U.S. patent number RE38,397 [Application Number 09/867,646] was granted by the patent office on 2004-01-27 for brush for applying a cosmetic product and make-up device comprising it.
This patent grant is currently assigned to L'Oreal. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis H. Gueret.
United States Patent |
RE38,397 |
Gueret |
January 27, 2004 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Brush for applying a cosmetic product and make-up device comprising
it
Abstract
A brush comprises a wand defining a major axis, a flexible core
which defines the length of the brush, the core having a first end
and a second end, the first end being secured to the wand. Bristles
are inserted radially into the core, the ends of the bristles
defining an envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface
having a first end and a second end. The core describes a curve in
a plane of curvature, and the envelope surface of the brush, over a
least part of its length has a cross section of elongate shape in
the direction of an axis of greatest length parallel to the plane
of curvature.
Inventors: |
Gueret; Jean-Louis H. (Paris,
FR) |
Assignee: |
L'Oreal (Paris,
FR)
|
Family
ID: |
30118811 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/867,646 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
969830 |
Nov 13, 1997 |
05934292 |
Aug 10, 1999 |
|
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 13, 1996 [FR] |
|
|
96 13819 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/218;
132/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B
9/021 (20130101); A46B 9/028 (20130101); A46B
2200/1053 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A46B
9/02 (20060101); A46B 9/00 (20060101); A45D
040/26 () |
Field of
Search: |
;132/218,216,217,313,320
;15/206,DIG.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 05 935 |
|
Sep 1993 |
|
DE |
|
0 511 842 |
|
Nov 1992 |
|
EP |
|
0 663 161 |
|
Jul 1995 |
|
EP |
|
726 157 |
|
May 1932 |
|
FR |
|
2 285 101 |
|
Apr 1976 |
|
FR |
|
2 505 633 |
|
Nov 1982 |
|
FR |
|
2 605 505 |
|
Apr 1988 |
|
FR |
|
2 678 494 |
|
Jan 1993 |
|
FR |
|
2 701 198 |
|
Aug 1994 |
|
FR |
|
2 715 038 |
|
Jul 1995 |
|
FR |
|
2 730 910 |
|
Aug 1996 |
|
FR |
|
2 730 911 |
|
Aug 1996 |
|
FR |
|
2 745 272 |
|
Aug 1997 |
|
FR |
|
1 335 322 |
|
Oct 1973 |
|
GB |
|
2 146 520 |
|
Apr 1985 |
|
GB |
|
2 170 996 |
|
Aug 1986 |
|
GB |
|
2 714 895 |
|
Nov 1986 |
|
GB |
|
56-91507 |
|
Dec 1954 |
|
JP |
|
58-88912 |
|
Jun 1983 |
|
JP |
|
63-111808 |
|
May 1988 |
|
JP |
|
5-88410 |
|
Dec 1993 |
|
JP |
|
6-237818 |
|
Aug 1994 |
|
JP |
|
8-33518 |
|
Feb 1996 |
|
JP |
|
WO 93/16617 |
|
Sep 1993 |
|
WO |
|
WO 96/29905 |
|
Oct 1996 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
English language Derwent Abstract of FR 285 101, Apr. 16, 1976.
.
English language Derwent Abstract of FR 2 678 494, Jan. 8, 1993.
.
Co-pending Reissue Application No. 09/745,255; Title: Progressive
Brush For Applying A Cosmetic Product Inventor(s): Jean-Louis H.
Gueret U.S. Filing Date: Dec. 22, 2000. .
Co-pending Reissue Application No. 09/761,701, Title: Brush Having
A Plano-Concave Profile Inventor(s): Jean-Louis H. Gueret U.S.
Filing Date: Jan. 18, 2001. .
Co-pending Reissue Application No. 09/773,946; Title: Brush Having
Plano-Convex Profile, Inventor(s): Jean-Louis H. Gueret, U.S.
Filing Date: Feb. 2, 2001..
|
Primary Examiner: Robert; Eduardo C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent
of the United States is:
1. A brush comprising: a wand defining a major axis (X--X); a core
having a first end and a second end, the first end being secured to
the wand; bristles .[.having first ends and second ends, the first
ends.]. inserted radially into the core.Iadd., .Iaddend..[.and.].
the .[.second.]. .Iadd.bristles having .Iaddend.ends .[.of the
bristles.]. defining an envelope surface of the brush, the envelope
surface having a length, a first end, a second end, and a cross
section; The core defining a curve in a plane of curvature; the
envelope surface of the brush over at least part of its length
having a cross section of elongate shape in the direction of an
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length parallel to the plane of
curvature.
2. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the cross section has at
least two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length, these sides being substantially parallel to the axis
(Z--Z).
3. A brush according to claim 2, wherein the cross section has at
least two sides in the direction of .[.the.]. .Iadd.an
.Iaddend.axis (Y--Y), each side .Iadd.in the direction of the axis
(Y--Y) .Iaddend. having a convex shape, the axis .Iadd.(Y--Y)
.Iaddend. being perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length.
4. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the cross section has at
least two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length, the sides having a convex shape.
5. A brush according to claim 4, wherein the sides of the cross
section have two ends, a width of the cross section in the
direction of .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.axis (Y--Y) perpendicular
to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length at one of these ends being
substantially zero.
6. A brush according to claim 5, wherein .[.the sides of the cross
section have two ends,.]. the width of the .Iadd.cross
.Iaddend.section in the direction of the axis (Y--Y) perpendicular
to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length at both ends .[.being.].
.Iadd.is .Iaddend.substantially zero.
7. A brush according to claim 4, wherein the cross section has at
least two sides in the direction of .[.the.]. .Iadd.an
.Iaddend.axis (Y--Y), each side .Iadd.in the direction of the axis
(Y--Y) .Iaddend. having a convex shape, the axis .Iadd.(Y--Y)
.Iaddend. being perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length.
8. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the cross section has at
least two sides in .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.direction of
.[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.axis (Y--Y), each side .Iadd.in the
direction of the axis (Y--Y) .Iaddend. having a convex shape, the
axis (Y--Y) being perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length.
9. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the cross section has a
maximum width (D) in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length and a maximum width (d) in the direction of .[.the.].
.Iadd.an .Iaddend.axis (Y--Y) .Iadd.perpendicular to the axis
(Z--Z) of greatest length.Iaddend., D and d satisfying the
relationship: D>1.5d.
10. A brush according to claim 9, wherein D and d satisfy the
relationship: D>2d.
11. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the envelope surface has
an elongate cross section over at least 50% of its length.
12. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the envelope surface has
an elongate .Iadd.cross .Iaddend. section over at least 75% of its
length.
13. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the curve is
substantially the shape of an arc of a circle.
14. .[.Brush.]. .Iadd.A brush .Iaddend.according to claim 1,
characterized in that the ends of the core are aligned with the
axis (X--X).
15. A method of manufacturing a brush according to claim 1
comprising the steps of: (i) producing a starting brush comprising
a wand defining a major axis (X--X), a core having a first end and
a second end, securing the first end of the core to the wand, the
core being straight and aligned with the wand, inserting bristles
radially into the core, .[.the end.]. .Iadd.ends .Iaddend.of the
bristles defining an envelope surface of the starting brush; (ii)
trimming the bristles of the starting brush in such a way that the
envelope surface of the brush over at least part of its length has
a cross section of elongate shape in the direction of an axis
(Z--Z) of greatest length; and (iii) twisting the core in .[.the.].
.Iadd.a .Iaddend.plane parallel to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length and passing through the wand.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the envelope surface of
the starting brush is one of: a cylinder and a part of a cone.
17. A method according to claim 15, wherein the envelope surface of
the starting brush is convex.
18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the envelope surface of
the starting brush is axisymmetric.
19. A method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of
giving a secondary twist to that end of the core which is secured
to the wand so as to align the second end of the core with the
.[.main.]. .Iadd.major .Iaddend.axis (X--X).
20. A make-up device comprising a mascara reservoir and a
mascara-applicator member, characterized in that the applicator
member is a brush according to claim 1..Iadd.
21. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles comprise
first and second ends defining the envelope surface of the
brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. A brush according to claim 21, wherein each of the bristles
comprises a portion between the first and second bristle ends,
wherein the core holds the portion..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles comprise
short bristles and long bristles, and wherein ends of the long
bristles define the envelope surface of the
brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
24. A brush according to claim 1, wherein the core comprises first
and second branches, the first and second branches being helically
twisted and holding bristles between the
branches..Iaddend..Iadd.
25. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core comprising a first end and a second end; and bristles
extending radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends
defining an envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface
comprising a length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least
part of its length has a cross section having an elongate shape,
wherein the curve defined by the core is in a plane of curvature,
and wherein the cross section is elongated in a direction
substantially parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core comprising a first end and a second end; and bristles
extending radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends
defining an envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface
comprising a length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least
part of its length has a cross section having an elongate shape,
wherein the curve defined by the core is in a plane of curvature,
and wherein the bristles comprise first bristles extending
substantially parallel to the plane of curvature and second
bristles extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of
curvature, the first bristles being longer than the second
bristles..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core comprising a first end and a second end; and bristles
extending radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends
defining an envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface
comprising a length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least
part of its length has a cross section having an elongate shape,
and wherein the curve defined by the core is in a plane of
curvature, and wherein the cross section has a first width
dimension in a first plane parallel to the plane of curvature and a
second width dimension in second plane perpendicular to the first
plane, wherein the first width dimension is greater than the second
width dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. The brush of claim 27, wherein the first width dimension is the
maximum width dimension of the cross-section..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. The brush of claim 27, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 1.5 times the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. The brush of claim 27, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 2 times the second width dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
31. The brush of claim 27, wherein the bristles extend from a
portion of the core defining the curve..Iaddend..Iadd.
32. The brush of claim 27, further comprising a wand associated
with the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
33. The brush of claim 32, wherein the first end of the core is
secured to the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
34. The brush of claim 33, wherein the wand defines an axis (X--X)
and wherein the first and second ends of the core are aligned with
the axis (X--X) defined by the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
35. The brush of claim 27, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 50% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
36. The brush of claim 27, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 75% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
37. The brush of claim 27, wherein the curve is substantially the
shape of an arc of a circle..Iaddend..Iadd.
38. The brush of claim 27, wherein the bristles comprise first and
second ends defining the envelope surface of the
brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
39. The brush of claim 38, wherein each of the bristles comprises a
portion between the first and second bristle ends, wherein the core
holds the portion..Iaddend..Iadd.
40. The brush of claim 27, wherein the bristles comprise short
bristles and long bristles, wherein ends of the long bristles
define the envelope surface of the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
41. The brush of claim 27, wherein the core comprises first and
second branches, the first and second branches being helically
twisted and holding bristles between the
branches..Iaddend..Iadd.
42. The brush of claim 27, wherein the brush is configured in the
form of a mascara brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
43. A cosmetic device comprising: the brush of claim 27; and a
reservoir containing a cosmetic product..Iaddend..Iadd.
44. The cosmetic device of claim 43, wherein the brush is
configured in the form of a mascara brush and the cosmetic product
comprises mascara..Iaddend..Iadd.
45. The cosmetic device of claim 43, further comprising a wringing
device associated with the reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
46. The cosmetic device of claim 43, wherein the reservoir is
configured to removably receive the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
47. The cosmetic device of claim 43, wherein the brush further
comprises a wand extending from a cap configured to be connected to
the reservoir, the wand being secured to the
core..Iaddend..Iadd.
48. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core comprising a first end and a second end; and bristles
extending radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends
defining an envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface
comprising a length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least
part of its length has a cross section having an elongate shape,
wherein the curve defined by the core is in a plane of curvature,
and wherein the cross section is elongated in the direction of an
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
49. The brush of claim 48, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length,
the at least two sides being substantially parallel to the axis
(Z--Z)..Iaddend..Iadd.
50. The brush of claim 49, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
51. The brush of claim 48, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length,
each of the at least two sides having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
52. The brush of claim 51, wherein the at least two sides of the
cross section have two ends, a width of the cross section in the
direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of
greatest length at one of the two ends being substantially
zero..Iaddend..Iadd.
53. The brush of claim 52, wherein the width of the cross section
in the direction of the axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the axis
(Z--Z) of greatest length at both of the two ends is substantially
zero..Iaddend..Iadd.
54. The brush of claim 51, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
55. The brush of claim 48, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in a direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
56. The brush of claim 48, wherein the cross section has a maximum
width (D) in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length
and a maximum width (d) in the direction of an axis (Y--Y)
perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, D and d
satisfying the relationship: D>1.5d..Iaddend..Iadd.
57. The brush of claim 56, wherein D and d satisfy the
relationship; D>2d..Iaddend..Iadd.
58. A method of manufacturing a brush, comprising: providing a
starting brush comprising a core comprising a first end and a
second end, and bristles extending radially from the core, the
bristles comprising ends defining a starting brush envelope
surface; trimming the bristles so that the ends of the bristles
define a trimmed envelope surface having over at least part of its
length a cross section having an elongate shape; and twisting the
core to form a curve in the core, wherein the twisting forms the
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the cross section is
elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
59. A method of manufacturing a brush, comprising: providing a
starting brush comprising a core comprising a first end and a
second end, and bristles extending radially from the core, the
bristles comprising ends defining a starting brush envelope
surface; trimming the bristles so that the ends of the bristles
define a trimmed envelope surface having over at least part of its
length a cross section having an elongate shape; and twisting the
core to form a curve in the core, wherein the twisting forms the
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the trimming forms first
bristles and second bristles shorter than the first bristles, and
wherein the first bristles extend substantially parallel to the
plane of curvature and the second bristles extend substantially
perpendicular to the plane of curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
60. A method of manufacturing a brush, comprising: providing a
starting brush comprising a core comprising a first end and a
second end, and bristles extending radially from the core, the
bristles comprising ends defining a starting brush envelope
surface; trimming the bristles so that the ends of the bristles
define a trimmed envelope surface having over at least part of its
length a cross section having an elongate shape; and twisting the
core to form a curve in the core, wherein the twisting forms the
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the cross section has a
first width dimension in a first plane parallel to the plane of
curvature and a second width dimension in second plane
perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the first width dimension
is greater than the second width dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein the starting brush comprises a
wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
62. The method of claim 60, wherein the method further comprises
producing the starting brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein the producing of the starting
brush comprises inserting the bristles between a pair of branches,
twisting the branches to hold the bristles between the branches,
and securing the first end of the core to a
wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
64. The method of claim 60, wherein the core of the starting brush
is straight..Iaddend..Iadd.
65. The method of claim 60, wherein the first width dimension is
the maximum width dimension of the
cross-section..Iaddend..Iadd.
66. The method of claim 60, wherein the starting brush comprises a
wand secured to the core, wherein the core of the starting brush is
straight and aligned with the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
67. The method of claim 60, wherein the bristles trimmed in the
trimming comprise bristles of the starting
brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
68. The method of claim 60, wherein the starting brush envelope
surface is chosen from a cylinder and a part of a
cone..Iaddend..Iadd.
69. The method of claim 60, wherein the starting brush envelope
surface is convex..Iaddend..Iadd.
70. The method of claim 60, wherein the starting brush envelope
surface is axisymmetric..Iaddend..Iadd.
71. The method of claim 60, wherein the trimmed envelope surface
over said at least a part of its length is non-symmetric about the
core..Iaddend..Iadd.
72. The method of claim 60, wherein the starting brush comprises a
wand secured to the first end of the core, the wand having a major
axis (X--X), and wherein the method further comprises making a
secondary twist in an end portion of the core including the first
end of the core so as to align the second end of the core with the
major axis (X--X)..Iaddend..Iadd.
73. The method of claim 60, wherein the curve is substantially the
shape of an arc of a circle..Iaddend..Iadd.
74. The method of claim 60, wherein the trimming occurs before the
twisting..Iaddend..Iadd.
75. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, wherein the brush is
manufactured according to the method of claim
60..Iaddend..Iadd.
76. A cosmetic device comprising: the brush of claim 75; and a
reservoir containing a cosmetic product..Iaddend..Iadd.
77. The cosmetic device of claim 76, wherein the brush is
configured in the form of a mascara brush, and wherein the cosmetic
product comprises mascara..Iaddend..Iadd.
78. A method of manufacturing a brush, comprising: providing a
starting brush comprising a core comprising a first end and a
second end, and bristles extending radially from the core, the
bristles comprising ends defining a starting brush envelope
surface; trimming the bristles so that the ends of the bristles
define a trimmed envelope surface having over at least part of its
length a cross section having an elongate shape; and twisting the
core to form a curve in the core, wherein the twisting forms the
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the cross section is
elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of
curvature, and, wherein the cross section is elongated in the
direction of an axis (Z--Z) of greatest length parallel to the
plane of curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
79. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a wand; a core on an end of the wand; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the core defines a
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the envelope surface
over at least part of its length has a cross section having an
elongate shape, the cross section being elongated in a direction
substantially parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
80. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a wand; a core on an end of the wand; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the core defines a
curve in a plane of curvature, wherein the envelope surface over at
least part of its length has a cross section having an elongate
shape, and wherein the bristles comprise first bristles extending
substantially parallel to the plane of curvature and second
bristles extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of
curvature, the first bristles being longer than the second
bristles..Iaddend..Iadd.
81. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a wand; a core on an end of the wand; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the core defines a
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the envelope surface
over at least part of its length has a cross section having an
elongate shape, the cross section having a first width dimension in
a first plane parallel to the plane of curvature and a second width
dimension in second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the
first width dimension being greater than the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
82. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core having first and second ends; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the core defines a
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the envelope surface
over at least part of its length has a cross section having a first
width dimension in a first plane parallel to the plane of curvature
and a second width dimension in a second plane perpendicular to the
first plane, the first width dimension being greater than the
second width dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
83. The brush of claim 82, wherein the cross section is elongated
in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
84. The brush of claim 82, wherein the bristles comprise first
bristles extending substantially parallel to the plane of curvature
and second bristles extending substantially perpendicular to the
plane of curvature, the first bristles being longer than the second
bristles..Iaddend..Iadd.
85. The brush of claim 82, wherein the first width dimension is the
maximum width dimension of the cross-section..Iaddend..Iadd.
86. The brush of claim 82, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 1.5 times the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
87. The brush of claim 82, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 2 times the second width dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
88. The brush of claim 82, wherein the bristles extend from a
portion of the core defining the curve..Iaddend..Iadd.
89. The brush of claim 82, further comprising a wand associated
with the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
90. The brush of claim 89, wherein the first end of the core is
secured to the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
91. The brush of claim 90, wherein the wand defines an axis (X--X)
and wherein the first and second ends of the core are aligned with
the axis (X--X) defined by the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
92. The brush of claim 82, wherein the cross section is elongated
in the direction of an axis (Z--Z) of greatest length parallel to
the plane of curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
93. The brush of claim 92, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length,
the at least two sides being substantially parallel to the axis
(Z--Z)..Iaddend..Iadd.
94. The brush of claim 93, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
95. The brush of claim 92, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length,
each of the at least two sides having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
96. The brush of claim 95, wherein the at least two sides of the
cross section have two ends, a width of the cross section in the
direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of
greatest length at one of the two ends being substantially
zero..Iaddend..Iadd.
97. The brush of claim 96, wherein the width of the cross section
in the direction of the axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the axis
(Z--Z) of greatest length at both of the two ends is substantially
zero..Iaddend..Iadd.
98. The brush of claim 95, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
99. The brush of claim 92, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in a direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
100. The brush of claim 92, wherein the cross section has a maximum
width (D) in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length
and a maximum width (d) in the direction of an axis (Y--Y)
perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, D and d
satisfying the relationship: D>1.5d..Iaddend..Iadd.
101. The brush of claim 100, wherein D and d satisfy the
relationship: D>2d..Iaddend..Iadd.
102. The brush of claim 82, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 50% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
103. The brush of claim 82, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 75% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
104. The brush of claim 82, wherein the curve is substantially the
shape of an arc of a circle..Iaddend..Iadd.
105. The brush of claim 82, wherein the bristles comprise first and
second ends defining the envelope surface of the
brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
106. The brush of claim 105, wherein each of the bristles comprises
a portion between the first and second bristle ends, wherein the
core holds the portion..Iaddend..Iadd.
107. The brush of claim 82, wherein the bristles comprise short
bristles and long bristles, wherein ends of the long bristles
define the envelope surface of the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
108. The brush of claim 82, wherein the core comprises first and
second branches, the first and second branches being helically
twisted and holding bristles between the
branches..Iaddend..Iadd.
109. The brush of claim 82, wherein the brush is configured in the
form of a mascara brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
110. A cosmetic device comprising: the brush of claim 82; and a
reservoir containing a cosmetic product..Iaddend..Iadd.
111. The cosmetic device of claim 110, wherein the brush is
configured in the form of a mascara brush and the cosmetic product
comprises mascara..Iaddend..Iadd.
112. The cosmetic device of claim 110, further comprising a
wringing device associated with the reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
113. The cosmetic device of claim 110, wherein the reservoir is
configured to removably receive the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
114. The cosmetic device of claim 110, wherein the brush further
comprises a wand extending from a cap configured to be connected to
the reservoir, the wand being secured to the
core..Iaddend..Iadd.
115. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a wand; a core on an end of the wand; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, and a second end, wherein the core defines a
curve in a plane of curvature, and wherein the envelope surface
over at least part of its length has a cross section having an
elongate shape in the direction of an axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length parallel to the plane of curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
116. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core having a first end and a second end; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, a second end, and a cross section, wherein the
core defines a curve in a plane of curvature, the curve having a
concave side and a convex side, wherein over at least a part of the
length of the envelope surface, a) in the plane of curvature, the
envelope surface is spaced a first distance from the concave side
of the curve defined by the core, and b) in a plane perpendicular
to the plane of curvature, the envelope surface is spaced a second
distance from the core, and wherein the first distance is greater
than the second distance..Iaddend..Iadd.
117. The brush of claim 116, wherein the envelope surface is spaced
a third distance from the convex side of the curve defined by the
core, wherein the third distance is greater than the second
distance..Iaddend..Iadd.
118. The brush of claim 117, wherein the third distance equals the
first distance..Iaddend..Iadd.
119. The brush of claim 116, wherein over said at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, in the plane perpendicular to
the plane of curvature, the core is positioned between first and
second portions of the envelope surface, and wherein the second
distance is a distance from the first portion of the envelope
surface to the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
120. The brush of claim 119, wherein the distance from the second
portion of the envelope surface to the core is equal to the second
distance..Iaddend..Iadd.
121. The brush of claim 116, wherein over said at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, the cross-section of the
envelope surface has an elongate shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
122. The brush of claim 121, wherein the cross section is elongated
in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
123. The brush of claim 116, wherein the bristles comprise first
bristles extending substantially parallel to the plane of curvature
and second bristles extending substantially perpendicular to the
plane of curvature, the first bristles being longer than the second
bristles..Iaddend..Iadd.
124. The brush of claim 116, wherein over said at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, the cross section of the
envelope surface has a first width dimension in a first plane
parallel to the plane of curvature and a second width dimension in
second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the first width
dimension being greater than the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
125. The brush of claim 124, wherein the first width dimension is
the maximum width dimension of the
cross-section..Iaddend..Iadd.
126. The brush of claim 124, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 1.5 times the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
127. The brush of claim 124, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 2 times the second width dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
128. The brush of claim 116, wherein the bristles extend from a
portion of the core defining the curve..Iaddend..Iadd.
129. The brush of claim 116, further comprising a wand associated
with the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
130. The brush of claim 129, wherein the first end of the core is
secured to the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
131. The brush of claim 130, wherein the wand defines an axis
(X--X) and wherein the first and second ends of the core are
aligned with the axis (X--X) defined by the
wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
132. The brush of claim 116, wherein the cross section is
non-symmetric about the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
133. The brush of claim 116, wherein the cross section is elongated
in the direction of an axis (Z--Z) of greatest length parallel to
the plane of curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
134. The brush of claim 133, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length,
the at least two sides being substantially parallel to the axis
(Z--Z)..Iaddend..Iadd.
135. The brush of claim 134, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
136. The brush of claim 133, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length,
each of the at least two sides having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
137. The brush of claim 136, wherein the at least two sides of the
cross section have two ends, a width of the cross section in the
direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of
greatest length at one of the two ends being substantially
zero..Iaddend..Iadd.
138. The brush of claim 137, wherein the width of the cross section
in the direction of the axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the axis
(Z--Z) of greatest length at both of the two ends is substantially
zero..Iaddend..Iadd.
139. The brush of claim 136, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
140. The brush of claim 133, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in a direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, each of the at least two sides in
the direction of the axis (Y--Y) having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
141. The brush of claim 133, wherein the cross section has a
maximum width (D) in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length and a maximum width (d) in the direction of an axis (Y--Y)
perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, D and d
satisfying the relationship: D>1.5d..Iaddend..Iadd.
142. The brush of claim 141, wherein D and d satisfy the
relationship: D>2d..Iaddend..Iadd.
143. The brush of claim 116, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 50% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
144. The brush of claim 116, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 75% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
145. The brush of claim 116, wherein the curve is substantially the
shape of an arc of a circle..Iaddend..Iadd.
146. The brush of claim 116, wherein the bristles comprise first
and second ends defining the envelope surface of the
brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
147. The brush of claim 116, wherein each of the bristles comprises
a portion between the first and second bristle ends, wherein the
core holds the portion..Iaddend..Iadd.
148. The brush of claim 116, wherein the bristles comprise short
bristles and long bristles, wherein ends of the long bristles
define the envelope surface of the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
149. The brush of claim 116, wherein the core comprises first and
second branches, the first and second branches being helically
twisted and holding bristles between the
branches..Iaddend..Iadd.
150. The brush of claim 116, wherein the brush is configured in the
form of a mascara brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
151. A cosmetic device comprising: the brush of claim 116; and a
reservoir containing a cosmetic product..Iaddend..Iadd.
152. The cosmetic device of claim 151, wherein the brush is
configured in the form of a mascara brush and the cosmetic product
comprises mascara..Iaddend..Iadd.
153. The cosmetic device of claim 151, further comprising a
wringing device associated with the reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
154. The cosmetic device of claim 151, wherein the reservoir is
configured to removably receive the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
155. The cosmetic device of claim 151, wherein the brush further
comprises a wand extending from a cap configured to be connected to
the reservoir, the wand being secured to the
core..Iaddend..Iadd.
156. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core having a first end and a second end; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, a second end, and a cross section, wherein the
core defines a curve in a plane of curvature, the curve having a
concave side and a convex side, and wherein over at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, a) in a plane parallel to the
plane of curvature, the envelope surface is spaced a first distance
from the convex side of the curve defined by the core, and b) in a
plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature, the envelope surface
is spaced a second distance from the core, and wherein the first
distance is greater than the second distance..Iaddend..Iadd.
157. The brush of claim 156, wherein over said at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, in the plane perpendicular to
the plane of curvature, the core is positioned between first and
second portions of the envelope surface, wherein the second
distance is a distance from the first portion of the envelope
surface to the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
158. The brush of claim 157, wherein the distance from the second
portion of the envelope surface to the core is equal to the second
distance..Iaddend..Iadd.
159. The brush of claim 156, wherein over said at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, the cross-section of the
envelope surface has an elongate shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
160. The brush of claim 159, wherein the cross section is elongated
in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
161. The brush of claim 156, wherein the bristles comprise first
bristles extending substantially parallel to the plane of curvature
and second bristles extending substantially perpendicular to the
plane of curvature, the first bristles being longer than the second
bristles..Iaddend..Iadd.
162. The brush of claim 156, wherein over said at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, the cross section of the
envelope surface has a first width dimension in a first plane
parallel to the plane of curvature and a second width dimension in
second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the first width
dimension being greater than the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
163. The brush of claim 156, wherein the bristles extend from a
portion of the core defining the curve..Iaddend..Iadd.
164. The brush of claim 156, further comprising a wand associated
with the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
165. The brush of claim 164, wherein the first end of the core is
secured to the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
166. The brush of claim 156, wherein the cross section is elongated
in the direction of an axis (Z--Z) of greatest length parallel to
the plane of curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
167. The brush of claim 156, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 50% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
168. The brush of claim 156, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 75% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
169. The brush of claim 156, wherein the curve is substantially the
shape of an arc of a circle..Iaddend..Iadd.
170. The brush of claim 156, wherein the core comprises first and
second branches, the first and second branches being helically
twisted and holding bristles between the
branches..Iaddend..Iadd.
171. The brush of claim 156, wherein the brush is configured in the
form of a mascara brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
172. A cosmetic device comprising: the brush of claim 156; and a
reservoir containing a cosmetic product..Iaddend..Iadd.
173. The cosmetic device of claim 172, wherein the brush is
configured in the form of a mascara brush and the cosmetic product
comprises mascara..Iaddend..Iadd.
174. The cosmetic device of claim 172, further comprising a
wringing device associated with the reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
175. The cosmetic device of claim 172, wherein the reservoir is
configured to removably receive the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
176. The cosmetic device of claim 172, wherein the brush further
comprises a wand extending from a cap configured to be connected to
the reservoir, the wand being secured to the
core..Iaddend..Iadd.
177. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core having a first end and a second end; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, a second end, and a cross section, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least a
part of its length is non-symmetric about the core, wherein the
curve defined by the core is in a plane of curvature, and wherein
the cross section is elongate d in a direction substantially
parallel to the plane of curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
178. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core having a first end and a second end; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, a second end, and a cross section, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least a
part of its length is non-symmetric about the core, wherein the
curve defined by the core is in a plane of curvature, and wherein
the bristles comprise first bristles extending substantially
parallel to the plane of curvature and second bristles extending
substantially perpendicular to the plane of curvature, the first
bristles being longer than the second bristles..Iaddend..Iadd.
179. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core having a first end and a second end; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, a second end, and a cross section, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least a
part of its length is non-symmetric about the core, wherein the
curve defined by the core is in a plane of curvature, and wherein
the cross section has a first width dimension in a first plane
parallel to the plane of curvature and a second width dimension in
second plane perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the first
width dimension is greater than the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
180. The brush of claim 179, wherein over said at least a part of
the length of the envelope surface, the cross-section of the
envelope surface has an elongate shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
181. The brush of claim 179, wherein the first width dimension is
the maximum width dimension of the
cross-section..Iaddend..Iadd.
182. The brush of claim 179, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 1.5 times the second width
dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
183. The brush of claim 179, wherein the first width dimension is
greater than 2 times the second width dimension..Iaddend..Iadd.
184. The brush of claim 179, wherein the bristles extend from a
portion of the core defining the curve..Iaddend..Iadd.
185. The brush of claim 179, further comprising a wand associated
with the core..Iaddend..Iadd.
186. The brush of claim 185, wherein the first end of the core is
secured to the wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
187. The brush of claim 186, wherein the wand defines an axis
(X--X) and wherein the first and second ends of the core are
aligned with the axis (X--X) defined by the
wand..Iaddend..Iadd.
188. The brush of claim 179, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 50% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
189. The brush of claim 179, wherein the envelope surface has an
elongate cross section over at least 75% of its
length..Iaddend..Iadd.
190. The brush of claim 179, wherein the curve is substantially the
shape of an arc of a circle..Iaddend..Iadd.
191. The brush of claim 179, wherein the bristles comprise first
and second ends defining the envelope surface of the
brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
192. The brush of claim 191, wherein each of the bristles comprises
a portion between the first and second bristle ends, wherein the
core holds the portion..Iaddend..Iadd.
193. The brush of claim 179, wherein the bristles comprise short
bristles and long bristles, wherein ends of the long bristles
define the envelope surface of the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
194. The brush of claim 179, wherein the core comprises first and
second branches, the first and second branches being helically
twisted and holding bristles between the
branches..Iaddend..Iadd.
195. The brush of claim 179, wherein the brush is configured in the
form of a mascara brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
196. A cosmetic device comprising: the brush of claim 179; and a
reservoir containing a cosmetic product..Iaddend..Iadd.
197. The cosmetic device of claim 196, wherein the brush is
configured in the form of a mascara brush and the cosmetic product
comprises mascara..Iaddend..Iadd.
198. The cosmetic device of claim 196, further comprising a
wringing device associated with the reservoir..Iaddend..Iadd.
199. The cosmetic device of claim 196, wherein the reservoir is
configured to removably receive the brush..Iaddend..Iadd.
200. The cosmetic device of claim 196, wherein the brush further
comprises a wand extending from a cap configured to be connected to
the reservoir, the wand being secured to the
core..Iaddend..Iadd.
201. A brush for applying a cosmetic product, the brush comprising:
a core having a first end and a second end; and bristles extending
radially from the core, the bristles comprising ends defining an
envelope surface of the brush, the envelope surface comprising a
length, a first end, a second end, and a cross section, wherein the
core defines a curve, wherein the envelope surface over at least a
part of its length is non-symmetric about the core, wherein the
curve defined by the core is in a plane of curvature, and wherein
the cross section is elongated in the direction of an axis (Z--Z)
of greatest length parallel to the plane of
curvature..Iaddend..Iadd.
202. The brush of claim 201, wherein the cross section has at least
two sides in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length,
each of the at least two sides having a convex
shape..Iaddend..Iadd.
203. The brush of claim 202, wherein the at least two sides of the
cross section have two ends, a width of the cross section in the
direction of an axis (Y--Y) perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of
greatest length at one of the two ends being substantially
zero..Iaddend..Iadd.
204. The brush of claim 201, wherein the cross section has a
maximum width (D) in the direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest
length and a maximum width (d) in the direction of an axis (Y--Y)
perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, D and d
satisfying the relationship: D>1.5d..Iaddend..Iadd.
205. The brush of claim 204, wherein D and d satisfy the
relationship: D>2d..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a brush, particularly a brush for applying
a cosmetic product to keratinous fibers, especially for applying
mascara to the eyelashes to a dye to the hair, and to a make-up
device comprising the brush; the brush has a curved core.
2. Description of the Preferred Embodiment
A brush for applying a cosmetic product customarily comprises an
elongate core, formed by a helical twist of two branches of a metal
wire which has been bent into a U before the branches were twisted,
and bristles inserted radially into this core and gripped between
these twisted branches. Such brushes may be of various shapes and
have cutouts.
When these brushes are used to apply mascara to the eyelashes, such
shapes and such cutouts are designed to make it possible to obtain
a heavier or lighter make-up effect, with varying amounts of
lengthening and of curling of the eyelashes.
Brushes in the shape of a fragment of a torus are known, these
brushes being obtained by twisting the core of a cylindrical brush
into an arc of a circle. Such brushes have a convex face, a concave
face, and two more or less flat faces. Such brushes are not very
easy to handle because, if the user twists the wand of such a brush
about its axis between her fingers in order for example to apply a
product to here eyelashes, she has continually to correct the
distance between the brush and the eyelashes. With these brushes it
is difficult to apply make-up in the corner of the eye without
overspill onto the eyelid and the side of the nose. Furthermore, it
has been observed that such a brush tends to coat the eyelashes
without spreading out the product very much and without separating
the lashes very much. Brushes obtained by twisting the core of a
cylindro-conical brush into a circular arc have the same
drawbacks.
It has therefore become desirable to have available brushes that
allow the eyelashes to be engaged fully by the brush in order to
spread out the product correctly and to separate the lashes
properly. Another object of the invention is to provide a brush
which is still simple and economical to apply, and is practical to
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The Applicant has unexpectedly discovered novel brushes for
applying a cosmetic product which, when used to apply mascara to
the eyelashes, make it possible to obtain a make-up effect with a
great deal of separation, curling and lengthening and with a
product spread out along the entire length of the lash. These
brushes are moreover very easy to handle and allow make-up to be
applied with ease to the corner of the eye.
A first aspect of the invention provides a brush comprising a wand
defining a major axis (X--X); a core comprising a first end and a
second end, the first end being secured to the wand: bristles
inserted radially into this core, the ends of the bristles defining
an envelope surface of the brush, this envelope surface having a
first end and a second end, the brush being characterized in that
the core describes a curve (C) in a plane of curvature (P); and in
that the envelope surface of the brush, over at least part of its
length, has a cross section of elongate shape in the direction of
an axis (Z--Z) of greatest length parallel to the plane of
curvature (P).
The cross section of the envelope surface is intended to mean a
section through the envelope surface on a plane perpendicular to
the core.
Preferably, the curve (C) is more or less circular. That side of
the brush which is in the concave part of the curve (C) forms a
first comb-line part. That side of the brush which is on the
opposite side likewise forms a second comb-like part.
As the cross sections of the envelope surface of the brush are
elongate in the direction of the axis of greatest length, in the
direction parallel to the plane (P) of twisting of the core, the
brush according to the invention has two broad flattened faces.
The first comb-like part, that is in the hollow of the brush, is
very close in shape to the contour of the eyelashes. Furthermore,
it contains long and therefore very flexible bristles, and these
bristles converge. It can therefore engage the eyelashes along the
entire width of the eyelid, lengthen them and curl them. As this
comb-like part has a high density of bristles, it encourages the
curling of the lash. The second comb-like part on the opposite side
has less dense and more spaced cut bristles since they diverge.
This second comb-like part can therefore comb the lashes more
easily and spread the product over their entire length. The two
comb-like parts are narrow compared with the faces of the brush.
They can therefore penetrate well into the lashes in order to
separate them over their entire length.
As the distance between the two faces is shorter than the width of
the brush, the brush can slip easily into the corner of the eye to
apply make-up to the eyelashes without overspill around the corner
of the eye.
The two wide faces of the brush which have bristles which are
shorter, and therefore less flexible than the bristles of the
sides, allow very effective application of the product to the
lashes.
The very pronounced and markedly differing characteristics of the
faces and of the sides give this brush a surprising dynamic
behavior when the user turns the brush between her fingers, the
lashes are alternately coated and curled then combed out with
uncustomary intensity.
Preferably the core is central with respect to each cross
section.
In a first alternative form of the invention, provision may be made
for the cross section to have at least two sides in the direction
of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, these sides being more or
less parallel to the axis (Z--Z).
In a second alternative form of the invention, provision may be
made for the cross section to have at least two sides in the
direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, these sides having
a convex shape. According to this alternative form, provision may
be made for the sides of the cross section to have two ends, the
width of the section in the direction of the axis (Y--Y)
perpendicular to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length at one of these
ends, or at both of these ends, being more or less zero.
With either of the alternative forms of the invention, it is
preferable for the cross section to have at least two sides in the
direction of the axis (Y--Y), this axis being perpendicular to the
axis (Z--Z) of greatest length, these sides having a convex
shape.
Advantageously, the cross section has a maximum width (D) in the
direction of the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length and a maximum width
(d) in the direction of the axis (Y--Y), D and d satisfying the
relationship. D>1.5d
More preferably still, D and d satisfy the relationship:
D>2d
The longer length can vary along the core. In order that the
make-up characteristics described hereinabove are more pronounced,
brushes are preferred in which the envelope surface has an elongate
cross section over at least 50% and preferably at least 75% of its
length.
Advantageously, the brushes according to the invention are designed
in such a way that, for each cross section, the axis of greatest
length and the axis of greatest width are perpendicular.
For greater ease of handling, the ends of the core are preferably
aligned with the axis X--X.
A second aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing a
brush as described hereinabove, the method being characterized in
that it comprises the following steps: (i) producing a starting
brush comprising a wand defining a major axis (X--X); and a core
comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being
secured to this wand, the core being straight and aligned with the
wand, bristles being inserted radially into this core, the end of
the bristles defining an envelope surface of the starting brush.
(ii) trimming the bristles of the starting brush in such a way that
the envelope surface of the brush over at least part of its length
has a cross section of elongate shape in the direction of an axis
(Z--Z) of greatest length, and (iii) giving the core a main twist
in the plane parallel to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length and
passing through the wand.
Preferably, in a fourth step; (iv) a secondary twist is given to
that end of the core which is secured to the wand in order to align
the second end of the core with the main axis (X--X).
More preferably, steps (i) and (ii) are carried out in such a way
that the core is central with respect to the faces of the straight
trimmed brush.
Advantageously, the starting brush is trimmed in such a way that
the envelope surface has an elongate cross section over at least
50% and preferably at least 75%, of its length.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, step (iii) is carried
out in such a way as to give the core a main twist which is more or
less an arc of a circle.
Furthermore, the bristles of the brushes according to the invention
may be of any kind: the bristles may be of different lengths, of
different diameters or of different cross-sections, or of different
materials; the bristles may have tapered ends or forked ends, or be
shaped like a hairpin, or may have undergone any sort of treatment
known to those skilled in the art.
The brush according to the invention may contain alternating rows
of short bristles and of long bristles, only the long bristles
being involved in defining the envelope surface of the brush. This
alternative form of the brush of the invention makes it possible to
accentuate the coating of the eyelash with product.
The starting brush may have been milled before being subjected to
the method of the invention, in such a way that it has long
scattered bristles which are not taken into account in defining the
envelope surface of the starting brush.
The helical twisting of the two branches of metal wire that forms
the core may be with a right-hand twist as is customary in the
manufacture of make-up brushes, or with a left-hand twist, as per
the teachings of FR-A-2701198. To manufacture a brush with a
left-hand twist, the branches of the core are twisted by turning to
the left to form turns that turn in the clockwise direction about
the core in a direction from the wand towards the end of the
brush.
A third aspect of the invention provides a make-up device
comprising: a mascara reservoir and a mascara-applicator member
according to the first aspect.
Owing to its special shape, when the brush passes through a
wringing device, its sides are very well wrung out while its faces
are wrung out to a lesser extent. In particular, the sides and the
faces are wrung asymmetrically on account of their curvature. This
special feature allows the user, depending on which of the faces is
used, to apply make-up with a heaviness and intensity that can vary
along the entire length of the eyelid.
The flexibility of the bristles, and the flexibility of the core,
can be altered to encourage or discourage the wringing-out of the
brush.
In order to make the subject-matter of the invention easier to
understand, several brushes that have the characteristics of this
invention will be described hereafter by way of example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A and 3A are views in perspective of starting brushes
that can be used to manufacture a brush according to the
invention.
FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B are views in perspective of brushes
respectively according to 1A, 2A and 3A which have been trimmed in
accordance step (ii) of the method according to the invention.
FIGS. 1C, 2C and 3C are sections on planes IC--IC, IIC--IIC and
IIIC--IIIC of the brushes depicted in FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B
respectively.
FIGS. 1D, 2D and 3D are perspective views of brushes according to
the invention, manufactured in accordance with the method of the
invention, from the starting brushes depicted in FIGS. 1A, 2A and
3A respectively.
FIG. 4 is a view in section of a device for applying eye
makeup.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The brush 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 1A comprises a straight wand
101 defining a main axis X--X. Fixed by force-fitting to the end
101.1 of this wand 101 is a relatively flexible core 102 defining
the length of the brush. This core (which has been depicted in
these Figures even though it is inside the brush) is elongate and
has been formed by the helical twisting of two branches of a length
of metal wire 103 which has been bent into a U before the branches
were twisted. The axis of the core 102 coincides with the main axis
X--X. Bristles 104 are inserted radially between the branches of
the wire 103. When the branches of the wire 103 are twisted, the
bristles become clamped and held between the helical turns of the
core 102. The ends of the bristles 104 define the surface 105 of
the brush, this is a convex axisymmetric surface which has the
shape of a rugby ball and the ends of which consist of two right
cross sections: the disk 106.a with a center 108.a and the disk
106.b with a center 108.b.
Using a trimmer, two more or less flat parallel faces are cut in
the brush of FIG. 1A over practically the entire length (measured
alone the axis X--X) of the brush. Depicted in FIG. 1A is the
intersection (Y1) between the surface 105 of the brush and the
trimming plane. This yields a trimmed brush depicted in FIGS. 1B
and 1C.
For elements of FIGS. 1B and 1C which are common to those of FIG.
1A, the references in FIGS. 1B and 1C are the same as those in FIG.
1A, increased by 10.
The brush depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1C has two mutually parallel
faces 119 which are also parallel to the axis X--X. These two faces
are equidistant from the core 112. The distance between the two
faces is d. The two faces are joined by rounded edges 120. In the
region where the faces 119 have cutouts, the sections of the brush
on a plane perpendicular to X--X consist of curves 115C depicted in
FIG. 1C which are more or less rectangular, with a long length D in
the direction of the axis Z--Z of greatest length and the greatest
width d measured along the axis Y--Y of greatest width, with
D>1.5d. The two faces do not extend as far as the ends 117a and
117b of the brush. At these ends, the sections 116a, 116b of the
brush are circular. The curve 115C is symmetric with respect to the
axis Z--Z of greatest length and the axis Y--Y of greatest
width.
Using an appropriate tool, for example by pressing the core
longitudinally around a metal cylinder, the core 112 is given a
first twist in the plane parallel to the faces 119 between the
sections 116.a and 116.b, in such a way that the core has more or
less the shape of an arc of a circle; then it is given a second
twist, in the same plane, between the end 111.1 of the wand and the
center 118.a of the end section of the brush, so as to align the
center 118.b of the other end of the brush with the main axis X--X,
like the first end 118.a.
This operation yields a brush 120 according to the invention and
depicted in FIG. 1D. In this Figure, the references given to
elements which are similar to those in FIGS. 1B and 1C are those of
FIG. 1B and 1C increased by 10.
The brush in FIG. 1D is more or less in the shape of a sickle; the
core 122 describes a curve C which is more or less an arc of a
circle. However, its ends 128.a and 128.b are aligned with the main
axis X--X. The brush comprises two faces 129a, 129b. These two
faces are joined by rounded edges 120. The surface 125 of the brush
is generated by a series of curves 115c, as depicted in FIG. 1C,
which progress along the core 122, these curves are more or less
rectangular, with their axes (Z--Z) of greatest length mutually
parallel. At its ends 127a, 127b, the brush is generated by
circular curves.
FIG. 2A can be differentiated from FIG. 1A by the fact that the
surface 205 of the starting brush is in the shape of a cone
frustum.
Using a trimmer two secant rounded faces are cut in the brush of
FIG. 2A along the entire length (measured along the axis X--X) of
the brush. This yields a trimmed brush depicted in FIGS. 2B and
2C.
For elements of FIGS. 2B and 2C which are common to FIG. 2A, the
references in FIGS. 2B and 2C are the same as those in FIG. 2A
increased by 10.
The brush depicted in FIGS. 2B and 2C has two rounded and secant
faces 219. These two faces are symmetric with respect to the core
212.
The distance d between the extremes of the two faces is more or
less constant from one end of the brush to the other. The two faces
are joined by edges 220 which end in ridges 220a. The
cross-sections of the brush on a plane perpendicular to X--X
consist of curves 215c depicted in FIG. 2C which are more or less
eye-shaped, with the long length D along the axis Z--Z of greatest
length and greatest width d measured along the axis Y--Y of
greatest width. D increases from a first end 216b as far as a
second end 216a with D>2d on the curve 215c depicted in FIG. 2C.
The two trimmed faces extend as far as the end sections 216a and
216b of the brush. The curve 215c is symmetric with respect to the
axis Z--Z of greatest length and the axis Y--Y of greatest
width.
Using an appropriate tool, for example by pressing the core
longitudinally around a metal cylinder, the core 212 is given a
first twist in the plane parallel to the axis Z--Z and passing
through the wand 211, between the sections 216.a and 216.b, in such
a way that the core has more or less the shape of an arc of a
circle; it is then given a second twist, in the same plane, between
the end 211.1 of the wand and the center 218.a of the end section
of the brush, so as to align the center 218.b of the other end of
the brush with the main axis X--X, like the first end 218.a.
This operation yields a brush 200 according to the invention and
depicted in FIG. 2D. In this Figure, the references given to
elements that are similar to those in FIGS. 2B and 2C are those of
FIGS. 2B and 2C increased by 10.
The brush in FIG. 2D is more or less in the shape of a sickle; the
core 222 describes a curve C.sub.2 which is more or less an arc of
a circle. However, its ends 228.a and 228.b are aligned with the
main axis X--X. The surface 225 of the brush comprises two faces
229a, 229b. These two faces are joined by two more or less circular
ridges 230a, 230b. The surface 225 of the brush is generated by a
series of curves 215 as depicted in FIG. 2C, which progress along
the core 222; these curves are more or less eye-shaped, with their
axis of greatest length (Z--Z) mutually parallel.
For elements of FIG. 3A which are common to FIG. 1A, the references
given to elements similar to those in FIG. 1A are those of FIG. 1A
increased by 200.
FIG. 3A can be differentiated from FIG. 1A by the fact that the
intersection (.gamma..sub.3) of a cross section, here the end
section 306b of the surface 305 of the brush with the trimming
plane, has the shape of a teardrop.
Using a trimmer, two secant rounded faces are cut in the brush of
FIG. 3A along the entire length (measured along the axis X--X) of
the brush following the curve (.gamma..sub.3). This yields a
trimmed brush depicted in FIGS. 3B and 3C.
For elements of FIGS. 3B and 3C which are common to FIG. 3A, the
references in FIGS. 3B and 3C are the same as those in FIG. 3A,
increased by 10.
The brush depicted in FIGS. 3B and 3C has two rounded and secant
faces 319. These two faces are symmetric with respect to the plane
passing through the core 312 and containing the axis of greatest
length Z--Z. The distance d between the extremes of the two faces
is more or less constant from one end of the brush to the other.
The two faces are joined by edges 320a which is rounded, and 320b
which is a ridge. The sections of the brush on a plane
perpendicular to X--X consist of curves 315c, depicted in FIG. 3C,
which are more or less teardrop shaped, with the longest length D
along the axis Z--Z of greatest length ad the greatest width d
measured along the axis Y--Y of greatest width. The greatest width
d is not centered with respect to the greatest length D. D is
constant along the axis of the core with D>2d on the curve 315c
depicted in FIG. 3C. The two trimmed faces extend as far as the end
sections 316a and 316b of the brush. The curve 315c is symmetric
with respect to the axis (Z--Z) of greatest length but not with
respect to the axis Y--Y of greatest width.
Using an appropriate tool, for example by pressing the core
longitudinally around a metal cylinder, the core 312 is given a
first twist in the plane parallel to the axis Z--Z and passing
through the wand 311, between the sections 316.a and 316.b, in such
a way that the core has more or less the shape of an arc of a
circle; it is then given a second twist, in the same plane, between
the end 311.1 of the wand and the center 318.a of the end section
of the brush, so as to align the center 318.b of the other end of
the brush with the main axis X--X, like the first end 318.a.
This operation yields a brush 300 according to the invention and
depicted in FIG. 3D. In this Figure, the references given to
elements that are similar to those in FIGS. 3B and 3C are those of
FIGS. 3B and 3C increased by 10.
The brush in FIG. 3D is more or less the shape of a sickle; the
core 322 describes a curve C.sub.3, which is more or less an arc of
a circle. However, its ends 328.a and 328.b are aligned with the
main axis X--X. The surface 325 of the brush comprises two faces
329. These two faces are joined by a ridge 330b and by a rounded
edge 330a which are more or less circular. The surface 325 of the
brush is generated by a series of curves 315c as depicted in FIG.
3C, which progress along the core 322; these curves are more or
less teardrop shaped, with their axes (Z--Z) of greatest length
mutually parallel and parallel to the plane of curvature.
In the three embodiments of the invention described hereinabove,
use was made of starting brushes with the shape of a rugby ball and
a frustoconical shape but it is also possible to use a starting
brush with a shape chosen from a cylinder, bioconical (two cones
joined together by the bases of the two identically-sized cones.),
a fish as descried for example in FR-A-2730910, a peanut, an obus
or a teardrop.
The device for applying make-up to the eyes depicted in FIG. 4
comprises a cylindrical reservoir 420 which has a threaded neck 424
surmounted by a seal 425 and which is full of a mascara 415. In its
neck, the reservoir 420 has a wringing device 421, the wringing
device being held in position in the neck by a rim 426 that
interacts with the shoulder separating the neck from the reservoir
420 proper. The wringing device 421 consists, in the known way, of
a flexible and elastic material. An applicator is intended to
interact with the reservoir 420. This applicator consists of a
holding means 423 which supports the applicator member 430,
comprising a wand 422 and an applicator member 401 which are
identical to those depicted in FIGS. 1D or 2D. The holding means
423 is in the form of a cap and has a screw thread 423.a which
interacts with the screw thread 424.a on the neck of the reservoir.
The reservoir 420 can be closed and sealed by screening the means
423 holding onto the neck 424 of the reservoir provided with its
seal 425.
When the applicator member 430 is pulled out of the reservoir the
applicator member, which is in the form of a brush laden with
mascara, passes through the wringing device 421 which wrings out
the bristles on the back of the brush more than it wrings out the
bristles in the hollow of the brush. The bristles on the sides of
the brush are very much wrung out.
While applying the mascara to the eyelashes, the brush coats the
lashes with product on both faces than spreads out the product, and
lengthens and curls the lash with its back and hollow faces, and
combs using its sides. As (i) the bristles on the sides are very
long compared with the rest of the D bristles of the brush, as (ii)
the bristles in the hollow of the brush have a shape which can
adapt to the contour of the eyelid, and as (iii) the comb is not
very thick, the lashes are engaged very well during this
combing-out, which is very effective.
Compared with the brushes known from the prior art that are convex
overall, the brush according to the invention offers the advantages
of being very easy to use, of applying make-up to all of the lashes
on the eyelid without overspill, and of giving a very lengthening
and very curling make-up effect with good separation.
* * * * *