EP2367456B1

EP2367456B1 - Ergonomic cosmetic brush

Info

Publication number: EP2367456B1
Application number: EP09830774.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthew Waitesmith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-01
Filing date: 2009-10-07
Publication date: 2019-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-07
Also published as: USRE48508E1; CN102227180A; USRE46939E1; CN102227180B; CA2744810C; USRE47847E1; EP2367456A2; JP5537559B2; US20100132731A1; EP2367456A4; WO2010065188A3; CA2744810A1; USRE47359E1; USD699041S1; WO2010065188A2; JP2012510313A

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a cosmetic brush and more specifically it relates to an ergonomic cosmetic brush for the efficient self-application of cosmetics and makeup.

Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Makeup brushes are configured in a plurality of different styles and configurations. Traditional makeup brushes are designed for one individual to apply product to another individual, wherein the lasting origin for the brushes stems from artist's brushes that were meant to aid the artist in applying products to a secondary surface or medium, such as a canvas or fresco surfaced wall. Traditional designs of makeup brushes generally make it difficult for a single user to use the brush for self-application purposes due to the need to hold the brush at an odd angle relative on one's own face.
Another problem with traditional brushes is that because the brush has to be held at an odd angle, the user must typically make more strokes than necessary and continuously move product around in order to achieve a blended result thus drastically increasing the time and work needed to apply makeup to one's self. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved ergonomic cosmetic brush for efficient self-application of cosmetics and makeup.
JP 2007 319211 A , DE 199 00 784 A1 , JP H08 154726 A , EP 1 647 198 A2 disclose a brush facilitating application comprising a head extending at an upward angle relative to neck.
US 2007/124880 A1 discloses a brush comprising a handle and a head support section intersecting each other at an obtuse angle to one another, wherein the handle has an ovular shape.
WO 97/35498 discloses a brush comprising a handle having an insert.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for efficient self-application of cosmetics and makeup. The invention relates to a brush as defined in claim 1.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention being used to self-apply cosmetic product to one's face.
FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment with the bristles exploded from the head of the body.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an example not covered by the invention.
FIG. 10 is a side view of an example not covered by the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate an ergonomic cosmetic brush 10, which comprises a handle 30, a neck 40 tapering inwardly and extending at a downward angle relative to the handle 30, and a head 50 extending at an upward angle relative to the neck 40, wherein the head 50 is offset heightwise with respect to the handle 30. A bundle of fibers 60 perpendicularly extends from the head 50 for applying the cosmetic product.
The brush 10 may be designed for self-applying various types of makeup or cosmetic products. For example, the brush 10 may be used for corner eye shadow, eye contour, eyeliner, eye shadow, lip products, powder or blush. The brush 10 may be manufactured in multiple different sizes include different size handles 30, heads 50, bundles of fibers 60, different length necks 40 or other to correlate with the type of brush 10 used. It is appreciated that the term "cosmetic" herein may refer to makeup, lotions, or any product that is to be applied to oneself with the brush 10.

B. Body

The body 20 of the brush 10 is generally comprised of an elongated sleek design to provide an ergonomic configuration. The body 20 may be comprised of various types of materials, such as but not limited to plastic, resin, rubber, wood, metal, or various other configurations that are lightweight and durable. The body 20 may further vary in length, texture, and tensile strength as desired with the particular application and user preferences. The outer surface of the body 20 is also generally comprised of a smooth configuration to provide comfort for the user to grasp. The body 20 may further include antimicrobial treatments to inhibit microbial growth, may include a coating to provide ultraviolet ray blocking, or may employ other filtering treatments.
The body 20 includes a handle 30, a neck 40 extending from the handle 30 and a head 50 extending from the neck 40. The handle 30, neck 40, and head 50 are preferably integrally formed; however, it is appreciated that the body 20 may be comprised of a plurality of separate structures.
The handle 30 may be comprised of various shapes and sizes. The handle 30 may be comprised of a slightly flattened ovular shaped configuration in one embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the handle 30 may be comprised of a cylindrical shaped configuration. The handle 30 may be comprised of various colors and styles preferred by the user to increase the aesthetic qualities of the handle 30.
Then handle 30 may also include a first insert 31 and a second insert 32 positioned within an upper depression extending within the top surface of the handle 30 and a lower depression extending within the bottom surface of the handle 30. The first insert 31 and the second insert 32 are preferably comprised of a rubberized, soft touch finish or foam, the same material as the handle 30, or a different material than the handle 30, all which provide the user with a grippable surface to grasp while holding onto the handle 30. It is appreciated that the first insert 31 and the second insert 32 are preferably comprised of similar configuration. The first insert 31 and the second insert 32 may be removably attached or fixedly attached within the handle 30. The color of the first insert 31 and the second insert 32 can contrast with the remainder of the handle 30 or body 20 for aesthetic purposes.
The neck 40 extends from a forward end of the handle 30. The neck 40 is comprised of an elongated configuration and extends at a downward angle from the handle 30. The neck 40 preferably extends in a similar direction as the handle 30, just at a downward angle. The downward angle is important to add distance, in a perpendicular direction between the handle 30 and the head 50 of the body 20 so that the user may more easily self-apply cosmetic upon themselves and hold the handle 30 parallel to the user's face without engaging the face with their hand or the handle 30. The user may keep the head 50 next to and parallel with the face of user's body 20 while comfortably holding the handle 30 at a distance from the user's body 20 via the elongated and angled handle 30. The downward angle is preferably approximately 30 degrees, however other angles may be appreciated.
The neck 40 also preferably comprises a substantially smaller diameter or cross-sectional perimeter than the handle 30. The neck 40 further generally tapers inwardly from an inner end 41 (adjacent the handle 30) to an outer end 42 (opposite the handle 30) so as to narrow as the neck 40 reaches the head 50. The shape and size of the neck 40 creates a profile that minimizes the possibility of the neck 40 catching on the face or facial features of the user while using the brush 10. The neck 40 also allows for easy tilting and/or rotation of the fibers 60 while using the brush 10.
The head 50 of the body 20 extends from the outer end 42 of the neck 40. The head 50 may be removably attached to the neck 40 or fixedly attached as deemed necessary. When initially attaching the head 50 to the neck 40, an opening may extend within an end of the head 50 is received by the outer end 42 of the neck 40 and the two are adjoined together with various types of fasteners or adhesives.
The head 50 is generally smooth, curved, and rounded with no sharp edges to minimize any potential damage should the head 50 come into contact with a sensitive area of the eye or face. The head 50 is preferably comprised of a slightly flattened ovular or circular shaped configuration to mimic the handle 30 of the body 20 so that the head 50 and the handle 30 appear compatible. It is appreciated that other shapes may be appreciated.
The head 50 is also generally positioned in a parallel manner with the handle 30 so as to run parallel to the user's face along with the handle 30 while applying the cosmetic product to the user's face with the fibers 60. Thus the head 50 generally extends at an upward angle from the neck 40 to mimic the downward angle between the handle 30 and neck 40. However, in at least one embodiment, the lip applicator brush embodiment, the head 50 is oriented at an upward angle with respect to the handle 30 to allow for a more efficient lip product or substance application process. The orientation of the head 50 with respect to the handle 30 aids in the ease of self-application of the cosmetic, makeup, or other products.
The head 50 is further preferably comprised of a substantially smaller diameter or perimeter than the handle 30. Extending within the lower end of the head 50 is preferably a recessed portion 53 to receive the fibers 60 of the brush 10. The recessed portion 53 is comprised of an ovular shape to match the outer perimeter of the bundle of fibers 60. The shape and outer perimeter size of the head 50 further preferably mimic the outer perimeter of the bundle of fibers 60 attached underneath.

C. Fibers

The brush 10 includes a mass of fibers 60 or bristles to perform various cosmetic application tasks. The fibers 60 are attached to the underside of the head 50 of the body 20 and thus perpendicular to a plane of the head 50. The perpendicular alignment of the fibers 60 to the head 50, handle 30, and user's face further allows the brush 10 to be more easily used as a self-applicator tool.
The fibers 60 may be comprised of various types of configurations or materials depending on the particular cosmetic application that the brush 10 is to be used. The fibers 60 can be animal hair, but are generally fabricated or man-made fibers 60. The fiber 60 length, tensile characteristics, filament surface, color, material, and shape are unique to each brush 10.
The fibers 60 each include a blunt end 61 to attach to a flexible pad 64 that serves to hold them into a particular shape and angle with respect to the head 50 of the body 20. The pad 64 is adhered to the blunt end 61 of the fibers 60 and then affixed within the recessed portion 53 of the head 50. The pad 64 may include an adhesive surface to assist in attaching the fibers 60 to the head 50 or utilize various other fasteners.

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the brush 10 is to be used for self-application of cosmetics, makeup, or other products to the user. The brush 10 may be used to self-apply the cosmetic product to various portions of a user including their face or other body parts. The user holds the handle 30 between the fingers and thumb. The user then strokes the fibers 60 across a cosmetic product, such as pressed powder eye shadow or other compatible cosmetic, and picks up a portion of the cosmetic. The user then aligns the handle 30 of the brush 10 parallel to the plane of the portion of the face (or other body part) onto which the cosmetic product is to be applied. It is appreciated that the handle 30 length is shorter than conventional brushes so that the handle 30 can be held more easily in the hand and closer to the body 20.
The fibers 60 are oriented perpendicular to the skin and when the user pulls the handle 30 and head 50 parallel to the planes of the face, the tips 62 of the fibers 60 drag across the surface of the skin and leave behind the cosmetic product that was temporarily held on the tip 62 of the fibers 60. The user can either pull in one direction or move the brush 10 in a back and forth motion to apply the cosmetic product.
The user maintains a perpendicularly offset distal separation of the handle 30 from the portion of the face while applying the cosmetic product via the downward angle of the neck 40. In other words, the handle 30 is distanced from the face of the user perpendicularly so that the handle 30 and the face of the user are parallel yet distally separated.
The user can control the amount of cosmetic product being applied to the face by placing pressure onto the head 50 through a slight tilt of the handle 30 angle. The elongated neck 40 provides sufficient leverage for the tilt and provides adequate distance between the head 50 that is next to the user's face and the handle 30 that the user must hold. This further prevents the user from engaging their face with their hand while holding the handle 30 and positioning the head 50 parallel to the face.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above.

Claims

A brush (10) for applying a cosmetic product, comprising:
a handle (30) comprised of an ovular shape;

a neck (40) extending at a downward angle relative to said handle (30);

a head (50) extending at an upward angle relative to said neck (40), wherein said handle (30) is parallel to said head (50); and

wherein said head (50) is ovular or circular shaped;

a bundle of fibers (60) perpendicularly extending from an underside of said head (50) in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the head for applying said cosmetic product; and

wherein said ovular shaped handle (30) includes an upper depression extending within a top surface said handle (30), wherein an oval-shaped insert (31) is positioned within said upper depression of said ovular shaped handle (30),

wherein said ovular shaped handle (30) includes a lower depression extending within a lower surface of said ovular shaped handle (30), and wherein a second oval-shaped insert (32) is positioned within said lower depression of said ovular shaped handle (30), and

wherein the head (50), neck (40) and handle (30) form an integral body.
The brush of Claim 1, wherein said neck (40) extends from an outer end of said handle (30) and wherein said head (50) extends from an outer end of said neck (40) opposite said handle (30).
The brush of Claim 1, wherein said neck (40) tapers inwardly from an outer end connected to said handle (30) to an inner end connected to said head (50).
The brush of Claim 1, wherein a shape of said head (50) mimics a shape of said handle.
The brush of Claim 1, wherein said head (50) is comprised of substantially flat configuration.
The brush of Claim 1, wherein said bundle of fibers (60) are secured together via a pad (64) at an upper end of said bundle of fibers (60).
The brush of Claim 6, wherein said head (50) includes a recessed portion extending within a lower end, wherein said pad (64) is secured within said recessed portion.
The brush of Claim 1, wherein said neck (40) and said handle (30) define a 30 degree angle between thereof.
A method of self-applying a cosmetic product, comprising:
providing a cosmetic brush including a handle (30) comprised of an ovular shape, a neck (40) extending at a downward angle relative to said handle (30), a head (50) extending at an upward angle relative to said neck (40), wherein said handle (30) is parallel to said head (50), wherein said head (50) is ovular or circular shaped and a bundle of fibers (60) perpendicularly extending from an underside of said head (50) in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the head, wherein said ovular shaped handle (30) includes an upper depression extending within a top surface said handle (30), wherein an oval-shaped insert (31) is positioned within said upper depression of said ovular shaped handle (30), wherein said ovular shaped handle (30) includes a lower depression extending within a lower surface of said ovular shaped handle (30), and wherein a second oval-shaped insert (32) is positioned within said lower depression of said ovular shaped handle (30), and wherein the head (50), neck (40) and handle (30) form an integral body;

positioning a facial cosmetic product upon an outer end of said bundle of fibers (60);

orienting said handle (30) parallel to a portion of a face of a user where said facial cosmetic product is to be applied;

orienting said bundle of fibers (60) perpendicular to said portion of said face;

applying said cosmetic product to said portion said face with said bundle of fibers (60);

maintaining a perpendicularly offset distal separation of said handle (30) from said portion of said face of said user during said applying step via said downward angle of said neck (40); and

maintaining a parallel orientation of said handle (30) to said portion said face during said applying step.