METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ARTIFICIAL EYELASH EXTENSION SYSTEMS WITH GLUE TAPE

[1] This application is a PCT application claiming priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/326,561 filed on April 1, 2022, presently pending, and U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 17.962,389 filed on October 7, 2022, presently pending, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[2] The present invention relates to a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system with a thinner support strip by using only a single string to form the support strip and a method for manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

[3] Artificial eyelash extension systems enhance the appearance of the users’ natural eyelashes. Artificial eyelash extension systems can be made from a variety of different methods and materials. Traditionally, eyelash filaments are knotted to a string to create a single-layered artificial eyelash extension system, where the string with the knots forms the support strip of such artificial eyelash extension systems. In such single-layered, knotted artificial eyelash extension systems, the knots add to the thickness of the support strip, and only a limited range of designs or styles is possible (e.g., compared to multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems) due to space constraints and limitations in the manufacturing process.

[4] Multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems resolve some of the issues of the single-layered, knotted artificial eyelash extension systems. Such multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems are created by stacking a plurality of layers of eyelash filaments and without knotting eyelash filaments to form the support strip. Such multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems are commonly referred to as “mellow” artificial eyelash extension systems. Typical manufacturing of a mellow artificial eyelash extension system involves stacking layers of eyelash filaments (e.g., placing a second layer of eyelash filaments over a first layer of eyelash filaments, placing a third layer over the first and second layers, and so on), placing a first string a on the stacked layers generally perpendicularly to the eyelash filaments, placing a second string parallel to and a little below the first string, applying an adhesive below the first string, and after the adhesive is dried, cutting off excess portions below the second string (or below the first string but above the second string depending on particular styles of artificial eyelash extension system) to form the support strip.

[5] Such mellow artificial eyelash extension systems allow a more comprehensive range of designs and styles compared to knotted artificial eyelash extension systems. However, it is still desirable to create an artificial eyelash extension system with a thinner support strip than conventional mellow artificial eyelash extension systems.

SUMMARY

[6] A technical object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method for a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system that minimizes the thickness of its support strip. [7] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method for a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system that simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the amount of adhesive used.

[8] One embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention involves preparing a first layer of eyelash filaments by using a tape, placing a single string above the first layer of eyelash filaments, applying an adhesive over the first layer of eyelash filaments, placing a second layer of eyelash filaments above the first layer of eyelash filaments and the string so that the string is interposed between the first and second layers of eyelash filaments, applying an adhesive between the two layers and below the string, and forming an artificial eyelash extension system by cutting off an excess portion below the string.

[9] The embodiments of the present invention have a technical effect of reducing the amount of adhesive used and making the support strip of the artificial eyelash extension system thinner and softer.

[10] The embodiments of the present invention also have a technical effect of providing an artificial eyelash extension system having a desirable thickness while using a plurality of layers of eyelash filaments where each layer has particular patterns and dimensions.

[11] The embodiments of the present invention further have a technical effect of providing an artificial eyelash extension system having a more desirable weight than conventional mellow artificial eyelash extension systems.

[12] In at least one embodiment, a method of forming an artificial eyelash extension system is described, which includes: preparing a first layer of eyelash filaments by positioning the first layer of eyelash filaments on a first tape, preparing a second layer of eyelash filaments by positioning the second layer of eyelash filaments on a second tape; placing a string on the first layer or the second layer; placing an adhesive along the string; and combining the first layer and the second layer, wherein the string and the adhesive are interposed between the first layer and the second layer.

[13] In addition, placing the string on the first layer may comprise placing the string substantially parallel to the first tape, wherein the string is not superimposed on a part of the first layer that overlaps the first tape. The method may further comprise cutting the combined first and second layers along a cutting line that is located between the string and the first tape. The cutting line may be along the string. Placing the adhesive may comprise applying the adhesive on the first layer and/or the second layer. The adhesive may be applied in an area on a side of the string that is closer to a root portion of the eyelash filaments. The first tape and the second tape may be a same tape. Combining the first layer and the second layer may comprise turning over the second layer and placing the second layer over the first layer so that the adhesive holds the first layer, the second layer and the string together. The method may further comprise preparing a third layer of eyelash filaments by positioning the third layer of eyelash filaments on a third tape. The method may further comprise combining the third layer with one of the first layer and the second layer. The method may further comprise applying an adhesive on the third layer or the one of the first layer and the second layer. The third layer may be combined with one of the first layer and the second layer before or after the first layer and the second layer are combined. The method may further comprise placing a second string on the first layer or second layer. The adhesive may be a solid adhesive strip capable of melting and resolidifying. The method may further comprise preparing the string and the adhesive by preparing the solid adhesive strip with the string attached thereto, wherein placing the string and playing the adhesive are performed by placing the solid adhesive strip on the first layer. The method may further comprise: placing the combined first and second layers under a pipe; rolling the combined first and second layers around the pipe; and placing the pipe with the combined first and second layers in an oven. [14] The method of forming an artificial eyelash extension system includes, in another embodiment, preparing a first layer of eyelash filaments by positioning the first layer of eyelash filaments on a first tape; preparing a second layer of eyelash filaments by positioning the second layer of eyelash filaments on a second tape; placing a string on the first layer or the second layer; placing a solid adhesive strip along the string, wherein the solid adhesive strip is capable of melting and resolidifying; and combining the first layer and the second layer.

[15] In addition, the first tape or the second tape may be the solid adhesive strip. The solid adhesive strip may be interposed between the first layer and the second layer. The string may be interposed between the first layer and the second layer. The method may further comprise further comprising: placing a second string on the first layer or the second layer. The string, the second string, and the solid adhesive strip may be interposed between the first layer and the second layer.

[16] The method of forming an artificial eyelash extension system includes, in yet another embodiment, comprising: preparing a first layer of eyelash filaments by positioning the first layer of eyelash filaments on a first tape; preparing a second layer of eyelash filaments by positioning the second layer of eyelash filaments on a second tape, wherein at least one of the first tape and the second tape is adhesive; placing a string on the first layer or the second layer; and combining the first layer and the second layer, wherein the string is interposed between the first layer and the second layer.

[17] In addition, both the first tape and the second tape may be adhesive. The first tape and the second tape may be formed by a solid adhesive strip that is capable of melting and resolidifying. Placing the string comprise placing the string so that the solid adhesive strip may be along the string and on a side of the string that is closer to a root portion of the eyelash filaments.

Combining the first layer and the second layer may comprise turning over the second layer and placing the second layer over the first layer.

[18] The technical objects and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above, and other technical objects and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[19] These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[20] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram for describing a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[21] FIGS. 2A-2K are schematic representations of forming a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system according to the present invention;

[22] FIGS. 3A-3H are schematic representations for forming a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system according to the present invention;

[23] FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic representations of a side view of the four-layered artificial eyelash extension system according to the present invention;

[24] FIG. 5 shows exemplary structures of the artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention with two to eight layers of eyelash filaments;

[25] FIGS. 6A-6C are an example of an alternative sequence for creating a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention;

[26] FIGS. 7A-7D are examples of alternative sequences for creating a four-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention;

[27] FIGS. 8A-8H show schematic representations of how to form a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system using two strings according to the present invention;

[28] FIG. 9 shows various examples of a solid adhesive according to the present invention;

[29] FIGS. 10A-10I show schematic representations of forming a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system using an adhesive strip or tape according to the present invention; and

[30] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation for forming a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system using an adhesive strip or tape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[31] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below but may be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided only for making the description of the present invention complete and fully informing those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains on the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[32] Spatially relative terms “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” can be used to easily describe a correlation between an element or components and other elements or components. The spatially relative terms should be understood as terms including different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, when an element shown in the figures is turned over, an element described as “below” or “beneath” another element may be placed “above” the other element. Accordingly, the exemplary term “below” may include both directions below and above. The device may also be oriented in other orientations, and thus spatially relative terms may be interpreted according to orientation.

[33] The phrases “lash,” “artificial eyelash,” and “eyelash,” as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to an apparatus that is not part of the wearer’s body unless specifically indicated otherwise (e g., phrases such as “natural eyelash” or “user’s eyelash” refer to a part of the wearer’s body). Likewise, the terms “adhesive” and “glue” as used herein are interchangeable and refer to an adhesive or a glue used to assemble artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention (e.g., the adhesive used for attaching eyelash filaments to a string and other eyelash filaments, thereby forming the support strip of an artificial eyelash extension system, as further explained below), but not the adhesive or the glue that a user applies to an artificial eyelash extension system to attach it to the user’s eyelids or natural eyelashes, unless specifically indicated otherwise (e g., phrases such as “user’s glue” or “user’s adhesive” refer to the adhesives and glues that are used to attach artificial eyelash extension systems to the user’s body). Also, the terms “string” and “thread,” as used herein with reference to the support strip of an artificial eyelash extension system, are interchangeable.

[34] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used to describe various elements, components, and/or sections, it should be understood that these elements, components, and/or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, or section from another element, component, or section. Accordingly, the first element, the first component, or the first section mentioned below may be the second element, the second component, or the second section within the technical spirit of the present invention. [35] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system 100 of the present invention. The exemplary multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system 100 of FIG. 1 may be formed by combining a lower layer(s) 102 of eyelash filaments 103 (hereinafter referred to as “lower layer(s)”) and an upper layer(s) 104 of eyelash filaments 103 (hereinafter referred to as “upper layer(s)”) with a single string 106 interposed between the lower and upper layers. An adhesive 105 is applied between the lower layer(s) 102 and the upper layer(s) 104 along the string 106 to securely hold the lower and upper layers 102, 104 together with the string 106 interposed between them, as further described below. Looking at the exemplary embodiment 100 in the direction of the dashed arrow a in FIG. 1, the upper layer(s) 104 is/are the layer(s) placed above the string 106, and the lower layer(s) 102 is/are the layer(s) placed below the string 106. Therefore, the string 106 is sandwiched between the lower layer(s) 102 and the upper layer(s) 104 and held together with the root portions 113 of the eyelash filaments 103 by the adhesive 105 to form the support strip 109, where a root portion 113 of an eyelash filament 103 is the portion where the adhesive 105 is applied.

Two-Layered Artificial Eyelash Extension System of the Present Invention

[36] FIGS. 2A-2K show schematic representations of how to form a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 230 of FIG. 2H according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 230 of FIG. 2H may be formed by combining a first layer 202 of eyelash filaments 203 (hereinafter referred to as “first layer”) and a second layer 204 of eyelash filaments 203 (hereinafter referred to as “second layer”) as described below.

[37] In one embodiment, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 may be formed by placing the eyelash filaments 203 in predetermined positions on a tape 208 according to a desired design, as shown in FIG. 2A. The tape 208 may be single-sided, in which case the eyelash filaments 203 are placed on the sticky side of the tape 208. The tape 208 may also be doublesided, in which case the eyelash filaments 203 are placed on either side of the tape 208. In at least some embodiments, the double-sided tape includes the same type of adhesive on both sides. In some embodiments, the side of the tape expected to contact the end user is made of a hypoallergenic medical-grade material. Other suitable means may also be used instead of the tape 208 which can allow the eyelash filaments 203 to stay in predetermined positions at least temporarily. The eyelash filaments 203 may be made from conventional materials used in the existing artificial eyelash extension systems, such as mink hair, horsehair, human hair, synthetic materials (e.g., Polybutylene terephthalate, PBT), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the thicknesses of the eyelash filaments 203 may be in the range of 0.01 mm to 1 mm.

[38] A string 206 is then placed above the first layer 202, as shown in FIG. 2B. The string 206 may be made from the same or similar materials used for strings of conventional prior art eyelash extension systems, such as PBT, nylon, cotton, silk, etc. The string 206 will form a part of the support strip 209 of the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 230 of the present invention, as described below. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the string 206 is positioned substantially parallel to the tape 208, but the string 206 is not superimposed on the part of the first layer 202 that also overlaps the tape 208. In this way, in one embodiment, there is a length of the first layer 202 between the tape 208 and the string 206 that contacts neither the tape 208 nor the string 206.

[39] An adhesive 205 is then applied on the first layer 202 along and below the string 206, specifically, on the side of the string 206 that is closer to the root portions 213 (shown in FIGS. 2I-2K) of the eyelash filaments 203, as shown in FIG. 2C. Optionally, the adhesive 205 may also be applied on the second layer 204, as shown in FIG. 2D, over the area of the second layer 204 that corresponds to the area of the first layer 202 where the adhesive 205 is applied (i.e., along and below the string 206 as shown in FIG. 2C) so that the adhesives 205 applied on each of the first and second layers 202, 204 entirely, or mostly, overlap with each other when the two layers 202, 204 are combined, as explained below. The adhesive 205 may be the same or similar types of adhesives used to assemble conventional prior art mellow artificial eyelash extension systems.

[40] Then, the second layer 204 is combined with the first layer 202 by turning over the second layer 204 (as shown in FIG. 2D-1) and placing it over the first layer 202, the string 206, and the adhesive 205 (as shown in FIG. 2E). (A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that depending on arrangements of the eyelash filaments 203 of the second layer 204, it may be unnecessary to turn over the second layer 204 before placing it on the first layer 202.) The combined set 210 of the first and second layers 202, 204 (shown in FIG. 2E) is created, where the string 206 is interposed/sandwiched between the first layer 202 and the second layer 204. In the combined set 210 (FIG. 2E), the adhesive 205 holds the two layers 202, 204, and the string 206 together. Then, the adhesive 205 is allowed to dry to securely hold the two layers 202, 204 together with the string 206 interposed between them.

[41] When the adhesive 205 is sufficiently dry, the combined set 210 is cut along a cutting line 207, as shown in FIG. 2F. (The sufficiently dried adhesive 205 of FIG. 2F is indicated by a darker shade than the yet-to-be sufficiently dried adhesive 205 of FIGS. 2C and 2E.) The cutting line 207 is located between the string 206 and the tape 208. Depending on the particular styles of the resulting artificial eyelash extension systems 230, the cutting line 207 may be located right along the string 206, closer to the string 206 than the top edge of the tape 208, at a midpoint between the string 206 and the top edge of the tape 208 (as shown in FIG. 2F), or closer to the top edge of the tape 208 than the string 206. The closer the cutting line 207 is located to the string 206 rather than the tape 208, the thinner the support strip for the resulting artificial eyelash extension system can be formed. [42] FIG. 2G shows the resulting set 220 of the two layers 202, 204 after the combined set 210 (shown in FIG. 2E) is cut along the cutting line 207. As can be seen in FIG. 2G, there are excess string 206 and adhesive 205 that do not overlap with the eyelash filaments 203 of the two layers 202, 204. Such excess portions are trimmed off along the trimming lines 211 as shown in FIG. 2G, forming the support strip 209 and the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 230 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2H.

[43] The support strip 209 is comprised of the root portions 213 (shown in FIGS. 2I-2K) of the eyelash filaments 203 of the first and second layers 202, 204, the string 206 interposed between the two layers 202, 204, and the adhesive 205. The support strip 209 holds together the two layers 202, 204, and the string 206 is interposed between them by the gluing properties of the adhesive 205. The trimmed support strip 209 of the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 230 has a width W and a length L. The width JFis determined by the location of the cutting line 207. The width Wis generally the distance between the string 206 and the cutting line 207, but when the adhesive 205 spills above the string 206 when applied, the width IF may be larger than the distance between the string 206 and the cutting line 207 as described below in connection with FIG. 2K. The length L is generally the distance between the two trimming lines 211.

[44] FIGS. 2I-2K show schematic representations of a side view of the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 230 of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2I-2K, the twolayered artificial eyelash extension system 230 of the present invention, has the string 206 sandwiched/interposed between the first layer 202 and the second layer 204. The adhesive 205 holds together the string 206 and the root portions 213 of the eyelash filaments 203 of the first and second layers 202, 204, all of which form the support strip 209. (Although the adhesive 205 in FIGS. 2I-2K is shown in a lighter shade than FIGS. 2F-2H, which is only for illustrative purposes only, and the adhesive 205 in FIGS. 2I-2K is sufficiently dry.) Depending on the location of the cutting line 207, the support strip 209 may have the width W1 (shown in FIG. 21) or W2 (shown in FIG. 2J). In some cases, the adhesive 205 may seep through or spill over the string 206 during the manufacturing process, forming the support strip 209 having the width W3 as shown in FIG. 2K.

Three-Layered Artificial Eyelash Extension System of the Present Invention

[45] FIGS. 3A-3H show schematic representations for forming a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system 330 (shown in FIG. 3F) according to the present invention. The first and second layers 202, 204 of the three-layered artificial eyelash extension system 330 are prepared in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2E. The third layer 302 is also formed in the same manner as the second layer 204 as described above in connection with FIG. 2A, i.e., the eyelash filaments 303 are placed in predetermined positions on a single- or double-sided tape 308 according to a desired design, as shown in FIG. 3A. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the adhesive 305 is applied on the third layer 302 over the area that corresponds to the area of the first layer 202 where the adhesive 205 is applied (i.e., along and below the string 206 as shown in FIG. 2C) so that the adhesives 205, 305 applied on each of the first and third layers 202, 302 (and also the adhesive 205 on the second layer 204 if it was applied as shown in FIG. 2D) entirely or mostly overlap with each other when the three layers 202, 204, 302 are combined, as explained below.

[46] Then, the third layer 302 and combined with the combined set 210 (shown in FIG. 2E) of the first and second layers 202, 204. The combining is done by turning over the third layer 302 (as shown in FIG. 3B-1) and placing it on the combined set 210 so that the side of the third layer 302 on which the adhesive 305 was applied is in direct contact with the combined set 210 (as shown in FIG. 3C). (A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that depending on arrangements of the eyelash filaments 303 of the third layer 302 and the side on which the adhesive 305 is applied, it may be unnecessary to turn over the third layer 302 before placing it on the combined set 210.) This creates a combined set 310 of the first, second, and third layers 202, 204, 302 shown in FIG. 3C. As the combined set 210 of FIG. 2E already has a string 206 interposed between the first and second layers 202, 204, no additional string is placed between the third layer 302 and the combined set 210. Thus, the combined set 310 of FIG. 3C has just a single string 206 interposed between the first and second layers 202, 204, and there is no string between the combined set 210 and the third layer 302.

[47] When the adhesives 205, 305 are sufficiently dry, the combined set 310 (FIG. 3C) is cut along a cutting line 307, as shown in FIG. 3D. The cutting line 307 is located between the string 206 and the tapes 208, 308. Depending on the particular styles of the resulting artificial eyelash extension systems 330, the cutting line 307 may be located right along the string 206, closer to the string 206 than the top edge of the tapes 208, 308, at the approximate midpoint between the string 206 and the top edge of the tapes 208, 308 (as shown in FIG. 3D), or closer to the top edge of the tapes 208, 308 than the string 206. The closer the cutting line 307 is located to the string 206 rather than the tape 208, 308, the thinner the support strip for the resulting artificial eyelash extension system can be formed.

[48] FIG. 3E shows the resulting set 320 of the three layers 202, 204, 302 after the combined set 310 (shown in FIG. 3D) is cut along the cutting line 307. As can be seen in FIG. 3E, there is excess string 206 and adhesives 205, 305 that do not overlap with the eyelash filaments 203, 303 of the three layers 202, 204, 302. Such excess portions are trimmed off along the trimming lines 311 as shown in FIG. 3E, forming the support strip 309 of the three-layered artificial eyelash extension system 330 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3F. [49] FIGS. 3G and 3H show schematic representations of a side view of the three-layered artificial eyelash extension system 330 of FIG. 3F. For ease of referencing each layer, Layer 1 refers to the topmost layer when the artificial eyelash extension system 330 is viewed from the side so that the support strip 09 is to the left, Layer 2 refers to the middle layer, and Layer 3 refers to the bottom layer (as shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H). In a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system 330 of the present invention, there are two possible locations where the string 206 can be located: (i) between Layers 1 and 2, or (ii) between Layers 2 and 3. In FIG. 3G, the third layer 302 (Layer 1) was placed on top of the combined set 210 (FIG. 2E); thus the string 206 is located between Layer 2 (the second layer 204) and Layer 3 (the first layer 202), and there is no string between Layers 1 and 2. In FIG. 3H, on the other hand, the combined set 210 (FIG. 2E) was placed on top of the third layer 302 (Layer 3); thus, the string 206 is located between Layer 1 (the second layer 204) and Layers 2 (the first layer 202), and there is no string between Layers 2 and 3.

Artificial Eyelash Extension Systems of the Present Invention with Eour or More Layers

[50] A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the above process can be repeated and appropriately adjusted to create artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention with four or more layers. For example, a four-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention may be formed by (i) preparing the combined set 310 of the first, second, and third layers 202, 204, 302 as described above and shown in FIG. 3C, (ii) preparing a fourth layer in the way that the third layer was prepared in FIG. 3B, (iii) combining the fourth layer and the combined set 310 of the first three layers 202, 204, 302 in the way that the third layer 302 was combined with the combined set 210 in FIG. 3C, and (iv) appropriately cutting and trimming the combined set of four layers to create a four-layered system in the way that the combined set 310 of three layers 202, 204, 302 was cut and trimmed in FIGS. 3D and 3E.

[51] FIGS. 4A-4C show schematic representations of a side view of the four-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention. Layer 1 refers to the topmost layer when the four-layered artificial eyelash extension system is viewed from the side so that the support strip 409 is to the left, Layers 2 and 3 refer to the next layers in sequence, and Layer 4 refers to the bottom layer (as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C). The four-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention is comprised of four layers of eyelash filaments 403 and the support strip 409, which is comprised of the string 206, the adhesive 405, and the root portions of the eyelash filaments 403 (i.e., the portions of the eyelash filaments 403 at the support strip 409). In a fourlayered system, there are three possible locations where the string 206 can be located: (i) between Layers 1 and 2 as shown in FIG. 4C, (ii) between Layers 2 and 3 as shown in FIG. 4B, or (iii) between Layers 3 and 4 as shown in FIG. 4A.

[52] The same process may be used to create a five-layered artificial eyelash extension system. The fifth layer is prepared in the manner that the third and fourth layers are prepared, and the fifth layer is combined with a four-layer set. Then the combined five-layer set is cut and trimmed appropriately to create a five-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention. In this manner, the artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention with six layers, seven layers, eight layers, or even more layers can be created.

[53] FIG. 5 shows exemplary structures of the artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention with two to eight layers of eyelash filaments. For example, there are four possible locations for the string 206 in a five-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention: (i) between Layers 1 and 2, (ii) between Layers 2 and 3, (iii) between Layers 3 and 4, or (iv) between Layers 4 and 5. In this manner, for an artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention with n layers, the number of possible locations where the string 206 can be located is n - 1, as shown in FIG. 5.

Various Sequences

[54] Although the above descriptions for forming multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention provide particular sequences for preparing layers, placing the string 206 on a particular layer, and combining the layers, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the sequences can be easily adjusted in any suitable manner.

[55] For example, FIGS. 6A-6C show an example of an alternative sequence for creating a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention. (For simplicity, tapes, cutting, and trimming that were described above will be omitted in FIGS. 6A-6C.) Instead of creating a combined set 210 of two layers 202, 204 with a string 206 interposed between them as shown in FIG. 2E, a combined set of Layers 2 and 3 may be created without any string interposed between them, as shown in FIG. 6A, where the adhesive 605 holds together Layers 2 and 3. Layer 1 is also prepared in the manner described above. Then, as shown in FIG 6B, the string 606 can be placed on the combined set of Layers 2 and 3, and an additional adhesive 605 is applied along and below the string 606 in the manner described above, as shown in FIG. 6B. Optionally, the adhesive 605 is also applied to Layer 1, as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, Layer 1 is placed on top of the combined set of Layers 2 and 3 to create a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention with the support strip 609, as shown in FIG. 6C.

[56] Similarly, FIGS. 7A-7C show another example of an alternative sequence for creating a four-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention. (For simplicity, tapes, cutting, and trimming that were described above will be omitted in FIGS. 7A-7C.) Two sets of combined layers are prepared without any string interposed between the layers. The first set combines Layers 1 and 2, and the second set combines Layers 3 and 4, as shown in FIG. 7A. The adhesives 705 hold the Layers together in each set. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the string 706 can be placed on the second combined set of Layers 3 and 4, and an additional adhesive 705 is applied along and below the string 706 in the manner described above. Optionally, the adhesive 705 can also be applied to Layer 2, as shown in FIG. 7B. Then, the first combined set of Layers 1 and 2 is placed on top of the second combined set of Layers 3 and 4, with the string 706 interposed between the two sets (and Layers 2 and 3) to create a four-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention with the support strip 709 as shown in FIG. 7C.

[57] In this manner, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that any number of layers may be combined to create a combined set without a string. For example, FIG. 7D shows an example of another sequence for creating a four-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention, where a combined set of three layers (Layers 1-3) is placed on a single layer (Layer 4) with the string 706 interposed between the combined set of Layers 1-3 and Layer 4. Likewise, any suitable sequences can be used to create a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention (e g , a set of multiple layers being combined with another set of multiple layers, where the string is interposed between the two sets, etc.).

Variations in Styles, Designs, and Other Manufacturing Processes

[58] Although FIGS. 2A-7D show various components (e.g., eyelash filaments, layers, adhesive, string, tape) in a simplistic manner for ease of understanding, this is only for illustrative purposes, and a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the components may be arranged in a wide variety of manners. For example, the eyelash filaments in a layer may overlap and intersect with the eyelash filaments of another layer. Also, the eyelash filaments within one layer may have the same or varying directional arrangements, thicknesses, curls, lengths, etc., from one another, as well as from the eyelash filaments of another layer. For example, in FIG. 2A, the eyelash filaments 203 of the first layer 202 may be arranged in a different direction from those of the second layer 204 and may comprise different lengths, curl profiles, and thicknesses. Also, although FIGS. 2A-3F show the layers, each having 4 or 6 eyelash filaments, this is only for illustrative purposes, and a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the layers may have any number of eyelash filaments (e.g., between 20 and 80) that are appropriate for the desired look/style of a particular embodiment of the multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system of the present invention.

[59] Also, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the manufacturing of artificial eyelash extension systems involves various other processes that are immaterial to the processes described herein. For example, typical manufacturing processes for mellow artificial eyelash extension systems can include a curling step, where near-completed artificial eyelash extension systems are rolled on metal pipes and placed in a heated oven for an appropriate amount of time to impart curls to eyelash filaments. There may also be additional processes, such as trimming eyelash filaments to impart various lengths and designs, applying a solution to impart a wet look to eyelash filaments, applying heat to the adhesives for faster drying, etc. Although these various other processes are omitted from descriptions herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that such other processes can be easily implemented along with the processes that are described herein.

Working Tool

[60] The processes described above to create multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention can be done by using conventional working tools for creating prior art mellow artificial eyelash extension systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,433,607 to Ahn describes such a working tool in connection (including in Fig. 4) and how it is used. The same or similar tools can be used for the present invention. Likewise, any other suitable working tools can be used to create the multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention.

Multi-Layered Artificial Eyelash Extension System with Two Strings

[61] Although multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems made using a single string are described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. A multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system, according to the present invention, may include two or more strings that can be used to form the support strip. As a representative example, a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system, including two strings, will be described below.

[62] FIGS. 8A-8H show schematic representations of how to form a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system using two strings according to the present invention. Similar to the twolayered artificial eyelash extension system 230 of FIG. 2H, the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 830 of FIG. 8H may be formed by combining a first layer 802 of eyelash filaments 803 (hereinafter referred to as “first layer”) and a second layer 804 of eyelash filaments 803 (hereinafter referred to as “second layer”) as described below.

[63] In one embodiment, the first layer 802 and the second layer 804 may be formed by placing the eyelash filaments 803 in predetermined positions on a tape 808 according to a desired design, as shown in FIG. 8A. The eyelash filaments 803 and the tape 808 in FIG. 8A may be the same material as those of the eyelash filaments 203 and the tape 208 in FIG. 2A.

[64] The first string 806 and the second string 807 are then placed above the first layer 802, as shown in FIG. 8B. The first string 806 and the second string 807 may be made from the same or similar materials used for strings of conventional prior art eyelash extension systems, such as PBT, nylon, cotton, silk, etc. The first string 806 and the second string 807 will together form a part of the support strip 813 of the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 830 of the present invention, as described below.

[65] An adhesive 805 is then applied on the first layer 802 along and below the first string 806 (that is, on the side of the first string 806 that is closer to the root portion of the filaments) and over the second string 807 (which is also on the side of the first string 806 that is closer to the root portion of the filaments), as shown in FIG. 8C. Optionally, the adhesive 805 may also be applied on the second layer 804, as shown in FIG. 8D, over the area of the second layer 804 that corresponds to the area of the first layer 802 where the adhesive 805 is applied (i.e., along and below the first string 806 and over the second string 807 as shown in FIG. 8C), so that the adhesives 805 applied on each of the first and second layers 802, 804 entirely, or mostly, overlap with each other when the two layers 802, 804 are combined, as explained below. The adhesive 805 may be the same or similar types of adhesives used to assemble conventional prior art mellow artificial eyelash extension systems.

[66] Then, the second layer 804 is combined with the first layer 802 by turning over the second layer 804 (as shown in FIG. 8D-1) and placing it over the first layer 802, the first string 806, the second string 807 and the adhesive 805 (as shown in FIG. 8E). The combined set 810 of the first and second layers 802, 804 (shown in FIG. 8E) is created, where the first string 806 and the second string 807 are interposed/ sandwiched between the first layer 802 and the second layer 804. In the combined set 810 (FIG. 8E), the adhesive 805 holds the two layers 802, 804, the first string 806, and the second string 807 together. Then, the adhesive 805 is allowed to dry to securely hold the two layers 802, 804 together with the first and second strings 806, 807 interposed between them. [67] When the adhesive 805 is sufficiently dry, the combined set 810 is cut along a cutting line 809, as shown in FIG. 8F. (The sufficiently dried adhesive 805 of FIG. 8F is indicated by a darker shade than the yet-to-be sufficiently dried adhesive 805 of FIGS. 8C and 8E.) The cutting line 809 is located between the second string 807 and the tape 808 so that the resulting artificial eyelash extension systems 830 includes the first and second strings 806, 807. Depending on the particular styles of the resulting artificial eyelash extension systems 830, the cutting line 809 may be located right along the second string 807, closer to the second string 807 than the top edge of the tape 808, at a midpoint between the second string 807 and the top edge of the tape 808, or closer to the top edge of the tape 808 than the second string 807. The closer the cutting line 809 is located to the second string 807 rather than the tape 808, the thinner the support strip for the resulting artificial eyelash extension system can be formed. Alternatively, the cutting line 809 can also be located between the first string 806 and the second string 807, depending on the desired styles of the resulting artificial eyelash extension systems 830.

[68] FIG. 8G shows the resulting set 820 of the two layers 802, 804 after the combined set 810 (shown in FIG. 8F) is cut along the cutting line 809. As can be seen in FIG. 8G, there are excess segments of the first and second strings 806, 807, and adhesive 805 that do not overlap with the eyelash filaments 803 of the two layers 802, 804. Such excess portions are trimmed off along the trimming lines 811 as shown in FIG. 8G, forming the support strip 813, including the first and second strings 806, 807 and the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 830 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8H. The trimmed support strip 813 has a width W and a length L. The width JFis generally determined by the location of the cutting line 809 and the length L is generally determined by the distance between the two trimming lines 811.

[69] Although a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system formed using two strings has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems in FIGS. 3 to 7 may be formed using two strings in a similar manner to that described above. For example, a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system can be similarly created using two strings by interposing the first and second strings between the first and second layers or between the second and third layers. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that similar methods can be used to create a four-, five-, and sixlayered artificial eyelash extension system, and so on.

Using Solid Adhesive, e.g., Adhesive Tape or Strip

[70] The multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems described above may be manufactured by using a solid adhesive as well as a liquid adhesive. Conventionally, a liquid adhesive has been used to assemble artificial eyelash extension systems of the present invention (e.g., the adhesive used for attaching eyelash filaments to a string and other eyelash filaments, thereby forming the support strip of an artificial eyelash extension system, as explained above). However, a liquid adhesive requires drying before further operations are performed (such as pipe rolling and oven heating, which impart curls to the eyelash filaments for stylistic purposes) in the manufacturing process. (An example of pipe-rolling and oven heating is shown in the following video, which is incorporated herein by reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch7v— VIhGQX58HM at 1 :27.) Such drying of liquid adhesives takes labor and time. Therefore, to make the manufacturing process faster and more efficient, a solid adhesive can be used instead, as described below.

[71] Such solid adhesives have a property where they start melting and turning into a liquid form when exposed to an environment above a certain melting temperature, and then they start solidifying again when the temperature goes below a certain solidifying temperature. Depending on the type, a solid adhesive’s melting temperature may be the same or substantially the same as its solidifying temperature or may be different. In any case, the solidifying temperature is higher than room temperature so that the solid adhesive remains solid in room temperature.

[72] Such solid adhesives can be advantageous for artificial eyelash extension systems. The manufacturing processes for artificial eyelash extension systems generally involve pipe-rolling of combined sets 210, 310, 810 layers of eyelash filaments and placing them in a heated oven for a certain duration of time to impart curls to the eyelash filaments. By using a solid adhesive instead of a liquid adhesive when assembling a combined set 210, 310, 810 and placing the combined set in a heated oven to impart curls to eyelash filaments, the solid adhesive is exposed to a heat inside the oven whose temperature is higher than the solid adhesive’s melting temperature, which melts the solid adhesive into a liquid form. The melted, liquified adhesive then seeps into spaces between eyelash filaments and the string (or strings) and also other eyelash filaments. Afterward, when the combined sets are taken out of the oven and exposed to room temperature (i.e., below the solid adhesive’s solidifying temperature), the adhesive quickly solidifies again, causing the eyelash filaments and the string(s) to be firmly adhered with and attached to each other, thereby forming the support strip of an artificial eyelash extension system. Thus, this process of using a solid adhesive shortens the manufacturing time of a typical artificial eyelash extension system because the time and the labor needed to dry a liquid adhesive (before the combined set 210, 310, 810 is pipe-rolled and placed in a heated oven) are no longer needed when using a solid adhesive.

[73] A solid adhesive generally takes the form of a generally rectangular strip or tape 901-905 as shown in FIG. 9, so that it is easily applied on layers 1002, 1004 of eyelash filaments, as further described below. However, other suitable forms and dimensions are also possible. As described above, the adhesive strip or tape 901-905 is solid in room temperature but melts when exposed to an environment above its melting temperature, and it quickly solidifies again when exposed to room temperature again (at which time, it no longer takes the form of a strip or tape since it lost that form when melted).

[74] The adhesive strip or tape 901-905 can be devoid of any other structure 901, 902, 903, or it can come with one or more strings 906 already attached or adhered thereto 904, 905 When the adhesive strip or tape comes with one or more strings 906 already attached/adhered thereto, one string 906 is attached/adhered along or near the top edge of the adhesive strip or tape 904, 905, as shown in FIG. 9. Further, the adhesive strip or tape 901-905 can be treated with a substance that imparts stickiness to either/both the front side and/or the back side of the adhesive strip or tape, in which case it would be referred to as an adhesive tape (otherwise, it would be referred to as an adhesive strip, i.e., there is no stickiness on either side of the strip). A benefit of using an adhesive tape will be further described below.

Multi-Layered Artificial Eyelash Extension System Using Adhesive Strip or Tape

[75] As described above, the multi-layered artificial extension system described in FIGS. 2-8 may be manufactured using an adhesive strip or tape. FIGS. 10A-10I show schematic representations of forming a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system of FIG. 2A using an adhesive strip or tape. For convenience, the overlapping portions of the manufacturing processes with those described in connection with FIGS. 2-8 will be omitted since a person of ordinary skill in the art will easily understand how such overlapping portions are implemented using an adhesive strip or tape.

[76] In one embodiment, the first layer 1002 and the second layer 1004 may be formed by placing the eyelash filaments 1003 in predetermined positions on a tape 1008 according to a desired design, as shown in FIG. 10A.

[77] An adhesive strip or tape 1005 and a string 1006 are then placed over the first layer 1002, as shown in FIG. 10B. In one embodiment, the string 1006 may be pre-attached to the adhesive strip or tape 1005 as discussed above, and thus the string 1006 and the adhesive strip or tape

1005 can be placed over the first layer 1002 at the same time. Alternatively, the string 1006 may not be pre-attached to the adhesive strip or tape 1005, in which case the string 1006 and adhesive strip or tape 1005 are sequentially placed on the first layer 1002. The string 1006 will form a part of the support strip 1009 of the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 1030 of the present invention, as described below.

[78] Then, the second layer 1004 is combined with the first layer 1002 by turning over the second layer 1004 (as shown in FIGS. 10D and 10D-1) and placing it over the first layer 1002, the string 1006, and the adhesive strip or tape 1005 (as shown in FIG. 10E). The combined set 1010 of the first and second layers 1002, 1004 (shown in FIG. 10E) is created, where the string

1006 and the adhesive strip or tape 1005 are interposed/ sandwiched between the first layer 1002 and the second layer 1004.

[79] Then, as shown in FIG. 10F, the combined set 1010 is placed under a pipe 1021 and rolled 1012 around the pipe 1021. The pipe-rolled 1012 combined set is then placed in an oven 101 , where the temperature inside the oven 1013 is above the melting temperature so as to melt the adhesive strip or tape 1005 and curl the eyelash filaments 1002, 1004 as shown in FIG. 10F. In one embodiment, the temperature inside the oven 1013 is at or about 180 degrees Celsius, where the pipe-rolled 1012 combined set would stay for a predetermined time for the solid adhesive strip or tape to melt completely. The melted adhesive then permeates into the layers as it seeps into spaces between eyelash filaments and the string (or strings) and also other eyelash filaments. Then, the pipe-rolled 1012 combined set is taken out of the oven 1013 and brought back into the operating room, where the room temperature solidifies the melted adhesive back into a solid form, forming the support strip that securely holds the first and second layers 1002, 1004 together with the string 1006 interposed between them. Then, as shown in FIG. 10G, when the adhesive 1015 is sufficiently solid, the combined set 1010 is cut along a cutting line 1007. The cutting line 1007 is located between the string 1006 and the tape 1008.

[80] FIG. 10H shows the resulting set 1020 of the two layers 1002, 1004 after the combined set 1010 (shown in FIG. 10G) is cut along the cutting line 1007. As can be seen in FIG. 10H, there are excess string 1006 and adhesive 1015 that do not overlap with the eyelash filaments of the two layers 1002, 1004. Such excess portions are trimmed off along the trimming lines 1011 as shown in FIG. 10H, forming the support strip 1009 and the two-layered artificial eyelash extension system 1030 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 101.

[81] While the preceding paragraphs describe forming a two-layered artificial eyelash extension system using an adhesive strip or tape, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other multi-layered artificial eyelash extension systems in FIGS. 3 to 8 may be formed using the adhesive strip or tape in a similar manner to that described above. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that a three-layered artificial eyelash extension system using an adhesive strip or tape can also be formed using a very similar process.

[82] Further, as shown in FIG. 11 , an adhesive tape 1 105 (which has a sticky front side and/or a sticky back sides) can also be used to form a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system. This can be advantageous because the adhesive tape 1105 can replace the tape 208, 308, 808, 1008 and can perform a dual-function of (i) holding the eyelash filaments 1103 in desired positions (which would have been performed by the tape 1008) and (ii) acting as the adhesive that, when melted and then solidified, holds the layers 1102, 1104 together by forming the support strip 1110 of the resulting artificial eyelash extension system. Throughout this way, the manufacturing process is simplified, requiring less time and labor, because the tape 208, 308, 808, and 1008 is no longer needed during the manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 11. Alternatively, the adhesive tape 1105 may be used to form one of the first layer 1102 and the second layer 1104, that is, to replace the tape 208, 308, 808, 1008 in only one of the first layer and second layer and act as the adhesive. Except applying the adhesive, other steps and elements as aforementioned may apply when appropriate.

Composition of Solid Adhesive

[83] An example of a solid adhesive that can form an adhesive strip or tape is described here. A mixture of a polychloroprene-based adhesive (Neoprene rubber) of about 10 to 20% in a solid type and an organic solvent of about 60 to 80% containing Toluene, MEK, and Distillates (petroleum) is prepared and dried. When dried, it forms a basis for a solid adhesive that may be suitable for the adhesive strip or tape of the present invention. Such a composition stays solid at room temperature and melts when placed in an oven that is heated to about 180 degrees Celsius. Also possible are other suitable compositions that meet the properties described above, although the melting and solidifying temperatures of such compositions may differ.

Single-Layered Artificial Eyelash Extension System Using Adhesive Strip or Tape

[84] Although the above disclosures describe creating a multi-layered artificial eyelash extension system using an adhesive strip or tape, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a substantially similar method can be used to create a single-layered artificial eyelash extension system. For example, a single layer 1102 of eyelash filaments 1103 with an adhesive strip or tape 1105 and a string 1106 can be pipe-rolled 1012 and placed in an oven 1013. The heat inside the oven 1013 melts the adhesive strip or tape 1105, which then solidifies again when taken out of the oven to room temperature, adhering the eyelash filaments 1103 to the string 1106 and forming the support strip of the resulting single-layered artificial eyelash extension system. [85] An embodiment of the present invention shows a technical effect of providing strong adhesion between layers because each layer is tightly coupled to each other as the adhesive permeates into the layers. Another technical effect of the present invention is the reduction of the amount of adhesive used in creating an artificial eyelash extension system with same number of layers, thereby reducing the thickness of the support strip, the weight of the artificial eyelash extension system, as well as the production cost. Yet another effect of the present invention is the reduction of the time and labor needed in creating an artificial eyelash extension system with same number of layers, thereby rendering the manufacturing process more efficient and less costly.

[86] Although exemplary implementations of the invention have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[87] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Also, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting but are instead exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.