WO2020234707A1

WO2020234707A1 - Manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles

Info

Publication number: WO2020234707A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/054604
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianluca Serposi
Original assignee: Pennelli Faro S.R.L.
Priority date: 2019-05-17
Filing date: 2020-05-15
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Also published as: IT201900006986A1

Abstract

The manufacturing process (1) for the manufacture of brush handles comprises: a processing phase (7) of a numerical model (8) of a brush handle defining at least one predefined characteristic of the handle; and a printing phase (12) of the numerical model (8) to obtain the brush handle having the predefined characteristic; at least one acquisition phase (2) of at least one biometric datum (3, 4) of at least one hand (6) of a user, the numerical model (8) being processed depending on the at least one acquired biometric datum (3, 4), and the acquisition phase (2) occurring prior to the processing phase (7).

Description

MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BRUSH HANDLES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles.

Background Art

With particular, but not exclusive, reference to the cosmetic and fine arts sector, various types of brushes are known that differ both in shape and size, to be used according to the type of application and the aesthetic result to be obtained.

In general, all brushes have a handle that is particularly suitable for being gripped and held by a user.

The handle, usually of elongated shape, comprises an extremity provided with a special cavity defining a housing seat adapted to house a plurality of spreading elements, generally natural or synthetic hair, constituting the application body, that is the part of the latter adapted to take the cosmetic product and apply it on the portions of the skin to be made up.

Currently, the manufacturing processes of handles vary according to the material used to manufacture the handle itself.

In fact, the handle can be made of different materials such as e.g. wood, plastic, rubber or the like.

Wooden brush handles are currently manufactured using processes that involve manual, automatic or carpentry operations, such as e.g. turning.

At the same time, plastic brush handles are manufactured by means of injection molding processes which comprise the introduction of molten plastic material into a closed mould, which is then opened after the handle itself has solidified.

In addition to this, there is a growing need to manufacture handles that are easy to grip and handle to allow precision operations to be carried out.

These processes do, however, have a number of drawbacks, including the fact that they make it possible to manufacture handles with a predefined shape, which cannot be modified according to the users’ needs.

Another drawback is the fact that the predefined shape of the handle is often not suitable for an optimal ergonomic grip.

In addition, the brush handles obtained with the aforementioned processes do have a predefined weight which, similarly to the shape, cannot be modified according to the needs of the users and the purpose of use of the brush, in particular for precision applications.

In fact, in the latter case, the grip and, therefore, the shaping of the handle, and the weight of the latter, are fundamental aspects for the execution of fine movements and extremely small in width, such as those required for precision applications.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles which makes it possible to make ergonomic handles which allow improving, compared to handles of known type, the grip of the same by a user.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles that makes it possible to manufacture handles with improved handling compared to brush handles of known type, thus allowing their use for precision operations.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles that makes it possible to vary the shape and weight of the handle according to the users’ needs and to the intended use of the handle itself.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles that makes it possible to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and affordable solution.

The objects set out above are achieved by the present manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles having the characteristics of claim 1, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the process according to the invention. Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a manufacturing process for the manufacture of brush handles 5.

It is specified that, within the present discussion, the expression“brush handle” relates to a portion intended to be gripped by the user for the movement of the brush itself.

In addition, the fact that the handle 5 is provided with a housing seat, not shown in the figures, and adapted to house an application body cannot be ruled out from the scope of the present discussion.

In other words, the handle 5 can be manufactured in a single monolithic body having the housing seat, or alternatively the latter can be associated with the handle 5 after the manufacturing process.

It is also specified that the term“brush” relates, without distinction, to a cosmetic brush, or a brush for fine arts.

The fact that the aforementioned brush consists of a food-grade brush or an industrial brush cannot however be ruled out.

Again, the fact that the brush consists of a brush usable in the spa and skincare field cannot also be ruled out.

It should be noted that the expression “brush handle” relates, without distinction, to any brush suitable for the application of a fluid product.

The expression“fluid product” relates to any substance suitable to be taken, applied and spread by means of a brush, such as e.g. powders, creams and liquids in the cosmetic, artistic, food and industrial fields.

Preferably, the aforementioned fluid product is a cosmetic or fine art product. According to a preferred embodiment of the process 1, the latter relates to a manufacturing process for the manufacture of handles of cosmetic and/or fine arts brush. According to the invention, the process 1 comprises an acquisition phase 2 of at least one biometric datum 3, 4 of at least one hand 6 of a user.

The fact that the process 1 comprises an acquisition phase 2 of a plurality of biometric data 3, 4 cannot be ruled out from the scope of the present discussion. It cannot be ruled out that the process 1 comprises an acquisition phase 2 of at least one biometric datum 3, 4 of one hand 6 of the user and, then, of the other hand of the user.

It is specified that within the ambit of the present discussion the term“biometric datum” relates to one or more distinctive and measurable characteristics used to identify and describe the structure and physiognomy of the hand 6 of the user. Next, the process 1 comprises a processing phase 7 of a numerical model 8 of the handle 5 for brushes defining at least one predefined characteristic of the handle itself.

Advantageously, the processing phase 7 is carried out by means of a processing unit.

The processing unit is of the type of a processor of the type known to the technician in the field.

In practice, the numerical model 8 consists of a three-dimensional digital model of the handle 5.

Preferably, the predefined characteristic is selected from the list comprising: weight, shape, position of the centre of gravity and density.

In detail, the numerical model 8 is processed depending on the acquired biometric datum 3, 4.

Preferably, the biometric datum 3, 4 comprises at least one static biometric parameter 3.

The expression“static biometric parameter” 3 relates to a measurable structural characteristic of the hand 6.

In this regard, the acquisition phase 2 comprises a scan step 9 of the hand 6 adapted to acquire the static biometric parameter 3.

Preferably, the scan step 9 is carried out by means of a scanner device.

In detail, the scan step 9 comprises measuring at least one of the fingers length LI of the user, fingers width L2 of the user, finger thickness of the user, palm width L3 of the hand 6, palm thickness of the hand 6, palm length L4 of the hand 6, hand length L5, palm circumference Cl of the hand 6, fingers circumference C2 of the hand 6 and combinations thereof.

It is specified that, in the present discussion, the expression“fingers length LI” of the user means the distance between the apical extremity of the distal phalanx and the lower extremity of the proximal phalanx.

In other words, the expression“fingers length LI” means the distance between the upper extremity of the third phalanx and the lower extremity of the first phalanx.

In addition, the expression“fingers width L2” means the distance between the two lateral surfaces of each finger 10.

The expression“finger thickness” of the user means the distance between the upper surface of each finger 10, substantially coplanar to the back of the hand 6, and the lower surface of each finger 10, substantially coplanar to the palm of the hand 6.

The expression“palm width L3” of the hand 6 relates to the distance between the lower extremity of the first phalanx of the thumb and the respective opposite lateral surface.

The expression“palm thickness” of the hand 6 relates to the distance between the back of the hand 6 and the palm thereof.

The expression“palm length L4” of the hand 6 relates to the distance between the upper extremity of the metacarpal bones and the lower extremity of the carpal bones.

The expression“palm circumference Cl” of the hand 6 relates to the perimeter of a circumference tangent to the palm of the hand itself.

Finally, the expression“fingers circumference C2” of the hand 6 relates to the perimeter of a tangent circumference of at least one finger 10 of the hand 6.

The expression“hand length L5” relates to the distance between the lower portion of the carpal bones and the third phalanx of the middle finger.

At the same time, the biometric datum 3, 4 comprises at least one dynamic biometric parameter 4.

In this regard, the acquisition phase 2 comprises a detection step for detecting the dynamic biometric parameter 4.

It is specified that the expression“dynamic biometric parameter” 4 relates to an index characterizing the hand 6 of the user during the movement thereof.

The dynamic biometric parameter 4 consists in the detection of the grip force of the handle 5, the movement of the hand 6 when using the brush and the mode of movement of the hand 6 when gripping the test handle.

This means that in order to create an ergonomic handle 5, it is of fundamental importance to determine how the user grips the handle itself.

For this purpose, the detection step comprises the use simulation of, e.g., a brush test handle.

In detail, the simulation comprises measuring at least one of the grip force, movement speed of the hand 6 when gripping the test handle, position of the hand 6 when gripping the test handle, how the hand 6 is moved when gripping the test handle.

The detection step is carried out by means of sensor means 14.

For example, the aforementioned sensor means 14 are of the type of an augmented reality glove, schematically shown in Figure 1, and operationally connected to a processing unit.

Alternatively, the sensor means may be of the type of sensor elements directly associated with the hand 6 of the user and/or with the test handle.

At this point, the processing phase 7 comprises a correction step 11 of the numerical model 8 depending on at least one of the scanned static biometric parameter 3 and the detected dynamic biometric parameter 4.

This means that depending on the detected biometric datum 3, 4, the numerical model 8 is modified in order to adjust the ergonomics of the handle 5.

For this purpose, the correction step 11 comprises modifying the structural characteristic defined by the numerical model 8.

In actual facts, by working on the three-dimensional model, at least one of weight, shape, position of the centre of gravity and density of the handle 5 is modified.

For example, it is possible to obtain the handle 5 having portions with predefined and different weight by modifying the numerical model 8 through the definition of areas with higher and/or lower density; this allows modulating the weight of the handle 5 also by defining empty internal portions.

Alternatively, it is possible to change the position of the centre of gravity or the shape of the handle 5 depending on the static biometric parameter 3.

Next, the process 1 comprises a printing phase 12 of the numerical model 8 to obtain the handle 5 having the predefined characteristic.

According to the invention, the printing phase 12 is carried out by means of a molding device 13.

It is specified that, in the context of the present discussion, the expression “printing phase” means an injection molding and three-dimensional printing process without distinction.

Specifically, according to an embodiment of the process 1, the printing phase 12 comprises the manufacture of a mould for the production of the handle 5.

In detail, the mould is made depending on the numerical model 8.

Preferably, the printing phase 12 comprises an injection molding phase of the type known to the technician expert in the field.

This means that the molten plastic material is injected under pressure into the mould and then solidified therein to form the handle 5.

At the same time, according to a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the printing phase 12 comprises a three-dimensional printing phase.

The aforementioned molding device 13 is of the type of a 3D printer.

Specifically, the three-dimensional printing phase 12 comprises a phase of deposition of at least one printing material to define portions of the handle 5 with different densities depending on the numerical model 8.

Preferably, the printing material is selected from the list comprising: resins, rubbers, polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), metal powder, wood powder and mixtures thereof. Advantageously, the printing material is of the photopolymer type.

Finally, the process 1 comprises a solidification phase of the printing material depending on the numerical model 8.

In other words, the handle 5 obtained through the three-dimensional printing phase 12 is solidified to obtain a single monolithic body.

The solidification phase is carried out by means of solidification means.

For example, the solidification means are of the type of a light emitting unit suitable for the solidification of photopolymer material.

In particular, the light emitting unit is of the type of an ultraviolet or visible light radiation source.

It has in practice been found that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

It should be noted that the special solution to provide for a phase of acquisition of a biometric datum of the user’s hand allows the manufacture of an ergonomic handle whose structural characteristics are variable according to the users’ needs and the intended use of the brush.

In addition, the fact of providing for an acquisition phase of a static biometric parameter in combination with an acquisition phase of a dynamic biometric parameter makes it possible to manufacture a handle, the weight and shape of which, are variable according to the user’s needs, the way it is gripped and its intended use.

Claims

1) Manufacturing process (1) for the manufacture of brush handles, comprising:

at least one processing phase (7) of a numerical model (8) of a brush handle defining at least one predefined characteristic of said handle; and

at least one printing phase (12) of said numerical model (8) to obtain said brush handle having said predefined characteristic;

characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one acquisition phase (2) of at least one biometric datum (3, 4) of at least one hand (6) of a user, said numerical model (8) being processed depending on said at least one acquired biometric datum (3, 4), and said at least one acquisition phase (2) occurring prior to said processing phase (7).

2) Process (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said at least one biometric datum (3, 4) comprises at least one static biometric parameter.

3) Process (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said at least one biometric datum (3, 4) comprises at least one dynamic biometric parameter (4).

4) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said acquisition phase (2) comprises at least one scan step (9) of said hand (6) adapted to acquire said static biometric parameter (3).

5) Process (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said scan step (9) comprises measuring at least one of fingers length (LI) of said user, fingers width (L2) of said user, fingers thickness of said user, palm width (L3) of said hand (6), palm thickness of said hand (6), palm length (L4) of said hand (6), hand length (L5), palm circumference (Cl) of said hand (6), fingers circumference (C2) of said hand (6) and combinations thereof.

6) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said acquisition phase (2) comprises at least one detection step of said dynamic biometric parameter (4).

7) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said detection step comprises the use simulation of a brush test handle.

8) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said use simulation comprises measuring at least one of grip force, speed of movement of said hand (6) during the grip of said test handle, position of said hand (6) during the grip of said test handle, and method of movement of said hand (6) during the grip of said test handle.

9) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said processing phase (7) comprises a correction step (11) of said numerical model (8) depending on at least one of said scanned static biometric parameter (3) and said detected dynamic biometric parameter (4).

10) Process (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that said correction step (11) comprises modifying said structural characteristic defined by said numerical model (8).

11) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the said structural characteristic is selected from the list comprising: weight, shape, position of the centre of gravity and density.

12) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said printing phase (12) comprises the make of a mould for the production of said handle (5), said mould being made depending on said numerical model (8).

13) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said printing phase (12) comprises an injection molding phase.

14) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said printing phase (12) comprises a three-dimensional printing phase.

15) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said printing phase (12) is carried out by means of a molding device (13).

16) Process (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said molding phase comprises a phase of deposition of at least one printing material to define portions of said handle (5) with different densities depending on said numerical model (8).

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