Paintbrush

Abstract

A paintbrush (10) comprises a paintbrush handle (12) and a brush (14) that is made up of a plurality of bristles 5 (16). The brush handle (12) includes a handle head portion (18) that has a bristle re

Description

This invention relates to a paintbrush handle body and to a paintbrush. 5 It is known to use a paintbrush to apply paint to a surface, such as an indoor wall, furniture, fencing or masonry. The bristles play a part in ensuring that the paintbrush is suitable for the intended use. For example, the overall shape of the bristles (i.e. the shape of the brush of the paintbrush) influence whether the paintbrush is more suitable for finer, accurate paint work (such as cutting in edges on an interior wall) or more 10 suitable for larger, less accurate paint work (such as painting an outdoor wooden fence). The bristles can influence characteristics such as how much paint is held by the brush and how fine an application of paint is applied. Moreover, there is a desire to make products more environmentally friendly and one 15 way to do this is to make the recyclability of a product easier to achieve. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a paintbrush handle body comprising a head portion and a handle portion, the head and handle portions being formed as a single piece, the head portion having a bristle receiving surface, the bristle 20 receiving surface including a plurality of apertures configured to, in use, retain bristles therein whereby the bristles extend from the bristle receiving surface to form a brush, the bristle receiving surface having a non-linear surface profile across a depthwise side profile of the head portion, the non-linear surface profile including a curved raised portion to create a convex profile, wherein each of the apertures has the same length 25 and each aperture extends substantially parallel to one another resulting, in use, in substantially parallel extending bristles that form a bevelled shape brush. It will be understood that the widthwise side profile of the head portion is the side profile when looking at the head portion at the side which depicts the width of the 30 handle (i.e. the width direction). In a similar manner, the depthwise side profile of the head portion is the side profile when looking at the head portion at the side which depicts the depth of the handle (i.e. the depth direction). The width is thought of as the "side to side" measurement and is typically larger than the depth but smaller than the length. Depth is often thought of as how thick or thin an object is and is typically 35 the smallest dimension compared to width and length. Using these ordinary meanings, it is clear which side profile is the widthwise and depthwise side. It will also be understood that a non-linear profile means that the profile changes direction at least once. In other words, the profile does not extend horizontally from one side to the other in a straight line when looking at the widthwise or depthwise side 5 profile of the paintbrush handle body. The bristle receiving surface having a plurality of apertures that are configured to retain bristles in use means that the bristles are directly connected to the paintbrush handle body without the need for a ferrule. In currently known paintbrushes, the bristles are 10 secured to the paintbrush handle body body by a metal ferrule which encases the bristles and holds them in place with resin. This results in a paintbrush that is not easily recyclable because the metal ferrule needs to be separated from the paintbrush handle body which renders the recycling process complex and cumbersome. By eliminating the ferrule, the recycling process is easier to carry out. 15 Meanwhile, the bristle receiving surface having a non-linear surface profile across a depthwise side profile of the head portion allows for the brush characteristics to be influenced by the head portion. For example, different shaping of the brush can be achieved by the bristles extending from the non-linear surface profile without the need 20 for cutting or eroding of the bristles once they are secured to the paintbrush handle body. Another example is the non-linear profile being used to group bristles together at different points or sections on the bristle receiving surface to provide sections of bristles. Such sections of bristles can be used to allow a larger amount of paint pick up and / or to influence how much paint (or how fine a paint) is applied to a surface. 25 Moreover, different types of bristles can be used at the different sections which can be way to reduce costs of the paintbrush (i.e. but using less expensive bristles in sections of the brush where high quality bristles are not required). The non-linear portion may extend along the entire width of the head portion. 30 Preferably, the apertures are configured to, in use, solely retain the bristles by an interference fit. In such an arrangement, no resin is required in order to secure the bristles to the head 35 portion, thus further improving the environmental impact of the paintbrush. It also means fewer materials are required in the manufacturing process. The length of each aperture being the same means that the same size (i.e. length) of aperture is formed in the head portion, which streamlines the manufacturing process. Moreover, due to the non-linear nature of the of the bristle receiving surface, the 5 bristles will extend from the bristle receiving surface into the head portion by different amounts, thus directly influencing the shape of the brush without the need for different lengths of apertures or different lengths of bristle. The raised portion may be positioned centrally to the depthwise side profile of the 10 handle head portion. The bristle receiving surface may include a non-linear portion to create the non-linear profile across the widthwise side profile of the handle head. 15 In such an embodiment, the non-linear portion may extend along the entire depth of the head portion. Optionally, the non-linear portion includes a raised portion. In one example, the raised portion is positioned centrally to the widthwise side profile of the head portion. In another example the raised portion is positioned at one or both edges of the widthwise side profile of the head portion. 20 Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a paintbrush according to the invention; Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the apertures of the paintbrush shown in 25 Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an enlarged side view of the paintbrush shown in Figure 1; Figures 4a)-f) show example non-linear surface profiles across the depthwise side profile of the head portion; and Figures 5a)-f) show example non-linear surface profiles across the widthwise 30 side profile of the head portion. A paintbrush according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3 and is generally designated with reference numeral 10. 35 The paintbrush 10 includes a paintbrush handle body 12 and a brush 14 that is made up of a plurality of bristles 16 (sometimes referred to as filaments in the industry). The paintbrush handle body 12 includes a head portion 18 that has a bristle receiving surface 20. The bristle receiving surface 20 has a plurality of apertures 22 that are configured to retain the bristles 16 therein whereby the bristles 16 extend from the bristle receiving surface 20 to form the brush 14. 5 The apertures 22 may be sized and shaped to retain a single bristle 16 or a bundle of bristles 16 in each one. This will largely depend on the characteristics of the bristles 16. For example, a single bristle may be retained in a single aperture 22 where the bristles are a very thick bristle type that may be used for larger paint applying work; whereas a bundle of bristles may be retained in a single aperture 22 where the bristles 10 are a fine bristle type that may be used for smaller and accurate paint applying work. 24 11 23 The apertures 22 shown retain the bristles 16 solely by an interference fit. That is to say, the bristles 16 are held in the apertures 22 by a tight fit and do not require resin to retain the bristles 16. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, this is achieved by pre-drilling the apertures 22 into the handle head portion 18, bending a bundle of bristles 16 around a metal crimp 23 or staple, and then punching the crimp / staple 23 into the apertures 22. Therefore, it is the interference fit of the crimp / staple 23 which retains the bristles 16 in the apertures 22. Is some embodiments, the bristles 16 are further secured by adding resin into the apertures 22 (typically added into the apertures 22 before the bristles 16 are punched into the apertures 22). The bristles 16 may be retained in the apertures 22 without the use of a crimp or staple, e.g. they may be retained solely by resin. Moreover, the apertures 22 may be created at the time of punching the bristles 16 into the handle head portion 18. In any event, as shown in the figures, no ferrule is required to retain the bristles to the handle head portion 18. The bristle receiving surface 20 has a non-linear surface profile 24. In the embodiment shown, the bristle receiving surface 20 has a non-linear surface profile 24 across the depthwise D side profile of the handle head portion 18. That is to say, when looking at the depth side profile D of the handle head portion 18, as shown in Figure 2, the profile of the bristle receiving surface 20 is non-linear (it does not extend horizontally from side to side; instead it changes direction). As shown in Figure 3, the bristle receiving surface 20 includes a non-linear portion which creates the non-linear profile 24. In this example, the non-linear portion is a raised portion which is positioned centrally to the depthwise side profile D of the handle head portion 18. More specifically, the raised portion is curved to create a convex profile shape 30 (in other words, a "hump"). In this embodiment, the convex profile shape 30 extends along the entire width W of the handle head portion 18. In other words, the handle head portion 18 is "humped" across its width W. In other embodiments, the convex profile shape 30 may only extend part way across the width W. The handle head portion 18 may include discrete sections of the convex profile shape 30 across the width W such that multiple "humps" are present. The sections in between the "humps" may have a flat, linear profile. The handle head portion 18 may include different profile shapes at different sections across the width W such that multiple different profile shapes are present (different profile shapes are explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 3a)-f)). As such, the handle head portion 18 may have different profile shapes depending on what side of the brush handle portion 18 is viewed (left or right depthwise D side). Returning to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, although not shown, the length of each of the apertures 22 is the same. Typically, the same length of bristles 16 is used. Therefore, due to the non-linear nature of the depthwise side profile D, the shape of the side profile will directly influence the overall shape of the brush 14. In the embodiment shown, the convex profile shape 30 (the "hump") will result in the bristles 16 forming a centrally tipped shape of brush 14 (i.e. a bevelled shape brush 14) because the bristles 16 extending from the tip of the "hump" will extend further than the bristles 16 on each outer side of the "hump". This can be particularly useful for finer paint work such as cutting in edges of an interior wall. Alternatively, if an even shape of brush 14 is needed (so no pointed tip or bevelled edge is required), shorter bristles could be used in the middle portion of the convex profile shaped 30 so that all the bristles 16 extend from the bristle receiving surface 20 by the same amount. This means that material is saved because some shorter bristles can be used on the paintbrush 10. In other embodiments, the length of each of the apertures 22 may differ to account for the non-linear depthwise side profile D, thus resulting in the bristles 16 extending from the bristle receiving surface 20 by the same amount (if the same length bristles 16 are used). A combination of aperture length, bristle length and non-linear profile shape can be used to influence the overall shape of the brush 14. As indicated in Figure 1, the surface profile across the widthwise side profile W of the handle head portion 18 (i.e. the profile when looking at the front view as shown in Figure 1) is linear. That is to say, the profile extends in a linear manner horizontally across the width W of the handle head portion 18. It will be understood that the number, size and layout of the apertures 22 shown in Figures 1 to 3 are for illustrational purpose only. Any number of apertures 22 and rows of apertures 22 can be used. Moreover, the apertures may be bigger or smaller than shown. Moreover, the apertures 22 may be sized differently to one another, e.g. some bigger in diameter than others. This allows different bristle thicknesses (individual bristle thickness or thickness by different densities of bristle bundles) to be used, which can create different performance characteristics of the paintbrush 10. Figures 4a)-f) show different examples of non-linear depthwise side profiles D of the handle head portion 18. These are non-exhaustive and the skilled person would understand that any non-linear profile shape 24 is possible. A brief explanation of each is outlined below. Figure 4a) illustrates a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a curved ramp profile shape where the profile has a raised portion at one edge. This could be used to provide a bevelled shape of brush 14 where the point is at one side / edge of the brush 14. Figure 4b) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a straight ramp profile shape where the profile again has a raised portion at one edge. Figure 4c) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a double sloped profile shape where a raised portion is formed centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20. This shape could be used to form a more severe bevelled shape compared to the "hump" profile shape shown in Figure 3. Figure 4d) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a concave curved profile shape where a recessed portion is formed centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20. Figure 4e) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a stepped profile shape where a raised portion is formed centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20. Figure 4f) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a stepped profile shape where raised portions are formed at both edges of the bristle receiving surface 20. This forms a recessed portion centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20, similar to (but more severe than) the profile shape shown in Figure 4d). The stepped profiles shown in Figures 4e) and 4f) could be used to create sections of bristles 16 on the raised and recessed portions of the profile. In another embodiment, the bristle receiving surface 20 may have a non-linear surface profile 24 across the widthwise side profile W of the handle head portion 18. That is to say, when looking at the width side profile W of the handle head portion 18, as shown in Figure 1, the profile of the bristle receiving surface 20 is non-linear (it does not extend horizontally from one side to the other; instead it changes direction). This may be instead of or in addition to the non-linear profile 24 across the depthwise side profile D of the handle head portion 18. In a similar manner to the non-linear depthwise profile 24 explained above in relation to Figure 3, the bristle receiving surface 20 may include a non-linear portion which creates the non-linear profile 24. As explained above in relation to the depthwise side profile D, the widthwise W non-linear profile 24 may be a variety of shapes and may be used to influence the shape of the brush 14. The widthwise W non-linear profile may extend fully along the entire depth D of the handle head portion 18 or may instead extend only part way along. The handle head portion 18 may include discrete sections of the non-linear widthwise side profile W across the depth D which may be separated by flat, linear profiles. Different profile shapes may be used along the depth D. Figures 5a)-f) show different examples of non-linear widthwise side profiles 24 of the handle head portion 18. These are non-exhaustive and the skilled person would understand that any non-linear profile shape 24 is possible. Moreover, any non-linear profile shape shown in Figures 4a)-f) can be applied to the widthwise side profile W and vice versa. A brief explanation of each is outlined below. Figure 5a) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a concave curved profile shape where a recessed portion is formed centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20. Figure 5b) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a stepped profile shape where raised portions are formed at both edges of the bristle receiving surface 20. This forms a recessed portion centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20. Figure 5c) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a curved convex profile shape where a raised "hump" portion is formed centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20. Figure 5d) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a ramped flat-topped profile shape where a raised portion is formed centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20, with the raised portion including a linear (flat) top. Figure 5e) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a raised curved profile shape positioned centrally on the bristle receiving surface 20 with straight, linear (horizontal) portions either side of the curved portion. Figures 5f) shows a non-linear profile 24 in the form of a straight ramp profile shape where the profile has a raised portion at one edge. In other embodiments, the bristle receiving surface 20 may have a non-linear profile 24 on both the depthwise D and widthwise W side profiles. The non-linear profile shape 24 may be the same or may be different in both side profiles. In one example, the bristle receiving surface 20 may include a raised stepped profile in both the depthwise D and widthwise W side profiles, i.e. the profile shapes shown in Figures 4f) and 5b). This results in a stepped raised portion extending around the perimeter of the handle head portion 18. The raised portion may be a uniform ridge around the permitter of the handle head portion 18, which results in the non-ridge (recessed) portion being "inside" the ridged perimeter. Both of the ridge and non-ridge portions have bristles extending therefrom (as they both constitute bristle receiving surfaces). The plan view profile of the brush 14 (I.e. the shape of the brush when looking from the top, bird's eye, view of the paintbrush 10) can be any suitable shape. The shape will be dictated by the arrangement and pattern of the apertures 22 and the plan view profile shape of the handle head portion 18. In the embodiment shown, the plan view profile shape of the brush 14 will be substantially rectangular. However, the plan view profile shape of the brush 14 may instead be circular, oval, triangular, trapezoidal or other irregular shapes. 15 08 23

Claims

1. A paintbrush handle body comprising a head portion and a handle portion, the head and handle portions being formed as a single piece, the head portion having a5 bristle receiving surface, the bristle receiving surface including a plurality of apertures configured to, in use, retain bristles therein whereby the bristles extend from the bristle receiving surface to form a brush, the bristle receiving surface having a non-linear surface profile across a depthwise side profile of the head portion.10 2. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 1 wherein the apertures areconfigured to, in use, solely retain the bristles by an interference fit.

3. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the bristle receiving surface includes a non-linear portion to create the non-linear surface profile, 15 wherein the non-linear portion includes one or more of the following profiles: concave, convex, sloped, ramped, raised, inverted, stepped, curved, angular, straight.

4. A paintbrush handle body according to any preceding claim wherein the length of each of the apertures is the same.

205. A paintbrush handle body according to any preceding claim wherein the nonlinear portion extends along the entire width of the head portion.

6. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 6 wherein the non-linear portion 25 includes a raised portion.

7. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 6 wherein the raised portion ispositioned centrally to the depthwise side profile of the head portion.30 8. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 7 wherein the raised profile iscurved so as to create a convex profile.

9. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the raised portion is positioned at one or both edges of the depthwise side profile of the head 35 portion.15 08 2310. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 1 wherein the bristle receiving surface further includes a non-linear portion to create the non-linear profile across the widthwise side profile of the head portion.5 11. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 10 wherein the non-linear portionextends along the entire depth of the handle head portion.

12. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 11 wherein the non-linear portion includes a raised portion.1013. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 12 wherein the raised portion is positioned centrally to the widthwise side profile of the head portion.

14. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 12 wherein the raised portion is 15 positioned at one or both edges of the widthwise side profile of the head portion.

15. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 9 and Claim 14, wherein the raised portions are positioned at both edges of the depthwise and widthwise side profiles so as to create a raised portion extending around the perimeter of the head portion.2016. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 15 wherein the raised portion creates a uniform ridge around the perimeter of the head portion.

17. A paintbrush handle body according to Claim 16 wherein both the ridge and 25 non-ridge portions of the bristle receiving surface includes apertures configured to, in use, retain bristles.

18. A paintbrush comprising a paintbrush handle body according to any preceding claim and a brush made up of a plurality of bristles, the bristles being retained in the 30 apertures and extending from the bristle receiving surface to form the brush.

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