WO2020263959A1

WO2020263959A1 - Brush with replaceable bristles

Info

Publication number: WO2020263959A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/039335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Denis Pierre Maurin; Jae Bin; Eleonora Barozzi
Original assignee: HCT Group Holdings Limited
Priority date: 2019-06-24
Filing date: 2020-06-24
Publication date: 2020-12-30
Also published as: US20200397131A1

Abstract

A brush with a replaceable head includes a handle, a collar releasably coupled to the handle, and a brush head releasably coupled to the collar. The brush head may include a plurality of bristles. The collar may include an engagement member that releasably engages the brush head when the collar is coupled to the handle.

Description

BRUSH WITH REPLACEABLE BRISTLES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/865,624, filed on June 24, 2019, titled BRUSH WITH REPLACEABLE BRISTLES, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Numerous types of brushes with natural and synthetic animal hair are available for applying cosmetic products. New and alternative approaches to such brushes are desired.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides designs, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for cosmetic packaging.

In a first example, a brush with a replaceable head may include a handle, a collar releasably coupled to the handle, and a brush head including a plurality of bristles releasably coupled to the collar.

Alternatively or additionally to the above example, in another example, the brush head consists only of the plurality of bristles attached to one another with adhesive or heat.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the brush head consists only of the plurality of bristles attached to one another with heat.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the collar includes a cavity configured to receive the brush head, and at least one engagement member configured to releasably grip the brush head.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, each engagement member includes a deflectable element configured to move between a released position in which the brush head is moveable into and out of the cavity, and an engaged position in which the deflectable element engages the brush head within the cavity. Alteratively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the deflectable element is biased in the released position.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the deflectable element is in the released position when the collar is separated from the handle and in the engaged position when the collar is coupled to the handle.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the handle includes a recess configured to receive the collar, the recess having internal threading configured to mate with external threading on the collar.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, an inner wall of the recess moves the deflectable element from the released position to the engaged position as the collar is inserted into the recess.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, each deflectable element includes a protrusion extending into the cavity configured to grip the brush head.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the collar comprises a cavity having a sidewall, the cavity shaped and sized to receive the brush head, and at least one engagement member in the sidewall, the engagement member adapted to move between a released position and an engaged position such that, when the engagement member is in the released position the brush head is movable into and out of the cavity, and when the engagement member is in the engaged position, the brush head is not moveable out of the cavity, the handle comprises a recess configured to receive the collar and press against the at least one engagement member when the collar is placed in the recess, such that when the collar is placed in the recess, the at least one engagement member is forced into the engaged position, thereby securing the brush head.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the recess in the handle comprises a securing means for securing the collar therein.

In a second non-limiting example, a brush with a replaceable head may include a handle, a brush head including a plurality of bristles, and a collar releasably coupled to the handle, the collar including a cavity and at least one deflectable element configured to move between a released position in which the brush head is moveable into and out of the cavity, and an engaged position in which the deflectable element secures the brush head within the cavity.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the deflectable element is in the released position when the collar is removed from the handle and in the engaged position when the collar is secured to the handle.

Altematively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the brush head consists only of the plurality of bristles attached to one another with adhesive or heat.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the brush head consists only of the plurality of bristles attached to one another with adhesive.

In a third non-limiting example, a brush with a replaceable head may include a handle, a brush head consisting only of a plurality of bristles attached to one another with adhesive or heat, and a collar releasably coupled to the handle, the collar including a cavity and at least one deflectable element configured to move between a released position in which the brush head is moveable into and out of the cavity, and an engaged position in which the deflectable element secures the brush head within the cavity, wherein the brush head is secured to the handle only by the deflectable element of the collar.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the handle includes a recess configured to receive the collar, wherein an inner wall of the recess moves the deflectable element from the released position to the engaged position as the collar is inserted into the recess.

The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the

accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative brush;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the brush of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the brush of FIG. 1, partially assembled; FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the brush of FIG. 1, fully assembled; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another illustrative brush;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the brush of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 A is a side cross-sectional view of the brush of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7B is a front cross-sectional view of the brush of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The description and drawings show several embodiments which are meant to be illustrative in nature.

For convenience, the present disclosure may be described using relative terms including, for example, left, right, top, bottom, front, back, upper, lower, up, and down, as well as others. It is to be understood that these terms are merely used for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

In the following description, a brush is described for applying a cosmetic material. While the application describes the brush as a cosmetic brush, it will be understood that the brush according to this application is usable in other applications such as, for example, tooth brushes, hair brushes, paint brushes, etc.

Cosmetic brushes may be formed using many types of bristles. Brushes may include natural bristles (e.g., sable hair, squirrel hair, goat hair, etc.) and/or synthetic bristles (e.g., nylon, taklon, polyester, silicone, etc.). Examples of synthetic materials that may be used to form the brush bristles include, without limitation, taklon, nylon, Polybutylene Terephthalate Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), polyester and/or Polypropylene

Brushes, particularly cosmetic brushes, may be used daily and are in contact with the skin. These brushes may be washed often, however cosmetic products and skin oils may build up, particularly near the base of the bristles.

In view of the various challenges and drawbacks of cosmetics brushes with permanent bristles, the inventors have developed a brush with a replaceable brush head. FIG. 1 shows an example brush 5 having a handle 10, a collar 20, and a brush head 40. The collar 20 may be releasably coupled to the handle 10 and the brush head 40 may be releasably coupled to the collar 20. The handle 10 may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, sizes, cross-sectional areas, and/or lengths. In some examples, the handle 10 may have a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis having a circular shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, an ovular shape, a hexagonal shape, an abstract shape, etc.

The brush head 40 may include a plurality of bristles 42. As shown, the brush head 40 is round with a flared and flat top. However, it will be understood that the specific function of the brush may dictate its exact shape. The brush may be of virtually any shape such as flat and rectangular, trapezoidal or angled with relatively straight edges, round with a domed top, etc. The size and shape of the brush may depend on the product to be applied, the location to which the product is to be applied and/or the method in which the product is to be applied. For example, a brush for applying blush may have bristles arranged in a circular shape with a dome head contour. In contrast, a brush for applying foundation may have brush bristles arranged to create a flat brush head with an at least partially semi-circular head contour. A brush for applying powder or creams to the eyebrows may have brush bristles arranged to create a flat, stiff brush head.

The bristles 42 may include natural bristles (e.g., sable hair, squirrel hair, goat hair, etc.) and/or synthetic bristles (e.g., nylon, taklon, polyester, silicone, etc.).

Examples of synthetic materials that may be used to form the brush bristles include, without limitation, taklon, nylon. Polybutylene Terephthalate

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), polyester and/or Polypropylene

The brush head 40 may include bristles 42 that are all the same, such as all natural or all synthetic. In other examples, the brush head 40 may include a mixture or blend of different bristles 42. The blend of bristles may include bristles made of different materials such as a blend of natural and synthetic bristles. The ratio of natural to synthetic bristles may be altered based on the desired characteristics of the brush. In some examples, the bristles may be made of different synthetic materials or the bristles may all be made of the same synthetic material. The bristles 42 in the brush head 40 may all be made of the same type of synthetic material. At least some of the bristles may be made of Polybutylene Terephthalate

In other examples, all of the bristles in the brush head may be made of

FIG. 2 illustrates the elements of the brush 5 separated from one another. The plurality of bristles 42 in the brush head 40 may be attached to each other with adhesive or heat. The bristles 42 may be attached to one another at their base 44, while the top 46 of the bristles are free from attachment to one another or any other structure. In some examples, synthetic bristles 42 may be attached to one another only by heating the base 44 of the bristles 42 to fuse the base 44 into a solid structure. The base 44 of the bristles 42 may also be compressed as heat is applied. Such a brush head 40 consists only of synthetic bristles 42 and is devoid of any structure or element holding the bristles 42 together. In other examples, the brush head 40 consists only of the plurality of bristles 42 attached to one another with adhesive. The brush head 40, when removed from the collar 20 and handle 10, may thus be devoid of any further structure keeping the bristles 42 together.

The brush head 40 may be devoid of any crimp, clamp, tie, staple, or other structure disposed between the bristles 42 and the collar 20, other than adhesive holding the bristles 42 together, if adhesive is used. The collar 20 may be the only element or structure securing the brush head 40 to the handle 10. In some examples, the brush 5 consists of only three elements: the handle 10, collar 20, and brush head 40; the brush head 40 consisting of only the plurality of bristles 42 attached to one another with adhesive or heat. The replaceable brush head 40 consisting only of the plurality of bristles 42 attached to one another with adhesive or heat may allow the brush head 40, collar 20, and handle 10 to be recycled separately, which provides an advantage when the three elements are made of different materials. Conventional brushes often include multiple different materials and the parts are permanently glued together so the brush is not recyclable. In particular with regard to the brush head 40, the lack of any metal, wood, or plastic elements permanently attached to the brush head 40 may make recycling more feasible as it contains only a single material. To the extent that the brush head 40 is made of natural fibers or an artificial material that is biodegradable, the brush head 40 may be compostable, rather than recyclable.

The replaceable brush head 40 may also allow the user to remove the brush head 40 for replacement or cleaning. The ability to remove the brush head 40 and separate it from the collar 20 and handle 10 may allow for a more thorough cleaning of the brush head 40, especially at the base 44 of the bristles 42 where cosmetics and skin oils may accumulate. The replaceable brush head 40 may also allow for the user to swap out different brush heads 40. For example, the user may select from among a plurality of brush heads 40 having different shapes and/or having bristles 42 made of different materials. As long as the brush heads 40 have the same shape and size of base 44, the different brush heads 40 may be connected to the collar 20 and handle 10. In some examples, a collection of different brush heads 40, having different shapes and/or materials, may be sold as a kit with a single collar 20 and handle 10.

In an alternative example, the brush head 40 may include a base 44 made by dipping or insert molding onto the bristles 42. The base 44 may include a structural feature, such as an annular groove, to enhance coupling to the collar 20 and engagement members 24. In some examples, the base 44 is made of the same material as the bristles 42, or of a material that, for recycling or composting purposes, is equivalently classified to the material of the bristles 42.

The collar 20 may include a cavity 34 configured to receive the brush head 40, and at least one engagement member 24 configured to releasably grip the brush head 40. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the collar 20 has four engagement members 24 evenly spaced around the circumference of the collar 20. In other examples, the collar may have one, two, three, or more than four engagement members 24. The handle 10 may include a recess 14 configured to receive the collar 20. The recess 14 may extend downward from a top edge 18 of the handle 10 and may be defined by an inner wall 16 with internal threading 12 configured to mate with external threading 22 on the collar 20 and secure the collar 20 to the handle 10.

The details of the collar 20 are illustrated in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3. The collar 20 may include and upper lip 32. The upper lip 32 may have a lower edge 33 configured to abut the top edge 18 of the handle 10 when the collar 20 is secured to the handle 10. In some examples, the collar 20 may have a base or plate 36 extending substantially horizontally across the cavity 34. The plate 36 may be located at the bottom of the collar 20 or it may be located in a middle portion of the collar 20 as shown in FIG. 3. The plate 36 may prevent the brush head 40 from being inserted too into the collar 20. In some examples, the external threading 22 may be disposed below the plate 36 as shown in FIG. 3.

In other examples, the collar 20 may be devoid of the plate 36 or any other bottom structure, and have a tubular structure with two open ends. This may allow the user to insert the brush head 40 to a desired depth, which may achieve different flexibilities in the bristles 42. For example, inserting the brush head 40 further into the collar 20 may result in a shorter length of the bristles 42 to extend above the collar 20, providing a compact brush head 40 with reduced flexibility of the bristles 42. In comparison, inserting the brush head 40 to a lesser degree in the collar 20 may result in a greater length of the bristles 42 extending above the collar 20, providing a brush head 40 with increased flexibility in the bristles 42.

Each engagement member 24 may have a lower region 26, a middle region 25, and an upper region 28. The upper region 28 may include a protrusion 27 facing the cavity 34 and configured to engage and hold the brush head 40. The middle region 25 and upper region 28 may be separated from the remainder of the collar 20 by a space 30, leaving only the lower region 26 fixed to the collar 20. The middle region 25 and upper region 28 may define a deflectable element 23 capable of moving radially inward and outward. The collar 20, including the engagement members 24 and plate 36 may be formed of a single monolithic piece. The space 30 surrounding the sides and top portion of each engagement member 24 may be cut out. In other examples, the collar 20 may be molded as a single piece. The space 30 surrounding each engagement member 24 allows the deflectable element 23, defined by the middle region 25 and upper region 28, to be deflected by the application of force. For example, a force applied radially inward, in the direction of arrows 50, may move the deflectable elements 23 from a released position in which the protrusions 27 are substantially aligned with the inner surface 38 of the cavity 34, radially inward into an engaged position in which the protrusions 27 extend into the cavity 34. The deflectable elements 23 may be biased in the released position, shown in FIG. 3. In the released position, the brush head 40 may be slid into and out of the cavity 34. In the engaged position, the deflectable elements 23, and in particular, the protrusions 27, engage the brush head 40 and secure the brush head 40 within the cavity 34.

Engagement and release of the brush head 40 to the collar 20 and handle 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The individual bristles 42 of the brush head 40 are not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B to simplify the drawing. The brush head 40 is first inserted into the cavity 34 of the collar 20. When the collar 20 is separated from the handle, the deflectable elements 23 of the collar 20 are in the biased released position, as shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the brush head 40 may be inserted into the cavity 34 until the base 44 of the brush head 40 contacts the plate 36 of the collar 20. The collar 20 and brush head 40 assembly is then inserted into the recess 14 of the handle 10. FIG. 4A shows the collar 20 having the brush head 40 inserted but not gripped by the engagement members 24, with the collar 20 partially inserted into the handle 10 but not threaded into the secured position. The deflectable elements 23 are in the released position in FIG. 4 A, with the protrusions 27 resting against the brush head 40 but not exerting a gripping force. In this position, the brush head 40 may be slid into and out of the collar 20.

In order to secure the brush head 40, the handle 10 is rotated relative to the collar 20, or vice versa, engaging the external threads 22 on the collar 20 with the internal threads 12 within the recess 14 of the handle 10. This moves the inner wall 16 of the handle 10 upwards along the deflectable elements 23, pushing the deflectable elements 23 radially inward toward the cavity 34 of the collar 20 to move the deflectable elements 23 from the released position to the engaged position. As the deflectable elements 23 move radially inward, the protrusions 27 are pressed into the brush head 40, thereby gripping and securing the brush head 40 within the collar 20.

In some examples, the handle 10 may be rotated until the top edge 18 of the handle 10 abuts the lower edge 33 of the upper lip 32 of the collar 20. The upper lip 32 of the collar 20 and the handle 10 may define an outer surface having a uniform outer diameter at the juncture of the collar 20 and handle 10. FIG. 4B shows the collar 20 secured to the handle 10, with the deflectable elements 23 in the engaged position to grip and secure the brush head 40 within the collar 20. In some examples, the brush head 40 is secured to the handle 10 only by the deflectable elements 23 of the collar

20.

While threading 12, 22 is shown in the illustrative example in FIGS. 1-4B, other means for securing the collar 20 in the recess 14 of the handle 10 may be used instead. For example, a post and groove mechanism may be used, in which one of the collar 20 or recess 14 has one or more posts that engage with a groove in the other, allowing the collar 20 to be inserted into the recess 14 (at least partly) and then, when the groove engages the post, the user applies a twisting motion to engage the post in the groove. In another example, one of the handle 10, collar 20, or brush head 40 may include a magnet, while one or more of the other parts may include a corresponding magnet or may be made of a ferrous material that will be attached to a magnet; as the collar 20 and brush head 40 are inserted into the recess 14, the magnet will pull the pieces together into a fully assembled position. For example, the collar 20 may be magnetic, and the handle 10 may include a steel disk to which the collar 20 is attracted, or the reverse.

In another example, a button (not shown) may be provided on one side of the handle 10, with a moveable, spring loaded protrusion coupled thereto extending into the recess 14 (in an example, the protrusion is opposite the button), with the protrusion adapted to engage an indentation (which may be partial around the collar 20 or may be annular, as desired). In this“button” example, the collar 20 would be inserted in the recess 14 until the protrusion snap fits to the indentation and securing the collar in the recess. To remove, the user may press the button to release the protrusion from the indentation. While the illustrated example has a circular handle 10, collar 20 and brush head 40, the use of a magnet or button system that does not require twisting may make it easier to design a non-circular collar and handle, providing for example, a square, oval or other shape, as desired. In other examples, a non-circular brush head 40 may be provided with a circular collar 20. In some examples, to facilitate removal, a spring may be provided in the recess to urge the collar out once a mechanical fixation (thread, post/groove, protrusion/ indentation) is released.

In a further example, shown in FIGS. 5-7B, the cosmetic brush 100 includes a brush head 140, collar 120, and upper portion 111 of the handle 110 having a noncircular shape. As shown the non-circular shape is a stadium shape. The brush head 140 may have the same construction as the brush head 40 described above, with the exception of shape. The collar 120 may include a cavity 134 configured to receive the brush head 140, and at least one engagement member 124 configured to releasably grip the brush head 140. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the collar 120 has two engagement members 124 on opposite sides of the collar 20. The handle 110 may include a recess 114 configured to receive the collar 120. The recess 114 may extend downward from a top edge 118 of the handle 110 and may be defined by an inner wall 116 with at least one recess 113 configured to mate with at least one protrusion 129 on the collar 120 and secure the collar 120 to the handle 1 10. In the example shown in FIGS 5-7B, the collar 120 has two protrusions 129 on opposite sides, and the protrusions are received in two recesses 113 on opposite sides of the inner wall 116 of the handle 110.

Each engagement member 124 may be surrounded on the sides and top by a space 130 cut out from the collar 120, and the engagement members 124 may have the same structure as the engagement member 24 described above, defining a deflectable element 123 capable of moving radially inward and outward and having a protrusion 127 extending into the cavity 134 and configured to engage and hold the brush head 140.

Engagement of the brush head 140 to the collar 120 and handle 110 are illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The individual bristles of the brush head 140 are not shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B to simplify the drawing. As with the example described above and shown in FIGS. 1-4B, the deflectable elements 123 may be biased in the released position, in which the brush head 140 may be slid into and out of the cavity 134. Once the brush head 140 is positioned within the collar 120, the collar 120 is slid into the recess 114 of the handle 110 until the protrusions 129 on the outside of the collar 120 snap into the recesses 1 13 in the inner wall 116 of the handle 110.

In the engaged position, shown in FIG 7A, the deflectable elements 123, and in particular, the protrusions 127, have been moved radially inward by the handle 110, and the protrusions 127 engage the brush head 140 and secure the brush head 140 within the collar 120. The collar 120 may include and upper lip 132. The upper lip 132 may have a lower edge 133 configured to abut the top edge 118 of the handle 110 when the collar 120 is secured to the handle 110. FIG. 7B shows the protrusions 129 disposed within the recesses 113, with the top edge 118 of the handle 110 abutting the lower edge 133 of the upper lip 132 of the collar 120. The upper lip 132 of the collar 120 and the handle 110 may define an outer surface having a uniform outer diameter at the juncture of the collar 120 and handle 110.

In some examples, the brush head 140 may be removed and replaced by pulling the collar 120 out of the handle 110 with sufficient force to overcome the friction fit of the protrusions 129 within the recesses 113. In other examples, a small gap (not shown) may be present between the lower edge 133 of the collar 120 upper lip 132 and the top edge 118 of the handle 110 when the collar protrusions 129 are snapped into the recesses 113 on the handle 110. This gap may allow for the user's fingernail or an implement such as a coin, nail file, screwdriver, etc., to be inserted into the gap and used to exert force on the upper lip 132 to snap the collar 120 out of the handle 110.

The handle 10, 110 and collar 20, 120 may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials. In some examples, the handle 10, 110 and/or the collar 20, 120 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material such as, for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylic, etc., or composites or combinations of the foregoing. The handle 10, 110 may also be made of wood, glass, stone, ceramic material, graphite material, a metal material (e.g., steel, stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, brass, chrome, titanium, Zamac, alloys thereof, etc.) composites or combinations of the foregoing, etc. Additionally, the handle 10, 110 may be plated, such as with Zamac or aluminum electroplated in yellow gold, palladium, white gold, or chrome plating. In other examples, the handle 10, 110 and/or collar 20, 120 may be made of a combination of any of the above materials. The collar 20, 120 may be made of a combination of materials. For example, the engagement members 24, 124 may be made of a material having a higher flexibility than the material forming the remainder of the collar 20, 120. In some examples, the engagement members 24, 124 may be a plastic material and the remainder of the collar 20, 120 may be metal or wood. In some examples, the upper lip 32, 132 may be made of a material imparting a decorative appearance, such as metal, wood, stone, gemstone, while the remainder of the collar 20, 120 is made of another material such as the plastic materials discussed above.

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A brush with a replaceable head comprising:

a handle;

a collar releasably coupled to the handle; and

a brush head including a plurality of bristles releasably coupled to the collar.

2. The brush of claim 1, wherein the brush head consists only of the plurality of bristles attached to one another with adhesive or heat.

3. The brush of claim 1 , wherein the brush head consists only of the plurality of bristles attached to one another with heat.

4. The brush of any of claims 1-3, wherein the collar includes a cavity configured to receive the brush head, and at least one engagement member configured to releasably grip the brush head.

5. The brush of claim 4, wherein each engagement member includes a deflectable element configured to move between a released position in which the brush head is moveable into and out of the cavity, and an engaged position in which the deflectable element engages the brush head within the cavity.

6. The brush of claim 5, wherein the deflectable element is biased in the released position.

7. The brush of claim 6, wherein the deflectable element is in the released position when the collar is separated from the handle and in the engaged position when the collar is coupled to the handle.

8. The brush of claim 7, wherein the handle includes a recess configured to receive the collar, the recess having internal threading configured to mate with external threading on the collar.

9. The brush of claim 8, wherein an inner wall of the recess moves the deflectable element from the released position to the engaged position as the collar is inserted into the recess.

10. The brush of claim 5, wherein each deflectable element includes a protrusion extending into the cavity configured to grip the brush head.

11. The brush of any of claims 1-3, wherein:

the collar comprises a cavity having a sidewall, the cavity shaped and sized to receive the brush head, and at least one engagement member in the sidewall, the engagement member adapted to move between a released position and an engaged position such that, when the engagement member is in the released position the brush head is movable into and out of the cavity, and when the engagement member is in the engaged position, the brush head is not moveable out of the cavity;

the handle comprises a recess configured to receive the collar and press against the at least one engagement member when the collar is placed in the recess, such that when the collar is placed in the recess, the at least one engagement member is forced into the engaged position, thereby securing the brush head.

12. The brush of claim 11 wherein the recess in the handle comprises a securing means for securing the collar therein.

13. A brush with a replaceable head comprising:

a handle;

a brush head consisting only of a plurality of bristles attached to one another with adhesive or heat; and

a collar releasably coupled to the handle, the collar including a cavity and at least one deflectable element configured to move between a released position in which the brush head is moveable into and out of the cavity, and an engaged position in which the deflectable element secures the brush head within the cavity, wherein the brush head is secured to the handle only by the deflectable element of the collar.

14. The brush of claim 13, wherein the handle includes a recess configured to receive the collar, wherein an inner wall of the recess moves the deflectable element from the released position to the engaged position as the collar is inserted into the recess.

15. The brush of claim 14, wherein the recess includes internal threading configured to mate with external threading on the collar.