Patent Publication Number: US-9888764-B2

Title: Mat device for cleaning cosmetic brushes

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/296,100, filed Jun. 4, 2014, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/540,090, filed Jul. 2, 2012, each of which is incorporated by reference herein, in the entirety and for all purposes. This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/514,635, entitled REVERSIBLE DEVICE FOR CLEANING COSMETIC BRUSHES, filed on even date herewith, now pending, and incorporated by reference herein, in the entirety and for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to cleaning implements, and more particularly to specially textured cleaning devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Users of cosmetic brushes are advised to clean their brushes frequently, both to enhance subsequent applications of makeup and extend the useful lives of the brushes. Frequent and proper cleaning avoids the accumulation of old makeup, skin oils and bacteria. These accumulations can undesirably affect the color of later applied makeup due to oxidation or binding with skin oils, and they may lead to skin problems or eye infections. 
     Cosmetic brushes frequently are cleaned by hand, applying a mixture of water and mild soap or shampoo to the bristles as the bristles are worked against the palm of the hand to expose as much bristle surface area as possible to the liquid mixture. This is followed by rinsing, typically working the bristles with the fingers while holding the bristles under running water. Typically, several repetitions of the washing and rinsing steps are necessary before clear water at the rinsing stage indicates sufficient cleaning. 
     Efforts to improve upon the results afforded by hand washing have led to products with textured surfaces intended to enhance wiping action along the bristles as a cosmetic brush is washed. Although these products may enhance brush cleaning through improved wiping action against the bristles, they must be held or gripped by hand, or maintained by hand against a flat surface, while the user manipulates the brush relative to the textured surface of the grid. These products feature a single grid with a single texture. There is no tailoring of the texture to suit larger brushes as opposed to smaller brushes, or to individually address the disparate needs of the washing stage and the rinsing stages. These products, whether considered alone or in combination with hand washing and rinsing, fail to address the need to remove excess moisture following cleaning. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly the present invention has several aspects, each directed to one or more of the following objects:
         to provide a cosmetic brush cleaning device with a variety of surface textures tailored for washing and rinsing both larger and smaller brushes;   to provide a cosmetic brush cleaning device usable in a manner that replicates natural movement when a cosmetic brush is washed directly by hand;   to provide a cosmetic brush cleaning device that does not require the user&#39;s attention in terms of gripping the device or maintaining the device against a tabletop or other support surface during use; and   to provide a cosmetic brush cleaning device that provides for post rinsing removal of residue and excess moisture from the bristles.       

     To achieve these and other objects, there is provided a device for washing and rinsing cosmetic brushes. In various examples and embodiments, the device may include a flexible body or mat having first and second opposed surfaces defining a top and a bottom. A plurality of different brush treatment surfaces are provided on the top surface, and variously configured for washing and rinsing bristles of brushes having different sizes. A positioning element is provided on the bottom surface, and configured to maintain a position of the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the above and other features and advantages, reference is made to the following detailed description and to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a frontal elevation of a device for cleaning cosmetic brushes, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevation of the device; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevation of a cosmetic brush typically used in facial applications; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation of a cosmetic brush typically used to apply eye makeup; 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a brush washing texture formed along a frontal exterior surface of the device; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic frontal view of the device with broken lines indicating several different functional sections of the device; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  schematically illustrate rinsing and post-rinse textures formed along the frontal exterior surface of the device; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  schematically illustrate washing and rinsing textures formed along a rear exterior surface of the device; 
         FIG. 11  is a frontal elevation of an alternative embodiment cosmetic brush cleaning device; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear elevation of the device shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are frontal and rear elevations, respectively, of a brush cleaning device in a reversible configuration; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are front and rear elevations, respectively, of the reversible device; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are front and rear views, respectively, of the reversible device worn on a hand; 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are front and rear views, respectively, of the reversible device being worn on a hand in the reversed orientation; 
         FIG. 17A  is a rear view of the reversible device, in an embodiment with symmetric thumb slots; 
         FIGS. 17B and 17C  are side and rear views of the device in  FIG. 17A , respectively, being worn on a hand; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear view of the device shown in  FIG. 17A , in a reversed orientation; 
         FIG. 19  is a detail view of a drainage hole for the reversible device. 
         FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E and 20F  are schematic cross-sectional views of various brush treatment textures; 
         FIG. 21  is a rear view of the reversible device showing the symmetric thumb slots; 
         FIG. 22  is a rear view of the device in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of the device in  FIG. 21 , in a reversed orientation; 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the brush cleaning device in a mat embodiment; and 
         FIG. 25  is a bottom view of the device in  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     There is provided a device for washing and rinsing cosmetic brushes. A plurality of first texturing features are formed along a first surface region of the first exterior surface to provide a directionally neutral first texture to accommodate movement of a brush head substantially equally in all directions along the first exterior surface. A plurality of second texturing features are formed along a second surface region of the first exterior surface to provide a directionally oriented second texture adapted for movement of a brush head in a first predetermined direction along the first exterior surface. 
     The first texture, being directionally neutral or balanced, accommodates a circular or swirling motion of a brush head over the first surface region. Accordingly, this texture is particularly well suited to the washing stage, where the user is attempting to work a liquid cleaning solution into the bristles and expose as much bristle surface area as possible to contact with the solution. 
     In contrast, the second texture is directionally oriented, e.g. comprised of parallel elongate ridges or other features that promote movement of the brush head back and forth in a predetermined direction. The back and forth motion correspond to the rinsing stage, where wiping action over a maximum bristle surface area remains important, yet the need for preliminary shaping of the brush head also is taken into account. 
     Preferably, the first layer overlies the palmar side of the hand when the device is worn, with the first texturing features formed along the medial section and the second texturing features formed along the distal section of the enclosure. This locates the first texture over the palm. The palm is naturally preferred by the user when pushing and moving the brush head against the hand during the washing stage. The second texture is positioned along the fingers, corresponding to the user&#39;s natural tendency to work the brush head with the fingers when rinsing the brush head under running water. 
     In a preferred version of the device, texturing features are formed over the second layer to provide third and fourth textures overlying the dorsal side of the hand. The third and fourth textures are advantageously configured for washing and rinsing cosmetic brushes. More particularly, the first and second textures can be configured for larger brushes while the third and fourth textures are configured for smaller brushes. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a device for cleaning and removing excess moisture from cosmetic brushes. A first textured surface arrangement is formed along the first exterior surface to facilitate a washing and rinsing of a cosmetic brush head by selective movement of the brush along the first textured surface arrangement. 
     A further aspect of the invention is a device for washing and rinsing cosmetic brushes of different types and sizes. A plurality of first texturing features are substantially evenly distributed over the first frontal surface region to provide a directionally neutral first texture to accommodate movement of a brush head substantially equally in all directions along the first frontal surface region for washing cosmetic brushes. A plurality of elongate second texturing features extends along the second frontal surface region in substantially parallel fashion. These features are substantially uniformly spaced apart to provide a directionally oriented second texture for movement of a brush head in a predetermined direction along the second frontal surface region for rinsing cosmetic brushes. A plurality of elongate third texturing features extend over the first back surface region and are oriented in different directions to provide a directionally neutral third texture for washing cosmetic brushes. A plurality of elongate fourth texturing features extend along the second back surface region in substantially parallel fashion and are substantially uniformly spaced part, to provide a directionally oriented fourth texture for rinsing cosmetic brushes. 
     In one preferred version of the device, the first texturing features comprise rounded nodules. Each nodule has a radius, taken at the first frontal surface region, at least as great as a nodule height taken in a direction away from the first frontal surface region. In addition, each of the second, third, and fourth texturing features has a width (taken at its associated one of the second frontal surface region, first back surface region and second back surface region) at least as great as its height in the direction away from its associated surface region. The relationship of feature radius or width to feature height results in stable features that produce effective wiping action against the bristles as the brush head is moved across the associated surface region. 
     In further preferred versions of the device, fifth texturing features can be formed over a third frontal surface region of the first layer, and a third back surface region of the second layer. The fifth texturing feature can comprise substantially uniformly arranged bristles, each elongate in a height direction and having a height greater than the diameter taken at its associated surface region. The bristles are laterally spaced apart adjacent bristle by a distance less than the diameter. 
     The structure of the bristles and their density cooperate to allow substantial penetration into the bristles of the brush head, along with effective wiping action along the bristles of the brush to remove any residue remaining after the washing and rinsing steps. The bristles are effective in cleaning residues that are difficult to remove in the washing and rinsing stages, such as liquid foundation and gel eyeliner typically applied with large and small synthetic brushes, respectively. 
     Nodules and ridges along the frontal and back surfaces form textures that enhance both washing and rinsing of the brush head. The bristles effectively penetrate and wipe the brush head for removal of residue remaining after washing and rinsing. 
     Selective shaping and arranging of the texturing features allows the device to support different washing and rinsing regions tailored to suit both larger brushes and smaller brushes, respectively. With the device worn on the hand like a mitten or glove, it does not require any attention for gripping, balancing, or otherwise maintaining the device. The user&#39;s attention can be devoted entirely to manipulating the brush head against the selected texture. Further, the textured areas can be selectively positioned on the device such that the user replicates natural hand movement and placement when a cosmetic brush is washed and rinsed directly by hand. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention is a device for washing and rinsing cosmetic brushes. The device includes a flexible enclosure having first and second opposed layers cooperating to define an interior space between the layers to accommodate a user&#39;s hand when inserted into the enclosure through an opening at a proximal end of the enclosure. A first textured surface arrangement is formed along the frontal surface to facilitate washing and rinsing of a cosmetic brush head by selective movement of the brush head along the first textured surface arrangement. A second textured surface arrangement is formed along the back surface to facilitate washing and rinsing a cosmetic brush head by selective movement of the brush head along the second textured surface arrangement. 
     Examples—Enclosed Embodiments 
     Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  a device  16  for cleaning cosmetic brushes. The device is intended to be worn on the hand during use, and to that end is formed as a mitten-shaped enclosure. A main body section  18  of the device accommodates the palm and fingers (other than the thumb) and a thumb section  20  offset from the main body section accommodates the thumb. Device  16  preferably is formed of silicone rubber or another suitable elastomer to provide a favorable combination of structural integrity and flexibility, while being nonreactive and water impermeable. Another suitable material is latex. 
     Device  16  is homogeneous and formed as a single piece. However, in functional terms it can be considered to consist of two complementary opposed layers or panels: a frontal panel  22  and a rear panel  24 . Panels  22  and  24  are joined along the periphery of device  16 , except along a proximal end  26  where an opening accommodates insertion of the hand into the enclosure interior. 
     Device  16  can be worn on either hand, although it is designed primarily for the left hand. More particularly, frontal panel  22  is a palmar layer overlying the palm and fingers of the left hand, while rear panel  24  overlies the back of the hand and fingers. 
     The exterior surface of device  16  is formed with a variety of textures for cleaning different sizes of cosmetic brushes, more particularly larger brushes such as a brush  28  shown in  FIG. 3  designed to apply blush and other cosmetics to the face, and smaller brushes such as brush  30  shown in  FIG. 4  used to apply eye makeup. With reference to  FIG. 3 , facial brush  28  includes an elongate handle  32  having a proximal end region  34  and a distal end region  36 , multiple natural or synthetic bristles arranged in a bundle or head  38 , and a ferrule  40  surrounding the handle and the proximal ends of the bristles. The ferrule compacts the bristles, and supports head  38  with respect to the handle. Head  38  is flared in the sense that the more centrally located bristles extend in the lengthwise direction of the handle, and the more peripheral bristles are slightly outwardly inclined while still extending generally lengthwise. The head has a circular profile in planes perpendicular to the length of the brush. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates brush  30  with an elongate handle  42  having a proximal end region  44  and a distal region  46 , multiple natural or synthetic bristles arranged in a head  48  and a ferrule  50  compacting and supporting the bristles with respect to the handle. Again, the bristles extend at least generally in the longitudinal direction. Head  48 , in contrast to head  38  of brush  28 , frequently is flattened to have a linear, elliptical or other noncircular profile in planes perpendicular to the length of the brush. 
     The exterior surface of device  16  is formed with textures tailored to cleaning brushes  28  and  30 . More particularly, the exterior surface of frontal layer panel  22  includes a textured surface region  52  for washing brush  28 , a textured surface region  54  for rinsing, and a textured surface region  56  for a refining, i.e. a post-rinse removal of any residue remaining after rinsing. Similarly, the exterior surface of rear panel  24  includes a textured surface region  58  for washing brush  30 , a textured surface region  60  for rinsing, and a textured surface region  62  for post-rinse residue removal. 
     In addition, a smooth surface region  64  is formed along adjacent portions of panels  22  and  24 , extending along an index-finger side of main body section  18  and along thumb section  20 . The portions of smooth surface region  64  along the main body section and thumb section confront one another. Preferably, panels  22  and  24  have an increased thickness over region  64 . 
     Preferably, device  16  is formed by injection molding of the silicone or other elastomer to integrally form the textured surface regions via the molding process. 
     As noted above, the textured regions are tailored to cosmetic brushes of different sizes, with textured regions on the frontal panel suited to facial brushes and the rear panel textures suited to smaller brushes to apply eye makeup. In addition, the textured regions of each panel are individually tailored to the stages of cosmetic brush cleaning: washing, rinsing, and post-rinsing residue removal. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the texture of surface region  52  is formed by multiple rounded nodules of two sizes: larger nodules  66  and smaller nodules  68 . Nodules  66  and  68  are intermingled, and each of the nodule sizes is evenly distributed over surface region  52 . 
     The nodules of each size are segmented spherical in shape, defined by a segment that encompasses at most a hemispherical shape and always encompasses an outer surface of the sphere to provide rounded crown shape. In one version of device  16 , larger nodules  66  extend away from a nominal surface or base  70  of the panel exterior surface, have a diameter of 8 mm (i.e. 4 mm radius) at the base, and a height of 2.5 mm in a height direction away from and normal to the base. Smaller nodules  68  have a 1 mm radius and a 1 mm height. The distribution of nodules  66  is dense such that adjacent nodules  66  are spaced apart by a distance less than their diameter. The number of small nodules formed over surface region  52  is substantially the same as the number of nodules. The nodules are arranged in a symmetrical pattern, with each large nodule surrounded by four smaller nodules, and each smaller nodule similarly surrounded symmetrically by four of the larger nodules. As a result, the texture of surface region  52  is directionally balanced or directionally neutral, in the sense that the texture provides the same resistance to the movement of a cosmetic brush head over surface region  52 , regardless of the direction of brush movement along the surface. 
     The size, shape, density, and distribution of nodules  66  and  68  provide a favorable texture for washing brush  28  and other larger cosmetic brushes. The purpose of the washing stage is to penetrate brush head  48  with the cleaning solution, e.g. water combined with soap or shampoo, to separate adjacent bristles and expose as much bristle surface area as possible to the solution. This entails broad, vigorous circular motion and rotation of head  48  against surface region  52 , while applying intense pressure to the head. The absence of an orientation, i.e. the directional neutrality of the texture, facilitates the desired circular motion and rotation. The shape of nodules  66  and  68  results in a stable texture and minimizes the potential for damage to the bristles during the washing stage. The intermingling of nodules  66  and  68  increases the area of contact with the bristles and improves the wiping action, resulting in more efficient removal of makeup from the bristles. 
     A salient feature of the present invention is the location of the textures on device  16  in a manner that encourages an individual to replicate hand movements and positioning that occur naturally when cleaning a brush directly by hand. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , with main body section  18  disposed on a longitudinal axis  72 , device  16  includes a proximal section  74  that surrounds the wrist of a user wearing the device. A distal section  76 , spaced apart longitudinally from the proximal section, surrounds the fingers other than the thumb. A medial section  78  between the proximal and distal sections is disposed about the palm and back of the hand. Finally, thumb section  20  is laterally offset from medial section  78 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , surface region  52  corresponds substantially to that portion of medial section  78  provided by frontal panel  22 . As the user presses brush head  38  against surface region  52  while moving the brush head typically in circular fashion, the surface region is backed and supported by the palm of the hand. The hand not holding the brush is positioned as if the user was cleaning the brush directly by hand. Thus, the user of the device obtains the benefits afforded by textured surface region  52  without the need for new or unusual hand positions or movements. 
     The texture of surface region  54  is formed by elongate transversely extending ridges or bars  80  and  82 . In one version of device  16 , ridges  80  are slightly over 40 mm in length and 3.25 mm wide at base  70 , and have a height of 1.25 mm. Ridges  82  extend along the complete transverse width of surface region  54 , with a longitudinal width of 1 mm and a height of 1 mm. Ridges  80  and  82  are intermingled or alternating, to distribute each type of ridge evenly over the surface region. 
     The parallel ridges form a texture particularly well suited for the rinsing stage. The movement and applied pressure of brush head  38  against the surface are not as vigorous as required in the washing stage. Nonetheless, the need remains for maximum surface contact with and good wiping action against the bristles. Also, a back and forth movement of the brush head is preferred (in lieu of the circular motion) at the rinsing stage. The reciprocal motion provides sufficient surface contact and wiping action while being less disruptive to the shape of the bristles. 
     In each of ridges  80  and  82 , the ridge width preferably is equal to or greater than the ridge height. Further, the ridges are preferably rounded, at least over the crown or surface of each ridge remote from base  70  of the frontal exterior surface. This provides for a stable texture and minimizes the potential for damage to the bristles. Further, as brush head  38  is moved longitudinally over the ridges, the alternating size arrangement improves surface contact and wiping action, to more efficiently remove makeup residue and soap from the bristles. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , surface region  54  corresponds to distal section  76 , placing the rinse texture over the fingers when device  16  is worn by hand. This corresponds to the natural tendency to use the fingers when a brush is rinsed directly by hand under running water. The fingers back and support frontal panel  22  as the brush head is moved back and forth over the ridges. 
     Textured surface region  56  is formed with multiple bristles  84  of uniform size, uniformly and densely distributed throughout the surface region. In one version of device  16 , the bristles have a diameter of 0.9 mm and a height in the direction away from base  70  of 2 mm. Adjacent bristles  84  are spaced apart by a distance of 0.6 mm to provide a high bristle density. The bristles are arranged with no selected orientation, i.e. directionally balanced or neutral. As seen in  FIG. 1 , surface region  56  extends along frontal panel  22  adjacent the wrist, and upwardly along thumb section  20 . 
     The shape and density of bristles  84  provide a texture suited to removing any makeup or soap residue remaining after brush head  38  has been washed and rinsed. The need for textured surface region  56  can arise for example when liquid foundation is applied, particularly when brush head  38  is formed of synthetic bristles. Liquid foundation stains are difficult to remove from synthetic brushes, and usually are not eliminated after the washing and rinsing steps. The high density and shape of bristles  84  provides improved penetration into brush head  38  as the head is moved over the surface region, typically in back and forth fashion. The density of bristles  84  also provides greater friction for improved wiping action against the bristles of the brush head, resulting in a complete cleaning of the bristles. 
     After the stages of washing, rinsing, and post-rinse removal or refining, device  16  can be used to remove excess moisture from brush head  38  to substantially reduce the time required for drying the bristles. Moisture removal is accomplished by placing brush  28  between thumb section  20  and the index finger side of main body section  18 , thus to position brush head  38  between confronting portions of surface region  64 , particularly the base of head  38  adjacent ferrule  40 . Then, with the thumb moved toward the index finger to compress surface region  64  about brush head  38 , device  16  is moved relative to the brush in the direction toward the free ends of the bristles. This tends to shape brush head  38  as it removes excess moisture. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 9 , the texture of surface region  58  is formed with multiple, somewhat elongate ridges or bars  86 . Ridges  86  are uniform in size and shape, but are oriented in two different directions perpendicular to each other, as indicated at  86   a  and  86   b . In one version of device  16 , ridges  86  are 5.5 mm long, 2.5 mm wide at a base  88  of the exterior surface of panel  24 , and have a height of 1.25 mm in the direction away from the base. 
     The washing of brush head  48  is similar to the washing of brush head  38  in that strong pressure is applied to the brush head as it is moved along the textured surface region, and further in that movement of the brush head is preferably broadly circular and rotational. At the same time, brush head  48  is distinguished from brush head  38  by its smaller size and the fact that the smaller brush heads frequently are flat rather than round in transverse profile. Ridges  86 , due to their width, length, and height have been found to be more efficient for washing the smaller brush heads. The desired circular and rotational motions are facilitated by the directionally balanced arrangement of ridges  86 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 10 , the texture of surface region  60  is formed with parallel ridges  90  that extend generally transversely yet are undulating or somewhat sinusoidal. The arrangement of the ridges is directional, to facilitate a back and forth movement of brush head  48  in the longitudinal direction over surface region  60 . Brush head  48 , like brush head  38  is preferably moved in back and forth or reciprocal fashion for rinsing. 
     The undulating or wavy ridges have been found to be more efficient than linear ridges for removal of makeup residue and soap from smaller brushes. In particular, eye brushes as compared to facial brushes are used to apply more intensely pigmented products, e.g. eye shadows, eye shadow bases, and eye liners. The undulating nature of ridges  90  has been found to better remove the residues of these products after the washing step. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the placement of textured surface region  58  on rear panel  24  corresponds to the placement of surface region  52  on frontal panel  22 , in that both correspond to medial region  78 . Similarly, textured surface region  60 , like textured surface region  54 , corresponds to distal region  76  of the device. Accordingly, when device  16  is worn on the left hand, surface region  58  overlies the back of a hand and surface region  60  overlies the dorsal side of the fingers. 
     The texture of surface region  62  is formed by multiple bristles  92 , substantially identical in size and shape to bristles  84  and having substantially the same density. Accordingly, the texture of surface region  62  is substantially identical to the texture of surface region  56 . Like surface region  56 , surface region  62  extends along proximal section  74  overlying the wrist, then upwardly along thumb section  20 . 
     For increased user comfort, device  16  can include a liner  93  ( FIG. 6 ). The liner is formed in the shape of a mitten, to be worn by hand and disposed between the hand and the mitten-shaped enclosure when the device is in use. The liner preferably is made of cotton or another water absorbent material. 
     Device  16  fits either hand, but is designed primarily for wearing on the left hand while the brush being cleaned is held in the right hand to effect the desired movement of the brush head along a given surface region. 
     For large brushes, the washing stage typically involves applying a liquid cleaning solution to surface region  52  with the palm facing upward, then manipulating the brush head against that surface region to maximize contact of the bristles with the cleaning solution. In the rinsing stage, surface region  54  is placed under a faucet or other source of running water while the brush is manipulated with the right hand to move the brush head longitudinally back and forth over ridges  80  and  82 . 
     In the post-rinsing stage, the brush head is moved in either circular or reciprocal fashion for the desired wiping action of the surface texture bristles against the bristles of the brush. Finally, the brush head is drawn between opposing portions of surface region  64  while the thumb and index finger cooperate to compress the brush head, thus to remove excess moisture. 
     The procedure for cleaning smaller brushes is substantially similar, depending on the hand used to support device  16 . 
     It is believed that most users will prefer to keep device  16  on the left hand when cleaning a smaller brush. Thus, in the washing stage the cleaning solution is applied to back panel  24  overlying the back of the hand, rather than to the frontal panel overlying the palm. During the rinsing stage, the brush head is moved along ridges that overly the dorsal side rather than the palmar side of the fingers. In the post-rinsing stage, the user may select either surface region  56  or surface region  62 , thus to support the bristles with the palm of the hand or back of the hand, as desired. Finally, the moisture removal stage for the small brush is identical to that for the large brush. 
     As an alternative, the user may switch device  16  to the right hand for cleaning smaller brushes, in which case surface regions  58  and  60  overlie and are supported by the palm and palmar side of the fingers, respectively. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate an alternative embodiment brush cleaning device  94  including a main body section  96  to accommodate the palm and fingers and a thumb section  98 . A frontal panel  100  ( FIG. 11 ) incorporates a textured surface region  102  for washing brush  28 , a region  104  for rinsing, and a region  106  for post-rinsing residue removal. The exterior surface of a rear panel  108  ( FIG. 12 ) includes a textured surface region  110  for washing brush  30 , a textured region  112  for rinsing, and a textured region  114  for post-rinsing residue removal. Device  94  further incorporates a smooth surface region  116  similar to region  64  of device  16 . 
     Device  94  differs from device  16  in that the washing regions, surface regions  102  and  110 , are placed along the distal region of the device. Accordingly, these surface regions are supported by the fingers, either along the palmar or dorsal side. Rinsing surface regions  104  and  112  are supported by the palm and the back of the hand, respectively. 
     The brush washing and rinsing textures, while located over the fingers rather than the palm and back of the hand (and vice versa), are substantially the same. The post-rinsing surface regions likewise are substantially identical. Accordingly, device  94  is used in much the same manner as described above for device  16 . Device  94  is a suitable alternative to device  16 , particularly for users inclined toward more active use of the fingers in the washing stage. Nonetheless, device  16  is likely to be favored by most users, due to its preferred placement of the washing textures. 
     Either of devices  16  and  94  may be modified to incorporate modified textured surface regions (not shown). For example, the surface region corresponding to rinsing large brushes may incorporate transversely extending ridges of only one size. The surface region for rinsing smaller brushes may be formed with pluralities of short, spaced part transversely extending ridges in lieu of single ridges extending across the complete width of the surface region. The shorter ridges may incorporate curvature in corresponding to the undulating longer ridges. Further in alternative versions of the device, the sizes and shapes of the texturing regions can be varied, e.g. to provide a larger post-rinsing textured surface region or purely for aesthetics. 
     Additional Features 
     Some additional distinctions and advantages respect to the prior art include, but are not limited to: lower cost, smaller size, ease of transport, and reversibility, with differently configured textures on both sides. Additional textures are also included, in both reversible devices and in additional mat embodiments, for refining, shaping and finishing brushes, including larger and smaller brushes with bristles adapted for face and eye cosmetics. 
     As compared to the full size brush cleaning glove enclosure embodiments, the SIGMA SPA BRUSH CLEANSING GLOVE EXPRESS and mat designs described herein provide efficient, cost effective products that can easily be carried in a user&#39;s makeup bag or for travelling purposes, or used in a sink or basin. These designs may be provided in smaller or larger versions than full size gloves, but are designed to be equally or more functional, with additional advantages and features. The “express” or reversible and mat versions of the brush cleaning device may also include all the textures of the full version, with the addition of two or more additional, extra textures. In order to reduce the size and weight of the device, these textures may be distributed on one or both sides of the device, with a reversible or mat design to maximize the use of the available surfaces. 
     The mat device is configured for placement or attachment to the bottom surface of a sink, tub or wash basin. The reversible device has three possible points of attachment to the hand and wrist, engineered to maintain stability even during vigorous washing, rinsing and other brush treatments using rotating and back and forth (e.g., oscillating) movements of differently sized bristles across the different brush treatment textures. These attachment points or features include (1) an upper pouch or pocket, which can cover any of the user&#39;s fingers including one or more of the index, middle, ring, and small (pinkie) fingers, (2) one or two lateral thumb openings, designed to secure the glove to the thumb, and (3) a lower wrist opening, designed to position the device with respect to the user&#39;s wrist. 
     Upper Pocket. 
     The first point of attachment of the device to the hand comprises a pouch or pocket that covers and secures the device to one or more of the index, middle, ring, and small fingers. The pocket is reversible, and may have brush treatment textures on both the inner and outer sides. The dimensions of the pocket were designed and selected to provide the necessary surface to rinse brushes configured for face (side 1) and eye (reversible side 2) applications, for example by moving the bristles of the brushes back and forth or from side to side under rinsing water. 
     When the reversible device is used, the WASH and RINSE textures (for washing and rinsing eye and face brushes) can be located on the palm or ventral side of the hand and fingers, and the RINSE PLUS or REFINE PLUS textures (for post-rinse refining, shaping and finishing eye and face brushes) can be located on the back (dorsal) side of the hand or fingers. The rinse plus or refine plus textures for eye and face brushes cover the distal surfaces of the device corresponding to the upper pocket, and are alternately presented on the interior and exterior of depending upon the reversible orientation of the flexible body. When the mat device is used, these textures can be variously located, as described below. 
     One, two or more draining holes can be added to the rinse plus or refine plus portions of the device, for example at the distal end, in order to drain any water that may collect in the upper pocket during brush washing, rinsing and other bristle treatment processes. The holes can be positioned specifically at the rinse, refine, or refine plus areas to allow drainage and avoid water entering the pocket or remaining on the mat during the washing process, considering that the rinse plus or refine plus textures can also be positioned at the back of the hand when any of the alternate wash, rinse and refine textures are being used. 
     Lateral Thumb Opening. 
     The reversible device can have two laterally spaced thumb openings. These openings are configured to secure the glove in place with respect to the hand, as the several brush treatment textures are used. The lateral thumb openings or attachments are relevant when the wash textures are being used with circular motions, in which a thumb attachment can keep the glove in place even when vigorous rotating movements are being performed with brushes of various sizes being applied to the wash textures of the device. There can be two symmetrically placed thumb openings, one in each opposing side of the device. This configuration allows both right-handed and left-handed persons to use both sides of the device, in to treat brushes of different sizes. 
     Lower Wrist Opening. 
     The lower wrist opening was designed to secure the lower or proximal section of the device to the wrist, and avoid extensive movement of the device as brushes are being washed on the wash, rinse and refine or rinse plus textures or sections. Neither the thumb nor the wrist openings need add any volume or mass to the device, as the openings themselves may define a corresponding strap or loop feature configured to couple to the wrist and/or thumb (or other finger), while allowing the device to be vigorously used with minimum displacement from the hand. 
     Textures. 
     Some of the textures used in the reversible and mat devices may be substantially the same or similar to those described herein, and their locations and size may be selected to take advantage of ergonomic features. Two new textures may also be added to the reversible or “express” and mat devices: REFINE PLUS for EYES and other relatively smaller brush applications, and REFINE PLUS for FACE and other relatively larger brush applications. 
     The REFINE PLUS EYES texture may include a series or plurality of concentrically distributed circles, ridges or other features extending about a perimeter, that allow eye brushes to be further washed and rinsed in concentric movements. The dimensions of the circles and height of these textures are designed and selected to effectively separate the bristles of eye (smaller) brushes, allowing soap and water to deeply penetrate the bristles and remove makeup residues. 
     The REFINE PLUS FACE texture may include a series or plurality of closely distributed horizontal or vertical bars, for example in a substantially parallel configuration. The spacing and height of these textures are designed and selected to function as an aid to further clean face or large brushes. 
     The refine plus textures can be located on the back side of the upper pocket, or anywhere on the mat. These locations are selected based on the strength and support needed to further refine the bristles of differently sized brushes, for example toward the end of the washing process. 
     The process of washing brushes with the devices described herein typically starts in the WASH texture areas—these are areas that can be intensively and repeatedly used, until most of the makeup residues are eliminated. Due to the intensity of brush and bristle movements in these areas, the wash surfaces or textured sections can be placed at the palm of the hand, or supported against a sink or basin, where the user has more support for vigorous washing movements of the bristles against the corresponding wash textures. 
     Washing is typically followed by use of the RINSE textures. The rinse textures can be supported in a sink or basin or located over the fingers of the user, for example on the inside of the upper pocket, and on the front and back sides of the flexible body in the alternate configurations. These are areas of that can be innately or naturally used to rinse brushes of different sizes. These may also be areas with easy access to a water stream, for example from a faucet. 
     If residues are still present after rinsing, the user can move the brush to the REFINE textures. These textures are designed and selected to further remove any leftover makeup residues from the bristles. From the REFINE textures, the user may move the brush to a rinse area or a REFINE PLUS area. The refine plus textures can be designed and selected to be used as a last step for complete and fine cleansing, rinsing, shaping and finishing of the bristles. Considering that the REFINE PLUS textures may be the last areas used in the brush treatment process, the bristles may be fairly clean at this point, and the strength or force used to clean the brushes may be relatively less. Based on this rationale, the REFINE PLUS areas may be located on a periphery of the mat or on a portion of the reversible device corresponding to the back of the hand. These are areas that ergonomically may provide relatively less support than other areas of the hand (e.g. the palm or ventral side of the fingers), or in the sink or basin (e.g., in a central region near the drain hole), as used for more vigorous washing and rinsing movements of the brush and bristles against the correspondingly placed brush treatment textures. 
     Examples—Reversible Devices 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates an embodiment of reversible brush treatment or cleaning device  216  having a front side or portion  246 , a back side or rear portion  242 , and an upper pouch or pocket  201  defined between a flexible, reversible panel  241  and flexible body  243 . Reversible panel  241  and flexible body  243  may be joined along the periphery of reversible panel  241 , with an opening  226  along the proximal end of pocket  201 . Opening  226  defines the outer and inner portions of flexible body  243 , and the exterior and interior of device  216 . The inner portion may accommodate the insertion of fingers into pocket  201  for various purposes including stabilizing or controlling device  216 . Reversible panel  241  may be defined by first side or surface region  240  and second side or surface region  244  with alternate post-rinsing or refining brush treatment textures  136  and  146 , formed on the opposite sides of reversible panel  241 . Flexible body  243  may similarly be defined by a first portion or front surface region on first side  246  and a second portion or rear surface region on second side  242 , e.g., formed as opposite front and back sides  246  and  242  of flexible body  243  in combination with reversible panel  241 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show front and rear views, respectively, of device  216  in a first orientation (or configuration). Device  216  may be configured to be reversible between a first and second orientation (or between corresponding first and second configurations). For example, in a first orientation, first side  240  of reversible panel  241  may be presented on the front exterior of device  216  and face away from back side  242  of flexible body  243  (on the opposite exterior side), while second side  244  of reversible panel  241  may be presented on the interior of device  216 , inside pocket  201  and facing front side  246  of flexible body  236 . In this configuration front side  246  of flexible body  236  is partially within the interior of device  216  defined by pocket  201 , and partially exposed to the exterior. 
     Device  216  may be reversed from the first orientation to a second orientation, or between alternate, reversible orientations, as defined with respect to the interior and exterior of flexible body  236 . This may be accomplished, for example, pushing or pulling distal end  228  of flexible body  236  through the interior of pocket  201  until device  216  inverts or alternates between the first and second orientations. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate the second orientation of device  216 . For example, in this configuration, the first side  240  of reversible panel  241  may be presented on the interior of device  216 , and face generally toward second or back side  242  of flexible body  236 . In this configuration, first side  240  of reversible panel  241  is inside pocket  201 , with back side  242  partially inside pocket  201  and partially exposed to the exterior of device  216 . Additionally, second side  244  of reversible panel  241  and front side  246  of flexible body  216  generally face away from each other, with second side  244  of reversible panel  241  exposed outside pocket  201  and front side  246  of flexible body  236  exposed on the opposite exterior of device  216 . 
     The reversibility of device  216  from a first orientation to a second orientation presents several advantages. Typically cleaning surfaces would not be placed on the inside of a cleaning device because the surfaces would not be easy to access for use. Making device  216  reversible allows a user to utilize otherwise inconvenient areas of device  216 , for example, textures located on an inside face of pocket  201 . In addition, reversibility allows more surface area of device  216  to have easily accessible cleaning textures, allowing for device  216  to be created with, for example, a less-encompassing enclosure, which can result in a smaller overall size of device  216 . This configuration may be less costly to manufacture, weigh less, and be easier for a user to carry or operate. This configuration also allows for more or different cleaning textures to be available for use even on a relatively small device. In addition, the presence of a textured surface on the interior of pocket  201  can allow for the user&#39;s fingers to better grip the interior surface of pocket  201 , which may be beneficial when using device  216  with soapy water or other slippery substances. 
     In these embodiments, reversible brush treatment device  216  may be formed of a flexible body  243  with front and back surfaces or sides  246  and  242  extending from a proximal portion at opening  203  through a medial portion to distal end  228 , with interior or pocket  201  formed by reversible panel  241 . Flexible body  243  has first and second alternate, reversible orientations, as defined with respect to the interior and exterior of device  216  defined by pocket  210 , and with respect to the front and back surfaces on opposite sides  246  and  242 . 
     Different brush treatment textures are defined in different surface regions of flexible body  243 , for example two-dimensional arrays of symmetrically arranged brush washing features such as bumps or nodules  66  and  68  with various round, circular, oval, oblate, lobed or other features defined in medial surface region  52  on front side  246  of flexible body  243 , or a symmetrical grid of intersecting, interrupted ridges or bars  86   a  and  86   b  defined in the opposite medial surface region  58 , on back side  242  of flexible body  243 . Additional brush treatment textures include elongated brush rinsing features such as generally parallel ridges or bars  80 ,  82  and  90  in distal surface regions  54  and  60  on front and back sides  246  and  242  of flexible body  243 , respectively, and elongate bars or ridges  150  and  152  configured for additional rinsing or post-rinse refining and shaping in distal surface regions  136  and  146  on opposite sides  244  and  240  of reversible panel  241 , defining the alternate interior and exterior surfaces of pocket  201  in the distal portion of flexible body  243 , as described above. In some embodiments, additional patterns such as stippling or bristles  84  may be provided proximal region  56  of flexible body  243 , on one or both of front and back sides  246  and  242 . 
     For example, a first brush treatment texture or pattern of generally parallel or concentric ridges or other elongated features  90  or  152  may be defined in a first (e.g., distal) surface region  60  or  146  of flexible body  216 , and a second brush treatment texture or pattern of generally parallel ridges or bars  80 ,  82  or  150  may be defined in a second (e.g., distal) surface region  54  or  136  of the flexible body. 
     These patterns may be provided on distal regions  54 ,  60 ,  136  and  146  on front side  246  or back side  242  of flexible body, or on the first or second alternate surfaces  240  and  244  of reversible panel  241  defining pocket  201  in distal portion  228  of device  218 . Thus, the reversible orientations of device  216  and flexible body  243  alternately present the first and second surface regions  54 / 60  and  136 / 146  on the exterior and interior of flexible body  243 , respectively, with the various first and second brush treatment textures  80 ,  82 ,  90 ,  150  and  152  being different configured to provide for alternate brush treatments in each of the reversible orientations. For example, the various first and second brush treatment textures  80 ,  82 ,  90 ,  150  and  152  may be configured with relatively smaller and relatively larger scale, features, or spacing, as selected for treating relatively smaller and relatively larger brushes in each of the reversible orientations. 
     A loop or strap  204  may be presented on flexible body  243 , e.g., in proximal portion  56 , and configured to retain flexible body  243  on a user&#39;s hand. For example, the user&#39;s hand may be inserted through opening  203 , as defined by a continuous strap  243  attached to proximal portion  56  of flexible body  243  on opposing ends, with the user&#39;s fingers inserted into the interior of device  216  at distal end portion  228  of flexible body  243  as shown in  FIGS. 15A-B  and  16 A-B, below. In additional examples, opening  203  may be formed in flexible body  243  to define a corresponding loop or strap structure  243 , and configured to retain the user&#39;s wrist with respect to proximal portion  56  with the user&#39;s fingers inserted into the interior of pocket  21  in distal portion  228  of flexible body  243 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13A-B  and  14 A-B, distal end  218  of flexible body  243  is defined opposite proximal portion or end  56 , along the vertical axis or longitudinal dimension of device  216 . Medial portions  52  and  58  of flexible body  243  are defined between proximal portion  56  and distal portions  54  and  60 , on opposite sides  246  and  242  of device  216 , respectively. 
     Loop  204  and opening  203  are reversibly defined between the alternate orientations of flexible body  243 , with the user&#39;s wrist inserted through opening  203  and the fingers positioned within pocket  201 . Pocket  201  defines the interior of flexible body  243 , for example between second side  244  of reversible panel  241  and first (front) side  246  of flexible body  243 . In this (first) configuration, brush refining texture  152  is presented on the exterior of device  216 , in region  146  on first side  240  of reversible panel  241  as shown in  FIG. 13A . In the second (alternate or reversed) configuration, the interior of flexible body  243  is defined between first side  240  of reversible panel  241  and second (back) side  242  of flexible body  243 , and alternate brush refining texture  150  is presented on the exterior of device  216 , in region  136  on second side  244  of reversible panel  241  as shown in  FIG. 14A . Reversible device  316  may also include a pair of lateral thumb openings (e.g., slits, slots or other apertures)  205  defined in flexible body  243 , configured to retain the user&#39;s thumb in each of the alternate orientations of device  216  as shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C  (below). 
     Proximal portion  56  of flexible body  413  is thus configured for positioning device  10  with respect to the user&#39;s wrist. Medial portions  52  and  58  are configured for positioning device  10  with respect to the front (palm) or back of the user&#39;s hand, and distal portion  228  is configured for retaining one or more of the user&#39;s fingers (either including or excluding the thumb), for example in pocket  201 . 
     Distal portion  228  of flexible body  243  includes pocket  201  configured for retaining the user&#39;s fingers, with brush and bristle refining, shaping and finishing surface regions  146  and  136  (textures  152  and  150 ) on first and second surface regions (or sides)  240  and  244  of reversible panel  241 , respectively. Distal portion  228  also includes brush and bristle rinsing surfaces  54  and  60  (textures  80 ,  82  and  90 ) on front and back sides  346  and  242  of flexible body  243 , respectively. Texture patterns  152  and  150  on surface regions  146  and  136  are reversible between the exterior and interior of device  10 , according to the reversible configurations of flexible body  243  with first and second sides  240  and  244  of flexible panel  201  presented on the outside and inside of pocket  201 , respectively. 
     Similarly, brush and bristle rinsing texture patterns  80 / 82  and  90  on front and back distal surface regions  54  and  60  are also reversible between the exterior and the interior of device  10 . Brush and bristle washing texture patterns  66 / 68  and  86   a / 86   b  are reversibly presented on medial front and back surface regions  52  and  58 , respectively, again according to the alternate, reversible configurations of flexible body  243  and pocket  201  as defined by reversible panel  241 . 
     In this particular embodiment, brush and bristle washing texture regions  52  and  58  each comprise a plurality of symmetrically arranged features  66 / 68  and  86   a / 86   b , with feature size, scale, and/or spacing configured for washing bristles of differently sized brushes in the alternate orientations of the flexible body. For example, washing features  66 / 68  and  86   a / 86   b  may be symmetrically arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern or array on front and back medial portions  52  and  58  of flexible body  243 , and configured for washing brushes by pushing the bristles against the pattern features in a circular motion. 
     Conversely, the textured patterns on surfaces  54 ,  60 ,  136  and  146  each comprise a plurality of elongate ridge structures  60 ,  80 / 82 ,  150  and  152 , with various scales, feature sizes, and feature spacing configured for rinsing, finishing, refining and/or shaping bristles of differently sized brushes, in the alternate (reversed) orientations of the flexible body. For example, ridge structures  60 ,  80 / 82  and  150  may be arranged in a generally parallel pattern on each of surface regions  54 ,  60  and  136 , with relatively larger or smaller spacing selected for rinsing or finishing brushes with relatively larger or smaller bristles by moving the bristles back and forth across (or between) the ridge features. Alternatively, ridge structures  152  may be arranged in a generally circular or concentric pattern on surface region  146 , with spacing selected for refining, finishing and/or shaping brushes with relatively larger or smaller bristles. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  show reversible device  216  being worn on hand  210  in a first orientation. In this example, the fingers of hand  210  are placed within the pocket  201 , and hand  210  is inserted through lower wrist opening  203  defined by a loop or strap  204  so lower wrist opening  203  is engaged with wrist  214 . Lower wrist opening  203  may be included towards the proximal end of device  216  and can take the form of a slit cut into flexible body (or body panel)  243  or be defined by a wrist strap protruding from flexible body  243 . A slit cut into flexible body  243  may be preferable because it would allow lower wrist opening  203  be flush with flexible body  243  when device  216  is not in use for a more compact device  216 . The properties of lower wrist opening  203  and its surrounding area such as size, shape, and exact location and material of lower wrist opening  203  may vary depending on various design considerations such as overall size of device  216  or desired tightness of engagement between lower wrist opening  203  and wrist  214 . Device  216  may be worn such that attachment points such as pocket  201  and wrist opening  203  may be helpful in maintaining the stability of device  216  during vigorous washing of brushes using rotating and back and forth movements. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  show device  216  being worn on hand  210  in a second orientation. After being reversed from a first to a second orientation, as can be seen by comparing  FIGS. 16A  and  16 B with  FIGS. 15A and 15B , some textured surface regions that would have been covered up by hand  210  are now exposed and available for use. As a specific example, in a first orientation, post-rinsing region  136  may have been facing hand  210  within pocket  201  and surface region  146  faces away from hand  210 ; however, after reversing device  216 , post-rinsing region  136  arrives on the outside of pocket  201  and may be more accessible for washing, while surface region  146  faces hand  210  within pocket  201 . 
       FIG. 17A  demonstrates an embodiment of device  216  that includes lateral thumb opening  205  in two different locations on device  216 . Lateral thumb opening  205  may be especially useful to maintain stability of device  216  during vigorous washing of brushes using rotating or back and forth movements. Lateral thumb opening  205  may accommodate insertion of thumb  212  and engagement between thumb  212  and device  216  for various purposes including stabilizing or controlling device  216 . Having two lateral thumb openings  205  located in two different locations on device  216  may allow for the device to be used by both right- and left-handed users, as well as both configurations of device  216  to be used. A pair of opposing lateral thumb openings  205  may be included towards the medial portion of device  216  and can take the form of a slit cut into the media portion of flexible body  243  or be defined by loops or straps  207  defined along or protruding from flexible body  243 . It may be preferable for lateral thumb opening  205  to be defined by a slit cut into flexible body  243  and/or a loop  207  presented on flexible body  243 , allowing lateral thumb opening  205  to lie flush with flexible body  243  when device  216  is not in use, allowing for a more compact sized device  216 . The properties of lateral thumb opening  205  and its surrounding area such as size, shape, and exact location and material of lateral thumb opening  205  may vary depending on various design considerations such as overall size of device  216  and desired tightness of engagement between lateral thumb opening  205  and thumb  212 . 
       FIGS. 17B and 17C  show device  216  being worn on hand  210  in a first orientation. In this example, hand  210  is attached to device  216  by pocket  201 , lower wrist opening  203 , and lateral thumb opening  205 . Specifically, the fingers of hand  210  are placed within pocket  201 , hand  210  is inserted through lower wrist opening  203  so the lower wrist opening  203  is engaged with wrist  214 , and thumb  212  is inserted through lateral thumb opening  205 . 
       FIG. 18  shows device  216  with an alternate configuration of textures and attachment points. For example, texture does not extend past lower wrist opening  203  or lateral thumb opening  205 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an example configuration of drainage hole  299 . Drainage hole  299  may be placed at various locations in device  216  to drain water that may collect in pocket  201  during the brush washing process. For example, drainage hole  299  may be positioned in the material that forms the first and second sides  240  and  244  of reversible panel  241 . The exact placements of drainage hole  299  and the other features, sizes and dimensions of device  216  are merely representative, and provided for exemplary purposes only. 
       FIG. 20A  shows a schematic view of larger nodules  66  and smaller nodules  68 . Larger nodules  66  may extend 4.2 mm away from base  70  and have a 4.2 mm radius. Smaller nodules  68  may extend 2 mm away from base  70  and have a 2 mm radius. These numbers are for example purposes only, nodules  66  and  68  may come in various shapes and sizes as would be understood by one skilled in the art. This arrangement of nodules may be formed within surface region  52  and may preferentially be used to intensely and repeatedly cleanse residue from brushes. Due to the intensity of the movements in this area, surface region  52  may be placed toward a region of device  216  that would receive substantial support, for example, by a medial region of flexible body  243  supported by the palm of hand  210 . 
       FIG. 20B  illustrates an embodiment where ridges  80  and  82  take the form of a portion of a sphere extending above a cylinder. In this and other embodiments, the bar and ridges may extend 3.2 mm above the base  70 . This measurement, however, is for example purposes only and the actual height and shape of ridges  80  and  82  may vary. Ridges  80  and  82  may be placed in surface region  54  of device  216  and may be used to provide surface contact with a brush moving in a back and forth motion at the rinsing stage. Surface region  54  may be preferentially placed in a region of device  216  near the fingers of hand  210  to provide sufficient levels of support and dexterous control to support this kind of motion. 
       FIG. 20C  is a cross-sectional view of circular ridges  152  that may take the form of substantially concentric circles arranged in, for example, surface region  146 . Circular ridges  152  may have a height of 3.9 mm; however, other sizes may be used as desired. Surface region  146  may be arranged to facilitate the separation of small brushes to allow a cleansing solution to deeply penetrate the bristles to remove residue. Because this kind of cleansing action may most effectively come toward the end of the cleansing process and require a particular amount of strength and support, surface region  146  may preferentially be placed on first or second side  240  or  244  of reversible panel  241 , for example so as to be supported by the back of the fingers of hand  210 , when inserted into pocket  201 . 
       FIG. 20D  is a cross-sectional view of elongate ridges or bars  150  that may take the form of substantially parallel lines arranged in, for example, post-rinsing region  136 . Elongate ridges or bars  150  may have a height of 3 mm, but may be of different sizes as necessary. Post-rinsing region  136  may be arranged with a spacing and height to function as an aid to further clean large brushes. The particular amount of strength and support needed to facilitate this kind of cleaning action may be found at first or second front surface region  242  and  244  so as to be supported by, for example, the back of the fingers of hand  210 . 
       FIG. 20E  shows a schematic view of bristles  84 , which may be have a radius of 2 mm and a height in the direction away from base  70  of 2 mm. Bristles  84  may facilitate separation of adjacent bristles of brush  30 , allowing a cleaning solution to penetrate the bristles more deeply. For this purpose, bristles  84  may be placed in proximal surface region  56  located at, for example, a portion of device  216  located near wrist  214  to provide strong support, but less dexterous control than a region, for example, located at a portion of device  216  near fingers of hand  210 . 
       FIG. 20F  shows an embodiment of ridges  86  that may be placed at, for example, surface region  58 . In this embodiment, ridges  86   a  that are oriented in one direction are of a different size than ridges  86   b  oriented in a different direction. The configuration of ridges  86  may facilitate washing small brushes. The size, shape, density, and distribution of ridges  86  may provide a favorable texture for penetrating relatively small brush heads with a cleaning solution and to separate adjacent bristles and expose as much bristle surface area as possible to the solution. This region may be used with broad, vigorous circular motion and rotation of head  48  against surface region  58 , while applying intense pressure to the head. The intermingling of nodules  86   a  and  86   b  increases the area of contact with the bristles and improves the wiping action, resulting in more efficient removal of makeup from the bristles. Due to the nature of the movements in surface region  58 , it may be placed near an area of device  216  that would receive substantial support, for example, by a medial or palmar region of flexible body  243  supported by the palm of hand  210 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a rear view of an embodiment of device  216  in a second orientation. The lateral portions of this embodiment of device  216  contain ridges  158  formed along shaping surface  154  extending generally parallel to frontal and rear panels. Shaping surface  154  may be used to remove excess moisture while also shaping the brush head by wiping brush  28  (or brush  30 ) against the ridges of shaping surface  154 . The location of ridges  158  gives shaping surface  154  certain properties which may be beneficial. First, because ridges  158  may be formed by cutting laterally into to flexible body  243 , their size and depth can be increased while maintaining the flatness of device  216 , as opposed to having ridges  158  extending out of the front or rear faces of device  216 , which may add to the overall thickness of the device. Additionally, because ridges  158  may extend generally parallel to the placement of hand  210 , they can be of a size or shape that would otherwise have been uncomfortable or un-ergonomic. Further, this placement of ridges  158  enables them to maintain their relative location and access even after reversing device  216  from a first to a second orientation, which may allow device  216  to be designed without certain redundant duplicate portions that would otherwise be needed to access similar texture patterns in both the first and second orientations. This capability can be seen, for example by comparing  FIG. 21  with  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a rear view of device  216  as shown in  FIG. 21 . In this view, it can be seen that ridges  158  formed along shaping surface  154  are still present even after reversing device  216  from a first to a second orientation. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a front view of device  216  in a second orientation. This view demonstrates how, like devices  16 ,  94 , and  120 , device  216  may incorporates various combinations textured surfaces. In addition,  FIG. 25  shows the availability of ridges  158  from the front view of device  216 . 
     In addition to the configurations of embodiments disclosed above, first rear surface region  242  may include various other regions such as surface region  60  defined by parallel ridges  90 , surface region  58  defined by bars  86   a  and  86   b , surface region  56  defined by bristles  84 , and other regions as desired. Second rear surface region  246  may include various other regions such as surface region  54  defined by ridges or bars  80  and  82 , surface region  52  defined by larger nodules  66  and smaller nodules  68 , surface region  56  and defined by bristles  84 , and other regions as desired. The exact placement of the regions may vary depending on the desired purpose for the region. For example, regions used for particularly vigorous scrubbing may preferentially be placed towards the areas of device  216  where they may receive the most support by hand  210 , for example the palmar region of device  216 . Regions where a greater degree of control is desired may be placed in locations on device  216  most easily manipulated by the fingers of hand  210 . 
     Examples—Mat Embodiments 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a mat embodiment of brush cleaning device  416 , which takes the form of a substantially flat surface or mat having a first (e.g., front) side  418 , a second (e.g., rear or back) side  420 , a concave region  442 , and a drainage hole  440 . This configuration may allow for easier cleaning of brushes in, for example, a sink, tub or basin. As another example, a device placed in the basin of a sink may have regions with differing drainage capabilities depending on the slope of the basin in the particular region. In one embodiment, device  416  may, when laid flat, be substantially oval or oblate in shape. Concave region  442  may help prevent device  416  from substantially bubbling, distorting, or warping when placed, for example, in a basin or sink with a curved bottom. 
     Front side  418  may include various textured regions for cleaning brushes such as, for example, surface region  60  defined by parallel ridges  90 , surface region  58  defined by bars  86   a  and  86   b , surface region  56  defined by bristles  84 , surface region  54  defined by ridges or bars  80  and  82 , surface region  52  defined by larger nodules  66  and smaller nodules  68 , surface region  56  defined by bristles  84 , and other regions as desired. The exact placement of the regions may vary depending on the desired purpose for the region. For example, regions designed to aid in the rinsing of brushes may preferentially be located close to where water is running; alternatively, regions designed to aid in the scrubbing of brushes may preferentially be located away from running water so the cleansing solution will not as easily be washed away. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates back or bottom side  420  of device  416 , which may include a different pattern of textures from side  418  or may be substantially smooth. Back side  420  may also include fixation or positioning elements (or feet)  422  to prevent device  416  from slipping or sliding during use. Fixation elements  422  may include suction cups paced, for example, around the perimeter of device  416 . Fixation elements  422  may also include textured surfaces, rubber, polymer, or other stiction (“grippy”) elements, glue or removable adhesive, VELCRO fasteners, or other mechanical adhesion or fixing elements configured to maintain the position of mat device  416  with respect to the surface of a sink, basin or other work environment during vigorous brush cleaning and treatment steps. 
     Depending on embodiment, the mat device may include or be formed of a flexible body  416  having first (top/front) and second (bottom/back) sides or surfaces  418  and  420 , respectively. A plurality of different brush treatment textures (or pattern areas)  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  136  and  146  can provided on top surface  418 , and variously configured for each of washing, rinsing and refining bristles of brushes with different sizes (that is, relatively larger and relatively smaller sizes, with respect to one another; e.g., eye and face brushes). 
     Bottom surface  420  includes one or more feet or other positioning elements  422 , configured to maintain the position of device  416  with respect to the bottom of the skin, wash basin, or other work area. 
     A concave stress relief feature  442  is provided in the perimeter of flexible body  416 , and configured to accommodate flexing of the device when the bottom surface positioned on the curved or angled (non-planar) bottom surface of the sink or basin. For example, stress relief feature  442  can be positioned along a medial line of the device, dividing the top surface into generally symmetric and opposing sides (e.g., on the left and right, as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 ). 
     The different brush treatment surfaces  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  136  and  146  include textures variously configured for rinsing and washing the bristles of relatively smaller brushes on the first side of the top surface, and for rinsing and washing bristles of relatively larger brushes on the second side. The two sides can be defined, for example, by the substantially symmetric left and right portions of top surface  418 . 
     In specific embodiments, the different brush treatment surfaces include texture configured for refining the bristles of both larger smaller brushes, for example in medial portion  56  of top surface  418 , where medial portion  56  extends at least partially onto each of the opposing sides. The different brush treatment surfaces can also include different textures configured for treating the bristles of relatively smaller and relatively larger brushes in a post-refining step, which is performed on the first and second opposing sides of top surface  418 , respectively. These different textures may include generally concentric ridges arranged on the first side of top surface  418  to treat the bristles of relatively smaller brushes (textured surface  146 ), and generally parallel ridges arranged on the second side of the top surface to treat the bristles of relatively larger brushes (textured surface  136 ). 
     Textures configured for washing the bristles can include symmetric grid patterns  52  and  58  of different features selected for washing bristles of relatively smaller brushes on the first side of top surface  418  and relatively larger brushes on the second side of top surface  418 , respectively. For example, some features selected for washing relatively smaller brushes include intersecting oblong ridge or bar features (e.g.,  86   a ,  86   b ) arranged in a grid pattern  58  on the first side of top surface  418 , and other features selected for washing relatively larger brushes include generally round (e.g.,  66 ,  68 ), oval or lobed features arranged in a grid pattern  52  on the second side. Textures configured for rinsing bristles can include patterns of generally parallel ridges with different scales selected for relatively smaller brushes on the first side of top surface  418 , and for relatively larger brushes on the second side of top surface  418 . 
     In other embodiments the mat device can be configured for treating bristles of relatively smaller and relatively larger brushes with a flexible body  416  having a top surface  418 , a bottom surface  420  and configured to drain water from the flexible body or mat  416 , for example into the corresponding drain of a sink, tub or basin. 
     A stress relief feature  442  can be provided in the perimeter of flexible body  416 , and configured to accommodate flexing of top and bottom surfaces  418  and  420  with respect to the work area (e.g., on a curved or non-planar surface). First and second pluralities of different brush treatment textures are provided on first and second sides. The different textures  58 ,  60  and  52 ,  54  are variously configured for washing and rinsing the bristles of relatively smaller and relatively larger brushes on the first and second sides of the device, respectively. Drain hole  440  can be positioned between textures  54  and  60  configured for rinsing the relatively larger and relatively smaller brushes, for example between the generally symmetric and opposed left and right sides of the mat. 
     An additional brush treatment texture can be provided for refining the bristles of both larger and smaller brushes, for example in medial portion  56  of top surface  418 . Different brush treatment textures can also be configured for treating the bristles of relatively smaller and larger brushes in a post-refining step performed on the first and second sides, respectively. For example, a plurality of generally concentric ridges can be arranged on the first side (e.g., textured region  146 ), and a plurality of generally parallel ridges can be arranged on the second side (e.g., textured region  136 ). 
     In particular embodiments, textures configured for washing the bristles include symmetrically arranged grid patterns of different oblong, round, ridge, bar or lobed features (e.g.,  66 ,  68 ,  86 A,  86 B, or other variations), which are selected for washing the bristles of relatively smaller and larger brushes on the first and second sides of the mat, respectively. The textures configured for rinsing the bristles can include patterns of ridges, for example with different spacing selected for rinsing relatively smaller and larger brushes on the first and second sides. 
     In use of the mat device, flexible body  416  can be placed in a wash basin, sink or other work area, positioned to drain water from top surface  418  into the sink or basin. The bristles of relatively smaller brushes are treated on one side of top surface  418  (e.g., the left or right side), and the bristles of relatively larger brushes are treated on the other side (e.g., the right or left side). The different sides have different brush treatment textures  52 ,  54 ,  58  and  60  configured for washing and rinsing the bristles of relatively smaller and larger brushes, respectively. 
     The bristles can be refined in a common or medial area  56 , which is configured for both smaller and larger brushes. Post-refining treatments can be performed on the different sides of the device, for example using different brush treatment textures  136  and  146  for shaping and finishing the bristles of relatively smaller and relatively larger brushes, respectively 
     In one particular example, the textures for washing bristles are formed of different symmetric grid patterns  58  and  52 , and the textures for rinsing bristles are formed of different ridge patterns  60  and  54 . Similarly, the textures for post-refining treatment may include different patterns of generally concentric and generally parallel ridges  146  and  136 . Each of these washing, rinsing, and post-refining textures can also be selected for treating the bristles of relatively smaller and relatively larger brushes separately, on the first and second sides of top surface  418 , respectively. 
     Generally, the various regions of the various embodiments of the disclosed devices may have different washing characteristics depending on their location on the device. For example, an area of a device near the front of fingers of a hand may have increased dexterous control and support compared to an area of a device near the back of the fingers of a hand which may have lower dexterous control and lower support. As another example, a device placed in the basin of a sink may have regions with differing drainage capabilities depending on the slope of the basin in the particular region. These washing characteristics may include ability to receive and provide support, ability to be used dexterously, ability to be used ergonomically, proximity to a water source, proximity to a drain, instinctual use and other characteristics relating to how and why the particular region may be a useful aid in cleaning, rinsing, refining, drying, or otherwise washing. 
     Similarly, the various textures or patterns formed in the various embodiments of the various devices may confer various cleaning characteristics. For example, a pattern with long trenches or grooves may encourage drainage of water or residue while other patterns may be configured to encourage a cleaning solution to stay in a particular region. Cleaning characteristics may include depth, height, displacement, spacing, thickness, durability, ability to generate lather, ability to generate suds, ability to encourage a cleaning solution to penetrate a brush&#39;s bristles, ability to separate a brush&#39;s bristles, ability to remove residue, ability to remove water from bristles, ability to drain water from a region, ability to encourage or facilitate a particular hand movement, and other characteristics relating to how and why the particular texture may be a useful aid in cleaning, rinsing, refining, drying, or otherwise washing. These texture patterns may include the various patterns disclosed above and other patterns of structures having varying levels of homogeneity, isotropy, and displacement. A given texture pattern may lend itself to a particular style of use ranging from rough, vigorous, and imprecise to light, weak, and precise. 
     The usefulness of such a device as described herein may be improved by forming particular textures in particular regions on the device based on synergy between the washing characteristics of a region and cleaning characteristics of a particular texture. As a general example, a texture designed for use with vigorous movements and gestures, may be preferentially placed in a region near the palm for maximum support. As a specific example, the first side region  240  of reversible panel  241  may include surface region  146  formed by circular ridges  152 . A user may wear device  216  such that first side  240  of reversible panel  241  is located near the back of hand  210 , an area that may provide less ergonomic support for vigorous washing movements and may be better suited to fine cleansing and rinsing. Similarly, second front surface region  244  may include post-rinsing region  136  formed by elongate bars  150 . As another example, textures that are best combined with fine movements may be placed in a region near the fingers or even near the fingertips for maximum control. 
     While this disclosure describes exemplary embodiments of the invention, various changes can be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. As understood by those skilled in the art, modifications can also be made to adapt these teachings to different situations and applications, and to the use of other materials and methods, without departing from the essential scope of the invention. The invention is thus not limited to the particular examples that are disclosed, and encompasses all of the embodiments falling within the subject matter of the appended claims.