On/Off Interchangeable Makeup Brush System

The present disclosure relates to an on/off interchangeable makeup brush system, and more specifically to a switchable makeup brush having interchangeable brush heads.

Many users apply cosmetics, makeup foundation, etc. on their faces to hide scars, pigments, etc., or generally to enhance appearance. A user may apply the cosmetics on facial skin by using a makeup application apparatus such as a makeup brush.

There exist different kinds for applicators (brushes) to apply different cosmetics on user's face. For instance, the applicators may include foundation brush, blush brush, concealer brush, highlight brush, eyeshadow color brush, nose shadow brush, etc., which are used to apply different cosmetics on the user's face. The user typically purchases and manages different applicators to apply the makeup/cosmetics on user's face.

The present disclosure is directed towards a makeup application apparatus or a makeup brush system that may enable a user to apply makeup to facial skin. The apparatus may be a makeup brush that may include a handle and a removable brush head. A brush head top portion may include a plurality of bristles through which the user may apply and pat makeup on the facial skin. A brush head bottom portion may removably attach with a handle top portion via magnetic attachment means.

In some aspects, the brush head may include a metal disc and the handle top portion may include a magnetic switchable device that may magnetically couple the brush head with the handle. The magnetic switchable device may enable selective attachment of the brush head with the handle. For example, the magnetic switchable device may be activated to enable magnetic coupling between the handle and the brush head, and may be deactivated to disable magnetic coupling between the handle and the brush head. When the magnetic coupling may be deactivated, the user may replace an existing brush head with a new brush head on the handle (and again activate the magnetic coupling/magnetic switchable device), thereby making it easy for the user to replace brush heads based on user's requirements.

In some aspects, the magnetic switchable device may be activated or deactivated via an actuator. The actuator may be a mechanical actuator or an electronic actuator. The mechanical actuator may be a lever that may be disposed at the handle, which may be configured to mechanically activate the magnetic switchable device. The electronic actuator may be a button disposed at the handle, which may be configured to receive user inputs. The button may be communicatively coupled to a control system of the makeup brush, which may actuate a makeup brush battery based on the user inputs. When the battery may be actuated, the battery may supply current/power to the magnetic switchable device to activate the magnetic switchable device (e.g. to magnetically couple the handle and the brush head).

In some aspects, the magnetic switchable device may include a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate and the bottom plate may include a plurality of recesses. Each recess may be configured to receive a magnet keeper. Adjacent recesses may be separated by a slot configured to receive and hold a magnet. The magnet keepers placed in the recesses may be disposed across the magnetic poles associated with the magnets, to preserve the magnet strength.

The present disclosure discloses a makeup brush that enables a user to use the makeup brush for applying different cosmetics on the user's face, by interchangeably connecting the brush heads to the handle. This may enhance user's convenience and reduce cost as the user may not be required to buy different makeup brushes, and instead may buy only brush heads and may interchangeably use the brush heads to apply the makeup.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail herein.

The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown, and not intended to be limiting.

depicts an example makeup brush system(or a makeup brush apparatus) in accordance with the present disclosure.will be described in conjunction with.depicts an exploded view of the makeup brush system, anddepicts an example magnetic switchable device of the makeup brush system. Further,depicts a bottom view of an example brush head of the makeup brush system, anddepicts a top view of an example handle of the makeup brush system.depicts an example actuation mechanism of the makeup brush systemin accordance with the present disclosure.

The makeup brush system(hereinafter referred to as makeup brush) may enable a user to apply makeup on user's face. For example, the user may use the makeup brushto apply cosmetics or foundation on the user's face. The makeup may be in powder or semi-solid form. The makeup brushmay include interchangeable brush heads, which may enable the user to apply different kinds of cosmetics on the user's face using the makeup brush. For instance, the user may connect a foundation brush head to the makeup brushto apply foundation, a blush brush head to apply blush, a concealer brush head to apply concealer, a highlight brush head to apply highlighter, an eyeshadow color brush head to apply eyeshadow, a nose shadow brush head to apply nose shadow, and/or the like.

The makeup brushmay include a handleand a brush head. The brush headmay be removably coupled to the handle. In some aspects, the brush headmay be magnetically coupled to the handle. The handleand the brush headmay include magnetic attachment means/mechanisms that may enable removable attachment of the brush headwith the handle. The details of the magnetic attachment means are described later in the description below.

The handlemay include a handle top portionand a handle bottom portion(as shown in). In some aspects, the handlemay be shaped as an elongated hollow cylinder (or a hollow cuboid) having a length in a range of 6 to 10 inches. In some aspects, the handlemay have same diameter throughout the handle length (i.e., same from the handle top portionto the handle bottom portion). In other aspects, the handlemay have a tapered diameter (or width), with a handle bottom portiondiameter less than a handle top portiondiameter. In an exemplary aspect, a handle top portion diameter may be in a range of 0.75 to 2 inches, and a handle bottom portion diameter may be in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. The handlemay be made of plastic, fiber, wood, metal, and/or the like.

The brush headmay include a brush head top portionand a brush head bottom portion(as shown in). The brush head top portionmay include a plurality of bristlesthat may enable the user to apply makeup on the user's skin. The plurality of bristlesmay be made of nylon, polyester, synthetic Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), and/or the like. Each bristlemay have a length in a range of 1 to 2 inches (which may be vary based on the brush head type). In some aspects, the brush head bottom portionmay be hollow, and may be made of any material such as metal, plastic, etc.

In some aspects, the brush headmay have a same diameter throughout the brush head length (i.e., same from the brush head top portionto the brush head bottom portion). In other aspects, the brush headmay have a tapered diameter (or width), with a brush head bottom portiondiameter greater than a brush head top portiondiameter. The brush head bottom portionmay be configured to removably couple with the handle top portion. In some aspects, the brush head bottom portiondiameter may be equivalent to the handle top portiondiameter. In other aspects, the brush head bottom portiondiameter may be different from the handle top portiondiameter.

The brush head bottom portionand the handle top portionmay include the magnetic attachment means that may enable removable attachment of the brush head bottom portionwith the handle top portion. In some aspects, the brush head bottom portionmay include a ferrous material (as a part of the magnetic attachment means). The ferrous material may be a metal discthat may be circular in shape. An example bottom view of the brush headwith the metal discis depicted in.

In some aspects, the handle(specifically the handle top portion) may include a magnetic switchable device(as a part of the magnetic attachment means) that may be configured to magnetically couple with the metal disc, to selectively enable magnetic coupling between the handlewith the brush head(e.g., to removably attach the handlewith the brush head). The magnetic switchable devicemay be disposed at the handle top portion. An example top view of the handlewith the magnetic switchable deviceis depicted in.

The magnetic switchable devicemay be a device configured to selectively turn-on or turn-off external magnetic field, to selectively attach/detach external items (such as the brush head) to the magnetic switchable device. The magnetic switchable devicemay be configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the magnetic flux emanating from the magnetic switchable devicemay be directed internally or within the magnetic switchable device. In this mode, the magnetic switchable devicemay not be configured to attach the external item or the metal disc. Stated another way, in the first mode, there is no magnetic coupling (or no magnetic attraction) between the magnetic switchable deviceand the external item/metal disc. In the second mode, the magnetic flux is directed externally or outside the magnetic switchable device. In this mode, the magnetic switchable devicemay be configured to attach/couple with the external item/metal disc. Stated another way, in the second mode, there exists magnetic coupling (or magnetic attraction) between the magnetic switchable deviceand the external item/metal disc.

Thus, in the first mode, the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable deviceis deactivated (or the magnetic switchable deviceis demagnetized). In the second mode, the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable deviceis activated (or the magnetic switchable deviceis magnetized). When the magnetic switchable deviceis activated, the magnetic switchable devicemay allow the brush headto magnetically couple with the handle. When the magnetic switchable deviceis deactivated, the magnetic switchable devicemay not allow the brush headto magnetically couple with the handle. Stated another way, the magnetic switchable devicemay be activated to turn-on the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device, and the magnetic switchable devicemay be deactivated to turn-off the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device. The magnetic switchable devicemay allow the metal discto magnetically couple with the magnetic switchable devicewhen the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable deviceis turned-on.

In some aspects, the magnetic switchable devicemay be activated or deactivated by using an actuator. The actuatormay activate/deactivate the magnetic switchable device. Stated another way, the actuatormay switch magnetic switchable device operation between the first mode and the second mode.

In some aspects, the actuatormay be a mechanical actuator (such as a leveror rod, as shown in) that may be mechanically coupled with the magnetic switchable device. The mechanical actuator may be configured to mechanically actuate (e.g., mechanically activate/deactivate the magnetic state of) the magnetic switchable device. In some aspects, the levermay be disposed at a handleexternal surface. In an exemplary aspect, the levermay be disposed in proximity to the handle top portion(e.g., in proximity to the magnetic switchable device). In another aspect, the levermay be disposed in proximity to the handle bottom portion. In yet another aspect, the levermay be disposed in between the handle top portionand the handle bottom portion.

In an exemplary aspect, the handlemay include a groovein which the levermay be positioned. The groovemay be a horizontal groove having an axis perpendicular to the handle longitudinal axis. The groovemay include an openingthrough which the levermay be mechanically coupled to the magnetic switchable device(e.g., a top plateor a bottom plate, described below). The levermay be configured to rotate in the openingin a predetermined angle range (e.g., 0 to 180 degrees). For example, the levermay be configured to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise in the openingto activate/deactivate the magnetic state of the magnetic switchable device. The rotation of the levermay mechanically activate/deactivate the magnetic state of the magnetic switchable device.

In alternative aspects, the actuatormay an electronic actuator that may electronically actuate (e.g., electronically activate/deactivate the magnetic state of) the magnetic switchable device. In an exemplary aspect, the actuatormay be a button (e.g., a push button) that may be disposed at a handleexternal surface, anywhere along the handlelength. The button may be configured to receive user inputs (e.g., a user “press” of the button) to activate or deactivate the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device(or to magnetically attach/detach the brush headto/from the handle).

In yet another aspect, the actuatormay be a Human-Machine Interface (HMI, not shown) that may be disposed on the handleexterior surface. The user may input a command (or provide user inputs) on the HMI to activate or deactivate the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device. In yet another aspect, the actuatormay be or include a mechanical dialer that may be disposed on the handleexterior surface, and the user may use the dialer to activate or deactivate the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device.

In some aspects, when the actuatoris an electronic actuator or the HMI, the actuatormay be communicatively coupled to a control systemthat may be disposed inside the handle. The control systemmay be configured to obtain the user inputs (or a “trigger signal”) from the actuatorwhen the user provides the inputs or activates the actuator. Responsive to obtaining the trigger signal/user inputs the control systemmay activate or deactivate (or cause activation/deactivation of) the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable devicebased on the obtained inputs. To activate or deactivate the magnetic state, the control systemmay transmit actuation/command signals to a batterythat may be disposed inside the handle. The batterymay be configured to supply current/power to magnets (shown as magnetsin) disposed inside the magnetic switchable device, based on the actuation/command signals. In some aspects, the batterymay be a rechargeable battery that may be charged via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger.

In some aspects, the magnetic switchable devicemay include a top plateand a bottom plate, which may contact each other and be disposed inside the handle. The top plateand the bottom platemay be positioned inside the handle top portionusing a retaining member (not shown). The retaining member may be a structure configured to position the top plateand the bottom plateinside the handle. In some aspects, one plate (e.g., the top plate) may be fixed and the other plate (e.g., the bottom plate) may be configured to move clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to the top plate. For example, bottom platemay move clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to the top plate. Alternatively, the top platemay move clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to the bottom plate.

In an exemplary aspect, the top plateand the bottom platemay be identical. In another aspect, the top plateand the bottom platemay be non-identical. In some aspects, the top plateand the bottom platemay be of any shape including, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, oval, and/or the like. In some aspects, the shape of the top plateand the bottom platemay correspond to the shape of metal disc.

The top plateand the bottom platemay be made of any material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, brass, and/or the like. The top plateand the bottom platemay be of any dimensions. In some aspects, the diameter of the top plateand the bottom platemay be less than a handlediameter (e.g., an internal diameter). In an exemplary aspect, a top plate thickness may be same as a bottom plate thickness. In another aspect, the top plate thickness may be different from the bottom plate thickness. For example, the top plate thickness may be less than the bottom plate thickness.

In some aspects, each of the top plateand the bottom platemay include a plurality of recesses. Each recessmay be configured to receive a magnet keeper. In some aspects, the plurality of recessesmay be located at a top platelower surface, and at a bottom plateupper surface. The top platelower surface may face towards the bottom plateupper surface. In some aspects, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed at a periphery or in proximity to the edges of the top plateand the bottom plate. For example, when the top plateand the bottom platemay be circular, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed at or in proximity to a circumference of the circular plate, and at a predetermined distance from adjacent recesses. In an exemplary aspect, the top plateand the bottom platemay include six recesses. In further aspects, the plurality of recessmay be disposed in any pattern.

In some aspects, the recessmay be of any shape including, but not limited to, circular, square, hexagonal (as depicted in), and/or the like. In some aspects, the recess shape may correspond to the magnet keeper shape, to enable the recessto receive and hold the magnet keeperinside the recess. The magnet keepermay be made of soft iron, and may be shaped as a circular ring. In an exemplary aspect, each recessmay be hexagonal in shape, and may be configured to receive the circular ring, which enables easy insertion/removal of the magnet keeperto/from the recess. In further aspects, the recessmay be of any dimensions. In an exemplary aspect, a recess diameter may be 5-15% of the top/bottom plate diameter. In some aspects, the recess dimensions may correspond to the magnet keeper dimensions. For example, the recessdepth may be same as the magnet keeper depth.

In further aspects, each of the top plateand the bottom platemay include a plurality of slots. Each slotmay be configured to receive and hold a magnet. The magnetsin the top plateand the bottom plateenable magnetic coupling between the top plateand the bottom plate, and magnetic coupling between the top plateand the metal disc.

The slotsmay be of any shape and dimensions. The shape and dimensions of the slotsmay correspond to the shape and dimensions of the magnets. For example, the slotmay be a circular slot and the magnetmay be a magnet bar. The slotmay be disposed between adjacent recesses, and may interconnect the adjacent recesses. A person ordinarily skilled in the art may appreciate from the description above that one magnetis disposed between adjacent magnet keepers.

The magnetsmay be disposed in the slotsin any pattern. In an exemplary aspect, the magnetsmay be disposed such that similar poles of the adjacent magnetsmay face each other, as shown in. For example, a north pole of a first magnet may face a north pole of a second magnet (placed adjacent to the first magnet). One magnet keeper may be positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet. The magnet keeper may be placed across the magnetic poles of the adjacent magnets. Such placement of the magnets and the magnet keeper enables the magnet keeper to preserve the magnets strength.

In operation, when the top plateand the bottom plateare positioned in proximity to each other, and the top platelower surface (having the recessesand the slots) faces towards the bottom plateupper surface (having the recessesand the slots), the top plateand/or the bottom platemay automatically align themselves at a “first position” of the magnetic switchable device. In the first position, the north pole of the magnetsin the top platemay be oriented to face the south pole of the magnetsin the bottom plate. Thus, the magnetic flux emanating from the magnetsmay be present or stay enclosed within the magnetic switchable device, and may not move outside. In this position, the magnetic switchable devicemay be in a demagnetized state or deactivated (or the magnetic state is turned-off). In the demagnetized state, the magnetic switchable devicemay not be configured to magnetically attach to the external item such as the metal disc. Thus, in the first position, the brush headmay not attach to the handle.

To attach the brush headto the handle, the user may actuate the magnetic switchable deviceto move the magnetic flux to the outside of the magnetic switchable device(i.e., outside of the top plateand the bottom plate). For example, to attach the brush headto the handle, the magnetic switchable devicemay be actuated (via the actuator) to move the magnetic flux outside of the top plateupper surface. When the magnetic flux moves outside the top plate(and the bottom plate), the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable devicemay be turned-on.

In some aspects, the magnetic switchable devicemay be actuated by the leverdisposed at the handle(as described above). The user may use the lever(that may be attached to the top plateor the bottom plate) to move the top plate(or the bottom plate) to cause the magnetic switchable deviceto move from the first position to a second position. In an exemplary aspect, the user may use the leverto move the bottom platein a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction relative to the top plate, to cause the magnetic switchable deviceto move from the first position to the second position.

In the second position, the north pole of the magnetsin the top platemay be oriented to face the north pole of the magnetsin the bottom plate. In this configuration, the magnetic flux may not stay enclosed within the magnetic switchable device, and may move outside. Therefore, the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable devicemay be activated when the top plate/bottom platemay be in the second position. The user may use the leveragain to deactivate the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable deviceby moving the top plate/bottom platefrom the second position to the first position.

Alternatively, the magnetic switchable devicemay be actuated by the button disposed at the handle(as described above). The user may use the button to activate or deactivate the magnetic state. When the user desires to activate the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device, the user may press the button. When the user presses the button, the control systemmay receive the trigger signal from the button, and transmit an actuation signal to the batteryto supply current/power to the magnets(via the coils) disposed in the top plate(or the bottom plate). When the current is passed through the magnets, the magnetic poles associated with the magnetsreverse and the magnetic flux moves out of the top plateand the bottom plate, thereby activating the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device.

When the magnetic state of the magnetic switchable deviceis turned-on or activated, the magnetic switchable devicemay generate attractive force, which may enable the metal disc/brush headto attach with the magnetic switchable device/handle(e.g., the handle top portion). The user may deactivate the magnetic state associated with the magnetic switchable device(via the actuator) to detach the brush headfrom the handle. Thus, the brush headmay be easily attached or detached from the handle, thereby allowing the user to use interchangeable brush heads with a single handle.

Although the present disclosure discloses the on/off interchangeable brush system for makeup, the present disclosure should not be construed limiting to the makeup brushes. The present disclosure may be applied to other brushes such as artistic brushes, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In further aspects, the handlemay include additional features that may allow the user to apply the makeup. For example, the handlemay include a dispensing mechanismto dispense facial cream (or other cosmetic products like lotion, gel, etc.) out of the brush head. The dispensing mechanismmay include a storage space to store the facial cream. In addition, the dispensing mechanismmay include delivery passages (not shown) to deliver the facial cream onto the user's face via the brush head top portion. In some aspects, the user may use appropriate brush head to dispense the facial cream from the brush head top portion.

depicts another magnetic switchable deviceof the makeup brush systemin accordance with the present disclosure. The magnetic switchable devicemay be configured to selectively turn-on or turn-off external magnetic field, to selectively attach/detach external items (such as the brush head) to the magnetic switchable device. The magnetic switchable devicemay be configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode similar to the magnetic switchable device. The magnetic switchable devicemay be actuated by the actuator.

In some aspects, the magnetic switchable devicemay include a first side plateand a second side plate, which may be disposed inside the handle. The first side plateand the second side platemay be made of ferrous material (e.g., steel, aluminum, brass, and/or the like), and may be disposed on the sides of the handle. The first side plateand the second side platemay be vertically attached to the handlevia any retaining mechanism such as adhesive.

The magnetic switchable devicemay include a first magnet (e.g., a static magnet) and a second magnet (e.g., a rotating magnet). The static magnetand the rotating magnetmay be positioned (or sandwiched) between the first side plateand the second side plate. Each of the static magnetand the rotating magnetmay contact the first side plateand the second side plate, via side edges of the static magnetand the rotating magnet. In some aspects, the static magnetmay be positioned above the rotating magnet. The static magnetmay be configured to contact the brush headto magnetically couple with the brush head. The rotating magnetmay be configured to rotate at a predetermined range (e.g., 0 to 180 degrees) relative to the static magnetto selectively turn-on or turn-off external magnetic field. The rotating magnetmay be configured to rotate via the actuator. In some aspects, the rotating magnetmay be mechanically coupled to the leverdescribed above. The rotation of the levercauses the rotation of the rotating magnet.

Similar to the magnetic switchable device, when the north pole of the static magnetis oriented to face the south pole of the rotating magnet, the magnetic flux emanating from the magnets,may be present or stay enclosed within the magnetic switchable device, and may not move outside. In this position (e.g., a first position), the magnetic switchable devicemay be in a demagnetized state or deactivated. Thus, the brush headmay not be attached to the handlein the first position. To attach the brush headto the handle, the user actuate the magnetic switchable deviceto move the magnetic flux to the outside of the magnetic switchable device(e.g., via the actuator). For example, the user may use the leverto rotate the rotating magnetclockwise or counter-clockwise to move the rotating magnetto cause the magnetic switchable deviceto move from the first position to a second position. In the second position, the north pole of the static magnetmay be oriented to face the north pole of the rotating magnet. In this position (i.e., the second position), the magnetic flux may not stay enclosed within the magnetic switchable device, and may move outside, thereby allowing the brush headto attach to the handle. The user may move the magnetic switchable devicefrom the second position back to the first position, when the user desires to detach the brush headfrom the handle.

In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, one skilled in the art will recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

It should also be understood that the word “example” as used herein is intended to be non-exclusionary and non-limiting in nature. More particularly, the word “example” as used herein indicates one among several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is being directed to the particular example being described.

With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the application is capable of modification and variation.