Description MASCARA BRUSH

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to mascara brushes and, more particularly, to a mascara brush in which a bristle part for applying mascara to eyelashes and a comb part for tidying the eyelashes are integrally formed around the brush body through an injection molding process, thus simplifying manufacturing equipment and manufacturing and assembling processes, thereby reducing production costs and enhancing workability and productivity. Background Art

[2] Generally, a mascara applicator is used to apply various colors of mascara, which is one kind of cosmetic for women, to eyelashes to beautify the eyes. Typically, such a mascara applicator includes a container, which contains mascara therein, and a handle, which is used when opening or closing the container. The mascara applicator further includes a brush bar, which extends from the handle downwards, and a brush, which is provided on the brush bar. To use the mascara applicator, the mascara is applied to the brush in a process of coupling and removing the handle to and from the container.

[3] Particularly, the mascara brush can conduct various functions, for example, a vo- lumizing function (an effect of making eyelashes appear abundant), a curling function (an effect of curling the ends of the eyelashes upwards), a lash lengthening function (an effect of making the eyelashes appear long) and a cleaning function (an effect of preventing the eyelashes from aggregating), according to the length and shape of bristles of the mascara brush.

[4] Typically, mascara brushes are manufactured through a process in which brush bristles having predetermined lengths are placed between two strands of wire and the wires are twisted several times such that the cross-section thereof has various shapes, for example, a circular shape, a triangular shape or a sectorial shape, based on the center axis of the wires. According to the shape of the cross-section of the brush, it can exhibit a volumizing, curling, lash lengthening or cleaning effect.

[5] Such a mascara brush must have a superior combing effect to evenly apply mascara, which has a relatively high viscosity, to eyelashes and prevent the eyelashes from becoming tangled or adhered to each other by the mascara. In the case of the conventional mascara brush, because the bristles are arranged in a spiral shape by twisting the wires, a relatively large amount of mascara can be applied between the bristles, so that the effect of volumizing the eyelashes is ensured. However, due to the viscosity of the mascara, the eyelashes may be tangled or adhered to each other. In this case, a

separate eyelash tidying device is required to tidy the eyelashes, or, alternatively, a user may have to reapply mascara after removing the originally applied mascara.

[6] In an effort to overcome the above problems, a mascara brush having a tidying brush unit was proposed.

[7] FIG. 1 is an exploded front view showing a conventional mascara brush having an applying brush unit and a tidying brush unit.

[8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing another conventional mascara brush.

[9] As shown in the drawings, the mascara brush includes the applying brush unit 3, which is a means for applying mascara to eyelashes. To manufacture the applying brush unit 3, bristles 31, each of which has a predetermined length, are perpendicularly interposed between parts of a wire, which is bent at the intermediate position thereof and is thus folded in half. Thereafter, the folded parts of the wire are twisted a predetermined number of times. Then, the bristles 31 are radially fastened to the wire shaft 21, which is formed by twisting the wire.

[10] The applying brush unit 3 has a cut part, which is formed by cutting some of the bristles 31, which are perpendicularly fastened to one side of the wire shaft 21. The applying brush unit 3, which is manufactured through the above-mentioned process, is integrally coupled to the lower end of a brush body.

[11] The tidying brush unit 4 is a means for tidying the eyelashes, to which mascara is applied by the applying brush unit 3. The tidying brush unit 4 includes a comb 42, which protrudes outwards from a support member 41.

[12] The support member 41 serves to fasten the comb 42 to the cut part 32 of the applying brush 3, and the circumference thereof is equal to that of the brush body. Furthermore, the length of the support member 41 is equal to or slightly greater than the length of the wire shaft 21, which protrudes from the lower end of the brush body, such that the support member 41 can be integrally coupled to the applying brush unit 3.

[13] The support member 41 has in the upper end thereof an insert hole 44, through which the wire shaft 21 is inserted so as to be integrally coupled to the support member 41. An insert seat 43 is formed in the lower end of the support member 41, so that the lower end of the wire shaft 21 is inserted into and fastened to the insert seat 43 of the support member 41. Furthermore, because the support member 41 must be disposed on the cut part 32 of the applying brush unit 3, the upper end and the lower end of the support member 41, having the insert hole 44 and the insert seat 43, are supported by a side bar 45. Thus, the support member 41 has a U shape, and the cross-section thereof has a sectorial shape corresponding to the shape of the cut part 32.

[14] The comb 42 perpendicularly protrudes from the circumferential outer surface of the side bar 45 of the support member 41 to thus form a single comb, and serves to comb the eyelashes. In detail, the comb 42 is arranged linearly and perpendicularly extends

from the side bar 45 to lengths corresponding to the lengths to which the bristles 31 protrudes from the wire shaft 21 of the applying brush unit 3. The teeth of the comb 42 are made of synthetic resin, which is the same material of the support member 41, and each comb tooth is thicker and harder than each bristle 31 of the applying brush unit 3. The teeth of the comb 42, which are linearly arranged, are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. Therefore, the tidying brush unit 4 has a shape similar to that of a typical straight comb.

[15] However, in the conventional mascara brush, the applying brush unit 3 and the tidying brush unit 4 are manufactured through separate processes and are subsequently assembled with each other. Therefore, labor and equipment are required to conduct the additional assembly process, thus incurring additional costs.

[16] Furthermore, the manufacture of the applying brush unit 3 requires a complex manufacturing process, in which a large number of bristles having predetermined lengths is held between parts of the wire and the wire is thereafter twisted in a spiral shape such that the bristles 31 are radially fastened to the wire shaft 21. In addition, because the tidying brush unit 4 is manufactured through a separate injection molding process, separate molding equipment is required. Therefore, the conventional mascara brush has problems of increased production costs and reduced productivity, attributable to the complex production line. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[17] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mascara brush in which a bristle part for applying mascara to eyelashes and a comb part for tidying the eyelashes are integrally formed around the brush body through an injection molding process, thus simplifying manufacturing equipment and manufacturing and assembling processes, thereby reducing production costs and enhancing workability and productivity. Technical Solution

[18] In order to accomplish the above object, in an aspect, the present invention provides a mascara brush, including a bristle part for applying mascara to eyelashes, and a comb part for tidying the eyelashes, the bristle part and the comb part being integrally formed with a brush body through an injection molding process such that bristles of the bristle part are thin and comb teeth of the comb part are relatively thick.

[19] The bristle part and the comb part may be formed such that the bristles and the comb teeth are arranged around the brush body and are oriented in radial directions. In a first embodiment, the comb part may extend from the brush body in one direction.

[20] Alternatively, the comb part may comprise several rows of comb teeth, which are arranged on the brush body and aligned in a longitudinal direction of the brush body, and, preferably, the comb part comprises from one to five rows of comb teeth.

[21] Furthermore, in a second embodiment, the bristle part and the comb part may be formed such that the bristles and the comb teeth are arranged around the brush body and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part extends from the brush body in two opposite directions. Alternatively, in a third embodiment, the comb part may extend from the brush body in three directions spaced apart from each other at regular angular intervals. As a further alternative, the comb part may extend from the brush body in four directions spaced apart from each other at regular angular intervals.

[22] In the first through fourth embodiments, the brush body may have a polygonal cross- section having three or more angles. In this case, the comb part may be formed at corners of the polygonal cross-sectional brush body, and the bristle part may be formed on faces of the polygonal cross-sectional brush body.

[23] Furthermore, the brush body may have an elliptical cross-section.

[24] Preferably, the mascara brush may be made of one selected from among elastomer, silicone and plastics.

[25] In addition, each of the bristles of the bristle part may have a thickness ranging from

0.07mm to 0.13mm, and each of the comb teeth of the comb part may have a thickness ranging from 0.35mm to 0.41mm.

[26] In another aspect, the present invention provides a mascara brush, including: a bristle part for applying mascara to eyelashes, and a comb part for tidying the eyelashes, the bristle part and the comb part being integrally formed with a brush body through an injection molding process, wherein the bristle part comprises bristles, which are thin, each of the bristles having branches to have a snowflake shape, thus increasing an ability to absorb mascara, and the comb part comprises comb teeth, which are relatively thick to have strength suitable to conduct an eyelash tidying operation.

[27] The bristle part and the comb part may be formed such that the bristles and the comb teeth are arranged around the brush body and are oriented in radial directions. In a fifth embodiment, the comb part may comprise one row of comb teeth extending from the brush body in one direction.

[28] Alternatively, the comb part may comprise several rows of comb teeth arranged on the brush body in a longitudinal direction of the brush body, and, preferably, the comb part may comprise from one to five rows of comb teeth.

[29] In a sixth embodiment, the bristle part and the comb part may be formed such that the bristles and the comb teeth are arranged around the brush body and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part extends from the brush body in two opposite directions. In a seventh embodiment, the comb part may extend from the brush body in

three directions spaced apart from each other at regular angular intervals. In an eighth embodiment, the comb part may extend from the brush body in four directions spaced apart from each other at regular angular intervals.

[30] In the fifth through eighth embodiments, the brush body may have a polygonal cross- section having three or more angles. In this case, the comb part may be formed at corners of the polygonal cross-sectional brush body, and the bristle part may be formed on faces of the polygonal cross-sectional brush body.

[31] Alternatively, the brush body may have an elliptical cross-section.

[32] Preferably, the mascara brush may be made of one selected from among elastomer, silicone and plastics.

[33] In addition, each of the bristles of the bristle part may have a thickness ranging from

0.07mm to 0.13mm, and each of the comb teeth of the comb part may have a thickness ranging from 0.35mm to 0.41mm.

Advantageous Effects

[34] In a mascara brush according to the present invention, a bristle part for applying mascara to the eyelashes and a comb part for tidying the eyelashes are integrally formed through an injection molding process. Therefore, manufacturing equipment and manufacturing and assembling processes can be simplified, thus reducing production costs and enhancing workability and productivity.

Brief Description of the Drawings [35] FIG. 1 is an exploded front view showing a conventional mascara brush having an applying brush unit and a tidying brush unit;

[36] FIG. 2 is a front view showing another conventional mascara brush;

[37] FIG. 3 is a front view, a plan view and a side view of a mascara brush, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[38] FIG. 4 is plan views illustrating modifications of FIG. 3;

[39] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a mascara brush, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [40] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a mascara brush, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [41] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a mascara brush, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [42] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a mascara brush, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[43] FIG. 9 is plan views illustrating modifications of FIG. 8;

[44] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a mascara brush, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[45] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mascara brush, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and

[46] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a mascara brush, according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[47] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[48] FIG. 3 is a front view, a plan view and a side view of a mascara brush, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, in the mascara brush according to the present invention, a bristle part 120 for applying mascara to eyelashes and a comb part 130 for tidying the eyelashes are integrally formed with a brush body 110 through an injection molding process, such that each of the bristles 121 of the bristle part 120 is relatively thin, and each of the comb teeth 131 of the comb part 130 is relatively thick.

[49] As such, because the bristles 121 and the comb teeth 131 have different thicknesses, although they are made from the same material, the present invention can realize a structure in which the bristles 121 are easily bent and are relatively soft, and thus are able to conduct the same function as a conventional bristle brush, and such that the comb teeth 131 are not easily bent and are relatively hard, and thus are able to conduct the same function as a typical comb used for tidying the eyelashes.

[50] The brush body 110 has an approximately cylindrical shape, and is coupled to a brush handle (not shown). A coupling boss 111, through which the brush body 110 is coupled to the brush handle, is provided on one end of the brush body 110.

[51] Here, as a molding method used to radially form the bristle part 120 and the comb part 130, which have shapes corresponding to a large number of protrusions, around the brush body 110, an injection molding method may be used.

[52] The injection molding method is a well-known technique, and is one molding method that has been widely used. The present invention is manufactured using such an injection molding method. An example of the injection molding method used in the present invention will be briefly explained. Micro molds (not shown) are provided in a shape in which each micro mold surrounds the circumferential outer surface of the brush body 110. Thereafter, the bristles 121 and the comb teeth 131 are radially formed around the circumferential outer surface of the brush body 110 by injection molding.

[53] Here, the arrangement of the bristles 121 and the comb teeth 131 can be easily changed depending on the shape of the mold.

[54] Furthermore, the micro molds (not shown) are stacked on top of one another around the brush body 110 in the longitudinal direction, so that the bristles 121 and the comb

teeth 131 can be formed at the same time.

[55] FIG. 3 illustrates an example, in which one row of comb teeth 131 of the comb part

130 is provided on the circumferential outer surface of the brush body 110 and is oriented in one direction.

[56] FIG. 4 is plan views illustrating modifications of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the comb part 130 may be configured such that one row of comb teeth 131 radially extends from the outer surface of the brush body 110, or, alternatively, several rows of comb teeth 131 may be formed on the brush body 110.

[57] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a mascara brush according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in the second embodiment, a bristle part 120 and a comb part 130 are configured such that bristles 121 and comb teeth 131 are arranged around a brush body 110 and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part 130 extends from the brush body 110 in two opposite directions.

[58] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a mascara brush, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in the third embodiment, a bristle part 120 and a comb part 130 are configured such that bristles 121 and comb teeth 131 are arranged around a brush body 110 and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part 130 extends from the brush body 110 in three directions, spaced apart from each other at regular angular intervals.

[59] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a mascara brush, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in the fourth embodiment, a bristle part 120 and a comb part 130 are configured such that bristles 121 and comb teeth 131 are arranged around a brush body 110 and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part 130 extends from the brush body 110 in four directions spaced apart from each other at regular angular intervals.

[60] As can be appreciated from the first through fourth embodiments, the brush body 110 may have a polygonal cross-section having three or more angles, as an alternative to a circular cross-section.

[61] If the brush body 110 has a polygonal cross-section, a mascara brush may be constructed such that comb parts 130 are formed on the corners of the brush body 110 and the bristle parts 120 are formed on the faces of the brush body 110. In this case, preferably, the length of the comb teeth 131 of the comb part 130, which are formed at the corners of the brush body 110, is shorter than in the mascara brush having the circular brush body 110.

[62] Alternatively, the brush body 110 may have an elliptical cross-section. As a further alternative, the brush body 110 may be designed to have various other shapes.

[63] The mascara brush having the above-mentioned structure is preferably made of one selected from among elastomer, silicone and plastics.

[64] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that each bristle 121 of the bristle part 120 is relatively thin and each comb tooth 131 of the comb part 130 is relatively thick. Preferably, each bristle 121 of the bristle part 120 has a thickness ranging from 0.07mm to 0.13mm, and each comb tooth 131 of the comb part 130 has a thickness ranging from 0.35mm to 0.41mm.

[65] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a mascara brush, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the mascara brush according to the fifth embodiment includes a bristle part 120 for applying mascara to eyelashes and a comb part 130 for tidying the eyelashes. The bristle part 120 and the comb part 130 are integrally formed with a brush body 110 through an injection molding process.

[66] Here, the bristle part 120 is formed such that bristles 123 are relatively thin, and each bristle 123 has branches so that it thus has a snowflake shape, thus increasing the ability to absorb mascara. The comb part 130 is made of relatively hard material, such that comb teeth 131 thereof have strength appropriate to conduct an eyelash tidying operation.

[67] Referring to the plan view of FIG. 8, the bristle part 120 and the comb part 130 are formed such that the bristles 123 and the comb teeth 131 are arranged around the brush body 110 and are oriented in radial directions, and the one row of comb teeth 131 of the comb part 130 is oriented in one direction. Alternatively, as shown in plan views of FIG. 9 illustrating modifications of FIG. 8, the comb part 130 may be configured such that from one to five rows of comb teeth 131 radially extend from the brush body 110 in one direction.

[68] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a mascara brush, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in the sixth embodiment, a bristle part 120 and a comb part 130 are configured such that bristles 123 and comb teeth 131 are arranged around a brush body 110 and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part 130 extends from the brush body 110 in two opposite directions.

[69] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a mascara brush, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in the seventh embodiment, a bristle part 120 and a comb part 130 are configured such that bristles 123 and comb teeth 131 are arranged around a brush body 110 and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part 130 extends from the brush body 110 in three directions spaced apart from each other at regular angular intervals.

[70] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a mascara brush, according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in the eighth embodiment, a bristle part 120 and a comb part 130 are configured such that bristles 123 and comb teeth 131 are arranged around a brush body 110 and are oriented in radial directions, wherein the comb part 130 extends from the brush body 110 in four directions spaced

apart from each other at regular angular intervals.

[71] As can be appreciated from the fifth through eighth embodiments, the brush body

110 may have a polygonal cross-section having three or more angles, or an elliptical cross-section.

[72] If the brush body 110 has a polygonal cross-section, a mascara brush is preferably constructed such that comb parts 130 are formed on the corners of the brush body 110 and the bristle parts 120 are formed on the faces of the brush body 110. In this case, preferably, the length of the comb teeth 131 of the comb part 130, which are formed at the corners of the brush body 110, is shorter than in the mascara brush having the circular brush body 110.

[73] Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the brush body 110 is not limited to a circular shape, a polygonal shape or an elliptical shape, and the design of the cross-section thereof can be easily changed in a process of producing products.

[74] The mascara brush having the above-mentioned structure is preferably manufactured through injection molding using one selected from among elastomer, silicone and plastics.

[75] Preferably, each bristle 123 of the bristle part 120, which is formed by injection molding, has a thickness ranging from 0.07mm to 0.13mm, and each comb tooth 131 of the comb part 130 has a thickness ranging from 0.35mm to 0.41mm.

[76] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible. Therefore, the scope and spirit of the present invention must be defined by the accompanying claims rather than the above description.