COSMETIC IMPLEMENT WITH ADJUSTABLE FERRULE

Implements may include an adjustable ferrule to manipulate an applicator to take various configurations for application of cosmetic products to a variety of areas of skin. An example cosmetic implement comprises a handle coupled to an applicator and an adjustable ferrule configured to move along an axis of the handle. In some examples, when the adjustable ferrule is in a first position the applicator may have a first shape; however, when the ferrule is placed in a second position the applicator may have a second shape different from the first shape.

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Description
BACKGROUND

Multiple cosmetic implements exist for applying cosmetic, medicinal or other product to an individual's face, head or body. For example, a brush with a round broad tip may be used to apply blush or foundation to a broader area. While, on the other hand, another brush with a narrow pointed tip is needed to apply blush to more defined or delicate areas such as over small blemishes, a corner of the nose or around the individual's eye. However, carrying multiple implements may be inconvenient, particularly when traveling, due to the amount of space taken up by the multiple implements. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for improved cosmetic implements that provide portability, while performing the various applications required by the individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict front views of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with an applicator and a ferrule adjustable between a first position shown in FIG. 1A and a second position shown in FIG. 1B.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict side views of the illustrative example of a cosmetic implement shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B adjustable between a first position shown in FIG. 2A and a second position shown in FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a front view and a side view, respectively, of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a ferrule adjustable between multiple pre-set positions.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict front views of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a frictional material to aid in movement of a ferrule between a first position shown in FIG. 4A and a second position shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a button located on a handle to allow movement of a ferrule.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a button located on a ferrule to allow movement of the ferrule.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with an applicator that changes diameter when moved between a first position shown in FIG. 7A and a second position shown in FIG. 7B.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict side views an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a sponge applicator and a ferrule slidable between two separate positions.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

As described above, existing cosmetic implements are generally limited to or intended for a particular function when applying cosmetic products. Thus, there remains a need for an improved cosmetic implement to achieve multiple functions or applications. This application describes various cosmetic implements for applying one or more cosmetic products (e.g., blush, foundation, eyeshadow, eye liner, powder, concealer, primer, etc.) to a surface such as a face, neck, head or body of a person.

In one implementation, the cosmetic implement may have an applicator coupled to a handle and an adjustable or slidable ferrule covering an area where the applicator is coupled to the handle. In some implementations, the adjustable ferrule may be configured to move relative to the handle to alter one or more dimensional characteristics (i.e., shape, density, width, length, diameter, etc.) of the applicator. For example, a user may require an applicator of a cosmetic implement to have a wide application tip to apply a product to a broad area of skin. In such cases, the adjustable ferrule may be adjusted to a first position allowing the applicator to be less tightly packed and, thus, having a larger cross sectional area for applying product to a greater surface area of skin. However, in other implementations, the user may require an applicator having a narrow or focused application tip to apply a product to a smaller or more defined area of skin. In that case, the adjustable ferrule may be adjusted or otherwise manipulated to a second position allowing the applicator to be more tightly packed and, thus, reducing the cross sectional area of the tip for a more defined product application. Additionally, in some implementations, the applicator may pick up or hold more of the cosmetic product when the applicator surface of the applicator has a wide configuration and less cosmetic product when the applicator surface of the applicator has a narrow configuration.

In some embodiments, the applicator may comprise a brush having a tuft or group of bristles, while in other embodiments the applicator may comprise a sponge, flocking, or other type of applicator. Regardless of the type of applicator used, one or more characteristics of the applicator may be configured to change responsive to adjustment of a ferrule or other actuator.

By allowing the user to manipulate a single cosmetic implement to fulfill the multiple required applications of the user (i.e., broad applications and detailed applications), according to the implementations described herein, the user only needs to own/carry the single implement. This may be more convenient and cost-effective to the user than existing implements.

As used throughout the disclosure, the terms “ferrule”, “adjustable ferrule” or “slidable ferrule” are intended to have substantially similar meanings and should be interpreted to include any sort of actuator sleeve or movement mechanism which may be used to change one or more characteristics of an applicator of a cosmetic implement. The ferrule may or may not additionally function to secure the applicator to the handle of the implement.

Following the “Overview,” the disclosure continues with a section entitled “Example Cosmetic Implements with Adjustable Ferrule,” which describes non-limiting examples of cosmetic implements with adjustable ferrules. Lastly, the discussion ends with a brief conclusion.

This brief overview, including section titles and corresponding descriptions, is provided for the reader's convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The features of the described cosmetic implements and corresponding systems may be implemented in any number of forms. The example cosmetic implements and corresponding systems described herein are merely illustrative. The implementations described herein are not mutually exclusive and aspects of the various implementations may be combined to arrive at other implementations within the scope of the claims. The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed above or will be discussed below are merely examples that may, but need not necessarily, be achieved by cosmetic implements or cosmetic implement systems according to one or more implementations described herein. Further details of various example implementations are set forth below with reference to the following description and drawings.

Example Cosmetic Implements with Adjustable Ferrule

The figures illustrate various example cosmetic implements, where each cosmetic implement contains one of a plurality of ferrule configurations, applicators, handles and application surface characteristics and/or shapes.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict front views of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement 100 with a ferrule 102 adjustable between different positions relative to a handle 104. As illustrated, the cosmetic implement 100 includes an adjustable ferrule 102 coupled to a handle 104. The handle 104 may be formed of one or more of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, wood, and any combination of the preceding or other suitable material. A cross section of handle 104 may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular or any other suitable shape. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, the handle 104 has a generally rectangular cross section with rounded corners.

Furthermore, the cosmetic implement 100 includes an applicator 106 coupled to the handle 104. The applicator 106 may be formed by a collection or plurality of individual fibers or bristles. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, applicator 106 is shown as a group of bristles forming a brush applicator. In some implementations, the brush applicator may be made of natural bristles, synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone, latex or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof. However, in other implementations, the applicator may be a sponge applicator or the like. Additionally, in some implementations, the applicator may take on any number of shapes. For example, the applicator illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B comprises a substantially fan shaped brush having rounded edges; however, other suitable cross sectional shapes are imagined (e.g., square, circular, oval, rectangle, etc.).

In some implementations, the position of the adjustable ferrule 102 may determine the width, shape, length, size, density, diameter and/or other dimensional characteristic of the applicator 106. FIG. 1A illustrates the adjustable ferrule 102 in position P1. Position P1 of the adjustable ferrule corresponds to a position where the adjustable ferrule 102 is moved along an axis of handle 104 away from the applicator 106. In some implementations, position P1 of the adjustable ferrule may configure the applicator 106 to retain a first shape with, for example, a broader width, designated as W1. While FIG. 1B illustrates the adjustable ferrule in position P2, corresponding to a position where the adjustable ferrule 102 is moved along an axis of handle 104 toward to the applicator 106. Consequently, applicator 106 in FIG. 1B is configured to hold a second shape with, for example, a narrower width, designated as W2. Furthermore, placement of the ferrule 102 in position P2 may also more tightly pack the group of bristles of applicator 106 in comparison to position P1 of the ferrule. As will become more apparent in the discussion of FIGS. 2A and 2B, position P2 may also correspond to a more densely packed application surface of the applicator 106.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict side views of the illustrative example of a cosmetic implement 100 with a ferrule 102 movable between two different positions (e.g., P1 and P2) relative to a handle 104. Specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates the side view of cosmetic implement 100 where the ferrule 102 is in position P1 as shown in FIG. 1A. Where FIG. 2B illustrates the side view of cosmetic implement 100 where the ferrule 102 is in position P2 as shown in FIG. 1B.

As described above with regard to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the position of the adjustable ferrule determines the shape, size, density, diameter and/or other dimensional characteristic of applicator 106. FIG. 2A illustrates the adjustable ferrule 102 in position P1. Position P1 of the adjustable ferrule corresponds to a position where the adjustable ferrule 102 is moved along an axis of handle 104 away from the applicator 106. In some implementations, position P1 of the adjustable ferrule may configure the applicator 106 to retain a first shape with, for example, a thicker, less dense application surface (e.g., the individual fibers of the brush applicator are less compact), designated by T1. While FIG. 2B illustrates the adjustable ferrule in position P2, corresponding to a position where the adjustable ferrule 102 is moved along an axis of handle 104 toward to the applicator 106. Consequently, applicator 106 in FIG. 2B is configured to hold a second shape with, for example, a thinner, more dense application surface (e.g., the individual fibers of the brush applicator are more compact), designated by T2.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict additional details of another illustrative example of a cosmetic implement 300. FIG. 3A depicts a front view of the cosmetic implement 300. While, FIG. 3B depicts a side view of the cosmetic implement 300. The cosmetic implement 300 includes a handle 302 coupled to an applicator 304.

Handle 302 comprises a first end 306 proximate to the applicator 304 and a second end (not shown) distal to the applicator 304. The applicator 304 may be configured to attach to the first end 306 of the handle 302. In some implementations, the applicator 304 may be coupled to the handle 302 at the first end 306 by, for example, fusing, gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, stapling or inserting the applicator into at least a portion the handle. In other implementations, not shown, the applicator 304 may be coupled to the ferrule 312 by any of the example discussed above.

In some implementations, the applicator 304 comprises a body 308 and an application surface or tip 310. The applicator 304 may be composed of any of the materials listed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-2B. In some implementations, the applicator 304 may be configured in any shape to allow the fibers or bristles to operate as described in the various implementations throughout this discussion. For example, in some implementations, each fiber of the applicator 304 may be configured with a bend or coupled to the handle at a specific angle corresponding to that fiber's position within the applicator. In some implementations, the fibers may be predisposed or biased toward a certain position while the ferrule is in a first position, but may be manipulated to another position when the ferrule is moved to a second position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cosmetic implement 300 may include a ferrule 312 which may be positioned to encompass or substantially cover the first end 306 of the handle 302. In some implementations, ferrule 312 may be configured to move relative to the handle 302. For example, ferrule 312 may slide parallel to the handle 302 in either direction within a pre-determined range. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, ferrule 312 may be attached to the first end 306 of the handle 102. In some implementations, the interior surface of ferrule 312 and/or the first end 306 of the handle 302 may comprise a detent or flange mechanism to allow the ferrule 312 to be adjusted between the two or more positions relative to the handle 302. In other implementations, the interior surface of ferrule 312 and/or the first end 306 of the handle 302 may comprise other mechanisms, as discussed below, allowing the ferrule 312 to move within a predetermined range on the handle 302. In some implementations, range may be limited by “stops” or the extent of grooves or tracks in the handle or ferrule. Ferrule 312 may be composed of metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, composite, or the like.

In some implementations and as illustrated by the front view of cosmetic implement 300 in FIG. 3A, the ferrule 312 may be moved in a direction toward the second end of the handle 302 or away from the applicator 304 resulting in the body 308 of the applicator 304 become progressively less dense. Moreover, the tip 310 of the applicator 304 may become gradually broader as the ferrule 312 is moved toward the second end of the handle 302. In some implementations, the applicator 304 may transform to a shape that is wider than the ferrule 312 in at least one dimension. For example, as the ferrule 312 is moved toward the second end of the handle 302, the tip 310 may become increasing fan shaped.

Conversely and as illustrated by the side view of cosmetic implement 300 in FIG. 3B, when the ferrule 312 is moved in a direction away from the second end of the handle 302 and/or toward the applicator 304, the body 308 of the applicator 304 become progressively more dense. Furthermore, the tip 310 of the applicator 304 becomes gradually more focus or pointed as the ferrule 312 is maneuvered toward the applicator 304. That is, the tip 310 of the applicator 304 transforms to a shape that is equal to or narrower than the ferrule 312 in at least one dimension.

As described above, FIG. 3A illustrates the interior surface of ferrule 312 as comprising a detent or flange mechanism. In some implementations, the detents 314 are configured to interact with a corresponding notch on the handle 302 to form a plurality of pre-set ferrule positions. The pre-set positions may allow the ferrule 312 to be in a first position furthest from the application 304 as shown in FIG. 3A. Thus, the tip 310 of the cosmetic implement 300 may have the broadest configuration. In other implementations, the pre-set positions may allow the ferrule 312 to be in a second position closest to the applicator 304 as shown in FIG. 3B. Thus, the tip 310 of the cosmetic implement 300 may have the most focused configuration. In yet other implementations, the ferrule 312 may manufactured with any number of other pre-set positions in order to achieve any number of tip configurations between the first and second position configurations described above.

In other implementations, cosmetic implement (or any other cosmetic implement described below) may be configured with a ferrule such that movement opposite of that described above will substantially achieve the same results. For example, the ferrule may be positioned proximate to the applicator while the tip of the applicator maintains the broadest/fluffiest configuration. While movement of the ferrule in a direction parallel to but away from the applicator may produce a progressively more focused tip and vice versa.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the cosmetic implement 300 may also include a cap 316 which may be temporarily mated (e.g., attached) to the ferrule 312 to protect the applicator 304 when the cosmetic implement is not in use or to prevent debris from contacting the applicator 304. For example, the cap 316 may be placed over the cosmetic implement 300 to temporarily mate the cap 316 to the ferrule 312. The cap 316 may temporarily mate with the ferrule 312 to prevent the cap from inadvertently being removed. For example, the cap 316 may snap in place with the ferrule 312. As another example, the cap 316 and the ferrule 312 may have threads that enable the cap 316 to be screwed on to and unscrewed from the ferrule 312. Of course, other types of mechanisms may be used to temporarily mate the cap 316 to the ferrule 312.

Cap 316 is illustrated as having a generally elliptical shape substantially the same as the ferrule 312. However, it should be understood that cap 316 (and any other cap described herein) may be any other suitable shape, such as having a substantially similar shape as the cosmetic implement, which may allow the cap to temporarily attach to ferrule as described above.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front views of another example cosmetic implement 400. Cosmetic implement 400 is illustrated as containing handle 402 coupled to an applicator 404. The handle 402 may be formed as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Handle 402 comprises a first end 406 proximate to the applicator 404 and a second end (not shown) distal to the applicator 404. The applicator 404 may be configured to attach to a first end 406 of the handle 402. In some implementations, the applicator 404 may be coupled to the first end 406 of the handle 402 by, for example, fusing, gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, stapling or inserting the applicator into at least a portion the handle.

The applicator 404 may be formed as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, the applicator may comprise a body 408 and an application surface or tip 410.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrated with a ferrule 412 positioned to cover the first end 406 of the handle 402 where the applicator 404 may be coupled to the handle 402. In some implementations, ferrule 412 may be configured to move within a predetermined distance along an axis of the handle 402. For example, a user may manipulate ferrule 412 by sliding the ferrule parallel to the handle 402.

In some implementations, a resistance or frictional material 414 may be placed between the ferrule 412 and the handle 402. The frictional material 414 may prevent the ferrule 412 from moving in relation to the handle without a threshold applied force by a user, for example. Additionally, the frictional material 414 may hold the ferrule 412 in a position within the predetermined range after the user has moved the ferrule to a desired position. The frictional material 414 may be connected to or manufactured with either the ferrule 414 or the handle 402. However, in some implementations, the frictional material 414 may also be a separate component of the cosmetic implement 400 placed between the ferrule 412 and the handle 402.

Example material of the frictional material may include rubber, polyurethane, nylon, Teflon, silicone, polypropylene, ABS, polyethylene or the like. Frictional material may be chosen to have a desired static and/or kinetic frictional properties based on desired resistance to movement (i.e., the desired threshold force that must be applied by the user to move the ferrule relative to the handle.) In some implementations, frictional material may also comprise a lubricant to reduce wear of the ferrule 412 and the handle 402.

In other implementations, the ferrule and/or the handle may be configured with a ball bearing system (not shown) allowing the ferrule to slide relative to the handle. In some implementations, the ferrule and/or handle may be configured with one or more ribs or grooves constructed to receive a ball bearing. These grooves may correspond to one or more pre-set ferrule positions allowing the user to slide the ferrule between these pre-set positions to manipulate the tip of the group of bristles. In some implementations, the ball bearing may be held in these pre-set positions by, for example, a detent mechanism. In other implementations, the ball bearings may be configured to fit between the ferrule and the handle such that neither the ferrule nor the handle will move relative to each other without a threshold applied force by a user. In yet other implementations, the ball bearing system may be self-aligning (i.e., the ferrule and the handle may be configured to form one or more spherical “raceways” to hold one or more ball bearings in position) which may account for misalignments resulting from storage of the cosmetic implement in a purse, pouch, or other standard “wear and tear.” However, other operations for movement of the ferrule are envisioned as described further below.

As described above, the width, shape, size, density, diameter and/or other dimensional characteristic of the applicator 404 may be determined by the position of ferrule 412 of cosmetic implement 400. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the ferrule 412 is moved toward position P1 (e.g., away from the applicator 404), the body 408 of the applicator 404 may be less dense. Additionally, the tip 410 of the applicator 404 may become progressively broader. However, as the ferrule 412 is moved toward position P2 (e.g., a position toward the applicator 404), as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first end 406 of the handle 402 travels toward to center of ferrule 412, as a result, also pulling a portion of the applicator into ferrule 412. In some implementations, the movement of ferrule 412 as described above may produce the opposite dimensional characteristics of the applicator 404. For example, the result may be a more dense body 408 and more focused tip 410 of the applicator 404.

In some implementations, cosmetic implement 400 may also include a cap 416 which may be temporarily attached to the ferrule 412 to protect the applicator 404 when the cosmetic implement is not in use or to prevent debris from contacting the applicator. Cap 416 may be implemented in any manner as described above with reference to FIG. 3B.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate cosmetic implements 500 and 600, respectively. Each cosmetic implement 500 and 600 may comprise any of the features or combinations thereof discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. As illustrated in FIG. 5, cosmetic implement 500 further comprises a button 502. Button 502 may be configured to release a locking mechanism allowing movement of the ferrule relative to the handle. Button 502 may be located on the handle as shown in FIG. 5. However, in other implementations and as shown on cosmetic implement 600 in FIG. 6, button 602 may be located on the ferrule.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate yet another example cosmetic implement 700. As illustrated in 7A and 7B, cosmetic implement 700 has a circular ferrule 702, circular handle 704 and applicator 706. FIG. 7A shows the applicator 706 having a substantially circular application surface when the ferrule 702 is located in position P1. Furthermore, the diameter (D1) of the application surface of the applicator 706 extends beyond the perimeter of the ferrule 702 in the position P1. However, as the ferrule 702 is moved to position P2, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the diameter (D2) of the application surface of the applicator 706 may be reduced to become equal to or narrower than the perimeter of the ferrule 702.

In some implementations, the shape of the application surface of applicator 706 may be altered when the ferrule 702 is moved between positions P1 and P2. For example, FIG. 7A shows that the cross sectional application surface of applicator 706 is generally circular while the ferrule 702 is in position P1. However, as the ferrule 702 is actuated to position P2, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cross sectional application surface of applicator 706 is altered to a generally oval shape.

In some implementations, the ferrule 702 may be adjusted in a helical motion between positions P1 and P2 by a twist or reverse twist operation, as illustrated by 708. For example, the ferrule and the handle may be configured with a twist or reverse operation system, whereby the user can move the ferrule relative to the handle by twisting either the ferrule or the handle in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this implementation, the ferrule may comprise threads that correspond to threads on the handle.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example of cosmetic implement 800 which has a square ferrule 802 and square handle 804. As described above, the position of the adjustable ferrule determines the shape, size, density, diameter and/or other dimensional characteristic of applicator 806.

For example, applicator 806, illustrated as a sponge applicator, may have a first shape with a width W1 while the adjustable ferrule 802 is located in position P1. In some implementations, when the adjustable ferrule 802 is adjusted or slide towards the applicator 806 or position P2, the applicator 806 may be configured with a second shape comprising a width W2. In some implementations, applicator 806 may be made of silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof

CONCLUSION

Although implementations have been described in language specific to structural feature, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of employing the implementations. For example, in various implementations, any of the structural features and/or methodological acts described herein may be rearranged, modified, or omitted entirely. For example, the shape, size, and configuration of the cosmetic implement handle, ferrule, applicator, and movement mechanisms may be varied.

Claims

1. A brush comprising:

a handle having a first end and a second end;
a tuft coupled to the first end of the handle; and
a movement-mechanism affixed to the first end of the handle and substantially covering an area where the tuft is coupled to the first end of the handle, wherein the movement-mechanism is configured to travel parallel to the handle and influence one or more characteristics of the tuft.

2. The brush as recited in claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to selectively lock the movement-mechanism in position relative to the handle.

3. The brush as recited in claim 1, wherein the tuft further comprises a tip located distal to the first end of the handle and wherein the tuft is coupled to the first end of the handle such that when the movement-mechanism is moved toward the distal end the tuft changes shape.

4. The brush as recited in claim 3, wherein the change of shape of the tuft comprises at least one of:

an increase in density of the tip of the tuft; or
a reduction in at least one dimension of the tip of the tuft.

5. The brush as recited in claim 1, wherein the tuft is coupled to the first end of the handle such that when the movement-mechanism is moved toward the second end of the handle the tuft changes to a second shape.

6. The brush as recited in claim 5, wherein the change to the second shape of the tuft comprises at least one of:

a decrease in density of the tip of the tuft; or
an increase in at least one dimension of the tip of the tuft.

7. The brush as recited in claim 1, wherein the movement-mechanism includes at least one of:

a frictional material;
one or more detents extending from an interior portion of the movement-mechanism;
a ball-bearing system; or
a twist or reverse twist motion system.

8. The brush as recited in claim 1, wherein the movement-mechanism is further configured to travel parallel to the handle within a predetermined range.

9. The brush as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more characteristics of the tuft influenced by the movement-mechanism comprise one or more of width, density, shape, length, density or size of the tuft.

10. A cosmetic implement comprising:

a handle;
an applicator coupled to the handle, the applicator having an application surface distal to the handle; and
an adjustable ferrule substantially covering an area where the applicator and the handle are coupled and configured to move along an axis of the handle between at least:
a first position in which the applicator has a first shape; and
a second position in which the applicator has a second shape different from the first shape.

11. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 10, wherein the applicator is coupled to the handle such that when the adjustable ferrule is moved toward the first position the first shape of the applicator comprises at least an increased density of the application surface or a shape wherein at least one dimension of the application surface is narrower than the adjustable ferrule.

12. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 10, wherein the applicator is coupled to the handle such that when the adjustable ferrule is moved toward the second position the second shape of the applicator comprises at least a decreased density of the application surface or a shape wherein at least one dimension of the application surface is broader than the adjustable ferrule.

13. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 10, further comprising a frictional material disposed between the adjustable ferrule and the handle and configured restrain movement of the adjustable ferrule relative to the handle within a predetermined range.

14. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 10, further comprising a detent mechanism with pre-set positions along a length of the handle or the adjustable ferrule that allows the adjustable ferrule to reversibly move between the pre-set positions.

15. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 10, wherein the applicator comprises at least one of a brush, a sponge, or a flocking.

16. A cosmetic implement comprising:

a handle having a first end and a second end;
an applicator coupled to the first end of the handle; and
an adjustable ferrule coupled to the first end of the handle,
wherein movement of the adjustable ferrule in a first direction is configured to cause the applicator to narrow in at least one dimension; and
wherein movement of the adjustable ferrule in a second direction is configured to cause the applicator to widen in at least one dimension.

17. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 16, wherein movement of the adjustable ferrule is configured to move relative to the handle and determine one or more characteristics of the applicator.

18. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 17, wherein the handle or the adjustable ferrule further comprises a button, that when manipulated allows the adjustable ferrule to move relative to the handle.

19. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 16, wherein the adjustable ferrule is configured to couple to the handle by at least one of:

one or more flanges extending from an interior portion of the adjustable ferrule or the first end of the handle and configured to interact with one or more corresponding notches located on the other of the adjustable ferrule or the handle;
a friction material attached to an interior portion of the adjustable ferrule or the first end of the handle and configured to provide a frictional force between the handle and adjustable ferrule such that an applied force by a user allows the adjustable ferrule to slide within a predetermined range;
a ball bearing system configured to provide a force between the handle and the adjustable ferrule such that an applied force by a user allows the adjustable ferrule to slide within a predetermined range.

20. The cosmetic implement as recited in claim 16, wherein the adjustable ferrule is configured to move relative to the handle by at least one of:

a twist or reverse twist motion configured to allow threads located on the interior portion of the adjustable ferrule or the first end of the handle to interact with corresponding threads on the other of the adjustable ferrule or the handle; or
a slide motion configured to allow the adjustable ferrule to slide along a length of the handle within a predetermined distance.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140331429
Type: Application
Filed: May 9, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 13, 2014
Applicant: HCT Group Holdings Limited (Santa Monica, CA)
Inventor: Cindy Sean Yuei Lim (Santa Monica, CA)
Application Number: 13/891,070
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Tuft Fasteners (15/190); Movable Tuft Section (15/201)
International Classification: A45D 40/26 (20060101); A46B 7/04 (20060101); A46B 5/00 (20060101); A46B 3/16 (20060101); A46B 9/02 (20060101);