U.S. patent application number 13/891070 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-13 for cosmetic implement with adjustable ferrule.
This patent application is currently assigned to HCT Group Holdings Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Cindy Sean Yuei Lim.
Application Number | 20140331429 13/891070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51863724 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140331429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lim; Cindy Sean Yuei |
November 13, 2014 |
COSMETIC IMPLEMENT WITH ADJUSTABLE FERRULE
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Lim; Cindy Sean Yuei; (Santa
Monica, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED |
Santa Monica |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HCT Group Holdings Limited
Santa Monica
CA
|
Family ID: |
51863724 |
Appl. No.: |
13/891070 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/190 ;
15/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 7/044 20130101;
A45D 33/00 20130101; A45D 40/262 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/190 ;
15/201 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 7/04 20060101 A46B007/04; A46B 5/00 20060101
A46B005/00; A46B 3/16 20060101 A46B003/16; A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02 |
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.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic
implement with a button located on a handle to allow movement of a
ferrule.
[0008] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic
implement with a button located on a ferrule to allow movement of
the ferrule.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.).
[0021] 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
P.sub.1. Position P.sub.1 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 P.sub.1 of the adjustable ferrule may
configure the applicator 106 to retain a first shape with, for
example, a broader width, designated as W.sub.1. While FIG. 1B
illustrates the adjustable ferrule in position P.sub.2,
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
W.sub.2. Furthermore, placement of the ferrule 102 in position
P.sub.2 may also more tightly pack the group of bristles of
applicator 106 in comparison to position P.sub.1 of the ferrule. As
will become more apparent in the discussion of FIGS. 2A and 2B,
position P.sub.2 may also correspond to a more densely packed
application surface of the applicator 106.
[0022] 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., P.sub.1 and P.sub.2)
relative to a handle 104. Specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates the
side view of cosmetic implement 100 where the ferrule 102 is in
position P.sub.1 as shown in FIG. 1A. Where FIG. 2B illustrates the
side view of cosmetic implement 100 where the ferrule 102 is in
position P.sub.2 as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0023] 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 P.sub.1. Position P.sub.1 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 P.sub.1 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 T.sub.1. While FIG. 2B illustrates the adjustable
ferrule in position P.sub.2, 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 T.sub.2.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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 P.sub.1 (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 P.sub.2 (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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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
P.sub.1. Furthermore, the diameter (D.sub.1) of the application
surface of the applicator 706 extends beyond the perimeter of the
ferrule 702 in the position P.sub.1. However, as the ferrule 702 is
moved to position P.sub.2, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the diameter
(D.sub.2) of the application surface of the applicator 706 may be
reduced to become equal to or narrower than the perimeter of the
ferrule 702.
[0045] In some implementations, the shape of the application
surface of applicator 706 may be altered when the ferrule 702 is
moved between positions P.sub.1 and P.sub.2. For example, FIG. 7A
shows that the cross sectional application surface of applicator
706 is generally circular while the ferrule 702 is in position
P.sub.1. However, as the ferrule 702 is actuated to position
P.sub.2, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cross sectional application
surface of applicator 706 is altered to a generally oval shape.
[0046] In some implementations, the ferrule 702 may be adjusted in
a helical motion between positions P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] For example, applicator 806, illustrated as a sponge
applicator, may have a first shape with a width W.sub.1 while the
adjustable ferrule 802 is located in position P.sub.1. In some
implementations, when the adjustable ferrule 802 is adjusted or
slide towards the applicator 806 or position P.sub.2, the
applicator 806 may be configured with a second shape comprising a
width W.sub.2. In some implementations, applicator 806 may be made
of silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or
a composite thereof
CONCLUSION
[0049] 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.
* * * * *