Abstract: A cosmetic applicator, includes a container, having an opening provided with an external thread, and a cap assembly for capping the container opening. The cap assembly includes an internal thread engageable with the external thread, a shaft extending from the opening to the interior of the container, and a cosmetic applicating member disposed at an end of the shaft. The cap assembly further includes an outer cylindrical portion of which the inner surface is provided with the internal thread engageable with the external thread of the opening of the container and a mechanism for allowing the applicating member to be moved downwardly in the container to access cosmetic after the cap assembly has been unscrewed from the container. The mechanism includes an inner plug disposed around the shaft so that the shaft is slidable along the shaft direction but not rotatable relative to the cap assembly. The inner plug contains a spring mechanism.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a final fiber bundle for use in brushes is highly efficiently applicable to synthetic fibers having poor thermal stability. The method comprises the steps of: (a) arranging a number of synthetic thermoplastic fibers so that at least one end of each fiber is positioned in the same plane, to obtain a fiber bundle, (b) compressing the thus obtained fiber bundle to the extent that the compressed fiber bundle takes a desired cross-sectional shape and has a desired bulk density, (c) irradiating the fiber ends in the same plane with energy beams to fusion bond them together, and (d) releasing the compression to obtain a final bundle having a fusion bonded fiber ends. In a case where the synthetic fibers are not thermoplastic, a thermoplastic adhesive is additionally used in the step of irradiation.

Abstract: A process for tapering synthetic fibers at the end portion thereof comprising the steps of inserting synthetic fibers into a supersonic vibration-given etching liquid to an extent that only the end portion of the fibers is immersed therein, withdrawing the fibers from the supersonic vibration-given etching liquid and then washing the treated fibers in a supersonic vibration-given washing liquid, the insertion and withdrawal being alternately repeated each at a predetermined velocity. In one embodiment, the etching liquid has abrasive particles suspended therein or an abrasive brush provided therein.