US20160128457A1

US20160128457A1 - Cosmetic implement with movable applicator

Info

Publication number: US20160128457A1
Application number: US14/536,254
Authority: US
Inventors: Cindy Sean Yuei Lim; Michelle Wong; Kamaal Washington
Original assignee: HCT Group Holding Ltd; HCT Group Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: HCT Group Holding Ltd; HCT Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-07
Filing date: 2014-11-07
Publication date: 2016-05-12

Abstract

Implements may include a movable applicator to manipulate an application surface to different angles for a more ergonomic application of cosmetics. An example cosmetic implement comprises a handle coupled to an applicator via a swivel connector. In some examples, when the movable ferrule is in a first position the applicator may be used in a traditional manner; however, when the ferrule is placed in a second position the applicator may be tilted at an angle, for a more efficient application of product to certain areas of the face, neck, head, or body of a person.

Description

BACKGROUND

Multiple cosmetic implements exist for applying cosmetic, medicinal, or other product to an individual's face, head, or body. Different aspects and features of the face, head, and body require application at different angles. For example, holding an applicator shaft perpendicular to a certain area may be useful for applying cosmetic to a substantially flat area. In other examples, it may be more beneficial to have an applicator at an angle relative to the surface for more precise application. Additionally, different applications may require different application surfaces, each capable of being applied at different angles. However, carrying multiple implements may be inconvenient, particularly when traveling, due to the amount of space taken up by the multiple implements.

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 a front view and a side view, respectively, of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with an applicator movable between multiple positions.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict perspective views of the cosmetic implement with an applicator shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the applicator movable between a first position shown in FIG. 2A and the multiple positions shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the components of the cosmetic implement shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the assembled components of the cosmetic implement shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a first position shown in FIG. 5A and the multiple positions including a pre-set position shown in FIG. 5B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a first position shown in FIG. 6A and multiple pre-set positions as shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6C depicts a top view of the ferrule shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a removable applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

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 at various angles and with various application surfaces. This application describes various cosmetic implements for applying one or more cosmetic products (e.g., blush, foundation, eye shadow, eye liner, powder, concealer, primer, etc.) to a surface such as a face, neck, head, or body of a person.
In an implementation, the cosmetic implement may have a movable applicator coupled to a handle which is free to move through a 360-degree plane. In some implementations, the movable applicator may be configured to move relative to the handle to adjust the angle of the applicator without changing the handle position, thereby improving the ergonomics of application. For example, a user may require the horizontal application of an eye liner, but may desire an application surface angled toward the face at an acute angle relative to the applicator in order to facilitate application of eye liner under the lower eye lashes. In such cases, the movable applicator may be moved to an angled position, allowing the applicator to be tilted at an angle away from the axis of the handle. However, in other implementations, the user may require an applicator aligned with the handle. In that case, the movable applicator may be moved or otherwise manipulated to a position such that the applicator is aligned with the handle. Additionally, in some implementations, the applicator may be secured into a plurality of positions at various angles between 0 degrees (i.e., aligned with the handle axis) and 150 degrees.
By allowing the user to manipulate a single cosmetic implement to fulfill the multiple required applications of the user (i.e., preferred angular 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 “applicator” and “movable applicator” are intended to have substantially similar meanings. That is, “applicator,” as used throughout this disclosure, should be interpreted as any sort of removable or non-removable applicator attached to a handle via a swivel connector.
Following the “Overview,” the disclosure continues with a section entitled “Example Cosmetic Implements with Movable Applicator,” which describes non-limiting examples of cosmetic implements with movable applicators. 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 Movable Applicator
The figures illustrate various example cosmetic implements, where each cosmetic implement contains one of a plurality of ferrule configurations, applicators, applicator angles, and/or application surface characteristics.
FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a front view and a side view, respectively, of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement 100 with an applicator 102 movable between multiple positions relative to a handle 104. As illustrated, the cosmetic implement 100 includes a movable applicator 102 coupled to a handle 104 via a swivel connector with a ball and a shaft. The handle 104 may be formed of one or more of a metal material (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, alloys thereof, etc.), a plastic material (e.g., acrylic, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, etc.), a wood material, ceramic material, graphite material, composite material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), combinations of the preceding, or other suitable material. A cross section of handle 104 may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular or any other suitable shape. The handle 104 may have a gripping surface thereon (e.g. rubber grip, textured surface treatment, soft touch paint, etc.).
The applicator 102 may house an application surface 106. In various implementations, the application surface 106 may be a collection or plurality of individual fibers or bristles. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, application surface 106 is shown as a group of bristles forming a brush applicator. In some implementations, the brush applicator may be made of natural bristles (e.g., sable hair, squirrel hair, goat hair, etc.), synthetic bristles (e.g., plastic, silicone, latex, polyester or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof. However, in other implementations, the application surface 106 may be a sponge applicator or the like. Additionally, in some implementations, the application surface 106 may take on any number of shapes. For example, the application surface 106 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B comprises a substantially rectangular shaped brush; however, other suitable cross sectional shapes may be used (e.g., square, circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, fan, etc.).
FIG. 1B depicts a side view of cosmetic implement 100. In the illustrative example, the applicator 102 side view cross sectional area is narrower than the front view. In other examples, the applicator 102 side view cross sectional area may be the same size or wider than the front view cross sectional area.
FIGS. 2A and 2B depict perspective views of the cosmetic implement with an applicator shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the applicator being movable between a first position (P₁) shown in FIG. 2A and the multiple positions (e.g., P₂, P₃, P₄) shown in FIG. 2B. As depicted, the movable applicator may be moved between multiple positions, each position being deflected at a particular angle from the axis of the handle 104.
Specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates the perspective view of cosmetic implement 100, where the applicator 102 is in position P₁. FIG. 2B illustrates the perspective view of cosmetic implement 100, where the applicator 102 is in positions P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄.
As described above with regard to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the position of the movable applicator 102 determines the angle at which the application surface 106 may contact the head, face, or body. The movable applicator 102 may be connected to the handle via a swivel connector 202. In some implementations, the swivel connector may be made of metal, plastic, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. In various implementations, the swivel connector 202 may comprise a ball and a shaft. The ball of the swivel connector may be housed in the handle 104, the first end being proximal to the applicator, and/or in a ferrule 204, in a ball-and-socket type configuration.
In various implementations, the ferrule 204 may be coupled to the first end of the handle 104. The ferrule 204 may be made of metal, plastic, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. In some implementations, the ferrule 204 may comprise a cutout. The cutout depicted in FIG. 2A is substantially circular. However, in other implementations, the cutout may be substantially square-shaped, circular, triangular, star-shaped, or may comprise multiple prongs. In various implementations, the ferrule 204 may secure the swivel connector 202 in a housing in the first end of the handle and/or in the ferrule 204. In some implementations, the shaft of the swivel connector may protrude through the cutout. In such implementations, the cutout may define a range of movement of the swivel connector 202.
In various implementations, the swivel connector 202 may allow the applicator 102 to move independent from and relative to the handle. For example, the swivel connector 202 may permit the applicator 102 to rotate through a plane defined by the cutout in the ferrule 204, such as from P₂to P₄.
In various implementations, the swivel connector 202 may be coated and/or covered with a substance to increase surface friction, thereby holding the applicator 102 in the desired position absent the application of a certain amount of force. In some implementations, the swivel connector 202 may be made of a material with a coefficient of friction that permits movement about the plane only if adequate pressure is applied.
As shown in the illustrative example at position P₃, the swivel connector 202 may also allow the applicator 102 to rotate 360 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise about its own axis. This may be desirable for precise application of cosmetic product. For example, application of product in a straight line may be more precise using a cross section in a particular orientation which is long and narrow. Conversely, if a wide application of product is required, rotating the applicator 90 degrees from the previous example may be more desirable.
FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the components of the cosmetic implement shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 2A and 2B.
Cosmetic implement 100 may be comprised of a handle 104 with a first end 302 proximale to the applicator 102 and a second end 304 distal to the applicator 102. The first end 302 of the handle 104 may be configured to house the swivel connector 202. The housing in the first end 302 of the handle 104 may be a ball-and-socket joint, or any other reasonable connection to allow the swivel connector to move freely in all directions, and also rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about its own axis.
In the illustrative example, swivel connector 202 comprises a ball 306 and a link 308. In some implementations, the swivel connector may be comprised of a sack of substantially fluid material with a rigid piece protruding away from the handle 104. In such implementations, the sack of substantially fluid material may be sized to fit snugly within the first end 302 of the handle 104, the fit allowing for free movement in all directions, and also rotation about the axis of the swivel connector 202.
In various implementations, swivel connector 202 may be secured in place with a ferrule 310. The ferrule 310 may be composed of metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, composite, or the like. In the illustrative example, ferrule 310 may be secured to the first end 302 of handle 104 via a screw-type connection. In other implementations, ferrule 310 may be secured via a snap configuration. In still other implementations, the ferrule 310 may be secured to the handle 104 with an adhesive (e.g., epoxy, polyurethane, polyimide, cyanoacrylates, etc.).
In some implementations, a resistance or frictional material may be placed between the swivel connector 202 and the ferrule 310. The frictional material may prevent the swivel connector 202 from moving in relation to the handle without a threshold force applied by a user, for example. The frictional material may be connected to or manufactured with either the swivel connector 202 or the ferrule 310. However, in some implementations, the frictional material may also be a separate component of the cosmetic implement 100 placed between the swivel connector 302 and the ferrule 310.
Example material of the frictional material may include rubber, polyurethane, nylon, Teflon, silicone, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (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 swivel connector 202 and the ferrule 310.
Ferrule 310 comprises a cutout through which the link 308 may protrude when ferrule 310 is secured to the first end 302 of the handle 104. In various implementations, the cutout is circular, thereby allowing the link 308 to move in a circular pattern, or any other direction within the circle. In some implementations the cutout may be square, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, diamond-shaped, multi-pronged, or any other shape desired for the movement track of the link 308. In various implementations, the ferrule 310 may comprise a detent to allow the link 308 (and consequently the attached applicator 102) to be seated in a particular position and secured by a snap fit, a snug fit, or any other reasonable method.
In the illustrative example, ferrule 310 has a substantially flat top. In other examples, the ferrule 310 may have a dome-shaped top, thereby permitting a potentially greater angle of deflection of the link 308, and consequently the applicator 102.
The applicator 102 may be connected to handle 104 via link 308 of the swivel connector 202. In various examples, applicator 102 may be coupled to the link 308 by, for example, fusing, gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, stapling, or inserting the link 308 into at least a portion of the applicator 102. In yet other implementations, the applicator 102 may be secured to the link 308 via a screw connection, a snap connection, or any other reasonable method.
In various implementations, link 308 may be telescopic thereby making applicator 102 extendable. In some implementations, link 308 may be manually extendable (e.g. by applying force away from the handle, twisting to extend, etc.). In other implementations, link 308 may be extendable via an extension mechanism (e.g. a spring-loaded mechanism activated by a button).
Applicator 102 may be configured to house application surface 106. Application surface 106 may be secured in the applicator 102 by gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, or any other reasonable method for securing an application surface into a housing. As described above in the discussion of FIGS. 1A and 1B, application surface 106 may be comprised of a plurality of bristles. In various implements, the application surface 106 may be made of silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.
In the illustrative example, application surface 106 has an ovular cross sectional shape, with a substantially flat top surface. In other implementations, application surface 106 may have a rectangular, triangular, circular, semi-circular cross sectional shape. Additionally, in some implementations, the application surface 106 may have a top surface that is rounded or textured (e.g., fan-shape, dome-shape, etc.).
FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the assembled components of the cosmetic implement shown in FIGS. 1-3.
As described above with respect to FIG. 3, cosmetic implement 100 may comprise a handle 104 with a first end 302 proximal to the applicator 102 and a second end 304 distal to the applicator 102. In the illustrative example, the first end 302 is configured to house the swivel connector 202. The housing in the first end 302 may allow the swivel connector 202 to move freely in all directions, including a rotation about its own axis.
In various implementations, the swivel connector 202 comprises a ball 306 and a link 308. In some implementations, the ball 306 may be housed in the first end 302 of the handle 104, and secured in place with a ferrule 310. In the illustrative example, ferrule 310 is secured to the first end 302 of handle 104 via a screw-type connection. In other implementations, ferrule 310 may be secured via a snap configuration, and/or an adhesive.
In some implementations, a resistance or frictional material may be placed between the swivel connector 202 and the ferrule 310. The frictional material may prevent the swivel connector 202 from moving in relation to the handle without a threshold force applied by a user, for example. The frictional material may be connected to or manufactured with either the swivel connector 202 or the ferrule 310. However, in some implementations, the frictional material may also be a separate component of the cosmetic implement 100 placed between the swivel connector 302 and the ferrule 310.
Ferrule 310 comprises a cutout through which the link 308 may protrude when ferrule 310 is secured to the first end 302 of the handle 104. In the illustrative example, ferrule 310 has a substantially flat top, thereby allowing the applicator to move along a plane of motion as defined by the cutout. In other implementations, the ferrule 310 may have a dome-shaped top, thereby permitting a potentially greater angle of deflection of the applicator 102.
The applicator 102 may be connected to handle 104 via link 308 of the swivel connector 202. In various implementations, link 308 may be telescopic, thereby making the applicator 102 extendable.
FIGS. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a first position shown in FIG. 5A and the multiple positions including a pre-set position shown in FIG. 5B.
Cosmetic implement 500, similar to cosmetic implement 100, comprises a handle 502 with a first end and a second end, and a ferrule 504 coupled to the first end of handle 502. In some implementations, the first end of handle 502 may house swivel connector 506, and the ferrule 504 may secure the swivel connector 506 in place. In some implementations, the ferrule may house and secure swivel connector 506.
As discussed above, in various implementations, there may be a resistance or frictional material between the swivel connector 506 and the ferrule 504 and/or the handle 502. The frictional material may prevent the swivel connector 506 from moving in relation to the handle without a threshold force applied by a user, for example. The resistance or frictional material may be connected to or manufactured with either the swivel connector 506, the ferrule 504, or the handle 502. However, in some implementations, the frictional material may also be a separate component of the cosmetic implement 500 placed between the swivel connector 506 and the ferrule 504 and/or the handle 502.
Cosmetic implement 500 also includes an applicator 508 with an application surface 510. In various implementations, the applicator 508 may be coupled to the swivel connector 506 by fusing, gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, stapling, or inserting the link into at least a portion of the applicator 508. In some implementations, the applicator 508 may be coupled to the swivel connector 506 via a screw connection, a snap connection, or any other reasonable method of coupling the applicator and swivel connector such that they move in concert.
In various implementations, the swivel connector allows the applicator 508 to move about a plane, as defined by a cutout in the ferrule 504. In the some implementations, the cutout in the ferrule may be circular or substantially circular, thereby allowing the applicator to track, via any path, to multiple positions. For example, the applicator may move freely between a first position, P₁, in which the applicator is aligned with an axis 512 of the handle 502, and multiple other positions at various angles to the axis 512, such as P₃, and P₄, as shown in FIG. 5B. In other implementations, the cutout may be substantially square-shaped, fan-shaped, star-shaped, or may be comprised of tracks, thereby limiting movement of the applicator within the tracks (i.e., back and forth movement).
In some implementations, the cutout in the ferrule 504 may include a detent 514. In such implementations, the detent 512 may secure the swivel connector 506 into a particular position by, for example, a snap fit. In some implementations the detent 514 may be a clip to secure the applicator in a particular position. In some implementations, range may be limited by “stops” or the extent of grooves or tracks in the ferrule. In the illustrative example, the detent 512 is a substantially circular hole in a lateral side of the ferrule, the detent 512 being part of the cutout. In such examples, the detent 512 may secure the swivel connector, and consequently the applicator, at a 90 degree angle from the axis 512. In other implementations, as described below, the ferrule may include a plurality of detents at various angles. The angled detents may provide for a more precise, or ergonomically efficient application of cosmetics to a certain area.
As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the applicator 508 may rotate 360 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise about an applicator axis 516, as depicted at P₂. The rotation of the applicator 508 about axis 516 allows the single cosmetic implement to have a narrow application surface in one orientation, and a wide application surface in another orientation. For example, if a wide brush is required, the longer dimension of applicator surface 510 may be aligned vertically. Conversely, if a thin application is required, applicator 508 may be rotated 90 degrees about applicator 516, placing the longer dimension of applicator surface 510 in a horizontal orientation.
In various other implementations, the width, shape, size, diameter and/or other dimensional characteristic of the applicator surface 510 may be determined by the position of applicator 508 of cosmetic implement 500. The adjustments to applicator surface 510 by rotating applicator 508 may be made for increased precision or ergonomic considerations.
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a first position as shown in FIG. 6A and multiple pre-set positions as shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6C depicts a top view of the ferrule shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a cosmetic implement 600 which may comprise any of the features or combinations thereof discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-5B. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, cosmetic implement 600 further comprises a dome-shaped ferrule 602 with tracking pattern 604. In the illustrative example, the ferrule 602 houses and secures swivel connector 606. In some implementations, swivel connector 606 may be housed in a ball-and-socket joint in ferrule 602 and/or handle 608.
As discussed above, a resistance or frictional material may be placed between the swivel connector 606 and the ferrule 602. The frictional material may be, for example, rubber, polyurethane, nylon, Teflon, silicone, polypropylene, ABS, polyethylene or the like. The 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, the frictional material may also comprise a lubricant to reduce wear of the swivel connector 606 and the ferrule 602.
As illustrated in FIG. 6C, ferrule 602 comprises a tracking pattern 604 with three defined tracks T₁, T₂, and T₃. In other implementations, ferrule 602 may have more or less tracks. Each track, such as T₁, T₂, and T₃, may be of different length, allowing the applicator to track to pre-set positions at the end of each track, the pre-set positions corresponding to different angular positions of the applicator.
As depicted in FIG. 6C, track T₁has the shortest track length (relative to T₂, and T₃), which corresponds to position P₂. At position P₂, applicator 610 may be secured at an angle θ relative to the axis of the handle 608. As further depicted in FIG. 6C, track T₃has the longest track length (relative to T₁, and T₂), which corresponds to position P₄. At position P₄, applicator 610 may be secured at angle α relative to the axis of the handle 608, where α>θ. Additionally, track T₂, which corresponds to position P₃, has a track length greater than T₁and less than T₃. Consequently, α>ψ>θ, where ψ is the angle of the applicator at position P₃relative to the axis of the handle 608.
The pre-set positions may secure the applicator 610 at different angles (e.g., α, ψ, and θ) to improve the ergonomics and efficiency of cosmetic application to various places on the head, face, and body. For example, a first application of cosmetics, such as an application of foundation to a forehead, may require an applicator 610 that is aligned with an axis of the handle 608, as depicted in FIG. 6A at position P₁. A second application of cosmetics, such as an application of eye liner to a lower eyelid, may require an applicator 610 deflected at an angle, such as angle θ at P₂. The acute angle θ may allow the application surface to more easily fit underneath the lower eyelashes, thereby providing a more ergonomic and efficient application of eye liner.
In various implementations, as shown in the illustrative example at position P₂, the applicator 610 may also rotate 360 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise about its own axis. This may be desirable for even more precise application of cosmetic product, where a more wide or narrow cross section of the application surface is desired.
In various implementations, tracks T₁, T₂, and T₃may each include a detent for securing the applicator 610 in pre-set positions. In some implementations the detent may be a clip to secure the applicator in a particular position. In some implementations, range may be limited by “stops” or the extent of grooves or tracks in the ferrule. In various implementations, each track may be comprised of more than one detent or stop, each detent or stop securing the applicator in a different pre-set positions along each track.
FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with a removable applicator. The cosmetic implement depicted in FIG. 7 may comprise any of the features or combinations thereof discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-6C.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, cosmetic implement 700 further comprises a removable applicator 702, such as removable applicator 702A-702E. The removable applicator 702 may be secured to handle 704 by a swivel connector 706. In the illustrative example, the swivel connector 706 comprises a ball 708 and a link 710. In various implementations, the ball 708 may be housed in a ball-and-socket joint in the handle 704, and secured in place with a ferrule 712. In some implementations, the ball 708 may be housed and secured by ferrule 712. The link 710 of the swivel connector 706 is configured to protrude out of the handle 704 and/or the ferrule 712.
In the illustrative example, removable applicator 702 may be coupled to the link 710 by a screw-type adapter. In such examples, the removable applicator 702 may be secured to the link 710 by rotating the applicator onto the link in a clockwise rotation. In various implementations, the removable applicator 702 may be coupled to link 708 by a snap-fit or press-fit connection. In some implementations, removable applicator 702 may comprise a spring loaded latch system such that when at least one button is pressed, latches securing the removable applicator 702 to grooves in the link 710 may be released. Conversely, when the at least one button is released, the tension in the spring releases, and the latches seat in grooves located on link 710, thereby firmly securing the removable applicator to the swivel connector 706.
Removable applicator 702 may be configured to house application surface 714. Application surface 714 may be secured in removable applicator 702 by gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, or any other reasonable method for securing an application surface into a housing. In various implementations, application surface 714 may be a sponge applicator, such as that depicted in application surface 714A. In some implementations, application surface 714 may be comprised of a group of bristles forming a brush applicator, such as those depicted in application surface 714B-714E. In such implementations, the brush applicator may be made of natural bristles, synthetic bristles, metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof. However, in other implementations, the application surface 714 may be made of silicone, rubber, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.
In various implementations, the application surface 714 may take on any number of shapes. For example, the application surface 714A comprises a substantially rectangular shaped surface. However, many other suitable cross sectional shaped surfaces may be used (e.g. square, circle, oval, triangle, fan, etc.). For example, application surface 714B and 714C depict semi-circular or dome-type cross sectional shapes. For yet more examples, application surface 714D depicts a fan shaped cross sectional shape, and application surface 714E depicts a triangular cross sectional shape.
Additionally, in some implementations, application surfaces 714A-714E may be of varying densities. For example, application surface 714A may be of a higher bristle count than application surface 714E, or vice versa.
In various implementations, removable applicator 702 may be variable in size (e.g., width, length, height, etc.). For example, as depicted removable applicator 702D is larger than removable applicator 702C.
A cosmetic implement 700 with a removable applicator 714 provides the capability of precise application of product for each desired area, further increasing the efficiency of the single applicator which can perform multiple functions.

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

What is claimed is:

1. A brush comprising:

a handle having a first end and a second end;

a swivel connector having a ball and shaft, wherein the ball is seated in the first end of the handle and the shaft extends away from the first end of the handle;

a ferrule coupled to the first end of the handle, wherein the ferrule secures the swivel connector within the first end of the handle and the shaft protrudes through a cutout in the ferrule; and

an applicator coupled to the shaft, the applicator being movable within the confines of the cutout in the ferrule.

2. The brush as claim 1 recites, further comprising a friction material on the ball of the swivel connector, the friction material configured to increase friction between the ball and the ferrule.

3. The brush as claim 2 recites, wherein the friction material comprises at least one of:

a rubber;

a polyurethane;

a silicone;

a polypropelene;

a polyethylene; or

a nylon.

4. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the applicator further comprises an application surface, the application surface comprising a plurality of bristles configured in at least one of:

a fan shape;

a rectangular shape;

a triangular shape; or

a dome shape.

5. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the applicator is further movable in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about its axis.

6. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the applicator further comprises an application surface, the application surface comprising a sponge.

7. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the applicator is removable.

8. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the ferrule is substantially flat at the first end of the handle, and the cutout in the ferrule further comprises a detent, the detent being perpendicular to the substantially flat ferrule and sized to hold the shaft of the swivel connector.

9. A cosmetic implement comprising:

a handle;

a ferrule coupled to the handle, the ferrule comprising a cutout with a first substantially circular section on a top side of the ferrule and a second substantially circular section on a lateral side of the ferrule, the first and second substantially circular sections being connected;

a swivel connector, the swivel connector housed inside the ferrule and the swivel connector comprising:

a ball configured to move within the ferrule; and

a shaft coupled to the ball, the shaft being distal to the handle; and

an applicator coupled to the shaft of the swivel connector, the applicator comprising an application surface distal to the handle, wherein the applicator is movable:

about a plane defined by the first substantially circular section of the cutout; and

into a position substantially perpendicular to the handle defined by the second substantially circular section of the cutout;

10. The cosmetic implement as claim 9 recites, further comprising a snap-fit connector between the first substantially circular section and the second substantially circular section, the snap-fit connector configured to secure the shaft at a 90 degree angle from the handle.

11. The cosmetic implement as claim 9 recites, further comprising a friction material on the ball of the swivel connector, the friction material configured to increase friction between the ball and the ferrule and comprising at least one of:

a rubber;

a polyurethane;

a silicone;

a polypropelene;

a polyethylene; or

a nylon.

12. The cosmetic implement as claim 9 recites, wherein the application surface is comprised of a plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles configured in at least one of:

a fan shape;

a rectangular shape;

a triangular shape; or

a dome shape.

13. The brush as claim 9 recites, wherein the applicator is further movable in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about its axis.

14. The cosmetic implement as claim 9 recites, the applicator being removable and replaceable.

15. A cosmetic implement comprising:

a handle;

a ferrule coupled to the handle, the ferrule comprising a multi-pronged cutout with at least a first track having a first end and a second end, a second track having a first end and a second end, and a third track having a first end and a second, each of the first, second, and third tracks sharing a first end at a center of the ferrule;

a ball configured to move within the ferrule; and

a shaft coupled to the ball, the shaft being distal to the handle; and

an applicator coupled to the shaft of the swivel connector, the applicator comprising an application surface distal to the handle, wherein the applicator is movable between:

a first position at the first end of the first, second, and third tracks;

a second position at the second end of the first track;

a third position at the second end of the second track; and

a fourth position at the second end of the third track, wherein applicator is oriented at different angles relative to the handle at each of the first, second, third, and fourth positions.

16. The cosmetic implement as claim 15 recites, further comprising:

a first detent at the second end of the first track;

a second detent at the second end of the second track; and

a third detent at the second end of the third track, wherein the first, second and third detents are configured to secure the shaft in the first, second, and third positions respectively.

17. The cosmetic implement as claim 15 recites, further comprising a friction material on the ball of the swivel connector, the friction material configured to increase friction between the ball and the ferrule.

18. The brush as claim 15 recites, wherein the applicator is further movable in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about its axis.

19. The cosmetic implement as claim 15 recites, wherein the application surface is comprised of a plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles configured in at least one of:

a fan shape;

a rectangular shape;

a triangular shape; or

a dome shape.

20. The cosmetic implement as claim 15 recites, wherein the applicator is removable and replaceable.