UPGRADED BRUSH

Abstract

The upgraded brush comprises an housing seat of a body of application comprising, in turn, a first plurality of hairs adapted to spread a product on a work surface, in which the body of application comprises at least one element with predefined stiffness adapted to direct the product on the work surface and defining at least a portion with different texture with respect to the first plurality of hairs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a U.S. National Stage Entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2016/054727, filed Aug. 5, 2016, which claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application 102015000043493, filed Aug. 7, 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an upgraded brush.

Background Art

To date different types of brush are known differing in shape, dimensions and type of the materials that constitute them, which vary depending on the field of application and on the desired final aesthetic result.

In general, all the brushes have a grip body particularly adapted to be grasped and held in the hand by a user.

The grip body, usually elongated, comprises an extremity having a suitable opening which accommodates a body of application adapted to take the product and apply the same on a work surface.

It is convenient to point out that in the present context by “product” is meant any substance suitable to be taken, applied and spread through the use of a brush, such as powders, creams and liquids in the cosmetic, artistic, food and industrial sector.

Similarly, by “work surface” is meant any surface adapted to be spread and/or covered by the aforementioned product, such as e.g. a portion of the human skin, a manufactured article, a building surface, food and the like.

In detail, the body of application comprises a plurality of hairs partly fitted in the opening so as to be surrounded by the extremity of the grip body and retained therein by means of glue or other fixing substances and methods.

The portion of hairs that escapes from the opening, depending on the shape of the opening itself and the insertion technique, provides the body of application different conformations depending on the type of brush.

In addition to the shape, the bodies of application differ in stiffness which is determined by the type of hairs, by the length and diameter of the same and which vary according to the characteristics of the product to be applied and to the desired aesthetic effect.

In the present case, the stiff bodies of application are suitable for spreading dense and pasty products, on the contrary soft bodies of application are suitable for powders, bronzing powders, blushers and other less dense products.

To date, however, brushes are known having bodies of application with homogeneous stiffness in which the different types of hair are mixed together to give an even texture.

These known brushes do have some drawbacks related to the different types of application required; this means that it is necessary to change the type of brush whenever one wants to get a different aesthetic effect.

For example, in the case of application of creamy products it is necessary to spread them with a brush having a strong and elastic body of application and, subsequently to obtain a shaded effect, to change brush with another one having a more flexible body of application.

Consequently, in order to obtain different aesthetic results it is necessary to use a plurality of brushes, considerably complicating the operations of application and spreading of the product.

The need is therefore known to simplify and speed up the application operations of the products without having to give up satisfactory final results.

SUMMARY

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a brush with a body of application having portions with differentiated stiffness and texture and which allows carrying out the operations of application and spreading of the products in a fast and precise manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a brush that allows simplifying and speeding up the operations of application and spreading of the products, thus achieving different aesthetic results with the use of a single brush.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a brush which allows overcoming the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and affordable solution.

The above mentioned objects are achieved by the present upgraded brush having the characteristics of claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an upgraded brush, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of the brush according to the invention in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a detail of the brush according to the invention in a second embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the brush according to the invention in a third embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a ninth embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an axonometric view of the brush according to the invention in a tenth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a detail of the brush according to the invention in an eleventh embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of the brush according to the invention in a twelfth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a thirteenth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a fourteenth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a fifteenth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a sixteenth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in a seventeenth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the brush according to the invention in an eighteenth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With particular reference to such figures, globally indicated with reference numeral 1 is an upgraded brush.

The brush 1 comprises a housing seat 3 of a body of application 4 comprising, in turn, a first plurality of hairs 6 adapted to spread a product on a work surface.

The brush 1 comprises a grip body 2 associable with the housing seat 3.

In detail, the brush 1 comprises an enlarged extremity 5 of the type of a ring nut which has an opening defining the housing seat 3.

The enlarged extremity 5, i.e., the ring nut, is associable with a grip body 2. In this regard it is worth specifying that the brush 1 can be put on the market assembled, i.e. with the ring nut 5 associated with the grip body 2, or in a detached form, for example in the form of a kit in which several ring nuts 5 are associable one at a time with the grip body 2.

Alternatively, the grip body 2 comprises an opening defining the housing seat 3.

As is visible in the figures, the grip body 2 has an elongated shape that, at the extremity 5, widens in such a way as to define a truncated cone.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the grip body 2 has a squat shape or a conformation so as to improve the ergonomics and grip thereof by a user, as well as a different conformation cannot be ruled out for the enlarged extremity 5, e.g. cylindrical, ellipsoidal or truncated cone but with a wider attachment towards the grip body 2 and narrower towards the housing seat 3.

With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the housing seat 3 has a substantially truncated cone shape.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the housing seat 3 has different shapes e.g. triangular, square or irregular.

The body of application 4 is fitted to measure in the housing seat 3 and comprises, in turn, a first plurality of hairs 6 adapted to spread a product onto a work surface.

The first plurality of hairs 6 defines the shape of the body of application 4 which, as shown in the figures, can have different shapes depending on the applications.

For example, FIG. 1 represents a first embodiment of the brush 1 wherein the body of application 4 has a substantially hemispherical cap-like shape.

FIG. 2, instead, represents a second embodiment of the brush 1 wherein the body of application 4 has a convex conformation.

In detail, the first plurality of hairs 6 is adapted to take, apply and spread the product on the work surface.

With particular reference to the cosmetic industry, the term “user” refers to the person intended to use the cosmetic product, not necessarily being the same person using the brush 1.

For example, the present brush 1 can be used to take, apply and spread a cosmetic product of the type of powder, blusher or the like on a portion of the skin of a person.

Alternatively, the present brush can be used in the food industry e.g. to take, apply and spread a seasoning on food.

Again, the present brush can be used to take, apply and spread paint on a wall.

Alternative uses cannot however be ruled out with respect to those mentioned above.

According to the invention, the body of application 4 comprises at least one element with predefined stiffness 7a adapted to direct the product on the work surface and defining at least one portion with different texture 7 with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6.

Preferably, the element with predefined stiffness 7a comprises at least a second plurality of hairs 7b defining the portion with different texture 7.

In the context of the present discussion by “element with predefined stiffness” is meant both a monolithic element fitted inside the first plurality of hairs 6 and intended to define, inside of the body of application 4, specific portions with different texture 7 with respect to that given by the first plurality of hairs 6 to the body of application itself, and a second plurality of hairs 7b of smaller dimensions than the first plurality of hairs 6 and having different stiffness with respect to the latter and, in turn, defining portions with different texture 7 with respect to the first plurality of hairs itself.

This means that the term “stiffness” is to be understood with reference to the overall texture and compactness of the body of application 4.

In other words, the body of application 4 has a resistance to the elastic deformability distributed evenly inside of the same and, during the use of the brush 1, the presence of the element with predefined stiffness 7a, or of the second plurality of hairs 7b, allows to have specific portions available of the body of application 4 with different texture with respect to that defined by the first plurality of hairs 6.

Advantageously, the texture of the aforementioned portions defined by the element with predefined stiffness 7a or by the second plurality of hairs 7b, can be greater or smaller than the first plurality of hairs 6.

Specifically, the presence of the element with predefined stiffness 7a, or of the second plurality of hairs 7b, allows directing the product in a sharp and neat manner and, at the same time, modulating the final aesthetic effect through the use of a single brush 1.

Advantageously, the first plurality of hairs 6 is formed in a first type of material and the element with predefined stiffness 7a is made of a second type of material different to the first type.

At the same time, in the case of the portions with different texture 7 being defined by the second plurality of hairs 7b, the first plurality of hairs 6 is made of the first type of material and the second plurality of hair itself is made of the second type of material different to the first type.

The first plurality of hairs 6 is made of material of animal and/or vegetable and/or synthetic origin.

For instance, the first plurality of hairs 6 can be made from natural hairs traditionally used for the manufacture of brushes such as, by way of non-limiting example, marten, horsehair, goat, pig, vair and the like.

Alternatively, the first plurality of hairs 6 can be made of synthetic material such as, by way of non-limiting example, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyolefin, polyesters, composite materials, silicone and the like.

Advantageously, the element with predefined stiffness 7a is made of polymeric material.

The aforementioned polymeric material is selected from the list comprising: polybutylene, terephthalate, silicone, polyurethane, polyolefin, polyamides, composites, biopolymers, elastomers and their copolymers.

Similarly, the second plurality of hairs 7b is made of a polymeric material selected from the above listed materials.

Therefore, alternative embodiments cannot be ruled out wherein the first plurality of hairs 6 is made of a first type of material and the element with predefined stiffness 7a is made of a second type of material equal to the first type; this means, for example, that the possibility cannot be ruled out of the first plurality of hairs 6 and the element with predefined stiffness 7a being both made of polymeric material.

In this case, the different texture of the first plurality of hairs 6 and of the element with predefined stiffness 7a is given by the thickness of the latter; this means that, compared to the traditional average diameters of the hairs 6, although the material composing the first plurality of hairs 6 and the element with predefined stiffness 7a is the same, the thickness and the dimensions of the element with predefined stiffness 7a ensure the definition of a portion with different texture and density, i.e. smaller or greater, with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6.

Similarly, in the case of the portions with different texture 7 being defined by the second plurality of hairs 7b, the first plurality of hairs 6 is made of the first type of material and the second plurality of hair itself is made of the second type of material equal to the first type.

In this case, the different texture of the first plurality of hairs 6 and of the second plurality of hairs 7b is given by a greater density of the second plurality of hairs 7b with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6.

Alternatively, the different texture of the first plurality of hairs 6 and of the second plurality of hairs 7b is given by a wider resistant section of each of the second hairs 7b with respect to the resistant section of the first hairs 6; this means that compared to a smaller average diameter of the first hairs 6, although the material composing the first plurality of hairs 6 and the second plurality of hairs 7b is the same, with respect to the smaller or greater average diameter of the second hairs 7b, the latter ensures the definition of a portion with different texture 7, i.e. smaller or greater, with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the first plurality of hairs 6 and the element with predefined stiffness 7a, or the second plurality of hairs 7b, can be made of material of animal and/or vegetable and/or synthetic origin; similarly to what described above, also in this case the thickness and the dimensions of the element with predefined stiffness 7a, or the resistant section and the density of the second plurality of hairs 7b, ensure the definition of a portion with different texture 7, i.e. greater or smaller, with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the body of application 4 comprises only one element with predefined stiffness 7a fitted in the first plurality of hairs 6.

The element with predefined stiffness 7a can have different locations within the body of application 4.

For example, it may be arranged laterally to the first plurality of hairs 6 (FIGS. 1 and 2), or alternatively it may be arranged centrally with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 5).

At the same time, the element with predefined stiffness 7a can have different shape, thickness and length according to the user's needs.

For example, the element with predefined stiffness 7a can have the same length of the first plurality of hairs 6; alternatively, the element with predefined stiffness 7a can be shorter or longer than the first plurality of hairs 6.

Similarly, the shape and thickness are variable depending on the particular type of material used, or on specific fields of application.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, the element with predefined stiffness 7a has a substantially laminar shape and is associated at one extremity with the housing seat 3.

Alternatively, FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment having a single element with predefined stiffness 7a with a cylindrical conformation arranged centrally to the body of application 4.

Alternative solutions cannot however be ruled out wherein the element with predefined stiffness 7a has a different shape (triangular, star-shaped, rhomboid, etc.) and not necessarily laminar or cylindrical.

Alternatively, FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 show other embodiments wherein the body of application 4 comprises a plurality of elements with predefined stiffness 7a fitted at least partly in the housing seat 3.

Conveniently, at least one of the elements with predefined stiffness 7a is arranged centrally in the body of application 4.

In this regard, FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment wherein the body of application 4 comprises a plurality of elements with predefined stiffness 7a which are aligned and arranged centrally to the first plurality of hairs 6.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein at least one of the elements with predefined stiffness 7a is arranged laterally to the body of application 4.

Advantageously, the elements with predefined stiffness 7a define a plurality of portions with different texture 7 with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6; this means that the different elements with predefined stiffness 7a can be grouped and arranged mutually adjacent so as to define groupings, in turn placeable at different positions inside of the body of application 4.

For example, FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment wherein the elements with predefined stiffness 7a are arranged adjacent to each other to define a portion with different texture 7, i.e. greater or smaller, placed centrally with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6. Alternatively, FIG. 8 shows an eighth embodiment wherein the elements with predefined stiffness 7a are arranged adjacent to each other to form two groupings arranged laterally to the body of application 4.

Nevertheless, the elements with predefined stiffness 7a can be separated from each other inside of the body of application 4; this means that the latter can appear scattered inside of the body of application 4. In fact, FIG. 9 shows a ninth embodiment wherein the body of application 4 has a plurality of elements with predefined stiffness 7a having different locations inside of the first plurality of hairs 6.

In the present case, each element with predefined stiffness 7a has a circular section; alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein each element with predefined stiffness 7a has a square, triangular, rhomboid section or the like.

At the same time, FIGS. 10-18 show alternative embodiments wherein the portions with different texture 7 are defined by the second plurality of hairs 7b.

With reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13, the body of application 4 comprises only one portion with different texture 7 defined by the second plurality of hairs 7b fitted inside of the first plurality of hairs 6.

Similarly to the element with predefined stiffness 7a, the second plurality of hairs 7b can also have different locations inside of the body of application 4.

For example, it can be arranged laterally to the first plurality of hairs 6 (FIGS. 10, 11 and 12), or alternatively it can be arranged centrally with respect to the first plurality of hairs 6 (FIGS. 14, 15 and 16).

Preferably, the second plurality of hairs 7b can have the same length of the first plurality of hairs 6; alternatively, the second plurality of hairs 7b can be shorter or longer than the first plurality of hairs 6.

However, the same comments made about the shape and thickness of the element with predefined stiffness 7a are entirely similar to those about the corresponding shape and thickness of the second plurality of hairs 7b.

FIGS. 10-13 show an embodiment wherein the second plurality of hairs 7b has a substantially laminar shape and each second hair 7b is associated at one extremity with the housing seat 3.

Or, FIGS. 13 and 14 show an alternative embodiment with the second plurality of hairs 7b having a cylindrical shape and arranged centrally to the body of application 4.

Finally, FIGS. 15-18 show several second plurality of hairs 7b scattered within the body of application 4, e.g. aligned with each other (FIG. 15), arranged centrally to the first plurality of hairs 6 (FIG. 16), arranged laterally to the first plurality of hairs 6 (FIG. 17), or spaced apart from each other (FIG. 18).

Before the detailed description of the operation of the present invention and of its special structural aspects it should be noticed that the element with predefined stiffness 7a, or alternatively the second plurality of hairs 7b, is intended to define inside of the body of application 4 a portion with different texture and density with respect to that given by the first plurality of hairs 6, repeatable inside of the body of application 4 and placeable inside of the latter in one or more precise and predetermined positions.

To this is added that the fact of making portions with different texture 7 realized by means of a second plurality of hairs 7b allows carrying out completely different effects with respect to those described in patent documents FR 663 618 and FR 2 996 738.

In particular, the technical effect linked to the presence of portions with different texture 7 allows varying the aesthetic effects obtainable on the work surface.

Furthermore, the present invention allows optimizing the supply of the materials composing the portions with different texture 7, particularly when the latter are made of the same material of the first plurality of hairs 6.

The operation of the present invention is as follows.

Through the grip body 2, the brush 1 is handled and approached to the product to be taken, placing the first plurality of hairs 6 in contact with the product to be taken so as to be able to capture the desired amount of product.

The latter is subsequently applied to the work surface and, if an even spreading of the product is required, by pressing and handling the brush 1 strongly against the work surface it is possible to take advantage of the first plurality of hairs 6 to apply, spread and shade the product.

If the product is required to be directed in a neat and clean manner, or to mark the same strongly on the work surface in order to obtain a particular aesthetic effect, it is possible to take advantage of the portion with different texture 7 of the body of application 4, defined by the element with predefined stiffness 7a or by the second plurality of hairs 7b, by pressing and handling the same on the work surface.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

The fact is highlighted that the particular expedient to provide at least one element with predefined stiffness, or at least a second plurality of hairs allows varying the aesthetic effects obtainable on the work surface, through the use of a single brush.

Moreover, the fact of providing portions with different texture inside of the body of application made of the same material as the body of the application itself allows optimizing the supply of the constructional materials.

Claims

1. An upgraded brush, comprising at least a housing seat of at least one body of application comprising, in turn, a first plurality of hairs adapted to spread a product on a work surface, wherein said body of application comprises at least one element with predefined stiffness adapted to direct said product on said work surface and defining at least a portion with different texture with respect to said first plurality of hairs.

2. The brush according to claim 1, wherein said element with predefined stiffness comprises at least a second plurality of hairs defining said portion with different texture.

3. The brush according to claim 1, wherein said first plurality of hairs is made of a first type of material and said element with predefined stiffness is made of a second type of material different to said first type.

4. The brush according to claim 1, wherein said first plurality of hairs is made of a first type of material and said element with predefined stiffness is made of a second type of material equal to said first type.

5. The brush according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a plurality of said elements with predefined stiffness adapted to define a plurality of said portions with different texture with respect to said first plurality of hairs.

6. The brush according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said portions with different texture has a greater texture than said first plurality of hairs.

7. The brush according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said portions with different texture has a smaller texture than said first plurality of hairs.

8. The brush according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said elements with predefined stiffness is made at least partly of a material of animal and/or vegetable and/or synthetic origin.

9. The brush according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said elements with predefined stiffness is made of a polymeric material.

10. The brush according to claim 9, wherein said polymeric material is selected from the list comprising: polybutylene, terephthalate, silicone, polyurethane, polyolefin, polyamides, composites, biopolymers, elastomers and their copolymers.

11. The brush according to claim 2, wherein said first plurality of hairs is made of said first type of material and said second plurality of hairs is made of said second type of material different to said first type.

12. The brush according to claim 2, wherein said first plurality of hairs is made of said first type of material and said second plurality of hairs is made of said second type of material equal to said first type.

13. The brush according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said elements with predefined stiffness is arranged centrally in said body of application.

14. The brush according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said elements with predefined stiffness is arranged laterally to said body of application.

15. The brush according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a grip body associable with said housing seat.

16. The brush according to claim 15, wherein it comprises an enlarged extremity having an opening defining said housing seat.

17. The brush according to claim 15, wherein said grip body comprises an opening defining said housing seat.