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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.