Ultrasonic Makeup Brush System and Method

The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/193,416 filed Jul. 16, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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The present invention generally relates to an ultrasonic brush system and a method for applying makeup with an ultrasonic brush.

Makeup can be very expensive. Conventional makeup applicators, such as makeup brushes, can sometimes waste makeup when transferring the makeup from a makeup case to a user of the product.

The present invention provides an improved makeup brush and method of applying makeup.

The present invention provides a brush for applying makeup ultrasonically. The brush includes bristles, a vibrating motor and a source of power. The vibrating motor imparts an ultrasonic vibration to the bristles. Makeup is applied to a user while the motor is turned on to vibrate the bristles.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a brush for applying makeup with ultrasonically vibrating bristles is provided. The brush includes a handle, a plurality of bristles configured for applying makeup connected at a first end of the handle, a source of power associated with the handle, and a vibrating motor in the handle connected to the source of power. The vibrating motor, when turned on, creates ultrasonic vibration in the bristles. A switch for activating the vibrating motor is positioned on the handle.

The vibrating motor can be adjustable. A switch can be provided for variable speed adjustment of the adjustable motor.

The power source is preferably contained in the handle. The power source can be one or more batteries. Alternatively, the power source could be via a plug and cord using an electrical receptacle.

The bristles can have a plurality of configurations depending on the makeup brush's intended use. For example, the bristles can be configured for foundation, blush, liquid makeup, powdered makeup, bronzer, eye shadow, etc.

The brush can comprise a removable first bristle holder for holding the bristles. Additionally, the brush can comprise a removable second bristle holder for holding bristles having a different configuration or use. Additional holders can be provided for other bristle types. The holders can be moved to/from the handle as needed. A magnetic coupling system can be provided for quick and easy removal and replacement of the bristle holders.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of applying makeup using ultrasound is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a makeup brush having a handle, bristles connected to the handle, and a vibrating motor, applying makeup to the bristles, activating the vibrating motor to vibrate the bristles and applying makeup to a user with the vibrating bristles. The method can further comprise the step of adjusting a speed of the vibrating motor.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a makeup application device is provided. The makeup application device comprises a handle having a vibrating motor and a makeup applicator connected to the handle. The applicator can be a foam pad, sponge, cotton applicator, non-woven pad, etc.

Another feature that can be included is adding a light to the handle of the brush or other device.

Further aspects of the invention are disclosed in the Figures and Attachments, and are described herein.

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

The present invention is directed to a makeup brush 10 having a handle 12 and a plurality of bristles 14 connected to one end of the handle 12. The handle 12 is hollow and is shown in the embodiment as being tubular. However, other shapes can be utilized. Unlike toothbrushes, the plurality of bristles 14 for the makeup brush 10 extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12.

The makeup brush 10 includes an internal vibrating motor 16 (see FIG. 5) located in the hollow interior of the handle 12 to create ultrasonic vibration of the bristles 14. The vibrating motor 16 can be powered by an internal battery 18 (FIG. 7) held in an internal battery holder 20 (see FIG. 4). A spring 22 (FIG. 8) is utilized to position and bias the battery 18 to maintain an electrical contact. While a single battery is held in the handle of the brush 10 shown in the Figures, additional batteries or other power sources (e.g., the brush could plug into a wall receptacle, solar power, etc.) could be utilized.

A switch 24 located on the handle 12 can be used to activate and deactivate the motor 16. The switch can be an on/off switch. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, twisting the middle portion of the handle with respect to an end portion turns on the vibrating motor 16. Other on/off switches could also be used.

Alternatively, a variable speed switch, or other similar switches or controls, can be employed to vary or adjust the speed of the vibration. Additionally, the switch or other controls can include a timer to turn off the brush after a set time.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bristles 14 of the brush 10 extend outward from a bristle holder 26 connected at an end of the handle 12. The brush 10 is designed to allow for interchangeable holders 26 and/or bristles 14 to handle different makeup applications. For example, different holders with different bristle types (e.g., bristles having a particular length, stiffness, etc.) can be used for application of foundation, blush, bronzer, liquid makeup, powder makeup, eye shadow, etc. The bristles are designed to apply and blend makeup.

In operation, the brush is used to apply makeup via the ultrasonic vibration energy imparted by the vibrating motor 16 to the bristles 14. In one embodiment, the brush is turned on after application of makeup to the bristles 14. The brush 10 then uses ultrasonic vibration during transfer of the makeup from the bristles 14 to a user. The ultrasonic vibration facilitates application of a smooth, even coat of makeup and for blending layers of makeup.

In an alternative embodiment, the brush 10 is turned on prior to application of the makeup to the bristles 14 and is utilized to collect makeup onto the bristles 14 prior to application to the user. Once makeup is collected on the bristles, the ultrasonic vibration is used to apply the makeup to the user as set forth above.

The ultrasonic brush 10 allows for use of less makeup than typically needed when using conventional brushes. This can result in significant savings in expensive makeup.

Referring to FIG. 9, the brush 10 can include a magnetic coupling system between the bristle holder 26 and the handle 12. This allows for easily connecting a bristle holder 26 to the handle 12, as well as removing and replacing it with a different holder 26.

The holder 26 is provided with a centrally located magnet 30. This magnet 30 mates with a centrally located magnet 32 at the end of the handle portion 12. The magnets 30, 32 keep the holder 26 in place while allowing for quickly removing and changing the holder.

The present invention can also be utilized with other types of makeup applicators. For example, rather than a brush with bristles, an ultrasonic vibrating motor can be implemented with a foam applicator connected to a handle with an ultrasonic vibrating motor. Alternatively, other applicators can include sponges, foam pads, cotton applicators, non-woven pads, etc.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be protected otherwise than as specifically described.