EP4658128A1

EP4658128A1 - Mascara applicator

Info

Publication number: EP4658128A1
Application number: EP24710567.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kyoo Jin PARK
Original assignee: L'Oréal SA
Current assignee: L'Oréal SA
Priority date: 2023-02-02
Filing date: 2024-01-31
Publication date: 2025-12-10
Also published as: KR20250137714A; CN120529850A; WO2024163647A1; JP2026505097A

Abstract

A mascara brush includes from bristles, wherein the bristles have a solid round or oval cross section with a diameter of about 6 mil, a twisted wire core holding the bristles, the twisted wire core includes 11 to 13 bristles per turn (equivalent to 210 to 270 bristles per standard size of 27mm to 28mm brush); and the brush has an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm.

Description

MASCARA APPLICATOR

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18/105196, filed February 2, 2023, and French Patent Application No. 2303943, filed April 20, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY

[0002] In one embodiment, a mascara brush comprises bristles, wherein the bristles have a solid round or solid oval cross section with a diameter of about 6 mil; a twisted wire core holding the bristles, the twisted wire core includes from 11 to 13 bristles per turn; and the brush has an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm.

[0003] In one embodiment, the bristles include rounded ends which is utilizing post-processing techniques such as grinding or heating.

[0004] In one embodiment, the bristles include a straight ends.

[0005] In one embodiment, the wire has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0006] In one embodiment, the brush has an envelope shape selected from a cylindrical portion with a frustoconical portion, two frustoconical portions, a single frustoconical portion, a single cylindrical portion, and ovoid, a cylindrical portion with helical cuts.

[0007] In one embodiment, about 6 mil includes from 5.7 mil to 6.3 mil.

[0008] In one embodiment, the brush has a cross-sectional shape of a circle.

[0009] In one embodiment, the brush has a cross-sectional shape including straight sides.

[0010] In one embodiment, a package comprises the mascara brush of claim 1 ; a stem connected to one end of the mascara brush; a cap connected to a second end of the stem; and a container including mascara.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bristles include rounded ends.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bristles include straight ends.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bristles include crimps along the length of the bristle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the wire has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the brush has an envelope shape selected from a cylindrical portion with a frustoconical portion, two frustoconical portions, a single frustoconical portion, a single cylindrical portion, and ovoid, a cylindrical portion with helical cuts.

[0016] In one embodiment, about 6 mil includes from 5.7 mil to 6.3 mil.

[0017] In one embodiment, the brush has a cross-sectional shape of a circle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the brush has a cross-sectional shape including straight sides.

[0019] In one embodiment, the brush includes attachments to the brush, such as a flexing mechanism or comb-like component.

[0020] In one embodiment, the package further comprises a wiper, wherein the wiper has an orifice from between 4.75 mm and 5.5 mm.

[0021] In one embodiment, a method for making a mascara brush comprises twisting a wire, wherein each wire turn holds from 11 to 13 bristles, wherein the bristles have a solid round or solid oval cross section with a diameter of about 6 mil; cutting the bristles to achieve an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, about 6 mil includes from 5.7 mil to 6.3 mil.

[0023] A mascara applicator includes about 6 mil ( about 0.006 inches or about 0.15mm) diameter round or oval bristles; a bristle cross section of a basic circle or oval; about 240 bristles plus/minus 10% (215 to 265 bristles), which is the equivalent to 11 to 13 bristles per turn, and an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm. This bristle has consistently been proved to be extremely well performing for mascara brushes

[0024] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0025] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of a cosmetics package including a mascara brush in accordance with one embodiment;

[0028] FIGURE 2 is a photograph of a twisted-wire brush in accordance with one embodiment;

[0029] FIGURE 3A is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape;

[0030] FIGURE 3B is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape;

[0031] FIGURE 3C is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape;

[0032] FIGURE 3D is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape;

[0033] FIGURE 3E is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape;

[0034] FIGURE 3F is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape;

[0035] FIGURE 3G is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape;

[0036] FIGURE 3H is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush shape

[0037] FIGURE 4A is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0038] FIGURE 4B is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0039] FIGURE 4C is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0040] FIGURE 4D is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0041] FIGURE 4E is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section; [0042] FIGURE 4F is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0043] FIGURE 4G is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0044] FIGURE 4H is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0045] FIGURE 41 is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a brush cross section;

[0046] FIGURE 5 A is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle;

[0047] FIGURE 5B is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle;

[0048] FIGURE 5C is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle;

[0049] FIGURE 5D is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle;

[0050] FIGURE 6A is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0051] FIGURE 6B is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0052] FIGURE 6C is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0053] FIGURE 6D is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0054] FIGURE 6E is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0055] FIGURE 6F is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0056] FIGURE 6G is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0057] FIGURE 6H is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0058] FIGURE 61 is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0059] FIGURE 6J is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape; [0060] FIGURE 6K is a diagrammatical illustration of one embodiment of a bristle cross-sectional shape;

[0061] FIGURE 7 is an illustration depicting a technique of determining mascara volume and separation;

[0062] FIGURE 8A is a graph of volume test results for solid round bristles of various diameters;

[0063] FIGURE 8B is a graph of volume test results for hollow round bristles of various diameters;

[0064] FIGURE 8C is a graph of volume test results for solid bean bristles of various diameters;

[0065] FIGURE 8D is a graph of volume test results for solid long-wave bristles of various diameters;

[0066] FIGURE 8E is a graph of volume test results for solid short-wave bristles of various diameters;

[0067] FIGURE 8F is a graph of separation test results for solid round bristles of various diameters;

[0068] FIGURE 8G is a graph of separation test results for hollow round bristles of various diameters;

[0069] FIGURE 8H is a graph of separation test results for solid bean bristles of various diameters;

[0070] FIGURE 81 is a graph of separation test results for solid long-wave bristles of various diameters;

[0071] FIGURE 8J is a graph of separation test results for solid short-wave bristles of various diameters;

[0072] FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatical illustration of a brush having a flexing mechanism;

[0073] FIGURE 10A is a diagrammatical illustration of a bristle end before grinding;

[0074] FIGURE 10B is a diagrammatical illustration of a bristle end after grinding; and

[0075] FIGURE 11 is a diagrammatical illustration of a brush include a comb-like component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Bristle configuration is important to the efficacy of mascara application. While there are many attempts to invent new bristles and packaging systems, there are no specifications of brush characteristics (especially using a specific type of bristle) because it is difficult to determine performance using in vitro data.

[0077] In one embodiment, an objective of this disclosure is to provide the best ratio of volume to separation utilizing existing technology. A challenge of mascara is maximizing volume and maximizing separation. An objective is higher separation at a given level of volume.

[0078] Using an approach of combining various brush factors that impact make up result - such as bristle shape, bristle size, brush size, number of bristles/separating elements, along with in-vitro methodology for finding the highest volume to separation ratio, combination of superior specification for mascara brush was developed.

[0079] Referring to FIGURE. 1, a cosmetics package 10 comprises a container 6 intended to hold the cosmetic product and an applicator 1 for applying a cosmetic product that is selectively fastened to the container 6 in order to be loaded with cosmetic product and withdrawn from the container 6 in order to apply cosmetic product to a surface to be treated.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated, the cosmetic product is a mascara composition intended to be applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows of a user’s eyes.

[0081] The applicator 1 comprises a gripping member 2 intended to be grasped and handled by the user in order to load the applicator 1 with product and apply the loaded product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

[0082] The gripping member 2 of the applicator 1 constitutes a cap for closing the container 6.

[0083] The applicator 1 also comprises a stem 3 extending along a longitudinal axis and having, along this longitudinal axis, a first end 31 secured to the gripping member 2 and a second end 32 at the opposite end from the first end 31.

[0084] The applicator 1 finally comprises a brush 4 for applying the cosmetic product that is secured to the second end 32 of the stem 3.

[0085] The container 6 is provided with a wiper 7 below the neck and in the interior of the container 6. The wiper 7 is for removing the excess product present on the stem 3 and on the applicator member 4. This wiper 7 comprises, for example, a lip made of an elastomer material, defining a wiping orifice which preferably has a circular cross section, the diameter of which corresponds substantially to that of the stem 3. In embodiments, the stem 3 has a diameter from 3mm-6mm. In embodiments, the wiper 7 has an orifice from between 4.75 mm and 5.5 mm

[0086] In one embodiment, the brush 4 comprises a twisted wire 41 (as seen in FIGURE 2) and bristles 40 that are held by the twisted wire 41. Generally, a twisted wire brush is folded in a U-shape and twisted to form turns gripping the bristles 40 in the process. In one embodiment, the twisted wire has between 10 and 30 turns, preferably between. 17 and 22 turns. The turns are made clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0087] Referring to FIGURE 2, one embodiment of a brush 4 comprises 11 to 13 bristles per turn. The core of the brush is foraged by one twist of an iron wire 41 with a circular cross section and a diameter of from 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, preferably, from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. In one embodiment, the bristles 40 are made of nylon 6, 10 having a solid round cross section with a diameter of about 6 mil (0.006 inches or about 0.15 mm). Each bristle 40 is gripped in its central part by the twisted wire 41 and, in one embodiment, all of the bristles define a single spiral layer, the bristles generally being regularly spaced from one another, i.e. one bristle 40 forms with the adjacent bristles an angle which is constant to within approximately 20% all along the spiral layer formed. For reference, a 20 turn brush that is 28.5mm long can have around 240 bristles. A brush that is about 25mm long brush (10% shorter) can have equivalent level of bristle density/configuration with just 18 turns (10% lower) and 215 bristles.

[0088] In one embodiment, the brush 4 is manufactured by implementing a conventional manufacturing process used industrially for all types of brush having a twisted core. To this end, in a first stage, the core wire 41 is folded into a hairpin. Tufts of bristles 40 are placed between the folded wire 40. In a twisting operation, the bristles are distributed regularly between the twisted wires, so that after twisting the brush has a uniform distribution of bristles.

[0089] In one embodiment, the brush 4 and bristles 40 are made by a process of injection molding.

[0090] In embodiments, the number of bristles 40 per turn is greater than 5, preferably between 10 and 20 bristles per turn, more preferably from 11 to 13 bristles per turn. [0091] In one embodiment, the brush 4 comprises 18-20 turns. In one embodiment, the brush 4 comprises from 215 to 265 bristles, more preferably from 230 to 250 bristles.

[0092] Bristles are defined by counting the number of strands of fiber in the brush. For example, 1 strand can create two separating elements, when the brush is decoded, there might be from about 215 to about 265 strands but this can translate to double the number of “bristles,” because one strand is twisted between the wire and two ends protrude on each side of the wire.

[0093] After twisting has been effected, the brush is ground or trimmed to shape the longitudinal profile or the cross-sectional profile or both the longitudinal profile and the cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, such as FIGURE 4, the brush 4 has a cylindroconical shape, the cylindrical part of which forms the part of the peripheral surface having the maximum diameter. In embodiments, the brush 4 has an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm. This diameter is important factor in the volume vs separation ratio because it determines the accessibility of lashes to the bulk deposited in the brush. Contrary to the popular belief, larger brushes equal smaller volume and smaller brushes deliver more instant/quick volume.

[0094] In embodiments, the bristles 40 of the brush are made of polyamide 6, 10, polyamide 6/6, polyamide 6, 12, or polyamide 6, or polyamide 11, Polyamide 10.10, or any other variation of PA or polyester, or polytetrafluoroethylene. In embodiments, the bristles 40 are made of a natural or synthetic material, for example chosen from PP, PA, PET, PS, PE, PVC, TPEs, or silicone. In embodiments, the bristles 40 have a magnetic fdler or one for improving sliding, for example graphite, PTFE or molybdenum disulfide. In embodiments, these raw materials may or may not be provided with agents improving the sliding and wetting properties of the material.

[0095] As can be seen in FIGURES 3 A to 3H, the free ends of the bristles 40 define an envelope surface of the brush 4. In FIGURE 3A, this envelope surface is substantially in the form of a cylinder 300 of revolution about the longitudinal axis starting from the end of the portion of the brush 4 bearing the bristles 40 that is situated on the stem side. Then, a frustoconical portion 302 is provided where the cylindrical portion 300 ends, and the frustoconical portion continues to the distal end of the brush 4. This frustoconical portion narrows in diameter from the cylindrical section 300 in the direction of the free end of the brush 4. In FIGURE 3A, the cylindrical portion 300 comprises a majority of the length of the brush 4, and the frustoconical portion 302 comprises a minority of the length of the brush 4.

[0096] In FIGURE 3A, the brush envelope surface is also substantially in the form of a cylinder 304 of revolution about the longitudinal axis starting from the end of the portion of the brush 100 bearing the bristles that is situated on the stem side. Then, a frustoconical portion 306 is provided where the cylindrical portion 304 ends, and the frustoconical portion 306 continues to the distal end of the brush 100. This frustoconical portion narrows in diameter from the cylindrical section 304 in the direction of the free end of the brush 100. In FIGURE 3 A, the cylindrical portion 304 comprises a majority of the length of the brush 100, and the frustoconical portion 306 comprises a minority of the length of the brush 100.

[0097] In FIGURE 3C, the brush envelope surface is substantially entirely a frustoconical portion 310 starting from the end of the portion of the brush 102 bearing the bristles that is situated on the stem side. The frustoconical portion 310 continues to the distal end of the brush 102. This frustoconical portion narrows in diameter in the direction of the free end of the brush 102.

[0098] In FIGURE 3D, the brush envelope surface is substantially entirely in the form of a cylinder 312 of revolution about the longitudinal axis starting from the end of the portion of the brush 104 bearing the bristles that is situated on the stem side. The cylindrical portion 312 continues to the distal end of the brush 104.

[0099] In FIGURE 3E, the brush envelope surface is substantially entirely in the form of a oval 314 of revolution about the longitudinal axis starting from the end of the portion of the brush 106 bearing the bristles that is situated on the stem side. The ovoid section 314 continues to the distal end of the brush 106.

[0100] In FIGURE 3F, the brush envelope surface is includes a portion in the form of a cylinder 316 of revolution about the longitudinal axis starting from the end of the portion of the brush 108 bearing the bristles that is situated on the stem side. Then, a frustoconical portion 318 is provided where the cylindrical portion 316 ends, and the frustoconical portion 318 continues to the distal end of the brush 108. This frustoconical portion 108 narrows in diameter from the cylindrical section 316 in the direction of the free end of the brush 108. In FIGURE 3F, the frustoconical portion 318 has a different longitudinal axis as compared to the cylindrical portion, such that the frustoconical portion 318 lies at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical section 316. [0101] In FIGURE 3G, the brush envelope surface is substantially entirely in the form of a cylinder 320 of revolution about the longitudinal axis starting from the end of the portion of the brush 110 bearing the bristles that is situated on the stem side. The cylindrical portion 320 continues to the distal end of the brush 110. In the embodiment of FIGURE 3G, helical cuts 322 are provided on the exterior of the cylindrical portion 320.

[0102] In FIGURE 3H, the brush envelope surface includes a first frustoconical portion 324 starting from the end of the portion of the brush 102 bearing the bristles that is situated on the stem side. The frustoconical portion 324 narrows in diameter in the direction of the free end of the brush 102. The frustoconical portion 326 is connected with a second frustoconical portion 326 at the narrowest diameter of the first frustoconical portion 326. The second frustoconical portion 326 increases in diameter in the direction of the free end of the brush 102.

[0103] While the brushes of FIGURES 3 A to 3H describe embodiments of brush envelope shapes from the side, in FIGURES 4A to 4H, a variety of cross-sectional envelope shapes are illustrated to show longitudinal cuts. Brushes can have more than one different cross-sectional shape of FIGURES 4 A to 4H.

[0104] Embodiments of shapes illustrated in FIGURES 3A to 3G, and those of FIGURES 4A to 4H are formed by cutting or grinding the bristles once attached to the twisted core, for example.

[0105] In FIGURE 4 A, a cross-sectional envelope shape of brush 4 is a circle.

[0106] In FIGURE 4B, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 200 is a square by cutting or grinding on four equal sides.

[0107] In FIGURE 4C, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 202 is a rectangle by cutting or grinding on four sides one pair of sides being larger than a second pair.

[0108] In FIGURE 4D, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 204 is a hexagon by cutting or grinding on six equal sides.

[0109] In FIGURE 4E, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 206 is an octagon by cutting or grinding on eight equal sides.

[0110] In FIGURE 4F, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 208 is an oval.

[0111] In FIGURE 4G, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 210 is generally a circle with three longitudinal cuts 216 made on the exterior. Each longitudinal cut 216 is spaced equally around the circumference of the brush. Each longitudinal cut 216 is comprised of three sides.

[0112] In FIGURE 4H, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 212 is generally a circle with three longitudinal cuts 218 made on the exterior. Each longitudinal cut 218 is spaced equally around the circumference of the brush. Each longitudinal cut 218 is comprised of a single flat side.

[0113] In FIGURE 41, a cross-sectional envelope shape of a brush 214 is generally a circle with three longitudinal cuts 220 made on the exterior. Each longitudinal cut 220 is spaced equally around the circumference of the brush. Each longitudinal cut 220 is comprised of a curved side.

[0114] FIGURES 5 A to 5D show embodiments of bristles having different shapes for use in the brush.

[0115] Referring to FIGURE 5 A, one embodiment of a bristle 500 used in the brush includes a bristle having a blunt or straight end 502.

[0116] Referring to FIGURE 5B, one embodiment of a bristle 504 used in the brush includes a bristle having a rounded end 506.

[0117] Referring to FIGURE 5C, one embodiment of a bristle 508 used in the brush includes a crimps. Spacing between crimps 510 include closely spaced or relatively far apart. In FIGURE 5C, a short-wave bristle is illustrated.

[0118] Referring to FIGURE 5D, one embodiment of a bristle 512 is illustrated with crimps 514 spaced further apart than the crimps shown in FIGURE 5E. FIGURE 5D illustrates a long-wave bristle.

[0119] FIGURES 6A to 6K show embodiments of bristles having different cross- sectional shapes for use in the brush.

[0120] FIGURE 6A is an embodiment of a bristle 400 having a solid oval cross- sectional shape.

[0121] FIGURE 6B is an embodiment of a bristle 402 having a hollow triangular cross-sectional shape with three holes.

[0122] FIGURE 6C is an embodiment of a bristle 404 having a solid diamond cross-sectional shape.

[0123] FIGURE 6D is an embodiment of a bristle 406 having a solid round cross- sectional shape. [0124] FIGURE 6E is an embodiment of a bristle 408 having a hollow round cross- sectional shape.

[0125] FIGURE 6F is an embodiment of a bristle 410 having a hollow diamond cross-sectional shape with four holes.

[0126] FIGURE 6G is an embodiment of a bristle 412 having a solid four-lobed cross-sectional shape.

[0127] FIGURE 6H is an embodiment of a bristle 414 having a solid rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0128] FIGURE 61 is an embodiment of a bristle 416 having a solid triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0129] FIGURE 6J is an embodiment of a solid round bristle 418 having split ends.

[0130] FIGURE 6K is an embodiment of a bristle 420 having a bean cross-sectional shape.

[0131] In one embodiment, a brush includes about 6 mil (0.006 inches/about 0.15mm) diameter bristles, a bristle cross section of a solid circle, 240 bristles plus/minus 10% (215 to 265 bristles), equivalent to 11 to 13 bristles per turn, and an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm.

[0132] The “average brush diameter” has the following meanings for differentshaped brushes. According to FIGURES 3 A to 3H, embodiments of brushes are straight with or without a taper at the tip, frustoconical, multiple frustoconical, ovoid, etc.

[0133] The “average brush diameter” is defined as a midpoint of the diameter range if the shape is continuously changing (i.e. frustoconical/multiple frustoconical/ovoid) if the diameter is not continuously changing (i.e. straight with or without taper), then the “average brush diameter” is the diameter of the main body.

[0134] Embodiments of the brush also have longitudinal cuts that produce a crosssection of the brush other than circular. Brushes have longitudinal cuts to result in various brush cross section as illustrated in FIGURES 4A to 4H. In the case there are flat cuts or multiple cuts, the minimum width would be the ““average brush diameter.”

[0135] As used herein, about 6 mil (about 0.006 inches, about 0.15mm) includes from 5.7 mil to 6.3 mil (0.0057 to 0.0063 inches, 0.1425 to 0.1575 mm).

[0136] As used herein a “round cross section “ can also be slightly offset to be an oval very close to a circle, such as within 90% of being a perfect circle). [0137] In embodiments, the brush includes post-treatments such as cuts (flat cut, helical cut, offset rounded cut, etc.)

[0138] In embodiments, the bristle edges are rounded, such as through heating, grinding, and the like.

[0139] In embodiments, the bristles are curved. In such a case, the dimensions, such as diameter, are determined before curving.

[0140] In embodiments, the brush is coiled in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In embodiments, the direction is the same as the direction of un-screwing the cap from the bottle. For example, when the cap unscrews counterclockwise, then, the bristles are wound in the same counterclockwise direction.

[0141] In embodiments, the metal wire 41 is from 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, preferably, from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0142] In embodiments, the stem 3 has a diameter from 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0143] FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatical illustration of a brush 900 having a flexing mechanism 902. The flexing mechanism is a reduction in diameter of the stem 904. The stem 904 can be made of a flexible material so that the stem will flex at the flexing mechanism.

[0144] FIGURE 10A is a diagrammatical illustration of a bristle end 1000 before grinding.

[0145] FIGURE 10B is a diagrammatical illustration of a bristle end 1002 after grinding.

[0146] FIGURE 11 is a diagrammatical illustration of a brush 1100 including a comb-like component 1102 for effects like combing.

EXAMPLES

Determining the Bristle Type Based on Ratio of Volume to Separation

[0147] Different bristles in various diameters are tested to determine a ratio of volume versus separation. The different bristles include solid, hollow, haricot (bean), longwave, and short-wave having diameters of 4 mil, 5 mil, and 6 mil.

[0148] A testing protocol includes applying mascara onto fake lashes using a mechanical arm configured to apply a predetermined number of strokes. The fake lashes are weighed before and after application of mascara. The fake lashes are analyzed via image analysis to count the number of pixels. [0149] Referring to FIGURE 7, a picture of each bristle/brush size/bristle count variation was created. The pictures are analyzed for the amount of deposit, volume, and separation of each bristle/brush size/bristle count variation. By analyzing the fake lashes, it is possible to quantify the differences in the volume/separation for each test cell. Then by utilizing DOE(Design of Experiment) programs, it is possible to obtain graphical heatmaps to show which variation creates the what level of volume and what level of separation that constitutes to that volume. Then it is possible to find the brush specifications that create the highest ratios.

[0150] FIGURES 8A to 8J are heat maps to determine the ratio of volume to separation for each bristle type. The bristle diameter is on the y-axis, and the wiper orifice size is on the x-axis. Bristle diameter ranged from 4 to 6 mil, and wiper diameter measured from 4 to 5.3.

[0151] Each of the FIGURES from 8A to 8E relates to the volume for each bristle type. A dashed oval representing the highest volume is shown in each figure. The value for volume is obtained from the legend to the right of the figure. For example, the highest volume value from FIGURE 8A for solid bristles is 89.9 corresponding to a 6 mil bristle.

[0152] Each of the FIGURES from 8F to 8J relates to the separation for each bristle type. A dashed oval represents the corresponding separation value for the size of the bristle determined to have the highest volume from FIGURES 8A to 8E. The value for separation is obtained from the legend to the right of the figure.

[0153] For example, from FIGURE 8A, the solid bristle with the highest volume was determined to be at 6 mil. Then, the separation value from FIGURE 8F for 6 mil solid bristles is 21.2.

[0154] Therefore, the volume to separation ratio of 6 mil solid bristles becomes 89.9/21.2, which is 4.24.

[0155] From the FIGURES 8A to 8E, it can be determined that a brush with a 6 mil solid bristles has the highest level of volume to separation.

[0156] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A mascara brush, comprising: bristles, wherein the bristles have a solid round or solid oval cross section with a diameter of about 6 mil; a twisted wire core holding the bristles, the twisted wire core includes from 11 to 13 bristles per turn; and the brush has an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm.

2. The mascara brush of claim 1, wherein the bristles include rounded ends.

3. The mascara brush of claim 1, wherein the bristles include a straight ends.

4. The mascara brush of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wire has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm.

5. The mascara brush of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the brush has an envelope shape selected from a cylindrical portion with a frustoconical portion, two frustoconical portions, a single frustoconical portion, a single cylindrical portion, and ovoid, a cylindrical portion with helical cuts.

6. The mascara brush of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein about 6 mil includes from 5.7 mil to 6.3 mil.

7. The mascara brush of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the brush has a cross-sectional shape of a circle.

8. The mascara brush of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the brush has a cross-sectional shape including straight sides.

9. A package, comprising: the mascara brush of claim 1; a stem connected to one end of the mascara brush; a cap connected to a second end of the stem; and a container including mascara.

10. The package of claim 9, wherein the bristles include crimps along the length of the bristle.

11. The package of claim 9 or 10, including attachments to the brush such as a flexing mechanism or comb-like component.

12. The package of any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a wiper, wherein the wiper has an orifice from between 4.75 mm and 5.5 mm.

13. A method for making a mascara brush, comprising: twisting a wire, wherein each wire turn holds from 11 to 13 bristles, wherein the bristles have a solid round or solid oval cross section with a diameter of about 6 mil; cutting the bristles to achieve an average brush diameter between 7.4 mm to 8.2 mm.