25.4 mm at the base), after which the force associated with removal of the probe from the object can be measured and reported as tack (g). Such measurements can be performed less than 5 minutes after the drying period, such as between 3 and 3.5 minutes. Preferably, glues of the present invention possess tack properties, when determined by this method, of greater than 45 g, preferably greater than 50 g, preferably greater than 70 g, preferably greater than 90 g, and preferably greater than 100 g. So, glues of the present invention preferably have tack properties ranging from about 30 g to about 200 g, preferably from about 50 g to about 150 g, and preferably from about 70 g to about 130 g, including all ranges and subranges therebetween such as, for example, about 45 g to about 110 g, about 50 g to about 110 g, about 70 g to about 120 g, about 90 g to about 115 g, etc.
In some embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue may for example be chosen among the adhesive composition for eyelashes called DUO® eyelash adhesive, commercialized by American International Industries, or the one called Daitosol 5500GM, an acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer commercialized by DAITO KASEI KOGYO.
Other water- or oil-based glues may be used. For example, in various embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue may comprise:
(A) a plurality of solvents in a total amount that is between 40% and 60% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue may comprise ethanol in a total amount of between 3% and 8% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue may comprise water, ethanol, or both, in a total amount of between 40% and 60% by weight of the composition.
(B) a plurality of copolymers, the plurality of copolymers being present in an amount of between 40% and 50% by weight of the composition, where each of the plurality of copolymers comprises: (i) a monomer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or one of their simple esters, (ii) a hydrogenated styrene monomer; or (iii) a combination thereof.
(C) less than 3% by weight of a thickening agent.
In some embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue may comprise (A) and (B). In some embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue may comprise (A) and (C). In some embodiments, the water- or oil-based glue may comprise (A), (B), and (C).
The second step of the method 10 involves waiting 30 for at least a short period of time to allow the water- or oil-based glue to start drying. The time is generally based on the solvent system utilized, and the time t should be less than time it takes the glue requires to completely dry on the eyelash. Such time t may be t≤30 seconds, t≤25 seconds, t≤20 seconds, t≤15 seconds, t≤10 seconds, or t≤5 seconds. In some embodiments, t is at least 3 seconds. For example, 3 seconds>t>30 seconds, 3 seconds≤t≤20 seconds, or 3 seconds≤t≤10 seconds.
The third step of the method 10 comprises adhering at least one fiber (optionally, only one fiber) electrostatically onto a second applicator 40. This can generally be accomplished by bringing the applicator into contact with the fiber(s). The microbristle brush applicator and fibers will be discussed separately below. In some embodiments, one fiber is adhered electrostatically before proceeding to the next step in the method. In some embodiments, a plurality of fibers is adhered electrostatically before proceeding to the next step in the method.
Preferably, the fibers are in a plastic container having a single opening. Pulling the microbristle brush out of the container, one or more fibers are electrostatically attracted to the microbristle brush bristles. In some embodiments, the microbristle brush may be twisted while pulling the brush out of the container in order to attract more fibers.
Microbristle Brush Applicator
The second applicator is a microbristle brush applicator having a bristle density above 4 bristles/mm2. Microbristle brush applicators are known generally in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,201,566 and 10,681,973 describe examples of microbristle brush applicators.
An example of such an applicator can be seen with reference to
The bristle portion 76 comprises one or more high density zones 77. Each high-density zone 77 comprises a plurality of bristles 78 that protrude radially outward from the core 72. The length L of the core may vary between embodiments, but generally is about 10 mm to about 50 mm. The core may be formed from a variety of materials, including plastics, and in some embodiments the core may be non-metallic. The core may have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, octagonal, freeform, etc.
Each high-density zone extends longitudinally. The bristles conform to certain bristle density criteria that enable efficient transfer of individual fibers to eyelashes. The brush may include a single high-density zone or a plurality of high-density zones. In some embodiments, one or more high density zones may substantially make up the entire brush. For example, the brush 70 of
Each bristle may generally be formed from any thermoplastic material that is optionally relatively rigid, e.g.: styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); a silicone rubber; latex rubber; a material having good slip; butyl rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); a nitrile rubber; a thermoplastic elastomer; a polyester, polyamide polyethylene, or vinyl elastomer; a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polystyrene (PS); SEBS; styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyoxymethylene (POM): polyurethane (PU); styrene acrylonitrile (SAN); polyamide (PA); or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is also possible to use a ceramic. e.g., an alumina-based ceramic, a resin, e.g., a urea formaldehyde type resin, possibly a material filled with graphite. In particular, it is possible to use materials known under the trade names Teflon, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Santoprene®, Pebax®, Pollobas®, this list not being limiting. Preferably, each bristle is formed from at least one thermoplastic elastomer.
The dimensions of individual bristles may vary between embodiments. In particular, the bristle length and bristle diameter can greatly influence brush performance. As used herein, bristle length is measured as the exposed length of a bristle that projects radially outwardly beyond the outer surface of the core—not the length considering any additional bristle length below the outer surface of the core. It has been discovered that in high density zones, bristle lengths of about 1 mm to about 3 mm are preferred for applying formulations to fine hairs, for example bristle lengths of about 1 mm, about 1.25 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, and/or about 3 mm.
Bristle diameter is evaluated along the distance between an outer end of the bristle and the end of bristle near the base and in vicinity of the core surface. The bristle diameter should be determined at the position closest to the base, after any rounds or chamfers at the base of the bristle at or near the core surface. Bristle diameter is the largest cross-sectional distance (width, diameter, etc. as appropriate for the cross-sectional geometry of the bristle) in the portion of the bristle just above the base and any rounding, chamfering, etc. near the base. Bristle diameter may be about 0.15 mm to about 0.35 mm, e.g., about 0.15 mm, about 0.175 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.25 mm, about 0.3 mm, and about 0.35 mm.
Bristle density is a key variable in high density zones configured to electrostatically transfer fibers to an eyelash. A key measure of bristle density is the number of bristles relative to the core surface area. It has been discovered that in order to effectively transfer fibers electrostatically to an eyelash, a high-density zone should have a bristle density at least 4 whole bristles per square millimeter of surface area of the core (i.e., the nominal core surface area, not considering the surface area occupied by the bristles themselves). In some embodiments, the bristle density dB is dB≥4 bristles/mm2, dB≥5 bristles/mm2, dB≥6 bristles/mm2.
Fibers
Each separate individual fiber for use in the disclosed method should have a nominal outer diameter D that is at least 30 microns, although D is preferably greater than 30 microns. In some embodiments, D≥30 μm, D>30 μm, D>35 μm, and D>40 μm.
Each separate individual fiber for use in the disclosed method should have a total length LF of 4 mm or less. In some embodiments, LF≤4 mm, LF≤3.5 mm, or LF≤3 mm, and LF≥1 mm, LF≥1.5 mm, LF≥2 mm, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, 2 mm≤LF≤3.5 mm, or 1 mm≤LF≤4 mm.
Each separate individual fiber preferably comprises a synthetic fiber, such as rayon or a nylon (e.g., Nylon 6).
Referring back to
A simplified schematic of this can be seen in
The applicator 70 is raised so that fiber 90 is brought into contact with the distal portion 81 of the eyelash 80, which has the drying adhesive composition on it. At this time, the applicator 70 can then be moved away from the face and used to apply additional fibers if desired. Preferably, an end portion (e.g., some portion of the fiber no more than 25% of the length of the fiber away from either of the two ends) of each fiber is adhered to the distal portion (e.g., some portion of the eyelash no more than 25% of the length of the eyelash away from the most distal end) of the eyelash, such that the majority, and preferably all, of each fiber extends beyond the distal portion of the eyelash the fiber is attached to.
Referring again to
Mascara compositions are well-known in the art; such compositions may be water-based or anhydrous, and will generally comprises pigments or other colorants, as well as film formers, thickeners, solvents, and/or other additives. Any appropriate mascara may be utilized here.
A disclosed method may be implemented with the aid of an assembly 100 (also called “kit”) according to the invention, shown in
The assembly 100 will generally comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of several components.
First, the assembly will contain a first composition, a water- or oil-based glue 110 as described previously, which is preferably contained within an internal cavity of a first container 125. The container is preferably comprised of glass or a polymer.
Assembly 100 also comprises a first applicator 120 that is configured to allow a user to apply the water- or oil-based glue onto the distal portion of eyelashes. Such applicators are known to those of skill in the art. In
First container 125 may comprise a threaded neck 126 and a cap 121 for closing the container by cooperating with the threaded neck 126. Optionally, the first applicator is formed as part of a cap on a first container 125. In some embodiments, the cap 121 is attached to the first applicator 120. The first applicator 120 may comprise a shaft portion 122 (which may be directly or indirectly attached to the cap 121) and an application element 123 at a free end. A wiping element, in this example, may be on the interior side of the neck 126. The application element 123 is preferably loaded with the adhesive composition 110 in the container 125 before passing through the wiping element for being used in the first step of the method.
Assembly 100 also comprises a second applicator 140. The second applicator is a microbristle brush applicator as described previously, with a handle portion 141 and a bristle portion 142.
Assembly 100 also comprises a plurality of fibers 130, which may be contained within a separate second container 135 (such as a bag, small box, etc. configured to contain the fibers and make them readily accessible for a user).
Each fiber 131 of the plurality of fibers 130 should have a nominal outer diameter D that is at least 30 microns, although D is preferably greater than 30 microns. In some embodiments, D≥30 μm, D>30 μm, D>35 μm, and D>40 μm.
Each fiber 131 of the plurality of fibers 130 should have a total length LF of 4 mm or less. In some embodiments, LF≤4 mm, LF≤3.5 mm, or LF≤3 mm, and LF≥1 mm, LF≥1.5 mm, LF≥2 mm, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, 2 mm≤LF≤3.5 mm, or 1 mm≤LF≤4 mm.
Each fiber 131 of the plurality of fibers 130 may preferably comprise a synthetic fiber, such as rayon or a nylon (e.g., Nylon 6).
The plurality of fibers 130 will include fibers having one or more colors. In some embodiments, each fiber 131 may be the same color, or may be a color different from one or more other fibers. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the fibers are one color, and a portion of the fibers are a second color.
As seen in
Assembly 100 may optionally comprise a second composition 150, a mascara composition, which is preferably contained within an internal cavity of a third container 165. The container is preferably comprised of glass or a polymer.
Assembly 100 also comprises a third applicator 160 that is configured to allow a user to apply the mascara 150. Such applicators are known to those of skill in the art. In
Third container 165 may comprise a threaded neck 166 and a cap 161 for closing the container by cooperating with the threaded neck 166. Optionally, the third applicator is formed as part of a cap on a third container 165. In some embodiments, the cap 161 is attached to the third applicator 160. Like the first applicator, the third applicator 160 may comprise a shaft portion and an application element at a free end. A wiping element, in this example, may exist on the interior side of the neck 166. The application element is preferably loaded with the mascara composition 150 in the container 165 before passing through the wiping element for being used in the final step of the method.
Below are examples of water- and oil-based glues that may be utilized as part of the disclosed method.
For the oil-based glue, the A1 components are heated and mixed until homogenous, then cooled to room temperature, and the A2 components are added and mixed.
For the water-based glue, the A1 components are added sequentially and mixed until homogenous at room temperature. Then B2 components are added and mixed until homogenous, and the B3 components are added afterward. At last the B4 components are added and mixed until homogenous.
Using G1 and G2, various fibers were applied to eyelashes, generally using the described technique, but allowing the fiber configurations to vary. The results were then assessed after application of mascara for subjective lash lengthening. The table below summarizes the results.
As is seen, using G1 and G2, only fibers with diameters greater than about 30 μm and fiber lengths less than 4 mm were seen to exhibit lash lengthening (Fiber compositions 1 and 3). 6 out of the 10 tested combinations resulted in fibers being brushed out, indicating the fibers were not attaching properly to the eyelash.
Using Rayon #3 from Table 3, the method was repeated using different combinations of second applicators—that is, 4 different configurations of bristles (high density refers to >4 bristles/mm2, low density refers to <4 bristles/mm2) to electrostatically apply the fibers to the lash. The subject lash-lengthening results, after application of mascara, are summarized below.
If various fibers were applied to eyelashes, generally using the described technique, but allowing the fiber configurations to vary. The results were then assessed after application of mascara for subjective lash lengthening. The table below summarizes the results.
Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
