Molded mascara brush with oval core

Abstract

A molded brush assembly has a core with an oval cross-section and a plurality of radially outwardly fingers extending from sides of the oval core along the major axis of the core, fingers aligned with or near to the minor axis. The alignment of the fingers with or near to the near to the minor axis allows an increase in the effective surface area of the brush without increasing its overall peripheral circumference. The oval core creates a brush assembly that is relatively stiffer along the major axis, leaving the brush flexible only along the minor axis. The use of fingers of varying length provides a generally circular profile which is convenient for use with conventional bottles. The fingers of different lengths permits the different length fingers to be adapted to different lashes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present application relates to the field of molded brushes, and has particular application to brushes used for application of cosmetics, such as mascara.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The application of cosmetics to enhance one's appearance is an age-old practice. Accordingly, different kinds of cosmetics have been developed for enhancing particular physical features, such as mascara, which is used to lengthen, thicken, and color one's eyelashes. Typically, these kinds of liquid-type cosmetics are applied with a twisted wire bristle brush.[0003]A mascara brush must perform several functions. First, the brush must accumulate mascara within the bottle, and carry the mascara through the wiper, which removes the excess mascara from the bristles. The mascara brush must then apply the mascara to the eyelashes. Preferably, the brush also is capable of one or more additional functions, including, curling or lifting the eyelashes, and / or combing and separati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The brush assembly of the present invention provides manufacturing and functional advantages over prior art molded brushes. It can be molded in a two part mold, reducing mold cost, setup cost, and maintenance cost, therefore providing a substantial cost savings over molded brushes that require a four part mold system. The oval core creates a brush assembly that is relatively stiffer along the major axis, leaving the brush flexible only along the minor axis. The alignment of the fingers with or near to the near to the minor axis allows an increase in the effective surface area of the brush without increasing its overall peripheral circumference. The use of fingers of varying length provides a generally circular profile which is convenient for use with conventional bottles. The fingers of different lengths permit the different length fingers to be adapted to different lashes.

Problems solved by technology

In general, a brush that works well for one type of formulation does not work well with other types of formulations.

Compared to adapting existing twist machinery used to manufacture a twisted wire mascara brush, the fabrication and setup of a mold is complicated and expensive.

The presence of four moving molds means there is an increased likelihood of flash on the molded product due to leakage at the mold seams.

Furthermore, small molded brushes, particularly one piece brush elements that do not have a central reinforcing rod have a tendency to bend and deform when force is applied to them.

This is a disadvantage to one piece molded construction; and alternative constructions with a reinforcing central rod are more expensive to fabricate.

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