Modular brush and associated kit for providing modular brushes

Abstract

A modular brush (1) comprising a handle (2) with a slender shape and a set of bristles (3) mutually retained in a predefined mutual position by means of a clamping ferrule (4), the brush comprising at least one tip bushing (5), coupled to one end of the handle (2), configured to stably accommodate, within an internal cavity (5a), at least one component chosen from a first magnet (6) and a block made of ferromagnetic material, at a respective protruding end portion (5b); at least one tip sleeve (7), coupled to the ferrule (4) and configured for stable mating with a component chosen from a second magnet (8) and an insert made of ferromagnetic material, which is arranged within an internal seat (4a) of the ferrule (4); the sleeve (7) comprises a socket (7a) which is complementary to the hollow portion (5c) of the bushing (5) in order to accommodate the bushing temporarily.

Description

[0001] MODULAR BRUSH AND ASSOCIATED KIT FOR PROVIDING MODULAR BRUSHES

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular brush and to an associated kit for the provision of modular brushes.

[0003] In the world of painting, with particular reference to artistic painting, the need is often felt to be able to have all the work tools (such as brushes, pigment and paint containers, canvases or sheets) available anywhere, so as to be able to freely choose where to paint.

[0004] It is known to resort to travel cases comprising all the work tools, conveniently stored to minimize bulk. Unfortunately, even these cases often have dimensions that are too large for easy transport.

[0005] In particular, it should be noted that brushes, due to the length of the handle required to grip them correctly, are extremely bulky components, and this affects both the size of the cases that must contain them and the relative convenience of transport and use in chosen environments (for example, outdoors, in natural settings).

[0006] It is known to use brushes with a handle provided in two (or more) mutually joined parts, but their assembly and disassembly is generally inconvenient and sometimes unstable.

[0007] Moreover, for the specific requirements of a painting, it is in any case convenient to have brushes that have bristles arranged in different configurations, in order to provide thin or wide strokes or strokes with progressively variable widths. It is therefore evident that it is necessary to have a plurality of brushes in any case.

[0008] It is known to resort to brushes in which a portion that constitutes a protective cap for the bristles during brush transport can be fitted onto the handle to increase its length, making it more suitable for the needs of the painter who will have to hold it. However, even in this case the poor stability of the cap (when fitted onto the handle) and its overlap on the handle, which causes a variation in the thickness and shape of the handleitself, can make its use uncomfortable for a painter.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above by proposing a modular brush with extremely compact dimensions in a transport configuration thereof and with substantially standard dimensions and shapes in a configuration for use.

[0010] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to propose a modular brush in which the component modules can be removably coupled in a stable manner.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a modular brush that can be configured for a plurality of different graphic and painting uses.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a kit for providing modular brushes that is adapted to the provision of a plurality of different brushes.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a kit for providing modular brushes that allows continuous and stable reconfigurability.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a kit for providing modular brushes that is particularly suitable for the fine arts, cosmetics, and restoration sectors.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular brush and an associated kit for providing modular brushes that are modest in cost, relatively simple to provide in practice, and of assured application.

[0016] This aim and these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a modular brush according to claim 1. .

[0017] This aim and these and other objects are also achieved by means of a kit for providing modular brushes according to claim 7.

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the modular brush and of the associated kit for providing modular brushes, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a modular brush according to the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the modular brush of Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a kit for providing modular brushes according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is a partially sectional schematic exploded perspective view of the modular brush of Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 5 is a partially sectional schematic perspective view of the modular brush of Figure 1.

[0023] With particular reference to the above figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a modular brush and the reference numeral 10 generally designates an associated kit for providing modular brushes 1.

[0024] The modular brush 1 according to the invention comprises a handle 2 with a slender shape and a set of bristles 3 mutually retained in a predefined mutual position by means of a clamping ferrule 4.

[0025] The brush 1 according to the invention further comprises at least one tip bushing 5, retained to at least one end of the handle 2, which is configured for stably accommodating, within a respective internal cavity 5a, at least one component chosen from a first magnet 6 and a block made of ferromagnetic material, at a respective protruding end portion 5b which is opposite with respect to the one, the hollow portion 5c, engaged on an end stem 2a, 2b of the handle 2.

[0026] The brush 1 according to the invention further comprises at least one tip sleeve 7, coupled to the at least one ferrule 4 (designed to clamp at least one set of bristles 3), which is configured for stable mating with at least one component chosen from at least one second magnet 8 and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material, which (component) is arranged within a respective internal seat 4a of the ferrule 4; the sleeve 7 furthermore comprises a respective socket 7a having a shape and dimensions which arecomplementary to those of the hollow portion 5c of the bushing 5.

[0027] It is specified that, with particular reference to constructive solutions of particular interest in practice and in application, the first magnet 6 and the second magnet 8 (in the embodiments of the brush 1 that comprise them) are fixed (respectively on the bottom of the internal cavity 5a of the bushing 5 and at a predefined region of the internal seat 4a of the ferrule 4) by using an adhesive substance. Resorting to different systems for locking them, such as for example a fastening such as crimping, the insertion of pins, nails, screws, locking rings, welding and / or thermoforming processes, and any combination thereof, is not excluded.

[0028] It is noted that the ferrule 4, the bushing 5, and the sleeve 7 may be made of any material, although metal alloys, metals, composite materials, and polymeric materials are preferred.

[0029] In an embodiment of particular interest, the material used for the provision of such components (the ferrule 4, the bushing 5, and the sleeve 7) is a paramagnetic material, such as for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy; however, the use of ferromagnetic or diamagnetic materials is not excluded in any case.

[0030] A particularly interesting embodiment provides that each handle 2 comprises two tip bushings 5, each coupled thereto at respective mutually opposite ends comprising respective end stems 2a, 2b.

[0031] It is noted that in this way the handle 2 is perfectly symmetrical, allowing the simultaneous mating of two distinct ferrules 7 (with which different sets of bristles 3 are associated which are configured to provide a stroke of different shape and dimensions and / or can be used by the painter to distribute different colors during painting), thus doubling the functionality of the brush 1 equipped in this way.

[0032] Moreover, the symmetry of the handle 2 allows optimal balance of the masses (since the weight of the bushing 5 and of the component chosen between the first magnet 6 and a block made of ferromagnetic material ispresent at both ends of the handle 2, making it more comfortable for the user to handle).

[0033] Finally, the presence of a bushing 5 at each of the end stems 2a, 2b allows to hang the brush 1 (supported magnetically) with the bristles 3 directed downward on a support provided with appropriately provided strips made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. The possibility to store the brush 1 according to the invention hanging (by magnetic coupling) from a band of a support so that the bristles 3 face downwards ensures better preservation of the shape of said bristles 3 (which are forced to maintain their arrangement by gravity in this way), with consequent retention of their ideal shape for longer than provided in the background art.

[0034] Moreover, it should be noted that the ferrules 4, configured for clamping respective sets of bristles 3, are a plurality, each coupled to a respective tip sleeve 7 (with the interposition of the component chosen from at least one second magnet 8 and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material).

[0035] Having a plurality of distinct ferrules 4 with respective sets of bristles 3 allows to diversify them, minimizing their bulk. In fact, the user only needs to bring one handle 2 (the most bulky element of the modular brush 1 according to the invention) and the plurality of distinct ferrules 4, each equipped with a specific set of bristles 3, in order to have a complete set of brushes with which to make a painting and / or artistic restoration work and / or decorative cosmetic work (makeup and the like) of any type.

[0036] In particular, each of the ferrules 4 advantageously comprises a respective set of bristles 3 having a specific shape and dimensions. In other words, each set of bristles 3 is conveniently configured to define a stroke of predefined thickness and precision during use in operations chosen from painting, decorating, restoration, and decorative cosmetics.

[0037] By exchanging and interchanging distinct ferrules 4 (equipped with different sets of bristles 3), the user can continuously reconfigure themodular brush 1 according to the invention, adapting it to the specific operational step that he or she intends to perform at any given moment.

[0038] It is not excluded that distinct ferrules 4 provided with identical sets of bristles 3 (arranged identically) can be exchanged with each other, solely for the purpose of having a "clean brush 1" so as to be able to work with colors and / or materials different from those previously used with other ferrules 4.

[0039] In order to correctly identify the shapes of the components involved, it should be noted that the protruding end portion 5b of the tip bushing 5 advantageously has at least one part of its respective external lateral surfaces that has a tapered, preferably frustum-like shape.

[0040] Within the scope of this embodiment, the socket 7a of the tip sleeve 7 instead advantageously has complementarily tapered internal surfaces, with a shape and dimensions that are complementary to those of the lateral surfaces of the end portion 5b of the tip bushing 5. In particular, the internal surfaces of the socket 7a are preferably frustum-shaped.

[0041] Thanks to this particular shape that has just been described, the mating of the bushing 5 with the sleeve 7 occurs by utilizing the mutual engagement of complementarily tapered surfaces that guide one component into the other, facilitating mutual alignment.

[0042] Moreover, if such surfaces have a frustum-like shape (in particular the external surfaces of the portion 5b have a shape and dimensions that are complementary to those of the surfaces of the socket 7a), a particularly stable and secure mating also occurs between them, of the type known in mechanics as a “Morse taper” mating or conical pair. The magnetic attraction between the component chosen from a first magnet 6 and a block made of ferromagnetic that is present in the bushing 5 and the component chosen from at least one second magnet 8 and at least one block made of ferromagnetic block associated with the sleeve 7 stabilizes the mating obtained by means of the aforementioned conical pair, ensuring that themodular brush 1 according to the invention is in all respects equivalent to a traditional brush during its use (in fact, accidental detachments of the various modular elements that constitute the brush 1 according to the invention are prevented).

[0043] The protection offered by the present invention also extends to a kit 10 for the provision of modular brushes 1.

[0044] This kit 10 comprises at least one handle 2 provided, at at least one of its ends, with at least one tip bushing 5 configured for stable accommodation, within a respective internal cavity 5a, of at least one component chosen from a first magnet 6 and a block made of ferromagnetic material. The cavity 5a is located at a respective protruding end portion 5b that is opposite the one engaged on end stems 2a, 2b of the handle 2.

[0045] The kit 10 further comprises at least two separate clamping ferrules 4 for respective sets of bristles 3 mutually retained in a predefined mutual position: each clamping ferrule 4 is provided with at least one tip sleeve 7 configured for stable mating with at least one component chosen from at least one second magnet 8 and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material. Such component is arranged within a respective internal seat 4a of the ferrule 4. The sleeve 7 comprises a respective socket 7a whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of the hollow portion 5c of the bushing 5.

[0046] Each tip sleeve 7 of each clamping ferrule 4 of respective bristles 3 is configured for removable retention on the tip bushing 5 of a respective handle 2, allowing to interchange said ferrules 4 according to operational requirements (by exchanging the ferrules 4, the shape and dimensions of the bristles 3 of the brush 1 can be changed, adapting it to the specific needs of the user).

[0047] Preferably, there is a plurality of distinct ferrules 4 configured for clamping respective sets of bristles 3 provided with at least one tip sleeve 7, each comprising a respective set of bristles 3 of different shapes anddimensions, which are configured to form a stroke of predefined thickness and precision during use in operations chosen from painting, decorating, restoration, and decorative cosmetics.

[0048] In a particularly interesting version, the kit 10 according to the invention may furthermore usefully comprise a support provided with a band made of a material chosen from ferromagnetic and magnetic material.

[0049] The band is conveniently configured for temporarily accommodating, with a substantially hanging arrangement by magnetic coupling, of at least one modular element chosen from the at least one handle 2 provided with at least one tip bushing 5 equipped with at least one component chosen from a first magnet 6 and a block made of ferromagnetic material, and the at least one ferrule 4 provided with the tip sleeve 7 equipped with at least one component chosen from at least one second magnet 8 and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material.

[0050] In this way it is possible to keep the various handles 2 or the various modular brushes 2 fully set up in this hanging configuration, which preserves the shape of their bristles 3 and promotes (for example, after washing them) proper drying (optionally allowing the washing water to drip downwards, without it affecting the other modular elements of the brush 1).

[0051] In the modular elements of the kit 10 according to the invention, a protruding end portion 5b of the tip bushing 5 has at least one part of its respective external lateral surfaces that is tapered, preferably frustumshaped, and at the same time the socket 7a of the tip sleeve 7 has complementarily tapered internal surfaces, whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of the lateral surfaces of the end portion 5a of the tip bushing 5.

[0052] In a preferred constructive solution, the internal surfaces of the socket 7a are preferably frustum-shaped and complementary to the external surfaces of the protruding end portion 5b of the tip bushing 5, so as to form a conical pair (or a “Morse taper” pair) with the latter, which will facilitatethe mating between the modular elements that constitute said kit 10.

[0053] It is noted that the seat 5a and the hollow portion 5c of the tip bushing 5 have different diameters in order to facilitate the correct positioning of the end stem 2a, 2b of the handle 2 in the hollow portion 5c, without the latter being able to interfere or collide with the first magnet 6.

[0054] The first magnet 6 and the second magnet 8 may be provided by means of magnetites and / or ferrites of the type that can be found in nature already in the form of permanent magnets or produced artificially with metal alloys or alloys with rare earth additives (such as alloys comprising neodymium and / or boron and / or samarium and / or cobalt) or with appropriately treated polymeric materials. However, it is not excluded that different permanent magnets that may become sufficiently widespread and easily available in the future might be used.

[0055] Furthermore, the kit 10 may comprise a case intended to contain all the modular elements by means of which to provide one or more modular brushes 1, as a function of the specific requirements of application and / or used.

[0056] Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems described earlier by proposing a modular brush 1 with extremely compact dimensions in a transport configuration thereof (i.e., when the handle 2, the ferrules 4, and the bristles 3 are separated) and with substantially standard dimensions and shapes in a configuration for use (in which said modular elements are mutually mated to constitute a brush 1).

[0057] Conveniently, the modular brush 1 according to the invention comprises modular elements that can be removably mated in a stable manner (by virtue of the presence of the tapered complementary portions, preferably complementary and frustum-shaped, and by virtue of the presence of the magnets 6 and 8).

[0058] Favorably, the modular brush 1 according to the invention is configurable and reconfigurable for a plurality of different graphic andpainting uses. The brush 1 according to the invention can be of the type suitable for artistic painting, decorative painting, and / or other types of painting, but it can also be of the type suitable for use in artistic and / or conservative restoration of artistic and architectural heritage, or of the type used in the cosmetics sector for makeup (both everyday makeup and stage and / or film makeup).

[0059] Advantageously, the kit 10 for providing modular brushes 1 according to the invention is suitable for the provision of a plurality of different brushes 1, ensuring however that they take up minimal space during they transport.

[0060] Positively, the kit 10 for providing modular brushes 1 according to the invention allows continuous and stable reconfigurability of the respective brushes 1, turning out to be particularly versatile.

[0061] Usefully, the kit 10 for providing modular brushes 1 is particularly suitable for the fine arts, cosmetics, and restoration sectors.

[0062] Validly, the modular brush 1 and the associated kit 10 for providing modular brushes 1 are relatively simple to provide in practice and have modest costs: these characteristics make the brush 1 and the kit 10 according to the invention innovations of assured application.

[0063] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; furthermore, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0064] In the examples of embodiment shown, individual characteristics, reported in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiment.

[0065] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0066] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102025000003789 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein byreference.

[0067] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular brush of the type comprising a handle (2) with a slender shape and a set of bristles (3) mutually retained in a predefined mutual position by means of a clamping ferrule (4), characterized in that it comprises- at least one tip bushing (5), coupled to at least one end of said handle (2), configured to stably accommodate, within a respective internal cavity (5a), at least one component chosen from a first magnet (6) and a block made of ferromagnetic material, at a respective protruding end portion (5b) that is opposite to the one engaged on said handle (2), said protruding end portion (5b) of said tip bushing (5) having at least one part of the respective external lateral surfaces that is tapered, preferably frustumshaped;- at least one tip sleeve (7), coupled to said at least one clamping ferrule (4) of at least one said set of bristles (3), configured for stable mating with at least one component chosen from at least one second magnet (8) and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material, which is arranged within a respective internal seat (4a) of said ferrule (4), said sleeve (7) comprising a respective socket (7a) whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of said hollow portion (5c) of said bushing (5) in order to accommodate said bushing temporarily, said socket (7a) of said tip sleeve (7) having complementarily tapered internal surfaces, whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of the lateral surfaces of said end portion (5b) of said tip bushing (5), said internal surfaces of said socket (7a) preferably being frustum-shaped,the magnetic attraction between the component chosen from said first magnet (6) and a block made of ferromagnetic material present within said bushing (5) and the component chosen from at least one second magnet (8) and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material associated with the sleeve (7), separated at least by the bottom of said bushing (5), stabilizingthe mating between said bushing (5) and said sleeve (7).

2. The modular brush according to claim 1, characterized in that each handle (2) comprises two tip bushings (5), each coupled to said handle (2) at respective mutually opposite ends thereof.

3. The modular brush according to claim 1 , characterized in that said clamping ferrules (4) for respective sets of bristles (3) are a plurality, each coupled to a respective tip sleeve (7).

4. The modular brush according to claim 3, characterized in that each of said clamping ferrules (4) comprises a respective set of bristles (3) having specific shapes and dimensions, configured to form a portion of predetermined thickness and precision during use in operations chosen from painting, decorating, restoration, and decorative cosmetics.

5. A kit for providing modular brushes, characterized in that it comprises- at least one handle (2) provided, at at least one of its ends, with at least one tip bushing (5) configured to stably accommodate, within a respective internal cavity (5a), at least one component chosen between a first magnet (6) and a block made of ferromagnetic material, at a respective protruding end portion (5b) that is opposite to the one engaged on said handle (2);- at least two distinct clamping sleeves (4) for respective sets of bristles (3) mutually retained in a predefined mutual position, each said clamping ferrule (4) being provided with at least one tip sleeve (7) configured for the stable mating of at least one component chosen from at least one second magnet (8) and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material, at a respective socket (7a) having a shape and dimensions which are complementary to those of said end portion of said bushing (5);in that each tip sleeve (7) of each clamping ferrule (4) of respective bristles (3) is configured to be removably coupled to the tip bushing (5) of a respective handle (2), allowing to interchange said ferrules (4) according to14operational needs;and in that a protruding end portion (5b) of said tip bushing (5) has at least one part of the respective external lateral surfaces that is tapered, preferably frustum-shaped, and a socket (7a) of said tip sleeve (7) has complementarily tapered internal surfaces, with a shape and dimensions that are complementary to those of the lateral surfaces of said end portion (5b) of said tip bushing (5), said internal surfaces of said socket (7a) being preferably frustum-shaped, the magnetic attraction between the component chosen between said first magnet (6) and a block made of ferromagnetic material present within said bushing (5) and the component chosen between at least one second magnet (8) and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material associated with the sleeve (7), which are separated at least by the bottom of said bushing (5), stabilizing the mating between said bushing (5) and said sleeve (7).

6. The kit according to claim 5, characterized in that said distinct clamping ferrules (4) for respective sets of bristles (3) provided with at least one tip sleeve (7) are a plurality, each comprising a respective set of bristles (3) of different shape and dimensions, configured to define a portion of predefined thickness and precision during use in operations chosen from painting, decorating, restoration, and decorative cosmetics.

7. The kit according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a support provided with a band made of a material chosen from ferromagnetic and magnetic, configured for a temporary accommodation with a substantially hanging arrangement, by magnetic coupling, of at least one modular element chosen from- at least one said handle (2) provided with at least one said tip bushing (5) provided with at least one component chosen from a first magnet (6) and a block made of ferromagnetic material,- at least one said ferrule (4) provided with said tip sleeve (7), provided with at least one component chosen from at least one second15magnet (8) and at least one insert made of ferromagnetic material.

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