This invention relates to cosmetic applicators of the type having an elongated core or stem and an applicator head constituted of an array of fibers carried by the core forming a brush for transporting and applying cosmetic material, to methods of making such applicators, and to cosmetic dispensers including them. In one specific sense, the invention is directed to flocked applicators, that is, applicators in which the brush head is constituted of a flocking.
For purposes of illustration, but without limitation, the invention will be particularly described with reference to applicators for mascara.
As shown in
Such applicators are well known and widely used in the cosmetics industry. Commonly, the proximal end of the brush is mounted in a receptacle in the threaded cap 18 or a stem rod 20 extending from the threaded cap 18 of a cosmetic product container, so that the brush projects into the container 22 when the cap is in container-closing position. Upon removal of the cap, the brush carries a quantity of cosmetic material, such as mascara, out of the container, and is manipulated to deliver and apply the product to the user's body, for example the user's eyelashes, the cap serving as a handle for the brush.
Conventional cosmetic brushes are frequently made of wire and bristle construction. The overall profile of a brush can be described as the notional envelope defined by the bristle extremities. For conventional brushes, this overall profile is most often cylindrical and/or smoothly tapering with progressively shorter bristles toward the distal end of the brush. Other bristle array profiles have been proposed, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,987, which shows, among other profiles, rectangular brush profiles; the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference. However, such alternative bristle array patterns have not been applied to flocked cosmetic brushes.
Flocking is a process whereby a surface is covered with more or less densely packed, upstanding fibers, typically of short length and fine diameter. The fibers typically are delivered to an adhesive coating already applied to the surface. One flocking method utilizes electrostatic delivery of fibers to the adhesive coating, although other procedures may also be employed. In conventional flocked cosmetic brushes, the overall cylindrical and/or tapered profile of the brush fiber array is generally formed with an even distribution, density and length of fibers along the brush.
While flocked brushes have been used to apply cosmetic products, such brush arrays are not known to have been implemented for use with mascara. Additionally, because of the uniform length, density and distribution of fibers in conventional brushes, such brushes cannot vary the load of the cosmetic product which they carry. Since ease of use is important and because areas where cosmetic product is applied are often sensitive, the cosmetic brush must be able to both apply varied amounts of cosmetic product and provide a pleasant sensation when used.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of mascara brush that offers an improved, soft and luxurious feel when the user strokes the brush against one's eyelashes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide brushes for applying cosmetic material such as mascara, lip gloss, concealer or the like that have diverse applicator characteristics.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a brush for applying cosmetic material such as mascara or the like combining within a single structure diverse applicator characteristics respectively suited to the performance of specifically different functions in the application of the cosmetic material and capable of being enclosed within a container of the material when not in use.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flocked mascara brush.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a way to temporarily or permanently change the profile and application effects of cosmetic brushes.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a way to manufacture cosmetic brushes wherein the brush fibers are arranged in different patterns which may be visually attractive and can be used for marketing purposes.
To these and other ends, the present invention broadly contemplates the provision of a cosmetic brush having an elongated core and an array of fibers projecting outwardly therefrom, the fibers being flocked to the core, for example by electrostatic delivery of fibers to an adhesive coating located on the core. However, other methods of flocking may also be used. While the fibers generally consist of soft, light material, stiffer fibers such as bristles may also be flocked. The fiber array of the present invention has a proximal end and a distal end spaced apart along the linear axis with the tips of the fibers of the array defining a notional envelope, wherein the fibers are not necessarily of equal length, density distribution and/or color, such that various patterns of fibers can be formed on the core. The proximal end of the core may be a stem or engage an end of a stem having an opposite end secured within a handle, such as a mascara container cap. When the core for a cosmetic applicator is made of a flexible material, such as can be employed by the present invention, the core also can be referred to as a flexer.
Additionally, the invention may be embodied in a brush for applying mascara wherein the flocked fibers are of uniform length, density, distribution and/or color along the core.
Further, in accordance with the invention, the transverse cross-section of the envelope can be substantially uniform in dimensions along at least a major portion of the envelope. Also, the envelope can taper toward the distal end of the array, and the aforesaid major portion of the envelope advantageously has extended longitudinal edges parallel to the linear axis of the core.
In another embodiment of the invention, the elongated core consists of non-cylindrical shapes which provide benefits when applying cosmetic-products.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the applicator can be covered with outer sleeves or coatings that will further change the profile and application effects of the brush. These sleeves or coatings may be flocked, contain bristles, or remain bare.
In another embodiment of the invention, the flocked material may be attached to the core which is rotatably connected to a connector, which is fixedly connected to a handle or stem rod, such that the brush will rotate as cosmetic product is applied by the user.
In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the numerous new arrays of fibers can be incorporated into a traditional wire and bristle mascara brush so that these arrays provide new mascara application functions.
In another embodiment of the present invention, cosmetic brushes can be manufactured by selectively dying fibers in different colors so that they are visually attractive and may serve marketing purposes such as displaying brand logos.
The varied shapes of the brushes of the present invention offer the consumer the quick and easy application that the user demands, yet there is no special skill or newly-learned technique involved in using these brushes. Additionally, the use of flocked brushes for applying mascara provides the user with a soft and luxurious sensation when applying the product to one's lashes that cannot be obtained with conventional wire brushes. Finally, the use of sleeves allows the user to temporarily or permanently change the characteristics of the brush to further customize the application of cosmetic products.
a and 3b are a side view and cross sectional side view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form showing flocking adhered to a core;
a and 4e are a side view and a front view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having alternating partial transverse rings;
b and 4f are a side view and a front view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having alternating partial oblique rings (wedges);
c and 4g are a side view and a front view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having alternating partial spirals;
d and 4h are a side view and a front view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having multiple holes;
a and 5e are a front view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush core embodying the present invention in a particular form showing multiple longitudinal masks on the bare core;
b and 5f are a front view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush core embodying the present invention in a particular form showing two longitudinal masks on the bare core;
c and 5g are a front view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush core embodying the present invention in a particular form showing multiple transverse masks on the bare core;
d and 5h are a front view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush core embodying the present invention in a particular form showing a helical mask on the bare core;
a and 6c are a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having transverse regions of different flocking envelope thicknesses;
b and 6d are a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having helical regions of different flocking envelope thicknesses;
a and 7e are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having three flat longitudinal regions;
b and 7f are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having two flat longitudinal regions;
c and 7g are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having one flat longitudinal region;
d and 7h are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapered partial longitudinal region;
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapered longitudinal region;
b is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapered transverse region proximate the proximal end;
c is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapered transverse region proximate the distal end;
d is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a wide, shallow tapered transverse region;
e is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a wide, deep tapered transverse region;
f is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapered tip region;
g is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a wide, tapered transverse region and a longitudinal groove;
a and 9h are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form made without trimming;
b and 9i are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having two longitudinal grooves;
c and 9j are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having four longitudinal grooves;
d and 9k are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having multiple transverse rings;
e and 9l are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having spiral grooves;
f and 9m are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having both multiple transverse rings and crossing longitudinal grooves;
g and 9n are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having crossing spiral grooves and a longitudinal groove;
a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e and 10f are perspective views, and
a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i, 11j, 11k, 11L and 11m are perspective views of cosmetic brushes embodying the present invention in a particular form having various patterned regions including spiral, multiple transverse rings, multiple longitudinal, single longitudinal, dots, partial spirals, dotted longitudinal, bulls-eye, S-shaped, X-shaped, longitudinal and transverse, wide spiral, and partial longitudinal, respectively;
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a slight hook at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a partial concave tapering region at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having two opposing partial concave tapering regions at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a partial tapering region on one side at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having two opposing partial tapering regions at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapering region terminating at a flat distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapering region terminating at a flat distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapering region terminating at a rounded distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having slight tapering regions at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having an hourglass shape at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a tapering region terminating at a rounded tip at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a pinched cone shape at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having sharp hook at the distal end of the core;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form having a bulb-shaped distal end;
b is a side view of
a is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush core embodying the present invention in a particular form having a partial tapering region terminating in a flat distal end;
b is a side view of
a and 27b are a side view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form showing a hollow core with flocking attached to a removable connector;
a and 28b are partial sectional side views of a cosmetic brush and container, respectively, embodying the present invention in a particular form showing a hollow core with flocking which can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the core;
c and 28d are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a cosmetic brush in a container embodying the present invention in a particular form;
a and 29b are a partial cut away front view and a cross-sectional side view along section line A, respectively, of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form showing a connector, a core with fiber, and a stem rod, each of the core and stem rod having an orifice for receiving an end of the connector;
a and 35b are a cross-sectional view and a corresponding enlargement, respectively, of an embodiment of the present invention showing a sleeve injection molded over a flocked core;
aI, 39aII, and 39aIII are front views illustrating a process embodying the present invention in a particular form for producing a cosmetic brush having a flocked core enclosed in a sleeve with bristles;
b is an enlargement of a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in which a sleeve with bristles is placed over a flocked core;
c is an enlargement of a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in which a sleeve with bristles is injection molded over a flocked core;
aI, 40aII, 40aIII, and 40aIV are front views illustrating a process embodying the present invention in a particular form for producing a cosmetic brush having a sleeve with bristles placed over a flocked core with voids;
b is an enlargement of a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention produced by the process shown in
aI, 41aII, 41aIII, 41aIV, and 41aV are front views illustrating a process embodying the present invention in a particular form for producing a cosmetic brush having a sleeve with bristles placed over a flocked core with voids;
b is an enlargement of a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form produced by the process shown in
a, 48b, 48c, 48d, and 48e are respective front, side, cross-sectional, isometric and top views of a cosmetic brush embodying the present invention in a particular form showing a core having longitudinal bristles and flocking.
Referring to
In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention and as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in
The sleeves 204 can be detachable or removable, fixed to the core 202 or the flocking 206, or adhered to the core or the flocking. A user may be directed to remove the sleeve 204 before use. Also, as shown in
When the fibers 14 of a conventional brush are initially attached to the core 12, their free ends may project for somewhat randomly unequal distances therefrom, and accordingly the brush can be subjected to a trimming step. To produce brushes of conventional round, that is cylindrical and/or tapering conical, profile, such brushes are rotated through trimmer heads.
While such trimming is common in the manufacture of conventional twisted-in-wire brushes, one embodiment of the present invention employs trimming to create voids 44 in the flocked fiber array 36 such that the voids form patterns. As shown in
While the patterns of
One example of combining masking and trimming is shown in
Once void patterns are created, the voids can be left bare, or a different type of fiber, such as fibers having different densities, lengths, colors, textures, stiffness, composition, etcetera can be attached to the masked regions by applying additional adhesive on such regions and then flocking on the different type of fibers. By applying two or more types of fiber, a cosmetic brush with more diverse application properties can be created. Also, complex patterns, such as corporate logos, can be created in the fiber array 36 using this technique. Complex patterns are beneficial because they can be visually attractive and can be employed to visually identify the characteristics of the brush.
As shown in
However, as shown in
Furthermore, the adhesive or epoxy, which adheres the flocking to the core, can also be colored. With this process, the core, the adhesive, and the flocking can each be different colors. This difference in colors allows for multicolor patterns to be made during the trimming process by selectively trimming through the flocking and/or adhesive to expose the different color or colors of the adhesive and/or the core. This invention contemplates that the diverse patterning processes discussed above can be combined in various combinations to produce complex, multi-color and/or multi-textural patterns for a brush.
In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
a-28b show a flocked brush 100 that can be rotatably attached to a handle. In this embodiment, a connector 102 has a proximate end 104 which is provided to attach to the handle or a stem rod, and a distal end 106 to attach to a hollow core 108 by insertion into the inner hollow portion of the core, such that the core is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the core 102. In one embodiment, the rotation is permitted by a circumferential track 112 in the connector 102 into which a guide 114 on the inside of the core 108 fits. In operation, the guide 114 rotates in the track 112 carrying the rest of the core and the adhered flocking about the longitudinal axis of the core 102.
These rotatable brushes allow a user to utilize all surfaces of the fiber array without requiring the user to manually rotate the brush, since proper rotation of a fixed brush held between a user's thumb and forefinger can be difficult.
A particular advantage of the brush of the present invention is that numerous fiber array patterns can be easily created. Additionally, fiber arrays with two different types of fibers, arranged in diverse patterns can be efficiently produced.
Sleeves 204 with flocking 208 or bristles 210 are not limited to the embodiments discussed above with respect to
An exemplary process for obtaining the embodiments shown in
aI-40aIV and 40b illustrate an alternative process by which voids are created by trimming a flocked core. This process involves, for example, starting with a core 202, applying flocking 206 to the core to create a core without voids, trimming the flocking to create voids 207, and then placing or injection molding a sleeve 204, which is formed with bristles 210, over the flocked core.
While the brushes with sleeves 204 shown in
In another embodiment of the present invention, even if the core 202 is formed with bristles 210, flocking 205 can still be applied. In the embodiment shown in
The numerous new arrays of fibers can also be incorporated into traditional wire and bristle mascara brushes. For example, fibers can also be flocked onto the voids found in traditional wire core mascara brushes or directly onto the bristles of such brushes to provide new functionality and a more pleasant sensation when applying mascara. In a similar manner, stiffer fibers, such as the bristles found in conventional mascara brushes, can be flocked onto regions of previously flocked brushes to provide additional functionality in applying cosmetic materials. Furthermore, while the embodiments described above have been described with a brush having a core 202 with a continuous surface, this invention also applies to twisted wire brushes.
However, because each side 308, 310 of the wire can be separately treated or formed before being twisted together, additional variations are possible with a twisted wire core 312.
For example,
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the features and embodiments hereinabove specifically set forth, but may be carried out in other ways without departure from its spirit.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/843,972 filed Sep. 11, 2006, hereby incorporated by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20080060669 A1 | Mar 2008 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60843972 | Sep 2006 | US |