U.S. patent application number 11/871954 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-16 for brush positioning apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Nancy S. Handler.
Application Number | 20090097900 11/871954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40534357 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090097900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Handler; Nancy S. |
April 16, 2009 |
Brush Positioning Apparatus and Method
Abstract
A brush positioning apparatus adapted for utilization with a
flexible mascara brush. The present invention permits positioning
or repositioning of a flexible brush head to a desired angle while
preserving the integrity of the brush's bristles through limited
contact between the brush head bristles and apparatus. This limited
contact minimizes deposition of product on the apparatus surface
and minimizes bristle deformation while providing a clean and
convenient method to position or reposition a flexible brush. A
variety of structural mechanisms permit the apparatus to be
utilized either as a freestanding instrument, or affixed to a
typical mascara bottle that may be integrally formed as a portion
of the bottle or retrofitted to existing bottles.
Inventors: |
Handler; Nancy S.; (Davis,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF DAVID M. LANG
3051 Daggett Drive
Granite Bay
CA
95746
US
|
Family ID: |
40534357 |
Appl. No.: |
11/871954 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/129 ;
401/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/265 20130101;
A45D 40/00 20130101; A46B 9/08 20130101; A46B 5/0062 20130101; A45D
2040/0006 20130101; A46B 2200/1053 20130101; A46B 5/0066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/129 ;
401/121 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for actuating the terminal aspect of a brush,
comprising: a first support member; a plurality of relatively thin
filaments affixed to said first support member at a first end and
extending perpendicularly from said first support; a second support
member affixed to a second end of said plurality of filaments;
wherein said first and second supports may be held by a user, and
wherein a bendably positionable mascara brush, having a brush head
coated in mascara, may be placed in contact with said filaments,
said brush head making contact with said filaments, wherein said
brush head may be positioned through manual pressure on said brush
head, and wherein a majority of bristles on said brush head retain
adherent mascara product.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said filaments are
comprised of wire.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said filaments are
comprised of plastic.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said projections
measure between 0.014-0.08 inches in diameter.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage
housing wherein said apparatus may be slidably disposed such that
when apparatus is fully inserted, the outermost surface of said
second member rests flushly relative to the remaining surfaces of
said housing.
6. A mascara housing comprising: a top; a bottom housing reversibly
fastenable to said top; a pair of projections affixed to said
bottom housing, said pair being substantially perpendicular to the
long axis of said bottom, said projection having two substantially
lateral sides, and having a plurality of relatively thin filaments
affixed between said lateral sides.
7. An apparatus for actuating the terminal aspect of a brush,
comprising: an annular ring, said ring having a pair of
projections, and having a plurality of relatively thin filaments
affixed between said projections, wherein said ring may be
reversibly attached to an existing mascara bottle.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the innermost aspect
of said ring is threaded and may be threadably engaged with a
threaded portion of an existing mascara bottle.
9. A method for positioning a flexible brush comprising: providing
a positioning surface; providing a flexible brush having a cap
affixed to an axial rod, said rod coupled to a brush head though a
neck, wherein said brush head is bendably positionable relative to
said rod by bending at said neck, and wherein said brush head
contains a plurality of deformable brush bristles; applying mascara
to said brush head wherein said mascara adheres to said brush
bristles; placing a flexible brush head, containing a plurality of
brush bristles, on said positioning surface wherein when said brush
head makes contact with said surface, a substantial number of
bristles retain said adherent mascara; exerting sufficient force on
said brush head to cause an angular positioning of said brush head
relative to said rod; terminating application of said force when
said brush head has reached the desired angle; removing said
flexible brush head from said positioning surface; applying mascara
to user's eyelashes.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said positioning
surface is comprised of a first support member; a plurality of
relatively thin projections affixed to said first support member at
a first end and extending perpendicularly from said first support;
a second support member affixed to a second end of said plurality
of projections; wherein said first support, projections, and second
support may be grasped by a user and held in the hand by holding
said first and second support member, wherein a brush having a
flexible distalmost end may be placed in contact with said
positioning surface substantially perpendicularly across said
projections, wherein said flexible end may be positioned through
manual pressure exerted on said distalmost end.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of cosmetics
and specifically to makeup, brushes, and mechanisms to position the
end of a flexible brush.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mascara is used to coat eyelashes and make the eyes more
pronounced on the face. Mascara provides accenting on the eyes and
can make eyelashes appear darker, longer, and fuller. Mascara,
found in a variety of consistencies ranging from a liquid to a
relatively thick cream, is typically applied to the eyelashes with
a brush. Mascara is typically contained within a bottle and
collected on a brush surface. The brush is commonly mounted on a
rod extending from a container top which is screwably attachable to
the bottle. As the brush is inserted into the container, mascara
adheres to the bristles, and mascara product is then transferred to
the eyelashes when the user places the brush in contact with the
eyelashes. The bristles of a typical mascara brush operate to clear
away clumps and separate lashes and evenly distribute mascara. In
use, the hand holding the mascara brush directs the bristles
through the eyelashes starting at the root and continuing through
the tips. Numerous mascara coats may be applied to the eyelashes if
preferred, and variations of mascara application are known,
including limiting mascara application to certain parts of the
eyelash, and coating only bottom eyelashes. The application of
mascara requires hand stability, dexterity, and precision and also
requires the user to maintain stability of her head and face during
application. This avoids the unwelcome problem of mascara soiling
where product is not applied exclusively to the eyelashes resulting
in product untowardly deposited on the face.
[0003] Prior art mascara brushes were rigid and stiff. This
stiffness commonly compels the user to assume an awkward hand and
wrist position when attempting to apply mascara in the desired
fashion. Furthermore, a rigid-style brush makes right-handed
application of mascara onto the left eye difficult, imprecise, and
may lead to mascara smudging.
[0004] A flexible cosmetic mascara brush allows the applicator to
be bent to a desired angle. An angled brush simplifies mascara
application and allows the user greater control and convenience.
However, an inherent problem exists in the action of bending the
brush: in order to bend the brush, the brush must be pressed
against a surface in such a way to impart a necessary bending force
to position the brush to the desired angle. This frequently leads a
user to manually position a brush head, wherein the user grasps the
flexible end of the brush with her fingertips and repositions it to
a desired angle. More commonly, a user wishing to avoid soiling
their hands with mascara will reposition the brush by using a
disposable surface (such as facial tissue) to grasp the brush. The
user may seek to position the brush indirectly by resting the brush
against a firm surface and moving the handle to the desired
location. All of these methods are problematic in that they remove
much of the mascara from the brush. This leads the user to waste a
substantial amount of product, and results in mascara soiling the
user's surroundings. Further, disposable make-shift surfaces such
as a napkin, facial tissue, and the like, are not always
conveniently available, and the user is forced to position the
brush with her fingertips and soil her hands with mascara.
[0005] Moreover, in addition to the problems of product waste and
soiling, repositioning a mascara brush utilizing the fingers
(directly) or a firm surface (indirectly) unavoidably compresses a
substantial number of individual bristles leaving those bristles
disturbed. This bristle compression can cause permanent or
semipermanent bristle damage or deformation resulting in suboptimal
mascara application. Furthermore, once the mascara brush is bent,
and the user completes mascara application, it is desirable to
place the brush back into the mascara dispenser. Usually, this
insertion is not possible: the repositioned brush will not fit into
the mascara tube. If the user does manage to insert the brush into
the tube in the bent position, this action may prevent mascara from
fully lubricating and coating the bristles evenly because mascara
is typically located around the inner periphery of the mascara
bottle.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention permits the user to position or
reposition a flexible brush head, and specifically a mascara brush
head, to a desired angle while preserving the integrity of the
brush head bristles and minimizing mascara product waste. The
present invention apparatus facilitates positioning or
repositioning of a flexible brush head though limited contact with
a brush head to minimize deposition of product on the apparatus
positioning surface and minimize bristle deformation. A variety of
structural mechanisms are disclosed permitting the apparatus to be
utilized either as a freestanding instrument or affixed to a
typical mascara bottle. Regarding the latter, the apparatus may be
integrally formed as a portion of a typical mascara bottle, or may
retrofitted. Further, an embodiment of the present invention
teaches an apparatus which may be manufactured as a freestanding
unit that may be reversibly threadably affixed to existing mascara
bottles; the apparatus may be removed from the mascara bottle when
the mascara is exhausted, and reattached to a new bottle.
[0007] The present invention protects the bristles of the brush and
minimizes mascara removal from the surface of the brush. Further
still, the present invention eliminates the soiling resulting when
a user attempts to straighten the brush by using paper, tissue, or
one's hands. Further, the present invention minimizes product waste
where mascara is wasted on a paper, tissue, or user's hands.
Further still, the present invention eliminates costly staining of
garments, purses, handbags, makeup bags, and the like and
eliminates the need to clean up soiled paper and tissue. Further,
the apparatus prevents bristle damage that may render the remaining
product unusable. Further still, the freestanding embodiment of the
present invention disclosed herein is small and easy to clean.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an open mascara bottle and
brush.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closed mascara bottle and
brush.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the present invention
depicting a brush in contact with the filaments.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention
depicting a brush in contact with the filaments.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention illustrating the apparatus partially inserted into an
embodiment casing.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the apparatus fully inserted into an
embodiment casing.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the apparatus fully removed from an
embodiment casing.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention depicting a cap in place.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention depicting the cap removed.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention depicting a brush in contact with the
filaments.
[0023] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present
invention depicting the apparatus removed from a mascara
casing.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention depicting a brush in contact with the
filaments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE PREFERRED AND
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Turning now to the illustrations, FIG. 1 depicts a typical
mascara bottle 5 in the open position. Bottle 5 has a bottom 10 and
a top 15. The top 15 typically has a rod 20 which emanates from top
15 and mounted axially within. Rod 20 is typically comprised of a
relatively tapered neck 25 which is coupled to brush head 30. A
plurality of bristles 32 comprise a portion of brush head 30. FIG.
2 depicts a typical closed mascara bottle with top 15 threadably
coupled to bottom 10.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, an apparatus for actuating the
terminal aspect of a brush generally 35, comprises a first support
member 40, which is affixed to a plurality of relatively thin
filaments 45 affixed to said first support member at a first end
and extending perpendicularly from said first support 40. A second
support member 50 is affixed to the second end of said plurality of
filaments 45. FIG. 5 provides a perspective view illustrating the
relatively thin nature of the apparatus.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 6, each filament 47 is a relatively long and
slender strand that may be comprised of wire, plastic filament,
laminated string, fiber, or other material capable of bending the
surface of a flexible brush without breaking. Filaments 45 may be
of any size and orientation. In one non-limiting example, filaments
may be between 0.014-0.08 inches in diameter. The invention may be
practiced with any filament diameter that permits repositioning of
brush head 30 without the filaments 45 breaking, and accordingly
will depend upon multiple factors including the chosen filament
material, size and force required to reposition brush head 30,
anticipated individual use characteristics, and other factors.
[0030] In use, as illustrated by FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 the first
support 40 and second support 50 may be held by a user, and a
bendably positionable mascara brush, having a brush head coated in
mascara, may be placed in contact with filaments 45, said brush
head making contact with said filaments 45, wherein said brush head
may be positioned through manual pressure on brush head 30, and
wherein a majority of bristles 32 on brush head 30 retain adherent
mascara product.
[0031] In a preferred non-limiting embodiment, illustrated by FIGS.
3-8 inclusive, the orientation is a ladder-type pattern with
filaments evenly spaced and perpendicularly disposed to the first
support 40 and second support 50, although the present invention
may be practiced using filaments 45 in a variety of orientations
including as non-limiting examples a criss-crossing lattice,
curved, diamond shaped, irregularly shaped patterns. Any filament
orientation, composition, and size which permits the adjustment of
a flexible mascara brush and prevents deformation of at least some
of the bristles may be utilized. Given the differing nature of
mascara viscosities and composition, it is specifically recognized
that a variety of embodiment filaments 45 may be desirable, useful,
and tailored to correspond to the properties of specific mascara
and individual use characteristics. In one alternative embodiment,
a single filament 55 may be utilized. Additionally, as illustrated
by FIG. 12, the first 40 and second 50 members may be nonlinear and
need not be identical.
[0032] Filaments 45 may be affixed to first support member 40 and
second support member 50 through a variety of methods. In an
alternative embodiment the entire apparatus 35 may be formed though
injection molding as a single unit with filaments 45 being formed
of plastic.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 8, in use, apparatus 35, comprising the
first support 40, filaments 45, and second support 50, may be
grasped by a user and held in the hand such that the user holds
said first 40 and second 50 support member between the thumb and
index finger. A brush having a flexible head may be placed in
contact perpendicularly across filaments 45, such that the flexible
brush head may be positioned by using apparatus 35 to exert force
against brush head 30 while holding top 15 firmly. A brush head may
also be positioned by placing head 30 across filaments 45 and
exerting manual force on the top 15 of a typical mascara bottle
while holding apparatus 35 firmly. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a
typical brush head 30 placed over filaments 45 to permit
positioning/repositioning. FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective
view illustrating a typical brush head 30 positioned above said
filaments 45 permitting a majority of bristles 32 to remain coated
with mascara during the positioning/repositioning process.
[0034] Turning now to FIGS. 9-11 inclusive, in an alternative
embodiment, apparatus 35 may be slidably disposed within a storage
housing 55 to further facilitate ease of use and cleanliness. The
proportions of housing 55 accommodate apparatus 5 such that when
fully inserted, as illustrated by FIG. 10, the outermost surface of
said first member 40 or second member 50 rest flushly relative to
the remaining four surfaces of said housing. Apparatus 35 may be
secured within housing 55 through a variety of means including
frictional engagement, snap lock, or detent engagement. In a
preferred embodiment, apparatus is rested inside housing 55; when
removal is desired, the exerts a small shaking force which will
dislodge apparatus 35 from housing 55 whereupon it is fully
separated from said housing as depicted by FIG. 11.
[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein said
first member 40 and second member 50 are arcuately shaped, and the
invention may be practiced using a grasping surface in any variety
of shapes and sizes.
[0036] Now referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in an alternative
embodiment, filaments 45 are fixed between two projections 60
mounted on the bottom 10 of a mascara bottle 5. Projections 60 in
one embodiment are oriented substantially perpendicular to the long
axis of said bottom 10. In another embodiment, projections 60 are
angled relative to bottom 10. Filaments 45 may be oriented in any
direction, and have spacing, and filament number and width which
provides a suitable surface to position the end of a flexible
brush. FIG. 15 demonstrates the positioning/repositioning of brush
head 30 accomplished by placing head 30 across filaments 45 and
holding bottom 10 firmly while exerting force on top 15 or holding
top firmly while exerting force on bottom 10.
[0037] In FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, another alternative embodiment that
incorporates projections 60 on or as part of an annular ring 65.
Said projections 60 may be fastened to ring 65 or formed integrally
therewith. In one embodiment, ring 65 and projections 60 are formed
of a singular unit. Ring 65 in one embodiment threadably engages
the corresponding threadable portion of bottom 10 and reversibly
fastens thereto. In another embodiment, ring 65 slides on bottom 10
and may be held in place through a variety of methods including
snap fitting, frictional engagement, or others. FIG. 18 illustrates
a top perspective view of the embodiment ring 65 apparatus bearing
projections 60, and FIG. 19 illustrates ring 65 with a brush head
30 positioned on filaments 45; positioning and repositioning is as
described above and may be accomplished with the ring coupled to
bottom 10 or as a free-standing unit in the uncoupled state. In
use, filaments 45 permit the positioning/repositioning of a
flexible mascara brush without deforming or damaging the bristles
while preserving a substantial quantity of mascara on the
bristles.
[0038] In the alternative embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 16 and
17, the annular member, ring 65 may be utilized with existing
mascara systems wherein the innermost aspect of annular ring bears
threading which corresponds to the threading on an existing mascara
bottle such that ring 65 is capable of being threadably coupled
thereto. Ring 65 may be retrofitted on existing mascara brush
casing wherein the user, on purchasing mascara, may remove the top
15 containing the rod and brush within, and threadably couple ring
65 to the mascara case. The user then screwably fastens the mascara
top 10 with ring 65 remaining in place. Ring 65 may be maintained
in place during the useful life of the mascara product. When the
mascara is empty, ring 65 is threadaby uncoupled, and the empty
mascara case discarded. Ring 65 may be retained and reinstalled on
a new mascara case.
[0039] In the above embodiment, the repositioning surface has been
described as a plurality of filaments, however, it should be noted
that the repositioning surface may be comprised of a variety of
materials permanently or reversibly affixed to mascara bottom 10,
or used as a free-standing hand-held device. In one specific
embodiment, brush head 30 may be reposition through a knob mounted
on bottom 10 such that brush head 30 may be repositioned by placing
brush head 30 against a relatively narrow portion of said knob and
exerting sufficient repositioning force. The present invention
envisages various alternative structures permitting repositioning
of brush head 30; the present invention may be practiced using any
structure permiting brush head 30 to be positioned while retaining
a majority of mascara on the brush, avoiding excessive bristle
deformation, and unnecessary loss of mascara product.
[0040] Regarding method, the present invention discloses a method
for repositioning a flexible brush. The method includes providing a
positioning surface. The positioning surface is defined as any
structure which permits a brush head 30 containing a plurality of
bristles 32 to make contact with the surface such that a
substantial number of the bristles 32 retain adherent mascara
product. In one example, such a surface will permit at least a
majority of bristles 32 to retain adherent mascara. As disclosed
above, such surface may be freestanding or affixed to a mascara
bottle. The method involves next providing a flexible brush
containing a plurality of deformable brush bristles 32, and
thereafter applying mascara to said brush head 30 wherein said
mascara adheres to brush bristles 32. In one embodiment, the
flexible brush 5 has a cap 15 affixed to an axial rod 20 which is
coupled to a brush head 30, the brush head 30 being coupled to rod
20 though a flexible neck 25, and wherein said brush head 30 is
bendably positionable relative to said rod 20 at said neck 25. The
flexible brush 5 is capable of being positioned, and the brush head
30 contains a plurality of deformable brush bristles 32. The method
includes next placing a flexible brush head 30, containing a
plurality of brush bristles 32, on said repositioning surface
wherein when said brush head 30 makes contact with said surface, a
substantial number of bristles 32 retain said adherent mascara. The
method next involves exerting sufficient force on said brush head
30 to cause an angular repositioning of said brush head 30 relative
to rod 20, and concludes with terminating application of said force
when said brush head has reached the desired angle, and thereafter
removing said flexible brush head 30 from said repositioning
surface and application of mascara to user's eyelashes. The process
is repeated to fit the user's needs.
[0041] In one embodiment, when the mascara brush is straight and an
angled brush head is desired, the brush head is placed
perpendicularly across the positioning apparatus, and the brush
head positioned or repositioned. FIGS. 7, 8, 15, 19, generally
illustrate the brush head 30 positioned on the present invention
such that the bristles 34 locate themselves around one or more
relatively slender filaments 47 positioned across a first 40 and
second member 50 or a pair of projections 60.
[0042] Regarding use of the freestanding device, apparatus 35 is
held in place by one hand while the other hand which is holding the
handle of the mascara brush lifts the hand with mascara brush in
such a way to assert pressure onto the mascara brush head causing
bending at the location where he mascara brush head meets the
mascara brush neck. This can continue until desired angle is
reached.
[0043] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood
that various modifications and variations can be easily made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure should be
interpreted as illustrative only and is not to be interpreted in a
limiting sense. It is further intended that any other embodiments
of the present invention that result from any changes in
application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture,
shape, size, or material which are not specified within the
detailed written description or illustrations contained herein yet
are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art are
within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *