TWISTED COSMETIC BRUSH

Abstract

A cosmetic brush that includes a plurality of polymer bristles that extend from a polymer core in a radial direction, wherein at least a portion of the core is twisted and bristles in the twisted portion are arranged in one or more columns disposed in one or more spiral paths that extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the core is presented. The polymer bristles have grooves and/or projections on their surfaces for holding cosmetic liquid for the cosmetic brush.

Claims

1. A cosmetic brush comprising: a polymer core extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a first portion thereof extending between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion; a plurality of polymer bristles extending from the polymer core in a radial direction, wherein at least the first end of the first portion of the core is twisted about the longitudinal axis relative to the second end of the first portion of the core to define a twisted portion and wherein bristles in the twisted portion are arranged in one or more columns disposed in one or more spiral or helical paths about at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the core, the plurality of polymer bristles integrally molded with the polymer core, wherein the molded polymer core is twisted with a plurality of twist angles such that the plurality of polymer bristles have an organized randomness, wherein an upper most bristle in the twisted portion is offset from a lower most bristle in the twisted portion by one of the plurality of twist angles, wherein the twist angles are angles between two bristles in different rows within the twisted portion, and wherein the bristles have a plurality of grooves on their surfaces for holding cosmetic liquid for the cosmetic brush.

2. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles have cross-sectional shapes of any regular or irregular polygons.

3. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein shapes and dimensions of an inner most portion of the bristles and an outermost portion of the bristles are different, and wherein the inner most portion of the bristles is a portion that is closest to the core, and the outer most portion of the bristles is a portion that is farthest to the core with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

4. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles have a plurality of projections on their surfaces for holding the cosmetic liquid for the cosmetic brush.

5. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles further comprise a plurality of branches of any shapes and dimensions.

6. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles are formed with a regular and alternative arrangement of a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles throughout the core, wherein the first type of bristles is thicker than the second type of bristles.

7. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles are formed with an irregular arrangement of a first type of bristles and a second type of bristles throughout the core, wherein the first type of bristles is thicker than the second type of bristles.

8. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristles have curvy or zigzag lines/shapes such that they have a shape like ramen noodles regardless of their thickness.

9. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are formed uniformly on surfaces of the bristles.

10. The cosmetic brush according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are formed randomly on surfaces of the bristles.

11. The cosmetic brush according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of projections are formed uniformly on surfaces of the bristles.

12. The cosmetic brush according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of projections are formed randomly on surfaces of the bristles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with at least a portion of the bristles having a 90 degree twist angle;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cosmetic brush of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of a cosmetic brush in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention with at least a portion of the bristles having a 180 degree twist angle;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cosmetic brush of FIG. 3;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of a cosmetic brush in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention with at least a portion of the bristles having a 270 degree twist angle;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cosmetic brush of FIG. 5; and

[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cosmetic brush in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention with at least a portion of the bristles having a 360 degree twist angle.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows various cross-sectional shapes of bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 shows bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, where shapes and dimensions of an inner most portion of the bristles and an outermost portion of the bristles are different.

[0029] FIG. 10 shows bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which have a plurality of grooves on their surfaces for holding cosmetic liquid.

[0030] FIG. 11 shows bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which have a plurality of projections on their surfaces for holding cosmetic liquid.

[0031] FIG. 12 shows bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention are formed with a regular arrangement of thin bristles throughout the core.

[0032] FIG. 13 shows bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention are formed with a regular arrangement of thick bristles throughout the core.

[0033] FIG. 14 shows bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention are formed with a regular and alternative arrangement of thin and thick bristles throughout the core.

[0034] FIG. 15 shows bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention are formed with an irregular arrangement of thin and thick bristles throughout the core.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure provides polymer cosmetic brushes having randomized bristles. Cosmetic brushes according to the present disclosure provide an improved degree of volumization over standard thermoplastic brushes and also reduce clumping that is associated with traditional nylon and wire brushes.

[0036] As used in this document, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term comprising means including, but not limited to.

[0037] As used herein, the term cosmetic brush includes, but is not limited to, mascara brushes and hair coloring brushes. Cosmetic brushes disclosed herein include a core member with at least one twist angle greater than zero degrees. In general, the twist angle is measured between two bristles in different rows, namely the bristles in the upper most and lower most rows within the twisted portion. In an untwisted arrangement, the twist angle between the two bristles is zero, i.e. the bristle column is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the core. In a twisted arrangement, the twist angle between the same two bristles is greater than zero. In one embodiment, the twist angle is from about 1 degree to about 360 degrees. Any specific angle within this range is suitable (e.g., 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, etc.). It is further contemplated that the twist angle may be greater than 360 degrees. It is contemplated that the entire core possesses at least one twist angle, however, it is also possible that a portion of the core is twisted while another portion is not. It is further contemplated that the core may include more than one twist angle such that a portion of the bristles extend at a first twist angle and another portion of the bristles extend at a second, distinct twist angle.

[0038] The core member extends along a longitudinal axis XX and may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. Exemplary shapes for the core member includes, but are not limited to, circular, oval, triangular, square, trapezoidal, hexagonal, and the like.

[0039] The bristles can also have any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g. circular, oval, triangular, square, trapezoidal, hexagonal, etc.). That is, the bristles have cross-sectional shapes of any polygons (both regular polygons and irregular polygons). The bristles can also be round or flat. The bristles can also have a regular or an irregular shape. It is also possible that the shapes and dimensions of an inner most portion of the bristles (portion that is closest to the core with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core) and an outer most portion of the bristles (portion that is farthest from the core with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core) are different or the same. The bristles can also have a groove or grooves (an indent or indents) on any of their surfaces so that mascara (i.e., liquid) can be contained in the bristles, thereby increasing volumizing effect. Alternatively, the bristles can also have a projection or projections on any of their surfaces. Here, the groove (projection) or grooves (projections) on the surfaces of the bristles can have any suitable shape. It is also possible that the bristles have a branch or branches for having various overall shapes of the bristles. Here, the branch or branches include various types/shapes/sizes of the bristles. It is also possible that the bristles have various thicknesses and that the bristles can be formed with various arrangement of the bristles of different thickness throughout the core. For example, the bristles can be formed with a regular and alternative arrangement of thick bristles and thin bristles throughout the core. Alternatively, the bristles can be formed with an irregular arrangement of thick bristles and thin bristles throughout the core. It is also possible that the bristles have curvy or zigzag lines (shapes) such that they have a shape similar to ramen noodles regardless of their thickness.

[0040] The cosmetic brushes are manufactured from a polymer material, which may include synthetic or semi-synthetic materials. Preferably, both the core and the bristles are manufactured from a thermoplastic material; however, the invention is not limited to such. One or both of the core and bristles may be manufactured from a different material. Additionally, the core and bristles are preferably manufactured from the same material; however, the may be manufactured from different materials from one another.

[0041] The cosmetic brushes according to the invention can be fabricated according to any suitable method. In one exemplary method, a thermoplastic brush is initially molded (e.g. via injection molding, extrusion, or the like) with the bristles formed integrally with the core in parallel, non-twisted columns. At least a portion of the molded core is then twisted via an application of force, heat, wind, chemicals, or a combination thereof, that results in a permanent deformation (e.g. twisting) of the core with the bristles in the twisted area extending in spiral or helical columns. For example, the molded core is twisted with a plurality of twist angles via an application of heat such that polymer bristles have an organized randomness. The upper most bristle in the twisted portion is offset from the lower most bristle in the twisted portion by one of twisted angles, where the twist angles are angles between two bristles in different rows within the twisted portion. Also, it is possible that the molded core is twisted with twist angles throughout the entire twisted portion. Here, twisted angles could be distinct from each other.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cosmetic brush 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The brush 10 includes a plurality of polymer bristles 20 that extend from a polymer core 30 in a radial direction. In this embodiment, the core 30 includes a twisted portion 50 having a twist angle of approximately 90 degrees. Bristles 20 in the twisted portion 50 are arranged in multiple columns disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths 60 that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. None of the spiral/helical paths intersect. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper most bristle 20a in the twisted portion 50 is offset from the lower most bristle 20b in the twisted portion 50 by about 90 degrees.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the core 30 also includes an untwisted portion 40 in which the core 30 is not twisted and the bristles 20 are disposed in multiple straight paths that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. The opposite end of the core 30 may optionally include a stem 70. The stem 70 facilitates connection of the cosmetic brush to a handle or the like (not shown).

[0044] The view presented in FIG. 1 provides a view of the bristles 20 as randomized in the twisted portion 50. The view presented in FIG. 2 provides a view of the bristles 20 as disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. As such, it can be said that the bristles 20 have an organized randomness.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a cosmetic brush 10 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The brush 10 includes a plurality of polymer bristles 20 that extend from a polymer core 30 in a radial direction. In this embodiment, the core 30 includes a twisted portion 50 having a twist angle of approximately 180 degrees. Bristles 20 in the twisted portion 50 are arranged in multiple columns disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths 60 that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. None of the spiral/helical paths intersect. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper most bristle 20a in the twisted portion 50 is offset from the lower most bristle 20b in the twisted portion 50 by about 180 degrees.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the core 30 also includes an untwisted portion 40 in which the core 30 is not twisted and the bristles 20 are disposed in multiple straight paths that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. The opposite end of the core 30 may optionally include a stem 70. The stem 70 facilitates connection of the cosmetic brush to a handle or the like (not shown).

[0047] The view presented in FIG. 3 provides a view of the bristles 20 as randomized in the twisted portion 50. The view presented in FIG. 4 provides a view of the bristles 20 as disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. As such, it can be said that the bristles 20 have an organized randomness.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a cosmetic brush 10 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The brush 10 includes a plurality of polymer bristles 20 that extend from a polymer core 30 in a radial direction. In this embodiment, the core 30 includes a twisted portion 50 having a twist angle of approximately 270 degrees. Bristles 20 in the twisted portion 50 are arranged in multiple columns disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths 60 that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. None of the spiral/helical paths intersect. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper most bristle 20a in the twisted portion 50 is offset from the lower most bristle 20b in the twisted portion 50 by about 270 degrees.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the core 30 also includes an untwisted portion 40 in which the core 30 is not twisted and the bristles 20 are disposed in multiple straight paths that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. The opposite end of the core 30 may optionally include a stem 70. The stem 70 facilitates connection of the cosmetic brush to a handle or the like (not shown).

[0050] The view presented in FIG. 5 provides a view of the bristles 20 as randomized in the twisted portion 50. The view presented in FIG. 6 provides a view of the bristles 20 as disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. As such, it can be said that the bristles 20 have an organized randomness.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, a cosmetic brush 10 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The brush 10 includes a plurality of polymer bristles 20 that extend from a polymer core 30 in a radial direction. In this embodiment, the core 30 includes a twisted portion 50 having a twist angle of 360 degrees. Bristles 20 in the twisted portion 50 are arranged in multiple columns disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths 60 that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. None of the spiral/helical paths intersect. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the upper most bristle 20a in the twisted portion 50 is offset from the lower most bristle 20b in the twisted portion 50 by about 360 degrees.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the core 30 also includes an untwisted portion 40 in which the core 30 is not twisted and the bristles 20 are disposed in multiple straight paths that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. The opposite end of the core 30 may optionally include a stem 70. The stem 70 facilitates connection of the cosmetic brush to a handle or the like (not shown).

[0053] The view presented in FIG. 7 provides a view of the bristles 20 as disposed in multiple spiral or helical paths 60 that extend about a portion of the longitudinal axis XX of the core 30. Again, the bristles 20 have an organized randomness.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows various cross-sectional shapes of bristles of a cosmetic brush in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 9, the view presented in FIG. 9 shows the bristles 20 of the cosmetic brush, where shapes and dimensions of an inner most portion of the bristles and an outermost portion of the bristles are different. Here, the inner most portion of the bristles 20 is a portion that is closest to the core 30 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core, and the outer most portion of the bristles 20 is a portion that is farthest from the core 30 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 10, the view presented in FIG. 10 shows the bristles 20 of the cosmetic brush, which have a plurality of grooves 21 on their surfaces for holding cosmetic liquid. The plurality of grooves may be formed uniformly (i.e., evenly spaced among the plurality of grooves) or randomly throughout the surfaces of the bristles. Shapes and dimensions of the plurality of grooves are not limited as shown in FIG. 10.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 11, the view presented in FIG. 11 shows the bristles 20 of the cosmetic brush, which have a plurality of projections 22 on their surfaces for holding cosmetic liquid. The plurality of projections may be formed uniformly (i.e., evenly spaced among the plurality of grooves) or randomly throughout the surfaces of the bristles. Shapes and dimensions of the plurality of projections are not limited as shown in FIG. 11.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 12, the view presented in FIG. 12 shows that the bristles of the cosmetic brush are formed with a regular arrangement (i.e., evenly spaced) of thin bristles (second type of bristles) throughout the core.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 13, the view presented in FIG. 13 shows that the bristles of the cosmetic brush are formed with a regular arrangement (i.e., evenly spaced) of thick bristles (first type of bristles) throughout the core. Here, the first type of bristles is thicker than the second type of bristles.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 14, the view presented in FIG. 14 shows that the bristles of the cosmetic brush are formed with a regular and alternative arrangement of thick (first type of bristles) and thin bristles (second type of bristles) throughout the core.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 15, the view presented in FIG. 15 shows that the bristles of the cosmetic brush are formed with an irregular arrangement (without specific predetermined arrangements) of thick (first type of bristles) and thin bristles (second type of bristles) throughout the core.

[0062] While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations in the preferred compositions and methods can be used and that it is intended that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.