Abstract:
A flask may include a threaded neck and an applicator. In embodiments, the applicator includes a stem, an applicator element disposed at a first end of the stem, and a closure cap supporting the stem at a second end of the stem opposite from the first end. The closure cap may have a threaded portion arranged to screw onto the neck. The closure cap may include a ring releasably connected to the threaded portion and arranged to be capable of remaining secured to the neck during removal of the applicator from the flask.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of French Application No. 03 01513 filed on Feb. 7, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/459,623 filed on Apr. 3, 2003, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to packaging and applicator devices for cosmetics or other care products, and more particularly but not exclusively those that are intended for applying varnish to nails. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Nail varnish flasks that are currently on the market have a variety of capacities, usually lying in the range of 7 milliliters (ml) to 14 ml. The associated applicators comprise a stem having a brush at one end and a closure cap having a threaded portion. 
   For flasks of relatively large capacity, for example, 12 ml or more, the height of the flask body makes it possible to use a stem that is relatively long. In contrast, for flasks of small capacity, the height of the flask body is smaller. Therefore, the stem needs to be shorter. Otherwise, the length of the bristles of the brush needs to be shorter, which would lead to a loss of flexibility and a loss in quality of application. Otherwise, the length of the neck needs to be increased, which may degrade appearance. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a packaging and applicator device that has both bristles that are relatively long and a visible length of stem that is of sufficient length to make application easier. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a packaging and applicator device comprising: a flask having a threaded neck; and an applicator comprising a stem, an applicator element disposed at a first end of the stem, and a closure cap supporting the stem at a second end opposite from the first end, the closure cap including a threaded portion arranged to screw onto the neck. In embodiments, the closure cap may include a ring that is releasably connected to the threaded portion and arranged to be capable of remaining secured to the neck during removal of the applicator from the flask. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention render it possible to benefit from a visible length of stem plus an applicator element that is relatively large, but without harming the appearance of the flask, for example, because of the provision of the ring at the base of the neck. Further, the ring may placed in a manner that is relatively easy and inexpensive, for example, after the flask has been filled. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention render it possible to make the ring and the threaded portion in such a manner as to give the impression, when the applicator is placed on the flask, of a closure cap that is made as a single piece, which may be desirable in terms of appearance. 
   As used throughout the description of the invention, the term “threaded portion” should be understood broadly as corresponding to a portion of the closure cap that includes at least one thread. Such a thread may be implemented, where appropriate, on an insert fixed within an outer cap. In such a case, the ring may be releasably connected to the insert and/or to the outer cap. 
   In embodiments, the ring may optionally include a thread. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring may have at least one first portion in relief that enables the ring to be snap-fastened onto at least one second portion in relief formed on the neck. The second portion in relief may comprise, for example, an annular bead. The first portion in relief may comprise, for example, an annular bead or teeth that project from a radially inner surface of the ring. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring may have at least one portion in relief arranged to retain the ring on the neck by friction. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring may have one or more splines on an inner surface thereof. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring and the threaded portion may or may not be made monolithically. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring may advantageously be made at least in part by molding a plastics material with the threaded portion. For example, the ring may be made at least in part by molding a plastics material with the outer cap when the threaded portion comprises an insert and an outer cap. In exemplary embodiments, the ring may be connected to the threaded portion by one or more breakable bridges of material. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring may be disposed on the threaded portion, for example, fitted thereto, with the threaded portion and the ring being made in different molds, for example. For example, in exemplary embodiments the ring may have a portion in relief that enables the ring to co-operate by mutually engaging with the threaded portion. The ring thus need not be connected to the threaded portion by breakable bridges of material. 
   In exemplary embodiments in which the ring and the threaded portion are not made monolithically, the ring and the threaded portion may be connected to each other by one of friction, snap-fastening, welding and adhering. 
   The ring and the threaded portion may also be connected to each other by other fastening means, either known or hereafter developed. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the neck may have at least one first anti-rotation portion in relief and the ring may have at least one second anti-rotation portion in relief arranged to co-operate with the first anti-rotation portion in relief. Such an arrangement may help to prevent the ring from turning relative to the neck while the closure cap is being unscrewed to separate the threaded portion from the ring. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the first anti-rotation portion in relief on the flask may be arranged to allow the second anti-rotation portion in relief to rotate past the first anti-rotation portion in relief on initial tightening of the closure cap onto the flask. Further, in exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first and second anti-rotation portions in relief may include a ramp which may make it easier for the first and second anti-rotation portions in relief to move past each other. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring may be prevented from turning on the neck by clamping the ring onto the neck. For example, the ring may be clamped onto the neck in exemplary embodiments in which the ring has one or more splines on an inside surface thereof. 
   In exemplary embodiments, at a base of the neck, the neck may have a surface that is cylindrical or may have a surface that flares toward a body of the flask. In such embodiments, the ring may be brought to bear against the surface at the base of the neck with a desired degree of clamping force. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring may be decorated. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the flask may be made in a variety of shapes. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the flask may have a shoulder at the base of the neck. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the flask may be made of glass and/or plastics material. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the flask may be made of transparent material. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the content of the flask may be less than or equal to about 10 ml. For example, the content of the flask may be less than or equal to about 8 ml. For example, the content may lie in a range of about 7 ml to about 5 ml. 
   In exemplary embodiments, a visible length of the stem and the applicator element may be greater than or equal to about 25 millimeters (mm), for example. In exemplary embodiments in which the applicator element is a brush, the visible length of a free portion of the bristles may be greater than or equal to about 12 mm, for example. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the flask may contain a substance for application to nails, for example, a nail varnish. In other exemplary embodiments, the flask may contain a substance for application to the face, for example, to the lips. In such embodiments, the flask may include a wiper member, for example. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may be flocked. For example, the applicator element may be flocked in exemplary embodiments in which the applicator element is for application on skin or lips. 
   In exemplary embodiments, a length of the stem may be substantially equal to a height of the neck. For example, the length of the stem may be equal to the height of the neck to within about 30%. 
   In exemplary embodiments, a length of the applicator element may be substantially equal to a height of the flask body on which the neck is connected. For example, the length of the applicator element may be equal to the height of the flask body to within about 30%. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a method of manufacturing a packaging and applicator device, the method comprising: screwing onto a flask having a threaded neck an applicator comprising a stem, an applicator element disposed at a first end of the stem, and a closure cap to which the stem is secured at a second end opposite from the first end, the closure cap having a threaded portion that is arranged to be screwed onto the neck and a ring that is releasably connected to the threaded portion at a base of the closure cap, the neck and the ring having shapes that co-operate to retain the ring on the neck when the threaded portion is unscrewed, for example, during use. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the neck and the ring may co-operate, for example, by snap-fastening or friction. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a method of manufacturing a packaging and applicator device, the method comprising: screwing a threaded insert, to which the applicator element is secured, onto a flask having a threaded neck; and fitting an outer cap on the insert, the outer cap being connected releasably to a ring, the outer cap and the insert remaining secured to each other when the insert is unscrewed, the neck and the ring having shapes that co-operate to retain the ring on the neck when the insert is unscrewed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a packaging and applicator device according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a view analogous to  FIG. 1 , showing the exemplary device in  FIG. 1  during initial unscrewing of the closure cap; 
       FIG. 3  is a view analogous to  FIG. 1 , showing the applicator fully withdrawn from the flask; 
       FIG. 4  shows the flask in isolation without the ring or the closure cap; 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic axial section view of the flask shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section view of the closure cap of the exemplary device shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 ; 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section views showing various exemplary embodiments of the closure cap; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic exploded view showing another exemplary embodiment according to the invention; 
       FIG. 10  shows the exemplary device in  FIG. 9  after the insert has been screwed onto the neck of the flask; 
       FIG. 11  shows the exemplary device in  FIG. 10  after the outer cap and the ring have been put into place; 
       FIG. 12  shows the exemplary device in  FIG. 11  after the applicator has been withdrawn; 
       FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of the flask in isolation; 
       FIG. 14  a diagrammatic elevation view of an exemplary applicator including an applicator element that is flocked; 
       FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section view of an exemplary embodiment of a flask including a wiper member; 
       FIGS. 16 to 18  are diagrammatic and fragmentary elevation views of various exemplary embodiments of closure caps according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an outer cap in isolation, the outer cap having an outside cross-section that is not circular. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
   The term “care products” is used to generically refer to any substance that is used to effect one or more external body conditions, such as conditions of the skin, hair and nails. For example, such substances include, but are not limited to, treatment products, such as sunscreen, moisturizer and/or medicaments, cleansing products and cosmetic products, such as makeup products, or any other known or later developed product that may be applied to the body. 
   The exemplary embodiment of a packaging and applicator device  1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  comprises a flask  2 , made of glass or plastics material, for example, and an applicator  3  comprising a stem  4  provided at a bottom end thereof with an applicator element  5 , such as a brush, for example, and connected at a top end thereof to a closure cap  6 . In the exemplary embodiment, the cap comprises a threaded portion  7  and a bottom ring  8 . 
   For example, the stem  4  may be hollow with a tuft of brush bristles inserted therein. Further, a visible length l of the bristles may be about 12 mm or longer, for example. 
   The stem  4  may be fixed inside the closure cap  6  in a conventional manner. In embodiments, the stem  4  may be fixed inside the closure cap  6  by an insert which optionally also serves to close the flask  2  in a leaktight manner. 
   The threaded portion  7  allows for screwing onto the neck  10  of the flask  2 . As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the neck  10  is provided with a thread  11 . 
   In exemplary embodiments, the ring  8  may be initially secured to the threaded portion  7  when the applicator  3  is put into place on the flask  2  for the first time. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the ring  8  may be made as a single piece together with the threaded portion  7 , for example, by molding a plastics material. The ring  8  and the threaded portion  7  may be connected together by one or more breakable bridges of material  13 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the bridges of material  13  may be set back from a radially outer surface  19  of the ring  8  so as to avoid spoiling the appearance of the closure cap  6 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, the ring  8  has at least one first portion in relief  15 , such as, for example, a bead or teeth projecting from a radially inner surface  16 . The neck  10  of the flask  2  includes at a base thereof at least one second portion in relief  18  that is arranged, for example, to enable the ring  8  to be snap-fastened onto the neck  10  at the end of the initial engagement of the closure cap  6  on the flask  2 . 
   In order to enable the ring  8  to be separated from the threaded portion  7  on unscrewing the closure cap  6 , at least one anti-rotation portion in relief  20  may be provided on the radially inner surface  16  of the ring  8  that co-operates with at least one complementary portion in relief  21  formed on the neck  10 . The anti-rotation portions in relief  20  and  21  may be arranged in such a manner as to enable the anti-rotation portion in relief  20  to rotate past the anti-rotation portion in relief  21  on initial engagement of the closure cap  6 . For example, the anti-rotation portions in relief  20  and  21  may include respective ramps  23  and  24 , for example, for this purpose. The ramps  23  and  24  may be sloped so as to assist the anti-rotation portion in relief  20  past the anti-rotation portion in relief  21  in the screw-tightening direction of the closure cap  6 . The anti-rotation portions in relief  20  and  21  may subsequently prevent passage in the reverse direction. 
   When a user unscrews the closure cap  6  for the first time, the threaded portion  7  separates from the ring  8 , which remains permanently on the neck  10 . The user may thus benefit from a visible length l′ of stem  4  that is sufficient to enable substance to be applied under desirable conditions, for example, to the fingernails. 
   Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Various modifications may be applied to the flask and/or to the closure cap. 
   For example, the closure cap  6  may be made with a threaded portion  7  and a ring  8  which are connected together by one or more bridges of material  13  that extend substantially radially, as shown in  FIG. 7 , rather than extending substantially axially as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
   The ring  8  and the threaded portion  7  may also be connected together prior to the closure cap  6  being mounted on the flask  2  other than by breakable bridges of material. 
   For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the threaded portion  7  and the ring  8  are arranged to co-operate by mutual engagement. The ring  8  may be provided, for example, with an annular rib  33  suitable for engaging in a shouldered housing  24  formed at a bottom end of the threaded portion  7 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 to 12 , the closure cap comprises an insert  40  and an outer cap  41  in which the insert  40  may be fixed. 
   The insert  40  may have an inside thread  42  that enables the insert to be screwed onto the neck  10 . Further, the insert  40  may have a housing  43  that enables a top end  44  of the stem  4  to be fixed to the insert  40 . 
   The stem  4  may carry a collar  45  for bearing against an end edge of the neck  10  when the insert  40  is screwed home, for example, so as to close the flask  2  in a leaktight manner. 
   On a radially inner surface of the outer cap  41 , one or more axial splines  48  may be provided that enable the outer cap  41  to be fixed on the insert  40 , for example, by clamping. In embodiments, the outer cap  41  and the insert  40  may thus be prevented from moving relative to each other. 
   The ring  8  in the exemplary embodiment described above is made integrally, i.e., monolithically, with the outer cap  41 . For example, the ring  8  may be connected to the outer cap  41  by one or more bridges of material  13  situated in line with the axial splines  48 . 
   On an inner surface, the ring  8  may have one or more axial splines  50  situated in line with the axial splines  48  on the outer cap  41 . The axial splines  50  may serve to bear against an enlarged portion  56  at the base of the neck  10 , for example, so as to clamp sufficiently tightly to cause the ring  8  to subsequently be prevented from turning relative to the flask  2 . 
   After the flask  2  has been filled, the insert  40  and the stem  4  may be put into place so as to close the flask  2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Then the assembly formed by the outer cap  41  and the ring  8  may be fitted onto the insert  40  until the insert  40  comes to bear against the inside of the top wall of the outer cap  41 , for example, with the axial splines  48  pressing tightly against the insert  40 . 
   The flask  2  provided with the closure cap  6  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . During use, a user unscrews the threaded portion  7  formed by the outer cap  41  and the insert  40 , while the ring  8  remains on the neck  10  of the flask by virtue of the axial splines  50  clamping onto the enlarged portion  56 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , it will be understood that because the ring  8  remains on the neck  10  of the flask  2 , it is possible to increase the visible length of the stem  4  by the equivalent of the height h of the ring  8 . 
   In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the neck  10  may have a surface at the base that is not circularly cylindrical, but that is frustoconical. For example,  FIG. 13  shows the flask  2 , corresponding to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , with a frustoconical bottom portion  32  at the base of the neck  10  that enables clamping between the ring  8  and the flask  2  to be increased, for example. 
   The applicator element  5  may comprise something other than a brush. For example,  FIG. 14  shows a flocked applicator element  5 . Such a flocked applicator element may be suited for application on lips, for example. 
   The flask  2  may be made by assembling together one or more parts. For example, the flask  2  may include a wiper member  60  as shown in  FIG. 15 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the flask  2  may comprise a body  61  having a part  62  that is fitted thereon to define the neck  10  of the flask  2  and that enables the wiper member  60  to be supported. The wiper member  60  may comprise, for example, an axially split block of foam through which the applicator element  5  can be passed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the flask  2  may be filled with a substance P for application to the lips, for example. 
   The closure cap  6  may be made in a variety of shapes, as shown in  FIGS. 16 to 18 . An outer section of the closure cap  6  may be circular or otherwise. For example, the outer section of the closure cap  6  may be prismatic. 
   For example,  FIG. 19  shows an outer cap  41  of outer cross-section that is substantially square. The outer cap  41  may have an internal circularly cylindrical wall  63  for enabling an insert to be fixed thereto. Such an insert may carry the thread of the closure cap  6  and/or the stem  4 . 
   Throughout the description, including in the claims, the term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” unless specified to the contrary. 
   Although the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.