Abstract:
An ultrasonic makeup brush and method of applying makeup with an ultrasonic brush is disclosed. The brush includes a handle with an ultrasonic vibrating mechanism. The mechanism causes the bristles in the brush to vibrate. The vibrating affects application of the makeup and the amount of makeup required. A variety of differently shaped or configured brush attachments (e.g., depending on the type of makeup being applied) can be used with the handle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/193,416 filed Jul. 16, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention generally relates to an ultrasonic brush system and a method for applying makeup with an ultrasonic brush. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Makeup can be very expensive. Conventional makeup applicators, such as makeup brushes, can sometimes waste makeup when transferring the makeup from a makeup case to a user of the product. 
         [0005]    The present invention provides an improved makeup brush and method of applying makeup. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a brush for applying makeup ultrasonically. The brush includes bristles, a vibrating motor and a source of power. The vibrating motor imparts an ultrasonic vibration to the bristles. Makeup is applied to a user while the motor is turned on to vibrate the bristles. 
         [0007]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a brush for applying makeup with ultrasonically vibrating bristles is provided. The brush includes a handle, a plurality of bristles configured for applying makeup connected at a first end of the handle, a source of power associated with the handle, and a vibrating motor in the handle connected to the source of power. The vibrating motor, when turned on, creates ultrasonic vibration in the bristles. A switch for activating the vibrating motor is positioned on the handle. 
         [0008]    The vibrating motor can be adjustable. A switch can be provided for variable speed adjustment of the adjustable motor. 
         [0009]    The power source is preferably contained in the handle. The power source can be one or more batteries. Alternatively, the power source could be via a plug and cord using an electrical receptacle. 
         [0010]    The bristles can have a plurality of configurations depending on the makeup brush&#39;s intended use. For example, the bristles can be configured for foundation, blush, liquid makeup, powdered makeup, bronzer, eye shadow, etc. 
         [0011]    The brush can comprise a removable first bristle holder for holding the bristles. Additionally, the brush can comprise a removable second bristle holder for holding bristles having a different configuration or use. Additional holders can be provided for other bristle types. The holders can be moved to/from the handle as needed. A magnetic coupling system can be provided for quick and easy removal and replacement of the bristle holders. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of applying makeup using ultrasound is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a makeup brush having a handle, bristles connected to the handle, and a vibrating motor, applying makeup to the bristles, activating the vibrating motor to vibrate the bristles and applying makeup to a user with the vibrating bristles. The method can further comprise the step of adjusting a speed of the vibrating motor. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a makeup application device is provided. The makeup application device comprises a handle having a vibrating motor and a makeup applicator connected to the handle. The applicator can be a foam pad, sponge, cotton applicator, non-woven pad, etc. 
         [0014]    Another feature that can be included is adding a light to the handle of the brush or other device. 
         [0015]    Further aspects of the invention are disclosed in the Figures and Attachments, and are described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a photograph an ultrasonic makeup brush in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a drawing of an ultrasonic makeup brush in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a photograph of the ultrasonic makeup brush of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a drawing of an internal battery holder for the ultrasonic makeup brush; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a drawing of an internal motor for the ultrasonic makeup brush; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a drawing of a bristle holder of the ultrasonic makeup brush; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a drawing of a battery used in the ultrasonic makeup brush; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a drawing of a spring used in the ultrasonic makeup brush; and, 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a plan cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an ultrasonic makeup brush with a head portion having a magnetic coupling system for connection to the body of the brush. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0027]    The present invention is directed to a makeup brush  10  having a handle  12  and a plurality of bristles  14  connected to one end of the handle  12 . The handle  12  is hollow and is shown in the embodiment as being tubular. However, other shapes can be utilized. Unlike toothbrushes, the plurality of bristles  14  for the makeup brush  10  extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle  12 . 
         [0028]    The makeup brush  10  includes an internal vibrating motor  16  (see  FIG. 5 ) located in the hollow interior of the handle  12  to create ultrasonic vibration of the bristles  14 . The vibrating motor  16  can be powered by an internal battery  18  ( FIG. 7 ) held in an internal battery holder  20  (see  FIG. 4 ). A spring  22  ( FIG. 8 ) is utilized to position and bias the battery  18  to maintain an electrical contact. While a single battery is held in the handle of the brush  10  shown in the Figures, additional batteries or other power sources (e.g., the brush could plug into a wall receptacle, solar power, etc.) could be utilized. 
         [0029]    A switch  24  located on the handle  12  can be used to activate and deactivate the motor  16 . The switch can be an on/off switch. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, twisting the middle portion of the handle with respect to an end portion turns on the vibrating motor  16 . Other on/off switches could also be used. 
         [0030]    Alternatively, a variable speed switch, or other similar switches or controls, can be employed to vary or adjust the speed of the vibration. Additionally, the switch or other controls can include a timer to turn off the brush after a set time. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the bristles  14  of the brush  10  extend outward from a bristle holder  26  connected at an end of the handle  12 . The brush  10  is designed to allow for interchangeable holders  26  and/or bristles  14  to handle different makeup applications. For example, different holders with different bristle types (e.g., bristles having a particular length, stiffness, etc.) can be used for application of foundation, blush, bronzer, liquid makeup, powder makeup, eye shadow, etc. The bristles are designed to apply and blend makeup. 
         [0032]    In operation, the brush is used to apply makeup via the ultrasonic vibration energy imparted by the vibrating motor  16  to the bristles  14 . In one embodiment, the brush is turned on after application of makeup to the bristles  14 . The brush  10  then uses ultrasonic vibration during transfer of the makeup from the bristles  14  to a user. The ultrasonic vibration facilitates application of a smooth, even coat of makeup and for blending layers of makeup. 
         [0033]    In an alternative embodiment, the brush  10  is turned on prior to application of the makeup to the bristles  14  and is utilized to collect makeup onto the bristles  14  prior to application to the user. Once makeup is collected on the bristles, the ultrasonic vibration is used to apply the makeup to the user as set forth above. 
         [0034]    The ultrasonic brush  10  allows for use of less makeup than typically needed when using conventional brushes. This can result in significant savings in expensive makeup. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the brush  10  can include a magnetic coupling system between the bristle holder  26  and the handle  12 . This allows for easily connecting a bristle holder  26  to the handle  12 , as well as removing and replacing it with a different holder  26 . 
         [0036]    The holder  26  is provided with a centrally located magnet  30 . This magnet  30  mates with a centrally located magnet  32  at the end of the handle portion  12 . The magnets  30 ,  32  keep the holder  26  in place while allowing for quickly removing and changing the holder. 
         [0037]    The present invention can also be utilized with other types of makeup applicators. For example, rather than a brush with bristles, an ultrasonic vibrating motor can be implemented with a foam applicator connected to a handle with an ultrasonic vibrating motor. Alternatively, other applicators can include sponges, foam pads, cotton applicators, non-woven pads, etc. 
         [0038]    Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be protected otherwise than as specifically described.