USRE38019EExpiredUtility

Brush having a plano-concave profile

Assignee: OREALPriority: Jun 7, 1996Filed: Jan 18, 2001Granted: Mar 11, 2003

Est. expiryJun 7, 2016(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority

Inventors:Jean-Louis Gueret

A46B 9/021A46B 3/18A46B 9/02A46B 2200/1053

PatentIndex Score

Cited by

References

174

Claims

Abstract

A brush ( 200 ) has a straight stem ( 201 ) defining a main axis (X—X), a flexible core ( 202 ) having a first end integral with the stem and bristles ( 204 ) implanted radially in the core. The ends of the bristles define the surface ( 205 ) of the brush, this surface having a first face. The intersection of any meridian plane passing through the main axis with the surface of the brush defines two peak lines ( 207 ) having a specific curvature. The core is curved, the peak lines ( 207 ) are concave and the first face ( 207.1 ) is substantially straight and parallel to the main axis (X—X).

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified

What is claimed is:

1. A brush comprising:
a straight stem defining a main axis;
a flexible curved core comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being integral with said stem; and
bristles implanted radially in said core, the ends of the bristles defining the surface of the brush, the surface having a first face portion which is substantially straight and parallel to the main axis,
wherein an intersection of any meridian plane which passes through including the main axis and not said first portion, intersects with the surface of the brush defines to define two convex concave peak lines having a specific curvature.

2. The brush according to claim 1 , wherein the intersection of the surface of the brush with a plane perpendicular to the core at each point of the core defines a cross-section, wherein the core is central in relation to each said cross-section.

3. The brush according to claim 1 , wherein said surface has a second face portion of maximum curvature, wherein the curvature of the peak lines passes through a maximum in the region of the second face portion.

4. The brush according to claim 3 , wherein the curvature of the peak lines increases continuously from the straight face first portion to the face of maximum curvature second portion.

5. The brush according to claim 1 , wherein the surface of the brush has a single substantially straight face portion.

6. The brush according to claim 1 , wherein the curvature of the peak lines passes through a single maximum.

7. The brush according to claim 3 , wherein the face of maximum curvature second portion and the straight face first portion are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the core.

8. The brush according to claim 2 , wherein the bristles of each cross-section are all of the same length.

9. The brush according to claim 1 , wherein the ends of the core are aligned with the main axis.

10. The brush according to claim 1 , wherein the core is formed of two helically wound branches of a metal wire bent in the form of a U.

11. The brush according to claim 10 , wherein the helical winding of the two branches of the metal wire forming the core has a left-hand pitch.

12. The brush according to claim 1 including an alternation of rows of short bristles and long bristles, only the long bristles being taken into account for defining the surface of the brush.

13. A method for the manufacture of a brush, comprising the steps of :
formingproviding a starting brush having a straight stem defining a main axis, a flexible curved core comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being integral with said stem, and bristles implanted radially in said core, the ends of the bristles defining the surface of the brush, the surface having a first face which is substantially straight and parallel to the main axis, wherein an intersection of any meridian plane which passes through including the main axis, intersects with the surface of the brush defines to define two convex concave peak lines having a specific curvature; and
imparting a twist tobending the core in a saidfirst meridian plane, said twist beingincluding the main axis so that a curvature of the core is substantially equal to the curvature of one of the two meridianconcave peak lines of thedefined by said first meridian plane and, the curvature of said core being in the opposite direction to the curvature of the one meridianother concave peak line defined by said first meridian plane.

14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the intersection of the surface of the starting brush with a plane perpendicular to the core, at each point of the core, defines a cross-section of the starting brush, wherein the core is central in relation to each cross-section.

15. The method according to claim 13 including a step of imparting a twist to, further comprising bending the end of the core which is integral with the stem so as to align the second end of the core with the main axis.

16. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the surface of the starting brush has a meridian plane of symmetry.

17. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the surface of the starting brush is a surface of revolution.

18. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the starting brush has a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the axis of the core.

19. The method according to claim 13 , wherein each cross-section of the starting brush is convex.

20. The method according to claim 13 , wherein each cross-section of the starting brush is in the shape of a disk.

21. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the surface of the starting brush is in the shape of a diabolo.

22. The method according to claim 12 13 , wherein the surface of the starting brush is in the shape of a peanut.

23. A make-up device comprising:
a mascara reservoir; and
a member for the application of mascara, the application member comprising a brush having a straight stem defining a main axis, a flexible curved core comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being integral with said stem, and bristles implanted radially in said core, the ends of the bristles defining the surface of the brush, the surface having a first face which is portion substantially straight and parallel to the main axis, wherein an intersection of any meridian plane which passes through including the main axis and not said first portion, intersects with the surface of the brush defines to define two convex concave peak lines having a specific curvature.

24. A brush comprising:

a core including first and second ends; and

bristles extending radially from said core and being located between a first point along said core and a second point along said core, said bristles having ends defining a surface of said brush, said core being curved between said first and second points;

wherein an intersection of said surface and a first plane including said core defines a first line segment and a second line segment, said first line segment being substantially straight, and said second line segment being curved.

25. The brush according to claim 24 , further comprising a stem on one of said first and second ends of said core.

26. The brush according to claim 25 , wherein said stem defines an axis of said brush, and wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

27. The brush according to claim 25 , wherein said stem is on said first end of said core and said second point is located at said second end of said core.

28. The brush according to claim 24 , wherein a straight line passing through said first and second points defines an axis of said brush, and wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

29. The brush according to claim 24 , wherein curvature of said second line segment is concave.

30. The brush according to claim 24 , wherein said core is flexible.

31. The brush according to claim 24 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein bristles defining said surface at said intersection with said cross - sectional plane are of the same length.

32. The brush according to claim 24 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

33. The brush according to claim 24 , wherein said core is formed of two helically wound branches of a metal wire.

34. The brush according to claim 33 , wherein said helical winding of said branches has a left- hand pitch.

35. The brush according to claim 24 , wherein said bristles include short bristles and long bristles, and wherein said surface is defined by the long bristles.

36. A brush comprising:

a core including first and second ends; and

bristles extending radially from said core and being located between a first point along said core and a second point along said core, said bristles having ends defining a surface of said brush;

wherein an intersection of said surface and a second plane passing through said core and being perpendicular to said first plane defines third and fourth line segments, said third line segment being curved.

37. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein the curvature of said third line segment is concave.

38. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein said fourth line segment is curved.

39. The brush according to claim 38 , wherein the curvature of said third and fourth line segments is concave.

40. The brush according to claim 36 , further comprising a stem on one of said first and second ends of said core.

41. The brush according to claim 40 , wherein said stem defines an axis of said brush, and wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

42. The brush according to claim 40 , wherein said stem is on said first end of said core and said second point is located at said second end of said core.

43. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein a straight line passing through said first and second points defines an axis of said brush, and wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

44. The brush according to claim 43 , wherein said second plane includes said axis.

45. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein said core is curved.

46. The brush according to claim 45 , wherein said core is flexible.

47. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

48. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to said core at said intersection point, and wherein bristles defining said surface at said intersection with said cross - sectional plane are of the same length.

49. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein said core is formed of two helically wound branches of a metal wire.

50. The brush according to claim 49 , wherein said helical winding of said branches has a left- hand pitch.

51. The brush according to claim 36 , wherein said bristles include short bristles and long bristles, and wherein said surface of said brush is defined by the long bristles.

52. A device comprising:

the brush according to
claim 24
; and

a reservoir for containing a product to be applied by the brush.

53. The device according to claim 52 , further comprising a wiper configured to wipe product from the bristles.

54. The device according to claim 52 , wherein the reservoir contains mascara.

55. A device comprising:

the brush according to
claim 36
; and

a reservoir for containing a product to be applied by the brush.

56. The device according to claim 55 , further comprising a wiper configured to wipe product from the bristles.

57. The device according to claim 55 , wherein the reservoir contains mascara.

58. A method of manufacturing a brush, comprising:

providing a starting brush including

a core including first and second ends, and being substantially straight, and

wherein an intersection of said surface and a first plane including said core defines a first line segment and a second line segment, said first line segment being curved; and

bending said core of said brush so that at least a portion of said first line segment becomes substantially straight.

59. The method according to claim 58 , wherein said second line segment is curved.

60. The method according to claim 58 , wherein said starting brush further comprises a stem on one of said first and second ends of said core.

61. The method according to claim 60 , wherein said stem defines an axis of said brush, and wherein said bending includes bending said core of said brush so that at least a portion of said first line segment becomes substantially parallel to said axis.

62. The method according to claim 61 , wherein said stem is on said first end of said core, and wherein the method further comprises bending said first end of said core so that said second end of said core becomes aligned with said axis.

63. The method according to claim 58 , wherein a straight line passing through said first and second points defines an axis of said brush, and wherein said bending includes bending said core of said brush so that at least a portion of said first line segment becomes substantially parallel to said axis.

64. The method according to claim 60 , wherein a straight line passing through said first and second points defines an axis of said brush, wherein said stem is on said first end of said core, and wherein the method further comprises bending said first end of said core so that said stem becomes aligned with said axis.

65. The method according to claim 59 , wherein curvature of said first and second curved line segments before said bending is concave.

66. The method according to claim 58 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said starting brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said starting brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to said core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

67. The method according to claim 61 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is symmetrical about a plane including said axis.

68. The method according to claim 63 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is symmetrical about a plane including said axis.

69. The method according to claim 58 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is symmetrical about a cross- sectional plane including an intersection point along said core, the cross - sectional plane being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point.

70. The method according to claim 58 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said starting brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said starting brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said cross - section of said starting brush is disk - shaped.

71. The method according to claim 59 , wherein curvature of said core after said bending is substantially the same as curvature of said second line segment before said bending.

72. The method according to claim 58 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is diabolo- shaped.

73. The method according to claim 58 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is peanut- shaped.

74. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 58 .

75. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 65 .

76. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 70 .

77. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 72 .

78. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 73 .

79. A brush comprising:

a core including first and second ends; and

wherein a straight line passing through said first and second points defines an axis of said brush, and

wherein an intersection of said surface and a first plane including said axis defines a first line segment and a second line segment, said first line segment being substantially straight, and said second line segment being curved.

80. The brush according to claim 79 , further comprising a stem on one of said first and second ends of said core.

81. The brush according to claim 80 , wherein said stem is aligned with said axis.

82. The brush according to claim 80 , wherein said stem is on said first end of said core and said second point is located at said second end of said core.

83. The brush according to claim 79 , wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

84. The brush according to claim 79 , wherein curvature of said second line segment is concave.

85. The brush according to claim 79 , wherein said core is flexible.

86. The brush according to claim 79 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein bristles defining said surface at said intersection with said cross - sectional plane are of the same length.

87. The brush according to claim 79 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

88. The brush according to claim 79 , wherein said core is formed of two helically wound branches of a metal wire.

89. The brush according to claim 88 , wherein said helical winding of said branches has a left- hand pitch.

90. The brush according to claim 79 , wherein said bristles include short bristles and long bristles, and wherein said surface of said brush is defined by the long bristles.

91. A brush comprising:

a core including first and second ends; and

bristles extending radially from said core and being located between a first point along said core and a second point along said core, said bristles having ends defining a surface of said brush;

wherein a straight line passing through said first and second points defines an axis of said brush,

wherein an intersection of said surface and a second plane including said axis and being perpendicular to said first plane defines third and fourth line segments, said third line segment being curved.

92. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein the curvature of said third line segment is concave.

93. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein said fourth line segment is curved.

94. The brush according to claim 93 , wherein the curvature of said third and fourth line segments is concave.

95. The brush according to claim 91 , further comprising a stem on one of said first and second ends of said core.

96. The brush according to claim 95 , wherein said stem is aligned with said axis.

97. The brush according to claim 95 , wherein said stem is on said first end of said core and said second point is located at said second end of said core.

98. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

99. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein said core is curved.

100. The brush according to claim 99 , wherein said core is flexible.

101. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

102. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein bristles defining said surface at said intersection with said cross - sectional plane are of the same length.

103. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein said core is formed of two helically wound branches of a metal wire.

104. The brush according to claim 103 , wherein said helical winding of said branches has a left- hand pitch.

105. The brush according to claim 91 , wherein said bristles include short bristles and long bristles, and wherein said surface of said brush is defined by the long bristles.

106. A device comprising:

the brush according to
claim 79
; and

a reservoir for containing a product to be applied by the brush.

107. The device according to claim 106 , further comprising a wiper configured to wipe product from the bristles.

108. The device according to claim 106 , wherein the reservoir contains mascara.

109. A device comprising:

the brush according to
claim 91
; and

a reservoir for containing a product to be applied by the brush.

110. The device according to claim 109 , further comprising a wiper configured to wipe product from the bristles.

111. The device according to claim 109 , wherein the reservoir contains mascara.

112. A method of manufacturing a brush, comprising:

providing a starting brush including

a core including first and second ends, and being substantially straight, a line extending between two points on said core defining an axis, and

wherein an intersection of said surface and a first plane including said axis defines a first line segment and a second line segment, said first line segment being curved; and

bending said core of said brush so that at least a portion of said first line segment becomes substantially straight.

113. The method according to claim 112 , wherein said second line segment is curved.

114. The method according to claim 112 , wherein said starting brush further comprises a stem on one of said first and second ends of said core.

115. The method according to claim 114 , wherein said stem is on said first end of said core, and wherein the method further comprises bending said first end so that said stem becomes aligned with said axis.

116. The method according to claim 112 , wherein said bending includes bending said core of said brush so that at least a portion of said first line segment becomes substantially parallel to said axis.

117. The method according to claim 113 , wherein curvature of said first and second curved line segments before said bending is concave.

118. The method according to claim 112 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said starting brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said starting brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

119. The method according to claim 112 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is symmetrical about a plane including said axis.

120. The method according to claim 112 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is symmetrical about a cross- sectional plane including an intersection point along said core, the cross - sectional plane being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point.

121. The method according to claim 112 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said starting brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said starting brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said cross - section of said starting brush is disk - shaped.

122. The method according to claim 112 , wherein curvature of said core after said bending is substantially the same as curvature of said second line segment before said bending.

123. The method according to claim 112 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is diabolo- shaped.

124. The method according to claim 112 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is peanut- shaped.

125. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 112 .

126. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 117 .

127. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 121 .

128. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 123 .

129. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 124 .

130. A brush comprising:

a core including first and second ends, said core being curved along a length of said core;

a stem defining an axis of the brush, said stem being on one of said first and second ends of said core; and

bristles extending radially from said core and being located along said core, said bristles having ends defining a surface of said brush,

131. The brush according to claim 130 , wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

132. The brush according to claim 130 , wherein curvature of said second line segment is concave.

133. The brush according to claim 130 , wherein said core is flexible.

134. The brush according to claim 130 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein bristles defining said surface at said intersection with said cross - sectional plane are of the same length.

135. The brush according to claim 130 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

136. The brush according to claim 130 , wherein said core is formed of two helically wound branches of a metal wire.

137. The brush according to claim 136 , wherein said helical winding of said branches has a left- hand pitch.

138. The brush according to claim 130 , wherein said bristles include short bristles and long bristles, and wherein said surface of said brush is defined by the long bristles.

139. The brush according to claim 130 , said bristles being located along said curve of said core.

140. A brush comprising:

a core including first and second ends;

a stem defining an axis of the brush, said stem being on one of said first and second ends of said core; and

bristles extending radially from said core and being located along said core, said bristles having ends defining a surface of said brush;

141. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein the curvature of said third line segment is concave.

142. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein said fourth line segment is curved.

143. The brush according to claim 142 , wherein the curvature of said third and fourth line segments is concave.

144. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein said first line segment is substantially parallel to said axis.

145. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein said core is curved.

146. The brush according to claim 145 , wherein said core is flexible.

147. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

148. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein bristles defining said surface at said intersection with said cross - sectional plane are of the same length.

149. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein said core is formed of two helically wound branches of a metal wire.

150. The brush according to claim 149 , wherein said helical winding of said branches has a left- hand pitch.

151. The brush according to claim 140 , wherein said bristles include short bristles and long bristles, and wherein said surface of said brush is defined by the long bristles.

152. A device comprising:

the brush according to
claim 130
; and

a reservoir for containing a product to be applied by the brush.

153. The device according to claim 152 , further comprising a wiper configured to wipe product from the bristles.

154. The device according to claim 152 , wherein the reservoir contains mascara.

155. A device comprising:

the brush according to
claim 140
; and

a reservoir for containing a product to be applied by the brush.

156. The device according to claim 155 , further comprising a wiper configured to wipe product from the bristles.

157. The device according to claim 155 , wherein the reservoir contains mascara.

158. A method of manufacturing a brush, comprising:

providing a starting brush including

a core including first and second ends, and being substantially straight,

a stem defining an axis, said stem being on one of said first and second ends of said core, and

bristles extending radially from said core and being located along said core, said bristles having ends defining a surface of said starting brush,

wherein an intersection of said surface and a first plane including said axis defines a first line segment and a second line segment, said first line segment being curved; and

bending said core of said brush so that at least a portion of said first line segment becomes substantially straight.

159. The method according to claim 158 , wherein said second line segment is curved.

160. The method according to claim 158 , wherein said stem is on said first end of said core, and wherein the method further comprises bending said first end of said core so that said second end of said core becomes aligned with said axis.

161. The method according to claim 158 , wherein said bending includes bending said core of said brush so that at least a portion of said first line segment becomes substantially parallel to said axis.

162. The method according to claim 159 , wherein curvature of said first and second curved line segments before said bending is concave.

163. The method according to claim 158 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said starting brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said starting brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said core is located in a central portion of said cross - section.

164. The method according to claim 158 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is symmetrical about a plane including said axis.

165. The method according to claim 158 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is symmetrical about a cross- sectional plane including an intersection point along said core, the cross - sectional plane being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point.

166. The method according to claim 158 , wherein an intersection of said surface of said starting brush and a cross- sectional plane defines a cross - section of said starting brush, said cross - sectional plane including an intersection point along said core and being perpendicular to a line tangent to the core at said intersection point, and wherein said cross - section of said starting brush is disk - shaped.

167. The method according to claim 158 , wherein curvature of said core after said bending is substantially the same as curvature of said second line segment before said bending.

168. The method according to claim 158 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is diabolo- shaped.

169. The method according to claim 158 , wherein said surface of said starting brush is peanut- shaped.

170. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 158 .

171. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 162 .

172. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 166 .

173. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 168 .

174. A brush manufactured according to the method of claim 169 .

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