US20060225760A1 - Flocked wire mascara brush - Google Patents
Flocked wire mascara brush Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060225760A1 US20060225760A1 US11/100,180 US10018005A US2006225760A1 US 20060225760 A1 US20060225760 A1 US 20060225760A1 US 10018005 A US10018005 A US 10018005A US 2006225760 A1 US2006225760 A1 US 2006225760A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bristles
- inch
- brush
- flocking
- accordance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
- A46B9/021—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups arranged like in cosmetics brushes, e.g. mascara, nail polish, eye shadow
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
- A46B3/18—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier the bristles being fixed on or between belts or wires
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1046—Brush used for applying cosmetics
- A46B2200/1053—Cosmetics applicator specifically for mascara
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a brush for applying cosmetic products, in particular, mascara, to eyelashes.
- Twisted wire brushes for application of liquid-type cosmetics, such as for application of mascara to the eyelashes are well known in the art.
- the brushes are designed to pick up and hold a supply of mascara from the cosmetic container, and then deliver the mascara to the eyelashes as the brush is combed through the lashes by the user.
- Twisted wire brushes conventionally are manufactured by disposing a plurality of individual lengths of bristles transverse to and between substantially parallel, slightly spaced-apart thin metal wire lengths, such that the wire lengths generally bisect the filament lengths at their midpoints.
- the parallel wire lengths comprise the two substantially equal leg segments formed from bending a single length of wire into a U-shaped configuration. The wire lengths are then twisted together to form a helical core, causing the bristles disposed between the wires to be clamped therebetween at about their midpoints.
- the segments of the bristles on either side of the clamped midpoint are caused to flare radially outward from the core and so form an elongate bristle brush portion of generally circular cross-section.
- the bristles are usually comprised of nylon filaments.
- the bristles serve the function of collecting mascara from a reservoir and holding the mascara until it is applied to the user's eyelashes
- the brush is generally affixed to a rod which is mounted to a cap or other closure for the cosmetic container.
- the patent discloses a mascara brush having a reduced number of bristles, said to be 35% to 80% less than in conventional mascara brushes, ostensibly of larger diameter, than the bristles employed in conventional mascara brushes at the time. This was believed to provide a better application of mascara and separation of lashes.
- the patent specifies mascara brushes having a bristle diameter from about 0.10 to 0.25 mm (e.g. about 0.004 to 0.010 inch) (4 mil to 10 mil) and with from approximately 10 to 40 bristles per turn of the helix.
- the concept of a mascara brush having larger diameter fibers was further discussed in a recent PCT application no. PCT/US01/04555.
- This application is directed towards mascara brushes made from filaments that are relatively large but soft.
- the application describes mascara brushes having preferably having 7-14 bristles per turn.
- the bristle filaments are defined as preferably being from 0.010 inch to 0.013 inch (10 mil to 13 mil).
- the bristles are defined as being relatively soft being made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer of between 62 Shore D and 82 Shore D, but most preferably about 72 Shore D.
- PCT application PCT/US01/04555 essentially defines a mascara brush made with a duPont Filaments filament sold under the trademark “Supersoft.”
- the “Supersoft” filaments have a durometer of 72 Shore D and are available as solid filaments or as triocular filaments having three hollow voids.
- Mascara which is typically highly viscous, tends to clump when applied to eyelashes.
- the clumps of mascara are typically combed out as a finishing step to the application process.
- Stiffer bristles are thought to be better suited for combing out clumps and properly separating lashes.
- the combing and separating functions are thought to be better accomplished with brushes a having relatively open bristle envelope or brush surface, i.e., an envelope or surface that has numerous or wide clearances or spaces between bristles to make the brushes more ‘comb-like’. This function is not well served by traditional mascara brush designs having smaller diameter bristles with higher bristle density.
- a mascara brush with softer, more numerous bristles has been generally thought to be well suited for applying mascara but less well suited for combing out clumps and separating lashes.
- a brush with stiffer, fewer bristles has been thought to be well suited for combing and separating lashes but less well suited for applying mascara to lashes.
- a separate brush can be used for each function, i.e., a soft brush for application and a stiff brush for combing, a single brush that can both apply mascara and comb out clumps is preferable.
- a mascara brush having a twisted wire stem and outwardly extending bristles, which has an increased surface area for carrying mascara, which picks up cosmetics in a uniform manner, and which picks up and carries a satisfactory amount of mascara without repeated reintroductions into a reservoir of mascara, but which also provides good combing and lash lengthening effects without creating a perception of excessive bristle hardness.
- a mascara brush in accordance with the invention comprises a core formed of at least two wires twisted together with flocking applied to the wire core, and bristles retained and gripped by the twisted wires of the core.
- the twisted wire core has a brush end and a handle end, and flocking is adhered to the brush end.
- flocking is adhered to the entire length of the wire.
- the flocking is formed from fiber strands having a diameter of about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0020 inch; and a length of between about 0.020 inch to about 0.150 inch, preferably about 0.040 inch to about 0.080 inch, and most preferably about 0.045 inch to about 0.060 inch.
- a plurality of radially extending bristles is retained between the wires of the core.
- the bristles have a diameter of about 0.003 inch to about 0.012 inch and a bristle density of about 7 bristles per turn to about 50 bristles per turn, and more preferably, a bristle density of about 7 bristles per turn to about 25 bristles per turn.
- the flocking provides an increased surface area for carrying mascara, when compared to conventional mascara brushes, together with brush bristles at a density suitable for lash lengthening, thickening, building, curling, and/or combing.
- a method for making a brush for applying mascara to eyelashes comprises applying adhesive to at least a portion of a wire; then adhering flocking to the portion of the wire by exposing the adhesive to flocking.
- the wire is formed into a U-shape having two leg segments and a plurality of bristles are placed between the leg segments of the U-shape wire, with at least some of the bristles being placed along the portion of the wire having flocking adhered thereto.
- the wire is then twisted together to retain the bristles in the twisted wire.
- the portion of the wire where the flocking is adhered contains all of the bristles retained in the twisted wire.
- flocking is adhered along the entire length of the wire.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a flocked mascara brush in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flocked mascara brush of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 3A-3E are a series of schematic views illustrating methods of manufacturing a flocked mascara brush in accordance with the invention.
- a flocked mascara brush, or applicator is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 .
- Brush 10 comprises a central twisted wire core 12 having a handle end 14 and a brush end 16 extending from handle end 14 along central core 12 .
- a helical array of regularly disposed bristles 24 is retained in the twisted wire core 12 .
- Core 12 can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably made of a malleable wire 18 , made from a materials such as steel, stainless steel, bronze, copper, aluminum, or plastic.
- the core 12 is a twisted wire core typically made by forming wire 18 into a “U” shape having leg segments 20 and 22 .
- a plurality of bristles 24 are placed between the leg segments 20 and 22 of wire 18 .
- the leg segments 20 and 22 are then twisted around each other along a longitudinal axis to clamp bristles 24 at approximately the midpoints of the bristles 24 .
- the bristle ends extend radially from the twisted wire core 12 in a helical or spiral manner.
- Flocking 30 is adhered to core 12 , by any suitable means, preferably by a suitable adhesive.
- the preferred adhesive is an epoxy adhesive.
- Flocking 30 is adhered to at least a portion of core 12 at brush end 16 , or it may be adhered to the entire core 12 .
- Flocking 30 is composed of short fiber strands, such as pulverized fiber, or a fiber such as cotton, wool, silk, rayon, nylon or polyester.
- the flocking is a short monofilament fiber made of nylon, rayon or polyester.
- the flocking is formed from fiber strands having a diameter of about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0020 inch; and a length of between about 0.020 inch to about 0.150 inch, preferably about 0.040 inch to about 0.080 inch, and most preferably about 0.045 inch to about 0.060 inch.
- Bristles 24 are regularly disposed about brush end 16 of core 12 .
- Bristles 24 are made of materials suitable for combing eyelashes and carrying and applying mascara to achieve the desired payoff effect to the lashes, such as lash lengthening, thickening, building, curling, and/or combing.
- Bristles 24 are preferably made by cutting short segments from spools of filaments.
- the filaments are preferably formed from nylon or polyester, or another suitable material. Other suitable materials may include any type of synthetic material, including polyamide, polyolefins and the like.
- bristles 24 are made of nylon, and most preferably made of 6-12 type nylon.
- the filaments will typically be circular solids in cross-section, but alternatively may have non-circular cross-sectional shapes, such as ovals, square, rectangular, or polygons (including hexagons); or the bristles may be hollow or have voids therein, thus, the term “diameter” as used herein to refer to “bristle diameter” is intended to mean the maximum distance between any of the possible opposite positions on the outer surface of a bristle 24 filament.
- the bristle 24 diameter is about 0.003 inch to about 0.012 inch.
- the bristle 24 density is in the range of 7-50 bristles per turn; depending on the bristle diameter and the viscosity of the mascara product. In one preferred embodiment, the bristle density is about 7-25 bristles per turn.
- the number of bristles per turn can be determined by several methods. One method involves counting bristle ends in one 360 degree turn of the brush and dividing by two to arrive at a count of bristles per turn. Another method involves counting the total number of 360 degree turns of the bristles 24 of the brush along the length of the brush, then counting the total number of bristles 24 , and dividing the total bristle count by the total turn count, to determine an average of bristles 24 per turn.
- bristle density encompasses both definitions.
- the brush 10 can be trimmed to have any desired shape, for example, cylindrical, tapered, conical, curved, etc.; or if desired, the bristle ends may be processed by grinding, heating, or other techniques.
- the bristle lengths may be slightly longer than is usual in conventional brush designs, but this is not a necessary requirement for effective use of the invention.
- the brush 10 when fabricated, is then assembled together with a rod 26 .
- the handle end 14 of the brush is mounted to rod 26 .
- the rod 26 will typically be mounted to a container cap that mounts to a mascara-containing container.
- Brush 10 is adapted in size and shape to fit into a neck of the mascara-containing container so that the brush is stored in the container when not in use, or when necessary to pick up mascara for application.
- FIGS. 3A to 3 E A method for making a brush 10 is schematically shown in FIGS. 3A to 3 E.
- the method as shown in FIG. 3A begins with applying adhesive 50 to at least a portion 52 of a wire 18 , then as shown in FIG. 3B , adhering flocking 30 to the portion 52 of the wire 18 by exposing the adhesive to flocking 30 .
- adhesive and flocking may be applied to an entire length of a spool of wire.
- adhesive and flocking may be applied in repeating sections to an entire spool of wire. In such cases, short lengths of wire would be cut off of the spool of wire to make the twisted wire core of the mascara brush of the invention.
- the wire may be cut into short lengths of wire 18 first, and the short lengths of wire 18 are processed by application of an adhesive and flocking prior to twisting of bristles into the wire core.
- the short lengths of wire 18 could be processed by application of an adhesive and flocking either prior to or after bending of the short length of wire 18 into a U-shape as described below.
- adhesive 50 is applied to the wire by a spray gun, however the adhesive may be applied in any way, including dip methods, brushing or rollers.
- the flocking 30 is applied by imparting a static charge to the flocking contained in a enclosed chamber 56 and placing or conveying the wire or short lengths of wire 18 through the chamber so that the flocking 30 adheres to wire or short lengths of wire 18 at the portions where the adhesive 50 has been applied thereto.
- wire 18 is formed into a U-shape having two leg segments 20 , 22 .
- a plurality of bristles 24 are placed between the leg segments 20 , 22 of the U-shape wire 18 , with at least some of the bristles 24 being placed along the portion 52 of the wire 18 having flocking 30 adhered thereto.
- the leg segments 20 , 22 of the U-shape wire 18 are then twisted together to retain the bristles 24 in the twisted U-shape wire 18 .
- the portion 52 of the wire where the flocking 30 is adhered contains at least some of the bristles 24 retained in the twisted wire.
- the portion 52 of the wire where the flocking 30 is adhered contains all of the bristles 24 retained in the twisted wire.
- flocking 30 is adhered along the entire length of the wire 18 .
- the flocking is a short monofilament fiber made of nylon, rayon or polyester.
- each strand of flocking is generally tubular in shape and has a diameter of about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0020 inch; and a length of between about 0.020 inch to about 0.150 inch, preferably about 0.040 inch to about 0.080 inch, and most preferably about 0.045 inch to about 0.060 inch.
- the bristle 24 diameter is about 0.003 inch to about 0.012 inch and the bristle density is in the range of 7-50 bristles per turn, and preferably is about 7-25 bristles per turn.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a brush for applying cosmetic products, in particular, mascara, to eyelashes.
- Twisted wire brushes for application of liquid-type cosmetics, such as for application of mascara to the eyelashes, are well known in the art. The brushes are designed to pick up and hold a supply of mascara from the cosmetic container, and then deliver the mascara to the eyelashes as the brush is combed through the lashes by the user.
- Twisted wire brushes conventionally are manufactured by disposing a plurality of individual lengths of bristles transverse to and between substantially parallel, slightly spaced-apart thin metal wire lengths, such that the wire lengths generally bisect the filament lengths at their midpoints. Most typically, the parallel wire lengths comprise the two substantially equal leg segments formed from bending a single length of wire into a U-shaped configuration. The wire lengths are then twisted together to form a helical core, causing the bristles disposed between the wires to be clamped therebetween at about their midpoints. In the twisting and clamping, the segments of the bristles on either side of the clamped midpoint are caused to flare radially outward from the core and so form an elongate bristle brush portion of generally circular cross-section. The bristles are usually comprised of nylon filaments. The bristles serve the function of collecting mascara from a reservoir and holding the mascara until it is applied to the user's eyelashes The brush is generally affixed to a rod which is mounted to a cap or other closure for the cosmetic container.
- It is known in the art that this helical wire twisting method for forming cosmetic applicator brushes typically leads to a brush configuration in which the bristles tend generally to follow the helical pattern of the twisted wire core, i.e., whereby the tips of the bristles define a helix. Standard mascara brush designs of the 1960s and 1970s used smaller diameter bristles in fairly large numbers of bristles per turn. The state of the art then evolved to a somewhat larger diameter bristle, as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,622 entitled “Brush for the Application of Mascara to the Eyelashes.” The patent discloses a mascara brush having a reduced number of bristles, said to be 35% to 80% less than in conventional mascara brushes, ostensibly of larger diameter, than the bristles employed in conventional mascara brushes at the time. This was believed to provide a better application of mascara and separation of lashes. The patent specifies mascara brushes having a bristle diameter from about 0.10 to 0.25 mm (e.g. about 0.004 to 0.010 inch) (4 mil to 10 mil) and with from approximately 10 to 40 bristles per turn of the helix. The concept of a mascara brush having larger diameter fibers was further discussed in a recent PCT application no. PCT/US01/04555. This application is directed towards mascara brushes made from filaments that are relatively large but soft. Specifically, the application describes mascara brushes having preferably having 7-14 bristles per turn. The bristle filaments are defined as preferably being from 0.010 inch to 0.013 inch (10 mil to 13 mil). Most critically, the bristles are defined as being relatively soft being made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a durometer of between 62 Shore D and 82 Shore D, but most preferably about 72 Shore D. PCT application PCT/US01/04555 essentially defines a mascara brush made with a duPont Filaments filament sold under the trademark “Supersoft.” The “Supersoft” filaments have a durometer of 72 Shore D and are available as solid filaments or as triocular filaments having three hollow voids.
- Mascara, which is typically highly viscous, tends to clump when applied to eyelashes. The clumps of mascara are typically combed out as a finishing step to the application process. Stiffer bristles are thought to be better suited for combing out clumps and properly separating lashes. However, the combing and separating functions are thought to be better accomplished with brushes a having relatively open bristle envelope or brush surface, i.e., an envelope or surface that has numerous or wide clearances or spaces between bristles to make the brushes more ‘comb-like’. This function is not well served by traditional mascara brush designs having smaller diameter bristles with higher bristle density. A mascara brush with softer, more numerous bristles has been generally thought to be well suited for applying mascara but less well suited for combing out clumps and separating lashes. Conversely, a brush with stiffer, fewer bristles has been thought to be well suited for combing and separating lashes but less well suited for applying mascara to lashes. While a separate brush can be used for each function, i.e., a soft brush for application and a stiff brush for combing, a single brush that can both apply mascara and comb out clumps is preferable.
- An example of a brush said to provide good application and combing characteristics is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,011 to Gueret. The Gueret patent discloses bristles made of a soft material having a shore hardness of 20 A to 40 D (as noted above, a conventional bristle typically has a durometer of over 85 D), and a large diameter in a range of 0.004 inch to 0.014 inch (4 to 14 mil) (0.10 to 0.35 millimeter). As disclosed by Gueret, the diameter is said to be sufficiently large to prevent too high a degree of suppleness. The resulting brush is said to have the same degree of suppleness or softness as a conventional softer brush.
- Nevertheless, there can be a perception of bristle hardness to the mascara user arising from such large diameter bristles. The prior art approaches have not provided a brush with a combination of all the desirable features for a mascara brush, namely, a good combing effect as well as high mascara loading without a consumer perception of that the bristles are excessively hard.
- What is desired, therefore, is a mascara brush having a twisted wire stem and outwardly extending bristles, which has an increased surface area for carrying mascara, which picks up cosmetics in a uniform manner, and which picks up and carries a satisfactory amount of mascara without repeated reintroductions into a reservoir of mascara, but which also provides good combing and lash lengthening effects without creating a perception of excessive bristle hardness.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a mascara brush having nylon bristles and an increased surface area, when compared to conventional mascara brushes, suitable for carrying mascara.
- It is another object of the invention to provide a mascara brush which picks up and applies the mascara in an even manner.
- It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a mascara brush which lengthens, thickens, builds, curls, and/or combs a user's eyelashes.
- A mascara brush in accordance with the invention comprises a core formed of at least two wires twisted together with flocking applied to the wire core, and bristles retained and gripped by the twisted wires of the core. In one embodiment, the twisted wire core has a brush end and a handle end, and flocking is adhered to the brush end. In an alternative embodiment, flocking is adhered to the entire length of the wire. The flocking is formed from fiber strands having a diameter of about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0020 inch; and a length of between about 0.020 inch to about 0.150 inch, preferably about 0.040 inch to about 0.080 inch, and most preferably about 0.045 inch to about 0.060 inch. A plurality of radially extending bristles is retained between the wires of the core. The bristles have a diameter of about 0.003 inch to about 0.012 inch and a bristle density of about 7 bristles per turn to about 50 bristles per turn, and more preferably, a bristle density of about 7 bristles per turn to about 25 bristles per turn.
- The flocking provides an increased surface area for carrying mascara, when compared to conventional mascara brushes, together with brush bristles at a density suitable for lash lengthening, thickening, building, curling, and/or combing.
- A method for making a brush for applying mascara to eyelashes, comprises applying adhesive to at least a portion of a wire; then adhering flocking to the portion of the wire by exposing the adhesive to flocking. The wire is formed into a U-shape having two leg segments and a plurality of bristles are placed between the leg segments of the U-shape wire, with at least some of the bristles being placed along the portion of the wire having flocking adhered thereto. The wire is then twisted together to retain the bristles in the twisted wire. In one embodiment of the method, the portion of the wire where the flocking is adhered contains all of the bristles retained in the twisted wire. In another embodiment, flocking is adhered along the entire length of the wire.
- The invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description when considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a flocked mascara brush in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flocked mascara brush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 3A-3E are a series of schematic views illustrating methods of manufacturing a flocked mascara brush in accordance with the invention. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a flocked mascara brush, or applicator, is shown and generally designated by thereference numeral 10. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity not all the components and parts ofbrush 10 may be shown and/or marked in all the drawings.Brush 10 comprises a central twistedwire core 12 having ahandle end 14 and abrush end 16 extending fromhandle end 14 alongcentral core 12. A helical array of regularly disposed bristles 24 is retained in the twistedwire core 12. -
Core 12 can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably made of amalleable wire 18, made from a materials such as steel, stainless steel, bronze, copper, aluminum, or plastic. Thecore 12 is a twisted wire core typically made by formingwire 18 into a “U” shape havingleg segments 20 and 22. A plurality ofbristles 24 are placed between theleg segments 20 and 22 ofwire 18. Theleg segments 20 and 22 are then twisted around each other along a longitudinal axis to clampbristles 24 at approximately the midpoints of thebristles 24. The bristle ends extend radially from the twistedwire core 12 in a helical or spiral manner. - Flocking 30 is adhered to
core 12, by any suitable means, preferably by a suitable adhesive. The preferred adhesive is an epoxy adhesive. Flocking 30 is adhered to at least a portion ofcore 12 atbrush end 16, or it may be adhered to theentire core 12. Flocking 30 is composed of short fiber strands, such as pulverized fiber, or a fiber such as cotton, wool, silk, rayon, nylon or polyester. Preferably, the flocking is a short monofilament fiber made of nylon, rayon or polyester. The flocking is formed from fiber strands having a diameter of about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0020 inch; and a length of between about 0.020 inch to about 0.150 inch, preferably about 0.040 inch to about 0.080 inch, and most preferably about 0.045 inch to about 0.060 inch. - A plurality of
bristles 24 are regularly disposed aboutbrush end 16 ofcore 12.Bristles 24 are made of materials suitable for combing eyelashes and carrying and applying mascara to achieve the desired payoff effect to the lashes, such as lash lengthening, thickening, building, curling, and/or combing.Bristles 24 are preferably made by cutting short segments from spools of filaments. The filaments are preferably formed from nylon or polyester, or another suitable material. Other suitable materials may include any type of synthetic material, including polyamide, polyolefins and the like. Preferably bristles 24 are made of nylon, and most preferably made of 6-12 type nylon. The filaments will typically be circular solids in cross-section, but alternatively may have non-circular cross-sectional shapes, such as ovals, square, rectangular, or polygons (including hexagons); or the bristles may be hollow or have voids therein, thus, the term “diameter” as used herein to refer to “bristle diameter” is intended to mean the maximum distance between any of the possible opposite positions on the outer surface of a bristle 24 filament. Preferably thebristle 24 diameter is about 0.003 inch to about 0.012 inch. - The bristle 24 density is in the range of 7-50 bristles per turn; depending on the bristle diameter and the viscosity of the mascara product. In one preferred embodiment, the bristle density is about 7-25 bristles per turn. The number of bristles per turn can be determined by several methods. One method involves counting bristle ends in one 360 degree turn of the brush and dividing by two to arrive at a count of bristles per turn. Another method involves counting the total number of 360 degree turns of the
bristles 24 of the brush along the length of the brush, then counting the total number ofbristles 24, and dividing the total bristle count by the total turn count, to determine an average ofbristles 24 per turn. It is contemplated that in a basic brush, there will be a substantially constant bristle density along the length of the brush, with a small variations depending on manufacturing precision. However, it is also possible that the bristle densities are an average bristle density, with greater variation in the bristle density between different zones (such as the ends versus the middle zones of the brush). As used herein, “bristle density” encompasses both definitions. - After the
bristles 24 are mounted to thewire core 12 thebrush 10 can be trimmed to have any desired shape, for example, cylindrical, tapered, conical, curved, etc.; or if desired, the bristle ends may be processed by grinding, heating, or other techniques. The bristle lengths may be slightly longer than is usual in conventional brush designs, but this is not a necessary requirement for effective use of the invention. - The
brush 10, when fabricated, is then assembled together with arod 26. In one embodiment, thehandle end 14 of the brush is mounted torod 26. Therod 26 will typically be mounted to a container cap that mounts to a mascara-containing container.Brush 10 is adapted in size and shape to fit into a neck of the mascara-containing container so that the brush is stored in the container when not in use, or when necessary to pick up mascara for application. - A method for making a
brush 10 is schematically shown inFIGS. 3A to 3E. The method as shown inFIG. 3A begins with applying adhesive 50 to at least aportion 52 of awire 18, then as shown inFIG. 3B , adhering flocking 30 to theportion 52 of thewire 18 by exposing the adhesive to flocking 30. In one embodiment, adhesive and flocking may be applied to an entire length of a spool of wire. In other embodiments, adhesive and flocking may be applied in repeating sections to an entire spool of wire. In such cases, short lengths of wire would be cut off of the spool of wire to make the twisted wire core of the mascara brush of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3E, the wire may be cut into short lengths ofwire 18 first, and the short lengths ofwire 18 are processed by application of an adhesive and flocking prior to twisting of bristles into the wire core. In such case, the short lengths ofwire 18 could be processed by application of an adhesive and flocking either prior to or after bending of the short length ofwire 18 into a U-shape as described below. - In one preferred embodiment, adhesive 50 is applied to the wire by a spray gun, however the adhesive may be applied in any way, including dip methods, brushing or rollers. The flocking 30 is applied by imparting a static charge to the flocking contained in a
enclosed chamber 56 and placing or conveying the wire or short lengths ofwire 18 through the chamber so that the flocking 30 adheres to wire or short lengths ofwire 18 at the portions where the adhesive 50 has been applied thereto. - As seen in
FIG. 3C ,wire 18 is formed into a U-shape having twoleg segments 20, 22. As seen inFIG. 3D , a plurality ofbristles 24 are placed between theleg segments 20, 22 of theU-shape wire 18, with at least some of thebristles 24 being placed along theportion 52 of thewire 18 having flocking 30 adhered thereto. As seen inFIG. 3E , theleg segments 20, 22 of theU-shape wire 18 are then twisted together to retain thebristles 24 in the twistedU-shape wire 18. In all embodiments of the method, theportion 52 of the wire where the flocking 30 is adhered contains at least some of thebristles 24 retained in the twisted wire. In a preferred embodiment of the method, theportion 52 of the wire where the flocking 30 is adhered contains all of thebristles 24 retained in the twisted wire. In another embodiment, as described above, flocking 30 is adhered along the entire length of thewire 18. - As described above, preferably, the flocking is a short monofilament fiber made of nylon, rayon or polyester. Preferably, each strand of flocking is generally tubular in shape and has a diameter of about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0020 inch; and a length of between about 0.020 inch to about 0.150 inch, preferably about 0.040 inch to about 0.080 inch, and most preferably about 0.045 inch to about 0.060 inch. Also as described above, the
bristle 24 diameter is about 0.003 inch to about 0.012 inch and the bristle density is in the range of 7-50 bristles per turn, and preferably is about 7-25 bristles per turn. - While the invention has been described and illustrated as embodied in preferred forms of construction, it will be understood that various modifications may be made in the structure and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention recited in the following claims.
Claims (23)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/100,180 US20060225760A1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2005-04-06 | Flocked wire mascara brush |
PCT/EP2006/061371 WO2006106128A1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2006-04-06 | Flocked wire mascara brush |
CNA2006800178544A CN101184414A (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2006-04-06 | Flocked wire mascara brush |
GB0719563A GB2446897A (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2007-10-08 | Flocked wire mascara brush |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/100,180 US20060225760A1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2005-04-06 | Flocked wire mascara brush |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060225760A1 true US20060225760A1 (en) | 2006-10-12 |
Family
ID=36691465
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/100,180 Abandoned US20060225760A1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2005-04-06 | Flocked wire mascara brush |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060225760A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101184414A (en) |
GB (1) | GB2446897A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006106128A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080060669A1 (en) * | 2006-09-11 | 2008-03-13 | Michael Malvar | Flocked cosmetic applicators, methods of manufacture and dispensers including such applicators |
US20080283078A1 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2008-11-20 | Geka Brush Gmbh | Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product |
US20090276973A1 (en) * | 2008-05-06 | 2009-11-12 | Herve Bouix | Cosmetic Applicator Assembly |
USD616608S1 (en) | 2009-10-26 | 2010-05-25 | Mary Kay Inc. | Mascara container |
USD751297S1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2016-03-15 | Charcoal Companion Incorporated | Grill brush |
USD888607S1 (en) * | 2019-06-10 | 2020-06-30 | Jennifer C. Thomasson | Supporting wire base for floral arrangements |
USD957897S1 (en) * | 2021-04-21 | 2022-07-19 | MHJ Business LLC | Meat injector kit |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102009031527B3 (en) * | 2009-07-02 | 2010-11-18 | Mtu Friedrichshafen Gmbh | Method for controlling and regulating an internal combustion engine |
DE102011015060B4 (en) * | 2011-03-24 | 2015-07-30 | Zahoransky Ag | Apparatus and method for producing round brushes |
WO2020005355A1 (en) * | 2018-06-28 | 2020-01-02 | REA.DEEMING BEAUTY, INC. d.b.a BEAUTYBLENDER | Cosmetic tool with rolling applicator |
IT201800009780A1 (en) | 2018-10-25 | 2020-04-25 | Ponzini Spa | APPLICATOR BRUSH FOR VISCOUS PRODUCTS |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3998235A (en) * | 1975-11-24 | 1976-12-21 | Plough, Inc. | Adjustable mascara applicator |
US4395943A (en) * | 1980-10-22 | 1983-08-02 | Esro Ag | Interproximal toothbrush |
US4527575A (en) * | 1981-09-14 | 1985-07-09 | The Bridgeport Metal Goods Manufacturing Co. | Contoured flocked cosmetics brush flexers |
US4887622A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1989-12-19 | L'oreal | Brush for the application of mascara to the eyelashes |
US5238011A (en) * | 1991-04-16 | 1993-08-24 | L'oreal | Brush for the application of a make-up product |
US6067997A (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2000-05-30 | L'oreal | Applicator and packaging and applicator unit using such an applicator |
US6260558B1 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2001-07-17 | Color Access, Inc. | Flocked ring mascara applicator and method of making the same |
US6295994B1 (en) * | 1999-12-21 | 2001-10-02 | Color Access, Inc. | Brush applicator with added helix |
US6343607B1 (en) * | 1999-07-21 | 2002-02-05 | L'oreal | Product applicator, application system, and method of application for eyelashes |
US6345626B1 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2002-02-12 | Color Access, Inc. | Mascara applicator having compressible array of discs |
US6669389B2 (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2003-12-30 | L'oreal S.A. | Device for applying a product and method for manufacturing device |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4306214A1 (en) * | 1993-02-27 | 1994-09-01 | Geka Brush Georg Karl Gmbh | Brush with bristles fixed between twisted wire sections |
US6481445B1 (en) | 2000-02-09 | 2002-11-19 | Color Access, Inc. | Macro filament mascara brush |
US6408857B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2002-06-25 | Color Access, Inc. | Combination cosmetic applicator brush and comb |
US6974513B2 (en) * | 2002-03-06 | 2005-12-13 | Kepka Stanley W | Cosmetic applicator and method and system for manufacturing the applicator |
US7261483B2 (en) * | 2002-04-30 | 2007-08-28 | L'ORéAL S.A. | Device, system, and method for applying a product |
-
2005
- 2005-04-06 US US11/100,180 patent/US20060225760A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-04-06 CN CNA2006800178544A patent/CN101184414A/en active Pending
- 2006-04-06 WO PCT/EP2006/061371 patent/WO2006106128A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2007
- 2007-10-08 GB GB0719563A patent/GB2446897A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3998235A (en) * | 1975-11-24 | 1976-12-21 | Plough, Inc. | Adjustable mascara applicator |
US4395943A (en) * | 1980-10-22 | 1983-08-02 | Esro Ag | Interproximal toothbrush |
US4527575A (en) * | 1981-09-14 | 1985-07-09 | The Bridgeport Metal Goods Manufacturing Co. | Contoured flocked cosmetics brush flexers |
US4887622A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1989-12-19 | L'oreal | Brush for the application of mascara to the eyelashes |
US4887622B1 (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1998-08-11 | Oreal | Brush for the application of mascara to the eyelashes |
US5238011A (en) * | 1991-04-16 | 1993-08-24 | L'oreal | Brush for the application of a make-up product |
US6067997A (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2000-05-30 | L'oreal | Applicator and packaging and applicator unit using such an applicator |
US6343607B1 (en) * | 1999-07-21 | 2002-02-05 | L'oreal | Product applicator, application system, and method of application for eyelashes |
US6295994B1 (en) * | 1999-12-21 | 2001-10-02 | Color Access, Inc. | Brush applicator with added helix |
US6669389B2 (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2003-12-30 | L'oreal S.A. | Device for applying a product and method for manufacturing device |
US6260558B1 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2001-07-17 | Color Access, Inc. | Flocked ring mascara applicator and method of making the same |
US6345626B1 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2002-02-12 | Color Access, Inc. | Mascara applicator having compressible array of discs |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080060669A1 (en) * | 2006-09-11 | 2008-03-13 | Michael Malvar | Flocked cosmetic applicators, methods of manufacture and dispensers including such applicators |
US8245716B2 (en) * | 2006-09-11 | 2012-08-21 | Albea Services | Flocked cosmetic applicators, methods of manufacture and dispensers including such applicators |
US20080283078A1 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2008-11-20 | Geka Brush Gmbh | Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product |
US8201566B2 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2012-06-19 | Geka Brush Gmbh | Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product |
KR101488017B1 (en) | 2007-05-15 | 2015-01-29 | 게카 게엠베하 | Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product |
US20090276973A1 (en) * | 2008-05-06 | 2009-11-12 | Herve Bouix | Cosmetic Applicator Assembly |
USD616608S1 (en) | 2009-10-26 | 2010-05-25 | Mary Kay Inc. | Mascara container |
USD751297S1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2016-03-15 | Charcoal Companion Incorporated | Grill brush |
USD888607S1 (en) * | 2019-06-10 | 2020-06-30 | Jennifer C. Thomasson | Supporting wire base for floral arrangements |
USD957897S1 (en) * | 2021-04-21 | 2022-07-19 | MHJ Business LLC | Meat injector kit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0719563D0 (en) | 2007-11-28 |
WO2006106128A1 (en) | 2006-10-12 |
GB2446897A (en) | 2008-08-27 |
CN101184414A (en) | 2008-05-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060225760A1 (en) | Flocked wire mascara brush | |
US7051740B2 (en) | Mascara brush with dual lumen bristle fibers | |
EP0763989B1 (en) | Triple zone mascara brush | |
AU2005200853B2 (en) | Brush applicator with added helix | |
MXPA96006069A (en) | Triple z rimel brush | |
CA2399498C (en) | Macro filament mascara brush | |
US20060162737A1 (en) | Mascara brush with small diameter bristle fibers | |
US20050133056A1 (en) | Wire core mascara brush | |
US20080041407A1 (en) | Mascara applicator with fan tip | |
EP1549173B1 (en) | Wire core mascara brush | |
EP1304058A1 (en) | Mascara brush | |
AU691419C (en) | Triple zone mascara brush | |
WO2004060103A2 (en) | Applicator brush for a cosmetic product |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC., A DELAWARE CORPO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KEARNEY, THOMAS;REEL/FRAME:016458/0856 Effective date: 20050330 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, AS AGENT, NEW JE Free format text: SECOND AMENDED & RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMEN;ASSIGNOR:CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:017097/0001 Effective date: 20051118 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN PACKINGING TECHNOLOGY, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:CROWN CORK & SEAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:018550/0933 Effective date: 20040101 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN PACKINGING TECHNOLOGY, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH;REEL/FRAME:018571/0288 Effective date: 20061116 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RII ACQUISTION CORP., CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:018573/0906 Effective date: 20061114 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, MASSACHUSE Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:RII ACQUISTION CORP.;REEL/FRAME:018590/0175 Effective date: 20061116 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: TERMINATION OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DEUTSCHE, BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:018668/0844 Effective date: 20061116 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RII ACQUISITION CORP., CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020174/0049 Effective date: 20061114 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RISDON INTERNATIONAL, INC., CONNECTICUT Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:RII ACQUISITION CORP.;REEL/FRAME:020174/0439 Effective date: 20061116 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH;REEL/FRAME:032389/0380 Effective date: 20131219 |