Cosmetic Brush Cleaning Aid

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic brushes generally have a head (e.g., bristles, sponge, etc.) attached to one end of a handle. Handles may be made of various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, etc. Bacteria, oils, make-up, medicines, and debris transmit from skin to cosmetic brush heads and handles every time cosmetic brushes are used to apply makeup, medicine, etc. Accordingly, one of the most important things cosmetic users may do to prolong the life of their cosmetic brushes may be to regularly clean their cosmetic brushes. Regular cleaning may help remove old makeup, dirt and debris, dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils from the fibers that make up the heads of cosmetic brushes and/or the handles. Additionally, regular cleaning may maintain the softness of the fibers that make up heads of cosmetic brushes. That is, regular cleaning may keep cosmetic brushes soft, supple, and free from bacteria, oils, and other debris. Generally, cosmetic brushes should be cleaned as regularly as one time per week.

Current techniques direct a cosmetic user to manually clean the fibers that make up the head of the cosmetic brush by combining a cleaner (e.g., soap, oil, specialized cleaning product, etc.) with water and manually massaging the fibers until the fibers feel clean. Often times, cosmetic users experience difficulty in drawing out all of the make-up, dirt, debris, etc., in the fibers that make up the head of the cosmetic brush. Cleaning cosmetic brushes is time consuming, inefficient, and in many circumstances, expensive and wasteful. Accordingly, there remains a need for streamlined methods and tools for cleaning cosmetic brushes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of an example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1A where drying elements are securing cosmetic brushes.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of another example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 2B illustrates another isometric view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates yet another isometric view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view along traversal line A-A of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F is a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus configured for drying a cosmetic brush.

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of yet another example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of an example back surface of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view along traversal line B-B of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E illustrates a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 3A configured for drying a cosmetic brush.

FIG. 3F illustrates an isometric view of a stand storing the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for cleaning cosmetic brushes using a cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process for cleaning and hanging cosmetic brushes using the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview

This disclosure is directed to techniques for conveniently storing and/or streamlining cleaning of cosmetic brushes. Cosmetic brushes generally have a fibrous head attached to one end of a handle. Handles may be made of various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, etc. Due to the bacteria, oils, make-up, dead skin cells, and other debris regularly transmitted from skin of a user to cosmetic brush heads and handles, cosmetic brushes should be cleaned regularly. Current techniques direct a user to manually clean the fibers that make up the head of the cosmetic brush by combining a cleaner (e.g., soap, oil, specialized cleaning product, etc.) with water and massaging the head until the fibers feel clean. Often times, cosmetic users experience difficulty in drawing out all of the make-up, dirt, debris, etc., in the fibers that make up the head of the cosmetic brush. Many users purchase expensive cleaning products and repeated washing and rinsing leads to wasting expensive product. Accordingly, current techniques are time consuming, inefficient, and wasteful.

The techniques described herein include cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus and processes for streamlining cleaning, drying, and/or storing cosmetic brushes. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus may include a plurality of elevated elements to aid in cleaning fibrous heads of cosmetic brushes by drawing out make-up, dirt, debris, etc., from the fibrous heads of the cosmetic brushes. In some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus may include draining mechanisms for removing dirty and/or excess water and helping keep clean water running through the fibrous head of the cosmetic brush. In other examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus may include an elevated wall that follows a contour of a surface or edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus. The elevated wall may be elevated to a height greater than the plurality of elevated elements for retaining water within the elevated wall of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus enables users to deep clean cosmetic brushes more efficiently and using less cleaning product, thereby streamlining the cleaning of cosmetic brushes.

In some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus may also be used for efficiently and conveniently drying and/or storing cosmetic brushes. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus may include one or more drying mechanisms that may be configured to secure handles of cosmetic brushes and/or allow cosmetic brushes to be arranged in an angled resting position to streamline the drying of cosmetic brushes. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus may include hanging devices for attaching the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus to a surface for drying and/or storing cosmetic brushes (e.g., from a mirror or vanity, etc.) in a vertical position. Attaching the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus to a surface in a vertical position may prevent the heads from retaining water in the brush ferrule while the cosmetic brushes are drying and/or stored. Alternatively or additionally, the cosmetic brushes may dry and/or be stored in a horizontal position (e.g., in a drawer, on a shelf, etc.). In some examples, storing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus in the horizontal position may also prevent the heads from retaining water in the brush ferrule by virtue of drying elements that are configured to elevate the handle of a cosmetic brush above the head of the cosmetic brush.

Illustrative Cosmetic Brush Cleaning Apparatus

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be an ovular shape, circular shape, rectangular shape, etc. In some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may have a shape of a mitt or another object (e.g., a head of an animal, a flower, etc.). The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be secured by user interaction with the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. In some examples, the user may secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 by placing his or her hand in an opening of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus and the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be worn like a mitt or glove. In other examples, the user may insert one or more fingers into finger holes, straps, or other gripping or holding mechanisms for securing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. In some examples, a user may secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 by holding the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 in the palm of his or her hand. Additionally or alternatively, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be secured to a surface during use. For example, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be secured to a surface by suction cups, feet, straps, other attaching mechanisms, etc. that may be coupled to the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100.

The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be made of any material having properties for repelling water, shedding water, and/or having characteristics making the material impervious to water and/or non-absorbent. For example, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be made of waterproof, water resistant, and/or water repellant materials. In some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be made of a flexible material or any material that enables the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 to be subjected to stress and manipulation and, upon removal of the stress and manipulation, may return to a shape substantially similar to its original shape. Additionally or alternatively, at least some portions of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be made of a rigid material for maintaining the shape and structure of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. For example, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be made from neoprene, polychloroprene, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), other materials that may repel water and maintain flexibility and/or rigidity, or some combination of the above.

In at least some examples, at least some portions of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include an absorbent material (e.g., sponge, chamois, etc.). The absorbent material may be configured to hold cleaning product that may be provided during the cleaning process and/or may be used to provide a scrubbing and/or wiping surface. The absorbent material may be coupled to other materials that may make up the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 in a variety of ways. For example, the absorbent material may be attached to other materials using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.). In some examples, the absorbent material may be coupled to the other materials by stitching, welding, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above. In other examples, the absorbent material may be removably coupled to the other materials by buttons, snaps, hooks and loops (e.g., Velcro®), etc.

The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include a front surface 102 and a back surface 104, the back surface 104 being opposite the front surface 102. In some examples, the front surface 102 and the back surface 104 may be associated with separate sheets of material. For example, a front surface of a top sheet 106 may be the front surface 102 and a back surface of a bottom sheet 108 may be the back surface 104. The top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 may be separated by one or more separators 110 that are interposed between the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108. In such examples, a user may insert his or her hand into the space between the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 and the one or more separators 110 may secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 over the hand of the user. In other examples, the front surface 102 and the back surface 104 may be associated with a single sheet, block, or other body of material.

In some examples, the one or more separators 110 may be formed by cutouts around the perimeter of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. In at least one example, the one or more separators 110 may be a single separator that follows the contour of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 and couples the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 along a portion of the perimeter of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. That is, the separator may be a single piece having a single cutout for receiving a user's hand. In alternative examples, the one or more separators 110 may be formed from various cutouts around the perimeter of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1A. For example, as a result of a plurality of cutouts, a first separator of the one or more separators 110 may be associated with a first edge 112 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 and a second separator of the one or more separators 110 may be associated with a second edge 114 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, the second edge 114 being opposite the first edge 112. Additionally, a third separator of the one or more separators 110 may be associated with a top edge 116 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 opposite a bottom edge 118. That is, cutouts between the first separator, second separator, and third separator define the individual separators 110. The bottom edge 118 may have a cutout for receiving a user's hand and the separators 110 attached to the first edge 112, second edge 114, and top edge 116 may secure the user's hand in the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. While the one or more separators 110 are described as cutouts, in other examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be molded from a single piece of material to include the one or more separators 110.

In other examples, the one or more separators 110 may be attached to the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108. The one or more separators 110 may be made of the same or different material than the top sheet 106 and/or the bottom sheet 108. The one or more separators 110 may be attached to the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 by a variety of processes. For example, the one or more separators 110 may be attached to the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.). In other examples, the one or more separators 110 may be attached to the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 by stitching, welding, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above. In some examples, a single separator may be attached to the top sheet 106 and bottom sheet 108 around a portion of the perimeter. In other examples, two or more separators 110 may be attached to the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108. For instance, a first separator of the two or more separators 110 may be attached to a first edge 112 associated with the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 and a second separator of the two or more separators 110 may be attached to a second edge 114 associated with the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108, the second edge 114 opposite the first edge 112. Additionally, a third separator may be attached to a top edge 116 associated with the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108, the top edge 116 opposite a bottom edge 118. The bottom edge 118 may have an opening for receiving a user's hand and the separators 110 associated with the first edge 112, second edge 114, and top edge 116 may secure the user's hand in the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100.

The front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include a plurality of elevated cleaning elements 120. The elevated cleaning elements 120 may be elevated to a predetermined height above the front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. The elevated cleaning elements 120 may take the form of a variety of shapes. In some examples, the elevated cleaning elements 120 may be crosses, rectangles, concave circles, convex circles, etc. In other examples, the elevated cleaning elements 120 may be shapes of abstract objects and/or objects such as hearts, stars, animals, trademarks, etc. The elevated cleaning elements 120 may have various sizes. The elevated cleaning elements 120 may be arranged in groups of same shapes and groups of the same shapes may be arranged in various configurations. The different shapes and/or sizes of the elevated cleaning events may create elevated cleaning elements 120 having different utilities. For instance, circular elevated cleaning elements 120 may be used for large cosmetic brush heads and cross-shaped elevated cleaning elements 120 may be used for small cosmetic brush heads. Additionally or alternatively, rectangular elevated cleaning elements 120 may be used for rinsing cosmetic brush heads of any size.

In some examples, the elevated cleaning elements 120 may be stamped in the piece of material associated with the front surface 102 and/or the top sheet 106 may be formed by a mold that includes the elevated cleaning elements 120 on the front surface 102 such that the elevated cleaning elements 120 are integrated in the piece of material associated with the front surface 102. In other examples, the elevated cleaning elements 120 may be coupled to the front surface 102. The elevated cleaning elements 120 may be of the same and/or different materials as the top sheet 106. For example, the elevated cleaning elements 120 may be attached to the front surface 102 using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.). In other examples, the elevated cleaning elements 120 may be attached to the front surface 102 by stitching, welding, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above.

Additionally or alternatively, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include recessed cleaning elements. The recessed cleaning elements may be recessed into the piece of material associated with the front surface 102. The recessed cleaning elements may be formed by cutouts, stamps, and/or a mold, as described above.

In some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include draining mechanisms 122 for draining water from cosmetic brushes and/or the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. In some examples, the front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more draining mechanisms 122 that are cutout from the front surface 102 and are configured to allow water to drain from the front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1A. While the one or more draining mechanisms 122 are described as cutouts, in other examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be molded from a single piece of material to include the one or more draining mechanisms. The draining mechanisms 122 may be any shape and/or size. For instance, the draining mechanisms 122 may be rectangular, circular, ovular, star-shaped, flower-shaped, etc. In some examples, the draining mechanisms 122 may be arranged around a perimeter of the front surface 102 in an arrangement that follows a contour of the shape of the front surface 102, as shown in FIG. 1A. In other examples, the draining mechanisms 122 may be arranged in various other configurations. The draining mechanisms 122 disposed on the front surface 102 may be used to drain dirty water from the front surface 102 during the cleaning process and may also be used to drain excess water from cosmetic brush heads during the drying process. In some examples, the draining mechanisms 122 may also be used for securing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100.

The front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include an elevated wall 124. The elevated wall 124 may be an extension of the front surface 102 that follows the contour of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 along the perimeter of the front surface 102. The elevated wall 124 may be elevated to a height above the elevated cleaning elements 120 relative to the front surface 102 so that the elevated wall 124 may retain water on the front surface 102 and/or be used for drying and/or storage. The elevated wall 124 may follow the contour of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 at a same height or at different heights. In examples where the front surface 102 does not include draining mechanisms 122, the elevated wall 124 may be used to collect water for minimizing the amount of product user's use for cleaning their cosmetic brushes. In additional or alternative examples, the elevated wall 124 may include drying elements 126, as described below.

In some examples, the elevated wall 124 may be a contiguous part of the piece of material associated with the front surface 102 such that the elevated wall 124 protrudes from the front surface 102. In other examples, the elevated wall 124 may be coupled to the sheet associated with the front surface 102. For instance, the elevated wall 124 may be attached to the sheet associated with the front surface 102 using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.). In other examples, the elevated wall 124 may be attached to the front surface 102 by stitching, welding, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above.

The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more drying elements 126. In some examples, the one or more drying elements 126 may be associated with the back surface 104 and/or the elevated wall 124. In some examples, the one or more drying elements 126 may be cutouts in the elevated wall 124. The cutouts or openings may be cut out of or formed in a portion of the first edge 112 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 and corresponding portion of the second edge 114 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. That is, each cutout on the first edge 112 may have a corresponding cutout directly across from it on the second edge 114. This configuration of cutouts may be used for receiving one or more cosmetic brushes and securing the one or more cosmetic brushes above the front surface 102 for drying and/or storage, as shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A where drying elements 126 are securing cosmetic brushes 128.

The cutouts may be circular or non-circular (e.g., oval-shaped, slit, wedge-shaped, C-shaped, etc.). In some examples, the cutouts may be cut to standard cosmetic brush handle dimensions to secure cosmetic brushes by placing the cosmetic brushes 128 into the cutouts. In such examples, the cosmetic brushes may fit snugly into the cutouts. In other examples, the cutouts may not be sized as specifically and may be filled with a material for securing the cosmetic brushes 128. The material that may be used to fill the cutouts may be any flexible material that returns to its shape after experiencing stress or manipulation. For example, the flexible material that may be used to fill the cutouts may include, but is not limited to, neoprene, polychloroprene, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), other flexible materials, or some combination of the above. In at least one example, the material that fills the cutouts may include a foam material configured to hold one or more cosmetic brushes 128. The flexible material may have one or more cutouts for securing handles of cosmetic brushes 128. In at least one example, the cutouts may be arranged in a star configuration for accommodating handles having various diameters. In other examples, the flexible material may include a single cutout, or other configurations for holding handles of cosmetic brushes 128. In some examples, the cutouts in the elevated wall 124 may secure a single handle of a cosmetic brush. In other examples, the cutouts in the elevated wall 124 may secure two or more handles of cosmetic brushes 128.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. FIG. 1C may represent a front view of first side 112 and/or second side 114. In some examples, the back surface 104 may be coupled to one or more hanging mechanisms 130 for hanging the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. For example, hanging mechanisms 130 may include hooks, loops, suction cups, eyelets, grommets, magnets, or other mechanisms that may provide for hanging the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. The one or more hanging mechanisms 130 may be attached permanently or removably to the back surface 104 using, for example, an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.), stitching, welding, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above. Alternatively, the hanging mechanisms 130 may protrude through the back surface 104 such that they are part of the back surface 104. In other examples, the hanging mechanisms 130 may be coupled to the front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100. For example, the hanging mechanisms 130 may be hooks or loops that extend beyond the top edge 116 or bottom edge 118 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100.

The hanging mechanisms 130 may be used for hanging the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 such that the cosmetic brushes 128 are hanging upside down, as shown in FIG. 1B. Returning to FIG. 1B, FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of a cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 hanging upside down from one or more hanging mechanisms (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1B, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may hang from the hanging mechanisms 130 so that the heads of the cosmetic brushes 128 hang toward the ground and any water retained in the fibers of the heads may drip away from the heads of the cosmetic brushes 128.

The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be stored in a similar configuration, such as hanging from the hanging mechanisms 130 on a wall, vanity, door, etc. In some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be stored flat in a drawer, on a shelf, etc. In other examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be configured to be stored in stands specifically designed for storing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100.

FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of another example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. FIG. 2A illustrates a cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 having an ovular shape. As described above, however, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 may have a variety of shapes. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the front surface 102 is associated with a front surface of a top sheet 106 and the back surface 104 is associated with a back surface of a bottom sheet 108. The top sheet 106 and bottom sheet 108 are separated by one or more separators 110, as shown and discussed above in the context of FIG. 1A. The front surface 102 includes a plurality of elevated cleaning elements 120 for working out debris, make-up, dead skin cells, etc. from the fibrous heads of cosmetic brushes, as described above. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A does not include draining mechanisms 122 for draining water or drying elements 126 that are cut from or formed in the elevated wall 124. However, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 may include draining mechanisms 122 disposed on the front surface 102 and/or back surface 104 and/or drying elements 126 that may be associated with the elevated wall 124. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A also includes an elevated wall 124, as described above, for retaining water on the top sheet 106 and minimizing the amount of water and/or product used to clean cosmetic brushes. In at least some examples, the elevated wall 124 may include one or more drying elements 126, as described above.

FIG. 2B illustrates another isometric view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 may include one or more draining mechanisms 122 configured to allow water to drain from the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. The draining mechanisms 122 may include cutouts that may be associated with the back surface 104 and, in some examples, may penetrate through the bottom sheet 108. While the draining mechanisms 122 are described as cutouts, in other examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 may be molded from a single piece of material to include the draining mechanisms 122. In at least some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 may be configured so that the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 is resting on the top sheet 106 and the back surface 104 may be used for drying cosmetic brushes 128. Using the drying elements 126 described below, the one or more cosmetic brushes 128 may be set on the back surface 104 at an angle relative to the back surface 104 so that excess water may drain from the heads of the one or more cosmetic brushes 128 onto the back surface 104, and the excess water may drain from the back surface 104 through the one or more cutouts. Like the draining mechanisms 122 in the front surface 102, the draining mechanisms 122 in the back surface 104 may be any shape and/or size. The draining mechanisms 122 shown in FIG. 2B are linear cutouts. However, the draining mechanisms 122 may be circular, ovular, star-shaped, flower-shaped, shaped as a trademark, etc., as described above.

As described above, one or more drying elements 126 may be disposed in the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. The one or more drying elements 126 may include an elevated wedge 202, a plurality of elevated drying elements 204, etc. The elevated wedge 202 and/or the plurality of elevated drying elements 204 may be elevated such that the elevated wedge 202 and/or the plurality of elevated drying elements 204 have a predetermined height above the back surface 104. The plurality of elevated drying elements 204 may have various shapes and/or sizes. In some examples the plurality of elevated drying elements 204 may be circular, rectangular, ovular, etc. In some examples, the elevated wedge 202 and/or plurality of elevated drying elements 204 may be stamped in the piece of material associated with the back surface 104 and/or the bottom sheet 108 may be formed by a mold that includes the elevated wedge 202 and/or plurality of elevated drying elements 204 on the back surface 104 such that the elevated wedge 202 and/or plurality of elevated drying elements 204 are integrated in the piece of material associated with the back surface 104. In other examples, the elevated wedge 202 and/or plurality of elevated drying elements 204 may be attached to the back surface 104 using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.) or by stitching, welding, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, melting, chemical bonding, or some combination of the above.

FIG. 2B illustrates another isometric view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 wherein the one or more drying elements 126 include an elevated wedge and a plurality of elevated drying elements 204. In at least one example, the elevated wedge 202 may follow the contour of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 and may be coupled to an edge (e.g., first edge 112 or second edge 114) of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. An opposite edge (e.g., first edge 112 or second edge 114, respectively) of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 may include one or more elevated drying elements 204 or may include the back surface 104 of the bottom sheet 108 without any elevated features. The elevated wedge 202 may be elevated to a height above the elevated drying elements 204 relative to the back surface 104. A user may place a handle of a cosmetic brush 128 on the elevated wedge 202 to elevate the handle of the cosmetic brush 128 above the head of the cosmetic brush 128 that may be resting on the opposite side of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. The angled position may allow excess water to drip from the head of the cosmetic brush 128. The one or more draining mechanisms 122 disposed in the back surface 104 may be used for draining the excess water from the cosmetic brush 128 and/or back surface 104.

FIG. 2C illustrates yet another isometric view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C illustrates the one or more drying elements 126 as a plurality of elevated drying elements 204 disposed on at least one side of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. The plurality of elevated drying elements 204 may follow the contour of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 on one edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 (e.g., first edge 112 and/or second edge 114) and/or another edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 (e.g., second edge 114 or first edge 112, respectively). The plurality of elevated drying elements 204 may be arranged in a variety of configurations also. A user may place a handle of a cosmetic brush 128 on one of the elevated drying elements 204 to elevate the handle above the head of the cosmetic brush 128 that may be resting on an opposite edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. The angled position relative to the back surface 104 may allow excess water to drip from the head of the cosmetic brush 128 onto the back surface 104. The one or more draining mechanisms 122 disposed in the back surface 104 may be used for draining the excess water from the cosmetic brush and/or back surface 104.

FIG. 2D is a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D illustrates a cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 including an elevated wedge 202 on an edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view along traversal line A-A of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2E illustrates a cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 including a plurality of elevated drying elements 204 disposed on an edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. FIG. 2E further illustrates the plurality of elevated cleaning elements 120 disposed on the front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. As described above, the one or more drying elements 126 disposed on the back surface 104 may include various combinations of an elevated wedge 202 on an edge and a plurality of elevated drying elements 204 on an opposite edge, a plurality of elevated drying elements 204 on both sides, or a plurality of elevated drying elements 204 or an elevated wedge on an edge and no drying elements on the opposite edge.

FIG. 2F is a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 configured for drying a cosmetic brush 128. FIG. 2F illustrates the handle of a cosmetic brush 128 resting against an elevated wedge 202 on an edge (e.g., first edge 112 or second edge 114) and the head of the cosmetic brush 128 resting on an individual elevated drying element 204 of the plurality of elevated drying elements 204 on an opposite edge (e.g., second edge 114 or first edge 112, respectively). The individual elevated drying element 204 may be elevated less than the elevated wedge 202 so that the cosmetic brush 128 lies at an angle relative to the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. As a result excess water may drain out of the ferrule or head of the cosmetic brush 128. The cosmetic brush 128 may be positioned differently so that the excess water may drain out of the ferrule and the cosmetic brush 128 head and onto the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200. The draining mechanisms 122 disposed in the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200 may be used for draining excess water from the back surface 104.

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of yet another example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 represents an example of a rectangular cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the front surface 102 and the back surface 104 may be associated with a single sheet, block, or other body of material. The front surface 102 includes a plurality of elevated cleaning elements 120, as described above. The rectangular cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 may include an elevated wall 124 for retaining water during the cleaning process. The elevated wall 124 may follow the rectangle contour of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300. In some examples of rectangular shaped cosmetic brush cleaning apparatuses 300, the elevated wall 124 may follow the rectangle contour at a same height around the entire perimeter. In other examples, the elevated wall 124 may be at a tallest height towards the top edge 116 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 and may gradually decrease in height along the side edges (e.g., side edge 112 and 114) to a shortest height at the bottom edge 118. As a result of the gradual decline, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 may lie on the front surface 102 such that the back surface 104 is configured at an angle relative to a flat support surface for receiving cosmetic brushes for drying and/or storing the cosmetic brushes. That is, setting the cosmetic brushes with the handle resting on the back edge (e.g., top edge 116) of the cleaning apparatus 300 and the brush head resting on or hanging over the front edge (e.g., bottom edge 118) of the cleaning apparatus 300 results in the handles of the brushes being elevated and the brush heads being declined so that water can drain out of the brush heads.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of an example back surface of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus of FIG. 3A. The back surface 104 may include a plurality of draining mechanisms 122 for draining excess water, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some examples, the draining mechanisms 122 may not penetrate through the sheet. In other examples, the draining mechanisms 122 may penetrate through the sheet. As described above, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 may be configured to receive cosmetic brushes for drying and/or storing the cosmetic brushes at an angle relative to a flat support surface. In some examples, the front surface 102 and/or back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 may include depressions and/or notches that may be cut in one or more edges of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus to act as cradles for cosmetic brushes.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C illustrates the gradual decrease of the height of the elevated wall 124 along a side edge (e.g., side edge 112 or 114) of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 from the top edge 116 to the bottom edge 118. FIG. 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view along traversal line B-B of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D illustrates elevated wall 124 being elevated to a height greater than the elevated cleaning mechanisms 120 associated with the front surface 102.

FIG. 3E illustrates a side view of the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 of FIG. 3A configured for drying a cosmetic brush 128. In this example, the apparatus 300 may be inverted and placed top down (e.g., front surface 102 down) on a flat support surface. In FIG. 3E, the handle of a cosmetic brush 128 may rest on the back surface 104 towards the top edge 116 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 and the head of the cosmetic brush 128 may rest towards the bottom edge 118 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300. As described above, the height of the elevated wall 124 may be greater at the top edge 116 than the bottom edge 118. Accordingly, the handle of the cosmetic brush 128 may be positioned at a greater distance above the flat support surface than the head of the cosmetic brush 128. Due to the angled configuration relative to the flat support surface, excess water may drain out of the ferrule or head of the cosmetic brush 128. The cosmetic brush may be positioned differently so that the excess water may drain out of the ferrule and the brush head and onto the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300. The draining mechanisms 122 disposed on the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 may be used for draining excess water from the back surface 104.

FIG. 3F illustrates an isometric view of a stand storing the example cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 of FIG. 3A. The stand 302 may have compartments for the storing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 and one or more products 304. In some examples, the stand 302 may hold the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300 so that it may drain and dry. The stand 302 may have one or more draining mechanisms to allow excess water to drain from the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300. The stand 302 may further include compartments for storing one or more cosmetic brushes.

Cleaning Methods Using Cosmetic Brush Cleaning Apparatus

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process 400 for cleaning cosmetic brushes 128 using the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) described above.

Block 402 illustrates a user securing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). As described above, at least one example of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200) may include a top sheet 106 and a bottom sheet 108 separated by one or more separators 110. A user may insert his or her hand into an opening created by the one or more separators 110 between the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 to secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200). In some examples, the user may insert one or more fingers into finger holes or other grasping and/or holding mechanisms to secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). In other examples, the user need not insert his or her hand into an opening. A user may secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) by holding on to the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus in one hand and/or by securing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus to a surface as described above.

Block 404 illustrates cleaning a head of a cosmetic brush 128. As described above, a user may apply cleansing product to the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). The user may mix the cleansing product with water and may clean the head of the cosmetic brush 128 by massaging the fibers that make up the head into the elevated cleaning elements 120 on the front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). The elevated cleaning elements 120 may help draw out makeup, debris, dead skin cells, etc. that is lodged in the fibers of the head of the cosmetic brush. In some examples, the front surface 102 may include draining mechanisms 122 for draining dirty water from the front surface 102. In other examples, the elevated wall 124 may be used to collect water for minimizing the amount of cleansing product used for cleaning multiple cosmetic brushes 128.

Block 406 illustrates arranging the cosmetic brush 128 on a drying element 126. As described above, the drying element 126 may be associated with the elevated wall 124 and/or the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). In at least one example, the user may arrange the cosmetic brush 128 on a drying element 126 by inserting a first end of a handle of a cosmetic brush 128 into one of the cutouts in the elevated wall 124 associated with the first side of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100) and inserting a second end of the handle opposite the first end into the corresponding cutout in the second side of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100). The second end of the handle may be opposite the first end and may be associated with the head of the cosmetic brush 128. Any excess water may drip from the head and may be collected on the front surface 102 or may drip into a sink or other collecting mechanism.

In other examples, the user may arrange the cosmetic brush on a drying element 126 associated with the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200). For instance, the user may place the first end of the handle on an elevated wedge 202 or a plurality of elevated drying elements 204 associated with the an edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200) and the second end of the handle may lie on an opposite edge of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200). As a result of such placement, the cosmetic brush 128 may be arranged in an angular position relative to the back surface 104 so that excess water may drain from the head of the cosmetic brush 128 onto the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200) or some other collecting mechanism.

In some examples, the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) may be arranged so that the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) forms an acute angle with a flat support surface as a result of the gradually declining elevated wall 124 height from the top edge 116 to the bottom edge 118. The first end of the handle may be set towards the top edge 116 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) and the second end of the handle that is associated with the head of the cosmetic brush 128 may be set towards the bottom edge 118 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). The top edge 116 may be elevated to a height greater than the bottom edge 118. As a result, the cosmetic brush 128 may be arranged on the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) so that the excess water may drain from the head of the cosmetic brush 128 onto the back surface 104 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) or some other collecting mechanism.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 for cleaning and hanging cosmetic brushes 128 using a cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) described above.

Block 502 illustrates a user securing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). As described above, at least one example of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200) may include a top sheet 106 and a bottom sheet 108 separated by one or more separators 110. A user may insert his or her hand into an opening created by the one or more separators 110 interposed between the top sheet 106 and the bottom sheet 108 to secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100 and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200). In some examples, the user may insert one or more fingers into finger holes or other grasping and/or holding mechanisms to secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). In other examples, the user need not insert his or her hand into an opening. A user may secure the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) by holding on to the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) in one hand and/or by securing the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) to a surface as described above.

Block 504 illustrates cleaning a head of a cosmetic brush 128. As described above, a user may apply cleansing product to the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). The user may mix the cleansing product with water and may clean the head of the cosmetic brush 128 by massaging the fibers that make up the head into the elevated cleaning elements 120 on the front surface 102 of the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300). The elevated cleaning elements 120 may help draw out makeup, debris, dead skin cells, etc. that is lodged in the fibers of the head of the cosmetic brush 128. In some examples, the front surface 102 may include draining mechanisms 122 for draining dirty water from the front surface 102. In other examples, the elevated wall 124 may be used to collect water for minimizing the amount of cleansing product used for cleaning multiple cosmetic brushes 128.

Block 506 illustrates arranging the cosmetic brush on a drying element such as the cutouts cut out of the elevated wall 124, the elevated wedge 202 disposed on the back surface 104, or the elevated drying elements 204 disposed on the back surface 104, as described above.

Block 508 illustrates attaching one or more hanging mechanisms 130 to a surface for drying the cosmetic brush 128. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) may include one or more hanging mechanisms 130 for attaching the cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) to another surface. The cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus (e.g., cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 100, cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 200, and/or cosmetic brush cleaning apparatus 300) may hang from the hanging mechanisms 130 so that the heads of the cosmetic brushes 128 hang toward the ground and water retained in the fibers of the heads can drip away from the heads of the cosmetic brushes 128.

CONCLUSION

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

Cosmetic Brush Cleaning Aid

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CPC

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Description

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