Device and method for packaging and applying a substance

A device for packaging and applying a substance may comprise a receptacle for containing the substance and at least one housing in flow communication with the receptacle. The at least one housing may be configured to receive an applicator element and may comprise a side wall and an end wall. The device may also comprise at least one applicator element for applying the substance. The at least one applicator element may comprise a first portion configured to abut the end wall when the at least one applicator element is at least partially received in the at least one housing and the first portion is in an uncompressed configuration. The at least one applicator element may also comprise a second portion comprising at least one recess. The second portion may be configured to abut the end wall when the at least one applicator element is at least partially received in the at least one housing and the first portion is in a compressed configuration. The at least one applicator element may also comprise a peripheral portion configured to abut the side wall when the at least one applicator element is received in the at least one housing.

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and applying a substance, for example, a cosmetic or a care product. The device may include a receptacle for containing the substance and an applicator optionally including a compressible applicator element for applying the substance. The device may also include a housing for receiving the applicator element and for filling or loading the applicator element with a supply of the substance.

An example of a conventional device is found in Swiss patent CH 406 544. In the device of the Swiss patent, the applicator element is fixed on a support element that bears against the walls of the housing in such a manner that the applicator element is not compressed in the housing when the applicator is in place on the receptacle. Additionally, the applicator is not arranged in such a manner that it closes the housing in sealed manner when the applicator is located on the receptacle.

There exists a need for a device that may include a receptacle for containing a substance, and an applicator that may include an applicator element for use in applying the substance. The device may further include a housing for receiving the applicator element and for filling it with substance. Such a device may be adapted to package and dispense a substance, such as those substances having a liquid to semisolid consistency, or a powder. Further, such a device may optionally be capable of filling the applicator element with a substantial quantity of substance to enable the applicator to be used for a sufficient length of time between refills.

In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention includes a device for packaging and applying a substance. The device may comprise a receptacle for containing the substance and at least one housing in flow communication with the receptacle. The at least one housing may be configured to receive an applicator element and may comprise a side wall and an end wall. The interior of the at least one housing may be separated from the substance by the end wall. The device may also comprise at least one applicator element for applying the substance. The at least one applicator element may be compressible, for example. Alternatively, the at least one applicator element may be substantially incompressible. For example, the applicator element could include a sintered material optionally with flocking. The at least one applicator element may comprise a first portion configured to abut the end wall when the at least one applicator element is at least partially received in the at least one housing and the first portion is in an uncompressed configuration. The at least one applicator element may also comprise a second portion comprising at least one recess. The second portion may comprise a single recess or a plurality of recesses. The second portion may be configured to abut the end wall when the at least one applicator element is at least partially received in the at least one housing and the first portion is in a compressed configuration. The at least one applicator element may also comprise a peripheral portion configured to abut the side wall when the at least one applicator element is received in the at least one housing.

In an optional aspect, the second portion of the at least one applicator element may comprise a truncated cone when the second portion is in an uncompressed configuration. In another optional aspect, the second portion may form a depression when the second portion is in an uncompressed configuration.

The at least one applicator element optionally further comprises a face having a central region. The second portion could, for example, be located on the central region.

The at least one applicator element may further comprise a sealing member configured to close the at least one housing in a sealed manner when the at least one applicator element is received at least partially in the at least one housing.

In still another optional aspect, the first portion of the at least one applicator element could substantially surround the second portion. Optionally, the peripheral portion of the at least one applicator element is configured to seal against the side wall of the at least one housing.

The end wall of the housing may have a portion with at least one orifice configured to supply the at least one applicator element with substance. For example, the end wall may comprise a plurality of orifices configured to supply the at least one applicator element with the substance.

The second portion of the at least one applicator element may be configured to be compressed in an axial direction when the at least one applicator element is received in the at least one housing.

In another optional aspect, the at least one applicator element may be configured to contact substantially the entire end wall when the at least one applicator element is received in the at least one housing.

The at least one applicator element may further comprise a lid configured to be secured to the at least one housing by rotation and to provide a handle. Alternatively, the lid could be configured to be secured to the at least one housing by translation and to provide a handle.

In an optional aspect, the at least one applicator element may comprise at least one depressed portion defined by a groove. Optionally, the at least one applicator element may comprise a plurality of parallel grooves or a plurality of depressed portions arranged in a grid configuration. In still another optional aspect, the at least one applicator element may comprise a plurality of bosses.

In another aspect, the at least one applicator element optionally may have a diameter of at least about 20 millimeters. Alternatively, the at least one applicator element could have a diameter of at least about 30 millimeters or at least about 40 millimeters. The at least one applicator element could comprise, for example, an open-cell foam.

The end wall of the at least one housing may be substantially planar or it may be substantially concave when viewed from an interior of the at least one housing.

The first portion of the at least one applicator element may be radially symmetrical in shape. The first portion could also comprise regions having different heights in the uncompressed configuration, wherein the regions having different heights abut the end wall in the compressed configuration when the at least one applicator element is received in the at least one housing.

The end wall of the at least one housing may be fixed with respect to the receptacle.

In another aspect, the device may further comprise a pump for delivering substance into the at least one housing. Alternatively, the substance may be supplied to the at least one applicator element by capillary action.

In still another aspect, the at least one applicator element may be configured such that the substance is drawn into the at least one housing as the at least one applicator element is removed from the housing thereby creating a suction effect.

In an optional aspect, the first portion of the at least one applicator element may be configured to be in a compressed configuration when the at least one applicator element is received in the at least one housing and to expand as the at least one applicator element is removed from the at least one housing, thereby drawing a supply of the substance into the at least one housing.

In another optional aspect, the receptacle may be configured to elastically deform. For example, a supply of the substance may be delivered into the at least one housing upon compression of the receptacle.

In an additional optional aspect, the at least one applicator element and the end wall may be configured to define a substantially enclosed cavity in fluid communication with the at least one orifice when the at least one applicator element is received at least partially in the housing.

The at least one applicator element may have a compressed configuration when the at least one applicator element is received at least partially in the at least one housing.

In an optional aspect, the receptacle may contain a substance. For example, the receptacle may contain a care product for application to skin, such as a lotion and/or a cream. The receptacle may contain any number of products including, for example, a cosmetic product, a lip care product, a lip make-up product, a nail varnish, a hair product, such as a hair treatment product or hair coloring product, and/or any other product desired to be applied to a surface.

In another optional aspect, the device may comprise two housings and two applicator elements.

In still another optional aspect, the invention may include a method of applying a substance to skin. The method optionally comprises providing a substance in the receptacle of a device and delivering a supply of the substance from the receptacle to the at least one applicator element. The method may further comprise removing the at least one applicator element from the at least one housing and applying the substance to the skin.

The term “providing” is used in a broad sense, and refers to, but is not limited to, making available for use, enabling usage, giving, supplying, obtaining, getting a hold of, acquiring, purchasing, selling, distributing, possessing, making ready for use, and/or placing in a position ready for use.

The delivering of the supply of the substance to the at least one housing may comprise, for example, drawing the supply of the substance into the at least one housing as the peripheral portion of the at least one applicator element slides on the side wall thereby creating a suction effect.

The at least one applicator element may optionally expand as the at least one applicator element is removed from the at least one housing.

In an optional aspect, the delivering of the supply of the substance may comprise activating a pump.

In another optional aspect, the invention may comprise a device for packaging and applying a substance comprising a receptacle for containing the substance and at least one housing comprising a side wall and an end wall. The at least one housing may be configured to receive an applicator element. The device may further comprise at least one applicator element comprising a first portion configured to abut the end wall when the at least one applicator element is received in the at least one housing and a peripheral portion configured to abut the side wall when the at least one applicator element is at least partially received in the at least one housing. The device may also comprise a substantially enclosed cavity defined at least partially by the end wall and the at least one applicator element when the at least one applicator element is at least partially received in the at least one housing. The substantially enclosed cavity may be between the end wall and the at least one applicator element.

The at least one applicator element may be, for example, frustoconical-shaped and the peripheral portion may comprise a chamfered portion. Optionally, the at least one applicator element comprises a tip and the cavity substantially surrounds the tip.

Optionally, the at least one applicator element has the shape of a truncated cone when the at least one applicator element is in the uncompressed configuration.

In another optional aspect, the invention may include a device for packaging and applying a substance comprising a receptacle for containing the substance and at least one housing capable of being in flow communication with the receptacle. The at least one housing may be configured to receive an applicator element and may comprise at least one end wall. The at least one housing may be axially fixed with respect to the receptacle. The device may also comprise at least one applicator element. The at least one applicator element and the at least one end wall may define a substantially enclosed cavity within the at least one housing. The substantially enclosed cavity may extend at least partially between the at least one end wall and the at least one applicator element when the at least one applicator element is received at least partially in the at least one housing. The at least one applicator element may define one of at least one recess, at least one flat portion, and at least one truncated portion when the at least one applicator element is removed from the housing.

Optionally, the at least one end wall is flexible.

In an optional aspect, the invention may include a device for packaging and applying a substance. The device may comprise a receptacle for containing the substance and at least one housing capable of being in flow communication with the receptacle. The at least one housing may be configured to receive an applicator element. The device may also comprise at least one recess defined by the at least one housing and at least one applicator element. The at least one applicator element may be capable of occupying at least a major part of the at least one recess when the at least one applicator element is received at least partially in the at least one housing.

In an optional embodiment, the at least one housing may comprise at least one end wall having a stepped portion. The at least one recess may be defined by the stepped portion of the at least end one wall.

Optionally, the at least one housing comprises at least one end wall defining the recess and the at least one end wall comprises at least one orifice configured to provide flow communication between the housing and the receptacle.

The at least one applicator element may comprise a substantially planar face when the at least one applicator element is in an uncompressed configuration. Optionally, the at least one applicator element comprises at least one recess. The at least one end wall could optionally be flexible.

In yet another optional aspect, the invention may include a device for packaging and applying a substance comprising a receptacle for containing the substance and at least one housing capable of being in flow communication with the receptacle. The at least one housing may be configured to receive an applicator element and may comprise at least one end wall. Optionally, the at least one housing is fixed axially with respect to the receptacle. The device may also comprise at least one applicator element. The at least one applicator element and the at least one end wall may define a substantially enclosed cavity therebetween such that the at least one applicator element substantially surrounds the substantially enclosed cavity when the at least one applicator element is received at least partially in the at least one housing. Optionally, the at least one end wall comprises at least one orifice configured to provide flow communication between the at least one housing and the receptacle. Alternatively, the at least one end wall may contain porous material configured to provide flow communication between the at least one housing and the receptacle.

In still another optional aspect, the invention may include a device for packaging and applying a substance comprising a receptacle for containing the substance and at least one housing comprising an end wall. The at least one housing may be configured to be in flow communication with the receptacle and may be configured to receive an applicator element. The at least one housing may optionally be axially fixed with respect to the receptacle. The device may also comprise at least one applicator element comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. At least the first portion may be configured to abut the end wall when the at least one applicator element is received at least partially in the at least one housing. The device may also comprise a substantially enclosed cavity defined in the housing at least partially between the end wall and the second portion of the applicator element when the at least one applicator element is at least partially received in the at least one housing and the first portion abuts the end wall.

Optionally, the cavity may be defined in the housing when the applicator element is fully received in the housing. Alternatively, the cavity may be defined in the housing when the applicator element is partially received in the housing, and the first and second portions may contact the end wall when the applicator element is fully received in the housing.

The applicator element may be formed of open cell foam, and the cavity may be larger than the open cells of the foam.

In an aspect, the end wall of the housing may comprise a recess, and the cavity may be formed between the second portion and the recess.

In another optional embodiment, the second portion of the applicator element could comprise at least one recess, and the cavity may be defined between the recess in the end wall and the recess in the applicator element.

In another embodiment, the second portion of the applicator element may comprise at least one recess and at least one truncated portion, and the cavity may be defined between the end wall and the at least one recess and at least one truncated portion.

In yet another optional embodiment, the applicator element may be formed of a compressible material, and the first portion may be compressed to a greater degree than the second portion when the applicator element is fully received in the housing.

Optionally, the applicator element may be mounted to a cap having screw threading configured to mate with corresponding screw threading associated with at least one of the housing and the receptacle. For example, the applicator element may be fully received in the housing when the screw threadings are tightened together.

In still another optional embodiment, the housing may comprise a side wall and the applicator element may comprise a peripheral portion configured to abut the side wall when the applicator element is at least partially received in the housing. Optionally, the side wall defines at least one orifice providing flow communication between the housing and the receptacle. The end wall could also define at least one orifice providing flow communication between the housing and the receptacle.

Optionally, one or more embodiments of the invention may render it possible to provide sufficient substance on the applicator element to enable the applicator element to be used optionally for a sufficient length of time, even if the applicator element is rotated relative to the housing as the applicator element is being withdrawn.

Because in one optional embodiment, the second portion may not be compressed, or may be compressed substantially less than the first portion, the substance may more readily reach the housing in which the applicator element is placed. This may result in the substance being deposited on the surface of the applicator element.

In addition, in one optional embodiment, a portion of the applicator element may abut the wall of the housing with a degree of compression and may thereby increase the quantity of substance taken up by the applicator element due to the expansion of the applicator element while the applicator is being withdrawn. This may result in a certain amount of suction that draws substance into the applicator element.

The receptacle can contain a lotion or a cream for applying to the skin, or it can contain a lip color or care product. It could also contain a nail varnish, a hair care product, a hair color product, or any other substance desired to be applied to a surface.

When the receptacle contains a lip color product, the invention may enable the applicator element to pick up a quantity of substance sufficient to ensure that the amount of lip product deposited on the lips is large enough to produce a shiny effect, where appropriate.

Aside from the structural and procedural arrangements set forth above, the invention could include a number of other optional arrangements, such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood, that both the foregoing description and the following description are exemplary.

FIG. 1shows a device10constituting a first optional embodiment of the invention. The device10may comprise a receptacle20having an axis X defining a space21for containing a substance P for application to skin, for example.

The receptacle20may comprise a housing22defined by a side wall23optionally about the axis X and an end wall24that may be optionally provided with orifices25. When the orifices25are present, they may enable the housing22to communicate with the space21containing the substance P. Alternatively, the end wall24may comprise a porous material that enables the housing22to communicate with the space21. Additionally, the housing22may be fixed with respect to the receptacle20.

The device10also may include an applicator30comprising an applicator element31. The applicator element31may be compressible or substantially incompressible. For example, the applicator element31may comprise an open-celled foam. Alternatively, the applicator element31may comprise a sintered material optionally flocked. The applicator element31may also comprise a lid34suitable for rotating onto a screw thread26of the receptacle20. Optionally, the applicator element31may comprise an elastomeric material. The applicator element31may also be elastic and/or flexible.

The applicator element31may be fixed on the lid34by means of an optional support element36.

The support element36may include an assembly skirt37in which the applicator element31may be secured by adhesive, heat-sealing, or snap-fastening. A sealing skirt38suitable for pressing in a sealed manner against the side wall23whenever the lid34is rotated onto the receptacle20may also be provided.

In an embodiment, the end wall24may be planar and perpendicular to the axis X.

The applicator element31may have a front face40that bears axially against the end wall24when the applicator30is located on the receptacle20, as can be seen inFIG. 1, for example.

The applicator element31may also include a peripheral portion42that can optionally be pressed against the side wall23around some or all of its periphery.

When the applicator element31is removed from the receptacle20, as can be seen inFIG. 3, for example, the applicator element31may include a first portion45and a second portion44surrounded by the first portion and forming an outwardly-concave depression.

When the applicator element31is located in the housing22, the front face40may be axially compressed and become substantially planar, fitting closely to the shape of the end wall24. Because of the natural shape of the applicator element31, the first portion45may be axially compressed to a greater extent than the second portion44. As a result, when the lid34begins to be unscrewed, the second portion44may move away from the end wall24before the first portion45moves away from the end wall24, as shown inFIG. 2, for example, thereby causing the substance P present in the orifices25or close thereto, to be sucked into the void formed by the second portion44.

In an embodiment, the applicator element31may be formed of a substantially incompressible material, such as a sintered material. The housing22for this embodiment could be flexible. Because of the shape of the applicator element31, the first portion45may be subject to a higher localized pressure than the second portion44when the applicator element is located at least partially in the housing22.

In addition, when the applicator element31is turned by the lid34, the substance P present in the concave depression formed by the second portion44may not be subjected to shear, unlike the substance P which is in contact with the first portion45and which may be subjected to shear by said first portion45rubbing against the end wall24. As a result, the applicator element31may be easier to fill with substance P, in particular in the depression formed by the second portion44.

In the optional embodiment described, withdrawing the applicator element31may cause a certain amount of substance P to be sucked into the housing22because of the contact between the peripheral portion42and the side wall23. However, it would not go beyond the ambit of the present invention for the peripheral portion42not to press against the side wall23or to press thereagainst only around a portion of its periphery.

FIG. 4shows a device50constituting another optional embodiment of the invention. The device50may comprise a receptacle60having an axis X, and an applicator70that may include an applicator element71. The receptacle60may comprise a body61optionally filled with substance P, and may optionally be closed at one end by a fitted end piece62, and at another end by a piece63defining a housing64for receiving the applicator element71.

The housing64may be defined by a side wall65and by an end wall66provided with orifices67enabling the housing64to communicate with the interior of the body61of the receptacle60. The side wall65may also be provided on the outside of its top portion with a screw thread68.

The applicator70may include an inner skirt72used for mounting the applicator element71, and a sealing skirt73suitable for pressing in sealed manner against the radially inner surface of the side wall65. The applicator70may further include an internally threaded assembly skirt75suitable for rotating onto the above-mentioned thread68.

The applicator element71may include a first portion80surrounding a second portion81, with the second portion81forming a depression that is concave with respect to the end wall66. The applicator element71may further include a peripheral portion83that presses against the side wall65when the applicator70is located on the receptacle60. The end wall66may optionally be concave towards the applicator70.

InFIG. 4, it can be seen that when the applicator70is in place on the receptacle60, the first portion80may bear axially against the end wall66while the second portion81co-operates with the end wall66to leave a space90in which the substance P may accumulate. The peripheral portion83may come to bear in substantially sealed manner against the side wall65.

By way of example, in order to load the applicator element71with substance P, the user may press against the wall of the body61of the receptacle60if the wall is formed from a flexible material, so as to cause the substance P to rise towards the housing64. Alternatively, the user may substantially invert the receptacle60so as to allow substance P to flow under gravity down to the end wall66and toward the applicator element71.

When the applicator70is unscrewed, thereby raising the applicator element.71up the chimney formed by the side wall65, a certain amount of substance P may be sucked (i.e., drawn) through the orifices67. The substance P that is sucked through the orifices67in this manner may be taken up in the concave and/or depressed portion81, as shown inFIG. 5, for example.

FIG. 6shows an optional embodiment of a device100comprising a receptacle110having an axis X , which may receive two applicators120,130. The receptacle110may include a body111, which flares downwards and whose top portion is provided with a piece63.

The applicator120may differ from the above-described applicator70in that the shape of the applicator element121may be different from the applicator element71. The applicator element121may have a front face122that may be suitable for fitting closely to the shape of the end wall66when the applicator is in place on the receptacle, as can be seen inFIG. 6.

When the applicator120is being extracted from the receptacle, the applicator element121may return to its initial shape and, as can be seen inFIG. 8, it may comprise a first portion124surrounding a second portion125in the form of an annular groove. This groove itself may surround a central boss126. When the applicator120is in located on the receptacle110, the front face122may be compressed sufficiently to eliminate its relief. While the applicator120is being unscrewed, the groove125may tend to reappear, and the resulting cavity may receive a certain quantity of substance P.

Like the applicator70in the above-described example, the applicator element121may press via a peripheral portion129against the side wall65, thereby causing a certain amount of substance to be sucked into the housing64while the applicator120is being extracted from the receptacle110. The applicator130may comprise an applicator element131secured to a support skirt132. The applicator130may also include an assembly skirt133provided with a thread and a sealing skirt134.

The end portion of the body111of the receptacle110may be provided with a piece140comprising an end wall141that may be provided with orifices142and a side wall144provided with an outside thread145. The end wall141and the side wall144together may define a housing146for receiving the applicator element131. The assembly skirt133may be suitable for rotating onto the thread145. The sealing skirt134may be suitable for pressing in a sealed manner against the side wall144.

When the applicator130is in place on the receptacle110, the front face of the applicator element131may fit closely to the shape of the end wall141which may be concave with respect to the applicator element131. The applicator element131may comprise a succession of concentric annular grooves151about the axis X, in which grooves151may become apparent once the applicator130has been extracted from the receptacle, as shown inFIG. 7, for example. A certain quantity of substance P may be received in these grooves151.

FIG. 9shows a portion of a device160constituting another optional embodiment of the invention. This device160may include a receptacle170about an axis X, with only the top portion of the receptacle170being shown. The receptacle170may include a body171containing the substance P to be applied and provided at its top with a piece180comprising an end wall181that may be substantially conical in shape about the same axis X as the receptacle170. The end wall181may be upwardly concave, and may include an assembly skirt182having an outside thread.

The device160may include an applicator180comprising an applicator element187and a lid188. The lid may be provided with an outer skirt186having an inside thread suitable for rotating onto the assembly skirt182, a sealing skirt190suitable for pressing in sealed manner against the radially inner surface of the assembly skirt182, and a support skirt191, which may serve to hold the applicator element187.

When extracted from the receptacle170, the applicator element187may be generally conical in shape and its surface may present a succession of annular grooves189of increasing diameter. When the applicator180is located on the receptacle170, the applicator element187may be compressed sufficiently against the end wall181to ensure that the applicator element187fits closely substantially to the shape of the end wall181, such as can be seen inFIG. 9.

While the applicator180is being unscrewed, the grooves189may take shape, as shown inFIG. 10, and the substance P may be received in the grooves for the purpose of being applied to the skin, for example. The substance P may become deposited on the surface of the grooves189when the applicator is in place on the receptacle since the material constituting the applicator element187may be compressed to a lesser extent in the grooves189. However, it would not go beyond the ambit of the present invention for the applicator element187to be made with other shapes as well.

FIGS. 11 and 12show an optional embodiment of an applicator element200whose substance-applying front face201may include a peripheral first portion202surrounding a second portion203in the meaning of the invention which forms an annular groove203. This groove203itself may extend around an annular rib204constituting another first portion in the meaning of the invention, in turn surrounding a central depression205forming another second portion in the meaning of the invention. The central depression205and the groove203may be suitable for becoming filled with substance P for application purposes.

FIGS. 13 and 14show yet another optional embodiment of an applicator element210. The front face211of this applicator element210may include a set of projecting tips or bosses212, each of which may constitute a first portion in the meaning of the invention. These tips212may be suitable for bearing axially against the end wall of the corresponding housing, the tips212projecting from a base213that may constitute a second portion in the meaning of the invention, surrounding the tips212and on which substance P may become deposited.

FIGS. 15 and 16show an additional optional embodiment of the applicator element220, in which the front face221may comprise two concentric and discontinuous annular ribs222,223. The rib222may be provided with notches such as224, and the rib223may be provided with notches such as225.

In the optional embodiment described, the depth of the notches224may be relatively shallow and the applicator element220may be compressed axially to an extent sufficient to ensure that when the applicator element220is in place in the corresponding housing, the rib222may then be substantially continuous, with the notches224appearing only when the applicator is extracted from the receptacle. This may also apply to the notches225. The base228of the applicator element220situated between the ribs222and223may constitute a second portion228in the meaning of the invention.

The applicator element may also have a plurality of depressed portions in the form of grooves230that may be parallel and rectilinear as shown inFIG. 17, or that may be disposed in a grid configuration240, such as shown inFIG. 18.

The applicator element may be formed as a single piece of a single material, or alternatively, by assembling together a plurality of materials of different kinds and/or textures.

By way of example,FIG. 19is a section through part of an optional embodiment of an applicator element formed by superposing three layers251,252, and253that are made of three different respective materials, for example foams having different porosities. The outermost layer253may have projecting first portions254and second portions255set back from the first portion254, so that the depressions in which the substance may accumulate may be formed between the first portions254.

The housing, which receives the applicator element, may be fed with substance in numerous ways without going beyond the ambit of the present invention. For example, any known means may be used for feeding substance so that the substance contacts with the applicator element, for example a pump or a bellows.

FIG. 20shows a device260comprising an assembly261that may form a receptacle and an applicator262having an axis X.

The applicator262may include an applicator element263having a bottom portion with a profile that is substantially elliptical, being optionally truncated from its apex by a plane that is inclined relative to the plane X, as can be seen inFIG. 21.

The assembly comprising the receptacle261may have a body265whose top portion defines a housing266for receiving the applicator element263, the applicator262being optionally arranged to screw onto the top portion of the body265.

The end wall of the housing266maybe pierced by a shouldered orifice267.

The body265may be downwardly open to receive a refill270comprising a flexible bag or tube271feeding a pump272whose hollow control rod has a top end that may come to bear against the shoulder in the orifice267.

The refill270can slide along the axis X inside the body265, thereby acting on the control rod of the pump272and causing a quantity of substance to be dispensed into the housing266.

The flattened portion275of the applicator element263may constitute a second portion in the meaning of the present invention, while the adjacent hemispherical portion276may constitute a first portion in the meaning of the invention that may come to bear axially against the end of the housing266when the applicator is screwed onto the body265.

The flattened portion275may cooperate with the end of the housing266to define a substantially enclosed cavity in which the substance delivered by the control rod272can accumulate and become deposited on the applicator element263.

When the applicator262is withdrawn, the substance may be present in sufficient quantity on the flattened portion275for application to the lips, for example.

FIGS. 22 to 24show a device280intended more particularly for applying lip products, for example, a lip color or care product.

The device280may comprise a receptacle281and an applicator282. The applicator282may include an applicator element283optionally having a chamfered portion284, which may constitute a second portion in the meaning of the present invention.

The receptacle281may have a body285defining a housing286provided with optional substance-feeding orifices287through its end wall.

As can be seen inFIG. 23, when the applicator is in place on the receptacle281, the applicator element283may come to bear axially against the end wall289of the housing286and to bear radially against the side wall288of said housing. Optionally, the side wall288may comprise an orifice500enabling flow communication between the housing286and a receptacle.

The applicator element283may cooperate with the end wall289and the side wall288to define a cavity290into which at least one of the orifices287opens out directly.

A relatively large quantity of substance can thus be deposited on the applicator element283and remain thereon when the applicator is withdrawal.

In the example ofFIGS. 22 to 24, the applicator element283may have a chamfered portion284.

The applicator element can also be substantially frustoconical at its bottom end, as shown inFIG. 25. In this embodiment, the applicator element298may comprise a frustoconical bottom end whose bottom tip291may constitute a first portion in the meaning of the present invention and may come to bear against the end wall of the housing286.

The conical portion292may constitute a second portion in the meaning of the present invention, since it is not compressed against the wall of the housing when the applicator is in place on the receptacle.

A cavity299may be formed between the applicator element298and the wall of the housing.

As shown inFIG. 26, a piston may be provided to enable delivery of a product from the receptacle to the housing and the applicator element. For example, a device300may comprise a receptacle having a piston301, which can be advanced by rotating a screw302.

The product can flow from inside the receptacle into the housing306through at least one orifice305, for example, a plurality of orifices305.

An applicator element307can be received within the housing306. The applicator element307can be fixed to a cap308. A portion309of the applicator element307can be fixed to cavity310of the cap308, for example. The applicator element307may have a recess311in a central portion, for example. The cap308may be provided with a sealing lip312.

Alternatively, product can be fed into the housing by means different from a piston without departing from the scope of the invention.

In another embodiment, the housing in which the applicator element is received can be provided with at least one recess as shown, for example, in the device400ofFIG. 27. The device400may comprise a housing401having an end wall402configured to form a recess403. At least one opening404(e.g., a plurality of openings404) may open out in the recess403, as shown.

The applicator element408may be fixed to a cap406. Such a cap406may comprise a sealing lip407, and may be screwed onto the receptacle410. When the cap406is screwed onto the receptacle410, the applicator element408may engage the recess403, as shown inFIG. 28, for example. The front face425of the applicator element may then optionally come into contact with the bottom of the recess403.

When the cap is unscrewed, a pumping effect may occur due to the formation of a cavity between the bottom of the recess and the applicator element408, and due to the fact that the applicator element408is in contact around this cavity with an annular portion415of the end wall402. The applicator element408may also come into to contact with a side wall of the housing. Such a pumping effect may facilitate the loading of the applicator element408. The pumping effect may enable the orifices404to be made small while still having a satisfactory product delivery rate. The fact that orifices404can be made small may reduce unwanted product leakage.

The invention also may make it possible using a common receptacle to give the user a different feel depending on the shape given to the applicator element, with the feel depending in particular on the quantity of substance that accumulates locally and preferentially on the applicator element because of the presence of its first and second portions in accordance with the invention.

The products used in accordance with the invention may include any make-up or care products, such as cosmetic, dermatological, or pharmaceutical compositions used for treating hair, skin, lips, or nails. However, in its broadest aspects, the present invention could be used to package many other objects and substances.

Furthermore, sizes of various structural parts and materials used to make the above-mentioned parts are illustrative and exemplary only, and one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that these sizes and materials can be changed as necessary to produce different effects or desired characteristics of the device for packaging and applying a substance.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure and methodology of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the specification. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations.