U.S. patent application number 10/768012 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-04 for a brush for applying substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis GUERET.
Application Number | 20090139535 10/768012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32605997 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090139535 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
GUERET; Jean-Louis |
June 4, 2009 |
A BRUSH FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCE TO EYELASHES AND/OR EYEBROWS
Abstract
A brush for applying a substance onto keratinous fibers includes
a core and bristles that are supported by the core and made other
than by being injection molded together with the core. In
embodiments, the brush has at least a portion that carries bristles
that are curved and extend from the core in oriented manner.
Inventors: |
GUERET; Jean-Louis; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
UNITED STATES
703-836-6400
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
14 rue Royale
Paris
FR
75008
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20040168698 A1 |
September 2, 2004 |
|
|
Family ID: |
32605997 |
Appl. No.: |
10/768012 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60/449,751 |
Feb 26, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 ;
132/218; 15/206; 15/207.2; 300/2; 300/21; 401/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 15/05 20130101;
Y10S 15/06 20130101; A46D 1/0253 20130101; A46D 1/00 20130101; A46B
2200/1053 20130101; A45D 40/265 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/200 ;
132/218; 401/129; 015/206; 015/207.2; 300/021; 300/002 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46D 1/04 20060101 A46D001/04; A46B 3/18 20060101
A46B003/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 4, 2003 |
FR |
03 01269 |
Claims
1. A brush for applying a substance onto keratinous fibers, the
brush comprising: a core; and bristles supported by the core and
made other than by being injection molded together with the core;
the brush including at least one portion having bristles that are
curved so as to extend from the core in an oriented manner.
2. A brush according to claim 1, including at least a portion
comprising curved bristles that are generally oriented in a same
circumferential direction about the core.
3. A brush according to claim 2, wherein the core is twisted to the
left.
4. A brush according to claim 3, wherein the brush comprises an
axis, a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the bristles are
oriented in a clockwise direction when the brush is observed along
the axis from the distal end toward the proximal end.
5. A brush according to claim 3, wherein the brush comprises an
axis, a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the bristles are
oriented in a counter-clockwise direction when the brush is
observed along the axis from the distal end toward the proximal
end.
6. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the brush includes at
least one portion carrying curved bristles that are generally
oriented in a same axial direction.
7. A brush according to claim 1, wherein at least 20% of the
bristles are curved.
8. A brush according to claim 1, wherein at least 50% of the
bristles are curved.
9. A brush according to claim 1, wherein at least 80% of the
bristles are curved.
10. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the core is a twisted
wire core with turns and carries 5 to 60 bristles per turn.
11. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles are made of
a thermoplastic material.
12. A brush according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the
bristles lies in a range of about 5/100 mm to about 35/100 mm.
13. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles are of a
length lying in a range of about 1 mm to about 7 mm.
14. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles are of a
length lying in a range of about 2 mm to about 5 mm.
15. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the brush includes at
least one portion carrying a mixture of bristles of different
lengths.
16. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the brush includes at
least one portion carrying bristles of different kinds.
17. A brush according to claim 15, wherein only the longest
bristles of the brush have a shape that is curved, the other
bristles extending from the core in a rectilinear manner.
18. A brush according to claim 16, wherein the brush includes at
least one portion carrying bristles made of materials having
different vitreous transition temperatures, with only those
bristles that are made of the material having the lowest vitreous
transition temperature being curved.
19. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles are curved
along at least two distinct planes.
20. A method of manufacturing a brush for applying a substance onto
keratinous fibers, the method comprising: curving a plurality of
bristles of the brush by putting the bristles into contact with a
hot surface.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the surface is moving
relative to the brush.
22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the surface is
preferably defined by a material presenting relatively low thermal
conductivity.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the material is at
least one of the following: a silicone, a fluorine-containing
polymer, a poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene, an inorganic material other
than a metal, graphite.
24. A method according to claim 20, wherein the brush is rotated
about its own axis.
25. A method according to claim 20, wherein the hot surface is
defined by a treatment member.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the treatment member is
rotated, the brush being held stationary.
27. A method according to claim 20, wherein the hot surface is
moved axially during treatment.
28. A method according to claim 20, wherein the bristles are curved
after being inserted in a core of the brush.
29. A machine for manufacturing a brush for applying a substance
onto keratinous fibers, said machine serving to implement the
method defined in claim 20, the machine comprising: a support
arranged to support at least one brush; and a treatment member for
treating at least said brush and comprising: a surface arranged to
come into contact with the bristles of the brush; heater means for
heating said surface; and means for imparting relative displacement
between the support and the treatment member so as to modify, in
predefined manner, the orientation of the bristles of the brush
that come into contact with the surface of the treatment
member.
30. A method according to claim 20, wherein curving the plurality
of bristles comprises forming a brush for applying a substance onto
at least one of eyelashes and eyebrows.
31. A method of using a brush according to claim 1, comprising:
supplying a substance to at least the portion comprising curved
bristles; and applying the substance to keratinous fibers using at
least the portion comprising curved bristles.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein applying the substance
comprises applying the substance onto at least one of eyelashes and
eyebrows.
33. A method of using a brush manufactured according to claim 20,
comprising: supplying a substance to at least the curved bristles;
and applying the substance to keratinous fibers using at least the
curved bristles.
34. A method according to claim 33, wherein applying the substance
comprises applying the substance onto at least one of eyelashes and
eyebrows.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of French Application
No. 03 01269 filed on Feb. 4, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/449,751 filed on Feb. 26, 2003, the entire disclosures of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a
substance to keratinous fibers, such as, for example, eyelashes
and/or eyebrows. More particularly, but not exclusively, the
present invention relates to mascara brushes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,456 describes a brush made by injection
molding a plastics material and has bristles with ends that are
hook-shaped. A drawback of such a brush is that its manufacture
requires a special mold. In addition, the way the bristles are
implanted is substantially different from a conventional brush with
a twisted core.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an
improved brush which is relatively easy to manufacture, while also
being capable of applying makeup in satisfactory manner.
[0005] In various exemplary embodiments, the invention provides a
brush for applying a substance onto keratinous fibers, the brush
comprising: a core; and bristles supported by the core and made
other than by being injection molded together with the core; the
brush including at least one portion having bristles that are
curved so as to extend from the core in an oriented manner.
[0006] The phrase "extend in oriented manner" is used to mean that
the curved bristles extend with a general orientation that is
defined during manufacture of the brush. For example, the general
orientation may be defined after insertion of the bristles in the
core, and not with a general orientation that is completely random
or only resulting from a weight of the bristles.
[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles may or may not extend
entirely substantially in a single plane. Further, in exemplary
embodiments, the curvature of the bristles may be defined in at
least two planes non-parallel to each other.
[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the brush may be of any type
having bristles fitted to a core thereof.
[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a
brush having advantages associated with the curvature of the
bristles, while also being suitable for manufacture with a
conventional twisted core. For example, exemplary embodiments of
the present invention make it possible to provide brushes having a
variety of implantations, for example, for obtaining various makeup
effects, without requiring special and expensive molds for
manufacture. In addition, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention provide a brush that is suitable for retaining a
relatively large quantity of substance, for example, making it
possible to coat eyelashes thoroughly.
[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the brush may include at least a
portion with curved bristles oriented in a same circumferential
direction about the core.
[0011] In exemplary embodiments in which the core is twisted, the
core may be twisted to the left, i.e., the branches of the core may
form spirals which rise going from left to right, as the brush is
observed in a vertical position with an end thereof that is fixed
in a stem, i.e., a proximal end of the brush, situated at the
bottom and a free end thereof, i.e., a distal end of the brush,
situated at the top. In exemplary embodiments of a left-twisted
brush, the bristles may be oriented in a clockwise direction, as
the brush is observed along an axis from the distal end toward the
proximal end. In other exemplary embodiments of a left-twisted
brush, the bristles may be oriented in a counterclockwise
direction. Certain advantages that result from having a core which
is twisted to the left are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,735,
the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Imparting curvature, in the manner described above, to the bristles
of a brush with a core that is twisted to the left makes it
possible to further improve the way eyelashes are taken in charge
and/or to further improve the application of makeup.
[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide
brushes with a core that is twisted to the right. Further,
exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide brushes with
a core that is not twisted. In such embodiments, the bristles may
be fixed by being punched into the core, for example, as described
in European Patent Application No. EP-A-1,155,637. Alternatively or
additionally, the bristles may be fixed by being stapled to the
core.
[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the brush may include at least a
portion carrying curved bristles that are generally oriented in a
same axial direction, for example, toward the proximal end of the
brush or toward the distal end of the brush. Where appropriate,
exemplary embodiments of the brush may have bristles oriented
"obliquely" both in a given circumferential direction and in a
given axial direction.
[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the portion of the brush that
includes curved bristles extending from the core in an oriented
manner may, at a maximum, correspond to the entire brush. However,
the portion need not correspond to the entire brush, for example,
and may correspond merely to a portion extending from one end of
the brush and over less than half the length thereof, for example.
Further, the portion may correspond to special regions of the
brush, for example, regions that define peaks and/or notches.
[0015] In exemplary embodiments, at least 20% of the bristles of a
brush may be curved. In exemplary embodiments, at least 50% of the
bristles of a brush may be curved. In exemplary embodiments at
least 80% of the bristles of a brush may be curved. In exemplary
embodiments, substantially all of the bristles of the brush are
curved.
[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the brush may include five to 60
bristles per turn, for example. The number of bristles per turn
corresponds to the number of bristle ends counted by a stationary
observer while the brush is being turned through 180.degree. about
the core of the brush.
[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles may be made of
synthetic material. For example, the bristles may be made of a
thermoplastic material.
[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles may have a section
that is solid or hollow and that is optionally circular. In
exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of the bristles may be
constant or otherwise along a length thereof. For example, the
cross-section of the bristles may have alternating sections of
large diameter and sections of small diameter. Further, in
exemplary embodiments, the bristles may carry a coating of
flocking.
[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles may include a filler.
For example, the bristles may include a filler of a magnetic
compound, a moisture-absorbing compound, a compound for imparting
roughness to the surface of the bristle, and/or a compound for
improving sliding of the bristles, for example, over eyelashes.
[0020] In exemplary embodiments, a diameter of the bristles may lie
in a range of about 5/100 millimeters (mm) to about 35/100 mm. The
term bristle "diameter" is used to designate the diameter of a
circle circumscribing a largest cross-section of the bristle, if
the bristle is not entirely cylindrical.
[0021] In exemplary embodiments, a length of the bristles may lie
in a range of about 1 mm to about 7 mm, for example. In exemplary
embodiments, a length of the bristles may lie in a range of about 2
mm to about 5 mm.
[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the brush may comprise a mixture
of bristles of different lengths and/or different kinds.
[0023] For example, in exemplary embodiments, only the longest
bristles of the brush may be curved in shape, with the others
extending in a rectilinear manner from the core.
[0024] In exemplary embodiments in which the brush includes a
mixture of bristles of different kinds, only bristles of a certain
kind need be curved, for example. In exemplary embodiments, the
brush may include, for example, bristles made of materials having
different vitreous transition temperatures. In such embodiments,
only those bristles that are made of the material having the lowest
vitreous transition temperature may be curved.
[0025] In exemplary embodiments, an envelope surface of the brush
may have a variety of shapes. For example, the brush may have
various cross-sections that are circular, oval, polygonal, and/or
other shapes, and may have one or more indentations and/or
notches.
[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the core may be centered in a
cross-section of the envelope surface.
[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of the envelope
surface may be constant over at least a portion of the length of
the brush, or otherwise. In exemplary embodiments, the brush may,
for example, have a cross-section passing through an extremum
between the two axial ends of the brush. The extremum may be a
maximum or a minimum, for example. The brush may thus have, as seen
from the side, a shape that is generally hourglass-shaped or
football-shaped, for example.
[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the core may be rectilinear. In
exemplary embodiments, the core may be curved, for example, with a
curvature distributed over the length of the core or localized only
in a region close to a region of the core that is used for fixing
the brush to an applicator stem.
[0029] Where appropriate, the brush may be curved about at least
two axes that are not coplanar.
[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a
packaging and applicator device including such a brush.
[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a
method of manufacturing a brush for applying a substance onto
keratinous fibers, such as, for example eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
the method comprising: curving bristles of the brush by bringing
the bristles into contact with a hot surface. In exemplary
embodiments, the bristles of the brush may be brought into contact
with a surface that is moving relative to the brush.
[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the surface may be defined by a
material having a relatively low thermal conductivity, such as, for
example: a silicone, a fluorine-containing polymer, such as
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or an inorganic material other than
a metal, for example, graphite. The use of a material having a
relatively low thermal conductivity makes it possible to prevent
the bristles sticking to the hot surface while the brush is being
treated. Further, the use of a material having a relatively low
thermal conductivity makes it possible to avoid melting the ends of
the bristles and/or even welding the ends together.
[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the relative movement between the
brush and the hot surface may be selected as a function of the
general orientation that is desired to be imparted to the
bristles.
[0034] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the brush may be
rotated about the axis thereof, thereby enabling at least one
longitudinal portion of the brush to be treated over an entire
circumference thereof.
[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the hot surface may be defined by
a stationary treatment member. In other exemplary embodiments, the
hot surface may be defined by a treatment member that is moved
axially during the treatment, for example, in only a single
direction or with a reciprocating motion.
[0036] In exemplary embodiments, movement of the treatment member
in a single axial direction may serve to orient the bristles toward
the proximal end of the brush or toward the distal end of the
brush, for example.
[0037] In exemplary embodiments, rotating the brush may serve, for
example, to orient the bristles in a common circumferential
direction. In exemplary embodiments, the common circumferential
direction may be selected as a function of the orientation of the
turns of the core, for example, in embodiments in which the brush
is a twisted-core brush.
[0038] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the treatment
member may be caused to rotate, for example, with the brush being
stationary. In exemplary embodiments, the treatment member may be
likewise caused to rotate, for example, in a same direction of
rotation or in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the
treatment member. In exemplary embodiments, brush may be displaced
axially relative to the treatment member.
[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the hot surface may have a variety
of shapes depending on the treatment that is to be performed.
[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the hot surface may have a shape
that causes the brush to bear over a single sector of the
circumference of the hot surface. In exemplary embodiments, the hot
surface may have a shape that causes the brush to bear against two
separate sectors of the circumference of the hot surface, for
example, in embodiments in which the hot surface is in the form of
two planes intersecting at a dihedral angle that is small enough
for the bristles of the brush not to reach the intersection.
[0041] In exemplary embodiments, a state of the surface of the
treatment member may be selected as a function of the treatment
that is desired to be perform. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the
hot surface may be smooth or may be slightly rough, for
example.
[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a
machine for manufacturing a brush for applying a substance onto
keratinous fibers. In exemplary embodiments, such a machine may be
suitable for implementing the above-defined method. In exemplary
embodiments, the machine comprises: a support arranged to support
at least one brush; and a treatment member for treating at least
the brush and comprising: a surface arranged to come into contact
with the bristles of the brush; heater means for heating the
surface; and means for imparting relative displacement between the
support and the treatment member so as to modify, in a predefined
manner, the orientation of the bristles of the brush that come into
contact with the surface of the treatment member.
[0043] For example, in exemplary embodiments, the means for
imparting relative displacement may comprise at least one motor for
rotating the brush about the axis thereof and/or for rotating the
treatment member. Where appropriate, the motor may drive the brush
and/or the treatment member with an axial displacement. In
exemplary embodiments, the means for imparting relative
displacement may also serve to move the brush and the hot surface
of the treatment member toward each other and/or apart from each
other. In exemplary embodiments, the brush and the treatment member
may be driven simultaneously to rotate about axes that are parallel
or that are not parallel.
[0044] In exemplary embodiments in which the brush includes a
twisted core, for example, a core twisted to the left, the brush
may be rotated about the axis thereof in a counterclockwise
direction as the brush is observed end-on from the distal end. This
causes the bristles to be oriented in the circumferential
direction, for example, which is favorable to the bristles of the
brush taking proper charge of eyelashes.
[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the temperature to which the
surface of the treatment member is heated may depend on the nature
of the bristles of the brush and/or on the treatment that is to be
imparted to the bristles. For example, in exemplary embodiments,
the temperature may lie in a range of about 80.degree. C. to about
220.degree. C. In exemplary embodiments, the temperature may be not
less than about 150.degree. C., for example, in embodiments in
which the bristles of the brush are made of polyamide 6/6, 6/10,
6/12, or 11.
[0046] In exemplary embodiments in which the brush is rotated, the
speed at which the brush is rotated may lie in a range of about 100
revolutions per minute (rpm) to about 1200 rpm. In exemplary
embodiments, this speed may be selected as a function specifically
of the temperature of the treatment member, the contact pressure
between the bristles and the treatment member, and/or the shape of
the treatment member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The invention can be better understood on reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof,
and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic axial section view of a packaging
and applicator device including a brush according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the distal end of the brush
of FIG. 1 taken along arrow II;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing
bristles held between twisted branches of the core of the brush of
FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic partial perspective view showing an
exemplary embodiment of a treatment to which the brush may be
subjected according to the invention;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the treatment
member of FIG. 4;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing another
exemplary embodiment of a treatment member according to the
invention;
[0054] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic partial plan view showing treatment
of only a portion of the length of the brush according to the
invention;
[0055] FIGS. 8, 9, and 9A are diagrammatic partial perspective view
showing other exemplary embodiments of a treatment member according
to the invention;
[0056] FIGS. 10 to 12 are diagrammatic views showing various
exemplary shapes of a bristle that can be obtained according to the
invention;
[0057] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic cross-section views of a brush
showing treatment of only an angular sector of the brush according
to the invention;
[0058] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrammatic cross-section views of a
brush showing different treatment of at least two angular sectors
of the brush according to exemplary embodiments of the
invention;
[0059] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic cross-section view of an exemplary
embodiment of a brush having short bristles that are rectilinear
and long bristles that are curved;
[0060] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic cross-section view showing an
exemplary brush envelope that is substantially triangular in
cross-section;
[0061] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the distal
end of an exemplary brush with an envelope having a cross-section
substantially corresponding to the envelope of FIG. 15;
[0062] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic cross-section view showing an
exemplary brush envelope that is generally square in
cross-section;
[0063] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the distal
end of an exemplary brush with an envelope having a cross-section
substantially corresponding to the envelope of FIG. 17;
[0064] FIGS. 19 to 26 are diagrammatic cross-section views of other
exemplary embodiments of brush envelopes according to the
invention;
[0065] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic cross-section view showing an
exemplary embodiment with a core that is off-center;
[0066] FIGS. 28 and 29 are diagrammatic partial plan views showing
exemplary brush envelopes with a cross-section that is not
constant;
[0067] FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic partial plan view of the brush of
FIG. 29 with a core that has been curved;
[0068] FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic partial plan view of another
exemplary embodiment of a curved-core brush;
[0069] FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing
bristles held between twisted branches of the core, analogous to
FIG. 3, with a portion of a brush core twisted to the right;
[0070] FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view showing
bristles held between twisted branches of the core, analogous to
FIG. 3, with a portion of a brush in which the bristles are curved
both circumferentially and axially;
[0071] FIGS. 34 to 51 are diagrammatic views showing various
exemplary embodiments of cross-sections of the bristles according
to the invention;
[0072] FIGS. 52 to 55 are diagrammatic partial axial views showing
various exemplary embodiments of end portions of the bristles
according to the invention; and
[0073] FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic partial plan view of a pair of
cores, with the bristles being omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0074] FIG. 1 shows a packaging and applicator device 1 comprising
a receptacle 2 containing a substance P, for example, mascara, for
applying to eyelashes and/or eyebrows and an applicator 3
comprising a stem 4 having a longitudinal axis X and provided at
one end 4a with a brush 5 and at an opposite end with a handle
member 6 that may also serve to close the receptacle 2. The
receptacle may have a neck 7 with an outside thread so as to enable
the handle member 6 to be screwed thereon.
[0075] A wiper member 8 may be fixed inside the neck 7 for wiping
the stem 4 and/or the brush 5 while being taken out of the
receptacle 2. The wiper member 8 may have a flexible lip 9 that
defines a circular orifice with a diameter substantially
corresponding to a diameter of the stem 4.
[0076] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to
using a particular wiper member. Wiper members other than that
shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 may also be used. For
example, wiper members comprising a block of foam and/or defining
one or more slots, which may optionally be flocked, may also be
used.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stem 4 is
rectilinear. However, the stem 4 may be curved according to the
present invention.
[0078] Also, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the stem 4 is fixed
relative to the handle member 3. However, the stem 4 may be movable
relative to the handle member 3, for example, by an articulated
connection, such as, for example, one including a ball-and-socket
joint.
[0079] The brush 5 may include a core 10 comprising two
twisted-together metal strands. The core 10 may be fixed at one end
in a socket in the stem 4. For example, The core 10 may be
force-fit in the socket.
[0080] The brush 5 may also have bristles 3 that are held in place,
for example, by being clamped between the twisted-together strands
of the core 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 3, the core is
shown with a proximal end of the brush 5 on the left and a distal
end of the brush 5 on the right. The brush 5 shown in FIG. 3 is
said to be "twisted to the left".
[0081] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the brush 5
includes at least one portion having bristles 11 that are not
rectilinear. For example, the bristles 11 may be curved in shape,
as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In the exemplary embodiment shown,
the bristles 11 are generally curved in a same circumferential
direction, i.e., counterclockwise in FIG. 2. The bristles 11 may be
curved in such a manner as to ensure that the bristles 11 are not
totally rectilinear from the point where the bristles 11 cease to
be in contact with the core 10 all the way to a free end of the
bristles 11.
[0082] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles 11 may be curved so
as to extend from the core 10 in an oriented manner.
[0083] The curved bristles 11 may extend with a general orientation
that is defined during manufacture of the brush, for example. In
exemplary embodiments, the bristles 11 do not have a general
orientation that is completely random or only resulting from a
weight of the bristles 11.
[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the curvature of the bristles 11
may be defined in at least two distinct planes. For example, a
bristle 11 may have at least a first curvature measured in a first
plane and a second curvature measured in a second plane. The second
plane may be perpendicular to the first plane, for example.
[0085] Further, a curved bristle 11 may include both a curvilinear
portion and a rectilinear portion, the rectilinear portion
extending, for example, over less than half, one-third, or
one-fourth of the length of the portion of the bristle 11 extending
from the core 10 to the free end of the bristle 11.
[0086] In embodiments in which the curved bristle 11 includes a
rectilinear portion, the rectilinear portion may extend, for
example, toward the core 10 from a point situated at a distance, as
measured from the free end of the bristle 11, that is less than
3/4, or 2/3, or 1/2 of a length of the portion of the bristle 11
extending from the core 10 to the free end of the bristle 11.
[0087] In embodiments in which the curved bristle 11 includes a
rectilinear portion, a cross-section of the bristle 11 may be
constant along the rectilinear portion.
[0088] In order to make the exemplary brush of FIGS. 1 to 3, the
brush 5 may be brought into contact, as shown in FIG. 4, with a
treatment member 20 comprising a surface 21 that may be touched by
the bristles 11 of the brush 5.
[0089] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles 11 may be already
held by the core 10 when the bristles 11 are treated.
[0090] For example, it is possible to start with a brush 5 having
an envelope surface that is circularly cylindrical about an axis Y,
that may coincide with the above-mentioned axis X. Then the brush 5
may be rotated about the axis Y while the brush 5 is in contact
with the surface 21. The radius of curvature of the surface 21 may
substantially correspond to the radius of the envelope surface of
the brush 5 so that contact between the brush 5 and the treatment
member 20 takes place over an angular sector of the brush 5.
[0091] Prior to treatment by the treatment member 20, the bristles
11 of the brush 5 may extend, for example, in a substantially
rectilinear manner from the core 10 and may have a substantially
constant cross-section. Thus, the initial bristles 11 may be
bristles 11 without undulations, for example.
[0092] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the treatment member
20 extends parallel to the axis Y over at least the entire length
of the brush 5.
[0093] In order to obtain a bristle curvature as shown in FIG. 2,
the brush 5 may be rotated, for example, about the axis Y in the
clockwise direction when the brush is observed along the axis Y
with the distal end 5a of the brush 5 in front, as shown in FIG.
4.
[0094] In exemplary embodiments, the treatment member 20 has heater
means 22, for example, an electrical resistance element or a duct
for circulating a heat-conveying fluid, thereby enabling the
surface 21 to be raised to a temperature that is sufficient to lead
to permanent deformation of the bristles 11 of the brush 5 after
the bristles 11 have been brought into contact with the treatment
member 20.
[0095] The surface 21 may be raised to a temperature of about
150.degree. C., for example, for a brush 5 comprising bristles 11
made of polyamide, such as, for example, polyamide 6/6.
[0096] The brush 5 may be rotated at a speed of about 1000 rpm, for
example, if the brush 5 has polyamide bristles 11, such as, for
example, bristles 11 made of polyamide 6/6, with the surface 21
being at a temperature of about 150.degree. C., by a support 30.
The support 30 may be coupled to a motor and may include a jaw 31
for taking hold of the core 10 of the brush 5.
[0097] In exemplary embodiments, the treatment member 20 comprises
a body 23 defining the surface 21. The body 23 may be made of a
material that has relatively poor thermal conductivity, such as,
for example, silicone, thus making it easier for the bristles 11
coming into contact with the surface 21 to avoid sticking thereto,
and, for example, to help ensure that the ends of the bristles 11
do not melt and become welded together. Alternatively, only a
surface coating on the treatment member 20 may be made out of such
a material.
[0098] FIGS. 6 and 7 show exemplary embodiments in which the
treatment member 20 does not extend over the full length of the
brush 5, for example, in order to treat only a portion l' or l''
thereof, the portions l' and l'', respectively extending from the
distal end and the proximal end of the brush 5, each over about
half the total length of the brush 5.
[0099] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 shows that it is possible
to impart relative movement along the Y axis of the brush 5 between
the brush 5 and the treatment member 20, for example, for the
purpose of pointing the bristles 11 toward the proximal end or
toward the distal end, as well as possibly orienting the bristles
11 in the circumferential direction.
[0100] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 shows that it is possible
for the treatment member 20 to have a surface 21 with a radius of
curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature of the
cylindrical envelope of the brush 5, for example. Depending on the
radius of curvature of the surface 21, it should be understood that
it is possible to affect the contact time between the bristles 11
of the brush 5 and the surface 21 for given speed of rotation of
the brush 5 about the axis Y.
[0101] The surface 21 may have a variety of shapes. For example,
the surface 21 need not have a shape that is circularly
cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0102] In FIG. 9, the surface 21 comprises two planar portions 21a
and 21b that intersect at a dihedral angle, with the bristles 11 of
the brush 5 being capable of coming into contact with the portions
21a and 21b, while bristles 11 of the brush that are situated
between these portions 21a and 21b do not come into contact with
the surface 21.
[0103] Where appropriate, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the
treatment member 20 may comprise at least two separate portions 20a
and 20b that define respective hot surfaces 21a and 21b with which
the bristles 11 of the brush 5 can come into contact.
[0104] Depending on the duration of contact with the heated surface
21, and in particular depending on the speed of rotation of the
brush 5, the contact pressure of the bristles 11 against the
surface 21, the friction forces between the bristles 11 and the
surface 21, and also the nature of the bristles 11 of the brush 5,
it is possible for the initial rectilinear shape of the bristles 11
to be modified to a greater or lesser extent, for example, for the
purpose of obtaining shapes that are curved to a greater or lesser
extent, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12.
[0105] In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 9, and 9A,
the brush 5 may be rotated about the axis Y and the treatment
member 20 need not be rotated or rotatable.
[0106] In various exemplary embodiments, the treatment member 20
may be rotated while the brush 5 is kept stationary, thereby making
it possible to treat only a fraction of the circumference of the
brush 5. For example, the treatment member may be rotated to treat
only a first set s' of bristles so as to be curved over a portion
of the circumferential surface, with a second set s'' of bristles
of the brush 5 that are left rectilinear over the remainder of the
surface, as shown in FIG. 13.
[0107] The invention also contemplates other embodiments, for
example, in which the bristles 11 are treated in a certain manner
over a sector s' of the circumference of the brush 5 and in another
manner over a different sector s''. For example, the bristles 11
over the sector s' may be treated in such a manner as to orient the
bristles 11 m clockwise, and the bristles 11 over the sector s''
may be treated in such a manner as to orient the bristles 11 in the
opposite direction.
[0108] In exemplary embodiments in which the brush has an envelope
with a cross-section that is not circular in shape, for example,
the different sides of the brush 5 may be treated differently. For
example, for the brush shown in FIG. 13B, the sides of the brush 5
may be treated in such a manner as to orient all of the bristles 11
on one side in a given direction, with the direction in which the
bristles 11 are oriented being reversed on advancing to the next
side.
[0109] In exemplary embodiments, the brush 5 may comprise a mixture
of long bristles 11a and short bristles 11b and may be treated in
such a manner that only the long bristles 11a come into contact
with the heated surface 21 and take on a curved shape, the short
bristles 11b not being heated and remaining rectilinear, for
example, as shown in FIG. 14.
[0110] As discussed above, in exemplary embodiments, the brush 5
may have an envelope surface, as defined by the free ends of the
bristles 11, that is non-circular in section.
[0111] For example, FIG. 15 shows an exemplary envelope surface of
cross-section that is substantially prismatic, for example,
substantially triangular. With such a brush 5, by causing the brush
5 to turn about the axis Y in contact with a heated surface, the
bristles 11 may be given a curved shape, for example, in a
counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0112] FIG. 17 shows an exemplary envelope surface of cross-section
that is substantially square.
[0113] With such a brush 5, for example, a curved shape for the
bristles 11 may be obtained as shown in FIG. 18, with the bristles
being oriented, for example, in a counter-clockwise direction.
[0114] FIGS. 19 to 26 show further exemplary shapes, although
non-exhaustive, for the cross-section of the envelope surface of
the brush 5.
[0115] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary shape that is substantially
pentagonal and FIG. 20 shows an exemplary shape that is
substantially hexagonal.
[0116] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary shape that is substantially
oval.
[0117] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the brush 5
has at least one indentation 41, which may be concave toward the
outside as shown. Such an indentation 41 may have a cross-section
that is constant or otherwise along the length of the brush 5.
[0118] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment in which at least one
facet 42 that is substantially planar is formed on the brush 5.
[0119] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the brush 5
has at least one notch 43, for example, three notches as shown.
[0120] FIG. 25 shows an exemplary embodiment of a brush 5 having
two notches 43 and FIG. 26 shows an exemplary embodiment of a brush
5 having only one notch 43.
[0121] In exemplary embodiments, the core 10 may be centered
relative to the perimeter of the envelope surface as the brush 5 is
observed in cross-section.
[0122] In other embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, a
brush 5 may include a core that is off-center.
[0123] In exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of the brush 5
may be constant or otherwise. Further, in exemplary embodiments,
the core may be rectilinear or otherwise.
[0124] In embodiments in which the core is rectilinear, either
because the final brush 5 has a rectilinear core or because the
core has been straightened out to be rectilinear for observation
purposes, the brush 5 may have a cross-section that passes through
an extremum 45, as shown in FIG. 28. Such an extremum may be a
maximum or a minimum.
[0125] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 29, the
cross-section of the brush 5 may pass through both a maximum 46 and
a minimum 47.
[0126] In exemplary embodiments, the core 10 may be curved, for
example, so as to straighten out one edge 48 of the brush 5, as
shown in FIGS. 28 and 30.
[0127] In exemplary embodiments, the brush 5 may also have a core
10 that includes a bend 49 close to the distal end 4a of the brush
4, as shown in FIG. 31, with the portion of the core 10 that
carries the bristles 11 being rectilinear, for example.
[0128] In all of the above exemplary embodiments, the brush 5 may
be twisted to the right, as shown in FIG. 32.
[0129] In exemplary embodiments, the brush 5 may comprise a mixture
of bristles 11 of different lengths measured from the core 10, or
even different kinds, for example, different shapes and/or
materials.
[0130] FIG. 33 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the bristles
11 are oriented both in the circumferential direction and in the
axial direction, i.e., the direction of the arrow in FIG. 33.
[0131] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles 11 may have a variety
of cross-sections, for example, other than circular.
[0132] For example, exemplary embodiments may use bristles 11 with
a cross-section having any of the shapes shown diagrammatically in
FIGS. 34 to 51. The bristles 11 may have, for example, a circular
shape with a flat portion as shown in FIG. 34, a flat shape as
shown in FIG. 35, a star shape, such as a cross as shown in FIG.
36, or such as one having three branches as shown in FIG. 37, a
U-shape as shown in FIG. 38, an H-shape as shown in FIG. 39, a
T-shape as shown in FIG. 40, a V-shape as shown in FIG. 41, a
hollow shape, such as a circular hollow shape as shown in FIG. 42,
or such as a prismatic, for example, a square hollow shape as shown
in FIG. 43, a shape forming ramifications, such as a snowflake as
shown in FIG. 44, a section that is polygonal, such as triangular
as shown in FIG. 45, square as shown in FIG. 46, hexagonal as shown
in FIG. 47, an oblong shape, such as a lens shape as shown in FIG.
48, or such as an hourglass shape as shown in FIG. 49.
[0133] Exemplary embodiments are also contemplated that use
bristles 11 including portions that are hinged to one another, for
example, as shown in FIG. 50. Exemplary embodiments are also
contemplated that use bristles 11 that have at least one capillary
groove 60, for example, as shown in FIG. 51. Where appropriate,
prior to being curved, the bristles 11 may be subjected to a
treatment for forming beads 61 at their ends, for example, as shown
in FIG. 52, or forks 62, for example, as shown in FIG. 53.
[0134] Exemplary embodiments are also contemplated that use
flock-covered bristles 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 54, or
bristles 11 made by extruding a plastics material that contains a
filler of particles 63, for example, as shown in FIG. 54, in order
to confer microrelief to the surface of the bristles, for example,
or in order to impart magnetic or other properties thereto.
[0135] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles 11 may be made of a
material having properties that facilitate sliding.
[0136] In exemplary embodiments, the bristles 11 may be made of
synthetic materials selected, for example, from polyethylene,
polyamides, such as PA6, PA6/6, PA6/10, PA6/12, or PA11, such as
Rilsan.RTM., a Hytrel.RTM.-Pebax.RTM. polymer, and other
thermoplastic polymers.
[0137] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the examples
described above.
[0138] Exemplary embodiments of the invention contemplate that the
core 10 may be made differently, for example, by using a pair of
individual cores 10' and 10'' that are twisted around each other as
shown in FIG. 56. Each of the individual cores 10', 10'' in the
exemplary embodiment shown may comprise two twisted-together
strands that hold bristles.
[0139] In exemplary embodiments, the core 10 may be made using
metal strands of optionally circular section. Such strands may
optionally be sheathed.
[0140] It should be understood that the characteristics of the
various embodiments described above may be combined with one
another.
[0141] Throughout the description, including in the claims, the
term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with
"comprising at least one", unless specified to the contrary.
[0142] Although the present invention herein has been described
with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood
that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles
and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *