Cosmetic brush set with interchangeable handle

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an improved cosmetic brush set. Specifically, the invention relates to a cosmetic pouch consisting of a plurality of (e.g., five) cosmetic brush heads with a single brush handle. Preferably, each brush head is specifically designed for a certain purpose and is configured to attach to an end of a single brush handle.

[0002] The application of makeup requires the use of a variety of cosmetic products, a particular application of cosmetics, and an even distribution of cosmetics to achieve a desired result. A natural-looking application of each type of makeup, while achieving the desired enhancement with a smooth, attractive and even application of cosmetics to the eye, cheek or face, is only obtained through applying the cosmetics carefully, using the appropriate tools, and in the proper amounts. To accomplish this, it is desirable to have on hand a variety of brushes, each for a specific cosmetic application. It is also desirable that each brush have a handle of sufficient length for ease of application of the cosmetic.

[0003] A common problem in makeup application is the unavailability of certain brushes or the burden and inconvenience of carrying numerous cosmetic brushes with you. Cosmetics are specifically designed for respective areas of the face. Likewise, a brush should be designed and only used for its respective area of the face in use with cosmetics designed for the respective area of the face.

[0004] A plurality of brushes can provide additional enhancement and definition to a specific area. For example, when applying makeup to the eye area, some users would prefer to use different brushes that would define, contour and blend the makeup that has been applied to the eye, such as eyeshadow, which is intended to enhance and accentuate the natural shape of the eyes. The use of two to three different brushes, appropriately sized to the respective area of the face, would ensure appropriate application to maximize these qualities.

[0005] Makeup can also be used to camouflage or hide certain undesired colors, blemishes, or blotches appearing on the face. A variety of applicators have been used to apply concealer, the most common and most ineffective being the finger. For example, a brush with softer bristles would be more effective and easier to use in applying concealer to the under-eye area, diminishing the effect of darker circles. A brush of that type would ensure that all appropriate areas are camouflaged desirably.

[0006] As a person ages, the addition of color and concealer to the face becomes a greater necessity. Specifically, the lips have a tendency to lose color and definition as a person ages. The application of a liner to the face provides definition and color in a natural fashion. However, an even application of a liner is dependent upon the tool of use. Consequently, a pencil is not as effective as a brush as the pencil requires constant sharpening and potential splinters from the wood may scratch the skin. In contrast, the bristles of a brush are flexible and move across the natural contours of the face enabling the desired application. A liner may be used on the lips or eyelids in providing greater definition, enhancement, and blending.

[0007] The ideal cosmetic application would allow for definition, contouring, blending, camouflaging and the addition of structure to the face by highlighting and shadowing certain portions. Conventionally, various types of applicators are used to apply blush to the cheek area, eyeshadow to the eye area and camouflage or concealer to desired areas, but each application entails a different type of brush and one would have to carry several brushes to obtain the desired result when applying makeup. This can be overly cumbersome and expensive.

[0008] A fitting solution to carrying around a plurality of full-size brushes is to create a compact kit suitable for applying makeup regardless of the setting. Examples of such brush compacts provided today include the Acrylic Brush Set by Sephora which comes with a flip top acrylic case that holds four individual cosmetic brushes for the cheek and eye. Each brush in this brush set includes non-detachable handles for each brush type. To those well known in the art, the length of the brush is important to the application process. In creating a compact kit with non-detachable handles the length of each brush is shortened, thereby making it increasingly difficult to apply the cosmetics.

[0009] Another similar product is the Professional 5 Essential Brushes in a Pouch also by Sephora, which includes five professional quality brushes housed in a tri-fold pouch with a magnetic closure. This set includes a powder brush, blush brush, large eyeshadow brush, small eyeshadow brush and a retractable lip brush. Similar to the brush set discussed above, the creation of a compact pouch for these brushes necessarily resulted in shortened handles for each of the brushes.

[0010] Such conventional brushes make a compromise as to the length of the brushes (and thus the ease in which makeup is applied) in order to minimize the bulk of the whole set. As a result, they fail to provide a conveniently sized brush set that allows a user to have full size brushes.

[0011] Other types of brushes known in the art include brushes having detachable portions. Examples of such brushes are disclosed in Schoon et al. U.S. Des. Pat. Nos. D433,537,D434,187 and D433,189 (disclosing a nail implement with detachable brush), discussion of Zavodsky U.S. Des. Pat. No. D204,449 (disclosing a detachable painter's brush), Welschoff U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,984 (disclosing a cosmetic case), and Tevolini U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,423 (a hairbrush including a brush head which is detachable from the handle.)

[0012] Schoon et al. disclose a detachable brush for use in applying polish to the nail, whereby the brush detaches from the nail implement. The replaceable brush head and nail implement are both used for the maintenance of nails, whereby the brush is used for the application of a coloring polish onto the nail and the implement is used for sculpting. The small surface area of the nail makes application of the nail polish with precision increasingly challenging for the user. Therefore, the bristles are set together without gaps and spaces in which the materials may accumulate. At the end of the detachable brush is a connection mechanism that extends from the brush head to insert into the nail implement for joining the two pieces together, thereby providing the user with the desired combined brush and nail implement. Although the brush is detachable and replaceable, Schoon et al. do not disclose an interchangeable brush set. In contrast, the present invention provides a novel brush set having a set of interchangeable brush heads using both ends of a single handle.

[0013] Zavodsky discloses a brush with a detachable brush head and detachable handle for use in painting, whereby the brush and the handle each detach from a central core. The brush head is used for applying a small amount of paint to an object whereby the bristles of the brush head are set close together without any gaps or spaces in which the paint may accumulate. The central core provides two securing mechanisms at either end whereby the brush head and the handle are screwed onto the central core providing the desired painter's brush. Although the brush head and handle are detachable and replaceable, Zavodsky does not disclose an interchangeable brush set whereby the brush head is set onto the handle and stored in a compact manner.

[0014] Welschoff discloses a hinged cosmetic case specifically designed to transport multiple applicators in a handbag while protecting the applicators from soiling. Resilient applicator holders are mounted to the base of the cosmetic case. The applicator holders contain the brush heads while the handles remain exposed within the cosmetic case to enable the user to keep hands and fingers clean. The carrying case is securely fastened with a locking mechanism contained within the carrying case. Although the cosmetic case is designed to protect the brush heads from soiling, Welschoff does not disclose compact and interchangeable brush heads for use with an individual handle to provide full size cosmetic brushes.

[0015] Tevolini discloses a detachable hairbrush specifically for the hair including a brush head that is detachable from the handle whereby other brush heads can be attached and rolled into the hair with the handle removed to act as curlers. Each brush head contains a central core that is set onto a handle prior to application to hair. A retraction mechanism is contained in the handle, whereby the detent, or locking mechanism, is retracted when the button is depressed, thereby enabling the user to detach the brush from the brush head with the use of one hand. However, Tevolini does not teach of a compact cosmetic kit containing interchangeable brush heads for use with a single handle.

[0016] It is apparent that the need exists for an improved cosmetic brush set that is lightweight and compact while maintaining the full functionality, effectiveness and productivity of traditional full-length cosmetic brushes. Prior to the present invention, a multi-brush set including a cheek brush, an eye defining brush, an eye contouring brush, an eye blending brush and/or a camouflage or concealer brush all in a compact set having separate brush heads for each application that are attachable to a single handle extension and may be disassembled and stored in a single, small cosmetic leather pouch has not existed. Importantly, such a novel design minimizes production costs but does not compromise the functionality or efficiency of full-sized cosmetic brushes.

[0017] The invention described herein relates to a brush set specifically referred to as the Smart Brush Set designed to facilitate the ease in which cosmetic brushes are transported. Typically, carrying a multitude of full-size cosmetic brushes in a purse can be quite cumbersome and may be very expensive to replace. The burden of transporting multiple full-sized cosmetic brushes is overcome with the present design. An advantage to the present design is the ability for a user to have a compact and rather complete brush kit with them at all times.

[0018] Specifically, the present invention provides a cosmetic tool kit, comprised of a plurality of different cosmetic brush heads (ferrule and tuft included) with an interchangeable and reversible handle. These items may be contained within a portable and compact carrying case. The design of the handle enables its use with brush tuft sizes of both large and small diameters to minimize the number and size of the brushes and handles a person must transport to apply and touch-up cosmetic materials quickly and efficiently in a typical and productive fashion.

[0019] In light of the above described inadequacies in conventional brush sets of prior art, it is a primary object of the invention described herein to provide a brush set with as few as a single specially-designed handle accompanied by a plurality of interchangeable brush heads for applying cosmetics, including but not limited to colored makeup powder, liquid makeup, creams and concealer.

[0020] It is another object of the invention to provide a brush set designed such that it may also perform the functions of conventional applicators.

[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide a brush set having a handle with two ends in which the brush head may be placed, whereby the diameter of one end is considerably wider than the diameter of the other end, whereby the tapered design of the handle facilitates securing the brush heads thereto.

[0022] It is a further object of the invention to provide the brush heads with an opening at the base sufficient to secure the brush onto the handle, whereby the brush heads are fit accordingly to the end of the handle in which an appropriate fit is found such that the brush head is not allowed to prematurely separate from the handle.

[0023] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a variety of brush heads of different sizes suitable for particular areas of the face and attachable to a single handle.

[0024] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a brush set having a complete compact design that could be carried (e.g., in a woman's handbag), wherein the space occupied by the brush set is minimal such that the brush set does not hinder space occupied by other items that range in size, whereby the assembly of a brush and the handle provide the user with a full-length cosmetic brush.

[0025] It is another object of the invention to provide a carrying case for the brushes and handle, that upon closure, greatly reduces the effects of soiling the bristles of the brush heads from the surrounding environment or otherwise soiling the surrounding area in which the brushes are placed from residual cosmetics that remain on brushes. Therefore, all of the brush heads and the handle are contained in one location within a closed compact pouch thereby providing easy access to the user.

[0026] It is yet another object of the invention to provide the carrying case with individual compartments, or pockets, in which the brushes and handle are stored and separated sufficiently so that the brush heads are not allowed to touch one another when stored in the case. This embodiment prevents the contamination of the brush heads in which residual cosmetics on one brush head would otherwise transfer cosmetics to another brush head used for a different purpose than originally intended.

[0027] Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.

[0028] A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

[0029] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1A shows a top plan view of the inside of the compact pouch housing the brushes and handle according to the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 1B shows a top plan view of the outside of the compact pouch shown in FIG. 1A in its closed position.

[0032] FIG. 2A depicts a raised perspective view of the interchangeable handle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2B depicts a raised perspective view of a first attachable brush head, including both ferrule and tuft, for use in accordance with the invention.

[0034] FIG. 2C depicts a raised perspective view of a second attachable brush head, including both ferrule and tuft, for use in accordance with the invention.

[0035] FIG. 2D depicts a raised perspective view of a third attachable brush head, including both ferrule and tuft, for use in accordance with the invention.

[0036] FIG. 2E depicts a raised perspective view of a fourth attachable brush head, including both ferrule and tuft, for use in accordance with the invention.

[0037] FIG. 2F depicts a raised perspective view of a fifth attachable brush heads, including both ferrule and tuft, for use in accordance with the invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 depicts the attachment of the first attachable brush head of FIG. 2B to the larger diameter end of the interchangeable handle of FIG. 2B in accordance with the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 depicts the attachment of one of the attachable brush heads of FIGS. 2C-2F to the smaller diameter end of the interchangeable handle of FIG. 2A in accordance with the present invention.

[0040] As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

[0041] The following provides a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as well as some alternative embodiments of the invention. As discussed above, the present invention relates generally to a set of five brush heads (ferrule and tuft included) with a reversible and interchangeable handle. Reference is herein made to the figures, wherein the numerals representing particular parts are consistently used throughout the figures and accompanying discussion.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1A, shown is the preferred embodiment of the compact brush pouch of the invention in its open position for housing a brush handle and a plurality of brush heads while FIG. 1B shows the compact pouch of FIG. 1A in its closed position. In particular, FIG. 1A demonstrates the general placement of individual brush heads and handle within the pouch. The pouch preferably includes two internal panels 102 and 104 substantially of a uniform shape having outer faces attached to the internal side of the pouch seen in FIG. 1A.

[0043] When the pouch is open, the pouch enclosure is foldable along a traverse line 106 (FIG. 1A) for closure of the case. The pouch also has an opening and closing fastener 108 (FIG. 1A), such as a snap button, with cooperative fastener on the outside of the pouch. Fastener 108 may include snaps, buttons, zippers, closing hook and loop, fastening tape, ties, straps, and other well known fasteners. The shape of the pouch, as depicted in the closed position (FIG. 1B), is preferably rectangular in shape, but may take the form of other shapes such as circular, semicircular or polygonal, for efficiency or aesthetic reasons.

[0044] This form of the pouch is designed for compact use, for example, to fit in a woman's handbag. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the inside of the pouch, containing the brushes and handle, in accordance with the invention is designated generally with the reference numeral 100. In FIG. 1A, pouch 100 is open and in FIG. 1B, pouch 100 is closed. As discussed above, this embodiment of the invention has features that include an outer shell 122 (FIG. 1B) preferably constructed of a pliable material, such as leather. In alternative embodiments, the outer shell 122 may be constructed from other pliable materials such as vinyl or any suitable woven fabrics.

[0045] Referring to the inside of the pouch, the brushes are contained within pouch 100 in individual panels. These panels contain, in the preferred embodiment, six pockets 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 to house the five cosmetic brush heads (FIGS. 2B-2F) and the attachable handle 200 (FIG. 2A) . These pockets have limited space to allow ease of insertion in holding the brush heads and handle. The multiple pockets 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 are selectively secured at particular panel locations so as to fit certain cosmetic brush items. The construction of the pockets is such that the bristles do not contact other bristles when pouch 100 is in either its open or closed positions. However, panels 102 and 104 may include, for example, more or less pockets or other forms of housing for the brush heads or handle, or any other device or configuration adapted to facilitate housing the attachable handle or brush heads.

[0046] Referring next to FIG. 2A, shown is the preferred embodiment of the handle 200 for the attachable cosmetic brush heads. Handle 200 has a fixed length. Handle 200 may be constructed of any suitable material, and generally is constructed of a rigid material, such as plastic, metal, wood, etc. However, the present invention encompasses any handle material which may be suitable. Such materials may include any type of plastic or resin, metal, ceramic, glass, bamboo, wood or any other material which may be adapted as a brush handle.

[0047] Additionally, the shape of handle 200 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2A or any other drawing herein. As shown in FIG. 2A, handle 200 is generally cylindrical with tapered ends (one smaller diameter end 202 and one larger diameter end 204). The larger end of the handle gradually slants toward the smaller end of the handle. In addition, the smaller end 202 has an even smaller tapered end whereby the brush heads may be set onto the handle for use as a full-sized cosmetic brush. However, the handle may include, for example, indentations about the circumference of the handle, longitudinal grooves along the handle, any type of rounded ornamental or functional object at either end of handle 200, or any other device or configuration adapted to facilitate holding the handle, securing the brush heads, removing the brush heads, or provide ornamental enhancement.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2B, shown is the preferred embodiment of the largest brush head attachment comprising ferrule 206 and tuft-208, further comprising a plurality of bristles 210.

[0049] Referring next to FIG. 2C, shown is the preferred embodiment of a smaller cosmetic brush head according to the present invention comprising of ferrule 216 and tuft 218 further comprising a plurality of bristles 220.

[0050] Referring next to FIG. 2D, shown is the preferred embodiment of another smaller cosmetic brush head according to the present invention comprising of ferrule 226 and tuft 228 further comprising a plurality of bristles 230.

[0051] Referring next to FIG. 2E, shown is the preferred embodiment of a different smaller cosmetic brush head according to the present invention comprising of ferrule 236 and tuft 238 further comprising a plurality of bristles 240.

[0052] Referring next to FIG. 2F, shown is the'preferred embodiment of the fifth and final smaller cosmetic brush head according to the present invention comprising of ferrule 246 and tuft 248 further comprising a plurality of bristles 250.

[0053] For each of the brush heads shown in FIGS. 2B-2F, bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 generally extend longitudinally away from ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246, respectively, in a substantially parallel direction. Preferably, bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 are configured such that the tip portions of tufts 208, 218, 228, 238 and 248 have a specific design or curvature so as to conform to the shape and contour of the face or other surface for the application of a cosmetic. As shown, tufts 208, 218, 228, 238 and 248 are curved with respect to ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246, which is described in further detail below. Bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 are connected within the upper portion of ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 accordingly. Preferably, bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 are attached to ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 accordingly, by use of a conventional adhesive. Alternatively, bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 may be secure within ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 by use of crimping ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 at points 212, 222, 232, 242 and 252 accordingly, which exerts sufficient pressure by ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 on bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 to secure bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 therein. Of course, any other conventional means for securing bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 within ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 may be used in accordance with this invention, either alone or in combination with one or more other securing means.

[0054] In addition, it is preferred that bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 all be the same length such that the tip portion of tufts 208, 218, 228, 238 and 248 is substantially flat along its top edge. Alternatively, bristles 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 may vary in length such that the tip portion of tufts 208, 218, 228, 238 and 248 are substantially curved, or is substantially angled such that the tip portion comes to a point. In alternative embodiments, bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 may be configured such that tufts 208, 218, 228, 238 and 248 maintain a substantially curved shape to conform to the contours of the eye, cheek or any area on the face. In further alternative embodiments, the length of individual bristles may vary. This variation of bristle length across the width of the tuft can provide a curved shape of the tuft, briefly described above. However, it should be noted that the bristles are not necessarily formed so that the lengths are uniformly varied. That is, adjacent bristles may vary greatly in length. This gives the tuft a softer feel across the skin and allows for smoother application of the cosmetic across the contour of the face. Alternatively, however, these embodiments may also be used along with the alternative structures of ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 described herein.

[0055] Alternatively, tufts 208, 218, 228, 238 and 248 may be attached to ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 accordingly, by crimping one end of ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 to enclose said bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 in a manner that forces bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 to arrange themselves in a direction conducive to the application of an eye or cheek-makeup product. In a preferred embodiment, ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 are crimped to arrange bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 in a contoured semicircle shape. In other embodiments, ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 can be crimped to arrange bristles 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 into a contoured oval, round, square, rectangular, triangular, or other shapes to facilitate the application of makeup.

[0056] Preferably, ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 are made of metal. Such common metals include tin, steel, nickel, aluminum, or any alloy thereof. Additionally, ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 may be constructed from a plastic having suitable flexible properties. Furthermore, while ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 have been shown and described as similar to conventional ferrules for attaching bristles to the handle of a brush, other means for attaching tufts 208, 218, 228, 238 and 248 to handle 200 (FIG. 2A) is contemplated as being encompassed by the present invention.

[0057] On the lower end of the brush head, ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 and 246 can individually be secured to handle 200 (FIG. 2A) at the larger end 204 or smaller end 202, as seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, of handle 200 (FIG. 2A). Again, any conventional means for securing ferrules 206, 216, 226, 236 or 246 to handle 200 may be used (i.e. simple physical exertion, adhesive, press fitting, etc.). As seen in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 4, the ferrule can be pressed onto the handle to be put into place for use as a full-sized cosmetic brush. When the application of a specific color and type of makeup is complete, the handle is separated from the brush head and connected to another brush head for applying a different type of makeup. In FIG. 3, the larger brush head, possibly for the cheek, is positioned above the larger end of the handle, waiting to be put in place. In FIG. 4, one of the smaller brush heads, possibly for the eye, is positioned above the smaller end of the handle, waiting to be put into place.

[0058] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.