U.S. patent application number 13/267229 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for brush cover.
Invention is credited to Brigitte Shaughness.
Application Number | 20120024734 13/267229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43973340 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120024734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shaughness; Brigitte |
February 2, 2012 |
BRUSH COVER
Abstract
A protective brush cover is described for use with a makeup
brush. In some versions, the protective brush cover comprises a
body and a closing feature. In some versions the protective brush
cover comprises a body, a lid, and a securing feature. In some
versions, the body is operable to hold the head of a makeup brush,
and the body may further have an opening such that the handle of
the makeup brush may extend through the opening.
Inventors: |
Shaughness; Brigitte; (Grand
Cayman, KY) |
Family ID: |
43973340 |
Appl. No.: |
13/267229 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12941522 |
Nov 8, 2010 |
8061518 |
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13267229 |
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61258697 |
Nov 6, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/361 ;
150/161 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1046 20130101;
A46B 17/04 20130101; Y10S 206/818 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/361 ;
150/161 |
International
Class: |
A46B 17/04 20060101
A46B017/04; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a body comprising a first end and a
second end, wherein the second end is positioned opposite the first
end and having material extending generally circumferentially
therebetween, the first end comprising a first opening configured
to receive a handle of a makeup brush, the second end comprising a
second opening configured to receive the handle, the second opening
being sized such that a head of the makeup brush is larger than the
second opening, the material extending circumferentially between
the first end and the second end being configured to form a pocket,
wherein the pocket is configured to house the head of the makeup
brush such that the handle of the makeup brush extends pendulently
through the second opening; and (b) a closing feature in
communication with the body, the closing feature being configured
to retain a makeup brush once the head of the makeup brush is
positioned within the pocket.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closing feature comprises
a lid having a magnetic tab, the magnetic tab being configured to
magnetically couple with a recess positioned on the body, the tab
being configured to have a complementary shape with the recess.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to have
a generally flattened frustoconical shape.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a
holding loop positioned in the interior of the body.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closing feature comprises
a pair of magnets embedded in the body, the pair of magnets
comprising an arc-like shape and positioned to selectively couple
with each other.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end further
comprises an elastic ring configured to tighten around the handle
of the makeup brush.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closing feature comprises
a flap with an attached button.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closing feature comprises
a zipper, the zipper being connected to a zipper pull.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a fabric
material.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a rigid
material.
11. A container for enclosing the head of a makeup brush
comprising: (a) a body, the body comprising a generally flared
shape, wherein the flare of the body corresponds to the overall
shape of a head of a makeup brush, the body having a first opening
formed therein, the first opening being sized such that a handle of
the makeup brush can extend through the first opening, the first
opening being further sized such that the head of the makeup brush
is unable to pass through the first opening, the body further
comprising a second opening; and (b) a lid in communication with
the body, the lid being operable to close the second opening; and
(c) a securing feature in communication with the lid, the securing
feature being in further communication with the body, wherein the
securing feature is configured to secure the lid to the body such
that the second opening remains closed.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the securing feature
comprises a magnetic tab.
13. The container of claim 11, wherein the securing feature
comprises a snap button.
14. The container of claim 11, wherein the lid and the body are in
communication through a hinge.
15. The container of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a
generally conical shape.
16. The container of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a soft,
fabric-like material.
17. The container of claim 11, further comprising a band in
communication with the first opening, the band being configured to
adjust the size of the first opening.
18. The container of claim 11, further comprising a drawstring in
communication with the first opening.
19. The container of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a rigid,
form-retaining material.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior, co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/941,522, filed Nov. 8, 2010, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/258,697, filed Nov. 6, 2009, entitled "Protective Brush Cover."
The disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/941,522 and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/258,697 are each
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] Versions of the present invention relate generally to
protective devices, and more particularly, to covering devices for
makeup applicators.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Makeup brushes are used to apply makeup, such as foundation
or various other powder forms of cosmetics, and come in a wide
variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. These brushes
typically come packaged in a plastic cover to enclose the bristles
of the makeup brush to prevent damage to the bristles prior to sale
of the brush. Before use, the plastic cover is discarded as it is
generally unsuitable for later protecting the bristles of the
makeup brush. The plastic cover is generally a low quality material
that tightly binds the bristles of the brush during transport and
prior to sale.
[0004] The included plastic cover is unsuitable to store the makeup
brush after the initial use because it is very difficult to
reattach the plastic cover, which also compresses the bristles of
the makeup brush. Over time, repeated use of a makeup brush allows
the bristles to expand, providing a better user experience because
makeup can be more easily and evenly spread across the surface of
the skin. Placing the makeup brush into the plastic cover
recompresses the bristles and reduces the benefits of using a
makeup brush with full bristles.
[0005] Previous solutions for transporting a makeup brush require
the user to place the makeup brush in a larger makeup bag, or
resealable plastic bag, and place this large bag inside of a purse
or other carrying bag. This method is generally cumbersome and
undesirable because it consumes too much space within the purse or
bag. Additionally, the makeup contained on the bristles may be
dislodged during transport, which results in makeup covering the
handle or other portions of the brush that may make the brush
difficult or messy to use. The makeup brush may also collect dirt
and grime during transport, which could transfer dirt and grime to
the face during subsequent use. If the brush is simply placed in a
purse, or other article, the brush and/or article is likely to
become damaged or stained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] While the specification concludes with claims that
particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is
believed the expressly disclosed versions of the present invention
can be understood from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
numerals identify the same elements. The drawings and detailed
description which follow are intended to be merely illustrative of
the expressly disclosed versions and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. In the
drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a version of a protective brush
cover with a makeup brush.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an alternative version of a
protective brush cover with a makeup brush.
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of another alternative version of
a protective brush cover with a makeup brush
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another alternative
version of a protective brush cover with a makeup brush.
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the protective brush cover of
FIG. 4.
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the protective brush cover of
FIG. 4
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the protective brush cover of
FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the protective brush
cover of FIG. 4 with the makeup brush removed.
[0015] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the protective brush
cover of FIG. 4 with the makeup brush being inserted into the
protective brush cover.
[0016] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an alternative version
of a protective brush cover.
[0017] FIG. 11 depicts a front view of the protective brush cover
of FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the protective brush cover of
FIG. 10.
[0019] FIG. 13 depicts a top view of the protective brush cover of
FIG. 10
[0020] FIG. 14 depicts a front view of an alternative version of a
protective brush cover having a magnetic enclosure.
[0021] FIG. 15 depicts a front view of an alternative version of a
protective brush cover having a snap fit enclosure.
[0022] FIG. 16 depicts a front view of an alternative version of a
protective brush cover having a zipper enclosure.
[0023] FIG. 17 depicts a front view of an alternative version of a
protective brush cover having a magnetic snap lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following description should not be used to limit the
scope of the protective brush cover. Other examples, features,
aspects, versions, and advantages of the protective brush cover
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
description. As will be realized, the protective brush cover is
capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without
departing from the protective brush cover as described herein.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive. It should therefore be
understood that the inventor contemplates a variety of versions
that are not explicitly disclosed herein.
[0025] In FIG. 1, a version of a protective brush cover (10) is
shown. The protective brush cover (10) may generally comprise a
pouch (12), an opening (18), and a tying feature (16). Protective
brush cover (10) may be used with a makeup brush (50) having
bristles (20) and a shaft (14).
[0026] Pouch (12) and opening (18) may be configured to receive
bristles (20) of makeup brush (50). The shape of pouch (12) may be
generally round. In other versions, the shape of pouch (12) may be
cone shaped, cylindrical shaped, triangle shaped, rectangle shaped,
square shaped, or any other suitable shape for receiving makeup
brush (50) so as to minimize compressing bristles (20) of makeup
brush (50).
[0027] Pouch (12) may be various sizes as well. Pouch (12) may be
of a size to cover bristles (20) of makeup brush (50) without
substantially covering shaft (14) of makeup brush (50). In an
alternative version, as shown in FIG. 3, pouch 22 may be of a size
sufficient to cover the entire makeup brush (50).
[0028] Further, pouch (12) may be of a size and shape to protect
bristles (20) of makeup brush (50) while minimizing the overall
size of makeup brush (50) and protective brush cover (10) to reduce
obtrusiveness in a purse or bag. Pouch (12) may be of a size and
shape specifically designed to enclose a particular make and model
makeup brush (50). Other suitable shapes and sizes of pouch (12)
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein.
[0029] The material of pouch (12) may be a soft fabric material.
Furthermore, the material of pouch (12) may be rigid or stiff. A
flexibly rigid material may be used to allow pouch (12) to maintain
shape when placed in a purse or other bag to protect bristles (20)
of makeup brush (50). The material of pouch (12) may be selected
from any suitable material including, but not limited to, cotton,
nylon, polyester, denim, satin, wool, leather, cashmere, linen,
felt, silk, velvet, organza, plastic, and vinyl. The material of
pouch (12) may also be washable so that pouch (12) may be washed
after multiple uses to remove makeup and other dirt from pouch
(12). Further, the material of pouch (12) may comprise an
antibacterial material.
[0030] Pouch (12) may comprise various colors and patterns.
Suitable colors and patterns may be selected so that when placed in
a purse or other bag, protective brush cover (10) is highly visible
to allow quick retrieval. Suitable colors and patterns may be
selected for other aesthetic reasons. Other suitable colors and
patterns of pouch (12) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0031] The opening (18) of pouch (12) of protective brush cover
(10), in versions where the make-up brush is inserted through a
bottom opening (18) of the pouch (12), may be of a size suitable to
allow the bristle end of a makeup brush to enter. Opening (18) of
pouch (12) may be opened and closed through use of a tying feature
(16). By manipulating tying feature (16), opening (18) of pouch
(12) may have two positions: an open position and a tightened
position. In the open position, opening (18) of pouch (12) may be
sufficiently large enough to allow bristle (20) end of makeup brush
(50) to be easily placed into or removed from pouch (12) of
protective brush cover (10).
[0032] In the tightened position, opening (18) of pouch (12) may
substantially tighten or snuggly tighten around shaft (14) of
protective brush cover (10). The tightened position may be
sufficiently tight so as to prevent unintentional removal of makeup
brush (50) from protective brush cover (10). The tightened position
may also be sufficiently tight so that protective brush cover (10)
stays on makeup brush (50) when makeup brush (50) is placed inside
a purse or other bag. Other suitable sizes of opening (18) of pouch
(12) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view
of the teachings herein.
[0033] Tying feature (16) may be configured to work with opening
(18) of pouch (12) of protective brush cover (10) to change the
size of opening (18). The tying feature (16) may comprise at least
one drawstring that may be pulled or loosened to change the size of
the opening (18). Tying feature (16) may further comprise a single
drawstring or may comprise a plurality of drawstrings. Upon
changing the size of opening (18), the drawstring or plurality of
draw strings may be wrapped around protective brush cover (10) or
may be allowed to freely hang. An additional tightening feature
(not shown), such as, for example, a bead may be used to maintain
the open or the tightened position of tying feature (16). Other
suitable methods or configurations to tighten or loosen opening
(18) of pouch (12) may be used as well. For example, tying feature
(16) may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more clasps,
rubber bands, flexible wires, ribbon, etc., suitable to manipulate
the size or shape of opening (18) of pouch (12) of protective brush
cover (10).
[0034] In one version, the user may use protective brush cover (10)
by placing the brush through opening (18) of protective brush cover
(10) and into pouch (12). Then the user may engage tying feature
(16) to tighten opening (18) of protective brush cover (10). The
user may then place protective brush cover (10) in the user's purse
or other bag for storage or transport. In an alternative version,
the user may place makeup brush (50) in protective brush cover (10)
and may place the covered makeup brush (50) in a purse, a makeup
bag, or other bag without manipulating tying feature (16).
[0035] The user may then transport or store the covered makeup
brush (50) in the purse or other bag. The user may remove the
covered makeup brush (50) from the purse or other bag. The user may
remove makeup brush (50) from protective brush cover (10) by
loosening tying feature (16) or by simply removing the brush from
protective brush cover (10) without manipulating tying feature
(16).
[0036] FIGS. 4-9 depict another version of a protective brush cover
(100) for use with a makeup brush (150). Makeup brush (150)
comprises a handle (114) and a head (120). Protective brush cover
(100) comprises a body (132) and a lid (124). Body (132) is shaped
to have a slightly flattened frustoconical shape with a mouth (134)
and a neck opening (130). Neck opening (130) is sized wide enough
such that handle (114) of makeup brush (150) may be inserted
through neck opening (130) yet narrow enough that head (120) of
makeup brush (150) does not slip through neck opening (130). The
contours of body (132) may be sufficiently wide such that the walls
do not compress or damage the bristles of head (120), yet narrow
enough such that protective brush cover (100) and makeup brush
(150) can be easily placed into, for example, a purse. The degree
of flatness of body (132) may be shaped such that it generally
tracks the contours of head (120) of makeup brush (150). For
example, if makeup brush (150) is very wide or if the bristles of
makeup brush (150) flare widely, body (132) may be shaped to
accommodate such flare. Body (132) comprises a generally rigid
material such as a cardboard or plastic. However any suitable
material may be used.
[0037] Near mouth (134) of body (132), a semicircular recess (128)
is formed. Recess (128) is shaped to complement the magnetic tab
(126) attached to lid (124). Recess (128) may comprise a magnet or
other magnetically influenced material or metal embedded beneath
the surface of the recess such that when lid (124) shuts upon body
(132), recess (128) and tab (126) magnetically lock together to
keep lid (124) closed. The force of the magnetic bond formed
between recess (128) and tab (126) may generally be strong enough
such that lid (124) is not inadvertently opened, for example,
during transport, but weak enough such that a user may easily open
lid (124) by decoupling magnetic bind between recess (128) and tab
(126). While recess (128) and tab (126) comprise a complementary
semi circular shape, any suitable shape for recess (128) and tab
(126) may be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art in view of the teachings herein. Furthermore, a vent hole
(140) is positioned on body (132) to provide ventilation within
protective brush cover (100) while makeup brush (150) is placed in
protective brush cover (100) with lid (124) closed.
[0038] Generally, protective brush cover (100) may be used as shown
in FIGS. 8-9. Lid (124) of protective brush cover (100) is opened
and makeup brush (150) is inserted through mouth (134) of
protective brush cover (100). Handle (114) of makeup brush (150)
travels through neck opening (130). The taper of the portion near
neck opening (130) of protective brush cover (100) aids in
preventing makeup brush (150) from sliding completely through neck
opening (130). Furthermore the taper of neck opening (130) enables
a user to simply drop makeup brush (150) into protective brush
cover (100) since the taper helps guide makeup brush (150) through
neck opening. Additionally, as mentioned above, neck opening (130)
may be sufficiently narrow so as to form a grip around a neck
portion (122) of makeup brush (150).
[0039] Once makeup brush (150) is inserted into protective brush
cover (100) such that head (120) is enclosed, the user can close
lid (124) of protective brush cover (100) for transport or storage
of makeup brush (150).
[0040] FIGS. 10-13 depict an alternative version of a protective
brush cover (200) that is substantially similar to protective brush
cover (200) shown in FIGS. 4-9 where the protective brush cover
(200) comprises a body (232), mouth (234), neck opening (230), and
recess (228). In the illustrated version, protective brush cover
(200) comprises an interior loop (236) with a connecting portion
(238) to attach interior loop (236) to body (232) of protective
brush cover (200). Interior loop (236) comprises generally a wire
loop able to grip the neck of a makeup brush, such as the makeup
brush shown in FIGS. 4-9. It will be appreciated that interior loop
(236) may provide additional stability in securing a makeup
brush.
[0041] FIG. 14 depicts an alternative version of a protective brush
cover (300) comprising a body (332), a neck opening (330), a mouth
(334) and a magnetic strip (326) for use with a makeup brush (350),
which comprises a head (320), a handle (314), and a neck (322). In
the illustrated version, body (332) comprises a cloth-like
material. Of course, any suitable material may be used.
[0042] Magnetic strip (326) has a generally arc-like shape that
matches the shape of mouth (334). A second similarly shaped
magnetic strip (not shown) is positioned opposite to magnetic strip
(326) such that mouth (334) may be held shut once a makeup brush
(350) is placed though (334) of protective brush cover (300) by
joining magnetic strip (326) with the second magnetic strip. While
in this version, magnetic strip (326) and the second magnetic strip
are similarly shaped, they may have different shapes, such as, for
example, complementary shapes or interlocking shapes.
[0043] Neck opening (330) comprises gathered fabric material having
an elastic band, rope, thread, drawstring, or liner extending
circumferentially around neck opening (330) such that neck opening
(330) may be opened and then tightened around a neck (322) of a
makeup brush (350) once a handle (314) of makeup brush (350) is
placed through neck opening (330). The tightness of neck opening
(330) is sufficient such that makeup brush (350) should not slip
out of neck opening (330), yet not so tight that makeup brush (350)
cannot be intentionally removed from protective brush cover
(300).
[0044] FIG. 15 depicts an alternative version of a protective brush
cover (400) comprising a body (432), a neck opening (430), a flap
(434), and a fastener (426) for use with a makeup brush (450)
having a handle (414), a neck (422) and a head (420). Flap (434) is
designed to cover the mouth (not shown) of protective brush cover
(400). In the illustrated version, fastener (426) comprises a snap
button fit, but any suitable fastening means may be used, such as,
for example, a clasp, hook, or pin.
[0045] FIG. 16 depicts an alternative version of a protective brush
cover (500) comprising a body (532), a neck opening (530), a zipper
opening (534), and a zipper pull (526). Zipper pull (526) may be
manipulated by a user to open and close zipper opening (534) of
protective brush cover such that a makeup brush (550) having a head
(520), neck (522) and handle (514) may be inserted or removed
through zipper opening (534). In one version, the neck opening may
remain closed where, for example, when the zipper pull (526) is
actuated only a side portion of the brush cover (500) is unzipped.
In this version, the handle (514) may be inserted through the neck
opening, the brush (520) may be positioned within the brush cover
(500), and the zipper pull (526) may then be actuated to close the
brush cover (500).
[0046] FIG. 17 depicts an alternative version of a protective brush
cover (600) comprising a body (632), a magnetic flap (626), and an
embedded band (630) for use with a makeup brush (650) having a head
(620), a neck (622), and a handle (614).
[0047] Embedded band (630) may be sized to fit a variety of
different brush sizes. For example, for larger brushes, embedded
band (630) may be wider or longer. Accordingly, a shorter or
narrower embedded band (630) may be used for smaller brushes. Also,
the illustrated version comprises a generally square-like shaped
protective brush cover (600). It will be appreciated that as the
length or width of embedded band (630) is selected for the
appropriate size makeup brush (650), the dimensions or general
shape of protective brush cover (600) may be adjusted to
accommodate embedded band (630).
[0048] Magnetic flap (626) comprises a flap having a magnet
embedded in the flap. Magnetic flap (626) may join with an
associated element embedded in body (632) of protective brush cover
(600) to close protective brush cover (600) once makeup brush (650)
has been inserted.
[0049] Having shown and described various versions of the
protective brush cover, further adaptations of the methods and
systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate
modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the scope of the protective brush cover. Several of such
potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples,
versions, geometrics, materials, steps, and the like discussed
above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope
of the protective brush cover should be considered in terms of the
following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details
of structure and operation shown and described in the specification
and drawings.
* * * * *