Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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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
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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;
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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;
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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;
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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;
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
5
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
32
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
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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
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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
30
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
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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
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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
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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.
