Abstract:
One embodiment of a head-switchable brush comprises a brush head, a ferrule, and a brush handle. The ferrule has the head at one end and the handle at the other end. There is a piece of magnet attached to the brush handle and ferrule respectively where the two parts connect. The brush head can be switched and assembled with the handle easily whenever needed. The ferrule can be kept firmly on the handle by the action of the magnet inside. The head-switchable function of this brush kit can greatly enlarge the brush applying space and also avoid the material wasting since this brush kit has one handle only but with various brush heads.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/975,808, filed Oct. 22, 2007, further claiming priority to U.S. People&#39;s Republic of China Patent Application No. 200720096006.9, filed May 14, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, together with any and all attachments and exhibits thereto. The full benefit and priority of all applications are claimed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cosmetic brushes are the main applicators for people applying makeup. Different sorts of makeup require different brushes such as a lip brush, an eye shadow brush etc. In cosmetic applicators currently commercially available, one brush has only one function, so the user needs to buy a set of brushes to achieve a satisfactory makeup. A brush head on a normal brush can easily be damaged by frequent use, and may need to be replaced. However, it is wasteful to throw the brush handle and ferrule away when only the head of the brush is damaged. 
     To solve the above problem, a brush with a separate head and handle is currently available. However, the ferrule and handle are connected by a screw thread, and the brush has the following disadvantages. First, the connection is not very effective in insuring that the head stays firmly on the handle. Second, it takes time to assemble the brush handle into the ferrule when using. As a result, the above brush is not convenient enough for people&#39;s use in applying makeup. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a brush kit having interchangeable heads that can provide a more reliable connection of the ferrule to the handle. In addition, this brush kit can serve various functions in applying makeup by providing various brush heads that are easily assembled onto the brush handle with a magnet. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a brush kit comprises a brush head, a ferrule, and a brush handle. The brush is assembled with the head at one end of the ferrule, and the handle at the other end of the ferrule. There is a piece of magnet attached to at least one of the brush handle and the ferrule where the two parts connect. 
     The brush head may be inserted into a tubular handle. Alternatively, the brush handle inserted into a tubular ferrule attached to the brush head. 
     By providing magnets in both the handle and the ferrule, when the handle is inserted into the ferrule the handle can stay firmly engaged with the ferrule. This simple structure makes the brush easy to assemble, and thus saves people&#39;s time in brush head assembling. 
     A single brush handle can be assembled with various brush heads. Once the brush head is damaged, the user can just change the brush head instead of throwing the whole brush away. 
     The kit may comprise different handles that can be used with a single head, or different heads that can be used with a single handle. By interchanging different heads or handles, the user can be provided with the functionality of several different brushes without the cost and size of so many brushes. For example, a single handle with various brush heads can be put into a small cosmetic box or pouch to avoid contamination of the brush heads while at the same time providing a brush set that is convenient to take when traveling. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an assembled brush. 
         FIG. 2  is a cutaway view of the brush shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cutaway view of a brush head and ferrule forming part of the brush shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cutaway view of a brush handle forming part of the brush shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  to  FIG. 10  are views similar to  FIG. 3  showing alternative forms of brush heads usable with the handle shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a first kit of brushes in a wallet. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a second kit of brushes in a wallet. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are described by way of explanation, and not by way of limitation. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , one embodiment of a head-switchable brush indicated generally by the reference numeral  10  comprises a brush head assembly  12  and a brush handle  14 . The brush head assembly  12  comprises a head  16  comprising bristles or the like, a ferrule  18 , and an insert sleeve  20 . The sleeve  20  is open at the end  22  facing away from the head  16 , and a first magnet  24  is mounted inside the sleeve, a short distance from the open end. In the embodiment, the ferrule  18  holds the bristles  16  in a conventional manner, and is bonded to the exterior of the sleeve  20  so that the head  16 , ferrule  18 , sleeve  20 , and second magnet  34  form, from the user&#39;s point of view, a permanent assembly  12 . 
     In the embodiment, the ferrule  18  is formed from anodized aluminum or other material with a decorative appearance. The insert sleeve  20  is formed from ABS or other moldable plastic. The ferrule  18  may cover the entire exterior of the sleeve  20  but in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the rim  26  of the sleeve  20  is left visible to form a decorative feature. The rim  26  projects to form a bead against which the ferrule  18  seats, and covers the edge of the ferrule, which may be thin and sharp. The bead  26  may also assist in retaining the brush head assembly  12  in a pouch or other container, reducing damage to the head  16  in transport, and reducing the risk of contamination from contact between heads  16  used for different cosmetics. Different brushes  12  in a set may be made with sleeves  20  of different colors. The visible rims  26  of the sleeves  20  may then assist in distinguishing different brushes in a kit, as well as forming a decorative feature. 
     One or more shallow grooves  28  may be molded into the inner surface of the sleeve  20 , extending for a short distance starting at the open end  22 . In an embodiment, three grooves  28  are provided, evenly spaced around the circumference of the open end  22 . 
     Referring now especially to  FIG. 4 , the handle  14  comprises a handle body  30  that is sized and shaped for convenient holding by the user. As shown in the drawings, the handle body, is cylindrical, about 100 mm (4″) long and about 8 mm (⅓″) in diameter, but other shapes and sizes may be used. At one end, the handle body  30  has a narrower peg  32  projecting. The handle body  30  may be molded in a single piece including the peg  32 . The tip of the peg  32  carries a second magnet  34 , which is held in place by a cap  36  of aluminum or other non-magnetic material that fits over the peg  32 . The cap  36  may have a closed end that conceals the magnet  34 , or may have an open end surrounded by a lip that wraps over the end of the magnet  34  sufficiently to retain the magnet. 
     The peg  32 , including the cap  36 , is dimensioned so as to fit snugly into the interior of the sleeve  20 , and so that the tip end of the cap  36  bottoms against the first magnet  24  just before the bead  26  bottoms against a shoulder  62  formed between the peg  32  and the handle body  30 . The first and second magnets  24 ,  34  are then close together, separated only by the thickness of the cap  36 , which may be as thin as 0.25 mm (0.01″) or even less. The magnets are oriented so that they are attracted to each other in that position. For example, the magnets may both be magnetized with their polar directions in the same direction parallel to the axes of the sleeve  20  and the peg  32 . 
     One or more projecting dots  38 , matching in number and spacing the grooves  28  in the head  12 , may be formed in the side wall of the cap  36 . The dots  38  and grooves  28  are dimensioned so that when the brush head assembly  12  is mounted on the handle  14  the dots  38  seat in the grooves  28 , and restrain the brush head assembly  12  from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the sleeve  20  and the peg  32 . This is especially useful with (see  FIG. 10 ) a brush head assembly  50  (see  FIG. 10 ) that is designed to be used with a sideways motion. The mouths of the grooves  28  may be widened to form funnels that guide the dots  38  into the grooves  28 , but that is believed not to be necessary. In a practical embodiment, it has been found that either the user rotates the head assembly  12  and the handle  14  until the grooves  28  align with the dots  38 , or the user forces the dots  38  onto the lands between the grooves  28 . In the latter case, either the dots create an interference fit sufficient to restrain the head assembly  12  against rotation, or the head assembly  12  rotates until the dots  38  snap into the grooves  28 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 to 10 , different head assemblies  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  may be provided for different purposes within the overall process of applying make-up. The brushes may have different heads  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  as shown. Suitable heads may include brush heads of various shapes, including those shown at  16 ,  50 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58 , a sponge applicator  52 , a brush and comb  60 , and other applicators or tools used in the process of applying make-up or otherwise attending to one&#39;s personal appearance. 
     Alternatively, some or all of the head assemblies  50 , etc. may have substantially identical heads  60 , etc., but may be used for applying different cosmetic materials, including cosmetic materials of different colors, to avoid contamination of the materials by using the same brush or other applicator for more than one material. Alternatively, some of the brush head assemblies  12  may be of similar shapes but of different materials, for example, one brush may be stiffer than another. In these cases, differently colored rims  26  may be particularly helpful to the user. 
     Each of the head assemblies  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  has a sleeve  20  and a first magnet  24  identical to those of the head assembly  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a second embodiment of a cosmetic application kit comprises a wallet or pouch  72 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the wallet  72  opens at a central spine  74 , and can be closed by a zip-fastener  76  along the edges. However, other configurations, including configurations known in the art, may be used. 
     The wallet  72  includes a handle  14 , and several head assemblies  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  12 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the handle  14  is positioned along the spine of the wallet  72 , and the head assemblies are mounted in two rows, in a top half of the wallet on one side of the spine  74 , and in a bottom half of the wallet on the other side of the spine  74 . The head assemblies  40 , etc. are thus well spaced, allowing easy access when the wallet  72  is open, while allowing a very compact arrangement when the wallet is closed, because the head assemblies in each side fit into empty space in the other side. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the handle  14  and the heads  40 , etc. are held in place with elastic straps  78 . As may be seen in  FIG. 11 , the beads  26  engage the straps  78 , retaining the head assemblies secure and stably in position, and reducing any tendency for adjacent heads  50 , etc. to rub against one another and contaminate each other with different cosmetic materials. 
     In use, the user takes the handle  14  from the wallet  72 . The user selects one of the head assemblies and takes that from the wallet. The user inserts the peg  32  of the handle  14  into the open end  22  of the selected head assembly. The thick, rounded bead  26  of the sleeve  20  assists in inserting the peg  32  into the open end  22 . Once the peg  32  is sufficiently inserted into the sleeve  20 , the magnets  24 ,  34  attract each other, and pull the head assembly and the handle  14  tightly together. The user then uses the brush  10  with the selected head assembly to apply cosmetics or otherwise tend to his or her personal appearance, including doing so in a known manner. The magnetic connection, unlike a screw connection, does not tend to come loose even if the side of the brush is used in a stroking motion that imposes a turning force on the head. 
     When the user has finished using the brush  10 , the user can easily remove the head assembly  12 ,  40 , etc. from the handle  14  by a sharp pull, and replace the head assembly in the wallet  72 . The user may then select a different head assembly, and use that in the same manner described above, or may replace the handle  14  in the wallet  72  and close the wallet. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a second embodiment of a cosmetic application kit  80  comprises a wallet pouch  82 , similar in general construction to, but larger than, the wallet  72  shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     The wallet  82  includes a handle  84  that is tapered from end to end. The handle  84  has a peg  32  with a magnet  34  and cap  36 , similar to those shown in  FIG. 4 , at the narrow end. At the wider end, the handle  84  has a peg  86 , with a cap  90  and magnet  88 , of similar construction but larger size. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the handle  84  is positioned along the spine of the wallet  82 . On one side of the spine, the wallet  82  contains a set of head assemblies that may be identical to the set of head assemblies  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  12 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  shown in  FIG. 11 , mounted in two rows. These head assemblies are sized to fit onto the peg  32 , as described with reference to  FIG. 11 . On the other side of the spine, the wallet  82  contains a set of head assemblies  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  that are similar in construction, but are sized to fit onto the larger peg  86 . 
     The handle  84  and the heads  40 , etc. are held in place with elastic straps  78  similar to those shown in  FIG. 11 . The use of the kit  80  is similar to that of the kit  70  shown in  FIG. 11 . However, the user of the kit  80  may choose either a large brush head assembly  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  or a small brush head assembly  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  12 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and mounts the chosen brush head assembly on the appropriate end of the handle  84 . The large brush head assemblies are typically used for applying foundation, blusher, or other cosmetics that cover a comparatively large area, and the small brush head assemblies are typically used for applying cosmetics to smaller areas. 
     When the user has finished using the brush  10 , the user can easily remove the head assembly  12 ,  40 , etc. from the handle  14  by a sharp pull, and replace the head assembly in the wallet  72 . The user may then select a different head assembly, and use that in the same manner described above, or may replace the handle  14  in the wallet  72  and close the wallet. 
     As an example of suitable dimensions, the peg  32  may be about 5 mm in diameter and 8.5 mm long, measured over the outside of the cap  36 . The peg  32  may be tapered so as to be 0.75 mm narrower at the tip than at the base, so as to assist insertion into the ferrule. The dots  38  may be around 0.75 mm high. The recess in the sleeve  20  may be a few tenths of a millimeter wider than the base of the peg  32 . The peg  86  may be about 9 mm in diameter and 14 mm long, measured over the outside of the cap  90 . The magnetic pulling force between the magnetic elements  24  and  34 , when the peg  32  is fully inserted into the head assembly  12 , may be around 0.6 lb in a typical example. Forces within the range of from about 0.4 lbf to about 1.2 lbf have been found acceptable. Considerable variation within the acceptable range has been found to be acceptable, both between the brushes of a set and between different sets. For the large brush head assemblies  92 , etc., a pulling force in the range of from 0.4 or 0.45 lbf to 2 lbf has been found to be acceptable. 
     Various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     For example, the head assemblies  12 ,  40 , etc. have been shown as comprising first magnets  24  and the handle has been shown as comprising a second magnet  34 . Alternatively, one of the components  24 ,  34  could be a magnet, and the other of those components could be a piece of magnetizable iron or steel or other magnetizable material. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the single handle  14  may have a second magnet  34 , and the multiple head assemblies  12 ,  40 , etc. may have first magnets  24  in the form of magnetizable steel disks. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the single handle  84  may have second magnets  34 ,  88 , and the multiple head assemblies  12 ,  40 , etc. may have first magnets  24  in the form of magnetizable steel disks. Alternatively, different configurations may be used for the head assemblies  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  sized to fit the wide end from the head assemblies  12 ,  44 ,  40 ,  46 ,  48 ,  42 ,  50  sized to fit the narrow end if a stronger magnetic coupling is desired at one end than the other. 
     For example, in  FIGS. 3 and 5  to  10 , the sleeve  20  is shown extending towards the head beyond the first magnet  24 . Depending on whether the sleeve  20  is providing reinforcement for the ferrule  18 , the sleeve may end at the magnet  24  or may continue towards the head end of the ferrule. 
     For example, the kit  70  shown in  FIG. 11  has one handle  14  and several head assemblies  12 ,  40 , etc. Alternatively, two or more handles  14 , which may be the same or different, may be provided. Alternatively, a single head may be used with different handles, for example, to allow different manners of using the single head. 
     The kit  70  has been described primarily as a system to allow interchanging of different handles. Alternatively, or in addition, the brushes described may be used to enable replacement of damaged, worn, or otherwise unsuitable heads without the waste of discarding an entire brush. 
     As shown in the drawings, the head assembly  12 , etc. has a ferrule  18  with a hollow end  22  that receives a peg  32  on an end of the handle  14 . Alternatively, the handle  14  could be provided with a recess that receives a peg on the end of the ferrule  18 .