GB2425718A

GB2425718A - Cosmetic applicator

Info

Publication number: GB2425718A
Application number: GB0509351A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Maria Angela Farrell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-07
Filing date: 2005-05-07
Publication date: 2006-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-07
Also published as: GB0509351D0; GB2425718B

Abstract

A device for applying a cosmetic product such as mascara comprises a handle 504, a stem 502 and a brush head 503, the brush head lying at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the device. The brush head may be connected to the stem by a pivot 510 such that the angle can be adjusted by rotation of a knob 506 actuating an axially movable shaft 509. Alternatively, the brush head may be connected to the stem through a concertina member.

Description

IMPROVED COSMETIC APPLICATOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to applicators for mascara or similar cosmetic products. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved mascara applicator which simplifies the process of applying mascara to the users eye lashes.

Background to the Invention

A conventional mascara brush typically consists of an inter-twisted wire core with a plurality of regularly disposed bristles extending raggedly from the wire core in a helical array.

This mascara brush is then attached to a handle. The handle is then attached to, or is an integral part of a closure means. This closure means, when placed upon a container, engages the neck of the container to seal the brush within the containers internal chamber which contains the mascara product.

In use, the consumer removes the closure from the container, and thus also removes the brush from the internal chamber of the container. As the brush has been exposed to mascara, it now contains mascara and most normally will pass through a wiper contained within the neck of the container. The wiper functions to remove excess product from the bristles of the brush so that an excessive amount of product is not present when the consumer tries to reapply the product to their eyelashes.

Once the cosmetic applicator/mascara brush has been removed from the container the brush can then be used to apply mascara to the eyelashes of the user.

With reference to Fig. I herein there is shown a schematic representation of the human eye. The upper eyelash 101 has been divided into 3 regions A, B and C and the lower eyelash 102 has similarly been divided into 3 regions D, E and F. In this figure regions A and D refer to the region of the eye closest to the outside of the face, regions B and E refer to the central region of the eye and regions C and F refer to the inner region of the eye closest to the nose.

Schematically represented in each of these regions is a prior art mascara brush comprising a handle portion and brush portion. These brushes have been angled in this figure to represent in 2 dimensions the most appropriate angle at which the brush can be used to apply mascara to the lashes in these relevant regions. In addition to this there are also provided arrows which indicate the general direction of motion of the brushes when mascara is to be applied to the lashes.

With reference to region A, the cosmetics applicator 103 is angled such that the brush portion of the cosmetics applicator 103 is higher than the handle portion of the cosmetics applicator 103. With the cosmetics applicator 103 in this orientation the user of the applicator moves the applicator such that the relative orientation of the brush and handle portions remain constant. The user of the applicator must do this given the contours of the eyelashes to which mascara is to be applied in region A. This complicated orientation of brush and handle and movement of the cosmetic applicator when in use is difficult and can lead to the fatiguing of the users hand.

With reference to region B herein, the cosmetics applicator 104 is in a substantially horizontal orientation. The brush portion and handle portion of the cosmetics applicator 104 are substantially horizontal and of equal height. To apply mascara in this region the user of the cosmetics applicator 104 moves the applicator in a substantially upwards/downwards movement. As the positioning and movement of cosmetics applicator in region B is simple, this region is considered by many women to be the easiest to apply mascara too.

With reference to region C, the cosmetics applicator 105 is angled such that the handle portion is higher than the brush portion. When the user wishes to apply mascara to this region of lashes the applicator is moved so as to keep the orientation of the handle and brush portions substantially constant. In order to get the cosmetics applicator 105 in to this orientation the user must twist and bend their wrist and this makes it difficult and tiring to apply mascara to this region of the eye.

With reference to region f, the cosmetics applicator 106 is angled such that the brush portion of the cosmetics applicator 106 is higher than the handle portion of the cosmetics applicator 106. With the cosmetics applicator 106 in this orientation the user of the applicator moves it such that the relative orientation of the brush handle portions remain relatively constant. The user of the cosmetics applicator 106 must do this to match brush portion to the contours of lower eyelash 102 in this region F as it is necessary for the user of the cosmetics applicator to operate the device in this specific orientation, this can lead to cramps and other forms of fatigue in the users forearm wrist and hand.

With reference to region E herein, the cosmetics applicator 107 is in a substantially horizontal orientation. The brush portion and handle portion of the cosmetics applicator being substantially horizontal and remaining so during use of the applicator in this region of the eye. To apply mascara in this region, the use of the cosmetics applicator 107 moves its applicator in a substantially upwards and downwards movement. As the positioning and movement of the cosmetics applicator in region B is simple, this region is considered by many women to be the easiest to apply mascara to.

With reference to region D, the cosmetics applicator 108 is angled such that the handle portion is higher than the brush portion. When the user wishes to apply mascara to this region of the eye, the cosmetics applicator 108 is moved so as to keep the orientation of the handle and brush portions substantially constant in movement. In order to get the cosmetics applicator 108 into this orientation the user must twist and bend their wrist and forearm and this can make it difficult and tiring to apply mascara to this region of the eye.

In addition to being quite a skillful and tiring operation to apply mascara to the various regions of the upper and lower eyelashes, nonserious but irritating injuries can also occur to a users eye due to momentary lapses in the relative orientation of various components of a cosmetics applicator when in use.

The inventors seeing that the application of mascara to eyelashes using conventional brushes was complicated and required a number of deft movements and manipulations of the brush, decided to come up with a brush which overcame these limitations of the prior art design.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cosmetics applicator comprising a handle portion, a stem portion connected at the first end of the handle portion and a brush portion connected to the stem portion at a second end; the applicator is characterised in that the brush set is offset relative to the shared longitudal axis formed through the handle and stem portion.

Preferably, this offsetting of the brush portion is made at the connection between the stem portion and the brush portion.

Preferably, the degree of offsetting of the brush portion relative to the shared longitudal axis of the handle and stem portions is between 20 and 90 degrees.

Preferably the brush portion may be narrowed ??? end opposite to the connection with the stem portion.

Alternatively, said brush portion may be substantially curved.

Alternatively, said brush portion may comprise essential brush portion ??? connected to an outer brush portion, this outer brush portion is free to move about the circumference of the central brush portion.

Preferably, the device may further comprise an adjustment means, configured to adjust a degree of offsetting of the brush portion relative to the shared longitudal axis of the handle and stem portion.

Preferably, this adjustment means may comprise a concertina structure formed into the second end of the stem portion where said brush portion is connected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: With reference to Fig 1 there is shown a schematic representation of the human eye with an upper and lower eyelash divided into 6 regions, to each of these regions is applied mascara using a prior art mascara cosmetic applicator.

Fig. 2 shows a new cosmetics applicator according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention, the applicator comprising a handle stem and brush portion.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a human eye comprising an upper and lower lash, divided into 6 regions. In each of these regions there is provided a mascara cosmetics applicator according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a cosmetics applicator according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a third specific embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

With reference to Fig. 2 herein there is shown a cosmetics applicator according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention. With reference to Fig. 2 herein there is provided a cosmetics applicator 200. This cosmetics applicator comprises a handle portion 201, a stem portion 202 and a brush portion 203.

The stem portion 202 is connected at a first end 204 to the handle portion 201. The stem portion 202 is also connected to the brush portion 203 at a second end 205.

The handle portion 201 and the stem portion 202 share a common longitudinal axis which runs through the handle and stem portions. This is indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 2. The brush portion 203 is offset from this diagonal line according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention.

The inventors have found that this offset brush arrangement allows the user of such a novel brush to simplify the application of mascara to eyelashes.

The cosmetics applicator according to the first specific embodiment of the present invention may be constructed from a wide range of materials. The inventors consider the use of a plastic based materials to be particularly inappropriate as these are lightweight and have a greater than average amount of structural rigidity in comparison to more natural materials. The lightweight construction of the cosmetics applicator is important for at least two reasons, (1) generally women or other users of cosmetics carry with them a limited set of cosmetic applicators and products so that they can touch up any make up they may be wearing as the day or other occasion progresses, therefore cosmetic devices are generally made from lightweight materials. (2) As indicated previously, the application of cosmetics to a user visage can be a laborious and time consuming business, the problems associated with the application of cosmetics would only increase if the various implements of application were heavier or made more unwieldy.

With reference to the first specific embodiment of the present invention, this particular cosmetics applicator will most normally be produced using a conventional plastic injection moulding. The handle portion 201, stem portion 202 and brush portion 203 are created as a single unit. The outer region of the brush portion 203 which comprises the various regularly disposed bristles, is then securely fitted onto the brush portion of the cosmetics applicator.

An additional feature of the cosmetics applicator as shown in Fig. 2 herein comprises a closure means which when the cosmetics applicator is placed upon a suitable cosmetics container the neck of the container is engaged by this closure means causing the brush and stem portion to be contained and sealed within the containers internal chamber which contains the cosmetic product. In the specific embodiment of the present invention the closure means comprises a screw thread arranged in the region of the junction between the handle portion 201 and the stem portion 202. Alternatively, the inventors consider it possible to use any other suitable means, for instance a push cap system.

In order to accommodate the cosmetics applicator 200 the opening into the cosmetics container must be of a suitable dimension so as to allow the offset brush portion 203 into the internal chamber of the container. This can be arranged simply by providing a larger opening than would be otherwise required for a prior art mascara brush. Further, if the cosmetics applicator comprises a closure means in the form of a screwed down or threaded closure mechanism it will also be necessary to provide inside of the cosmetic container internal chamber a suitable space such that the brush portion 203 can move with the rest of cosmetics applicator when the applicator is screwed into place.

Discussion will now be made of the degree to which the brush portion 203 needs to be offset from the stem portion 202 in order to achieve the stated aims of the invention. As indicated previously, in prior art cosmetic applicators, there is no offsetting between the handle, stem and brush portions, this being a zero degree offset. Through the process of experimentation, the inventors have discovered that a minimum angle of twenty degrees is necessary as measured between stem portion 202 and the brush portion 203 in order to have any effect as to ease with which cosmetics may be applied with such a modified applicator.

The brush portion 203 may be offset further up to a maximum of 90 degrees. At 90 degrees, there appears to be no difference in the difficulty of applying mascara to a users eyelashes using such a modified brush in comparison to the use of a zero degree offset prior art brush. Through their study the inventors have discovered that the application of mascara to specific regions of the upper and lower eyelashes can be made easier using differently offset brush portions.

In this first specific embodiment of the present invention, the brush portion 203 is fixed relative to the stem portion 202 and the handle portion 201. In the following discussion upon alternate embodiments of the present invention, means have also been developed to change the degree of offsetting of the brush portion relative to the stem portion whilst the device is in use. Even with a fixed degree of offsetting on the brush portion relative to the stem and handle portions of the cosmetic applicator, a great improvement in the ease of using ergonomics of this novel applicator is seen when applying the mascara to the various regions of a users eye.

With reference to Fig. 3 herein there is shown a schematic representation of a human eye 300. This eye 300 and its upper 301 and lower 302 lashes have been divided up into 6 regions a, b, c, d, e and f. Also shown in Fig. 3 herein is the proper orientation of a cosmetics applicator according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention per each region of the eye. In addition to this there is also a general indication of the direction of motion necessary to apply mascara to each region of the eye utilising the novel cosmetics applicator.

Unlike when using a prior art cosmetics applicator in which the handle portion, stem portion and brush portion substantially share a common longitudinal axis, when a user applies mascara using a cosmetics applicator according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention no substantial adjustment is necessary to the orientation of the cosmetics applicator in order to apply mascara to the various regions of the eye.

As such complex movements are not necessary when using a cosmetics applicator according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention, such a cosmetics applicator is easier to use and more ergonomically adapted to the task of applying mascara.

With reference to region A this upper region of the eye being closest to the outside of a users face, there is provided a cosmetics applicator 303. The handle and stem portion of this applicator are in a substantially parallel orientation relative to a horizontal axis of the eye indicated by an intercepting line Z-Z'. The portion of the upper 301 contained within region A substantially rises from the longitude axis of the eye Z- Z'. In order to orientated the brush portion of the cosmetics applicator 303 to most suit this region, the brush portion is brought so as to be closest to the outside of the users face. In this way, the brush portion is now angled in a similar way to the region of the upper eyelash in region A. Then using a simple up down motion relative to the horizontal axis Z-Z' of the users eye, cosmetic can be easily applied in this region.

With reference to region B this is the central portion of the users eye. In this region the upper eyelash comprises a nominal L shape relative to the horizontal axis Z-Z'. Given this region of the upper eyelash 301 comprises portions where the upper lash is moving away from and in a different region towards the horizontal axis. It may be necessary for the user to swap between using the cosmetics applicator 304 such that the brush portion is closest to the outside of the users face as in region A to an orientation wherein the brush portion is closest to the inside of a users face, so as closely as possible matching the relative orientation of the brush portion relative to the region of the upper lash 301 to which mascara is to be applied. In all instances however, the relative orientation of the handle portion of the cosmetics applicator 304 does not need to deviate from a substantially parallel one relative to the horizontal axis Z-Z'. In this way, no complicated or tiring movements are necessary of the cosmetics applicator other than a simple up down motion relative to this horizontal axis Z-Z'.

With reference to region C, in this region of the eye, the upper eyelash 301 is angled so as to approach the horizontal axis Z-Z' the closer the lash comes to the inner most portion of the users eye. In this region, a cosmetics applicator 305 is orientated such that a brush portion of the cosmetics applicator is closest to the central portion of the users face. The handle portion once again being substantially horizontal relative to the horizontal axis Z-Z' of the users eye. In this orientation the cosmetics applicator and specifically the brush portion thereof is substantially in the same orientation as the portion of the upper lash 301 contained within region C. It is therefore only necessary to move the handle portion of the cosmetics applicator in a substantially upwards downwards direction relative to the horizontal axis of the eye Z-Z' so as to apply mascara to the users eye.

With reference to region F, the portion of the lower eyelash 302 contained within this region dips below the horizontal axis of the eye Z- Z' from a point where the upper and lower lashes meet down to a point further away from this horizontal axis. In order to match the orientation of the brush portion of the cosmetics applicator 306 most closely to the orientation of this portion of the lower eyelash 302, it is orientated such that the brush portion of the cosmetics applicator 306 most closely matches this orientation. In this way therefore, the handle portion of cosmetics applicator 306 is held so as to be closest to the inside of the users face. Then by moving the cosmetics applicator 306 in a relative simple upwards downwards motion they both can be applied to the portion of the lower eyelash 302 contained within region F. With reference to region E, as previously described in relation to region B, the portion of the lower eyelash in this instance formed a nominal bell shape in relation to horizontal axis Z-Z'. In this instance however, the bell shape is formed below the horizontal axis Z-Z' as opposed to region B in which the bell shape was formed above the horizontal axis Z-Z'.

To apply mascara to those regions of the lower lash 302 closest to the inside of the users face i.e. portion of region E closest to region F, the cosmetics applicator 307 is held such that the handle portion is directed towards the inner region of the persons face, in this way the offset brush portion of the cosmetics applicator 307 is substantially aligned both downwardly sloping portions of the lower eyelash contained within region E. with reference to those upwardly sloping portion of the lower lash 302 in region E, the cosmetic applicator 307 is adjusted such that the handle portion is now directed towards the outer region of the users face, this is also in the direction of region D. in both orientations, in order to apply mascara to a portion of lower eyelash 302 in region E the user uses a simple upward downward movement relative to the horizontal axis Z-Z'.

With reference to region D, the portion of the eyelash 302 contained within region D slopes upwards to join with the horizontal axis Z-Z' in the further extremity of the users eye. To apply mascara the cosmetics applicator 308 is arranged so that the handle portion is closest to the outside of the users face. In this way the orientation of offset push portion of the cosmetics applicator 308 is substantially the same as the relative orientation of the portion of the lower eyelash 302 contained within region D. As in relation to all previous regions of the users eye, mascara may be applied using a simple upwards downwards movement. No complex or intricate movements are necessary to effect the transfer of mascara from the cosmetics applicator 308 to the lower eyelash portion contained within region D. It is apparent therefore, that the range of movements and range of complex orientations through which the new cosmetics applicator which is subject of this first specific embodiment of the present invention must be put through in order to apply mascara to the various regions of the users eye is drastically reduced in comparison to the number of separate operations and orientations which prior art brushes must be put through to perform a similar function. The application of mascara and other similar cosmetics is greatly simplified through the use of a device to this first specific embodiment of the present invention. The consequent risks and safety issues associated with prior art cosmetic applicators are also reduced by virtue of the simplification of the process of applying make up when using a device as per this first specific embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to Fig. 4 herein there is shown a further cosmetics applicator according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention. This cosmetics applicator 400 comprises a handle portion 401, a stem portion 402 and a brush portion 403. As for previous embodiments of the present invention the handle portion 401 and the stem portion 402 share a longitudinal axes which runs through the lengths of these two component parts of the cosmetics applicator 400.

According to this second specific embodiment of the present invention the stem portion 402 again comprises a first and second end, the first end 404 connecting the stem portion to the handle portion. The second end 405 of the stem portion 402 connecting the stem portion 402 to the brush portion 403.

According to this specific embodiment of the present invention the second end 405 comprises a concertina structure.

This concertina structure consists of a hollow solid substantially cylindrical in nature. The sides of this hollow solid being in the form of ridges. Through the manipulation of the brush portion 403 about the stem portion, the second end 405, the brush portion can be manipulated into a number of different orientations.

Specifically, manipulations of the brush portion can lead to the offsetting of the brush portion relative to the longitudinal axes of the handle and stem portions over a range of angles. The inventors consider the range of angles 20 to 90 to be particularly useful in the execution of their invention as explained previously.

When in use the degree of offsetting between the brush portion 403 and the stem portion 404 may be set as follows. With the cosmetic applicator 400 in a users hand, the user inserts brush portion into the neck of cosmetics container with which the cosmetics applicator 400 is to be used. Then by moving the handle portion relative to the cosmetic container whilst maintaining the push portion 403 in the opening region, this will cause the brush portion to contact the interior walls of the cosmetic container opening, further movement of the handle portion 401 will cause movement of the brush portion 403 relative to the handle portion 401 and stem portion 402. In this way, the relative degree of offsetting of the push portion 403 to the stem portion 402 can be determined by the user.

Unlike with the cosmetics applicator of the first specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein the degree of offsetting between the brush portion and the stem/handle portions is fixed, this may know be varied at the whim of the user, no special modifications need to be made to cosmetics containers so as to be able to accept permanently offset brush portions. Indeed, as a novel design feature that when a cosmetics applicator as per this second specific embodiment of the present invention which has been modified so as to offset the brush portion relative to the stem portion is reinserted into a conventional cosmetics container; this will result in a substantial reduction in the offsetting off the brush portion relative to the stem portion due to the action of the restricted space within the internal chamber and passage ways of the cosmetic container.

According to further aspects of this second specific embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable region between the stem portion 402 and the brush portion 403 may be provided by a number of different mechanical means.

In particular, a similar result as achieved with a concertina region 405 may also be seen if the join between the stem portion 402 and the brush portion 403 comprises a piece of wire surrounded by a rubber sleeve. This combination of components being supple enough so as to be adjustable by the user but not so supple as to deviate from the selected degree of offsetting selected by the user.

Such mechanical adjustment will again return to a lesser degree of offsetting when the cosmetics applicator is inserted into the narrow confines of the cosmetic container for storage or replenishment operations.

As a further aspect of this second specific embodiment of the present invention, the join region 405 between the brush portion 403 and the stem portion 402 of the cosmetics applicator 400 may also comprise the ratchet and release button mechanism. In this instance the ratchet would comprise a number of incremental teeth affixed to the outer extremity of the stem portion, a catch lever being connected to the brush portion. The adjustment means would operate as per the norm for ratchet lever arrangements, ie the brush would be able to be adjusted incrementally a single direction in this instance offsetting the brush portion incrementally further and further from the stem portion. As the latch portion incorporated into the brush portion 403 contacted each of the various incremental steps made into the ratchet wheel, the brush portion would then be fixed in this orientation until such time as the brush portions degree of offsetting was increased so moving to a different incremental step on the ratchet wheel. In order to allow the return of the brush portion 403 back to a start position, it would also be necessary toprovide a release mechanism. This release mechanism would function to disengage the catch lever from the ratchet wheel so that the brush portion could move freely about the ratchet wheel so as to decrease the offsetting of the brush portion relative to the stem portion.

With reference to Fig. 5 herein and according to a third specific embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cosmetics applicator 500. This applicator comprises a handle portion 501, a stem portion 502 and a brush portion 503. The handle portion 501 being connected to a first end 504 of the stem portion 502 and the brush portion 503 being connected to a second end 505 off the stem portion.

According to this third specific embodiment of the present invention the cosmetics applicator 500 further comprises an adjustable means configured to adjust the degree of offsetting of the brush portion 503 relative to the handle and stem portions 501 and 502. This off-setting means comprises a knob 506. This knob is formed into the handle portion 501 of the cosmetics applicator. By means of manipulating the knob the degree of off-setting of the brush portion relative to the remaining components of the cosmetics applicator can be controlled.

The knob 506 is connected to a helical spring 507 which is entirely contained within the interior of the handle portion 501. Rotational movement of the knob 506 causes a corresponding rotation of the helical spring within the handle portion 501. Also contained within the handle portion 501 is an actuating body 508, this actuating body 508 is configured such that a number of limbs from the actuating body 508 are disposed between the helical metal spring 507. In this way, when the helical spring rotates the actuating body moves relative to the handle portion 501.

The actuating body 508 is also connected to a shaft 509. This shaft 509 is substantially adjoined to the actuating body 508 and also to the brush portion 503. The shaft 509 runs between the actuating body through the handle portion and the stem portion to a point where it is substantially adjoined with the brush portion 503 at or about the second end of the stem portion 505.

The second end 505 of the stem portion 502, and more specifically, the join of the brush portion 503 to the stem portion 502 substantially comprises a cam gear arrangement. In this cam gear arrangement the brush portion 503 is connected to the stem portion 502 at a pivot 510. The brush portion 503 is restricted and its movement about this pivot 510 only by the action of the shaft 509 which is joined to the brush portion only at a second pivotal mounting 511.

This cam gear arrangement means that when the knob 506 is rotated causing the helical spring 507 to rotate the actuating body 509 moves relative to the handle portion 501 causing movement of the shaft 509. If such movement is towards the brush body this will lead to an increase in the angle offset between the brush portion 503 relative to a handle and stem portions 501 and 502 respectively. Alternatively, if the direction of movement of the actuating body 508 and shaft 509 are away from the brush portion 503, this will cause a decrease in the offset angle of the brush portion 503 relative to the handle and stem portions 501 and 502 respectively.

In addition to the above method of adjusting the offsetting of a brush portion relative to the rest of the cosmetics applicator a number of other cam action mediated offsetting means have been considered by the inventors, for instance, a geared wheel, push action ratchet mechanism and many other suitable means, all of which are contained within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims: 1. A cosmetic applicator comprising: a handle portion; a stem

portion connected at a first end to said handle portion; and a brush portion connected to said stem portion at a second end thereof; said applicator being characterised in that said brush portion is off-set relative to a shared longitudinal axis formed through said handle portion and said stem portion.
2. A cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means by which said brush portion is off-set relative to said longitudinal axis is said second end.
3. A device as claimed in any one of claims I or 2, wherein said brush portion is off-set relative to said longitudinal axis by an angle between 200 and 900.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said brush portion is substantially narrowed at its opposite end to said connection to said stem portion.
5. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein said brush portion is substantially curved.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said brush portion comprises a central portion radially connected to an outer brush portion which is free to move about the circumference of the central portion.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device further comprises adjustment means configured to adjust the degree of off-setting of said brush portion relative to said longitudinal axis.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said adjustment means comprises a concertina member formed into said second end.