Abstract:
A packaging and dispensing device for a product, such as a cosmetic product. The device includes a reservoir containing the product, a cap which is removably mountable on the reservoir, and an applicator capable of being loaded with a quantity of product. A first end of the applicator is connected to the cap, and a second end of the applicator is coupled to the reservoir. The applicator can thus be suspended between the cap and the reservoir to direct the applicator against a surface to apply the product to the surface.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This document claims priority to French Application Number 03 04573, filed Apr. 11, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/470,491, filed May 15, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a packaging and dispensing device having an applicator in which the applicator is preferably integral or coupled to both a container and a cap of the device. The device can be particularly advantageous for use in applying, for example, a line or lines of make-up or cosmetics such as in applying an eye make-up or a lip liner. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Discussion of Background 
   In the prior art, eyeliners are known in which the applicator in the form of a point is mounted at the end of a rod fixed in a cap, and the cap is mounted on a product reservoir such that the applicator is immersed in the product when the cap is in an assembled position on the reservoir. When the user wishes to draw a line along the edge of her eyelid, she then has to move the point of the applicator evenly along the surface to be coated. This make-up operation is difficult to perform without mistakes. The line obtained often includes unwanted deviations. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,343,552 describes an applicator which is preformed so as to be adapted to the surface to which it is to be applied. However, with this arrangement, the user is first obliged to coat a working surface of the applicator with product using a separate means of coating. Moreover, given the shape of the applicator, it cannot be readily inserted into the product reservoir. The application of eye make-up according to the teaching of this document involves the use of a cumbersome device. In addition, because the applicator is preformed to match the external outline of an average eyelid, it is not suitable for all users. Devices of similar design are also known, notably from U.S. Pat. No. 2,834,356, for the application of a line to the outline of the lips. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   There is a need to provide a packaging and dispensing device of simple design enabling convenient application of a product contained in the device, directly in the form of a line. To this end, the invention provides a flexible applicator of elongated shape suspended between two points so as to obtain a line between these two points. The user controls the precise positioning of these two points and it is possible to apply the line without a mirror if desired. 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a cap is intended to cover the reservoir or container and is attached to the reservoir via the applicator. Manipulation of the applicator is accomplished by simultaneously holding the cap and the container, preferably with both hands, one in each hand. The invention can be particularly advantageous for applicators intended for fine and precise application, preferably for the purpose of creating lines. A device according to the invention is principally suitable for the application of eye make-up involving the application of a line to highlight the edge of an eyelid, and/or to highlight the outline of the lips. 
   To limit the dimensions of such an applicator, a first portion, e.g., a first end of the applicator, corresponding to a first point, is connected or coupled to the cap of the packaging and dispensing device. A second portion, e.g., a second end of the applicator, corresponding to a second point, is connected or coupled to the reservoir or container of the device. The make-up actions involved in using such an applicator preferably involve the use of both hands, with one hand holding the reservoir and the other hand holding the cap, and with the applicator suspended between the two points. Preferably, the user applies the second point of the applicator to the skin and brings the applicator to bear by lowering the first point of the applicator towards the skin so as to form a line on the skin between these two points. 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a dispensing and packaging device for a product, notably a cosmetic product, is provided which includes a reservoir or container containing the product, and a cap to close or cover an opening in the reservoir. An applicator is also provided which is capable of being loaded with a quantity of product. In addition, a first means connects a first end of the applicator to the cap while a second means connects a second end of the applicator to the reservoir. 
   The cosmetic product applied using the device according to the invention is preferably a fluid, and more particularly liquid or semi-liquid. Within the meaning of the cosmetics directive 76/768/CEE, a cosmetic product is defined as any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with various superficial parts of the human body (skin, hair, nails, lips) for the exclusive or principal purpose of cleansing, perfuming, modifying the appearance, protecting or conditioning these surfaces. 
   Advantageously, the applicator remains connected to the first means and to the second means, even during use, and preferably the applicator is inseparable therefrom during normal use. 
   Also advantageously, the first means is integral with or coupled to the cap. The second means can include a support mounted in a movable manner inside the reservoir and made integral with or coupled to the reservoir, with this support being connected to the second end of the applicator. Preferably, the support includes a retaining means, e.g., a flange portion intended to engage with a counterpart arrangement or counterpart portion on the reservoir. The counterpart arrangement prevents the movable support or flange portion from pulling out of the reservoir. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, this engagement is obtained by a support having a flange portion on an outer sidewall. In addition, the counterpart arrangement can be formed by a wiper element mounted at the reservoir opening. The flange can then bear or abut against the wiper element. 
   With the device in the “closed” position, the cap is mounted on the reservoir so as to close off the opening, and the applicator is concealed inside the reservoir in a retracted position. Preferably, the cap is screwed onto an outer circumference of the reservoir. In this “closed” position, the applicator is at least partially immersed in the product. 
   When the cap is disengaged from the reservoir opening, the applicator is drawn by the cap out of the reservoir. The applicator progressively emerges from the reservoir opening to move the applicator from the retracted position to an extended position. The inner wall of the reservoir is preferably equipped with a wiper element positioned at the opening, with the wiper having an aperture through which the applicator passes. This wiper element serves to wipe off excess product present at the periphery of the applicator. Thus the portion of the applicator emerging from the reservoir presents a more reproducible quantity of product, and this quantity preferably corresponds to that associated with one application. 
   Advantageously, the applicator is preferably flexible. It can therefore be applied against curved surfaces. Furthermore, the applicator can be flexible and can be elastically deformed to cover the full length of a surface to be coated, and this length of surface to be coated can be greater than the “relaxed” length of the applicator defined between the first end and the second end, in which case the applicator is elastically stretched. In a variant, the applicator is capable of being elastically flexed. 
   To control the position of the ends, at least one of the first and second means preferably includes a rigid portion, and more preferably, a rigid portion is associated with each end of the applicator. This rigidity makes it possible to point at least one of the ends towards the surface to be coated, and to maintain a point of contact between this surface and this respective end of the applicator. 
   In the case where the second means is also rigid or includes a rigid portion, it is then capable of being braced obliquely through the reservoir opening, thus providing a fixed position of the second end of the applicator relative to the reservoir, even though the second means is mobile and retractable inside the reservoir when not in this braced position. In this fixed position, the second means is held preferably through the wiper element and prevents any flow of product out of the reservoir in this position. In the case where a rigid portion is associated with the portion of the applicator coupled to the reservoir, with the reservoir equipped with a wiper, during a first portion of movement of the applicator from the retracted position to the extended position, the applicator is wiped as it passes through the aperture of the wiper. During a second portion of this movement, the rigid portion passes through the aperture of the wiper, and a flange portion associated with the applicator abuts against the wiper or counterpart portion of the reservoir to prevent the applicator from becoming dislodged from the reservoir. 
   Also, after use, the first means can cooperate with the second means in order to reinsert the applicator into the reservoir. For example, the user can use the first means to push the second means to the bottom of the reservoir. In addition, if the applicator is flexible, it can, if desired, be wound around one of the means, and is thus directly reinserted into the receptacle at the same time as the means onto which it is wound. Preferably, the first and second means are rigid or at least include rigid portions to facilitate proper presentation of the applicator during use, and also to facilitate closure of the device after use. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention in the open position; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a device used according to the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded side view of a device according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows an example of a packaging and dispensing device  1  according to the invention. The device  1  includes a reservoir or container  2 , inside of which is stored a quantity of product, for example, a cosmetic product. The reservoir  2  includes an opening  3  from which an applicator  4  can emerge. With the device  1  in a “closed” position, the applicator is inside the reservoir  2  in a retracted position. However, in an “open” position with the device  1  ready for use, i.e., where a cap  5  is disengaged from the reservoir  2 , the applicator  4  can be withdrawn from the opening  3  to an extended position. 
   The applicator  4  preferably has an elongated shape delineated at each extremity by a first end  7  and a second end  6 . These ends  6  and  7  preferably are opposite each other relative to a principal lengthwise axis  8  of the applicator  4 . At least one of these two ends can, for example, include a boss constituting a projecting element that can be felt during application and thus forming a tactile aid to positioning a first point relative to the surface to be coated. 
   The applicator  4  is preferably flexible, and possibly elastically deformable. Elastically deformable is understood to mean capable of being curved or stretched. By way of example, the applicator  4  can be made of a flexible thermoplastic material, or from a bundle of synthetic or other fibers arranged parallel to each other, possibly grouped over their full length. 
   The applicator  4  presents at least one surface intended to be applied against a surface to be coated. This surface can be defined on an external outline of the applicator between the two ends  6  and  7 . In an example where the applicator has a rectangular transverse cross-section, the applicator can present two surfaces of dissimilar widths intended to be selectively applied to the surface to be coated. A transverse cross-section of the applicator is taken to be perpendicular to the axis  8 . In another example, the applicator  4  can have a circular transverse cross-section. It is to be understood that various shapes could be utilized. 
   A support  9  is mounted on the second end  6  of the applicator  4 . Preferably, the support  9  is rigid and is partially held inside the reservoir  2 . Thus, in the illustrated preferred embodiment, a rigid portion which is more rigid than the applicator is associated with a second portion or second end of the applicator. By way of example, the opening  3  of the reservoir  2  can be fitted with a means  10  to prevent the support  9  from leaving the reservoir  2 . This means  10  can also perform the function of a wiper element for the applicator  4 . As shown in the illustrated example, the means  10  is preferably mounted in proximity to the opening  3 . It is held in this position, for example, by cooperation between a circular ring  11  provided on an outer circumference of the wiper element  10 , engaging with an inner wall of the reservoir  2 . 
   To prevent the support  9  from pulling out of the reservoir  2 , the support  9  includes, for example, a flange  12  defined, for example, over an entire outer circumference of the support  9  and engaging with an edge  13  of the wiper element  10 , with this edge  13  corresponding to a rim of the channel  14  formed in the wiper element  10  to allow the applicator  4  to be withdrawn from the reservoir  2 . At least one portion of the support  9  can also pass through this channel  14 . 
   With the illustrated example, when the device is in the closed position, the support  9  and the applicator  4  are concealed in the reservoir  2 . In addition, in the illustrated example, the first end  7  of the applicator is connected to a rod  15  associated with the cap  5 . The rod  15  is preferably rigid. It is obtained, for example, by molding with the cap  5 . The rod  15  can also be an element fitted inside the cap. In this case it is preferably held in a fixed manner. 
   A process for assembling a device such as the device  1  includes the following steps, by way of example. In a first instance T1, the second end  6  is mounted in the support  9  and the stripping means  10  is then slid from the first end  7 , which is still free, towards the second end  6 , and the first end  7  is then connected to the rod  15 . This subassembly can then be inserted into the reservoir  2  in a second instance T2, possibly after the reservoir  2  has been filled, by first inserting the support  9  by its end presenting the flange  12  into the opening  3 . At the same time, the stripping means or wiper  10  can be moved toward the opening  3  and mounted in a fixed manner in proximity to this opening  3 . By way of example, in the illustrated arrangement, a collar  16  on the stripping means  10  can be mounted tight against an edge  17  of the opening  3 . 
   By virtue of the gravity forces, the support  9  can cause the applicator  4  to move into the reservoir under its own weight. To fully insert the applicator  4  into the reservoir, the rod  15  is also inserted into the opening  17 , carrying the applicator  4  with it. If the support is still not fully inserted into the reservoir  2 , it can be pushed by means of the rod  15 , which is preferably rigid for this purpose. 
   The cap is intended to cover and close the opening  3 . The cap can include a wall forming a skirt around the rod  15 , and can also include a screw thread on an inner circumference  18 . The outer circumference  19  of the reservoir  2 , for example, at the level of a neck formed below the opening  3 , can include a corresponding or counterpart projection intended to engage with the threaded inner circumference  18 . As a variant, the skirt can be snapped onto the outer circumference of the neck. 
   In a preferred method of using the device  1 , upon unscrewing of the cap  5  from the reservoir  2 , these two elements can be moved apart. Preferentially, the cap  5  is moved so that the axis  20  of the rod is aligned with the axis  8  of the applicator  4  and remains in line with the axis  21  of the support  9 . A pulling action is exerted on the cap  5  until the flange  12  of the support  9  bears against the stripping means  10 , and until the applicator  4  is fully withdrawn from the reservoir  2 . The applicator  4  is then suspended between the rod  15  and the support  9 , and it is thus possible to place the rod  15  and therefore the cap  5  in an angular position  20  not superimposed on the axis  8  of the applicator  4 . Similarly, the support  9  can be oriented in an angular position  21  not coincident with the axis  8  of the applicator  4 , and is then braced in the stripping means  10 . For example, the axes  20  and  21  can be respectively oriented substantially at 90° to the applicator  4  and placed perpendicular to and opposite the surface to be applied against the surface to be coated. The first end of the applicator  4  is disposed outside of the reservoir  2  both in the extended position and in the retracted position. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , to lock the position of the support  9  relative to the reservoir  2 , the support  9  can be braced obliquely or transversely in the opening  3 . By way of example, an angle  22  can be formed between the axis  21  of the support  9  and the exit axis  23  of the opening  3  relative to the overall geometry of the support  9  and of the wiper element  10 , notably their respective diameters and lengths. The angle  22  can be, for example, between 5 and 20°. In this configuration, the user holding the cap  5  in a first hand  24  and the reservoir in a second hand  25  can place the ends  6  and  7  where desired on the surface to be coated, in this case the edge of the eyelid  26 . 
   Preferably, the second hand  25  orients the reservoir  2  so as to position the second end  6  near an inner corner of the eyelid  26 , and the first hand  24  is then lowered towards the eyelid so as to position the first end  7  near an outer corner of the eyelid  26 . The length of the applicator  4  can be adjusted by winding part of the applicator  4  around the rod  15 , thereby adapting it to the length required to obtain the desired line. Or conversely, the application can begin by marking the first point at the outer corner of the eyelid. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , as the applicator  4  is flexible, it can form a curve capable of adapting to the particular shape of the eyelid  26 . In this case, it is not necessarily suspended between the support  9  and the rod  15 . 
   Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.