GB2616673A

GB2616673A - Ferrule assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2616673A
Application number: GB2203814.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philippe Albert Bronckaerts Alexandre
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-03-18
Filing date: 2022-03-18
Publication date: 2023-09-20
Also published as: GB202203814D0

Abstract

A ferrule assembly 1 is disclosed for securing to a handle 14. The ferrule assembly comprises a hollow ferrule body 2; a securing member 4 of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body and having a threaded bore 6 extending along a longitudinal axis of the securing member; and an engagement member 7 of a suitable size and shape to be received within the bore of the securing member and having a threaded outer surface 7a, wherein the threaded outer surface of the engagement member is adapted to be screwed into the threaded bore of the securing member. The invention also relates to a handle assembly or a brush comprising the ferule assembly.

Description

FERRULE ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ferrule and handle assemblies for use in items such as brushes. The present invention also relates to items such as brushes, in particular brushes for personal uses like make up or shaving.

Background to the Invention

Brushes of varying types have almost universal utility, from industrial uses to personal uses, to artistic endeavors, etc. Typically, brushes such as makeup and shaving brushes, have three parts: the bristles, a ferrule and a handle. The toe of the bristles is the bristle tips, this is the bit that goes on the skin, and the heel is the bottom end of the bristles.

The bristles are held in place by the ferrule, which is sometimes pinched flat or cylindrical. The bristles are typically tied or glued or both within the ferrule. Some ferrules are also clamped tightly around the bristle heel. The ferrule is usually made of metal, such as nickel-plated brass or aluminium. The ferrule can also be plastic.

The type of materials used to make brush handles is rather limited due to the fact that they have to be securely attached to the ferrule. Usually handles arc made from materials, such as wood, resin or plastic. The ferrule needs to be the correct diameter to fit onto or around the handle perfectly and is typically glued, push or press fitted, or a combination thereof, to the handle. Securely attaching metal ferrules to handles made of more delicate materials like glass, precious metals, exotic woods, stones or a combination of presents problems as the handle can break or be scratched during assembly or the handle can fall out of the brush during use or with time if the adhesive fails. In addition, handles made of materials such as ulass, and perhaps made by hand, may vary in size and shape making it difficult to securely fasten them to or within a ferrule of existing design. These types of problems can also be encouatered with items other than brushes in which a handle of a delicate material or that is handmade is desired.

It is desired to provide a ferrule assembly that allows easy and secure attachment of all types of handles, such as glass handles, precious metals, exotic woods, stones or combination thereof, including those that are handmade or bespoke.

It is also desired to provide a handle suitable for use where the handle is of a delicate 3T Ete. r al 0r handmade.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the invention provides a ferrule assembly for securing a handle comprising: a hollow ferrule body; a securing member of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body and having a threaded bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the securing member; and an engagement member of a I5 suitable size and shape to be received within the bore of the securing member and having a threaded outer surface, wherein the threaded outer surface of the engagement member is adapted to be screwed into the threaded bore of the securing member.

In one embodiment ferrule assembly of the present in ention s used to make brushes.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a ferrule assembly for securing a handle comprising: a hollow ferrule body and an engagement member of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a handle assembly comprising the ferrule assembly according to the first aspect or second aspect and a handle.

in a fourth aspect the present invention is directed to the use of the ferrule assembly according to the first and second aspects to make brushes or cutlery.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a brush comprising the handle assembly according to the third aspect, a handle and fibres or bristles.

Description of the Drawings

A number of embodiments of the invention will now be further described, by means of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the ferrule assembly of Figure 2, assembled with a handle.

Figure 5 is a view of the ferrule assembly of Figure 3 and a handle.

Figure 6 is a side view of a brush comprising the ferrule assembly of according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a side view of a brush comprising the ferrule assembly of according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows perspective and side views of a ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic view of a ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention provides a ferrule assembly for securing a handle comprising a hollow ferrule body; a securing member of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body and having a threaded bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the securing member; and an engagement member of a suitable I5 size and shape to be received within the bore of the securing member and having a threaded outer surface wherein the threaded outer surface of the engagement member is adapted to be screwed into the threaded bore of the securing member.

The invention also relates to improvements in brushes and particularly to makeup or shaving brushes, composed of a single body of bristles, preferably circular, elliptical, or pinched elliptical, in cross section, and a handle.

The ferrule assembly of the present invention may be used to secure fibres or bristles at one end and a handle at the opposite end. The ferrule assembly of the present invention may be used for making brushes, preferably makeup brushes.

The ferrule assembly of the present invention may be used for making other products having a handle, such as cutlery. I5

The ferrule assembly of the present nvention may be used with a handle.

The ferrule assembly of the present invention may be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment the ferrule assembly may be formed of metal. The metal used to form the ferrule assembly of the present invention (e.g. the ferrule body, the securing member and the engagement member) may be selected from aluminium, copper, pewter, brass, gold, silver, platinum, gold plated metal, cobalt, titanium, palladium, zirconium, bronze, niobium, steel or combinations thereof The steel used to form the ferrule assembly may be any type of steel, including stainless steel.

The ferrule body, the securing member and the engagement member of the ferrule assembly may be formed from a material that is the same as or different from each other.

In one embodiment the ferrule body of the ferrule assembly of the present invention may be formed from a material different to the material used to form the securing member and/or the engagement member. The ferrule body of the ferrule assembly according to the invention may be made of metal. The ferrule body of the ferrule assembly according to the invention may be formed from a metal different to the metal used to form the securing member and/or the engagement member. The ferrule body may be made of a precious metal such as gold, silver or platinum. The securing member and/or the engagement member may be made of a metal such as aluminium, copper, pewter, brass, bronze, steel or combinations thereof.

The ability to make the ferrule body from a different material to the securing member and engagement member is advantageous as, for example, it allows use of a precious metal for the visible parts of the ferrule assembly, for example the ferrule body, whilst allowing cost control by using alternative materials for the components that are not visible, such as the securing member and engagement member.

The hollow ferrule body may be elongate. The elongate hollow ferrule body has a first end and a second end.

The ferrule body may be of any suitable shape such as cylindrical or frustoconical.

The hollow ferrule body may comprise a shaped portion, for example a cylindrical, curved, frustoconical or conical portion and a tapered/frustoconical portion.

The hollow ferrule body may comprise a shaped portion and a tapered/frustoconical portion. The tapered/frustoconical portion may narrow away from the shaped portion.

The tapered portion may narrow away from the shaped portion towards the first end of the ferrule body.

The hollow ferrule body of the ferrule assembly according to the present invention may have an outer surface and an inner surface. In one embodiment the inner surface of the ferrule body may include a tapered portion. This may be irrespective of the external shape of the ferrule body.

The inner surface of the ferrule body may further include a shaped portion, for example a cylindrical, curved, frustoconical or conical portion, adjacent to the tapered portion. The tapered portion in the inner surface may narrow away from the shaped portion. The tapered portion in the inner surface may narrow away from the shaped portion towards the first end of the ferrule body.

Alternatively, or in addition the opening at the first end of the ferrule body may be provided with a radial stop extending from around all or part of the opening of the ferrule body towards a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule body.

The ferrule body, or its inner surface, may be shaped to receive the securing member.

The ferrule body, or its inner surface, may be sized and shaped to give a press or interference fit with the securing member. The ferrule body, or its inner surface may be shaped to slidably receive the securing member.

The ferrule body may have non-threaded outer and inner surfaces.

The elongate, hollow ferrule body according to an embodiment of the invention has a tapered portion and a cylindrical portion. The tapered portion may extend from the first end of the ferrule body. The tapered portion may narrow towards the first end of the ferrule body. Looked at another way the tapered portion may increase in diameter as it extends away from the first end. The ferrule body may include cylindrical portion which may extend from the second end to the tapered portion. The tapered portion may narrow away from the cylindrical portion to the first end.

The securing member of the ferrule assembly according to the present invention is ideally of a suitable size and shape to be received, for example concentrically received, within the ferrule body, in particular the first end of the ferrule body. Where the ferrule body, or inner surface of the ferrule body, is cylindrical the securing member may be cylindrical. Where the ferrule body, or inner surface of the ferrule body, is frustoconical or has a frustoconical/tapered portion at the first end, the securing member may also be frustoconicalitapered. The securing member has an outer surface and a threaded bore.

The securing member may have a non-threaded outer surface and a bore with a threaded inner surface. In one embodiment the securing member may be any suitable fastener with a threaded bore adapted to be received, ideally concentrically, within the ferrule body.

The securing member as described herein may have a first end and a second opposite end. The threaded bore may extend along a longitudinal axis, for example the central longitudinal axis, between the first end and the second end. The threaded bore may extend all the way from the first end to the second end of the securing member. Alternatively, the threaded bore of the securing member may extend from the first end part of the way to the second end. The bore may have a circular cross section The bore may be cylindrical. The diameter of the bore of the securing member may be constant along its length.

The securing member of the ferrule assembly according to the present invention may have an outer surface and an inner surface. In one embodiment the outer surface of the securing member may be tapered or may include a tapered portion. The tapered portion may narrow towards the first end of the securing member.

The securing member as described herein is adapted to be slidably received within the ferrule body. The outer surface the securing member may be complimentary in shape, and optionally also size, to the inner surface of the ferrule body.

In one embodiment the securing member as described herein may be adapted, for example in size and shape, to be placed within the tapered portion of the ferrule body, or inner surface thereof. The securing member may be adapted, for example in size and shape, to be placed within the tapered portion of the ferrule body, or inner surface thereof, at the first end of the ferrule body, so the outer surface of the securing member may be complimentary in shape and/or size to tapered portion of the ferrule body, or the inner surface thereof, at the first end of the ferrule body.

The securing member as described herein may be a collar, ring, fastener, cap or ball nut, ideally with a circular cross section and having a non-threaded outer surface and a bore with a threaded inner surface.

In use, the securing member as described herein may be placed concentrically within the ferrule body (c.g. at the first end). The length of the ferrule body may be greater than the length of the securing member. Any tapered portion of the ferrule body, or inner surface thereof, as described herein may have the same length as the length of the securing member. The length of the tapered portion of the ferrule body, or the inner surface thereof, as described herein may be greater than the length of the securing member.

The securing member as described herein has a bore with a threaded inner surface which may be adapted to receive the threaded outer surface of the engagement member.

The engagement member of the ferrule assembly according to the present invention is ideally of a suitable size and shape to be received, for example concentrically, within the bore of the securing member. The engagement member has a threaded outer surface adapted to be screwed into the threaded inner surface of the bore of the securing member.

The engagement member may have a circular cross section. The engagement member may be elongate. The engagement member may be cylindrical or include a cylindrical portion. I5

The engagement member may have a first end and a second opposite end and a length extending from the first end of the engagement member to the second end of the engagement member. The engagement member may include a bore. The bore may extend along the longitudinal, for example central longitudinal, axis of the engagement member. in the ferrule assembly as described herein, the length of the engagement member may be the same as the length of the threaded bore of the securing member.

The ferrule assembly as described herein, may also have an engagement member with a greater length than the length of the threaded bore of the securing member. The length from the first end of the engagement member to the second opposite end of the engagement member may be longer than the length of the securing member from one end of the securing member to the opposite end of the securing member. So the engagement member may have a portion which is not contained within the threaded bore of the securing member. Said portion of the engagement member may outwardly extend from the threaded bore of the securing member. The outwardly extending portion of the engagement member may be used to receive or attach a handle or to receive or attach a collar or ring.

The ferrule assembly of the invention may further comprise a collar or ring. Said collar or ring may have a threaded inner surface. When the engagement member comprises an outwardly extending portion (e.g. a portion of the engagement member outwardly extending from the threaded bore of the securing member), the threaded inner surface of the collar or ring may be adapted to fit over or be screwed onto the threaded outer surface of the outwardly extending portion of the engagement member. The collar or ring may also have a non-threaded outer surface. The outer surface of the collar or ring may define an external diameter. Said external diameter may be the same as the external diameter of the ferrule body as described herein. The collar or ring may be formed of the same or different material as the ferrule body. The collar or ring may be formed of metal. The collar or ring may be placed between the ferrule assembly as described herein and a handle. The collar or ring may improve or help to achieve a good seating of handle. The collar or ring may, alternatively or in addition, be decorative. I5

It is also conceivable that in the ferrule assembly as described herein, the length of the engagement member may be less than the length of the threaded bore of the securing member.

The engagement member as described herein may have a bore which may be adapted to receive a part of a handle. The inner surface of the bore may be adapted to receive and secure, for example releasable secure, part of a handle.

The inner surface of the bore of the engagement member as described herein may be threaded or may include threading. The bore may be formed in the centre of the engagement member, for example along the central longitudinal axis. The bore with a threaded inner surface may extend all or part of the way from one end (first end) of the engagement member to the opposite end (second end) of the engagement member. The bore of the engagement member may be cylindrical or include a cylindrical portion.

The engagement member as described herein may further have a channel positioned on the first end face of the engaging member to enable the insertion of a screwdriver, for example a flat head screwdriver, for the purpose of dislodging the engagement member for repairs or maintenance of the brush. The channel may be positioned across the centre of the bore. There may be two channels providing crossing and perpendicular to each other to receive other screwdriver types such as a cross head screwdriver.

When the ferrule assembly of the invention is assembled, the securing member is slidably inserted into the ferrule body to be concentrically positioned inside the ferrule body at the first end.

The engagement member is fitted (e.g. screwed) into the threaded bore of the securing member, so the first end of the ferrule body has concentrically fitted the securing member and the engagement member therein.

The ferrule assembly according to the present nvention may further comprise a rod.

The bore of the engagement member may have a threaded inner surface. The rod may be threaded. The threaded rod may be releasably screwed into the threaded bore of the engagement member. The threaded rod may be releasably screwed into the threaded bore of the engagement member and into a handle.

The ferrule assembly according to the present invention may be used to attach a handle at the first end of the ferrule body. The second end of the ferrule body may be used to secure fibres or bristles.

The ferrule assembly of the present invention may be used with a handle. The handle may be mateable with the ferrule assembly of the present invention, ideally releasably mateable. The handle may include a part protruding from it for engaging with the engagement member and securing, ideally releasably securing, the ferrule assembly and handle together. The handle may also include a "female" thread to attach to the engaging member, in particular, the outwardly extending portion of the engagement member.

The bore of the engagement member may have a threaded inner surface. The handle may comprise a threaded protrusion. The threaded protrusion may be releasably screwed into the threaded bore of the engagement member.

The engagement member may have a portion which is not contained within the threaded bore of the securing member. Said portion of the engagement member may outwardly extend from the threaded bore of the securing member. The outwardly extending portion of the engagement member may be threaded. The handle may be provided with a threaded bore (female thread) to receive and be releasably screwed onto the threaded outwardly extending portion of the engagement member.

The handle may be made of any high quality material. The handle may be made of metal, glass Jade, exotic wood, resin, stones or combinations thereof The handle may be formed of metal, glass or both. The handle may be made formed of gold, silver, platinum, gold plated or glass. The handle may be formed of Murano glass. The handle may be made of metal with encrusted stones (e.g. crystals, diamonds or other precious gemstones). The handle may be handmade or bespoke.

I5 in one aspect, the invention provides a ferrule assembly for securing a handle comprising: a hollow ferrule body and an engagement member of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body.

The ferrule body may be of any suitable shape such as cylindrical or frustoconical. The hollow ferrule body may comprise a shaped portion, for example a cylindrical, curved, frustoconical or conical portion and a tapered/frustoconical portion.

The hollow ferrule body may comprise a shaped portion and a cylindrical portion.

The ferrule body may have circular cross sections.

The engagement member of the ferrule assembly as described herein is ideally of a suitable size and shape to be received, for example concentrically received, within the ferrule body, in particular the first end of the ferrule body.

The engagement member can be fitted securely within the ferrule body by any suitable means, such as by means of interference fit, gluing, soldering or threading.

Where the ferrule body, or inner surface of the ferrule body, is cylindrical the engagement member may be cylindrical. Where the ferrule body, or inner surface of the ferrule body, is frustoconical or has a frustoconical/tapered portion at the first end, the engagement member may also be frustoconical/tapered or have a frustoconical/tapered portion. The engagement member has an outer surface. The engagement member may have a bore extending along a longitudinal axis, for example central longitudinal axis, thereof. The bore may be a threaded bore.

The engagement member may be fitted into the hollow ferrule body, so the first end of the ferrule body has concentrically fitted the engagement member therein.

When the ferrule body is cylindrical or has a cylindrical portion, the engagement member may be cylindrical and can be fitted securely within the ferrule body by means of interference fit, gluing, soldering or threading.

The hollow ferrule body may have a threaded inner surface or a threaded portion in the inner surface. The threaded inner surface or the threaded portion in the inner surface may be at the first end of the hollow ferrule body. The engagement member may have a threaded outer surface or a threaded portion in the outer surface.

The engagement member may be of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body, and may have a threaded outer surface or a threaded portion in the outer surface, wherein the threaded outer surface or threaded portion in the outer surface of the engagement member is adapted to be screwed into the threaded inner surface of the ferule body or threaded portion of the ferule body.

The engagement member may have a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the engagement member. The bore may extend along the longitudinal, for example central longitudinal, axis of the engagement member. The bore may be threaded or have a threaded portion.

The engagement member may have a portion that protrudes outwardly from the first end of the ferrule body when it is in position in the ferrule body. The outwardly protruding portion may have a threaded portion on its outer surface.

The ferrule assembly of the present invention may be used with a handle.

The invention includes a handle which may be mateable with the ferrule assembly, ideally releasably mateable. The handle may include a part protruding from it for engaging with the engagement member and securing, ideally releasably securing, the ferrule assembly and handle together. The handle may also, or alternatively, include a "female" thread to attach to the engaging member in particular the outwardly extending portion of the engagement member.

The handle may be elongate and have a first end and an opposing second end.

The handle may comprise a threaded protrusion. The protrusion may extend from the first end.

The bore of the engagement member may have a threaded inner surface. The threaded protrusion may be releasably screwed into the threaded bore of the engagement member.

in one embodiment the handle may be provided with a bore in its first end. The bore may be a threaded bore. The threaded bore of the handle is adapted to be screwed onto the threaded outer surface of the engagement member.

The engagement member may have a portion which is not contained within the ferrule body. Said portion of the engagement member may outwardly extend from the ferrule body. The outwardly extending portion of the engagement member may be threaded. The handle may be provided with a threaded bore (female thread) to receive and be releasably screwed onto the threaded outwardly extending portion of the engagement member.

In one aspect, the invention provides a handle assembly comprising a ferrule assembly as described herein and a handle. The handle may be elongate and have a first end and an opposing second end. I5

in the handle assembly as described herein the ferrule assembly may have an engagement member with a portion which is not contained within the threaded bore of the securing member in the first aspect or within the ferrule body in the second aspect. Said portion of the engagement member may outwardly extend from the threaded bore of the securing member of the ferrule assembly of the first aspect or from the first end of the ferrule body of the second aspect.

The threaded bore of the handle may be adapted to be screwed onto the threaded outer surface of the portion of the engagement member which is not contained within the threaded bore of the securing member. I5

The threaded bore of the handle may be adapted to be screwed onto the threaded outer surface of the portion of the engagement member extending outwardly from the threaded bore of the securing member In one embodiment the handle may be provided with a rod protruding from its first end. The rod may be a threaded rod. The threaded rod of the handle is adapted to be screwed into the threaded bore of the engagement member.

In one aspect the present invention is directed to the use of the ferrule assembly as described herein to make brushes or cutlery.

in one aspect the present invention is directed to a brush comprising the ferrule assembly as described herein and a handle. The brush comprising the ferrule assembly as described herein and a handle, may additionally comprise fibres or bristles. The brush may comprise the ferrule assembly as described herein, a handle at one end of the ferrule assembly and fibres or bristles at the opposite end of the ferrule assembly. The brush may comprise the ferrule assembly as described herein, a handle at the first end of the ferrule assembly and fibres or bristles at the second end of the ferrule assembly. The brush comprising the ferrule assembly according to the present invention and a handle, may have the handle attached to the engagement member placed at one end (first end) of the ferrule body as described herein and fibres or bristles attached to the opposite end (second end) of the ferrule body.

The brush comprising the ferrule assembly as described herein, a handle and fibres or bristles may be used for personal care. So the brush comprising the ferrule assembly as described herein, a handle and fibres or bristles, may be a makeup brush, a shaving brush, a toothbrush, a eyebrow brush or a hair brush. Preferably the brush comprising the ferrule assembly as described herein, a handle and fibres or bristles, is a makeup brush. The brush comprising the ferrule assembly as described herein, a handle and fibres or bristles, may have a handle made or formed of metal, glass (e.g. Murano glass) Jade, resin, exotic woods or any high quality material.

An example of the ferrule assembly according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. The ferrule assembly (1) includes an elongate hollow ferrule body (2) having an outer surface and an inner surface (3). The assembly includes a securing member (4) having an outer surface (5) and threaded bore (6). The threaded bore (6) extends along a central longitudinal axis of the securing member. The outer surface (5) of the securing member (4) is tapered (A). The securing member (4) in this embodiment is frustoconical in shape. The ferrule assembly (1) also includes an engagement member (7). The engagement member (7) in this embodiment is cylindrical in shape having a threaded outer surface (8) and a bore (9) extending along a central longitudinal axis of the engagement member.

Figure 2 illustrates a ferrule assembly (1) in assembled form. The ferrule assembly (1) is formed of an hollow ferrule body (2) of circular cross section. The ferrule body (2) defines a passage (10) having a length extending from a first end (12) to a second end (13) and giving rise to the elongate, hollow ferrule body (2). The ferrule body has a central longitudinal axis (F). in figure 2, the elongate hollow ferrule body (2) has a tapered portion (B) extending from the first end (12) of the ferrule body. The diameter of the tapered portion (B) increases with distance from first end (12). The ferrule body (2) also includes a cylindrical portion (C) adjacent to the tapered portion (B) and extending from the second end (13) of the ferrule body (2). The tapered portion (B) narrows away from the cylindrical portion (C) towards first end (12). The ferrule body (2) has an inner surface (3) and an outer surface (11).

The ferrule assembly (I) is assembled so the securing member (4) is concentrically received within passage (10) positioned in the tapered portion (B) of the elongate hollow ferrule body (2). The securing member (4) may be secured in place within the tapered portion (B) by any suitable means such as push fit/interference fit, welding, adhesive, screw threads. The securing member is positioned at the first end (12) of the ferrule body (2).

in Figure 2 and 3 the securing member (4) and the engagement member (7) have respectively a threaded bore (6) and a threaded outer surface (8) as shown in Figure 1. 10 The engagement member (7) is received by the securing member (4). The engagement member (7) is received by and secured within the securing member (4) by means of screw threads (8) on the outer surface of the engagement member being received by the threaded bore (6) of the securing member (4). In the embodiment shown in figure 2 the engagement member (7) is contained fully within the securing member (4). The engagement member (7) has a bore (9) extending along its central longitudinal axis.

A ferrule assembly (1) in assembled form according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 3. In the embodiment of figure 3 the engagement member (7) is not contained fully within the securing member (4), for example it may be of a length greater than the threaded bore (6) of the securing member (4). In the embodiment of figure 3, a portion (7a) of the engagement member (7) extends outwardly from the threaded bore (6) of the securing member (4) and from the first end (12) of the ferrule body (2).

In figure 3 the length along axis (F) from one end of the engagement member (7) to the opposite end of the engagement member (7), is longer than the length of the bore (6) of the securing member (4) along axis (F), from one end of the bore of the securing member (4) to the opposite end of the bore of the securing member (4). The engagement member (7) therefore has an outwardly extending potion (7a) which is not contained within the threaded bore (6) of the securing member (4). The engagement member (7) including the external portion (7a) has a bore (9).

in Figure 2 and 3 the bore (9) of the engagement member (7) is cylindrical and is formed in the centre of the engagement member (7) along the axis (F). The bore (9) is threaded.

An example of the ferrule assembly (1) according to the embodiment of the invention shown in figure 2 with a handle (14) attached is shown in Figure 4. The handle (14) is elongate and has a first end (14a) and an opposing second end (146) and a threaded rod (15) protruding from the first end (I4a). The rod (15) is screwed into the bore (9) of the engagement member (7). The rod (15) is screwed into the threaded bore (9) until the first end (12) of the ferrule body (2) is seated on the first end of the handle (15).

The first end (14a) of the handle (15) may be provided with a circumferential step or cut out to properly seat the first end of ferrule body (2). This is best seen in figure 5. 15 Figure 5 shows the ferrule assembly (1) according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 with a handle attached. The handle (14) is elongate and has a first end (14a) and an opposing second end (14b) and a threaded rod (15) protruding from the first end. The rod (15) is screwed into the bore (9) of the engagement member (7).

The rod (15) is screwed into the bore (9) until the end of outwardly extending portion (7a) of the engagement member (7) contacts the first end (14a) of the handle (14).

An example of the ferrule assembly (I) according to the invention used in a makeup brush is shown in Figure 6. The ferrule assembly shown in this figure is that of figure 2 and it is connected to a handle as described in relation to figure 4.

A further example of the ferrule assembly (1) according to the invention used in a makeup brush is shown in Figure 7. The ferrule assembly shown in this figure is that of figure 3 and it is connected to a handle as described in relation to figure 5 The makeup brush further comprises a collar or ring (16) mounted on the outwardly extending portion (7a) of the engagement member (7) between the ferrule body and handle. The collar or ring (16) may provide decorative detail to the make-up brush.

In a further example shown in Figure 8, the handle (14) is elongate and has a first end (14a) and an opposing second end (14b) and may have a threaded bore (17) at the first end (14a) which is screwed onto the threaded outer surface (8) of the engagement member (7). The engagement member (7) in this embodiment is cylindrical in shape.

Another example of the ferrule assembly according to the invention is shown in Figure 9. The ferrule assembly (1) includes a hollow ferrule body (2) and an engagement member (7). The hollow ferrule body has a first end (12) and a second end (13). The engagement member (7) has a bore (9) extending along a longitudinal axis (F). The hollow ferrule body (2) has a threaded portion (G) in the inner surface (3). The threaded portion (G) in the inner surface (3) is at the first end (12) of the hollow ferrule body (2). The engagement member (7) has a threaded outer surface (8) as shown in Figure 1. The engagement member (7) is secured concentrically in the ferrule body (2) by the corresponding threaded portion (G) and threaded outer surface (8) of the engagement member (7).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A ferrule assembly for securing a handle comprising: a hollow ferrule body; a securing member of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body and having a threaded bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the securing member; and an engagement member of a suitable size and shape to be received within the bore of the securing member and having a threaded outer surface, wherein the threaded outer surface of the engagement member is adapted to be screwed into the threaded bore of the securing member 2 The ferrule assembly of claim 1 wherein the hollow ferrule body comprises IS tapered or frustoconical portion.3 The ferrule assembly of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hollow ferrule body comprises a shaped portion and a tapered or frustoconical portion, and the tapered or frustoconical portion narrows away from the shaped portion.4. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the hollow ferrule body comprises a first end, a second opposite end, an outer surface and an inner surface and the inner surface of the ferrule body includes a tapered portion at the first end and the tapered portion narrows away towards the first end.The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the securing member has an outer surface and the outer surface of the securing member is tapered or includes a tapered portion.6. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the bore of the securing member has a circular cross section.7. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the ferrule body and the securing member both have a first end and a second opposite end, and the length from the first end of the ferrule body to the second opposite end of the ferrule body is longer than the length of the securing member from one end of the securing member to the opposite end of the securing member.8. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the engagement member and the securing member both have a first end and a second opposite end, and the length from the first end of the engagement member to the second opposite end of the engagement member is longer than the length of the securing member from one end of the securing member to the opposite end of the securing member.9. A ferrule assembly for securing a handle comprising: a hollow ferrule body and an engagement member of a suitable size and shape to be received within the hollow ferrule body.10. The ferrule assembly of claim 9 wherein the inner surface of the ferrule body I5 is cylindrical and the engagement member cylindrical.11. The ferrule assembly of claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the engagement member is fitted within the ferrule body by means of interference fit, gluing, soldering or threading.12. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein ferrule body comprises a threaded inner surface or a threaded portion in the inner surface and the engagement member comprises a threaded outer surface or a threaded portion in the outer surface.13. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the engagement member has a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the engagement member.14. The ferrule assembly of claim 13 wherein the bore is threaded or has a threaded portion.15. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims I to 14 wherein ferrule body has a first end and a second opposite end and the engagement member has a portion that protrudes outwardly from the first end of the ferrule body when engagement member is in position in the ferrule assembly.16. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the engagement member is cylindrical or includes a cylindrical portion.17. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the ferrule body is formed from a metal different to the metal used to form the engagement member 18. The ferrule assembly of any one of claims I to 17 further comprising a handle.19. The ferrule assembly of claim 18 wherein the handle comprises a threaded protrusion.20. Use of the ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19 to make brushes or cutlery. I521. A handle assembly comprising the ferrule assembly of any one of claims 1 to 17 and a handle.22. The handle assembly of claim 21, wherein the handle is elongate and has a first end and an opposing second end and the handle has a bore in its first end.23. The handle assembly of claim 22 wherein the bore in the first end of the handle is a threaded bore.24. The handle assembly of anyone of claim 21 wherein the handle is elongate and has a first end and an opposing second end and the handle comprises a threaded protrusion.25. A brush comprising the handle assembly of any one of claims 21 to 24 and fibres or bristles.