CA2744810C

CA2744810C - Ergonomic cosmetic brush

Info

Publication number: CA2744810C
Application number: CA2744810A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Matthew Waitesmith
Original assignee: Artis LLC
Current assignee: Artis LLC
Priority date: 2008-12-01
Filing date: 2009-10-07
Publication date: 2018-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-07
Also published as: EP2367456B1; JP2012510313A; EP2367456A2; WO2010065188A3; USRE48508E1; USRE47847E1; WO2010065188A2; USRE46939E1; CN102227180A; US20100132731A1; EP2367456A4; JP5537559B2; USRE47359E1; CA2744810A1; USD699041S1; CN102227180B

Abstract

An ergonomic cosmetic brush for efficient self-application of cosmetics and makeup generally includes a handle, a neck tapering inwardly and extending at a downward angle relative to the handle, and a head extending at an upward angle relative to the neck, wherein the head is offset heightwise with respect to the handle. A bundle of fibers perpendicularly extends from the head for applying the cosmetic product.

Description

ERGONOMIC COSMETIC BRUSH
The present invention relates generally to a cosmetic brush and more specifically it relates to an ergonomic cosmetic brush for the efficient self-application of cosmetics and makeup.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Makeup brushes are configured in a plurality of different styles and configurations. Traditional makeup brushes are designed for one individual to apply product to another individual, wherein the lasting origin for the brushes stems from artist's brushes that were meant to aid the artist in applying products to a secondary surface or medium, such as a canvas or fresco surfaced wall.
Traditional designs of makeup brushes generally make it difficult for a single user to use the brush for self-application purposes due to the need to hold the brush at an odd angle relative on one's own face.
Another problem with traditional brushes is that because the brush has to be held at an odd angle, the user must typically make more strokes than necessary and continuously move product around in order to achieve a blended result thus drastically increasing the time and work needed to apply makeup to one's self. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need

2 for a new and improved ergonomic cosmetic brush for efficient self-application of cosmetics and makeup.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a brush for manual application by a user of a facial cosmetic product to facial skin of the user, comprising:
a brush head defining a head plane;
a bundle of fibers carried by said head;
said fibers being arranged for carrying and applying said facial cosmetic product to the facial skin of the user;
said bundle of fibers extending from said head in a direction perpendicular to said head plane only on a fiber side of said head;
a neck extending from said head at an angle relative to said head plane so as to extend from said head in a direction away from the fiber side of the head; and a handle for manual grasping by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user, the handle defining a handle plane;
said handle extending from said neck at an angle of the handle plane relative to said neck;
wherein said neck is arranged relative to the head such that the head plane is generally parallel to the handle plane and is offset with respect to said handle plane in a direction perpendicular to the handle plane;

3 wherein said bundle of fibers is connected to a pad at an inner end of said bundle of fibers so as to hold the bundle of fibers connected together;
and wherein said pad is fixedly attached to said head;
wherein the handle has a width in said handle plane which is greater than a width of the head in the head plane as to define top and bottom surfaces of the handle generally parallel to the handle plane which top and bottom surfaces of the handle are graspable by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a brush for manual application by a user of a facial cosmetic product to facial skin of the user, comprising:
a brush head defining a head plane;
a bundle of fibers carried by said head;
said fibers being arranged for carrying and applying said facial cosmetic product to the facial skin of the user;
said bundle of fibers extending from said head in a direction perpendicular to said head plane only on a fiber side of said head;
a neck extending from said head at an angle relative to said head plane so as to extend from said head in a direction away from the fiber side of the head; and a handle for manual grasping by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user, the handle defining a handle plane;

4 said handle extending from said neck at an angle of the handle plane relative to said neck;
wherein said neck is arranged relative to the head such that the head plane is generally parallel to the handle plane and is offset with respect to said handle plane in a direction perpendicular to the handle plane;
wherein said bundle of fibers is connected to a pad at an inner end of said bundle of fibers so as to hold the bundle of fibers connected together;
wherein said pad is fixedly attached to said head;
wherein the handle defines top and bottom surfaces of the handle generally parallel to the handle plane which top and bottom surfaces of the handle are graspable by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user;
and wherein there is provided an insert member in each of said top and bottom surfaces for gripping by the fingers or thumb of the user.
According to a third atpect of the invention there is provided a method for manual application by a user of a facial cosmetic product to facial skin of the user, comprising:
providing a cosmetic brush comprising:
a brush head defining a head plane;
a bundle of fibers carried by said head;
said fibers being arranged for carrying and applying said facial cosmetic product to the facial skin of the user;

said bundle of fibers extending from said head in a direction perpendicular to said head plane only on a fiber side of said head;
a neck extending from said head at an angle relative to said head plane so as to extend from said head in a direction away from the fiber side of the

5 head; and a handle defining a handle plane;
wherein the handle defines top and bottom surfaces of the handle generally parallel to the handle plane;
said handle extending from said neck at an angle of the handle plane relative to said neck;
wherein said neck is arranged relative to the head such that the head plane is generally parallel to the handle plane and is offset with respect to said handle plane in a direction perpendicular to the handle plane;
wherein said bundle of fibers is connected to the head at an inner end of said bundle of fibers so as to hold the bundle of fibers connected together;
grasping the top and bottom surfaces of the handle between the fingers and thumb of the user so that either the fingers or the thumb is on a side of the handle adjacent the facial skin;
positioning said facial cosmetic product upon an outer end of said bundle of fibers;
carrying the facial cosmetic product on the fibers to the facial skin;

6 holding said handle so as to orient said handle plane parallel to a portion of the facial skin of the user where said facial cosmetic product is to be applied with said bundle of fibers perpendicular to said portion said facial skin;
applying said facial cosmetic product to said portion said facial skin with said bundle of fibers;
said offset of said handle plane relative to said head plane maintaining a perpendicularly offset distal separation of said handle from said portion said facial skin of said user during said applying step with either said fingers or the thumb located between the handle and the facial skin; and maintaining said handle plane parallel to said portion said facial skin during said applying step.
The arrangement described herein provides in general a system for efficient self-application of cosmetics and makeup. The invention generally relates to a brush that includes a handle, a neck tapering inwardly and extending at a downward angle relative to the handle, and a head extending at an upward angle relative to the neck, wherein the head is offset heightwise with respect to the handle. A bundle of fibers perpendicularly extends from the head for applying the cosmetic product.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better

7 appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. I is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention being used to self-apply cosmetic product to one's face.
FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment with the bristles exploded from the head of the body.

8 FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A. Overview Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate an ergonomic cosmetic brush 10, which comprises a handle 30, a neck 40 tapering inwardly and extending at a downward angle relative to the handle 30, and a head 50 extending at an upward angle relative to the neck 40, wherein the head 50 is offset heightwise with respect to the handle 30. A
bundle of fibers 60 perpendicularly extends from the head 50 for applying the cosmetic product.
The brush 10 may be designed for self-applying various types of makeup or cosmetic products. For example, the brush 10 may be used for corner eye shadow, eye contour, eyeliner, eye shadow, lip products, powder or blush.

9 The brush 10 may be manufactured in multiple different sizes include different size handles 30, heads 50, bundles of fibers 60, different length necks 40 or other to correlate with the type of brush 10 used. It is appreciated that the term "cosmetic" herein may refer to makeup, lotions, or any product that is to be applied to oneself with the brush 10.
B. Body The body 20 of the brush 10 is generally comprised of an elongated sleek design to provide an ergonomic configuration. The body 20 may be comprised of various types of materials, such as but not limited to plastic, resin, rubber, wood, metal, or various other configurations that are lightweight and durable. The body 20 may further vary in length, texture, and tensile strength as desired with the particular application and user preferences. The outer surface of the body 20 is also generally comprised of a smooth configuration to provide comfort for the user to grasp. The body 20 may further include antimicrobial treatments to inhibit microbial growth, may include a coating to provide ultraviolet ray blocking, or may employ other filtering treatments.
The body 20 includes a handle 30, a neck 40 extending from the handle 30 and a head 50 extending from the neck 40. The handle 30, neck 40, and head 50 are preferably integrally formed; however, it is appreciated that the body 20 may be comprised of a plurality of separate structures.
The handle 30 may be comprised of various shapes and sizes. The handle 30 may be comprised of a slightly flattened ovular shaped configuration in one embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the handle 30 may be comprised of a cylindrical shaped configuration. The handle 30 may be comprised of various colors and styles preferred by the user to increase the aesthetic qualities of the handle 30.

Then handle 30 may also include a first insert 31 and a second insert 32 positioned within an upper depression extending within the top surface of the handle 30 and a lower depression extending within the bottom surface of the handle 30. The first insert 31 and the second insert 32 are preferably comprised of a rubberized, soft touch finish or foam, the same material as the

10 handle 30, or a different material than the handle 30, all which provide the user with a grippable surface to grasp while holding onto the handle 30. It is appreciated that the first insert 31 and the second insert 32 are preferably comprised of similar configuration. The first insert 31 and the second insert may be removably attached or fixedly attached within the handle 30. The color of the first insert 31 and the second insert 32 can contrast with the remainder of the handle 30 or body 20 for aesthetic purposes.
The neck 40 extends from a forward end of the handle 30. The neck 40 is comprised of an elongated configuration and extends at a downward angle from the handle 30. The neck 40 preferably extends in a similar direction as the handle 30, just at a downward angle. The downward angle is important to add distance, in a perpendicular direction between the handle 30 and the head 50 of the body 20 so that the user may more easily self-apply cosmetic upon

11 themselves and hold the handle 30 parallel to the user's face without engaging the face with their hand or the handle 30. The user may keep the head 50 next to and parallel with the face of user's body 20 while comfortably holding the handle 30 at a distance from the user's body 20 via the elongated and angled handle 30.
The downward angle is preferably approximately 30 degrees, however other angles may be appreciated.
The neck 40 also preferably comprises a substantially smaller diameter or cross-sectional perimeter than the handle 30. The neck 40 further generally tapers inwardly from an inner end 41 (adjacent the handle 30) to an outer end 42 (opposite the handle 30) so as to narrow as the neck 40 reaches the head 50. The shape and size of the neck 40 creates a profile that minimizes the possibility of the neck 40 catching on the face or facial features of the user while using the brush 10. The neck 40 also allows for easy tilting and/or rotation of the fibers 60 while using the brush 10.
The head 50 of the body 20 extends from the outer end 42 of the neck 40. The head 50 may be removably attached to the neck 40 or fixedly attached as deemed necessary. When initially attaching the head 50 to the neck 40, an opening may extend within an end of the head 50 is received by the outer end 42 of the neck 40 and the two are adjoined together with various types of fasteners or adhesives.
The head 50 is generally smooth, curved, and rounded with no sharp edges to minimize any potential damage should the head 50 come into

12 contact with a sensitive area of the eye or face. The head 50 is preferably comprised of a slightly flattened ovular or circular shaped configuration to mimic the handle 30 of the body 20 so that the head 50 and the handle 30 appear compatible. It is appreciated that other shapes may be appreciated.
The head 50 is also generally positioned in a parallel manner with the handle 30 so as to run parallel to the user's face along with the handle while applying the cosmetic product to the user's face with the fibers 60.
Thus the head 50 generally extends at an upward angle from the neck 40 to mimic the downward angle between the handle 30 and neck 40. However, in at least one embodiment, the lip applicator brush embodiment, the head 50 is oriented at an upward angle with respect to the handle 30 to allow for a more efficient lip product or substance application process. The orientation of the head 50 with respect to the handle 30 aids in the ease of self-application of the cosmetic, makeup, or other products.
The head 50 is further preferably comprised of a substantially smaller diameter or perimeter than the handle 30. Extending within the lower end of the head 50 is preferably a recessed portion 53 to receive the fibers 60 of the brush 10. The recessed portion 53 is comprised of an ovular shape to match the outer perimeter of the bundle of fibers 60. The shape and outer perimeter size of the head 50 further preferably mimic the outer perimeter of the bundle of fibers 60 attached underneath.
C. Fibers

13 The brush 10 includes a mass of fibers 60 or bristles to perform various cosmetic application tasks. The fibers 60 are attached to the underside of the head 50 of the body 20 and thus perpendicular to a plane of the head 50.
The perpendicular alignment of the fibers 60 to the head 50, handle 30, and user's face further allows the brush 10 to be more easily used as a self-applicator tool.
The fibers 60 may be comprised of various types of configurations or materials depending on the particular cosmetic application that the brush 10 is to be used. The fibers 60 can be animal hair, but are generally fabricated or man-made fibers 60. The fiber 60 length, tensile characteristics, filament surface, color, material, and shape are unique to each brush 10.
The fibers 60 each include a blunt end 61 to attach to a flexible pad 64 that serves to hold them into a particular shape and angle with respect to the head 50 of the body 20. The pad 64 is adhered to the blunt end 61 of the fibers 60 and then affixed within the recessed portion 53 of the head 50. The pad 64 may include an adhesive surface to assist in attaching the fibers 60 to the head 50 or utilize various other fasteners.
D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment In use, the brush 10 is to be used for self-application of cosmetics, makeup, or other products to the user. The brush 10 may be used to self-apply the cosmetic product to various portions of a user including their face or other body parts. The user holds the handle 30 between the fingers and thumb. The

14 user then strokes the fibers 60 across a cosmetic product, such as pressed powder eye shadow or other compatible cosmetic, and picks up a portion of the cosmetic. The user then aligns the handle 30 of the brush 10 parallel to the plane of the portion of the face (or other body part) onto which the cosmetic product is to be applied. It is appreciated that the handle 30 length is shorter than conventional brushes so that the handle 30 can be held more easily in the hand and closer to the body 20.
The fibers 60 are oriented perpendicular to the skin and when the user pulls the handle 30 and head 50 parallel to the planes of the face, the tips 62 of the fibers 60 drag across the surface of the skin and leave behind the cosmetic product that was temporarily held on the tip 62 of the fibers 60. The user can either pull in one direction or move the brush 10 in a back and forth motion to apply the cosmetic product.
The user maintains a perpendicularly offset distal separation of the handle 30 from the portion of the face while applying the cosmetic product via the downward angle of the neck 40. In other words, the handle 30 is distanced from the face of the user perpendicularly so that the handle 30 and the face of the user are parallel yet distally separated.
The user can control the amount of cosmetic product being applied to the face by placing pressure onto the head 50 through a slight tilt of the handle angle. The elongated neck 40 provides sufficient leverage for the tilt and provides adequate distance between the head 50 that is next to the user's face and the handle 30 that the user must hold. This further prevents the user from engaging their face with their hand while holding the handle 30 and positioning the head 50 parallel to the face.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used 5 herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The 10 present invention may be embodied in other specific forms and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

1. A brush for manual application by a user of a facial cosmetic product to facial skin of the user, comprising:
a brush head defining a head plane;
a bundle of fibers carried by said head;
said fibers being arranged for carrying and applying said facial cosmetic product to the facial skin of the user;
said bundle of fibers extending from said head in a direction perpendicular to said head plane only on a fiber side of said head;
a neck extending from said head at an angle relative to said head plane so as to extend from said head in a direction away from the fiber side of the head; and a handle for manual grasping by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user, the handle defining a handle plane;
said handle extending from said neck at an angle of the handle plane relative to said neck;
wherein said neck is arranged relative to the head such that the head plane is generally parallel to the handle plane and is offset with respect to said handle plane in a direction perpendicular to the handle plane;
wherein said bundle of fibers is connected to a pad at an inner end of said bundle of fibers so as to hold the bundle of fibers connected together;
and wherein said pad is fixedly attached to said head;
wherein the handle has a width in said handle plane which is greater than a width of the head in the head plane as to define top and bottom surfaces of the handle generally parallel to the handle plane which top and bottom surfaces of the handle are graspable by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user.

2. The brush of Claim 1, wherein said head plane is oriented at an angle relative to said handle plane so that an end of the handle remote from the head is spaced from said head plane by a greater distance than an end of the handle adjacent to the head.

3. The brush of claim 1 or 2, wherein said neck extends from an outer end of said handle and wherein said head extends from an outer end of said neck opposite said handle.

4. The brush of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said neck tapers inwardly from an outer end connected to said handle to an inner end connected to said head.

5. The brush of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said handle is oval in plan view perpendicular to said handle plane.

6. The brush of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said head includes a recessed portion extending within a lower end, wherein said pad is secured within said recessed portion.

7. The brush of any one of Claims 1 to 6, including at least one insert member in at least one of said top and bottom surfaces for gripping by the fingers or thumb of the user.

8. The brush of any one of Claims 1 to 6, including an insert member in each of said top and bottom surfaces for gripping by the fingers or thumb of the user.

9. The brush of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:

the handle has a width in plan view greater than a depth in side elevational view;
the neck tapers in width from an end of the neck at the handle to an end of the neck at the head;
the neck tapers in depth from an end of the neck at the handle to an end of the neck at the head;
the head has a width in plan view greater than a depth in side elevational view;
and the head is wider in plan view than the end of the neck at the handle.

10. A brush for manual application by a user of a facial cosmetic product to facial skin of the user, comprising:
a brush head defining a head plane;
a bundle of fibers carried by said head;
said fibers being arranged for carrying and applying said facial cosmetic product to the facial skin of the user;
said bundle of fibers extending from said head in a direction perpendicular to said head plane only on a fiber side of said head;
a neck extending from said head at an angle relative to said head plane so as to extend from said head in a direction away from the fiber side of the head; and a handle for manual grasping by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user, the handle defining a handle plane;
said handle extending from said neck at an angle of the handle plane relative to said neck;

wherein said neck is arranged relative to the head such that the head plane is generally parallel to the handle plane and is offset with respect to said handle plane in a direction perpendicular to the handle plane;
wherein said bundle of fibers is connected to a pad at an inner end of said bundle of fibers so as to hold the bundle of fibers connected together;
wherein said pad is fixedly attached to said head;
wherein the handle defines top and bottom surfaces of the handle generally parallel to the handle plane which top and bottom surfaces of the handle are graspable by fingers and thumb of a hand of the user;
and wherein there is provided an insert member in each of said top and bottom surfaces for gripping by the fingers or thumb of the user.

11. The brush of Claim 10, wherein said head plane is oriented at an angle relative to said handle plane so that an end of the handle remote from the head is spaced from said head plane by a greater distance than an end of the handle adjacent to the head.

12. The brush of claim 10 or 11, wherein said neck extends from an outer end of said handle and wherein said head extends from an outer end of said neck opposite said handle.

13. The brush of any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein said neck tapers inwardly from an outer end connected to said handle to an inner end connected to said head.

14. The brush of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein said head includes a recessed portion extending within a lower end, wherein said pad is secured within said recessed portion.

15. The brush of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein:
the handle has a width in plan view greater than a depth in side elevational view;
the handle is generally oval in plan view;
the neck tapers in width from an end of the neck at the handle to an end of the neck at the head;
the neck tapers in depth from an end of the neck at the handle to an end of the neck at the head;
the head has a width in plan view greater than a depth in side elevational view;
the head is wider in plan view than the end of the neck at the handle.

16. Use of the brush according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for application of facial cosmetic product to facial skin of the user.