Single fiber brush having multiple characteristics and method of manufacture

Abstract

A brush for applying mascara or the like, having an array with two visibly distinct portions, each portion made of the same type of fiber wherein one portion has been subjected to a treatment process and another has not; each portion for respectively performing a different function.

1 . A brush comprising:
 an elongated core having a rectilinear axis; and   an array of bristles projecting away from the core and having free tips, the array having: (1) a proximal end and a distal end spaced along the rectilinear axis, (2) a first region of fibers with a first characteristic, and (3) a second region of fibers with a second characteristic, the second region of fibers being treated fibers.   
   
   
       2 . The brush of  claim 1 , wherein the first region of fibers and the second region of fibers comprise the same type of fiber. 
   
   
       3 . The brush of  claim 1 , wherein the treated fibers are sand-blasted fibers. 
   
   
       4 . The brush of  claim 1 , wherein the first characteristic and second characteristic affect the application of a cosmetic material by the brush. 
   
   
       5 . The brush of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers of the first region are stiffer than the fibers of the second region. 
   
   
       7 . A method of making a brush having a first region of fibers with a first characteristic and a second region of fibers with a second characteristic comprising the steps of:
 (a) positioning the brush for treatment of the second region to obtain the second characteristic; and   (b) treating the second region without treating the first region.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the positioning step further comprises the step of covering the first region with a mask. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the mask is a sleeve. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the sleeve comprises one or more slots. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the treatment is sand-blasting. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the sand-blasting comprises the step of firing particles at a velocity sufficient to reduce the rigidity of the fibers in the second region. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the particles comprise hollow glass beads having a diameter of less than 0.0127 millimeters.