ERGONOMIC FLEXIBLE AND ADJUSTABLE BRUSHES

Abstract

Ergonomic and flexible brushes for use in conventional processes such as commercial, residential, industrial, and artistic painting processes, as well as for cleaning and cosmetic applications, are disclosed. The functional section of the brush is connected to a flexible structure having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the flexible structure is strongly connected to the functional section of the brush and the proximal section is connected to a handle or, in the alternative, to a second functional section using preferably metal epoxy such as steel epoxy. The functional section of the brush may be positioned and repositioned in predetermined angled and/or twisted positions by simply bending the flexible structure of the brush.

Claims

1. An ergonomic and flexible brush comprising: a) a functional section comprising: i) a proximal end; ii) a distal end; iii) a functional material; and iv) a supporting base interconnected to and supporting the functional material at the proximal end of said functional section; b) an external flexible section comprising a distal end and a proximal end; c) at least one internal elongated bendable member comprising an elongated body having a first end and a second end; and wherein the internal elongated bendable member is inserted through the interior of the external flexible section, the second end of the internal elongated bendable member is inserted and secured into the supporting base of the functional section, and the distal end of the external flexible section is connected and secured to the functional section via the supporting base.

2. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, wherein the functional material of the functional section is selected from natural hair, feathers, synthetic bristles, foams, fabric, or combinations thereof.

3. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, wherein the functional material of the functional section is any material used in conventional activities such as industrial painting, artistic painting, cleaning, and the application of cosmetic products.

4. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, wherein the external flexible section is made of an impermeable, dense, bendable, strong, flexible, and tear-resistant material.

5. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 3, wherein the impermeable, dense, bendable, strong, flexible, and tear-resistant foam is ethyl vinyl acetate foam (EVA).

6. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, wherein the internal elongated bendable member is a stay-in bendable, strong, flexible, and brake-resistant material.

7. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 6, wherein the stay-in bendable, strong, flexible, and brake-resistant wire is made of plastic, stain steel, tie wire, carbon-coated steel, aluminum, copper, or any combination thereof.

8. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 6, wherein the bendable, strong, flexible, and tear-resistant material is made of tie-wire.

9. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, wherein the supporting base is made of a resilient, strong, rigid, and hard material selected from wood, metal, plastic, PVC, adhesive, or combinations thereof.

10. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection of the distal end of the external body of the external flexible section and the functional section is further secured with a ferrule.

11. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a handle; said handle comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of said handle is connected and secured to the second end of the internal elongated bendable member and is also connected and secured to the proximal end of the external flexible section.

12. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 11, wherein the handle is made of a resilient, strong, rigid, and hard material selected from wood, metal, plastic, PVC, or combinations thereof.

13. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 11, wherein the connection of the external flexible section with the handle and the functional section comprises a strong metal epoxy.

14. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 13, wherein the connection of the external flexible section with the handle and the functional section comprises steel epoxy.

15. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 11, wherein the connection of the proximal end of the external flexible section and the handle is further secured with a ferrule.

16. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 11, further comprising a threaded borehole at the first end of the handle.

17. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second functional section comprising: i) a proximal end; ii) a distal end; iii) a functional material; and iv) a supporting base interconnected to and supporting the functional material at the proximal end of said second functional section; and wherein the said second functional section is connected and secured to the second end of the internal elongated bendable member and to the proximal end of the external flexible section via its supporting base.

18. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 17, wherein the connection of the external flexible section with the first functional section and the second functional section comprises a metal epoxy.

19. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 17, wherein the connection of the external flexible section with the first functional section and the second functional section comprises a steel epoxy.

20. The ergonomic and flexible brush, as recited in claim 17, wherein the connection of the second functional section and the proximal end of the external flexible section via the second supporting base is further secured with a ferrule.

21. An ergonomic and flexible brush comprising: a) a functional section comprising: i) a proximal end; ii) a distal end; iii) a functional material; and iv) a supporting base interconnected to and supporting the functional material at the proximal end of said functional section; b) an external flexible section comprising a distal end and a proximal end; c) at least one internal elongated bendable member comprising an elongated body having a first end and a second end; d) a handle comprising a first end and a second end; e) a first ferrule; f) a second ferrule, and wherein the internal elongated bendable member is inserted through the interior of the external flexible section, the second end of the internal elongated bendable member is inserted and secured into the supporting base of the functional section, the distal end of the external flexible section is connected and secured to the functional section via the supporting base, the first end of the internal flexible member is inserted and secured into the second end of said handle and the proximal end of the external flexible section is connected and secured to the second end of said handle; and wherein the first ferrule further secures the connection between the second end of the handle and the proximal end of the external flexible section, and the second ferrule further secures the connection between the distal end of the external flexible section and the functional section.

22. An ergonomic and flexible brush comprising: a) a first functional section comprising: i) a proximal end; ii) a distal end; iii) a functional material; and iv) a supporting base interconnected to and supporting the functional material at the proximal end of said functional section; b) an external flexible section comprising a distal end and a proximal end; c) at least one internal elongated bendable member comprising an elongated body having a first end and a second end; d) a second functional section comprising: i) a proximal end; ii) a distal end; iii) a functional material; iv) a supporting base interconnected to and supporting the functional material at the proximal end of said second functional section; and e) a first ferrule; f) a second ferrule, and wherein the internal elongated bendable member is inserted through the interior of the external flexible section, the second end of the internal elongated bendable member is inserted and secured into the supporting base of the first functional section, the distal end of the external flexible section is connected, and secured to the first functional section via the supporting base, the first end of the internal elongated bendable member is inserted and secured into the supporting base of the second functional section, and the proximal end of the external flexible section is connected and secured to the second functional section via its supporting base; and wherein the first ferrule further secures the connection between the second functional section and the proximal end of the external flexible section, and the second ferrule further secures the connection between the distal end of the external flexible section and the second functional section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are used herein in a manner of example only, and wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a brush for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting according to the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a brush for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting, according to the invention, wherein the functional section is aligned to the handle.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the brush shown in FIG. 2, wherein the functional section is angled with respect to the handle.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the brush shown in FIG. 2, wherein the functional section is bent at about a perpendicular angle with respect to the handle section.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the brush shown in FIG. 2, wherein the functional section is twisted.

[0019] FIGS. 6 to 11 show views of a variety of embodiments of brushes for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting according to the invention.

[0020] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a brush for use in cleaning purposes according to the invention.

[0021] FIGS. 13 and 14 show perspective views of the embodiment of the brush illustrated in FIG. 12, wherein the functional section is positioned at different angles with respect to the handle.

[0022] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a brush for use in cleaning purposes according to the invention, illustrating a variation of the supporting base of the cleaning brush illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0023] FIGS. 16 and 17 show perspective views of the embodiment of the brush illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein the functional section is positioned at different angles with respect to the handle.

[0024] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a brush for use in artistic painting, according to the invention.

[0025] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate perspective views of the embodiment of the artistic brush shown in FIG. 18, wherein the functional section is in different angled positions with respect to the handle.

[0026] FIGS. 21-35 illustrate views of various embodiments of brushes for use in artistic painting, according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a brush for use in applying cosmetic products or in the cosmetology industry, according to the invention.

[0028] FIGS. 37 and 38 show a perspective view of the embodiment of the brush for use in applying cosmetic products or in the cosmetology industry, illustrated in FIG. 36, wherein the functional section is positioned at different angles with respect to the handle.

[0029] FIGS. 39-52 show views of various embodiments of brushes for use in applying cosmetic products or use in the cosmetic industry.

[0030] FIG. 53 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a brush for use in cosmetic products or in the cosmetology industry comprising two functional sections, according to the invention.

[0031] FIGS. 54 and 55 show a perspective view of the embodiment of the brush for use in cosmetic products or in the cosmetology industry, illustrated in FIG. 53, wherein the functional sections are positioned at different angles with respect to each other.

[0032] FIG. 56 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a brush for use in applying cosmetic products or in the cosmetology industry comprising a dual functional section, according to the invention.

[0033] FIGS. 57 and 58 show a perspective view of an embodiment of a brush for use in applying cosmetic products or in the cosmetology industry, illustrated in FIG. 56, wherein the functional sections are positioned at different angles with respect to each other.

[0034] FIG. 59 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the brush for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting according to the invention.

[0035] FIG. 60A shows a perspective view of the functional section and the external flexible section ready to be assembled in an embodiment of the brush for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting, according to the invention.

[0036] FIG. 60B shows a top view of the handle ready to be assembled in an embodiment of the brush for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting, according to the invention.

[0037] FIGS. 61-64 shows a process to assemble the embodiment of the brush for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting.

[0038] FIGS. 65A shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an artistic brush according to the invention.

[0039] FIG. 65B shows a bottom view of the functional section of an embodiment of an artistic brush according to the invention ready to be assembled.

[0040] FIG. 66 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 65A already assembled.

[0041] FIG. 67A shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a brush for use in cosmetic applications according to the invention.

[0042] FIG. 67B shows a bottom view of the functional section of an embodiment of a brush for cosmetic products application, according to the invention, which is ready to be assembled.

[0043] FIG. 68 shows the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 67A already assembled.

[0044] FIGS. 60 and 70 show perspective views illustrating the use of painting brushes according to the invention in commercial, residential, or industrial painting.

[0045] FIG. 71 shows a perspective view illustrating the use of an artistic brush according to the invention.

[0046] FIG. 72 shows a perspective view illustrating the use of a brush in the process of applying cosmetic products according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. It is thus to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified structures, components, methods, or uses, as such may, of course, vary. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways.

[0048] In general terms, the instant invention comprises flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable brushes useful in conventional uses, such as in the commercial, residential, commercial painting processes, the artistic painting industry, in applying cosmetology productspaints, creams, powders, and the liketo different external parts of the human body, and in maintenance and cleaning processes.

[0049] All the herein-disclosed brushes share the following sections in their structure: a functional section, an external flexible section, and at least one internal elongated bendable member.

[0050] The functional section, as defined herein, is the section of the brush directly used for its conventional activities. It comprises a functional material and a supporting base.

[0051] The functional material is the material that conventionally is in direct contact with a given surface; for instance, regarding industrial, residential, and commercial brushes, the functional material is the section of the brush that is able to collect and retain the paint and is in direct contact with the surface wherein the paint is applied. Regarding cosmetic brushes, the functional material is the brush section that collects and retains the cosmetic product and is in direct contact with the human body wherein the cosmetic products are applied. Functional materials include animal hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers or bristles, fabrics, soft foam, and the like.

[0052] The supporting base, which is defined herein as a base or support for the functional material, is made of solid and firm suitable material, such as wood, plastic, metal, or, in some instances, a solid already cured adhesive such as glue that may be surrounded and secured by a ferrule. The supporting base is connected to the functional material in order to maintain the arrangement, structure, and proper organization of said functional material. The supporting base may be externally exposed, or it may be internally located in the structure of the brush. Said functional section has a proximal end and a distal end.

[0053] The external flexible section, as herein defined, is a section of the brush that is externally visible and is made of a flexible, strong, bendable, tear-resistant, high-resilience, impermeable, solvent-resistant suitable material. It is made of plastic or a high-density foam and, even more preferably, high-density ethyl vinyl acetate foam, commercially available and known as EVA form.

[0054] The internal elongated bendable member as herein defined is an inner section having an elongated shape, made of a hard, flexible or semi-flexible, strong, bendable, corrosion-resistant, tear-resistant, splitting-resistant, resilience, solvent-resistant, impermeable suitable material having an excellent tensile strength that, once it has been bent, remains in the bent position or is able to stay in place but is easily repositioned by the user to any other predetermined position at the user's will. Preferably, it is made of a metallic material, most preferably copper, aluminum, annealed wire, galvanized steel, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. Even more preferably, said internal elongated bendable member is made of low carbon steel, commercially available, and known as tie wire, which may or may not be PVC coated. The diameter of the tie wire suitable in the preparation of the herein disclosed brushes varies depending on several factors, such as the particular shape and size of the brush. It may be in a suitable range of 0.031 to 0.25 mm and, more preferably, in a range of 0.0625-0.078 mm.

[0055] The external flexible section and the internal elongated bendable member are integrated, thus providing a flexible structure that, once it is connected to the functional section, allows the user of the brush to adapt said functional section to a suitable ergonomic angle depending on the particular circumstances of the determined process wherein the brush is being used and the specific position or contour of the surface wherein the chemical composition is required to be dispersed or dust or dirt is desired to be removed, as explained below in further detail. In all embodiments, the distal end of said external flexible section is connected to a functional section via the supporting base. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the external flexible section is connected to a handle; in other embodiments, it is connected to a second functional section. All of these connections require a strong bond, which is achieved using an epoxy adhesive, preferably a metal epoxy and even more preferably steel epoxy.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of an ergonomic, flexible, and adjustable brush 10 for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting, according to the invention. In general terms, it requires functional section 12 adhered to supporting base 16, the external flexible section 14, which is integrated to internal elongated bendable members 15 and handle 11. Alternatively, lower ferrule 17 and upper ferrule 18 may also be incorporated into the structure of brush 10.

[0057] Handle 11 comprises a body made of any suitable material, such as metal, wood, plastic, or a combination thereof. Said body comprises a first end 19 and a second end 20. Handle 11 may have a variety of shapes and sizes. Indeed, conventional handles used in conventional painting brushes are suitable for use as handles according to the instant invention. In some embodiments, as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 59, it also comprises a threaded borehole 21 at the first end 19, which is externally surrounded by a ferrule 22. In such embodiments, the flexible brush 10, may be adapted to a suitable threaded extension pole via said borehole 21, wherein said ferrule 22 safely and firmly secured the fastening between the suitable extension pole and the flexible ergonomic brush.

[0058] The functional section 12 comprises a proximal end 23 and a distal end 24. As in most commercial, residential, or industrial painting brushes, said functional section 12, as previously defined herein, comprises any functional or painting material suitable to collect and/or retain and further disperse a given substrate on a predetermined surface. As in conventional painting, said functional or painting material comprises animal hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers or bristles, fabrics, soft foam, or the like. Supporting base 16, located at the proximal end 23 of functional section 12, is used to add support and maintain the arrangement and stability of the functional or painting material in functional section 12. Said supporting base 16 is made of solid and firm suitable material, such as wood, plastic, metal, or, in some instances, a solid already cured adhesive such as glue that may be surrounded and secured by a ferrule.

[0059] The internal elongated bendable member 15 is made of any flexible or semi-flexible, strong, bendable, corrosion-resistant, tear-resistant, splitting-resistant, resilience, solvent-resistant, impermeable suitable material having an excellent tensile strength that, once it has been bent, remains in the bent position or is able to stay in place but is easily repositioned by the user to any other predetermined position at the user's will. Preferably said internal elongated bendable member may be made of a metallic material, most preferably copper, aluminum, annealed wire, galvanized steel, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. Even more preferably, said internal elongated bendable member is made of low carbon steel, commercially available, and known as tie wire, which may or may not be PVC coated. It comprises an elongated body inserted through the external flexible section 14 while allowing the first ends 25 and the second ends 26 of said internal elongated bendable member 15 to remain outside the external flexible section 14.

[0060] The external flexible body 14 is made of any flexible, strong, bendable, tear-resistant, high resilience, impermeable, solvent-resistant suitable material. Preferably a plastic or high-density foam and, even more preferable, high-density ethyl vinyl acetate foam, commercially available and known as EVA foam. It comprises a proximal end 27 and a distal end 28.

[0061] The structure of said brush 10 is assembled by attaching or connecting the second end 20 of the handle 11 to the proximal end 27 of the external flexible section 14 while inserting the first ends 25 of the internal elongated bendable members 15 inside the said second end 20 of the handle 11. Similarly, said assembly also requires connecting or attaching distal end 28 of the external flexible section 14 to the functional section 12 via supporting base 16 while inserting second ends 26 of the internal elongated bendable members 15 into the functional section 12 via the supporting base 16.

[0062] The mentioned connections or attachments wherein the proximal end 27 of the external flexible section 14 is connected to the handle 11 and the distal end 28 of the external flexible section 14 is connected to the functional section 12 via supporting base 16, forming a single body of the brush 10 require powerful attachment or connection. It is achieved using a heavy-duty adhesive conventionally used for bonding materials of different natures or substrates, such as metals, wood, ceramic, and plastics. Among the heavy-duty adhesives used in the creation of said connections are epoxy adhesives, even more preferably, metal epoxy, and, even more preferably, commercially available steel epoxy. The use of epoxy adhesive provides an extremely strong rigid bonding, with high tensile strength, compression strength, impact strength, and resistance to water and chemical solvents and high temperatures.

[0063] Since said connections are sufficiently strong, the resulting brush 10 is suitable for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting processes without the assistance of any other reinforcement. Nonetheless, lower ferrule 17 may be used to reinforce and further secure the connection between the second end 20 of the handle 11 and the proximal end 27 of the body of the external flexible section 14 and, likewise, the use of upper ferrule 18 may be used to reinforce and further secure the connection between the distal end 28 of the external flexible section 14 the to the proximal end 23 of the functional section 12. However, including said ferrules 17 and 18 in the structure of brush 10 may be considered convenient but optional. The scope of the invention also includes the use of a single ferrule, 17 or 18, in any one of the cited connections. The herein disclosed parts and connections are suitable in the manufacture or preparation of ergonomic, flexible, and adjustable commercial, residential, or industrial painting brushes of any size and of any shape, as, for example, embodiments 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, 29e, and 29f which are illustrated in FIGS. 6-11.

[0064] Examples illustrating the flexibility and ergonomic adjustments of the resulting flexible brush 10 are shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5. In FIG. 2, a brush according to the invention is illustrated, having its functional section 12 aligned to handle 11. Thus, the functional or painting material in functional section 12in this embodiment, shown as bristlesand the handle 11 are axially positioned. According to the invention, the brush user may position the functional section 12 in multiple predetermined angled positions with reference to the handle 11 by simply bending the external flexible section 14 of the brush 10. The user of brush 10 may position the functional section 12 at a given and predetermined angle with reference to the handle 11, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4. The user may also position the functional section 12 in a given predetermined twisted position, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Similarly, the user may adapt the position of the brush to multiple possible positions by bending or twisting the external flexible section 14. The functional section 12 stays in the selected position unless the user changes said position. It maintains the said position even while it is used in painting since the pressure between the brush and the painting surface does not change or modify the position of the functional section 12. In other words, the herein-disclosed brush maintains the angled and/or twisted positions set previously by the user while it is used in the painting process. Said angled and/or twisted positions are obtained after bending external flexible section 14 and staying in said bendable and/or twisted position. Brush 10 maintains its physical and structural integrity while being used in painting since the connections achieved by the use of the adhesive epoxy are extremely strong and the flexible but stays-in nature of the internal elongated bendable member 15. Likewise, the strength of said bonding, in combination with the stays-in nature of the internal elongated bendable member 15, allows the functional section 12 to retain its angled and/or twisted position regardless of the pressure of said functional section 12 against the surface being subjected to painting.

[0065] In order to switch the angle or position of the functional section 12, the user must manually push and reposition the external flexible section 14 until the functional section 12 is repositioned to the new predetermined position. In this manner, since the functional section 12 of the brush 10 is easily positioned and repositioned in multiple angled and twisted positions, the user is provided with a brush that is easy to use, flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable to facilitate the painting of any predetermined surface, including hard-to-reach surfaces.

[0066] Furthermore, since handle 11 has a threaded borehole 21 reinforced by the external ring 22 at its first end 19, the herein-disclosed brush 10 may be coupled to a painting pole. Once the functional section 12 has been fixed to a predetermined angled and/or twisted position, the user may easily paint high or out-of-reach surfaces from a safe place, thus avoiding using insecure stairs or unsafe platforms.

[0067] Similarly, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-11, the scope of the instant invention embraces a wide variety of flexible and adjustable ergonomic brushes since the distal ends of the functional section may be shaped in different manners; for example, it may be triangularly shaped, as embodiments 29a and 29d illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9; or arranged in a linearly flat shape, as embodiments 29c, and 29e shown in FIGS. 8 and 10; or it may have a diagonal or angular contour, as embodiments 29b and 29f as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11, respectively. The scope of the instant invention includes integrating any suitable handle used in conventional painting brushes of different shapes and sizes.

[0068] The scope of the instant invention also comprises embodiments wherein the functional section comprises any suitable painting material, such as bristles, sponges, fabric, or foam, as the one illustrated in embodiment 29c in FIG. 8. Similarly, the scope of the invention also embraces handles that may have a borehole 21, as embodiments 29c, 29d, 29e and 29f illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11, respectively. It also embraces embodiments that do not include borehole 21 as in embodiments 29a and 29b, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

[0069] The scope of the invention also embraces cleaning brushes, comprising the essential sections already disclosed for brushes for use in commercial, residential, or painting. Said essential sections are assembled in the same manner as previously disclosed for painting brush 10. For example, in FIG. 12, cleaning brush 30 is shown. It has a functional section 31, comprising multiple bristles 32; a handle 33; an external flexible section 34; an internal elongated bendable member 35; and a supporting base 36. As explained above for brushes for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting, the second end 37 of the handle 33 is connected to the proximal end 39 of the external flexible section 34, and the distal end 40 of the external flexible section 34 is connected to the functional section 31 through supporting base 36. The internal elongated bendable member 35 is inserted into the external flexible section 34, and its first end 42 is inserted into the second end 37 of handle 33, while the second end 43 is inserted into the supporting base 36, thus connecting the external flexible section 34 with the functional section 31. As previously indicated, said connections are performed using an epoxy adhesive, preferably steel epoxy. The internal elongated bendable member 35 is not shown in FIG. 12 since it is internally inserted in brush 30, as explained previously for painting brush 10.

[0070] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate brush 30, wherein the functional section 31 is in different angled positions due to the bending of the external flexible section 34. As in the painting brushes, by bending the external flexible section 34, the user may position and reposition the functional section 31 at a suitable position, depending on the predetermined surface or place to be cleaned.

[0071] In FIG. 15, a variation of brush 30 is shown, as brush 50, wherein the external flexible section 34a is more extensive than external flexible section 34 and wherein the supporting base 36a is shortened and does not have a T-shaped structure of the supporting base 36. External flexible section 34a and supporting base 36a provide a cleaning brush 50 that is able to be bent at a more acute angle than brush 30, and thus wherein the functional section 31a is able to reach and clean even the deepest hard-to-reach surfaces, such as areas between such keys on a keyboard and other similar sections in sophisticated electronic types of equipment. Other embodiments of the flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable cleaning brushes 30 and 50, having different sizes and shapes, are embraced within the scope of the instant invention.

[0072] The scope of the invention also embraces artistic brushes, comprising the essential sections already disclosed for brushes for use in commercial, residential, and industrial painting and brushes for use in cleaning, as previously discussed. For example, in FIG. 18, the artistic brush 60 is illustrated. It comprises a functional section 61, having multiple bristles 62; a handle 63, an external flexible section 64; an internal elongated bendable member 65; and a supporting base 66. As explained above for brushes for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting and in cleaning brushes, the second end 67 of the handle 63 is connected to the proximal end 69 of the external flexible section 64, and the distal end 70 of the external flexible section 64 is connected to the functional section 61 through supporting base 66. Said connections require a strong adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, preferably steel epoxy. The lower ferrule 75 is used to further secure the connection between handle 63 and external flexible section 64. Similarly, the upper ferrule 76 further secures the connection between external flexible section 64 and functional section 61. Upper ferrule 76 also houses the supporting base 66, which comprises an already cured adhesive that supports the arrangement of the painting material. The internal bendable member 65 is inserted into the external flexible section 64, and its first end 72 is inserted into the second end 67 of handle 63, while the second end 73 is inserted into functional section 61 via the supporting base 66. Internal elongated bendable member 65 and supporting base 66 are not shown in FIG. 18 since both are internally located in brush 60. However, as discussed below, internal elongated bendable member 65 and supporting base 66 are illustrated in FIGS. 69A and 69B.

[0073] In FIG. 18, functional section 61 and handle 63 are aligned as in a conventional artistic brush. However, in FIGS. 19 and 20 artistic brush 60 is illustrated as having its functional section 61 in angled positions with reference to the handle 63. Said angled positions are obtained after bending external flexible section 64. The painting brush stays in said bendable position. However, the user may position and reposition the functional section 61 in any suitable predetermined angled position by bending the external flexible section 64.

[0074] Brush 60 maintains its physical and structural integrity while being used in painting since the connections achieved by the use of the adhesive epoxy are extremely strong and the flexible and stays-in nature of the internal elongated bendable member 65. Likewise, the strength of said bonding, in combination with the stays-in of the internal elongated bendable member 65, allows the functional section 61 to retain its angled and/or twisted position regardless of the pressure of said functional section 61 against the surface being subjected to painting.

[0075] The scope of the instant invention embraces multiple artistic brushes, having handles of different shapes and styles and functional sections of different painting materials, comprising different shapes and arrangements while comprising the same essential structural sections of brush 60 previously disclosed, as illustrated in embodiments 75a-75s, shown in FIGS. 21 through 39. As in artistic brush 60, all of these embodiments require an external flexible section 64a with a proximal end connected to a handle section 63a and a proximal end connected to the functional section 61a.

[0076] The herein-disclosed artistic brushes facilitate the artistic painting since the artist is able to, by bending the external flexible section, position the painting material of the functional section at a predetermined ergonomic and angled position. Such positions facilitate multiple linear and nonlinear painting strokes and avoid positioning the artist's wrist in uncomfortable angled positions, thus avoiding physical pain and the development of medical conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or similar undesirable conditions. Furthermore, it helps artists already suffering from such conditions to reintegrate themselves into the artistic painting. The painter may select a particular artistic brush and bend its functional section at a predetermined ergonomic angle that provides a comfortable hand position while painting.

[0077] Furthermore, the scope of the invention also embraces cosmetic brushes comprising the essential sections already disclosed for brushes for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting, brushes for use in cleaning, and artistic brushes. For example, in FIGS. 36, 67A, and 68, the cosmetic brush 80 is illustrated. It has a functional section 81, comprising multiple bristles 82; a handle 83; an external flexible section 84; an internal elongated bendable member 85; and a supporting base 86. As explained above, for brushes for use in commercial, residential, or industrial painting; as well as for cleaning brushes, and artistic brushes, the second end 87 of the handle 83 is connected to the proximal end 89 of the external flexible section 84, and the distal end 90 of the external flexible section 84 is connected to the functional section 81 through supporting base 86. As in the artistic brushes, the lower ferrule 95 is used to further secure the connection between handle 83 and external flexible section 84. Similarly, upper ferrule 96, besides further securing the connection between external flexible section 84 and functional section 81, also houses an already cured adhesive that acts as the supportive base 86. The internal elongated bendable member 85 is inserted into the external flexible section 84, and its first end 92 is inserted into the second end 87 of handle 83, while the second end 93 is inserted into the supporting base 86. As in the artistic brush, the internal elongated bendable member 85 and supporting base 86 are not shown in FIG. 36 since both are internally located in brush 80. However, internal elongated bendable member 85 and supporting base 86 are illustrated in FIGS. 67A and 67B.

[0078] In FIG. 36, cosmetic brush 80 has its functional section 81 and handle 83 positioned in an aligned or straight position, as in a conventional cosmetic brush. However, in FIGS. 37 and 38, cosmetic brush 80 is illustrated as having its functional section 81 in different angled positions with reference to the handle 83. Such angled positions are obtained after bending the external flexible section 84 as the user conveniently predetermines. Such angled positions may be reverted to a straight position, as illustrated in FIG. 36, or changed to any other bend position by simply bending the external flexible section 84 to the predetermined position. In other words, as previously explained for the other embodiments, the user may position and reposition the functional section 81 in any suitable predetermined angled position by bending the external flexible section 84.

[0079] Brush 80 maintains its physical and structural integrity while being used in applying cosmetic products since the connections achieved by the use of the adhesive epoxy are extremely strong and the flexible and stays-in nature of the internal elongated bendable member 85. Likewise, the strength of said bonding, in combination with the stays-in of the internal elongated bendable member 85, allows the functional section 81 to retain the angled position regardless of the pressure of said functional section 81 against the surface of the human body.

[0080] The scope of the instant invention embraces multiple cosmetic brushes, having handles of different shapes and styles. It also comprises different functional sections conventionally used in cosmetology, having different shapes and arrangements of the functioning material while comprising the same essential structural sections of brush 80 previously disclosed, as illustrated in embodiments 99a-99n, shown in FIGS. 39 through 52. All embodiments 99a-99n comprise an external flexible section 84a, having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle 83a connected to the proximal end of said external section 84a and a functional section 81a connected to the distal end of said external flexible section 84a.

[0081] The scope of the present invention also embraces embodiments of flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable brushes, comprising a first functional section connected to the proximal end of the external flexible section and a second functional section connected to the distal end of said external functional section. Examples of said embodiments are shown in FIG. 53 and in FIG. 56. In FIG. 53, cosmetic brush 100 is illustrated, and it comprises an external flexible section 101 comprising a proximal end 102 and a distal end 103; an internal elongated bendable member 104 comprising a first end 105 and a second end 106; a first supporting base 107 connected to the first functional section 108 a second supporting base 111 connected to the second functional section 112, a lower ferrule 116 and an upper ferrule 117.

[0082] The proximal end 102 of the external flexible section 101 is connected to the first supporting base 107 which is connected to the first functional section 108. Similarly, the distal end 103 of the external flexible section 101 is connected to the second supporting base 111 which is connected to the second functional section 112. The internal elongated bendable member 104 is internally inserted into the external flexible section 101, and its first end 105 is connected to the first supporting base 107. Its second end 106 is connected to the second supporting base 111. Internal elongated bendable member 104 is not shown in FIGS. 53 since it is internally located inside brush 100. The first functional section 108 and second functional section 112 have different types of functional materials 118 and 119, respectively, useful in applying different cosmetic products, thus providing a double-functional or dual flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable cosmetic brush 100.

[0083] In FIG. 53, the functional sections 108 and 112 of the dual cosmetic brush 100 are illustrated axially, meaning in a straight position with respect to each other, and the external flexible section 101. Said functional sections 108 and 112 may be adjusted to an angled position by bending the external flexible section 101, thus providing angled positions like those illustrated in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55. Said cosmetic brushes are conveniently provided for use in applying cosmetic products, such as paints, creams, powders, and the other cosmetic activities, in a predetermined ergonomic angle that the user may choose and change or adjust to his or her convenience and comfort. Said angled positions are obtained after bending external flexible section 101; the brush 100 maintains said bendable positions and its structural integrity while being used in the application of cosmetic activity since the bond connecting the external flexible section to the first and second functional sections via the supporting bases, provided by using an adhesive epoxy such as steel epoxy, is extremely strong. It resists the pressure of the functional section during the cosmetic application while maintaining the whole structure of the brush 100.

[0084] A similar dual-functional flexible, ergonomic adjustable brush 130 is illustrated in FIG. 56. Like the previous dual cosmetic brush already disclosed, cosmetic brush 130 comprises an external flexible section 131 comprising a proximal end 132 and a distal end 133; an internal elongated bendable member 134 comprising a first end 135 and a second end 136; a first supporting base 137, and a first functional section 138; a second supporting base 139, a second functional section 140, a lower ferrule 141 and an upper ferrule 142.

[0085] The proximal end 132 of the external flexible section 131 is connected to the first functional section 138 through the first supporting base 137. Similarly, the distal end 133 of the external flexible section 131 is connected to the second functional section 140 via a second supporting base 139. The internal elongated bendable member 134 is internally inserted into the external flexible section 131, and its first end 135 is connected to the first functional section 138 via the first supporting base 137. Its second end 136 is connected to the second functional section 140 via the first supporting base 139.

[0086] First supporting base 137 comprises an already cured glue or adhesive housed inside lower ferrule 141. Likewise, the second supporting base 139 comprises already cured glue or adhesive enclosed or housed within upper ferrule 142. Supporting bases 137 and 139 and internal elongated bendable member 134 are not shown in FIG. 56 since they are assembled internally in brush 130. The first functional section 138 and second functional section 140 have different types of functional materials and shapes 145 and 146 useful in different cosmetic activities, thus providing a double-functional or dual flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable cosmetic brush.

[0087] The main difference between embodiment 100 and embodiment 130 is that the external flexible section 131 in embodiment 130 is more extensive than the external flexible section 101 in embodiment 100. On the other hand, contrary to the supporting bases 107 and 111, which are larger and externally located, in brush 100, in embodiment 100, supporting bases 137 and 139 in embodiment 130 comprise already cured glue or adhesive that are inside the ferrules 141 and 142, respectively. Since embodiment 130 has a more extensive external flexible section 131, it can be bent into a more acute angled position than embodiment 100. It facilitates its use in some cosmetic activities. Furthermore, embodiment 130 may be bent and stored in very compact places, for instance, in ladies' purses.

[0088] A method to prepare flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable brushes for use in commercial, residential, and industrial painting is illustrated in FIGS. 59 to 64. As illustrated in FIGS. 59, 60A, and 60B, previous to assembling the flexible brush 10, according to the invention, the functioning material of the functional section 12, in this case, bristles, is packed, arranged, and fixed to the supporting base 16 by conventional processes. For example, by arranging said bristles inside a mold and further adding adhesive to said mold and allowing the said adhesive to cure properly. Separating the already arranged bristles from the mold thus provides the functional section 12 assembled or connected to the supporting base 16. The upper ferrule 18 is assembled to the already prepared functional section 12 by gluing it around its proximal end while the supporting base is housed by the upper ferrule 18. However, in some cases, upper ferrule 18 may be assembled to the brush after the external flexible section 14 has already been connected to the functional section 12 via supporting base 16.

[0089] The flexible, strong, bendable, tear-resistant, high resilience, impermeable, solvent-resistant material to be used as the flexible body of the external flexible section 14, for instance, a flexible plastic is molded or a high-density ethyl vinyl acetate foam, known as EVA foam, is obtained by carving out and shaping a section of an EVA foam board and further smoothing its external surface by conventional methods to obtain the external flexible section 14.

[0090] The flexible, strong, bendable, corrosion-resistant, tear-resistant, resilience, solvent-resistant, and impermeable, having excellent tensile strength material used as the internal elongated bendable member 15; for instance, commercially available tie wire roll is straightened and cut in a predetermined size, depending on the size of the desirable brush, to obtain the internal elongated bendable members 15. Similarly, handle 11 is prepared using molding plastic techniques or, alternatively, using wood as conventionally prepared for conventional painting brushes. Once the handle is ready, the lower ferrule 17 is then glued around the upper section of handle 20 by conventional methods.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 59, apertures or holes 16a are performed through the supporting base 16. Said perforations are suitable for receiving the second end 26 of each internal elongated bendable member 15. Similarly, perforations 14a are performed in the interior of the body of the external flexible section 14, creating a channel 15a suitable for receiving the internal elongated bendable member 15. As shown in FIG. 59, each perforation 16a on the supporting base 16 is aligned or substantially aligned to each channel 15a created by perforations 14a on the external flexible section 14. As illustrated in FIG. 60B, wherein the top view of the second end 20 of handle 11 is shown, perforations 11a are performed at the top side surface of the second end of handle 11, wherein the first end 25 of the internal elongated bendable member 15 will be received. Each perforation 11a on the top side of the second end 20 of the handle 11 is aligned to a given set of perforations 14a on the external flexible section 14 and to the perforations 16a on the supporting base 16. Each set of aligned perforations 16a, 14a, and 11a provides an internal channel ready to receive an internal elongated bendable member 15.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 61, after the perforations 16a, 14a, and 11a are ready, and each one of the internal elongated bendable member 15 is inserted through each one of the channels 15a on the external flexible section 15, a strong epoxy adhesive suitable to create an extremely strong bonding that is rigid, with high tensile strength, compression strength, and impact strength, and resistant to water and chemical solvents and high temperatures, such as steel epoxy, is spread on the top side of the handle and the proximal end 27 of the external flexible section 14, thus connecting the second end 20 of the handle 11 with said proximal end 27 of the external flexible section 14 at the same time that each one of the first end 25 of the internal elongated bendable member 15 is inserted in the perforations 11a on the top side of the second end 20 of the handle 11. Once the steel epoxy is cured, steel epoxy is spread on the distal end 28 of the external flexible section 14 and in the supporting base 16. In this manner, the distal end 28 of the external flexible section 14 is connected to the functional section 12 via supporting base 16, at the same time that each one of the second ends 26 of the internal elongated bendable members 15 are inserted in the perforations 16a on the supporting base 16. In this manner, the functional section 12 is strongly connected to the external flexible section 14 via supporting base 16. Once the connections are completed, and the steel epoxy is appropriately cured, the flexible brush 10 is obtained.

[0093] In an alternative process, ferrules 17 and 18 are assembled after the exterior flexible section has been connected to handle 11 and the functional section 12. In this alternative process, ferrule 17 is installed and pressed around the connection of the handle 11 and external flexible section 14. Ferrule 18 is installed and pressed around the connection between the opposite side of the external flexible section 14 and the functioning section 12. This is because ferrules 17 and 18 are used to further secure the connection between the handle and the external flexible section and the connection between the external flexible section and the functional section since the assembled brush 10 without the ferrules 17 and 18 is completely functional.

[0094] In yet other alternative similar processes, the total number of internal elongated bendable members 15 may increase or decrease, depending on factors such as the shape of the handle 11 and the general shape and size of the brush. The scope of the invention embraces the use of multiple thin internal elongated bendable members 15 in the manufacture of the ergonomic, flexible, and adjustable brushes herein disclosed.

[0095] A similar process is used to assemble and produce artistic brushes, as illustrated in FIG. 65A, 65B, and 66. In FIG. 65A, the different sections of brush 60 are illustrated, wherein an aperture or perforation 63a is performed at the second end of handle 63, and lower ferrule 75 is glued and pressed around the upper section 67 of handle 63. The functional section 61 is then assembled to the supporting base 66 by the conventional method of organizing the painting material: introducing said painting material into ferrule 76, followed by adding adhesive or glue to keep said functional or painting material arranged and fixed to the ferrule. This way, the already-dried adhesive or glue becomes the supporting base 66. FIG. 65B shows a bottom view of the ferrule 76 comprising supporting base 66 as the already dried adhesive or glue already died. Once said glue is dried, it becomes the supporting base 66, and aperture 66a is performed on said supporting base 66. The external flexible section 64 is prepared from a molded plastic or high-density EVA foam board, and internal channel 65a is perforated through ends 64a, thus providing an internal channel suitable to receive an internal elongated bendable member 65. Perforations 63a, 66a, and 64a are aligned. The internal elongated flexible member 65 is prepared as previously disclosed, and it is inserted into the aperture internal channel 65a on external flexible section 64 through opening 64a. Then, the top side of the second end 67 of the handle 63 and the proximal end 69 of the external flexible section 64 are connected by applying steel epoxy; at the same time, the first end 72 of the internal elongated bendable member 65 is inserted in the perforation 63a on the top second end 67 of the handle 63. Once the epoxy adhesive is cured, steel epoxy is also applied on supporting base 66, housed in upper ferrule 76 and on the distal end 70 of the external flexible section 64 in order to connect the functional section 61 to the external flexible section 64; at the same time that the second end 73 of the internal elongated bendable member 65 is inserted in the perforation 66a on the supporting base 66. In this manner, functional section 61 is connected to the external flexible section 64. The ferrules 75 and 76 are pressed to further secure the connections between the handle 63 and the external flexible section 64 and between the flexible external section 64 and the functional section 61 in order to provide flexible, ergonomic, and adjustable artistic brushes according to the invention.

[0096] In an alternative method, the single internal elongated bendable member 65 may be replaced by multiple thinner internal elongated bendable members, which may be assembled in the artistic brush 60 in the same described manner regarding the internal elongated member 65. As shown in FIG. 67A and 67B, the same process is used to prepare cosmetic brushes according to the invention, as illustrated in the preparation of cosmetic brush 80, wherein handle 83, internal elongated flexible member 84, and functional section 81 are assembled as previously explained in the preparation of artistic brushes.

[0097] In operational terms, regarding the use of the flexible ergonomic and adjustable brush 10 for commercial, residential, and industrial painting according to the invention, the user may evaluate the nature of the surface, its contours, and its particular position; select the brush size to best fit the painting process and proceed to position the functional section 12 of the flexible brush 10 to the best angled and/or twisted position with reference to the handle and his or her ergonomic comfort. Said angled position is obtained after bending or twisting the external flexible section 14. Once a particular section of the surface is painted, the user may reposition the functional section 12 of the flexible brush 10 to an alternative position that best fits the following section of the surface to be painted and proceed with the painting process. The painting process is ergonomically facilitated by alternating the functional section 12 of the brush 10 at the convenience of the painter and considering the nature of the surface to be painted. FIG. 69 illustrates the use of commercial, residential, or industrial painting brush 10 according to the invention, wherein the painting wall 177, which is perpendicular to the ceiling 178 and wherein brush 10 has been inserted into a suitable painting pole 180, suitable to paint those high-to-reach surfaces. A similar illustration is presented in FIG. 70, wherein brush 10 is shown on painting surface 181 and used without a painting pole. In both instances, the external flexible section 14 is bent, providing functional section 12 in an angled position, facilitating the painting process.

[0098] The same or similar process may be followed when using the artistic brushes according to the invention, as, for example, illustrated in FIG. 71, wherein the painter has bent the external flexible section 64 of brush 60 to draw a curved contour of the image of an eye with the functional section 61 in a bent position and without bending his arm.

[0099] Similarly, FIG. 72 shows an example of applying a cosmetic product to the face of a person, using a cosmetic brush 80 according to the instant invention, wherein the external flexible section 84 has been bent to angle the functional section 81 of the brush 80 in order to apply a cosmetic product on a curved surface of a human face. As illustrated, the hand of the user is kept in a straight position since the functional section 14 is already angled to facilitate the application of the cosmetic product in a suitable ergonomic manner.

[0100] The present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed forms; it will be understood that many substitutions, changes, and variations in the described embodiments, applications, and details of the novel tool illustrated herein and of its operation can be made by those skilled in the art to adapt it to various usages and conditions, without departing from the spirit of this invention. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be within the full range of equivalence of the following. While the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.