US20020088473A1 - Applicator brushes and method for using same - Google Patents

Applicator brushes and method for using same Download PDF

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US20020088473A1
US20020088473A1 US10/090,942 US9094202A US2002088473A1 US 20020088473 A1 US20020088473 A1 US 20020088473A1 US 9094202 A US9094202 A US 9094202A US 2002088473 A1 US2002088473 A1 US 2002088473A1
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Prior art keywords
bristles
applicator brush
brush
applicator
polymeric material
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US10/090,942
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Geoffrey Fonseca
Donald Frey
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Avon Products Inc
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Avon Products Inc
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46DMANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/042Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1046Brush used for applying cosmetics

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to brushes and applicators. More particularly, the present invention relates to bristles, fibers and filaments that can be used in brushes and/or applicators, especially for cosmetic use.
  • the bristles, fibers and filaments are made of polylactide polymer or polymer resin that, in turn, is derived from natural, renewable sources, such as plants.
  • Applicator brushes are used to apply a variety of materials, such as, for example, hair dyes, medicaments, paints, toothpastes and cosmetic eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, nail polish, powder, and rouge.
  • an applicator brush The broad purpose of an applicator brush is to pick up an adequate supply of a material from a container, carry it from the container to an application site, and apply the material uniformly and easily to the application site. More particularly, the applicator brush must meet several mechanical and aesthetic requirements. First, the applicator brush should have a certain stiffness or resiliency, yet have smooth feedback. Second, the applicator brush should have an affinity for the composition it is being used to apply, yet withstand contaminants, such as skin oils and environmental odors. Third, the applicator brush should have high wear resistance, ultraviolet light stability, elastic recovery, twist retention, and a pleasant, soft feel. For cosmetic brush applicators that are used for application of cosmetics, the pleasant, soft feel should include a silky and soft feel to the user's body.
  • bristles, fibers and filaments have been developed with variations in characteristics, such as, for example, density, cross-section, number of twists, slip characteristics, wicking, shape, and core size.
  • characteristics such as, for example, density, cross-section, number of twists, slip characteristics, wicking, shape, and core size.
  • the variations in characteristics primarily depend on the intended use of the brush.
  • conventional applicator brush bristles are made from nylon, polyester, polyether-block amides, and/or polytetraflouroethylene. Brush bristles made from these materials may have an acceptable degree of strength, stability, and wear resistance, however the bristles made with nylon and these other petrochemical-based synthetic materials consume a large amount of energy or fuel.
  • nylon is made through the energy intense processes from hydrocarbon petroleum fuel stock. The source of supply of this stock can be limited and unpredictable, and the processes are expensive.
  • nylon and these other petrochemical-based synthetics biodegrade extremely slowly, if at all.
  • bristles that provide the same or improved mechanical and aesthetic properties, namely are formable into a broad range of bristle densities, cross-section and cross-sectional dimensions, various number of twists, unique shapes, and core types (e.g., hollow, solid, or filled) and have the desired slip and wick characteristics, yet have a source of material that is reliable, less expensive to make, and biodegradable.
  • the bristles of the present invention achieve all of the above, and they are believed to be much less expensive since thirty to fifty percent less fossil fuel is used to produce these bristles versus the above noted conventional bristles.
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,706, 5,807,973, 5,922,832, 6,005,068, 6,093,791, and 6,111,060 are assigned on their faces to Cargill, Inc. and describe uses of polylactide polymer for films, foams, and nonwoven fabrics.
  • polylactide polymers have been used in diapers, disposable razor handles, hospital gowns, personal hygiene articles, surgical drapes, and sanitary napkins, as well as for use in carpet, clothing, packaging for food and cosmetics, plastic film for candy wrappers, and window envelopes.
  • an applicator brush that has natural-based bristles made from a plant-based polymer, such as polylactide polymer, that is derived from renewable, natural plant sources, such as corn, wheat, and sugar beets.
  • a plant-based polymer such as polylactide polymer
  • FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of a mascara applicator brush according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a nail lacquer brush according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a flat blush brush according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a blush/makeup brush according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an embodiment of an eyeliner brush according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an embodiment of a hair brush according to the present invention.
  • a mascara applicator or brush generally represented by reference numeral 1 .
  • applicator shall include an applicator and/or a brush.
  • the present invention includes all types of applicators that are used to apply liquids, gel-type and/or semi-solid materials onto any substrate.
  • the applicator of the present invention can be a hair brush, a hair dye brush, a medicament brush, a paintbrush, and a toothbrush.
  • applicator 1 can be used as a cosmetic applicator brush to apply a variety of cosmetics, such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish and/or lacquer, blush and/or makeup, powder, rouge, and nail cosmetics, such as polishes and enamels, to a human.
  • cosmetics such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish and/or lacquer, blush and/or makeup, powder, rouge, and nail cosmetics, such as polishes and enamels, to a human.
  • applicator 1 has a handle 16 and a bristle portion 20 .
  • handle 16 has a rod 14 extending therefrom and secured to, or part of, a core 12 .
  • Handle 16 is adapted to act as a cap for a cosmetic or mascara container, while rod 14 is adapted to fit within the neck of the container.
  • Core 12 is adapted to receive a plurality of bristles 30 .
  • Core 12 is preferably a twisted metallic wire.
  • Bristles 30 are preferably crimped within twisted core 12 and, thereby, flare outward from the core in a multidirectional, radial pattern, which gives the effect of a uniform distribution of bristles 30 .
  • bristles 30 may be made to resist crimping, thereby forming a helical array about twisted core 12 .
  • Handle 16 may be made using any material known to the art and suitable for the particular use thereof.
  • handle 16 is made of a thermoplastic material, more preferably a plant-based polymer, such as the polylactide polymer discussed below, so that the applicator brush 1 may be completely biodegradable.
  • Bristle portion 20 has one or more bristles 30 .
  • the bristles 30 are made from a natural, plant-based polymer.
  • plant-based polymers include the following polymers or polymer resins: polylactide (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate (PHB/V), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polymers based on starch or starch derivatives.
  • PHA polylactide
  • PCL polycaprolactone
  • PHB/V polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate
  • PGA polyglycolic acid
  • Bristles formed by copolymerizing and/or coextruding plant-based polymers with materials presently used to form conventional bristles are also included within the scope of the present invention.
  • bristles 30 are made from polylactide polymer.
  • This polymer has the following general structure:
  • n is the average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 300,000 and preferably at least 50,000 to 250,000.
  • Preferred polylactide polymers are produced by Cargill Dow. Several kinds of polylactide polymers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,798,435, 5,981,694, and 5,998,552, which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the plant-based polymer is made by the processing of natural renewable sources, such as corn, wheat, sugar beet, or other plants.
  • the plant-based polymer can be processed into bristles by conventional methods.
  • the processing parameters of the plant-based polymer can be modified to achieve enhanced performance and properties.
  • the plant-based polymers readily accept dyes, additives and fillers, and can be processed readily with other materials that may provide further enhanced bristle performance, properties and processability.
  • a bristle 30 made from a plant-based polymer has increased slip characteristics and increased wicking properties, both of which are desired in an applicator bristle. Also, bristles 30 have been found to have a silky feel, downgagability (which is the ability to make thinner fibers), excellent UV stability, strong resistance to grease and oil, high aroma and flavor barrier properties, superior moisture wicking, as well as superior twist retention, resilience, stiffness, and elastic recovery. Moreover, the bristles of the present invention are highly environmentally friendly because of their biodegradablility.
  • Bristles 30 that are made from plant-based polymers, especially PLA polymers can have any shape depending upon their intended use.
  • bristles 30 made from PLA polymer may have one or more cross-sectional portions that are generally flat, circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, quadrilobal, J-shaped, S-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, and/or X-shaped.
  • bristle portion 20 may be straight, tapered, threaded, curved, oblong, arrowhead, comb-shaped or any combination thereof.
  • the ends of the bristles may be split, crimped or straight.
  • each bristle may have all or a portion that is flared, tapered, grooved, solid, hollow or filled.
  • capillary channels may be formed along at least a portion of the length of the bristle surface, with each channel having a depth and width in the range from 0.01 to 0.06 millimeters.
  • bristle 30 may have any number of turns or twists, a broad range of bristle densities, and a large range of cross-sectional dimensions.
  • the bristle may be natural, dyed or pigmented.
  • the concentration or density of bristles 30 in bristle portion 20 is preferably from about 10 to about 65 bristles per helical turn of core 12 , especially when applicator brush 1 is a mascara applicator brush. More preferably, the bristle density is from about 40 to about 60 bristles per helical turn of core 12 . Most preferably, the bristle density is from about 45 to about 55 bristles per helical turn of core 12 . This concentration provides an even application of mascara without forming lumps of mascara on the eyelashes or on bristle portion 20 . Also, the diameter of each bristle 30 is preferably about 0.01 to about 0.40 mm, more preferably about 0.06 to about 0.25 millimeters.
  • the bristles of the present invention offer a general improvement over nylon and other petrochemical-based bristles. For example, they appear to have superior twist retention, better fold, and better elastic recovery than petrochemical-based bristles. Also, the bristles of the present invention retain the desired stiffness and resiliency, yet have a silky, soft feel.
  • FIGS. 2 to 7 depict additional embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a nail lacquer brush.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a flat blush brush.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a blush/makeup brush.
  • FIG. 5 depicts an eyeliner brush.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a tooth brush.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a hair brush.

Abstract

There is provided an applicator brush that has bristles (filaments) made from a polymeric material derived from plants. Such bristles can provide improved mechanical and aesthetic characteristics compared to conventional bristles made from petrochemical-based synthetics. Bristles made from plant-based polymeric material are also more biodegradable compared to petrochemical-based synthetics. Preferably, the polymeric material is a polylactide polymer.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • The present invention relates generally to brushes and applicators. More particularly, the present invention relates to bristles, fibers and filaments that can be used in brushes and/or applicators, especially for cosmetic use. In particular, the bristles, fibers and filaments are made of polylactide polymer or polymer resin that, in turn, is derived from natural, renewable sources, such as plants. [0002]
  • 2. Description of the Prior Art [0003]
  • Applicator brushes are used to apply a variety of materials, such as, for example, hair dyes, medicaments, paints, toothpastes and cosmetic eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, nail polish, powder, and rouge. [0004]
  • The broad purpose of an applicator brush is to pick up an adequate supply of a material from a container, carry it from the container to an application site, and apply the material uniformly and easily to the application site. More particularly, the applicator brush must meet several mechanical and aesthetic requirements. First, the applicator brush should have a certain stiffness or resiliency, yet have smooth feedback. Second, the applicator brush should have an affinity for the composition it is being used to apply, yet withstand contaminants, such as skin oils and environmental odors. Third, the applicator brush should have high wear resistance, ultraviolet light stability, elastic recovery, twist retention, and a pleasant, soft feel. For cosmetic brush applicators that are used for application of cosmetics, the pleasant, soft feel should include a silky and soft feel to the user's body. [0005]
  • Of course, the importance of these mechanical and aesthetic requirements will vary depending upon the intended use of the applicator brush. Along these lines, bristles, fibers and filaments have been developed with variations in characteristics, such as, for example, density, cross-section, number of twists, slip characteristics, wicking, shape, and core size. The variations in characteristics primarily depend on the intended use of the brush. [0006]
  • Typically, conventional applicator brush bristles are made from nylon, polyester, polyether-block amides, and/or polytetraflouroethylene. Brush bristles made from these materials may have an acceptable degree of strength, stability, and wear resistance, however the bristles made with nylon and these other petrochemical-based synthetic materials consume a large amount of energy or fuel. Specifically, nylon is made through the energy intense processes from hydrocarbon petroleum fuel stock. The source of supply of this stock can be limited and unpredictable, and the processes are expensive. Moreover, nylon and these other petrochemical-based synthetics biodegrade extremely slowly, if at all. [0007]
  • Thus, there is a need for applicators with bristles, fibers, and filaments (hereinafter collectively referred to as “bristles”) that provide the same or improved mechanical and aesthetic properties, namely are formable into a broad range of bristle densities, cross-section and cross-sectional dimensions, various number of twists, unique shapes, and core types (e.g., hollow, solid, or filled) and have the desired slip and wick characteristics, yet have a source of material that is reliable, less expensive to make, and biodegradable. The bristles of the present invention achieve all of the above, and they are believed to be much less expensive since thirty to fifty percent less fossil fuel is used to produce these bristles versus the above noted conventional bristles. [0008]
  • The above need is achieved by the present invention that uses a polylactide polymer or polymer resin as the bristles for an applicator brush. [0009]
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,706, 5,807,973, 5,922,832, 6,005,068, 6,093,791, and 6,111,060 are assigned on their faces to Cargill, Inc. and describe uses of polylactide polymer for films, foams, and nonwoven fabrics. In addition, polylactide polymers have been used in diapers, disposable razor handles, hospital gowns, personal hygiene articles, surgical drapes, and sanitary napkins, as well as for use in carpet, clothing, packaging for food and cosmetics, plastic film for candy wrappers, and window envelopes. [0010]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide an applicator and/or brush that has natural-based bristles made from plant-based plastics, and a method of making and using such an application and/or brush. [0011]
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide such an applicator and/or brush wherein the plant-based plastic is a biodegradable polylactide polymer or polymer resin made from renewable sources. [0012]
  • It is still another object of the present invention to provide such an applicator or brush in which such natural-based bristles can be formed into a broad range of dimensions, sizes, and shape. [0013]
  • It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such an applicator and/or brush that is particularly suited for cosmetic use. [0014]
  • These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are provided by an applicator brush that has natural-based bristles made from a plant-based polymer, such as polylactide polymer, that is derived from renewable, natural plant sources, such as corn, wheat, and sugar beets.[0015]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of a mascara applicator brush according to the present invention; [0016]
  • FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a nail lacquer brush according to the present invention; [0017]
  • FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a flat blush brush according to the present invention; [0018]
  • FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a blush/makeup brush according to the present invention; [0019]
  • FIG. 5 is an embodiment of an eyeliner brush according to the present invention; [0020]
  • FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention; and [0021]
  • FIG. 7 is an embodiment of a hair brush according to the present invention.[0022]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring to FIG. 1, there is provided a preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely a mascara applicator or brush generally represented by [0023] reference numeral 1. As used hereinafter, “applicator” shall include an applicator and/or a brush. Also, the present invention includes all types of applicators that are used to apply liquids, gel-type and/or semi-solid materials onto any substrate. For example, the applicator of the present invention can be a hair brush, a hair dye brush, a medicament brush, a paintbrush, and a toothbrush. Perhaps more importantly, applicator 1 can be used as a cosmetic applicator brush to apply a variety of cosmetics, such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish and/or lacquer, blush and/or makeup, powder, rouge, and nail cosmetics, such as polishes and enamels, to a human.
  • Again referring to FIG. 1, [0024] applicator 1 has a handle 16 and a bristle portion 20. When applicator 1 is adapted for use in applying cosmetic compositions, such as mascara, it is preferred that handle 16 has a rod 14 extending therefrom and secured to, or part of, a core 12. Handle 16 is adapted to act as a cap for a cosmetic or mascara container, while rod 14 is adapted to fit within the neck of the container. Core 12 is adapted to receive a plurality of bristles 30. Core 12 is preferably a twisted metallic wire. Bristles 30 are preferably crimped within twisted core 12 and, thereby, flare outward from the core in a multidirectional, radial pattern, which gives the effect of a uniform distribution of bristles 30. Alternatively, bristles 30 may be made to resist crimping, thereby forming a helical array about twisted core 12.
  • [0025] Handle 16 may be made using any material known to the art and suitable for the particular use thereof. Preferably, handle 16 is made of a thermoplastic material, more preferably a plant-based polymer, such as the polylactide polymer discussed below, so that the applicator brush 1 may be completely biodegradable.
  • [0026] Bristle portion 20 has one or more bristles 30. The bristles 30 are made from a natural, plant-based polymer. Such plant-based polymers include the following polymers or polymer resins: polylactide (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate (PHB/V), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polymers based on starch or starch derivatives. Bristles formed by copolymerizing and/or coextruding plant-based polymers with materials presently used to form conventional bristles are also included within the scope of the present invention.
  • Preferably, [0027] bristles 30 are made from polylactide polymer. This polymer has the following general structure:
    Figure US20020088473A1-20020711-C00001
  • where n is the average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 300,000 and preferably at least 50,000 to 250,000. Preferred polylactide polymers are produced by Cargill Dow. Several kinds of polylactide polymers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,798,435, 5,981,694, and 5,998,552, which are incorporated herein by reference. [0028]
  • The plant-based polymer is made by the processing of natural renewable sources, such as corn, wheat, sugar beet, or other plants. [0029]
  • The plant-based polymer can be processed into bristles by conventional methods. The processing parameters of the plant-based polymer can be modified to achieve enhanced performance and properties. The plant-based polymers readily accept dyes, additives and fillers, and can be processed readily with other materials that may provide further enhanced bristle performance, properties and processability. [0030]
  • A bristle [0031] 30 made from a plant-based polymer has increased slip characteristics and increased wicking properties, both of which are desired in an applicator bristle. Also, bristles 30 have been found to have a silky feel, downgagability (which is the ability to make thinner fibers), excellent UV stability, strong resistance to grease and oil, high aroma and flavor barrier properties, superior moisture wicking, as well as superior twist retention, resilience, stiffness, and elastic recovery. Moreover, the bristles of the present invention are highly environmentally friendly because of their biodegradablility.
  • [0032] Bristles 30 that are made from plant-based polymers, especially PLA polymers, can have any shape depending upon their intended use. For example, bristles 30 made from PLA polymer may have one or more cross-sectional portions that are generally flat, circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, quadrilobal, J-shaped, S-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, and/or X-shaped. In cross-sectional view, bristle portion 20 may be straight, tapered, threaded, curved, oblong, arrowhead, comb-shaped or any combination thereof. The ends of the bristles may be split, crimped or straight. In addition, each bristle may have all or a portion that is flared, tapered, grooved, solid, hollow or filled. If grooved, up to five (5) capillary channels may be formed along at least a portion of the length of the bristle surface, with each channel having a depth and width in the range from 0.01 to 0.06 millimeters. Further, bristle 30 may have any number of turns or twists, a broad range of bristle densities, and a large range of cross-sectional dimensions. The bristle may be natural, dyed or pigmented.
  • For example, the concentration or density of [0033] bristles 30 in bristle portion 20 is preferably from about 10 to about 65 bristles per helical turn of core 12, especially when applicator brush 1 is a mascara applicator brush. More preferably, the bristle density is from about 40 to about 60 bristles per helical turn of core 12. Most preferably, the bristle density is from about 45 to about 55 bristles per helical turn of core 12. This concentration provides an even application of mascara without forming lumps of mascara on the eyelashes or on bristle portion 20. Also, the diameter of each bristle 30 is preferably about 0.01 to about 0.40 mm, more preferably about 0.06 to about 0.25 millimeters.
  • The bristles of the present invention offer a general improvement over nylon and other petrochemical-based bristles. For example, they appear to have superior twist retention, better fold, and better elastic recovery than petrochemical-based bristles. Also, the bristles of the present invention retain the desired stiffness and resiliency, yet have a silky, soft feel. [0034]
  • By way of example, additional embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. [0035] 2 to 7. FIG. 2 depicts a nail lacquer brush. FIG. 3 depicts a flat blush brush. FIG. 4 depicts a blush/makeup brush. FIG. 5 depicts an eyeliner brush. FIG. 6 depicts a tooth brush. FIG. 7 depicts a hair brush.
  • The present invention having been thus described with particular reference to a preferred form thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. [0036]

Claims (21)

Wherefore we claim:
1. An applicator brush comprising one or more bristles made from a naturally based polymeric material.
2. The applicator brush of claim 1, wherein said polymeric material is derived substantially from plants.
3. The applicator brush of claim 2, wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: polylactide, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate, polyglycolic acid, polymers based on starch or starch derivatives, and any combinations thereof.
4. An applicator brush comprising one or more bristles made from a polylactide polymer.
5. The applicator brush of claim 4, wherein said polylactide polymer is derived substantially from one or more plants.
6. The applicator brush of claim 4, wherein said polylactide polymer has the following general structure:
Figure US20020088473A1-20020711-C00002
where n is the average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 300,000.
7. The applicator brush of claim 6, wherein said n is the average molecular weight from about 50,000 to about 250,000.
8. The applicator brush of claim 1, wherein said one or more bristles are adapted to apply a cosmetic composition.
9. The applicator brush of claim 8, wherein said cosmetic composition is selected from the group consisting essentially of: eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish, powder, and rouge.
10. The applicator brush of claim 1, wherein said one or more bristles are adapted to apply a material selected from the group consisting essentially of hair dye, medicament, paint, and toothpaste.
11. The applicator brush of claim 1, further comprising a bristle portion having a plurality of said bristles, and a handle connected to said bristle portion, wherein said bristle portion has a longitudinal axis about which said plurality of bristles are helically turned, and wherein from about 10 to about 65 of said plurality of bristles are disposed about one helical turn.
12. The applicator brush of claim 11, wherein the applicator brush is biodegradable.
13. The applicator brush of claim 11, wherein at least some of said plurality of bristles are hollow.
14. The applicator brush of claim 11, wherein at least some of said plurality of bristles have a cross sectional dimension from about 0.01 to about 0.40 mm.
15. The applicator brush of claim 11, wherein at least one capillary channel is formed on at least a portion of the surface of at least some of said plurality of bristles.
16. A method of applying a liquid, gel-type or semi-solid material to a surface comprising the step of:
depositing the material on an applicator brush having one or more bristles made of a naturally based polymeric material.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said polymeric material is derived substantially from plants.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising applying the material from the applicator brush onto a person or substrate.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein said polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of: polylactide, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate, polyglycolic acid, polymers based on starch or starch derivatives, and combinations thereof.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein said polymeric material is a polylactide polymer.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said polylactide polymer has the following general structure:
Figure US20020088473A1-20020711-C00003
where n is the average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 300,000.
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Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030200979A1 (en) * 2002-04-29 2003-10-30 Antonio Montoli Mascara brush with small diameter bristle fibers
FR2861965A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-13 Benson Srl Mascara brush has bristles at least partly of multi-tube plastic fibre
US20070000070A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-04 Vena Lou Ann C Method and kit for applying lowlights to hair
US20080176183A1 (en) * 2007-01-24 2008-07-24 Gatzemeyer John J Oral Care Implement Having Fluid Delivery System
US20080283078A1 (en) * 2007-05-15 2008-11-20 Geka Brush Gmbh Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product
FR2921547A1 (en) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-03 Acting Sarl Flat type brush for applying cosmetic product to e.g. powder or blush face, has elongated handle made of material whose matrix is formed of biodegradable, injectable plastic material, where handle has cylindrical housing to house applicator
USD616608S1 (en) 2009-10-26 2010-05-25 Mary Kay Inc. Mascara container
US20110097684A1 (en) * 2009-10-22 2011-04-28 Phillip Mark Biodegradable micro-applicator
US20110297181A1 (en) * 2009-08-18 2011-12-08 Michael Soloway Dental Hygenic Aids Having Natural Antimicrobial Properties
US8506192B2 (en) 2011-11-09 2013-08-13 Perfect Paste Llc Dental hygienic kit
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US9402700B2 (en) 2011-03-09 2016-08-02 Colgate-Palmolive Company Interdental cleaning device
US9554641B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2017-01-31 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US20170273436A1 (en) * 2014-11-21 2017-09-28 L'oreal Applicator for applying a cosmetic, make-up or care product
US20190183226A1 (en) * 2017-12-14 2019-06-20 Mr. terry john cullen Hiding thinning hair using scap dye
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US20030200979A1 (en) * 2002-04-29 2003-10-30 Antonio Montoli Mascara brush with small diameter bristle fibers
FR2861965A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-13 Benson Srl Mascara brush has bristles at least partly of multi-tube plastic fibre
US20050115583A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-06-02 Patrick Lhoyer Mascara brush
US20070000070A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-04 Vena Lou Ann C Method and kit for applying lowlights to hair
US8517728B2 (en) 2007-01-24 2013-08-27 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having fluid delivery system
US20080176183A1 (en) * 2007-01-24 2008-07-24 Gatzemeyer John J Oral Care Implement Having Fluid Delivery System
US9167886B2 (en) 2007-01-24 2015-10-27 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having fluid delivery system
US8920168B2 (en) 2007-01-24 2014-12-30 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having fluid delivery system
US10092086B2 (en) 2007-01-24 2018-10-09 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having fluid delivery system
US11160360B2 (en) 2007-01-24 2021-11-02 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having fluid delivery system
US20080283078A1 (en) * 2007-05-15 2008-11-20 Geka Brush Gmbh Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product
US8201566B2 (en) * 2007-05-15 2012-06-19 Geka Brush Gmbh Cosmetic brush with many bristles for applying a cosmetic product
FR2921547A1 (en) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-03 Acting Sarl Flat type brush for applying cosmetic product to e.g. powder or blush face, has elongated handle made of material whose matrix is formed of biodegradable, injectable plastic material, where handle has cylindrical housing to house applicator
US20110297181A1 (en) * 2009-08-18 2011-12-08 Michael Soloway Dental Hygenic Aids Having Natural Antimicrobial Properties
US20110097684A1 (en) * 2009-10-22 2011-04-28 Phillip Mark Biodegradable micro-applicator
USD616608S1 (en) 2009-10-26 2010-05-25 Mary Kay Inc. Mascara container
US9402700B2 (en) 2011-03-09 2016-08-02 Colgate-Palmolive Company Interdental cleaning device
US8506192B2 (en) 2011-11-09 2013-08-13 Perfect Paste Llc Dental hygienic kit
US20140295378A1 (en) * 2011-11-14 2014-10-02 Labrida As Bio-Resorbable Debride or Implant Cleaning Tool and Method of Manufacturing the Same
US10485327B2 (en) * 2011-11-14 2019-11-26 Labrida As Bio-resorbable debride or implant cleaning tool and method of manufacturing the same
KR102109555B1 (en) * 2011-11-14 2020-05-13 라브리다 에이에스 Bio-resorbable debride or implant cleaning tool and method of manufacturing the same
US10881191B2 (en) 2011-11-14 2021-01-05 Labrida As Bio-resorbable debride or implant cleaning tool and method of manufacturing the same
KR20140101798A (en) * 2011-11-14 2014-08-20 라브리다 에이에스 Bio-resorbable debride or implant cleaning tool and method of manufacturing the same
US9554641B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2017-01-31 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10639136B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2020-05-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US20170273436A1 (en) * 2014-11-21 2017-09-28 L'oreal Applicator for applying a cosmetic, make-up or care product
US10499720B2 (en) * 2014-11-21 2019-12-10 L'oreal Applicator for applying a cosmetic, make-up or care product
US20190183226A1 (en) * 2017-12-14 2019-06-20 Mr. terry john cullen Hiding thinning hair using scap dye
WO2022060395A1 (en) * 2020-09-18 2022-03-24 Listermann Brad Brush pin ink device for creating temporary micro-ink dots on the scalp

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