Size-adjustable cosmetic applicator

Abstract

An applicator is provided that is adjustable in size for application and storage purposes. The applicator has first and second bodies each supporting an applicator medium in the form of a plurality of bristles, a sponge or a fibrous material. The first and second bodies also serve as handles for the applicator. The bodies are connected by a hinge (or other means) to allow them to be selectively repositioned to change the relative dimensions of the applicator medium. The hinge permits the second body to be selectively moved relative to the first body from a first position wherein the depth of the applicator medium is relatively greater, to a second position wherein the width of applicator medium is relatively greater. The first position provides dimensions that are more convenient for storage in a compact with relatively small dimensions, while the second position provides dimensions more convenient for applying cosmetic to a broader application area.

1 . A cosmetic brush comprising: 
 a first body having a base end supporting a first plurality of bristles adapted for applying a cosmetic, the bristles secured in an arrangement having a width and a depth;    a second body having a base end supporting a second plurality of bristles adapted for applying a cosmetic, the bristles secured in an arrangement having a width and a depth; and    means for connecting the first body and the second body such that the second body is selectively movable relative to the first body from a first position wherein the second plurality of bristles are adjacent to and increase the relative depth of the arrangement of the first plurality of bristles to a second position wherein the second plurality of bristles are adjacent to and increase the relative width of the arrangement of the first plurality of bristles.    
     
     
         2 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 1  wherein the width of the arrangement of the first plurality of bristles is greater than the depth of the arrangement of the first plurality of bristles.  
     
     
         3 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 1  wherein the width and depth of the arrangement of the first plurality of bristles is the same as the width and depth of the arrangement of the second plurality of bristles.  
     
     
         4 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 1  wherein the means for connecting is a hinge.  
     
     
         5 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 5  wherein the hinge is a living hinge.  
     
     
         6 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 1  wherein the means for connecting further comprises cooperatively mating structures.  
     
     
         7 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 6  wherein the cooperatively mating structures further comprise at least one projection on one of the first body and the second body and at least one recess in the other of the first body and the second body, the recess dimensioned to receive the at least one projection in mating engagement.  
     
     
         8 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 1  wherein the means for connecting further comprises at least one magnet on one of the first body and the second body, and at least one magnetically attractable surface on the other of the first body and the second body.  
     
     
         9 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 1  wherein the means for connecting further comprises cooperatively acting sections of hook and loop tape.  
     
     
         10 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 4  further comprising a ratchet mechanism cooperatively associated with the hinge such that the second body can be selectively positioned at any one of a number of stop points between the first position and the second position  
     
     
         11 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 1  further comprising means for securing the second body in one of the first position and the second position.  
     
     
         12 . The cosmetic brush of  claim 11  wherein the means for securing is selected from one of a magnetic clasp, a latch, a keeper, a hook, a snap fitment, and cooperatively acting sections of hook and loop tape.  
     
     
         13 . A cosmetic applicator comprising: 
 a first body having a base end supporting a first applicator medium adapted for applying a cosmetic, the first applicator medium having a width and a depth;    a second body having a base end supporting a second applicator medium adapted for applying a cosmetic, the second applicator medium having a width and a depth; and    means for connecting the first body and the second body such that the second body is selectively movable relative to the first body from a first position wherein the second applicator medium is adjacent to and increases the relative depth of the first applicator medium to a second position wherein the second applicator medium is adjacent to and increases the relative width of the first applicator medium.    
     
     
         14 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 13  wherein at least one of the first applicator medium and the second applicator medium is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of bristles, a woven fibrous material, a non-woven fibrous material, a flocked material and a sponge.