EP3031354B1 - Bürstentrocknungs- und Lagerungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Bürstentrocknungs- und Lagerungsvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3031354B1
EP3031354B1 EP15160359.4A EP15160359A EP3031354B1 EP 3031354 B1 EP3031354 B1 EP 3031354B1 EP 15160359 A EP15160359 A EP 15160359A EP 3031354 B1 EP3031354 B1 EP 3031354B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
brush
bristles
bundle
base
retention
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15160359.4A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3031354A1 (de
Inventor
Rene Xavier Filho
Simone Rodrigues Oliveira Xavier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sigma Enterprises LLC
Original Assignee
Sigma Enterprises LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/564,225 external-priority patent/US10813445B2/en
Application filed by Sigma Enterprises LLC filed Critical Sigma Enterprises LLC
Publication of EP3031354A1 publication Critical patent/EP3031354A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3031354B1 publication Critical patent/EP3031354B1/de
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B17/00—Accessories for brushes
    • A46B17/02—Devices for holding brushes in use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B17/00—Accessories for brushes
    • A46B17/04—Protective covers for the bristles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/021—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups arranged like in cosmetics brushes, e.g. mascara, nail polish, eye shadow

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to the care and maintenance of brushes, and more particularly to devices and systems for promoting a more rapid drying of the bundled bristles of a brush while preserving a desired shape of the bundled bristles.
  • the basic brush includes a handle, a plurality of natural or synthetic bristles, and a ferrule, typically metal, for mounting the bristles to one end of the handle.
  • the bristles are mounted as a bundle, tightly packed at the ferrule and extending away from the ferrule in the handle length direction.
  • the bristles are either substantially parallel, or flared in the sense of including centrally located bristles extending lengthwise and peripheral bristles slightly inclined outwardly as they extend away from the ferrule.
  • the bundle is composed of multiple bristles, and multiple interstitial regions or open spaces between and among the bristles.
  • the interstitial regions tend to be elongate in the direction of the bristles, and tend to enlarge as they approach the free ends of the bristles, due either to a flaring of the bundle or to a natural taper of the bristles to pointed free ends.
  • the interstitial regions cooperate to provide a reservoir that receives and holds the paint or other viscous substance, then releases the substance as the bundle of bristles is drawn across the surface of a substrate.
  • Cosmetic brushes generally are formed with considerably finer bristles than paint brushes, and are used to apply a variety of cosmetics including eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, and concealer, in liquid and powdered form. As with other brushes, the interstitial regions in the bristle bundle of a cosmetic brush provide a reservoir for the cosmetic, releasing the cosmetic as the brush is drawn across the user's skin. Brushes used for artistic painting are quite similar to cosmetic brushes, and typically employ similar bristles.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,199,694 discloses a plastic sheath with halves that resiliently flex to allow insertion and removal of the brush. The sheath is provided with vent holes to hasten drying.
  • a shaving brush holder is formed as a rubber tube that supports the shaving brush vertically. Perforations through the tube allow passage of air and moisture, although the primary purpose of the holder is said to be protecting items near the shaving brush and holder to exposure to moisture from the wet brush.
  • U.S. Patent No. 2,263,119 provides a perforated casing to surround a brush when submerged in a brush preservative fluid.
  • U.S. Patent No. 816,793 discloses a cup shaped holder containing a brush cleaning liquid. A ring at the top of the holder is designed to suspend the bristles in the liquid, maintaining the bush in a vertical orientation while keeping the weight of the handle off of the bristles.
  • U.S. Patent No. 7,140,061 discloses a bristle preservation system directed to fine-bristled brushes, more particularly artists' brushes.
  • the system includes an elastically deformable braided tube formed of helically wound filaments.
  • the tube undergoes axial elongation and radial contraction (or vice versa) simultaneously in the manner of a stent or Chinese handcuff.
  • the tube is sufficiently long to extend beyond the tips of the bristles while also surrounding and bearing against at least part of the ferrule.
  • the tube is said to be stable enough to hold the handle and bristles in a vertical orientation with the bristles pointing down.
  • US 2014/325779 discloses a brush holding device comprising a plurality of brush holder apertures.
  • US 2014/332642 discloses a brush support device for providing protection to cosmetic brush having a vent portion located between gripping portion and stand portion to allow air to flow over brush bristles .
  • This prior art discloses also a rack for holding and storing brushes or other cosmetic applicators.
  • US 4 884 701 discloses an artists' implements organizer including a base with a centrally located hub, the hub rising up from the base and a dished portion disposed about the hub which serves as a container for small artists' implements, such as erasers and tubes of paint and the like.
  • US 5 687 444 discloses a paint brush cleaning device with efficient cleaning action having cleaning fluid container and wiping elements with scraping edges along their length.
  • This disclosure is directed to a brush drying device and storage apparatus.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus for drying a plurality of brushes as defined in claim 1 and to a method of drying a plurality of brushes as specified in claim 12.
  • Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
  • the present disclosure relates to brush care and maintenance, and describes:
  • a bristle drying and shaping assembly includes a brush comprising a handle elongate in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of bristles.
  • a ferrule at a distal end of the handle supports the bristles with respect to the handle in a generally longitudinal extension away from the distal end to form a bundle composed of the bristles and interstitial regions between and among the bristles.
  • the assembly further includes a tubular band disposed on a band axis.
  • the tubular band has a nominal band diameter less than a diameter of the bundle when in a contracted state, and is extensible elastically along a circumference thereof to a radially expanded state to accommodate the bundle.
  • the tubular band surrounds the bundle with the band axis oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction and in the radially expanded state, to produce an elastic restoring force acting radially inwardly to compress adjacent ones of the bristles against one another to substantially close the interstitial regions.
  • Compressing the bristles into contact with one another substantially reduces the volume of the interstitial regions, individually and collectively. As these regions diminish in volume, the water or other liquid they contain is forced to percolate through the bundle, migrating radially outward and axially or longitudinally toward the free ends of the bristles.
  • the inward pressure or squeezing of the bristles together, plus a diffusion mechanism as the moisture seeks the drier ambient environment, are believed to cause what constitutes a surprisingly large reduction in the time required to fully dry the bundle of bristles.
  • the tubular band when surrounding the bristles is disposed distally of the ferrule, and has an axial dimension sufficiently short to leave distal end portions of the bristles exposed when the band surrounds the bundle.
  • the spacing from the ferrule enables the band to more effectively apply pressure to, and conform to, the bundle of bristles.
  • the exposure of distal regions of the bristles promotes moisture loss through evaporation.
  • the tubular band is composed of intercalated fibers including circumferential fibers and axial fibers. Fibers extending circumferentially along the tubular band are resilient, while the axially extending fibers are substantially inextensible. As a result, the tubular band is expanded circumferentially (or radially) to accommodate the bundle of bristles, and then contracts circumferentially as it compresses the bundle. Meanwhile, the axial dimension of the band remains substantially constant. As compared to braided tube designs in which a radial contraction is accompanied by axial elongation, a tubular band formed according to this aspect of the disclosure more readily conforms to the bristles without unwanted axial movement relative to the bristles. The preferred tubular band also can expand and contract radially when surrounding the bundle of bristles, without exerting unwanted axial forces against the bristles.
  • An exemplary brush support and drying system includes a handle retainer attached to a retainer frame member.
  • the retainer is adapted for a contiguous engagement with a handle of a brush to contain the handle with respect to the structure.
  • a tubular band or drying sleeve is attached to a drying frame member, aligned with and axially spaced apart from the retainer frame member with a connecting frame member therebetween.
  • the tubular band has a nominal band diameter in a contracted state, and is elastically extensible in a circumferential direction to accommodate a bundle of bristles of the brush by surrounding the bristles, thereby cooperating with the retainer to secure the brush with respect to the first panel.
  • the tubular band is adapted to generate an elastic restoring force when surrounding the bundle of bristles. The restoring force acts radially inwardly against the bundle and is of sufficient magnitude to compress the bristles against one another to substantially close interstitial regions between and among the bristles.
  • the frame members afford convenient storage for the brush, or several such brushes when provided with additional pairs of the tubular bands and retainers, for example circumferentially arranged about the drying frame member and the retainer frame member, respectively.
  • the frame members form a tower structure, for example a vertically oriented tower structure with the connecting frame member disposed in an axial direction between the retainer frame member and the drying frame member.
  • a plurality of the tubular bands or sleeves on the drying frame member can be arranged spaced apart in the axial direction from a similar plurality of retainers on the retainer frame member.
  • tubular bands or sleeves and retainers can be provided in different sizes, in order to accommodate a variety of differently sized brushes.
  • a second set of frame members can be attached to the first set of frame members, forming a modular, stackable tower assembly for brush drying and storage. Pairs of tubular members and retainers are formed along each of the sets of frame members, each set of retainer, drying and connecting frame members forming a stackable, modular tower element. When stacked in the axial or vertical direction, each module stores a number of brushes secured by and between the axially aligned pairs of retainers and tubular members or sleeves.
  • a device for drying and shaping bristles of a brush includes a resilient, moisture permeable tubular member or drying sleeve disposed about a tube axis and having a nominal diameter in a contracted state.
  • the drying sleeve is elastically extensible in the circumferential direction to allow placement of the sleeve in surrounding contiguous relation to a bundle of bristles, e.g., on a brush.
  • the bundle is composed of a plurality of bristles extending generally in a longitudinal direction, with interstitial regions between and among the bristles, and the sleeve axis extending substantially in the longitudinal direction.
  • the sleeve produces an elastic restoring force acting radially inwardly against the bundle and of sufficient magnitude to radially compress the bristles against one another to substantially close the interstitial regions.
  • the bundle of bristles typically extends generally distally from the brush handle, for example being mounted to the handle with a ferrule, and is surrounded by the resilient, moisture permeable tubular member or drying sleeve, having an axis substantially aligned with the bristles. While conforming to the shape of the bundle, the drying sleeve compresses the bundle radially inwardly due to its elastic restoring force, substantially closing the interstitial regions between and among the bristles. This results in a highly favorable combination of reduced bristle drying times, and restoration or preservation of the desired bundle shape. The shorter drying times enable users to clean their brushes under circumstances that would not allow sufficient time under conventional approaches.
  • several of the tubular members can be paired with brush handle retainers mounted to a suitable frame member or other structure, forming a more convenient drying and storage apparatus that can accommodate several brushes of different sizes.
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of a bristle drying and shaping device in the form of a tubular member or drying sleeve 16.
  • the sleeve has a wall 18 substantially uniform in size and thickness along its axial length running from a proximal end 20 to a distal end 22, vertically as viewed in the FIG.1 .
  • the sleeve is disposed about a vertical sleeve axis 24.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of sleeve 16, formed of two sets of intercalated fibers: circumferentially extending fibers 26 which appear horizontal in FIG. 2 , and axially extending fibers 28 which appear vertical or transvers to circumferentially extending fibers 26.
  • Circumferential fibers 26 and axial fibers 28 can be natural, e.g. cotton, or synthetic, e.g. polyester.
  • the fibers are of two different types.
  • the circumferential fibers may be elastic, and accordingly allow elongation or expansion of wall 18 along its circumference.
  • the axial fibers may be substantially inextensible, and provide structural support for the circumferential fibers.
  • the combination of elastic circumferential fibers and substantially inextensible axial fibers can govern the elastic expansion of sleeve 16 when subject to external forces.
  • sleeve expansion may occur generally or almost exclusively in the radial and circumferential directions. This is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3 , showing wall 18 in a relaxed state and an elastically enlarged state, respectively.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 showing wall 18 in a relaxed state and an elastically enlarged state, respectively.
  • adjacent fibers are close together and spaces between them may not be visible to the naked eye.
  • In the expanded state of the sleeve such spaces may be visible, for example due to a substantial increase in circumferential spacing between adjacent axial fibers.
  • the axial distance between adjacent circumferential fibers may also increase slightly, due to a decrease in the diameter of fibers 26 as they are elongated in the circumferential direction.
  • the elastic expansion of sleeve 16 may be asymmetrical, in the sense that the axial dimension remains substantially stable as the diameter and circumference are enlarged.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of sleeve 16 with a nominal diameter D 1 in the relaxed state.
  • wall 18 When surrounding the bundle of bristles on a brush and accordingly subject to a radially outward force exerted by the bundle, wall 18 is expanded to a radially enlarged state and has a diameter D 2 .
  • the larger diameter D 2 shown at 30, will vary with the compacted diameter of the bundle of bristles surrounded by the sleeve.
  • fibers 26 and 28 are compliant, which results in a compliant sleeve configuration. While sleeve 16 tends to assume the circular profile shown in FIG. 1 when the sleeve axis is vertically disposed, it can also tend toward an elliptical profile, in some cases representing an extreme ellipse or a flattened "doubled over" appearance when placed on a surface with axis 24 substantially horizontal. Such a profile is shown in FIG. 4 at 32. The capability to assume a substantially flat configuration contributes to the ease of storing the sleeve, and does not interfere with its performance.
  • Sleeve 16 is water permeable when surrounding the bristles of a brush, to avoid interfering with evaporative removal of moisture from the bristles. Accordingly, it is advantageous to select circumferential and axial fibers that are water permeable.
  • sleeve 16 can be formed with water impermeable versions of either fibers 26 or fibers 28, or both, with reliance placed on the porosity created by the separation of adjacent fibers, especially separation of the axial fibers, in the expanded sleeve.
  • the circumferential fibers and the axial fibers are formed of mercerized cotton.
  • FIG. 5A is a side elevation of a brush 33.
  • Sleeve 16 is suited for protecting the fine bristles used in, e.g., cosmetic brushes 33 and artists' brushes 33, while promoting a more rapid drying of the bristles after cleaning.
  • An exemplary brush 33 includes an elongate handle 34 having a proximal end region 36 and a distal end region 38 separated along axial direction A, with multiple natural or synthetic bristles arranged in a bundle 40 and a ferrule 42 surrounding the handle and the proximal ends of the bristles.
  • the ferrule compacts the bristles, and supports bundle 40 with respect to handle 34 by virtue of connection to the handle.
  • Bundle 40 may be flared, in the sense that the more centrally located bristles extend in the longitudinal direction generally parallel to the handle axis, while the more peripheral bristles are inclined outwardly in the radial direction. Nonetheless, all of the bristles may extend at least generally in the longitudinal direction.
  • FIG. 5B is a side elevation of a brush 33 in combination with sleeve 16.
  • sleeve 16 is installed onto bundle 40, surrounding the bundle as shown in FIG. 5B . Due to the direction of the bristles, sleeve 16 is installed by placing it over proximal end region 36 of handle 34, then sliding the sleeve distally over handle 34 and ferrule 42 until sleeve 16 is disposed about the bristles and ferrule, or disposed about the bristles proximate but spaced apart distally from the ferrule.
  • sleeve 16 The initial placement and sliding of sleeve 16 along handle 34 typically are accomplished with sleeve 16 in the relaxed state, although a larger diameter handle might require radial enlargement. In either event, the sleeve is radially enlarged as it is moved distally along ferrule 42 and over the bristles. This is because nominal diameter D 1 is less than the diameter of bundle 40, even at the proximal portion of the bundle compressed by the ferrule.
  • the sleeve 16 As sleeve 16 continues to move distally onto and along bundle 40, the sleeve and bundle act upon one another and conform to one another in profile.
  • the bundle elastically expands sleeve 16 along its circumference, at a level that initially increases due to the flair of the bundle. This tendency, however, is counteracted by the sleeve, which exerts a radially inward force against bundle 40 that tends to reduce the size of the bundle. In equilibrium, the forces of the bundle and sleeve counterbalance one another.
  • a larger flair causes a larger circumferential or radial expansion of the sleeve, increasing the elastic restoring force, which in tum increases the tendency to compact the bundle and thereby reduce its radius.
  • FIG. 5B One possible result, shown in FIG. 5B , is a compaction of bundle 40 to form straight sides, with substantially all of the bristles extending in the longitudinal direction, generally parallel to brush axis or centerline C L .
  • the actual shape caused by the sleeve varies, from a slight retention of the outward flare, to a convergence of bundle 40 in the distal direction.
  • the circumferential elastic restoring force in sleeve 16 and therefore the radially inward force exerted by the sleeve is sufficient to compact the bristles, i.e. to bring adjacent bristles firmly against each other to substantially close the interstitial open regions between and among the bristles present when the bundle is not subject to the radially compressive force of the sleeve.
  • FIG. 5C is a side elevation illustrating brush 33 after drying, and after removal of sleeve 16. Again due to the bristle direction, the sleeve may be removed by sliding it distally relative to bundle 40.
  • the brush shaping impact of the sleeve is illustrated by the generally parallel longitudinal sides of the bundle, oriented substantially along centerline C L of the brush handle, although actual results will vary.
  • the sleeve when surrounding the bundle of bristles, is configured to compact the bristles against one another and thereby substantially close the interstitial regions between and among the bristles.
  • convection is the mechanism primarily relied upon to remove moisture from the bristles.
  • the radial compaction of the bristles in accordance with the present disclosure is counterintuitive in the context of conventional approaches, because bristle compaction removes or diminishes pathways otherwise available for convection.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically illustrate side and end views, respectively, of a comparative test conducted on a tubular device or sleeve 62, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, and a prior art tubular device or sleeve 64.
  • Each of the devices was subjected to a radially outward force of the same magnitude, in this case 20 oz. The force was applied along the length of each device, at a location centered between the opposite ends. The results are indicated in Table 1 below.
  • Table 1 Comparative Test of Circumferential Elongation Device 62 Device 64 Relaxed State Diameter 2.6 cm 2.0 cm Diameter - Force Applied 2.7 cm 4.8 cm Profile Expansion 0.1 cm 2.8 cm
  • Sleeve 64 exerts a finite radially inward force against the bristles, sufficient to frictionally engage the bristles so that a portion of the tube that extends distally beyond the bristles can support the weight of the entire brush in a vertical orientation.
  • the radially inward force sufficient to compress the bristles for substantial closure of interstitial regions exceeds the force necessary for frictional engagement by more than an order of magnitude.
  • brushes with natural bristles and synthetic bristles were dried using sleeve 62 and sleeve 64, both in comparison with open air drying.
  • Brushes were tested in six groups: (1) goat hair bristles dried using tube 62; (2) goat hair bristles dried using tube 64; (3) goat hair bristles, open air drying; (4) synthetic bristles dried using tube 62; (5) synthetic bristles dried using tube 64; and (6) synthetic bristles, open air drying.
  • the brushes were immersed in water for ten minutes. Each brush, immediately after removal from the water, was placed in contact with a highly absorbent paper for five minutes. The resulting "halo" formed by outward migration of water from the area of brush contact, was measured at its maximum diameter to obtain a halo width measurement. At that point, drying was initiated.
  • results indicate a substantial reduction in drying time, for natural bristles and synthetic bristles alike, when the bundle of bristles is surrounded by a water permeable tubular member in an elastically enlarged state under an elastic restoring force sufficient to compress the bristles and thereby substantially close the interstitial regions ordinarily present between and among the bristles.
  • systems and devices are provided to preserve and restore the shape of a bundle of bristles, after cleaning the brush.
  • These systems and devices substantially reduce the time required for drying, so that cleaning and drying the brushes becomes more convenient.
  • the devices and systems allow the cleaning and drying of brushes in circumstances where these activities were either difficult or impossible, due to previous drying time requirements.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of a tower 100 for drying the bristles of a brush while preserving a desired bundle shape.
  • Embodiment of towers 100 are suitable for drying and storage of brushes (for example, from a few up to forty or more brushes) in a relatively small space.
  • the various pieces and components of tower 100 may be disconnected to allow for tower 100 to be disassembled and reassembled in different configurations or in separate modular components in order to suit particular needs.
  • Tower 100 may also be constructed such that it securely holds the handles of a brush so the ferrule and bristles are on the bottom (e.g., with the brush upside down), allowing gravity to help eliminate excessive water by dripping, migration or flow to the bristle tip.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary modular tower apparatus 100 with retention rings 212, 210, 210 separated from base frame members or discs 310, 310 via one or more continuous or discrete connecting frame members or posts 610.
  • retention ring 212 is located at what may be described as the top end of tower 100
  • disc member 310 is positioned at what may be described as the lower end or base of the tower 100.
  • Lower retention ring 210 is positioned distance d 1 from (above) lower base member 310, upper base member 310 is positioned distance d 2 above lower retention ring 210, middle retention ring 210 is positioned distance d 3 above upper base member 310, and upper retention ring 212 is positioned distance d 4 above ring 210, each retention and base frame element being longitudinally spaced along one or more connecting posts 610.
  • retention rings 212, 210, 210 and base members 310, 310 are merely given as examples.
  • Various embodiments may utilize different numbers and configurations frame members 310, for example in square, oblong, oval, rectangular, triangular or other form, coupled together by any number of continuous or discrete posts or other connecting frame members 610.
  • tower 100 may also be modular, for example with a first lower tower module 101 formed by lower base member 310 coupled to brush retention member 210 via support post 610, and a second upper tower module 202 formed by middle or intermediate base member 310 coupled to one or both of brush retention members 212 and 210 via one or more connecting rods or posts 610.
  • Top and bottom modules 101 and 102 can be stacked upon one another, for example using an additional post 610 to couple intermediate base member 310 to brush retention member 210, as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • base members 310, 310 may have different forms and characteristics.
  • base members 310, 310 may have shapes and properties similar to those of a disc-type base member 310, as described herein. Other forms and characteristics may be selected based on the selected location of base members 310, 310 on tower apparatus 100. For example, where a base frame member 310 is located at the lower end or bottom of tower 100, base member 310 may have a generally larger size and greater mass than the other tower frame retention rings 212, 210, 210 and base members 310.
  • Suitable base frame members 310 located at the bottom of tower 100 may have a height of 10-100 mm (e.g., about 62 mm) and a diameter of 50-200 mm (e.g., about 92 mm).
  • Suitable intermediate base members 310 located in the middle portion of tower 100 may have a height of 10-60 mm (e.g., about 40 mm) and a diameter of 30-100 mm (e.g., about 67-68 mm). Larger and smaller frame members 310, 310 are also contemplated, depending on the overall configuration of apparatus 100, and the desired size and number of brushes to be dried and stored.
  • base frame members 310, 310 can also be chosen to promote stability of tower 100.
  • stability-enhancing features including feet or gripping members such as suction cups, hook-and-loop fastener, adhesives, and other such features may be included on the bottom surface of either base member 310 or 310.
  • Brush retention members 212, 210, 210 also have various forms and characteristics, for example with the properties of a ring-type brush retention member 210, as described herein. Additional characteristics can be selected based on the location of retention members 212, 210, 210 on tower 100.
  • the height of individual retention rings 212, 210, 210 may be 10-50 mm, e.g. about 36 mm, about 20 mm, about and 20 mm, respectively, where each ring member 212, 210, 210 is located at an increasing longitudinal distance of height along a respective connecting post or rod 610.
  • the diameters of brush retention members 212, 210, 210 may also vary longitudinally along post 610.
  • individual retention rings 212, 210, 210 may have diameters of 50-150 mm, e.g., about 92 mm, about 68 mm and about 45 mm, respectively.
  • Distances d 1 , d 2 , d 3 and d 4 between various brush retention members (or rings) 212, 210, 210 and base members (or discs) 310, 310 also vary, depending on considerations including, but not limited to, stability requirements and the intended uses of tower apparatus 100.
  • distances d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 may all be equal, as determined by a number of substantially uniform, discrete post members 610, or one or more individual distances d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 may vary from the others, as defined along a particular post 610.
  • Distances d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 can also be selected or predetermined to match the height of a particular brush design, or configured such that retention members 212, 210, 210 and base members 310, 310 hold the handle and bristles of different brushes in a particular locations, when coupled together with connecting rods or posts 610 of suitable length.
  • the handles of the brushes may be retained by clips or other retention elements disposed about the perimeter of retention members 212, 210, 210, so that the bristles are at or adjacent the locations of corresponding drying sleeves disposed about perimeter of base members 310, 310, as described herein.
  • Support post 610 may have an elongate (e.g., cylindrical) shape that extends into or through one or more individual brush retention members 212, 210, 210 and base members 310, 310.
  • one end of a single post 610 may terminate in base member 310 and extend through members 210, 310 and 210 to an opposite end terminating in brush retention ring 212.
  • individual connecting rods or posts 610 may extend through lower module 101 from lower base member or drying frame 310 through retention ring 210 to intermediate base member or drying frame 310, and from intermediate base member or drying frame 310 through retention ring 210 to top retention ring 212.
  • a single post or rod 610 may continue up past top retention ring 212, and/or down through base member 310.
  • the lower portion of post 610 may extend through base 310 and terminate in a tabletop, counter, or other surface, in order to provide greater stability for tower 100.
  • the upper portion of post 610 may terminate above top retention ring 212.
  • Rod and post members 610 take various forms, depending on the desired configuration and use of tower apparatus 100.
  • individual posts and posts 610 have diameter smaller than any of retention rings 212, 210, 210 and base members 310, 310, for example 10-40 mm, or about 22 mm.
  • Rods or posts 610 may also have individual or total length substantially greater than the heights of retention rings 212, 210, 210 and base members 310, 310, for example 100-1000 mm, 300-500 mm, about 450 mm, or about 432 mm.
  • the individual and total lengths of connecting rod or post members 610 vary, depending on the desired size and configuration of tower assembly 100.
  • FIG. 9A is a bottom view of an exemplary brush retention frame or ring 210, for example as suitable for any of retention rings or frame members 212, 210 or 210.
  • retention ring 210 is generally annular or cylindrical, but retention ring 210 may take other forms.
  • retention ring 210 may be polygonal, oblong, oval, or have another shape.
  • retention ring 210 includes a plurality of brush handle retainers 232, 234, of various sizes, disposed about the outer circumference of ring 210.
  • Bore 256 is defined within inner wall 254, for example axially in the general center of retention ring 210, and is configured for connecting retention ring 210 to a suitable post member 610 or other support frame element, as described herein.
  • a plurality of ribs or other structural members 252 connect inner wall 254 at bore 256 to outer wall (or ring wall) 264.
  • various brush clips or other retainers 232, 234 are disposed along the circumference of brush retention ring 210, extending radially outward from the periphery of ring wall 264.
  • Inner wall 254 defines bore 256, forming an (e.g., axial) opening extending into or through retention ring 210.
  • the size, shape and location of inner wall 254 may vary, and portions of inner wall 254 and bore 256 may extend entirely or partially through ring 210.
  • Inner wall 254 can also define bore 256 with a shape configured to receive the end of a particular connecting rod or post 610, for example with a complementary round, square, oblong, polygonal, or specially shaped (e.g., I, H, or X-shaped) post and bore configuration.
  • Inner wall (or ring bore wall) 254 can also provide one or more retention features or mechanisms in order to discourage movement of retention ring 210 along support post 610, when post 610 is inserted into bore 256.
  • ring bore wall 254 and post 610 may have a complimentary ball and detent structure, locking spring fingers, locking arms, set screws, threading, adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other coupling and retention features, or a friction fit can be used.
  • the material of the post and inner wall 254 can also be selected for coupling and retention properties, for example using rubber, latex, silicone, or other materials that encourage friction, stiction, or other gripping action.
  • Retention ring 210 may also have one or more support ribs or other reinforcing members 252 extending from, attached to, or integrated with inner wall 254 and/or outer wall 264.
  • reinforcements 252 may be formed as support ribs, with a thickness of 1-10 mm (e.g., about 2 mm) and a radial length of 10-50 mm (e.g., about 30 mm), as defined between inner wall 254 and outer ring wall 264.
  • Other reinforcements 252 take various configurations, with thicker, thinner, longer, shorter, straight, and curved configurations.
  • Brush retainers 232, 234 may be integrally formed into retention ring 210, or formed separately and attached to retention ring 210. Brush retainers 232, 234 may also be formed separately from one other, or integrally formed into sets. Individual retainers 232, 234 may have different characteristics, for example similar to a clip-type retainer 230, as described herein.
  • FIG. 9B is a top view of retention ring 210.
  • the top surface of retention ring (or retainer) body 260 can be seen, as well as central bore 256 and various brush retainers 232, 234 distributed about the periphery of outer wall 264.
  • body 260 is manufactured integrally with selected brush retainers 232, 234 in order to form a retention ring 210.
  • body 260 may be formed with one or more features including inner wall 254 and reinforcements 252, with selected brush retainers 232, 234 attached to the circumference of outer wall 264.
  • Body 260 may be substantially uniform and match the shape of retention ring 210, or body 260 may define various openings and other features.
  • FIG. 10A is an isometric view of a clip-type brush retainer 230.
  • Clip retainer 230 is configured to hold a brush handle, ferrule, or other object in a particular position, for example, handle 34 of a cosmetic brush 33, as described herein.
  • retainer 230 may include various retention features including, but not limited to, clips, clamps, spring fingers, grabbers, graspers, adhesives, loop-and-hooks elements, and magnetic coupling elements.
  • retainer 230 includes two arms 244 or similar extension features coupled to retainer base 238 at reinforcing shoulders 242, e.g., with interior channels or cavities 240 for mass reduction. These components may be separate or integrally formed, for example by extrusion of retainer 230.
  • Bottom surface 274 of retainer base 238 is configured for coupling to the retention ring, with sides 268 configured to couple with adjacent retainers 230, which may be custom selected by the user based on the desired brush sizes and spacing.
  • selected retainers 230 may be detachably coupled to one another and/or to the outer circumference of a retention ring with hooks, pins, screws, adhesives, or other mechanical attachments.
  • retainers 230 can be integrally formed, either in selected sets or as a complete unit forming the outer circumference of the retention ring, as described above.
  • Brush coupling features or arms 244 extend from base 238 of retainer 230 at shoulder transitions 242, providing provide reinforcement for retainer 230. Arms 244 and shoulders 242 define retention opening 275, and are configured for receiving a brush handle or ferrule.
  • One or more channels 240 may extend partially or completely through retainer 230, configured for increased airflow, design aesthetics, or flexibility to accommodate a wider range of brush and handle sizes within extensions 244 and retention opening 275.
  • FIG. 10B is a front view of retainer 230.
  • base 238 of retainer 230 may be arcuate, straight, or have a more complex curved shape, as configured for conforming attachment to the retention ring.
  • channels 240 may take the form of substantially triangular or openings, as defined within shoulders 242.
  • extensions 244 define a receptacle 275 with longitudinal aperture 275A, with a substantially circular cross-section corresponding to, or slightly smaller or larger than, the corresponding cross section of the brush handle.
  • the half-opening angle ⁇ (theta) of aperture 275A is defined between end surface 250 of each extension 244 and perpendicular P, which extends perpendicularly through axis A to the bottom surface of receptacle 275, bisecting receptacle 275 midway between extensions 244 and shoulders 240.
  • each extension arm 244 are cut or formed at an angle, oriented so that end wall 250 is substantially parallel to a ray or radius extending from the center axis A of opening 275, at the half-opening angle ⁇ .
  • This configuration may aid in the insertion the brush handle into aperture 275A by pushing handle 34 against arm end walls 250 until arms 244 bend apart, allowing the handle to enter receptacle 275.
  • half-opening angle ⁇ increases, aperture 275A opens and it becomes easier to insert a brush handle (or other object) into receptacle 275.
  • the height of extensions 244 decreases, as does the corresponding retention force exerted by retainer 230 on the brush.
  • aperture 275A closes, and the retaining force tends to increase but it also becomes more difficult to insert the brush handle.
  • half-opening angle ⁇ may become a critical factor in defining a suitable retainer 230, for a given elasticity of the material used in extension 244.
  • suitable half-opening angles ⁇ have a range of about 30° to about 60°, or about 40° to about 50°.
  • a suitable half-opening angle ⁇ is about 45°, for example 45 ⁇ 1°, or 45 ⁇ 2°, or 45 ⁇ 5°.
  • FIG. 10C is a top view of retainer 230.
  • the length of retainer base 238 along axis A of opening 275 is about 10-30 mm, for example about 12 mm.
  • the width of base 238 is somewhat less transverse to axis A, for example about 5-20 mm, or about 8-10 mm.
  • Extension arms 244 are tapered as they extend out from base 12, and with a length of 1-5 mm less at the top than the base, for example about 3.5 mm less.
  • FIG. 10D is a side view of retainer 230.
  • Extension arms 244 may decrease in axial length as they extend up from base 238, as described above.
  • the rate of the taper may be constant or vary, in order to improve coupling to the brush, for producing an S-shaped curve edge at the ends of each extension 244, as shown in the figure.
  • FIG. 11A is an isometric view of retention ring 212.
  • individual brush retainers 230 are integrally connected along outer wall 264 to form a ring-shaped retention member 212, with retainers 230 distributed about major opening 276 of retention ring 212.
  • major opening 276 may vary.
  • outer wall 264 may define opening 276 similarly to a bore, with a circular opening 276 configured receive the cylindrical end of a connection rod or post.
  • opening 276 has a diameter of 10-50 mm, for example about 22 mm, depending on the closeness of desired fit and selected retention mechanism.
  • opening 276 may define a complementary circular, oval, polygonal, oblong, or other specially-shaped geometry for receiving the post, as described above.
  • FIG. 11B is a detail view of retention ring 212 shown in FIG. 11A .
  • This view shows the interior-facing surface of outer wall 264 and ring attachment 270, in the form of a ridge, slot or other mechanism formed in outer wall 264 and configured for connecting retention ring 212 to a support post or other object.
  • attachment 270 may be used to secure retention ring 212 to base member.
  • Attachment 270 may also take other forms, for example a ball or detent structure, a locking spring or arm, a set screw, a threaded or adhesive coupling, a hook-and-loop fastener, or a friction fitting.
  • retention ring 212 may be configured to fit around a base member, with the entire disc-and-ring structure installed on a connecting rod or post. This may be accomplished, for example, by positioning retention ring 212 around base member 310 and rotating retention ring 212 to engage attachment point 270 with a corresponding slot or opening, for example opening 324 for attaching a drying sleeve to the base member, as described herein.
  • FIG. 11C is a detail view of retention ring 212, showing adjacent brush retainer clips 232, 234, with different sizes.
  • retainer 232 is of relatively smaller size than retainer 234, and retainer 234 is of a relatively larger size than retainer 232.
  • FIG. 11D is detail view showing a plurality of clip retainers 232, 234 with different sizes. In this view, it can be seen that extensions 244 of the relatively smaller retainer 232 do not extend out as far out as extensions 244 of the relatively larger retainer 234.
  • FIG. 12A is a side view of a base member or disc 310 for the brush drying apparatus, with outer wall 330 and lower base portion 340. Openings 324 are defined in outer wall 330 of base member 310, above lower base portion 340.
  • FIG. 12B is a bottom view of base member 310, with feet 346 disposed on bottom surface 344 of lower base portion 340, about central bore 356.
  • Feet 346 may include various structures for improving the stability of base member 310, for example suction cups, adhesive strips, fasteners or rubber or felt pads.
  • FIG. 12C is a top view of base member 310, including a plurality of internal posts 370 and hub 350 defined about central bore 356, extending through top surface 345 of lower base portion 340.
  • Outer wall 330 defines the outer circumference of base member 310.
  • Hub 350 defines central bore 356 for a connecting rod or post, as described above.
  • Internal posts 370 provide alignment or attachment features to facilitate attachment of a cover, for example using a extension pin 518 inserted into post bore 373 for coupling to cover 510, as described herein.
  • various drying sleeves or tubular devices 16 may be attached to outer wall 330 of base member 310. This connection may also be accomplished by complimentary mechanical fastening features presented on one or both of sleeve 16 and outer wall 330, as described above, in either a releasable (detachable) or substantially permanent (fixed) configuration.
  • a portion of sleeve 16 is inserted through an opening or aperture 324 in outer wall 330, and a pin, clip or stop 302 is attached to sleeve 16 within outer wall 330, in order to prevent sleeve 16 from being pulled back out or detached.
  • Stopper 302 can also be configured for removal from sleeve 16, in order to release sleeve 16 from base member 310.
  • a hook or other detachable arrangement may be used, or a permanent attachment such as an adhesive.
  • FIG. 13 is an isometric view of base member 310, including hub 350, internal posts 370, outer wall 330 and lower base portion 340.
  • Outer wall 330 defines a plurality of openings or apertures 324, which are configured with various shapes and sizes to accommodate a range of sleeves 16.
  • openings 324 may be square, rectangular, elongate, thin, thick, large, small, narrow, long, or rounded.
  • hub 350 defines a central bore 356.
  • hub 350 may also include coupling features for a connecting post or rod to bore 356, for example a notch 358 sized and shaped to engage with a corresponding post attachment feature.
  • Detent 360 may also be provided, for example as an opening and configured to engage a similar feature and to resist or arrest movement the post and lock it to base member 310 within hub 350.
  • Hub 350 may also include similar features for attaching or retaining a cover, for example in cooperation with internal posts 370 as described herein.
  • FIG. 14A is an isometric view of an exemplary cover 510 for base member 310, with extension pins 518 extending opposite the upper or top surface 512 of cover body 514.
  • Cover bore 520 extends through cover body 514 in the central region of cover 510, and may be sized and shaped to accommodate a coupling rod or post.
  • Cover 510 may take various shapes, for instance circular, square, rectangular, and various other shapes, complementary to a base member 310. Connection can be facilitated by extensions 518, which are configured to align with and insert into internal posts 370 of base member 310. Alternatively, cover 510 may be configured to couple with a retention ring 210 or 212.
  • FIG. 14B is an isometric view of cover 510, in an embodiment without cover bore 520. This configuration may be useful when cover 510 attaches to a top retention ring or other frame element positioned upper-most in the tower apparatus 100, and it may be desirable that the connecting post or rod not extend through cover 510.
  • FIG. 15A is a perspective view of cover 510, coupled to base member 310.
  • cover bore 520 is shaped to match central bore 356, as defined by hub 350 of base member 310.
  • Lower base portion 340 and cover 510 each have slightly larger diameter than outer wall 330 of base member 310.
  • Complementary notches 358 are provided within hub 350, in order to couple with complementary retention features on the connecting rod or post.
  • FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an alternate cover 510 on base member 310. In this embodiment, there is no cover bore 520, and the top of base member 310 is entirely covered.
  • FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a connecting rod or post 610 with attachment 628 defined on one or more ends of post 610.
  • Attachment 628 encompasses features configured to aid in or accomplish retention, connection, or attachment between post 610 and one or more of a base member, cover or retention ring, as described herein. Similar attachment features or portions 628 may also be located at various locations along the length of rod 610, in between the two ends.
  • attachment 628 includes a shoulder feature or chamfer 620 and one or more keys or pins 640.
  • Chamfer 620 defines the transition connecting post 610 and attachment 628. The transition may include a gradual or abrupt increase or decrease in diameter, or another transition.
  • keys 640 are formed as circumferential extensions from connecting post 610, formed in outer wall 630 of attachment portion 628, and configured to engage complementary structures in the base member, retention ring, or cover bore.
  • FIG. 17 is side view of brush drying and storage tower apparatus 100, with brushes 33.
  • brushes 33 are retained in a downward direction by retainer clips 230, positioned to retain handles 34 of brushes 33 in retention ring 210.
  • Sleeve 16 is installed over the bristles of the right-hand brush 33, and a portion of ferrule 42, in order to facilitate drying and shaping of the bristle bundle.
  • the left-hand brush 33 is suspended with bristle bundle 40 exposed, for example before inserting bundle 40 into a sleeve 16, or after drying and shaping is complete.
  • apparatus 100 may be constructed with one or more brush-retention portions 210 vertically spaced from one or more sleeve-retention portions 310 via a rod or post 610.
  • the brush-retention portions may include, for example, a modular retention ring 210 or 212, with one or more retainers 230 or other features configured to hold brushes 33 in place.
  • the sleeve-retention portions may include a modular base member 310 or other structure configured to hold one or more sleeves or other tubular bristle drying and shaping devices 16.
  • Exemplary embodiments of apparatus 100 may custom assembled from and disassembled into a collection of such modular parts. This process may include placing a base 310 on a surface.
  • the base 310 may be specially suited for being a base for a tower structure (e.g., having specialized feet, weights, or other features), or it may be a generic base member.
  • one or more such sleeves 16 may be added. This process may involve feeding a portion of each selected sleeve 16 through an opening 324 in the outer wall 330 of the base member, and attaching a stop or other mechanical fastener 302. In addition to or instead of the above process, selected sleeves 16 may be attached to base 310 without feeding a portion through any such opening 324 (for example, by utilizing complementary fastening means between each sleeve 16 and base 310).
  • a cover 510 may be attached to base 310. If the user desires to add additional layers or features to apparatus 100, it may be desirable to add a cover 510 that has a cover bore 520 to allow for the insertion of a connecting post 610. If the user does not desire to add additional layers or features, or does not want a cover bore 520, then it may be desirable to add a cover 510 without this feature.
  • cover 510 may be added to base 310 by aligning and inserting one or more extension pins 518 with and into one or more post bores 372 in internal posts 370 of base 310. In some embodiments, cover 510 may be locked or otherwise substantially fastened to base 310.
  • an end of the post 610 may be inserted into, for example, a hub bore 356 of base 310. If the base has a cover 510 installed, then a portion of the post 610 may pass through a cover bore 520 of the cover 510 as well. In embodiments of base 310 where both base 310 and post 610 have locking or other attachment features, additional steps may be necessary to attach base 310 and post 610.
  • these steps may include inserting an attachment portion 628 of post 610 into a hub notch 358 or similar feature defined within hub 350, and then rotating attachment portion 628 until a pin or key 640 on post 610 engages with a complimentary locking feature defined in hub 350 (for example, detent 360).
  • Other embodiments may include ensuring a friction fit between post 610 and base 310, for example between the outer surface or wall 630 of the attachment portion 628 of the post 610, and the inner wall of hub 350.
  • a retention ring 210 may be added to apparatus 100 through various means. For example, if retention ring 210 has a bore 256 sized to a substantially close fit with a connecting post 610, the retention ring 210 may be inserted onto the post 610 such that the post 610 passes through the ring bore 256. Depending on the attachment features present on retention ring 210 and rod or post 610, various methods of setting the location of ring 210 on post 610 may be utilized, including similar methods to those described above for attaching base 310.
  • retention ring 210 or 212 may be combined with a different feature before it is attached to post 610.
  • retention ring 210 or 212 may have an opening 276 sized to fit around a base 310.
  • This kind of retention ring 210 or 212 may be installed on apparatus 100 by, for example, stretching or positioning the retention ring 210 around base 310 and rotating retention ring 210 or 212 on base 310 until an attachment feature 270 springs into or otherwise engages with a complementary feature of base 310 (for example, an opening 324 in a wall of base 310).
  • a complementary feature of base 310 for example, an opening 324 in a wall of base 310.
  • a retention ring 210 may not have one or more retainers 230 already attached or installed. In these embodiments, it may be beneficial to attach one or more retainers 230 to retention ring 210. This may be accomplished by attaching a retainer 230 to retention ring 210 via complimentary attachment features (which may be located on, for example, a retainer base surface 274, outer wall 264 of the retention ring, and/or outer wall 330 of base 310.
  • apparatus 100 may be constructed and used to dry brushes. This may be accomplished by, for example, inserting a brush into a retainer (e.g., a retainer 310 located on a retention ring 210). This step may be performed such that the brush bristles are facing in a downward direction (e.g. towards the base of the tower), but other hanging configurations are possible, for example with the bristles facing up.
  • a retainer e.g., a retainer 310 located on a retention ring 210.
  • This step may be performed such that the brush bristles are facing in a downward direction (e.g. towards the base of the tower), but other hanging configurations are possible, for example with the bristles facing up.
  • Sleeve 16 may eliminate water from the bristles by radially compressing them and removing the water by compression, capillary action and/or evaporation through the expanded sleeve 16.
  • Selected sleeves 16 may also be provided as a discrete part that is installed over the brush prior to coupling the brush onto the tower apparatus. In other embodiments, selected sleeves 16 may be a component of the tower.
  • Sleeve 16 retainer 310 and the length of the brush may be selected such that when a portion of the brush handle is held by the retainer 310, the bristles of the brush hang down substantially near a selected sleeve 16 such that the selected sleeve 16 may be installed around the bristles. It may also be possible to forgo hanging the handle of the brush onto the retainer 310, and instead use the sleeve 16 as the primary or only structure holding the brush onto or retaining the brush within the tower. The above processes may also be used to hang one or more brushes on the tower in order to store, hold, and/or dry the one or more brushes in a relatively compact space.
  • Devices and systems for rapidly drying and shaping fine-bristled brushes include a resilient, water permeable tubular band or sleeve, designed to surround a bundle of bristles when in a radially expanded state.
  • An elastic restoring force exerted by the sleeve acts radially inwardly against the bundle, compacting the bristles against one another.
  • the compaction tends to preserve or restore a desired shape of the bundle, and substantially closes interstitial regions or open spaces ordinarily present between and among the bristles.
  • Substantial closure of the interstitial regions, along with the use of a breathable material in the fibers used to construct the sleeve contribute to a surprising and considerable reduction in bristle drying time.
  • a system suitable for simultaneously drying several brushes includes a base structure supporting a plurality of the sleeves, each sleeve aligned with a receptacle for the brush handle provided in a retention structure coupled to the base structure via a support rod or post to form a tower.
  • the tower structure can be provided in module form, utilizing one or more selectively interchangeable base, retention, and support post elements, each provided with or without a cover element.
  • An apparatus for drying a plurality of brushes each having a handle and a bundle of bristles extending therefrom, comprises a base member, a brush retention member, and a support member.
  • the base member supports a plurality of elastic sleeves configured for stretching about and conforming to the bundles of bristles in a radially compressive relationship thereto.
  • the brush retention member have a plurality of brush retainers configured for retaining the handles of the respective brushes, and the support member is configured for releasably locking or connecting to the base member and the brush retention member, in a spaced relationship along the brush handles.
  • Each brush handle is retained in one of the brush retainers, and each respective bundle of bristles is positioned for engagement with a corresponding one of the elastic sleeves in the radially compressive relationship therewith.
  • An alternate apparatus for drying and shaping bristles of a brush comprising a handle elongate in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of bristles, and a ferrule at a distal end of the handle to support the bristles with respect to the handle in a generally longitudinal extension away from the distal end to form a bundle composed of the plurality of bristles extending generally in a longitudinal direction and interstitial regions between and among the bristles.
  • the apparatus comprises a disc or base member having at least one resilient, moisture permeable tubular band member disposed about a tube axis of the tubular band member, the tubular band member having a nominal tube diameter less than a diameter of the bundle when in a contracted states and the tubular band member being extensible elastically in a circumferential direction along a circumference thereof to a radially expanded state to allow placement of the tubular band member in surrounding contiguous relation to accommodate the bundle of the brush, with the tube axis extending substantially in the longitudinal direction.
  • a brush-retention member is also provided, with at least one clip or retainer capable of holding the handle of the brush.
  • a rod is connected to and vertically separates the disc and the brush-retention portion so that the distance between the brush-retention portion and the disc is less than a length of the brush.
  • the tubular band member when in the surrounding contiguous relation with the bristles, surrounds the bundle with the tube axis oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction.
  • the band member In the radially expanded state, the band member produces an elastic restoring force acting radially inwardly against the bundle to compress adjacent bristles against one another to substantially close the interstitial regions, where the elastic restoring force exceeds a level of radially inward force necessary to establish a frictional engagement of the tubular member and the bundle by more than an order of magnitude.
  • a device for drying and shaping bristles of a brush includes a resilient, moisture permeable tubular member disposed about a tube axis and having a nominal tube diameter in a contracted state, the tubular member being elastically extensile in a circumferential direction to allow placement of the tubular member in surrounding contiguous relation to a bundle of a brush, the bundle being composed of a plurality of the bristles extending generally in a longitudinal direction and interstitial regions between and among the bristles, with the tube axis extending substantially in the longitudinal direction.
  • a disc or base is provided with one or more of the resilient, moisture permeable tubular members attached thereto.
  • a brush retention portion includes a retainer capable of holding the handle, and a rod extends through and connects the disc or base and brush-retention portions.
  • the tubular member is formed of intercalated fibers including resilient fibers extending in the circumferential direction and substantially inextensible fibers extended in the longitudinal direction, whereby the resilient and substantially inextensible fibers cooperate to allow a circumferential elastic expansion of the tubular member while preventing any substantial expansion of the tubular member in the longitudinal direction.
  • An apparatus for drying a plurality of brushes, each of the brushes having a bundle of bristles extending from an elongate handle.
  • the apparatus comprises a sleeve retention member supporting a plurality of elastic sleeves, each of the elastic sleeves configured for surrounding one of the bundles of bristles in a radially compressive and conforming relationship.
  • a brush retention member supports a plurality of brush retainers, each of the brush retainers configured for retaining the handle of one of the brushes.
  • a post, rod or other support member connects the base member to the brush retention member in a spaced relationship along the brush handles.
  • Each brush handle is retained in one of the plurality of brush retainers, and each respective bundle of bristles is positioned for engagement in the radially compressive and conforming relationship with a corresponding one of the elastic sleeves.
  • the sleeve retention member comprises a base member and the apparatus is oriented in a tower configuration with the brush retention member disposed above the base member on the support member.
  • the base member, the support member and the brush retention member is configured in modular form, for selective assembly and disassembly of the tower.
  • a second base member may be disposed above the brush retention member, and a second brush retention member may be disposed above the second base member.
  • a cover may be disposed on the base member, where the cover includes a central bore through which the support member extends.
  • each of the brush retainers may comprise a snap engagement member having a base coupled to the brush retention member and a pair of flexible extensions extending upward from the base to define a brush receptacle for retaining the handle of one of the brushes, and further defining a longitudinal aperture width smaller than a diameter of the brush handle.
  • each of the brush retainers may further comprise shoulder interfaces having a longitudinal channel extending through an interface between each of the extensions and the base, where the longitudinal channel is configured with sufficient flexibility for the extensions to accept the diameter of the brush handle within the longitudinal aperture, and to provide sufficient elastic restoring force to retain the brush handle within the brush receptacle.
  • the longitudinal aperture is defined between end surfaces of the flexible extensions, the end surfaces extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the brush receptacle along radii extending therefrom, the radii defining half-opening angles of about 40° to about 50° for the longitudinal aperture.
  • each sleeve may comprise a tubular member formed of intercalated fibers including resilient fibers extending in a circumferential direction and substantially inextensible fibers extending in a longitudinal direction.
  • the resilient and substantially inextensible fibers cooperate for circumferential elastic expansion of the tubular member in the radially compressive and conforming relationship with the respective bundle of bristles, while preventing substantial expansion of the tubular member in the longitudinal direction.
  • each brush may comprise a ferrule configured to support the bundle of bristles in a generally longitudinal extension from the brush handle, where the sleeve retention member is configured to dry the brush by compressing adjacent bristles in the bundle to substantially close interstitial regions therebetween.
  • each elastic sleeve may also comprise a resilient, moisture permeable tubular band member having a nominal contracted diameter less than that of the respective bundle of bristles.
  • Each tubular band member is elastically extensible along a circumference thereof to a radially expanded state configured to engage a respective bundle of the bristles in the radially compressive and conforming relationship, and the tubular band member is configured to provide an elastic restoring force acting radially inwardly on the respective bundle and exceeding a level of radially inward force necessary to establish a frictional engagement of the tubular member and the respective bundle by more than an order of magnitude.
  • An alternate apparatus for drying and storing brushes includes a brush retention ring, base, and support member.
  • the brush retention ring supports a plurality of brush retainers, each configured for retaining a handle of a brush having a bundle of bristles extending therefrom.
  • the base supports a plurality of elastic sleeves, each configured for compressing the bristles of a respective brush in a radially compressive and conforming relationship.
  • the support member connects the base to the brush retention member in a longitudinally spaced relationship, where each brush handle is retained in one of the brush retainers and the bristles thereof are engaged in the radially compressive and conforming relationship with a respective one of the elastic sleeves, such that interstitial regions between the bristles are substantially closed to facilitate drying.
  • the support member may be configured for releasable locking engagement with the base and brush retention ring, for selective assembly and disassembly of the apparatus in modular tower form.
  • a second base can be disposed above the brush retention ring in the modular tower, and a second brush retention ring can be disposed above the second base.
  • a cover can be disposed on each of the bases, where each cover includes a central bore through which the support member extends.
  • each of the brush retainers may comprise a pair of flexible extensions defining a brush receptacle with a substantially circular cross section and a longitudinal aperture having a width smaller than a diameter of the brush handle.
  • the flexible extensions may have end surfaces defined along radii extending from a longitudinal axis of the brush receptacle, the radii defining half-opening angles of 45 ⁇ 2° for the longitudinal aperture.
  • the elastic sleeves may each comprise a tubular member formed of intercalated resilient and substantially inextensible fibers extending in circumferential and longitudinal directions, respectively.
  • the resilient and substantially inextensible fibers cooperate for circumferential elastic expansion of the tubular member in the radially compressive and conforming relationship with the bristles, while preventing substantial expansion of the tubular member in the longitudinal direction.
  • a method for drying and shaping cosmetic brushes includes placing a cosmetic brush in a brush retainer, the cosmetic brush having a handle disposed in the retainer and extending longitudinally to a bundle of bristles.
  • An elastic sleeve comprising a resilient, permeable tubular member is disposed in surrounding contiguous relation to the bundle of bristles, the bristles extending longitudinally from the brush handle and defining interstitial regions therebetween.
  • the tubular member produces an elastic restoring force acting radially inwardly against the bundle, in order to substantially close the interstitial regions between the bristles, and to facilitate drying and shaping thereof.
  • the method may also include releasably coupling a retainer ring comprising a plurality of such brush retainers to a support member and releasably coupling the support member to a base member supporting a plurality of such elastic sleeves.
  • the base member, support member and retainer ring define a modular structure for drying and storing the cosmetic brushes.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Eine Vorrichtung (100) zum Trocknen einer Vielzahl von Pinseln (33), wobei jeder der Pinsel ein Bündel (40) von Borsten aufweist, das sich von einem Griff (34) aus erstreckt, wobei die Vorrichtung Folgendes aufweist:
    ein Hülsenhalteelement (310), das eine Vielzahl von elastischen Hülsen (16) trägt, wobei jede der elastischen Hülsen (16) konfiguriert ist eines der Bündel (40) von Borsten in einer radial komprimierenden und in Form bringenden Beziehung zu umgeben;
    ein Pinselhalteelement (210), das eine Vielzahl von Pinselhaltern (230) trägt, wobei jeder der Pinselhalter (230) konfiguriert ist den Griff (34) einer der Pinsel zu halten; und
    ein Tragelement (610), das das Hülsenhalteelement (310) mit dem Pinselhalteelement (210) in einer entlang der Pinselgriffe beabstandeten Beziehung verbindet;
    wobei das Hülsenhalteelement (310) ein Basiselement (310) aufweist und die Vorrichtung in einer Turmkonfiguration ausgerichtet ist, wobei das Pinselhalteelement (210) über dem Basiselement (310) an dem Tragelement positioniert ist;
    wobei jeder Pinselgriff (34) in einem der Vielzahl von Pinselhaltern (230) gehalten ist und jedes jeweilige Bündel (40) von Borsten zum Eingriff in der radial komprimierenden und in Form bringenden Beziehung mit einer entsprechenden der elastischen Hülsen (16) positioniert ist; und
    wobei das Basiselement (310), das Tragelement (610) und das Pinselhalteelement (210) in modularer Form zur selektiven Montage und Demontage der Turmkonfiguration vorgesehen sind.
  2. Vorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jeder der Pinselhalter (230) ein Schnappeingriffselement mit einer Haltebasis (238), die mit dem Pinselhalteelement (230) gekoppelt ist, und ein Paar flexibler Verlängerungen (244) aufweist, die sich von der Haltebasis nach oben erstrecken, um eine Pinselaufnahme zum Halten des Griffs einer der Pinsel zu definieren, wobei die Pinselaufnahme eine Längsöffnungsbreite aufweist, die kleiner als ein Durchmesser des Pinselgriffs ist, wobei die Pinselaufnahme vorzugsweise einen im Wesentlichen kreisförmigen Querschnitt aufweist.
  3. Vorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 2, wobei jeder der Pinselhalter (230) ferner einen Längskanal (275) aufweist, der sich durch eine zwischen jeder der Verlängerungen und der Haltebasis (238) definierte Schulterfläche erstreckt, wobei der Längskanal (275) so konfiguriert ist, dass die flexiblen Verlängerungen (244) eine ausreichende Flexibilität aufweisen, um den Durchmesser des Pinselgriff in der Längsöffnung aufzunehmen und eine ausreichende elastische Rückstellkraft bereitzustellen, um den Pinselgriff innerhalb der Pinselaufnahme zu halten.
  4. Vorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Längsöffnung (275) zwischen Endflächen (250) der flexiblen Verlängerungen (244) definiert ist, wobei die Endflächen (250) parallel zu einer Längsachse der Pinselaufnahme verlaufen und entlang von Radien definiert sind, die von der Längsachse ausgehen, wobei die Radien Halböffnungswinkel (8) von etwa 40° bis etwa 50° für die Längsöffnung definieren, wobei die Radien vorzugsweise Halböffnungswinkel (8) von 45±2° für die Längsöffnung definieren.
  5. Vorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei jeder Pinsel (33) eine Zwinge (42) aufweist, die konfiguriert ist das Bündel (40) von Borsten in einer im allgemeinen langgestreckten Verlängerung vom Pinselgriff (34) zu halten, und wobei die elastischen Hülsen (16) so gestaltet sind, dass sie die Pinsel trocknen, indem sie benachbarte Borsten in jedem Bündel zusammendrücken, um die Zwischenräume dazwischen im Wesentlichen zu schließen.
  6. Vorrichtung (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 2-5, wobei jede elastische Hülse (16) ein elastisches, feuchtigkeitsdurchlässiges röhrenförmiges Element mit einem nominalen zusammengezogenen Durchmesser aufweist, der kleiner als der des jeweiligen Borstenbündels ist;
    wobei jedes röhrenförmige Element entlang seines Umfangs elastisch in einen radial expandierten Zustand dehnbar ist, der konfiguriert ist mit einem entsprechenden Bündel von Borsten in der radial komprimierenden und in Form bringenden Beziehung in Eingriff zu kommen; und
    wobei jedes röhrenförmige Element konfiguriert ist eine elastische Rückstellkraft zu liefern, die radial nach innen auf das jeweilige Bündel wirkt und die ein Niveau der radial nach innen gerichteten Kraft, die notwendig ist, um einen Reibungseingriff des röhrenförmigen Elements und des jeweiligen Bündels herzustellen, um mehr als eine Größenordnung übersteigt.
  7. Vorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Pinselhalteelement einen Pinselhaltering (210, 212) aufweist; und wobei jeder Pinselgriff (34) in einem der Pinselhalter (230) gehalten wird und die Borsten davon in der radial komprimierenden und in Form bringenden Beziehung mit einer entsprechenden der elastischen Hülsen (16) in Eingriff stehen, so dass die Zwischenräume zwischen den Borsten im Wesentlichen geschlossen sind, um das Trocknen zu erleichtern.
  8. Vorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Tragelement (610) für einen lösbaren Verriegelungseingriff mit der Basis (310) und dem Pinselhaltering (210, 212) zur selektiven Montage und Demontage der Vorrichtung in Form des modularen Turms konfiguriert ist.
  9. Vorrichtung (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-8, ferner aufweisend ein zweites Basiselement (310), das im modularen Turm über dem Pinselhalteelement (210) angeordnet ist, und ein zweites Pinselhalteelement (210, 212), das im modularen Turm über dem zweiten Basiselement (310) angeordnet ist.
  10. Vorrichtung (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-9, ferner aufweisend eine Abdeckung (510), die an der Basis (310) angeordnet ist, wobei die Abdeckung (510) eine zentrale Bohrung (520) aufweist, durch die sich das Tragelement (610) hindurch erstreckt.
  11. Vorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die elastischen Hülsen (16) jeweils ein rohrförmiges Bandelement aufweisen, das aus eingefügten elastischen und im Wesentlichen nicht dehnbaren Fasern gebildet ist, die sich in Umfangs- bzw. Längsrichtung erstrecken, wobei die elastischen und die im Wesentlichen nicht dehnbaren Fasern für eine elastische Umfangsausdehnung des rohrförmigen Bandelements in der radial komprimierenden und in Form bringenden Beziehung mit den Borsten zusammenwirken, während eine wesentliche Ausdehnung des rohrförmigen Bandelements in der Längsrichtung verhindert wird.
  12. Verfahren zum Trocknen und Formen von Kosmetikpinseln (33), wobei das Verfahren Folgendes aufweist:
    Anordnen eines Kosmetikpinsels (33) in einer Pinselhalter (230), wobei der Kosmetikpinsel einen Griff (34) aufweist, der in der Halter (230) angeordnet wird und der sich in Längsrichtung zu einem Bündel (40) von Borsten erstreckt;
    Anordnen einer elastischen Hülse (16), die ein elastisches, durchlässiges, rohrförmiges Band in umgebender, angrenzender Beziehung zu dem Bündel (40) von Borsten aufweist, wobei sich die Borsten in Längsrichtung vom Pinselgriff (34) erstrecken und dazwischen Zwischenräume definieren;
    wobei das rohrförmige Band eine elastische Rückstellkraft erzeugt, die radial nach innen gegen das Bündel (40) wirkt, und in einer radial komprimierenden und in Form bringenden Beziehung, um die Zwischenräume zwischen den Borsten im Wesentlichen zu schließen und deren Trocknung und Formen zu erleichtern;
    wobei ein Tragelement ein Hülsenhalteelement (310), das eine Vielzahl von elastischen Hülsen (16) trägt, mit einem Pinselhalteelement (210), das eine Vielzahl von Pinselhaltern (230) trägt, in einer entlang der Pinselgriffe beabstandeten Beziehung verbindet;
    wobei das Hülsenhalteelement (310) ein Basiselement (310) aufweist und die Vorrichtung in einer Turmkonfiguration ausgerichtet ist, wobei das Pinselhalteelement (210) über dem Basiselement (310) an dem Tragelement angeordnet ist; und
    wobei das Basiselement (310), das Tragelement (610) und das Pinselhalteelement (210) in modularer Form zur selektiven Montage und Demontage der Turmkonfiguration vorgesehen sind.
  13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner aufweisend das lösbare Koppeln eines Halterings (210, 212), der eine Vielzahl der Pinselhalter (230) aufweist, mit einem Tragelement (610) und das lösbare Koppeln des Tragelement (610) mit einem Basiselement, das eine Vielzahl der elastischen Hülsen (16) trägt, wobei das Basiselement (310), das Tragelement (610) und der Haltering (210, 212) eine modulare Struktur zum Trocknen und Lagern der Kosmetikpinsel definieren.
EP15160359.4A 2014-12-09 2015-03-23 Bürstentrocknungs- und Lagerungsvorrichtung Active EP3031354B1 (de)

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CN105534058B (zh) * 2016-02-19 2018-05-15 佛山市迪赛纳科技有限公司 一种组装式杯装产品旋转架
RU176743U1 (ru) * 2016-10-11 2018-01-25 Искандер Альбертович Файзрахманов Помазок для бритья
AT521987B1 (de) * 2018-11-22 2022-08-15 Heinz Schwitzer Pinsel/universalhalter
USD937020S1 (en) 2020-05-13 2021-11-30 Anisa International, Inc. Brush clip

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