RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001 ] This application claims priority and is entitled to the filing date of U.S. provisional application serial number 61/872,317, filed on August 30, 2013 and entitled "Eyelash Extension Apparatus." The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject of this patent application relates generally to cosmetics, and more particularly to an eyelash extension apparatus configured for assisting in the application of eyelash extensions.

[0003] Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

[0004] By way of background, people who are interested in having longer, fuller eyelashes have a variety of options to choose from in achieving such a desired look. Those options currently range from cosmetic products such as mascara, to false eyelashes that are temporarily adhered to a person's eyelid, to eyelash extensions that are permanently adhered to each individual eyelash. Traditionally, eyelash extensions are applied one by one - by a third party - to the person's existing eyelashes, which results in a fairly labor-intensive and highly skilled process; thus, the process of applying eyelash extensions tends to be relatively expensive. Each eyelash extension typically remains adhered to the respective eyelash until the eyelash naturally falls out. As such, periodic maintenance is required to affix further eyelash extensions to new eyelashes. Given the strength of the adhesive used in the process, it is critical that neither the extension lash nor the adhesive touch the person's eyelid or other eyelashes during application. To help prevent this, surgical or double-sided tape is often used as a barrier between the person's top and bottom eyelashes so as to better isolate the top eyelashes and keep them separated. With the top eyelashes so isolated, the eyelashes are separated from one another, and extension lashes are taken one by one, dipped into the adhesive, then affixed to the respective eyelash. Once completed, the tape is slowly and carefully removed so as not to damage the top or bottom eyelashes (or the newly affixed eyelash extensions). Again, this is currently a very labor- and time- intensive process. Thus, there remains a need in the art for an apparatus capable of making this process relatively easier.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

[0007] The present invention solves the problems described above by providing an eyelash extension apparatus configured for assisting in the application of an at least one extension lash to an at least one eyelash of an eyelid of a person. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body portion sized and configured for being selectively positioned on a face of the person, substantially adjacent the eyelid of the person. The body portion has an integral, downwardly angled eyelash ramp sized and configured for supporting the at least one eyelash thereon. A bottom surface of the body portion provides a laterally oriented track assembly configured for contacting the face of the person and assisting the body portion in selectively moving laterally across the face, substantially parallel with the eyelid, during use. Thus, with the track assembly positioned on the face of the person and the eyelash ramp supporting the at least one eyelash thereon, the body portion is capable of selectively moving laterally across the face as the at least one extension lash is applied to each of the at least one eyelash. [0008] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention. In such drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary eyelash tray apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[001 1 ] Figure 2 is a top view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 is a left side view thereof, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

[0013] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the exemplary apparatus as positioned on a face of a person, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0014] The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0015] Turning now to Fig. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an eyelash extension apparatus 20 for assisting in the application of eyelash extensions (or extension lashes). As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and discussed further below, the apparatus 20 is sized and configured for being positioned on a face 22 of a person 24 - namely, substantially on a cheek 26, just below an eye 28 of the person 24. At the outset, though, it should be noted that the specific shape and dimensions of the apparatus 20 shown and described herein are merely exemplary. In further embodiments, the apparatus 20 may take on any other shape and/or dimensions, now known or later conceived, capable of allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality herein described. Similarly, while the apparatus 20 is constructed of a relatively rigid material - such as plastic, for example - in the exemplary embodiment, in further embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be constructed of any other appropriate material or combination of materials, now known or later developed, capable of allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality herein described.

[0016] With continued reference to Fig. 1 , the apparatus 20 comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, a body portion 30 having an integral, downwardly angled eyelash ramp 32 sized and configured for supporting a plurality of eyelashes 34 thereon. In a bit more detail, in at least one embodiment, a leading edge 36 of the eyelash ramp 32 is configured for being selectively positioned adjacent to an upper eyelid 38 of the person 24 such that the eyelash ramp 32 itself is positioned substantially between the eyelashes 34 of the upper eyelid 38 and the eyelashes 34 of a corresponding lower eyelid 40. In at least one embodiment, the leading edge 36 of the eyelash ramp 32 is concavely curved for approximating the convex curvature of the person's upper eyelid 38. However, in alternate embodiments, the leading edge 36 may take on any other shape, now known or later developed, capable of allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality herein described. [0017] In at least one embodiment, an upper surface 42 of the eyelash ramp 32 provides a relatively high-friction material for preventing the eyelashes 34 positioned on the eyelash ramp 32 from unintentionally moving when applying extension lashes thereto. In one such embodiment, the upper surface 42 of the eyelash ramp 32 is coated in rubber, latex or a similar material. In another such embodiment, the upper surface 42 of the eyelash ramp 32 provides a light adhesive or tacky material, such as that provided by a length of double- sided tape, for gently and temporarily holding the eyelashes 34 in place. In such embodiments, the upper surface 42 may optionally provide a peel-away covering for protecting the adhesive or tacky material until the apparatus 20 is ready to be used. In a further embodiment, not shown, the upper surface 42 provides a plurality of spaced apart grooves or (or upwardly projecting ridges) disposed across the upper surface 42 in a position substantially perpendicular and adjacent to the leading edge 36. The grooves (or ridges) are configured for assisting in the separating of the eyelashes 34 positioned on the eyelash ramp 32 so that the extension lashes may be more easily applied to the individual eyelashes 34. In still further embodiments, any other means for preventing the eyelashes 34 from unintentionally moving when positioned on the upper surface 42 of the eyelash ramp 32, now known or later developed, may be substituted.

[0018] With continued reference to Fig. 1 , in at least one embodiment, in addition to the eyelash ramp 32, the body portion 30 provides an integral opposing tab portion 44 sized and configured for assisting in the positioning of the apparatus 20 on the person's face, as well as in the stabilizing of the apparatus 20 during use as needed. In one such embodiment, as best shown in Fig. 3, the tab portion 44 is upwardly angled so as to have minimal contact with the person's face 22 while also making it easier to be grasped when positioning or stabilizing the apparatus 20 during use. In alternate embodiments, the tab portion 44 may take on any other shape or dimensions, now known or later developed, capable of allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality herein described. In still further embodiments, not shown, the tab portion 44 may be omitted altogether.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, a top surface 46 of the body portion 30 provides an at least one accessory aperture 48 sized and configured for removably receiving an at least one eyelash extension accessory to be used while applying extension lashes during use of the apparatus 20. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the top surface 46 of the body portion 30 provides three accessory apertures 48 sized for removably receiving a cotton swab 50, a microfiber brush 52, and a mascara wand 54, respectively. However, in further embodiments, the number and arrangement of the accessory apertures 48 may vary. Furthermore, the respective size of each accessory aperture 48 may vary as well, depending on the particular types of eyelash extension accessories that are to be removably received therein. In that regard, it should be noted that the accessory apertures 48 may be configured for removably receiving any type of eyelash extension accessory or tool now known or later developed; thus, the accessory apertures 48 should not be read as being limited to only receiving the three types of accessories shown in Fig. 1 . In still further embodiments, not shown, the accessory apertures 48 may be omitted altogether. [0020] As shown best in Figs. 2 and 3, a bottom surface 56 of the body portion 30 provides a laterally oriented track assembly 58 configured for allowing the body portion 30 to more easily move laterally across the person's face 22 during use. In a bit more detail, in the exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 56 of the body portion 30 provides an integral, laterally oriented tongue 60 projecting downwardly therefrom. Additionally, an elongate, laterally oriented track portion 62 provides a corresponding lengthwise groove 64 sized and configured for slidably receiving the tongue 60 therewithin. Thus, the body portion 30 (via the tongue 60) is capable of selectively traversing a length of the track portion 62 when positioned on the person's face 22 (as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 and discussed further below). This is most beneficial in embodiments where the width of the eyelash ramp 32 is less than the width of the upper eyelid 38; thus, requiring the apparatus 20 to be laterally re-positioned during use in order to apply extension lashes to each of the eyelashes 34. In at least one embodiment, each of the tongue 60 and groove 64 are relatively circular-shaped in cross-section, thereby allowing the body portion 30 to selectively pivot or rock longitudinally as needed during use. However, in further embodiments, the respective shapes of each of the tongue 60 and groove 64 may take on any other shape or dimensions, now known or later developed, capable of allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality herein described. Similarly, the shape and dimensions of the track portion 62 may take on any other shape or dimensions (including length), now known or later developed, capable of allowing the apparatus 20 to substantially carry out the functionality herein described. In at least one embodiment, a bottom surface 66 of the track portion 62 provides a relatively high-friction, or otherwise tacky, material for preventing the track portion 62 from unintentionally moving when positioned on the person's face 22. In still further embodiments, any other means for allowing the body portion 30 to move laterally across the person's face 22 during use, now known or later developed, may be substituted.

[0021 ] As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, during use of the apparatus 20 in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is positioned on the person's face 22 such that the bottom surface 66 of the track portion 62 contacts the person's cheek 26, just below their eye 28. The leading edge 36 of the eyelash ramp 32 is positioned adjacent the upper eyelid 38 such that the eyelash ramp 32 itself is positioned substantially between the eyelashes 34 of the upper eyelid 38 and the eyelashes 34 of the corresponding lower eyelid 40. The body portion 30 is then laterally moved along the track portion 62 appropriately so that the eyelash ramp 32 is positioned at one end of the upper eyelid 38, supporting the eyelashes 34 attached thereto (Fig. 4). As extension lashes are applied to each of the eyelashes 34, the body portion 30 (and, thus, the eyelash ramp 32) is laterally repositioned as needed until the opposing end of the upper eyelid 38 is reached and all extension lashes have been applied (Fig. 5). This process can then be repeated with respect to the person's other eye 28. It should be noted that, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be similarly used in the application of extension lashes to the eyelashes 34 of the lower eyelid 40 of the person 24 by positioning the eyelash ramp 32 underneath the eyelashes of the lower eyelid 40, such that the eyelash ramp 32 itself is positioned substantially between the eyelashes 34 of the lower eyelid 40 and person's cheek 26.

[0022] Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

[0023] 1 . An eyelash extension apparatus for assisting in the application of an at least one extension lash to an at least one eyelash of an eyelid of a person, the apparatus comprising: a body portion sized and configured for being selectively positioned on a face of the person, substantially adjacent the eyelid of the person; the body portion having an integral, downwardly angled eyelash ramp sized and configured for supporting the at least one eyelash thereon; and a bottom surface of the body portion providing a laterally oriented track assembly configured for contacting the face of the person and assisting the body portion in selectively moving laterally across the face, substantially parallel with the eyelid, during use; whereby, with the track assembly positioned on the face of the person and the eyelash ramp supporting the at least one eyelash thereon, the body portion is capable of selectively moving laterally across the face as the at least one extension lash is applied to each of the at least one eyelash.

[0024] 2. The eyelash extension apparatus according to embodiment 1 , wherein a leading edge of the eyelash ramp is configured for being selectively positioned adjacent the eyelid of the person. [0025] 3. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the leading edge of the eyelash ramp is concavely curved for approximating a convex curvature of the eyelid. [0026] 4. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1 -3, wherein an upper surface of the eyelash ramp is configured for substantially preventing the at least one eyelash positioned thereon from unintentionally moving when applying the corresponding extension lash thereto. [0027] 5. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the upper surface of the eyelash ramp provides a high-friction material.

[0028] 6. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-5, wherein the upper surface of the eyelash ramp provides one of a light adhesive material or a tacky material.

[0029] 7. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-6, wherein the upper surface of the eyelash ramp provides a plurality of spaced apart grooves disposed across the upper surface substantially perpendicular to and adjacent the leading edge, the grooves configured for assisting in the separation of the at least one eyelash positioned on the eyelash ramp.

[0030] 8. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-7, wherein the body portion provides an integral tab portion sized and configured for assisting in the positioning of the body portion on the face of the person.

[0031 ] 9. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-8, wherein the tab portion is substantially upwardly angled so as to have minimal contact with the face of the person.

[0032] 10. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-9, wherein a top surface of the body portion provides an at least one accessory aperture sized and configured for removably receiving an at least one eyelash extension accessory. [0033] 1 1. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-10, wherein the track assembly comprises: a laterally oriented tongue integral with the bottom surface of the body portion and projecting downwardly therefrom; and an elongate, laterally oriented track portion providing a corresponding lengthwise groove sized and configured for slidably receiving the tongue therewithin; whereby, with a bottom surface of the track portion positioned on the face of the user and the tongue positioned within the groove, the body portion is capable of selectively traversing a length of the track portion.

[0034] 12. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-1 1 , wherein each of the tongue and groove are substantially circular-shaped in cross-section, thereby allowing the body portion to selectively rock longitudinally as needed during use.

[0035] 13. The eyelash extension apparatus of according to embodiments 1-12, wherein a bottom surface of the track portion provides a high-friction material for preventing the track portion from unintentionally moving when positioned on the face of the person. [0036] 14. An eyelash extension apparatus for assisting in the application of an at least one extension lash to an at least one eyelash of an eyelid of a person, the apparatus comprising: a body portion sized and configured for being selectively positioned on a face of the person, substantially adjacent the eyelid of the person; the body portion having an integral, downwardly angled eyelash ramp sized and configured for supporting the at least one eyelash thereon; and a bottom surface of the body portion providing a laterally oriented track assembly configured for contacting the face of the person and assisting the body portion in selectively moving laterally across the face, substantially parallel with the eyelid, during use, the track assembly comprising: a laterally oriented tongue integral with the bottom surface of the body portion and projecting downwardly therefrom; and an elongate, laterally oriented track portion providing a corresponding lengthwise groove sized and configured for slidably receiving the tongue therewithin; whereby, with a bottom surface of the track assembly positioned on the face of the person and the eyelash ramp supporting the at least one eyelash thereon, the body portion is capable of selectively moving laterally across the face as the at least one extension lash is applied to each of the at least one eyelash.

[0037] 15. An eyelash extension apparatus for assisting in the application of an at least one extension lash to an at least one eyelash of an eyelid of a person, the apparatus comprising: a body portion sized and configured for being selectively positioned on a face of the person, substantially adjacent the eyelid of the person; the body portion having an integral, downwardly angled eyelash ramp sized and configured for supporting the at least one eyelash thereon; and a top surface of the body portion providing an at least one accessory aperture sized and configured for removably receiving an at least one eyelash extension accessory.

[0038] In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that an eyelash extension apparatus is disclosed and configured for assisting in the application of eyelash extensions. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directed to an eyelash extension apparatus and is able to take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of each of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any logical manner and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0039] Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0040] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." As used herein, the term "about" means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0041 ] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0042] Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term "consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

[0043] While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.