BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved bristle for a brush, particularly a
cosmetic and/or healthcare brush, as well as a brush and dispenser comprising the
bristle.
[0002] In the field of brushes, natural fiber brushes have a long history and tradition,
and natural fibers are often preferred for premium products and applications due to
their favorable properties. For example, natural fibers, such as goat, pony, badger,
duck, and pig hairs all have a naturally tapered hair end with flagging in the end
portion. Cut natural hairs however have at least one end with a straight cut lacking
these favorable properties. In automated brush production processes, it is then necessary
to accurately and in a controlledmanner to produce the brush such that the natural
tapered tips of the hairs having flagging are facing outwards and not towards the
core of the brush.
[0003] In addition, it is difficult to obtain natural hair of a certain specific quality
and color, as these properties vary considerably from animal to animal. In addition,
natural hair is a limited resource and difficult to store. Furthermore although a
natural hair may be quite long, only the end of it has the desirable characteristics
of the tapered end section and flagging. Thus much of the natural hair length lacks
this desirable property. For these reasons, it would be desirable to develop synthetic
filaments and bristles having the desirable properties of the tapered end section
together with flagging, as in these premium natural hairs. In particular, it would
be desired to have synthetic filaments and bristles that are readily produced with
the tapered end sections and flagging on both ends of the filament or bristle, e.g.
for application in Twisted Wire Brushes (TWB) or staple brushes.
[0004] In the cosmetic and healthcare field, particularly in the application of formulations
to hair, such as mascara, it is also desirable to obtain both an attractive separation
of the hair or skin, preferably eyelashes, and hair as well as a high volume and body
of the hair or skin, preferably eyelashes, and hair. To date this has generally required
the use of two different brushes, one designed to provide separation, and the other
to provide volume.
[0005] Recently molded brushes have been developed which provide however a good compromise
between both objectives. Such molded brushes are known, for example, from
EP1161159.
[0006] However for the case of Twisted Wire Brushes (TWB), it is still difficult to produce
brushes having both favorable separation and volume properties. For example,
EP1389436B1 discloses a brush having good combing and separation due to the wedge-shaped tips
of its bristles. Nonetheless, this brush and its bristles do not provide high volume
because a standard wiping action with this brush wipes off too much of the standard
formulation from the bristles in this action.
[0007] As another example,
WO2016/016436 A1 discloses a TWB also having wedge-shaped bristle tips combined with an increased
tip surface roughness obtained from plastic filaments filled with fine clay or silica
particles having a particle size of between 0.01 µm to 100 µm (added during extrusion
according to the method of
US 6,311,359 B1). In the process of WO'436 A1, the wedge-shaped bristle tips are ground using a grinding
disc to provide surface roughness of the wedge-shaped bristle tips resulting from
the exposed outwardly protruding and/or even depressions resulting from the subsequent
loss of some particles due to grinding away of surface plastic on the tips. This process
then results in wedge-shaped tips having an enhanced fine surface roughness (Rz) of
between 0.2 µm and 6.3 µm. Although the capacity of the bristles to take up mascara
is improved due to the increased surface roughness of wedge-shaped tips, however the
increase in capacity is somewhat limited. This is because the increase in capacity
of the bristle is due only to the limited increase in surface area of the bristle
end caused by the wedge shape and the fine surface structure resulting from protruding
fine particles or depressions resulting from their loss. In addition, this method
of increasing capacity is somewhat complex and inefficient and difficult to control
well as the entire bristle fiber must be filled with particles during extrusion although
the increase in surface area and capacity is primarily limited to the ground wedge-shaped
tips. Also the grinding must be done quite precisely to obtain the desired protrusion
of particles and/or depressions. Although filling bristles with particles may bring
other benefits, such as improved mechanical properties, the method of WO0'436 A1 is
obviously limited in its application to only filled bristles.
[0008] Therefore it is desirable to provide an improved bristle so as to provide brushes,
particularly TWB brushes, with both high separation and volume in one single TWB brush,
especially for cosmetic and healthcare applications, particularly for hair or skin,
more specifically eyelashes, and hair. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have
a bristle that is embodied for providing favourable tip properties similar to those
of natural hair fibers, preferably improved separation and pick-up and pay-off properties.
In addition, it would be desirable to have an improved bristle that may be made from
both filled and non-filled fibers and with a well-controlled and easily obtainable
high capacity.
[0010] US 2004/0107974 A1 describes cosmetic brushes with a plurality of multi-fiber bristles including a plurality
of individual fibers in supportive engagement.
DE 197 48 733 A1 relates to a monofil which has reduced secondary bonding forces and which consists
of at least two coextruded polymers, for producing bristles or interdental cleaning
elements which can be slit in an essentially axial direction by means of mechanical
forces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Starting from this state of the art, it is an object of the invention to provide
an improved bristle for a brush providing both high separation and volume, in particular
a bristle that is embodied for providing favourable tip properties similar to those
of natural hair fibers, preferably improved separation and pick-up and pay-off properties.
[0012] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a bristle embodied for
providing a bristle as defined in claim 1. Embodiments of the invention are recited
in the dependent claims.
[0013] The bristles of the present invention have the favourable properties of natural hair,
such as goat hair, but they can readily be made by machine to any desired length,
even double-ended (both free ends having tapered end-sections), for example, making
use of stapling.
[0014] The inventors have surprisingly found that said bristles provides both favourable
separation and volume properties for brushes comprising them. Because the bristles
flare outwardly in various directions, their tips are closely packed together with
little free spacing between them. This high packing density of the tips means that
the hairs are unable to pass through the tips into the interior of the brush. Therefore
it is necessary to have the bristle end in a tapered cross-section as in the molded
brush of EP '436B1. In various embodiments, at least about 50, specifically, 75, more
specifically 90 %, most specifically substantially all of the bristles of the brush
of the present invention end in a tapered cross-section. With a standard wiping action,
therefore a fairly high amount of standard cosmetic and healthcare formulation will
be wiped off.
[0015] In the bristle of the present invention, the tapered end-section has at least one,
preferably more than one, fibrous extension located with the tapered length, most
preferably at the bristle free end. This means that the physical connection between
the fibrous extension and the bristle generally occurs within the tapered length and
specifically may occur within a distance of about one average bristle diameter from
the free end. The provision of such fibrous extensions provides several advantages
over bristles not having such fibrous extensions. The normal bristles may pick up
large volumes of mascara to be dispensed; however, they have difficulty to subsequently
pay off the large volumes of mascara, a function which take place primarily at the
surface, due to the thickness, stiffness and hardness (rigidity) of normal bristles.
In contrast, the thin, flexible and soft fibrous extensions of the present invention
have a much superior ability to pay off large volumes of mascara. Due to their thin,
flexible and soft nature, the fibrous extensions are able to adjust, bend down, and
lay on the surface of the bristle to efficiently aid the transfer of mascara from
the bristle to the hair and then to subsequently recover. In certain more specific
embodiments, the fibrous extension comprises primarily either the first, softer material,
or the second, harder material, preferably the second, harder material. Alternatively,
it may be both the first, softer material and the second, harder material. In some
preferred embodiments it is the second, harder material, optionally together with
some amount of the first, softer material (for example, primarily PBT with a lesser
amount of TPE) as it has been found that such fibrous extensions are readily produced
using the filaments described in the present application together with the grinding
method to create fibrous extensions. It is noted that the thicker the first, softer
material, the more likely that it would comprise part of the fibrous extension.
[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tapered end-section has a taper
length of from about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm. If the taper length is too short, the bristles
are not effective in separating and combing, and they would only bend the lashes but
not comb them. In contrast, if the taper length is too long, then the bristles are
not stiff or stable enough to provide separation. Therefore a taper length of from
0.2 mm to about 1 mm combined with typical fiber diameters and materials has proven
to provide an effective optimization of these effects.
[0017] In certain embodiments of the bristle the tapered end-section ends in a chisel-like
taper consisting of either a single (chisel-like configuration) or a double angle
(roof-like configuration) cut tangentially or obliquely (to the axis of the bristle
core. It is to be understood that the tapered end-section and wedge shapes need not
be produced by cutting the filament or bristle, but the tapering and wedge-shape may
be alternatively produced by a grinding process, for example, as is known from WO'436
A1. The wedge angles α (relative to the longitudinal axis of the bristle) of the bristles
may vary from 80° to approximately 89° in one embodiment. Smaller wedge angles α between
5° and 80° are also feasible in other embodiments. Such single or double angle cuts
are relatively inexpensive to produce. For small diameter fibers, a single angle cut
will often be sufficient and economical, whereas larger diameter fibers will generally
be most effective with a double angle cut. Free ends of the mascara brush that have
a roof or chisel-like configuration lead to the optimization of the property pair
of a separation on the one hand and combing effect on the other hand. Alternately,
free ends of the bristles that are wedge-shaped in cross section may be implemented
also by bevelling the ends of the bristles. Such machine-manufactured bristles have
advantages over natural hairs in that they may be readily made to any desired length,
and even made double-ended (having two tapered end-sections), for example, taking
advantage of stapling methods.
[0018] Selected embodiments of the present invention have advantages over both natural hairs
as well as synthetic bristles of the prior art as the present bristles may be made
to have any desired length and the bristles may be made with a tapered end-section
and flagging (fibrous extension) at both ends for use with staple-set brushes, for
example. In contrast, natural hairs will always have flagging only on one side, and
when they are cut to length the residual section has no flagging on either side. The
same is true of synthetic bristles having flagging that are cut to length. However
in the present invention, the bristles may be cut to length and the provided with
a tapered end-section and flagging at both ends using the disclosed methods, such
as grinding. Methods to create bristles with flagging on both ends are also known
in the art.
[0019] In other specific embodiments of the bristle, the fibrous extensions are embodied
so as to pick up a portion of a cosmetic and healthcare formulation when the cosmetic
and healthcare brush is dipped into a cosmetic and healthcare formulation and a residue
of the picked up portion of the cosmetic and healthcare formulation remains on the
fibrous extension after subsequent wiping of the cosmetic and healthcare brush. These
characteristics provide the effect that the brush not only efficiently picks up -
but also retains - a portion of the formulation so that it may subsequently be transferred
to the hair or skin. The fibrous extensions are very floppy due to their flexibility
and softness so that there is no great force on them removing formulation during the
wiping action. Therefore bristles having fibrous extensions are superior to ones without
in retaining formulation on them during wiping actions.
[0020] In still other more specific embodiments of the bristle, the fibrous extensions are
selected to be suitably soft and flexible so that they may bend and substantially
lay on the surface of the tapered end of the bristle, preferably while retaining the
residue of the picked up portion of the cosmetic and healthcare formulation remains
on the fibrous extension after subsequent wiping of the cosmetic and healthcare brush.
These properties provide significant benefits in making it possible to pay off large
volumes of formulation onto hair, as was described earlier.
[0021] In one embodiment of the bristle of the present invention, the cross-section of the
bristle varies in shape lengthwise along the bristle, which then provides for (indented)
recesses or other similar reservoirs for materials such as cosmetic or healthcare
masses along the length of the bristle, particularly in the active region near the
tapered tip. The cosmetic and healthcare mass residing in these recesses or reservoirs
will not be wiped off during the standard wiping action.
[0022] According to the present invention, at least a portion of the bristle has recesses,
wherein preferably the recesses are distributed over the entire length of their bristle,
preferably uniformly distributed over the entire length. In selected embodiments of
the brush of the present invention, at least 50, 75, 90% or essentially all of the
bristles have recesses. These recesses advantageously provide the just-discussed reservoirs
for the cosmetic and healthcare mass or other material to reside in. The filament
of the bristle is conveniently manufactured having recesses distributed over the entire
filament length. When the filaments are cut and mounted in the brush, the recesses
are then randomly distributed over the lengths of the filaments of the bristle relative
to its free end. Therefore it is often important that the recesses are uniformly distributed
over the bristle length, so that at least some of the bristles in the active region
will contain recesses to act as reservoirs for cosmetic and healthcare there. In addition,
it will therefore be preferred that the recesses have sufficient size to act as reservoirs,
and thus they will have minimum axial lengths measured along the axis of the bristle
of between about 0.05 and about 0.30, preferably between about 0.1 and about 0.2 mm.
In certain embodiments, the recesses will have substantially round, elliptical, oval,
rectangular or square circumferences and often with a funnel-like narrowing profile
towards the interior or core of the bristle. In other embodiments, the recesses will
have average diameters on the bristle face or surface of more than 100, particularly
150, more particularly 200 µm. Therefore in preferred embodiments the recesses are
distributed non-randomly and substantially regularly with substantially constant spacing
between recesses, preferably of ± 20, more preferably 10, most preferably 5%. In some
more specific embodiments, the maximum distance between recesses is between about
0.2 to about 2.0 mm.
[0023] In certain preferred embodiments at least a portion of the recesses are located along
the bristle length within a distance of 3 mm, preferably 2 mm, from the far end of
the tapered end of the bristle. Locating the recesses within such a distance from
the tapered end provides the advantage that the double action of separating and providing
volume takes place within the active region of the bristle near its end.
[0024] In certain other preferred embodiments, there is a minimum separation distance between
the recesses, measured from the starting point to starting point of adjacent recesses,
along their bristle is from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably about 0.2 to
about 0.8, more preferably about 0.3 to about 0.6. The "starting point" of a particular
recess is a point along the contour of the recess that is closest to far end of the
tapered end of the bristle ("free" bristle end) on which the recess is located. This
minimum spacing measured along the longitudinal axis of the bristle ensures that the
recesses are effective so that they are not partially or fully removed by the taper.
[0025] In some embodiments of the bristle, the first recess located closest to the bristle
end along the bristle is located at a distance of between about 0.1 mm to about 1.0
mm from the bristle end, preferably about 0.2 to about 0.8, more preferably about
0.3 to about 0.6, even more preferably within the tapered length, most preferably
a partial recess within the tapered length. Locating the first recess in this region
close to the bristle end provides the advantage of the earlier-discussed double action
within the active region of the bristle.
[0026] In certain embodiments of the bristle, the capacity of the entire AR, FR or even
bristle (FR and CFR) is increased due to the presence of the recesses 40. In specific
embodiments, the surface roughness, Rz, which is also referred to as roughness depth,
as determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287/4288 of the entire AR, FR or even
bristle (FR and CFR) is increased due to the presence of the recesses 40. In specific
embodiments, the surface roughness (Rz) is greater than 6.3, preferably 6.5, more
preferably 7, most preferably 10 µm.
[0027] In certain embodiments of the bristle, the cross-section is non-cylindrical within
and adjacent to the region of the recess. Advantageously the thin flexible fibers
will be indented from both sides, for example, by means of opposed rollers or calendars
through which the fiber travels. Such indentation processes will then typically impart
the bristle with a non-cylindrical cross-section around the recess. For the same reason,
in some more preferred embodiments, the recesses on a bristle are located substantially
opposed to one another, preferably so as to confer the bristle with a substantially
hour glass or dumbbell shaped cross-section in the region of the bristle containing
said recesses, more preferably so as to confer the bristle with a cross-sectional
profile similar to that of goat hair. Goat hair is a natural hair having both hard
and soft components, and advantageously this natural hair has a non-round cross-section.
Goat hair generally has a fine point and a uniform body that, under a microscope,
appears to consist of tapering, individual scales that are attached end to end. There
are small pockets where these scalelike shapes meet that allow cosmetic or healthcare
masses to be trapped and held until use. This combination of properties ensure that
the fiber ends flare out and do not follow the helix of the brush, as described in
EP0250680A1. The inventors have found that the same effect may be achieved with 2-component bristles
having non-round cross-sections as in the present invention.
[0028] One aspect of the present invention is a brush, preferably a cosmetic or healthcare
brush, more preferably a cosmetic or healthcare twisted wire brush (TWB), comprising
one or more, preferably a majority, of bristles of any of the embodiments of the present
invention. Another aspect of the present invention is a dispenser, preferably a cosmetic
or healthcare dispenser, comprising said brush, preferably containing a cosmetic and/or
healthcare mass. Such a brush or dispenser will be imparted with the advantages of
the brush of the present invention.
[0029] One skilled in the art will understand that the combination of the subject matters
of the various claims and embodiments of the invention is possible without limitation
in the invention to the extent that such combinations are technically feasible. In
this combination, the subject matter of any one claim may be combined with the subject
matter of one or more of the other claims. In this combination of subject matters,
the subject matter of any one bristle claim may be combined with the subject matter
of one or more other bristle claims or the subject matter of one or more brush claims
or the subject matter of a mixture of one or more bristle claims and brush claims.
By analogy, the subject matter of any one brush claim may be combined with the subject
matter of one or more other bristle or brush claims or the subject matter of one or
more bristle claims or the subject matter of a mixture of one or more bristle or bristle
claims and brush claims. One skilled in the art will understand that such combinations
may also pertain to dispenser claims or their combinations with bristle or brush claims.
By way of example, the subject matter of any one claim may be combined with the subject
matters of any number of the other claims without limitation to the extent that such
combinations are technically feasible.
[0030] One skilled in the art will understand that the combination of the subject matters
of the various embodiments of the invention is similarly possible without limitation
in the invention. For example, the subject matter of one of the above-mentioned bristle
embodiments may be combined with the subject matter of one or more of the other above-mentioned
brush or dispenser embodiments or vice versa without limitation so long as technically
feasible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to various
embodiments of the invention as well as to the drawings. The schematic drawings show:
- Fig. 1
- shows a schematic view of an embodiment of bristles according to the invention having
a tapered end-section and fibrous extensions.
- Fig. 2
- (a) and (b) shows the individual regions of a bristle.
- Fig. 3
- shows a schematic view of the cross-sections of bristles varying in shape lengthwise
along the bristle and recesses located substantially opposed to one another so as
to confer a substantially hour glass or dumbbell shaped cross-section.
- Fig. 4
- shows bristles ending in a chisel-like taper and with a first recess located near
the tapered end, and a fibrous extension at the bristle end.
- Fig. 5
- shows the interaction between a fibrous extension and lashes showing pay off (a) starting
with the first contact of the lashes with the fibrous extension and then (b) how the
lashes move the fibrous extension so that it bends and substantially lays on the surface
of the tapered end of the bristle.
- Fig. 6
- shows the interaction between a fibrous extension and a wiper orifice during a wiping
action such that a residue of the picked up portion of the formulation remains on
the fibrous extension during wiping of the bristle due to the interaction of the orifice
primarily with the stiffer bristle rather than with the floppy fibrous extension.
- Fig. 7
- shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a brush according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DEFINITIONS
[0032] As used in the specification and claims of this application, the following definitions,
should be applied:
"a", "an", and "the" as an antecedent may refer to either the singular or plural unless
the context indicates otherwise.
[0033] "Diameter" refers to the diameter of a circular bristle or filament as measured by
a micrometer screw. For non-circular (e.g. polyhedral or irregularly-shaped) bristles
or filaments the "diameter" is the smallest diameter of a circle within which the
cross-section of the non-circular bristle or filament would fit. This may be determined
experimentally by determining the smallest inner diameter of a tube within which the
non-circular bristle or filament would fit.
[0034] "Tapered" refers to a diminishment or reduction in thickness of a bristle towards
the free end of the bristle ("bristle end"). Thus there may be a tapering of the cross-section,
and a "tapered end-section" refers to the section near the bristle end (within a length
of preferably 2, more preferable 1.5, most preferably 1 mm from the free end of the
bristle) and also including the bristle end in which the thickness and cross-section
are substantially continuously or preferably continuously decreasing toward the bristle
end. The "taper length" refers then to the length along the bristle axis of the tapered
end-section.
[0035] "The cross-sections of the bristles vary in shape lengthwise along the bristle" means
that the diameter changes (thinner/thicker) and/or the geometric form (e.g. C vs.
DB) varies over the entire length of the bristle (CFR and FR regions). This variation
may not be continuous but may be discrete instead, for example, typically resulting
from the presence of recesses along the entire length of the bristle. For example,
a recess may locally cause a DB or other non-cylindrical cross-section as opposed
to a C or other cylindrical cross-section in regions of the bristle away or remote
from any recesses. In many embodiments, the recesses occur at a substantially regular
spacing along the entire length of the bristle, and thus resulting in corresponding
substantially regular variations of the shape of the cross-section of the bristle
lengthwise along the bristle. In various embodiments, at least one, specifically two,
more specifically three, or more variations in the geometric form of the cross-section
occur over the entire length of the bristle (CFR and FR regions). Bristles merely
having tapered end-sections are specifically excluded from this definition. Thus in
various embodiments, at least three, specifically four, more specifically five, or
more variations in the diameter of the cross-section occur over the entire length
of the bristle (CFR and FR regions).
[0036] A "cross-sectional profile similar to that of goat hair" is one that is similar to
that of the goat hair cross-sectional profile as described in section 4.1.3.9 Ziegenhaar
on p.
143 in the handbook, "Bürsten und Pinsel" by Ernst Bock, published in 1983 by the
Fachbuch Verband der Deutschen Pinsel- und Bürstenhersteller e.V., Bechhofen, Germany
(OCLC-NR: 74634224) or in Fig. 31, p.
63 of "Guide to the Identification of Animal Fibres" 2nd ed., by H. M. Appleyard,
published in 1978 by Wira, Leeds, UK (ISBN 090082011X 9780900820113), as well as the goat hair images available on the internet from the public textile
image collection from CSIRO, the Australian science research organization:
http://www.scienceimage.csiro.au/library/textile/.
[0037] A "recess" in the present invention refers to a small space set back from the surface
of the bristle, which may be in the form of an indentation, depression or cleft. The
recess is generally not specifically limited as to how it is produced, and it may
be produced by means of indention or embossing. However the method of
WO2016/016436 A1 and its fine depressions are nonetheless specifically excluded. In that method filaments
are extruded with fine clay or silica additives having a particle size of from 0.01
to 100 µm and then ripped at random from the surface by grinding to form random fine
depressions resulting from the ejection of the 0.01 to 100 µm diameter particles.
[0038] A "partial recess" is a recess that is only partially present on the bristles as
a portion of the recess has been cut away in the process of cutting the bristles to
their desired length or in providing them with a tapered profile.
[0039] A "fibrous extension" is a flexible extension of a bristle comprising, consisting
essentially of, or consisting of a plastic or polymeric material, typical the synthetic
material of which the bristle is composed of. The fibrous extension comprises one
or more fine filaments extending from the bristle surface, and thus they often have
a hair-like appearance. For example, it may be one or both materials in 2-component
(2K) bristles, for example, those consisting of a core and a sheath. Such fibrous
extensions are often referred to as "flagging" in the art, and flagged bristles, are
often actually split at the ends and look fuzzy, for example, like split hairs. The
split ends create more surface area and allow a brush to hold more material (e.g.
paint or cosmetic or other material) and to release the material more smoothly, thus
giving a cleaner finish or application. With natural fiber, slagging is an operation
which literally splits hairs. Hog bristle has a natural 'flag' in it, which is due
to the splitting of the medulla at the tip of the bristle into a number of fine filaments
which make up the 'flag'. Thus the fibrous extensions of the present invention are
to be distinguished from protruding inorganic particles known in the art, as in
WO2010/016436 A1.
[0040] A "fibrous extension located within the tapered-end section" means that the base
or fixed end of the fibrous extension on the bristle (connecting end between the fibrous
extension and the bristle) is located substantially, preferably entirely, within the
tapered end-section. Thus in the present invention preferably the minority, more preferably
essentially none, most preferably none of the fibrous extensions have their base or
fixed end located substantially outside, preferably outside, of the tapered-end section,
for example, outside of the active region (AR) and within the remaining base region
(BR) or in the central fixing region (CFR). In various embodiments none are located
more than 2, preferably 1.5, more preferably 1 mm from the free end.
[0041] Numerical values in the present application relate to average values. Furthermore,
unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values should be understood to include
numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant
figures and numerical values that differ from the stated value by less than the experimental
error of the conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present
application to determine the value.
[0042] Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of a bristle 22 according to the present invention for
applying a cosmetic and/or healthcare mass, preferably mascara, onto the hair or skin,
preferably eyelashes 70. It may be seen that the cross-section 28 of the bristle 22
varies in shape lengthwise along the bristle 22, at least a portion of the bristle
22 has recesses 40, and the bristle 22 has a tapered end-section 30 having at least
one fibrous extension 60 located within the tapered end-section 30.
[0043] The bristles 22 of the present invention are not specifically limited and may include
synthetic fibers of various cross-sections such as solid round, hollow round, tapered,
solid round tapered, quadrilobal, trilocular, synthetic goat hair, crimped, spoked
hollow, trilobal, oval, star-shaped, square, X-shaped, longitudinally grooved, C-shaped,
cross-shaped, triangular outer face shape with rounded edges, Y-shaped, H-shaped,
honeycomb or a fourfold, cloverleaf type pattern in such a way that the bristle appears
like a piece from a puzzle. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section is solid
round as such a cross-section is readily manufactured with fibers having one polymer
composition for a core and another polymer composition for the surrounding sheath.
Typical average diameters of bristles are between about 4 and about 10 mils or between
about 0.075 and about 0.35, preferably about 0.1 and about 0.3, more preferably about
0.15 and 0.25 mm. Thus in one embodiment the filament used to manufacture the bristle
has a thickness such that it would fit into a circumference of a circle of from about
0.1 to about 0.4 mm.
[0044] To explain the invention, the individual regions of a bristle will be initially defined
below making reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a bristle 22 having a central fixing
region (CFR), which is fixed between the two mutually-twisted together wire segments
12, and the remaining flexible regions (FR).
[0045] The flexible regions (FR) are divided further into an active region (AR), which is
embodied to be suitable to come into contact with the eyelashes 70 of a user. The
remaining base region (BR) will generally be too deep into the interior of the brush
and will not come into contact with eyelashes 70 of a user during application of mascara.
Both regions, AR and BR, however will come into contact with mascara taken up from
the wiper 80 prior to application of mascara to the eyelashes 70. The FR may be from
about 2 to about 5 mm in length, and the AR may be then vary from about 0.8 to about
2 mm, respectively. Thus the AR may typically be from about 40% of the FR for short
bristles to about 20% of the FR for longer bristles.
[0046] The bristle 22 may have regions of different cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional
shape of the bristle 22 in the longitudinal direction can thereby change one or several
times. The bristle 22 may consist e.g. of sequential regions, with one or more round
or circular (C), oval, polygonal (in particular square, triangular, rectangular, or
octagonal), Y-shaped, crossed or star-shaped, annular, arc-shaped, circular or other
earlier described segment-shaped cross-sections. Due to the presence of recesses 40
along the bristle 22, other cross-sectional shapes such as substantially hourglass
or dumbbell (DB) may be created, for example, by embossing, so as to yield a cross-sectional
profile similar to that of goat hair.
[0047] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the cross-sections 28 of the bristles 22 varying
in shape lengthwise along the bristle 22. For example, recesses 40 may be located
substantially opposed to one another so as to confer a substantially hour glass or
dumbbell (DB) shaped cross-section. Typical minimum cross-sectional diameters of the
DB will be between about 0.05 and 0.125 mm and maximum cross-sectional diameters will
be between about 0.15 and 0.35 mm. In other regions lacking the recesses 40, the cross-section
28 is cylindrical (C) and diameters will typically be between about 0.1 to about 0.2
mm.
[0048] The recesses 40 on the bristles 22 according to the present invention may be made
by conventional methods such as indentation, etching, or embossing, such as with embossing
rollers. Typically recesses will be created on the fibers before they are cut to length
or profiled in the manufacture of the bristles. Typical geometries of the recesses
40 include substantially quadratic, elliptical, oval or circular shapes, and dimensions
of the recesses include lengths (x) along the axis of the bristle of between about
0.05 and about 0.18 mm, preferably between about 0.1 and about 0.14 mm. Typical widths
of the recesses (y) of the recesses will vary from about 0.03 to about 0.10, preferably
from about 0.05 to about 0.07 mm. Typical recesses will have an average maximum depth
(z) which is about 10 to about 40, preferably about 25 to about 35 % of the diameter
of the bristle 22. In other embodiments, the average maximum depth (z) is about 0.02
to about 0.12, preferably about 0.05 to about 0.08, most preferably about 0.06 mm.
[0049] The bristles 22 in the embodiment of Fig. 3 are seen to have an outer portion 24
made of a first, softer material and an inner portion 26 made of a second, harder
material. At least some of the bristles of the brush 1 according to the invention
have an outer portion 24 made of a first, softer material and an inner portion 26
made of a second, harder material. In various embodiments of the brush 1, more than
50, 75, 90%, or essentially all of the bristles 22 have an outer portion 24 made of
a first, softer material and an inner portion 26 made of a second, harder material.
In some embodiments such two component filaments are produced by co-extrusion. In
a specific embodiment, the inner portion 26 comprises PBT and optional additives and
the outer portion 24 comprises a thermoplastic elastomer and optional additives. Typical
additives are stabilizing or processing agents, colorants, or fillers common in the
plastics injection molding industries or may be conditioning, anti-static, antimicrobial
additives more common in the make-up industry.
[0050] The terms "softer" and "harder" refer to the relative hardness of the two materials,
and polymer or plastic hardness may be measured by a variety of methods. For example,
Shore hardness may be measured according to ISO 7619-1, ISO 868 and ASTM D2240 with
a portable hardness tester, and ball indentation hardness according to ISO 2039-1
ISO 2039-2 and Rockwell hardness according to ASTM D785 may be measured with laboratory
indentors. Some examples of suitable first, softer materials include thermoplastic
elastomers such as Styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), Thermoplastic olefins (TPE-o),
Elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), Thermoplastic
copolyester (TPE-E), Thermoplastic polyamides. Some examples of suitable second, harder
materials include thermoplastic engineering polymers such as polyesters like polybutylene
terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate or polyamides, as well as their copolymers
and blends with other polymers.
[0051] In some embodiments, the bristles 22 will contain fillers, such as glass or other
inorganic fibers for providing abrasive or strengthened mechanical properties. As
discussed later, these fiber fillers may be used to support the creation of fibrous
extensions (flagging) on the bristle. In specific embodiments the fillers may be in
particulate form. However in many embodiments of the present invention, the bristles
22 will substantially lack, preferably be free of, any outwardly protruding particles.
In certain embodiments the outer portion 24 made of a first, softer material will
contain additives to provide antimicrobial properties to inhibit the growth of bacteria
and mold.
[0052] In some embodiments, the bristles 22 have a tensile strength at breakpoint of more
than about 200, preferably about 100 N/mm
2 and/or an elongation at breakpoint of more than about 100%, both as measured analogously
to DIN EN ISO 527-1. In some further embodiments, the bristles 22 have a bending strength
of at least about 30, specifically about 40, more specifically about 50 mN as measured
analogously to DIN EN 53 121. In still further embodiments, the boiling shrinkage
of the bristles 22 in less than about 20, preferably about 15 % as measured analogously
to DIN 53 866 part 2.
[0053] In some embodiments, the outer portion 24 made of a first, softer material will be
in the form of a sheath over the inner portion 26 made of a second, harder material
in form of a core. In some embodiments the sheath thickness will be between about
0.005 and about 0.15, preferably about 0.01 and about 0.1, and more preferably about
0.015 and about 0.04 mm. In more specific embodiments, the bristles 22 will have a
total maximum diameter of about 2 mil to about 12 mil, alternatively about 0.1 to
about 0.4 mm. In alternative specific embodiments, the outer portion 24 will be less
than about 25% of the total mass or alternatively the thickness of the bristle 22.
[0054] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which recesses 40 are located along the length of the
bristle 22 and near the tapered end-section 30. The first recess 42 is located closest
to the bristle end 50 at a distance of about 0.15 to about 0.4 mm. The bristle 22
has a fibrous extension 60 located within the tapered end-section 30, in particular
here at the bristle end 50. Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which all of the bristles
22 end in a tapered end-section 30 having at least one fibrous extension 60. Some
of the bristles 22 are shown to have at least two fibrous extensions 60.
[0055] The fibrous extensions 60 in the present invention may be generated by conventional
flagging means and methods to split bristles one or more times near their tip in order
to increase their surface area and capacity for taking up material. The fibrous extensions
are also particularly beneficial for some applications involving contact of the bristle
with many sensitive nerves of the user, such as on the lips. In other cases, they
are very useful in applying liquid compositions, as in the case of nail polish. Such
flagging methods for bristles include sanding or grinding or polishing, adhering flocks
to the bristle core through thermal or chemical means, electrostatic deposition, cold
drawing them to the breaking point, subjecting them to an impact on their surface,
for example, by slitting them with sharp metal knife blades mounted on a rotating
spindle, or co-extrusion. In a preferred embodiment, the fibrous extensions 60 are
generated by means of sanding, grinding or polishing. Sanding is a preferred method
for creating flagging as it is a milder method. Sanding creates flagging or fibrous
extensions without splitting the bristle end into sections as with cutting methods.
Cutting bristle ends into sections would increase the volume and cause a "ballooning"
of the tip area, which would then be counter-productive for the separation properties
of the bristle and its brush. In order to support the creation of fibrous extensions,
the fibers or filaments used for manufacturing the bristles 22 may be filled with
reinforcing fibers such as glass or carbon fibers. Typical fibrous extensions 60 will
often be in the form of several separate partial cross-sections or fingers, often
yielding a fleecy or bulbous structure. The fibrous extensions 60 will typically often
have maximum end to end lengths when viewed under a microscope in unloaded form of
between about ¼ to about 4x, preferably from about 1/2 to about 3x their average bristle
diameter. Alternatively, they will have maximum end to end lengths of between about
1/5 to about 3x, specifically about ¼ to about 2x the taper length of their tapered
end-section 30.
[0057] Fig. 5 shows the interaction between a fibrous extension 60 of a bristle 22 embodiment
and two lashes 70 showing pay off (a) starting with the first contact of the two lashes
70 with the fibrous extension 60 and then (b) how the lashes 70 move the fibrous extension
60 so that it bends and substantially lays on the surface of the tapered end-section
30 of the bristle 22. Such behavior may be observed under a microscope upon testing
the take-up and pay-off of the brush 1 or its bristles 22 with cosmetic or healthcare
masses.
[0058] Fig. 6 shows the interaction between an orifice 82 of a wiper 80 and the fibrous
extensions 60 and the Flexible Region (FR) of the bristles 22. One sees in this figure
that the material loading on the fibrous extensions 60 remains substantially unaffected
by the wiping action as the fibrous extensions 60 have essentially no bending recovery
strength and thus are relatively unaffected by the wiping.
[0059] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a cosmetic or healthcare TWB brush 1 according to the
present invention for applying a cosmetic and/or healthcare mass, preferably mascara,
onto the hair or skin, preferably eyelashes 70. It may be seen that the brush 1 comprises
(i) a core section 10 and (ii) a bristle section 20, which comprises bristles 22,
wherein at least a portion of the bristles end in a tapered end-section 30. It can
be seen that the bristles 22 flare outwardly in various directions from the core section
10 so that their tips are closely packed together with little intervening free space
between them in this embodiment.
[0060] In various embodiments, at least about 50, specifically, 75, more specifically 90
%, most specifically substantially all of the bristles of the brush of the present
invention comprise (a) an outer portion 24 made of a first, softer material and an
inner portion 26 made of a second, harder material, and (b) a tapered end-section
30, wherein (c) the tapered end-section 30 has at least one, preferably more than
one, fibrous extension 60 located within the tapered end-section 30, preferred at
the bristle end 50.
[0061] The cosmetic brush 1 is not specifically limited and may be a foundation brush, concealer
brush, kabuki brush, stippling brush, angled blush brush, powder brush, angled brush,
contour brush, highlight fan brush, blending brush, eye liner brush, angled eyeliner
brush, eyeshadow brush, nail brush, nail polish brush, nail lacquer brush, bronzer
brush, shaving brush, lip brush, mascara brush, all-over eye shadow brush, lash/brow
comb/brush, smudger brush, fan brush, or blush brush. The healthcare brush 1 is also
not specifically limited and it may be for oral health care, for example, a toothbrush
or interdental brush, or for mucus membrane or bleaching treatment; or for dermal
care, such as prescription medicated skin care dermatology, OTC skin care, cosmetic
skin care or cosmeceuticals; or for eye care, such as application on the inside of
the eye (e.g. eye drops and ointment application, antibiotics or antimicrobials),
or external eye applications (e.g. infections, sty, lashes / brow treatments); or
for hair or scalp treatments; a nail, nail-lacquer, or nail-polish brush; or for ear,
nasal, foot, rectal or vaginal care of treatment; or for diagnostic treatments or
medical sampling; or for diagnostic, grooming, dermal, oral, eye or other healthcare
of animals.
[0062] The brush 1 may have a shape that is either rotationally symmetric or non-rotationally
symmetric, and the brush 1 may often fit into a tube having a maximum diameter of
12 mm.
[0063] The cosmetic and/or healthcare masses in the present invention are not specifically
limited and may include mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, nail lacquer, lip gloss and
other lip make-up, toothpaste, bleach, prescription medication, OTC medication, cosmeceuticals,
eye drops, eye ointment, antibiotics, antimicrobials, or nail polish.
[0064] While various embodiments have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, the
foregoing descriptions should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope herein.
Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives can occur to one
skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Reference Numbers
[0065]
1 cosmetic and healthcare brush
10 core section
12 wire segment
20 bristle section
22 bristle
24 outer portion
26 inner portion
28 cross-section
30 tapered end-section
35 taper length
40 recess
40' partial recess
42 first recess
45 separation distance
50 bristle end
60 fibrous extension
70 eyelash
80 wiper
82 wiper orifice
Reference Signs
AR = Active Region
BR = Base Region
C = Circular
CFR = Central Fixing Region
DB dumbbell
FR = Free Region
TWB = Twisted Wire Brush
1. A bristle (22) for a cosmetic and/or healthcare brush comprising:
an outer portion (24) made of a first, softer material and an inner portion (26) made
of a second, harder material, and
a tapered end-section (30),
wherein at least a portion of the bristle (22) has recesses (40) for applying a cosmetic
and/or healthcare mass, wherein
the tapered end-section (30) has at least one, preferably more than one, fibrous extension
(60) located within the tapered end-section (30), preferably at the bristle end (50),
wherein the fibrous extension (60) is split one or more times near its tip in order
to increase its surface area and capacity for taking up material.
2. The bristle (22) of claim 1, wherein the tapered end-section (30) has a taper length
(35) of from about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm and preferably ends in a chisel-like taper
consisting of either a single or a double angle cut tangentially to the axis of the
bristle core.
3. The bristle (22) of either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fibrous extension (60)
comprises the first, softer material.
4. The bristle (22) of either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fibrous extension (60)
comprises the second, harder material, preferably the first, softer material.
5. The bristle (22) of either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fibrous extension (60)
comprises a mass majority of the first, softer material and a mass minority of the
second, harder material.
6. The bristle (22) of either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fibrous extension (60)
comprises a mass majority of the second, harder material and a mass minority of the
first, softer material.
7. The bristle (22) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fibrous extension (60) is
selected to be suitably soft and flexible so that it may bend and substantially lay
on the surface of the tapered end-section (30) of the bristle (22), preferably while
retaining the residue of the picked up portion of the cosmetic and healthcare formulation
on the fibrous extension (60) after subsequent wiping of the bristle (22).
8. The bristle (22) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cross-section (28) of the
bristle (22) varies in shape lengthwise along the bristle (22).
9. The bristle (22) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recesses (40) are distributed
over the entire length of the bristle (22), preferably uniformly distributed over
the entire length.
10. The bristle (22) of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the recesses (40) are located
along the bristle length within a distance of 3 mm,
preferably 2 mm, from the far end of the tapered end-section (30) of the bristle (22).
11. The bristle (22) of either claim 9 or 10, wherein a minimum separation distance between
the recesses (40), measured from starting point to starting point of adjacent recesses
(40), along their bristle (22) is from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably about
0.2 to about 0.8, more preferably about 0.3 to about 0.6 mm.
12. The bristle (22) of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first recess (42) located
closest to the bristle end (50) along a bristle (22) is located at a distance of between
about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm from the bristle end (50), preferably about 0.2 to about
0.8, more preferably about 0.3 to about 0.6 mm, even more preferably within the tapered
end-section (30), most preferably the first recess (42) is a partial recess (40')
within the tapered end-section (30).
13. The bristle (22) of any one of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the bristle cross-section
(28) is non-cylindrical within and adjacent to the region of the recess (40).
14. The bristle (22) of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the recesses (40) on a bristle
(22) are located substantially opposed to one another, preferably so as to confer
the bristle (22) with a substantially hour glass or dumbbell (DB) shaped cross-section
(28) in the region of the bristle (22) containing said recesses (40), more preferably
so as to confer the bristle (22) with a cross-sectional profile similar to that of
goat hair.
15. A brush (1), preferably a cosmetic or healthcare brush, more preferably a cosmetic
or healthcare twisted wire brush (TWB), comprising one or more, preferably a majority,
of bristles (22) of any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. A dispenser, preferably a cosmetic or healthcare dispenser, comprising the brush (1)
of claim 15, preferably containing a cosmetic and/or healthcare mass.
1. Borste (22) für eine Kosmetik- und/oder Gesundheitsbürste mit:
einem äußeren Abschnitt (24) aus einem ersten, weicheren Material und einem inneren
Abschnitt (26) aus einem zweiten, härteren Material, und einem sich verjüngenden Endabschnitt
(30),
wobei
zumindest ein Teil der Borste (22) Vertiefungen (40) zum Auftragen einer kosmetischen
und/oder gesundheitsfördernden Masse aufweist, wobei
der sich verjüngende Endabschnitt (30) mindestens einen, vorzugsweise mehr als einen
faserigen Fortsatz (60) aufweist, der sich innerhalb des sich verjüngenden Endabschnitts
(30), vorzugsweise am Borstenende (50), befindet, wobei der faserige Fortsatz (60)
in der Nähe seiner Spitze ein- oder mehrmals gespalten ist, um seinen Oberflächenbereich
und seine Kapazität zur Materialaufnahme zu vergrößern.
2. Borste (22) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der sich verjüngende Endabschnitt (30) eine Keillänge
(35) von etwa 0,2 mm bis etwa 1 mm aufweist und vorzugsweise in einer meißelartigen
Verjüngung endet, die entweder aus einem einzigen oder einem doppelten Winkelschnitt
tangential zur Achse des Borstenkerns besteht.
3. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, wobei der faserige Fortsatz (60) aus
dem ersten, weicheren Material besteht.
4. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, wobei der faserige Fortsatz (60) aus
dem zweiten, härteren Material, vorzugsweise aus dem ersten, weicheren Material besteht.
5. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, wobei der faserige Fortsatz (60) einen
größeren Massenanteil des ersten, weicheren Materials und einen kleineren Massenanteil
des zweiten, härteren Materials aufweist.
6. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, wobei der faserige Fortsatz (60) einen
größeren Massenanteil des zweiten, härteren Materials und einen kleineren Massenanteil
des ersten, weicheren Materials aufweist.
7. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei der faserige Fortsatz (60) so
ausgewählt ist, dass er entsprechend weich und flexibel ist, so dass er sich biegen
und im Wesentlichen auf der Oberfläche des sich verjüngenden Endabschnitts (30) der
Borste (22) aufliegen kann, vorzugsweise während er den Rückstand der aufgenommenen
Menge des kosmetischen und gesundheitsfördernden Präparats auf dem faserigen Fortsatz
(60) nach dem anschließenden Abstreifen der Borste (22) zurückhält.
8. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei der Querschnitt (28) der Borste
(22) in Längsrichtung entlang der Borste (22) in seiner Form variiert.
9. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei die Vertiefungen (40) über die
gesamte Länge der Borste (22) verteilt sind, vorzugsweise gleichmäßig über die gesamte
Länge verteilt sind.
10. Borste (22) nach Anspruch 9, wobei mindestens ein Teil der Vertiefungen (40) entlang
der Borstenlänge in einem Abstand von 3 mm, vorzugsweise 2 mm, vom entfernten Ende
des sich verjüngenden Endabschnitts der Borste (22) angeordnet ist (30).
11. Borste (22) nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei ein minimaler Trennabstand zwischen den
Vertiefungen (40), gemessen von Startpunkt zu Startpunkt benachbarter Vertiefungen
(40), entlang ihrer Borste (22) etwa 0,1 mm bis etwa 1,0 mm, vorzugsweise etwa 0,2
bis etwa 0,8, noch bevorzugter etwa 0,3 bis etwa 0,6 mm beträgt.
12. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, wobei die erste Vertiefung (42), die
sich am nächsten zum Borstenende (50) entlang einer Borste (22) befindet, sich in
einem Abstand zwischen etwa 0,1 mm und etwa 1,0 mm vom Borstenende (50), vorzugsweise
etwa 0,2 bis etwa 0,8, bevorzugter etwa 0,3 bis etwa 0,6 mm, noch bevorzugter innerhalb
des sich verjüngenden Endabschnitts (30) befindet, am meisten bevorzugt ist die erste
Vertiefung (42) eine Teilvertiefung (40') innerhalb des sich verjüngenden Endabschnitts
(30).
13. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12, wobei der Borstenquerschnitt (28) innerhalb
und angrenzend an den Bereich der Vertiefung (40) nicht zylindrisch ist.
14. Borste (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 13, wobei die Vertiefungen (40) an einer
Borste (22) im Wesentlichen einander gegenüberliegend angeordnet sind, vorzugsweise
so, dass sie der Borste (22) einen im Wesentlichen sanduhr- oder hantelförmigen (DB-förmigen)
Querschnitt (28) in dem Bereich der Borste (22) verleihen, der die Vertiefungen (40)
enthält, bevorzugter so, dass sie der Borste (22) ein ähnliches Querschnittsprofil
wie Ziegenhaar verleihen.
15. Eine Bürste (1), vorzugsweise eine Kosmetik- oder Gesundheitsbürste, bevorzugter eine
verdrillte Drahtkosmetik- oder Gesundheitsbürste (TWB), die eine oder mehrere, vorzugsweise
eine Mehrheit von Borsten (22) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14 umfasst.
16. Spender, vorzugsweise ein Kosmetik- oder Gesundheitsspender, der die Bürste (1) nach
Anspruch 15 umfasst und vorzugsweise eine kosmetische und/oder gesundheitsfördernde
Masse enthält.
1. Poil (22) pour une brosse cosmétique et/ou sanitaire comprenant :
une partie extérieure (24) faite d'un premier matériau plus souple et une partie intérieure
(26) faite d'un second matériau plus dur, et
une section d'extrémité conique (30),
au moins une partie du poil (22) ayant des évidements (40) pour appliquer une masse
cosmétique et/ou sanitaire,
la section d'extrémité conique (30) ayant au moins un, de préférence plus d'un prolongement
fibreux (60) situé à l'intérieur de la section d'extrémité conique (30), de préférence
à l'extrémité du poil (50), le prolongement fibreux (60) étant fendu une ou plusieurs
fois près de sa pointe afin d'augmenter sa surface et sa capacité d'absorber de matériau.
2. Le poil (22) selon la revendication 1, la section d'extrémité conique (30) ayant une
longueur d'effilement (35) d'environ 0,2 mm à environ 1 mm et se terminant de préférence
en un effilement en forme de ciseau constituée soit d'un seul ou d'un double angle
coupé tangentiellement à l'axe de du noyau du poil.
3. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, le prolongement fibreux
(60) comprenant le premier matériau plus souple.
4. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, le prolongement fibreux
(60) comprenant le second matériau plus dur, de préférence le premier matériau plus
souple.
5. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, le prolongement fibreux
(60) comprenant une majorité en masse du premier matériau plus souple et une minorité
en masse du second matériau plus dur.
6. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, le prolongement fibreux
(60) comprenant une majorité en masse du second matériau plus dur et une minorité
en masse du premier matériau plus souple.
7. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, le prolongement fibreux
(60) étant sélectionnée de manière à être convenablement doux et flexible de sorte
qu'il puisse s'incurver et reposer essentiellement sur la surface de la section d'extrémité
s'effilant (30 ) du poil (22), de préférence tout en retenant le résidu de la partie
prélevée de la formulation cosmétique et sanitaire sur le prolongement fibreux (60)
après l'essuyage ultérieur du poil (22).
8. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, la section transversale
(28) du poil (22) variant en forme dans le sens de la longueur le long du poil (22).
9. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, les évidements (40)
étant répartis sur toute la longueur du poil (22), de préférence ils sont répartis
uniformément sur toute la longueur.
10. Le poil (22) selon la revendication 9, au moins une partie des évidements (40) étant
située le long de la longueur du poil à une distance de 3 mm, de préférence 2 mm,
de l'extrémité éloignée de la section d'extrémité conique (30) du poil (22).
11. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 ou 10, une distance de séparation
minimale entre les évidements (40), mesurée d'un point de départ à un point de départ
d'évidements adjacents (40), le long de leur poil (22) étant d'environ 0,1 mm à environ
1,0 mm, de préférence d'environ 0,2 à environ 0,8, plus préférentiellement d'environ
0,3 à environ 0,6 mm.
12. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, le premier évidement
(42) situé le plus près de l'extrémité de poil (50) le long d'un poil (22) étant situé
à une distance comprise entre environ 0,1 mm et environ 1,0 mm de l'extrémité de poil
(50), de préférence environ 0,2 à environ 0,8, plus préférentiellement environ 0,3
à environ 0,6 mm, encore plus préférentiellement à l'intérieur de la section d'extrémité
conique (30), le plus préférentiellement le premier évidement (42) est un évidement
partiel (40') à l'intérieur de la section d'extrémité conique (30).
13. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 12, la section transversale
du poil (28) étant non cylindrique à l'intérieur de et adjacente à la région de l'évidement
(40).
14. Le poil (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 13, les évidements (40)
sur un poil (22) étant situés sensiblement opposés l'un à l'autre, de préférence de
manière à conférer au poil (22) une section transversale (28) ayant essentiellement
la forme d'un sablier ou d'un haltère (DB) dans la région du poil (22) contenant lesdits
évidements (40), plus préférentiellement de manière à conférer au poil (22) un profil
en coupe transversale similaire à celui de poils de chèvre.
15. Une brosse (1), de préférence une brosse cosmétique ou sanitaire, plus préférentiellement
une brosse métallique torsadée cosmétique ou sanitaire (TWB), comprenant un ou plusieurs,
de préférence une majorité de poils (22) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 14.
16. Distributeur, de préférence un distributeur cosmétique ou sanitaire comprenant la
brosse (1) selon la revendication 15 et contenant de préférence une masse cosmétique
et/ou sanitaire.