FIELD

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional

Application No. 62/532,299 filed on July 13, 2017, and incorporates that application by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to facial brushes, and more particularly for a brush head for a facial brush.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Brushes are used for various purposes. Facial brushes often used by women and men to wash their face. Facial brushes can help improve skin tone, reduce breakouts and blemishes, and improve the application of moisturizers and cremes. Cleaning brushes are used to clean in various environments including the home and office.

[0004] Currently there are rotating brushes, where the bristles rotate in a circular motion, to improve cleansing. Rotating bristles are useful to get the soap into the nooks and crannies of the user's face. They are also good for lathering soap.

[0005] There are also sonic brushes, in which have bristles that oscillate, rather than rotate. Sonic brushers are good at loosening embedded dirt and applying lotions.

[0006] Such brushes generally utilize a brush head with bristles arranged in a conventional configuration. Some brushes also include a massage head. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The present invention I s illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0008] Figures 1 A-1 G show views of a first embodiment of a brush head.

[0009] Figures 2A-2E show an interior view of one embodiment of a brush which may be used with the present brush head.

[0010] Figures 3A-3G show views of a second embodiment of a brush head.

[0011] Figures 4A-4G show views of a third embodiment of a brush head.

[0012] Figures 5A-5G show views of a fourth embodiment of a brush head.

[0013] Figures 6A-6G show views of a fifth embodiment of a brush head.

[0014] Figures 7A-7G show views of a sixth embodiment of a brush head.

[0015] Figures 8A-8G show views of a seventh embodiment of a brush head.

[0016] Figure 9 is a flowchart of one embodiment of using the brush head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] An improved brush head is described. The brush head includes one or more radially symmetric ribbons, which form ribbons and channels on the brush head. The ribbons are made of silicone or a similar material, in one

embodiment. The ribbons in one embodiment have varying heights. In one embodiment, the variation in height is smooth, forming "waves" within the ribbon. The brush head is designed to be used with a brush which combines rotation and sonic vibration. This type of dual motor brush optimizes the effect of the brush head. In one embodiment, the dual motor brush described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15/161 ,164 filed on 5/20/2016 may be used. That application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0018] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, showing by way of illustration specific embodiments of practicing the invention. Description of these embodiments is in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. One skilled in the art understands that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical, functional and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[0019] Figure 1 A-1 H show various views of one embodiment of a brush head. Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of the brush head. The perspective view shows the six pie slices formed by sets of aligned ribbons and channels, and the larger channels between the pie slices. Figure 1 B shows the detail of the circle of Figure 1A. As can be seen, each of the ribbons has a wave-like top, with smooth changes in elevation. In one embodiment, the waves in adjacent ribbons are slightly offset, as shown in the illustration.

[0020] Figure 1 C illustrates the top view of the brush head of Figure 1A. This view shows more clearly the pie slices, and the changes in angles between them. As can be seen, the pattern is radially symmetric, with ribbons extending toward the outer circumference of the brush head. In one embodiment, the pie slices are identical, with ribbons extending from one side of the wedge toward the outer circumference of the brush, evenly spaced. In one embodiment, the angles are horizontal, 60 degrees from horizontal, and 120 degrees from horizontal. Thus, two of the pie slices have each orientation. Note that the particular angle may be varied, and this is just an exemplary configuration. In one embodiment, the ribbons are regularly spaced within each pie slide. In another embodiment, the spacing of the ribbons may be irregular. For example, one pie slice may have a spacing of 0.5mm while another pie slice has a spacing of 1 mm. In one embodiment, the spacing within a wedge may also vary, regularly or irregularly.

[0021] Figure 1 D is a side view, showing the brush head from the side. It shows the curved base of the brush, and the ribbons extending down the base toward the bottom of the brush head.

[0022] Figure 1 E shows a cross-sectional view at the location shown in Figure 1 C, showing the "base" of the brush with the ribbons and channels more clearly. Figures 1 F an 1 G illustrate two detail diagrams, showing exemplary dimensions for the ribbons, waves, and channels. In one embodiment, the ribbon thickness is between 0.2mm and 0.5mm. In one embodiment, each ribbon is 0.38 mm thick. In one embodiment, the ribbon thickness does not vary along the length of a ribbon. In another embodiment, the ribbon thickness may vary, for example thinning toward the edge of the brush head. In one embodiment, different ribbons may have different thickness, for example ribbons near the center may be thicker than ribbons near the edge, or vice versa.

[0023] In one embodiment, the width of the channel is between 0.5mm and 3 mm. The channel width in one embodiment is 1 .81 mm, that is approximately 4.5 times the width of the ribbon. In one embodiment, the wave size is consistent, and the wavelength, e.g. the distance between two peaks, is 2.25mm. In one

embodiment, the wave in the ribbon has a height difference of 0.74mm. In one embodiment, the height may vary between 0.5mm and 1 .5mm from the base of the brush head to the top of a peak.

[0024] In one embodiment, the wave is not a perfect sine wave, but rather a flattened sine wave, in which the tops and bottoms of the waves are flattened. In another embodiment, the wave may be a perfect sine wave. In another embodiment, the wave may be a trapezoid wave, or another wave form. Figure 1 H illustrates the back of the brush head, showing that it includes an attachment mechanism to the brush body.

[0025] In one embodiment, the design of the brush head is made so that when it is used with a brush providing micro-pivots (a combination of vibratory and oscillatory motions) a soap, foam, or other such material squirted into the center of the brush head is distributed evenly toward the outside of the brush head providing a large effective area of coverage. The uneven height of the ribbon enables a more even distribution of lather and cleansing, as the brush oscillates and vibrates.

[0026] Figure 2A is an interior view of one embodiment of the brush body which may be used with the brush head of the present application. An exemplary brush body 210 is shown in outline. The gearing 220 inside is used to combine motion from a rotation motor 230 and a sonic vibration motor 240. In one

embodiment, planetary gearing is used, in which the gearing combines the rotation from the rotation motor 230 with the vibration from the vibration motor 240 to create micro-rotations. In one embodiment, the vibration motor 240 drives the annulus. The rotation motor 230 drives the sun gear. The planet gears sum those motions and move the carrier on which the brush is affixed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the planetary gearing permits adjustment of the rotation and vibration, and their ratios. Figure 2A shows the exemplary gearing, without the motors. Figure 2B shows one embodiment of motors 230, 240. It should be understood that the configuration shown is merely an exemplary configuration, and the present brush head may be used with a different type of brush body.

Furthermore, the appearance of the brush body, brush head, gearing, and motors may be altered.

[0028] Figure 2C shows the gearing and motors from a different perspective and shows the loop 246 which is attached to the ring gear 235 and through which the sonic vibration motor 240 moves the ring gear 235 back and forth in sonic vibration.

[0029] Figure 2D shows the gearing from below, showing an exemplary planetary gearing 234, as well as the gears 242 and 244 which couple the sonic vibration motor 240 to the ring gear 235. The carrier 233 is coupled to the cover 238, which moves the shaft 252. Figure 2E shows the gearing and motors from a different angle. The sonic vibration motor 240 moves the ring gear 235, the ring gear 235 moves the planetary gears 234 which moves the carrier 233 which moves the cover 238 which moves the shaft 252. The rotation motor 230 drives the sun gear 232 which drives the planetary gears 234 which move the carrier 233 which moves the cover 238 which moves the shaft 252. When both the sonic vibration motor 240 and the rotation motor 230 are active, the shaft 252 is driven by cover 238 which is driven by carrier 233 which is the sum of the movement through planetary gears 234 and ring gear 235.

[0030] It should be understood that the configuration shown is merely an exemplary configuration. The appearance of the brush, brush head, gearing, and motors may be altered.

[0031] Figures 3A-3G show views of another embodiment of a brush head. As can be seen, in this configuration the ribbons are all oriented radially and of varying lengths. The ribbons 320 remain radially symmetric. In one embodiment, the spacing of the ribbons 320 at the outer circumference 330 is even. In one embodiment, each sub-segment includes a number of ribbons. In this illustration, there are 6 sub-segments, defined by the six longest ribbons. Each sub-segment, in one embodiment, includes the same number and positioning of ribbons. In one embodiment, there is one long extension in each segment, and a total of four lengths of ribbons, from the longest which is between 70% and 90% of the radius of the brush head, to the shortest which is 10% to 25% of the radius. The other extension lengths are between these two. In one embodiment, the starting portion of each extension, which is toward the center of the brush head, has a ball nose end. In another embodiment, the ribbons may be broken up, or ribbons may terminate before the edge of the brush head. In one embodiment, each ribbon has a thickness between 0.2mm and 0.5mm. The top of each ribbon is wavy. In one embodiment, the wave may be sinusoidal as shown, or another shape. The uneven height of the ribbon enables a more even distribution of lather and cleansing, as the brush oscillates and vibrates.

[0032] Figures 4A-4G show views of another embodiment of a brush head. As can be seen in this configuration the ribbon is a single curvilinear piece, forming a flower-like shape. However, the shape created by the ribbon 420 remains radially symmetric. In one embodiment, the height of the ribbon ranges from 1 .5mm to 0mm at the outer circumference 430 of the brush head. In another embodiment, the height range is between 0.5mm and 1.5mm. In one embodiment, there is a gap in the ribbon at the outside circumference so that water or other materials are not trapped within the loops of the ribbon. In one embodiment, the ribbon is of a uniform height.

[0033] Figures 5A-5G show another embodiment of a brush head. As can be seen in this configuration the ribbon is a single curvilinear extension which forms loops that extend from the center to the edge of the brush head. Unlike the flowerlike shape of the prior embodiment, this embodiment forms shapes resembling jigsaw puzzle pieces. The shaped formed by the ribbon remains radially symmetric. In one embodiment, the height of this ribbon ranges from 0 mm to 1 .5mm. In another embodiment, the height can range from 0mm to 2mm. In one embodiment, the pattern for each of the portions of the shape repeats, forming a regular pattern, here shown as 6 puzzle-piece shaped patterns, which extend from the center to the edge of the brush head.

[0034] Figures 6A-6G illustrate one embodiment of a brush head. This embodiment includes a single ribbon as well, but rather than being curvilinear, the extension has sharp edges making a zig-zag pattern. In one embodiment, the shape created by the single ribbon remains radially symmetric, and has a consistent height of between 0.5mm and 2mm. In another embodiment, the height may range between 0 mm and 2mm.

[0035] Figures 7A-7G illustrate one embodiment of a brush head. This embodiment includes a plurality of parabolic ribbons arranged in a way to create four segments in the circular brush head. Each segment includes a plurality of largely parallel parabolic lines. In one embodiment, the center includes a diamond shape. In one embodiment, this design remains radially symmetric, and each parabola has a consistent height of between 0.5mm and 2mm. In another embodiment, the height may range between 0 mm and 2mm. In one embodiment, the spacing between the largely parallel parabolas ranges from 0.5mm to 1 mm.

[0036] Figure 8A-8G illustrate one embodiment of a brush head. This embodiment includes a plurality of parabolic ribbons arranged in a way to create four segments in the circular brush head. Each segment includes a plurality of largely parallel parabolic lines. In one embodiment, the tops of the largest parabolas create a shape in the center of the brush head. In one embodiment, this design remains radially symmetric, and each parabola has a consistent height of between 0.5mm and 2mm. In another embodiment, the height may range between 0 mm and 2mm. In one embodiment the spacing between the largely parallel parabolas ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the spacing of the parabolas changes between the leg of the parabola and the center portion of the parabola.

[0037] As can be seen from the variety of examples of brush heads illustrated in Figures 1A through 8G, the brush head includes one or more ribbons and channels, made of an elastomer, such as silicone. In another embodiment, natural or manmade rubber may be used. Other materials which provide flexibility and rigidity may be used. Other materials, such as synthetic polyisoprenes and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) may be utilized. In one embodiment, the individual ribbons have a height between 0.2mm and 2mm. In one embodiment, the ribbons may have a wavy top, with the wave extending to a significant portion of the height of the ribbon. In one embodiment, the ribbon overall height (with or without the wave) may be consistent. In another embodiment, he height of some ribbons may range from the full height to 0mm, as the termination of a particular ribbon may make the ribbon even with the edge of the brush head. In one embodiment, a spacing between ribbons may range between 0.5mm and 2mm at their narrowest. In some configurations, there may be portions where the spacing between ribbons is significantly greater. In some embodiments, the ribbons may have smooth curvatures, while in others the ribbons may have sharp corners.

[0038] In one embodiment, due to the material used, the brush head can be easily cleaned, under running water, in the dish washer, or in boiling water or an autoclave. In one embodiment, the shape of the ribbons of the brush head are designed to have an optically pleasing appearance when the brush is not in use, and when the brush is in use.

[0039] In one embodiment, when the brush is in use with the brush head, the brush head pattern may produce an optically pleasing appearance, due to the wagon-wheel effect, also known as a stroboscopic effect, which produces an optical illusion in which the brush head appears to rotate differently from its true rotation. This is due to the combination of rotation and vibration, when the brush head is used with the oscillating and vibrating brush described. In one embodiment, individual rows or sub-portions of the pattern may appear to rotate separately at different rates. This produces visually attractive patterns, which vary based on the settings of the brush. [0040] Figure 9 is a flowchart of one embodiment of using a brush with the brush head. The process starts at block 910.

[0041] At block 920, the brush head is attached to the brush. In one embodiment, this step may be done at any time, and may only be done periodically, when changing brush heads or cleaning the brush head.

[0042] At block 930, the user sets the brush settings for vibration and rotation/oscillation. As discussed in co-pending application, the brush includes both vibration and rotation motors, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, these settings may be maintained between uses.

[0043] At block 940, a preparation is applied to the user's face, or the brush head. The preparation may be a lotion, soap, cleanser, creme, or other material which may be used with the brush.

[0044] At block 950, the brush is used. The combination of rotation and vibration produces micromotions. These micromotions, with the ribbons in the brush head produce excellent cleansing results. In one embodiment, due to the shape of the ribbons in the brush head and the combination of rotation and vibration, the preparation is distributed throughout the brush head providing an excellent cleansing surface, and efficient cleansing.

[0045] At block 960, the user turns off the brush. In one embodiment, a quick rinse would be sufficient to remove the residue of the preparation and any skin particles from the silicone brush head.

[0046] However, periodically the user may wish to deep clean the brush head. At block 970, the user deep cleans the brush head. This may be done periodically, such as once a day, once a week, or once a month depending on the user's skin, preparations used, and frequency of use. In one embodiment, the user rinses the brush head after use each time. Because the brush head is silicone or another elastomer, skin particles do not cling, and it is easy to clean. In one embodiment, the brush head is made of silicone, and thus deep cleaning may include boiling, dish washer, autoclave, or any other mechanism. In one

embodiment, the user is encouraged to periodically clean the brush head. In one embodiment, the brush itself may indicate that it is time to clean the brush head. This may be based on elapsed time, number of minutes of use, preparation data, weight, or other factors. The process then ends at block 980.

[0047] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.