Patent Publication Number: US-2005135867-A1

Title: Substance packaging and applicator device

Description:
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 60/514,612, filed Oct. 28, 2003. 
    
    
      The present invention relates to a device for packaging and applying a substance. For example, the invention may relate to a device comprising a receptacle for containing a supply of substance and an applicator member being suitable for applying the substance and being fastened to the receptacle.  
      Such a device is described in, for example, EP 0 872 193 A1, FR 2 800 041, and EP 1 312 280 A1.  
      However, there still exists a need for a device that may be adapted to dispense a substance over a relatively large area, such as, for example, the chest or the legs.  
      Although the present invention may obviate the above-mentioned need, it should be understood that some aspects of the invention may not necessarily obviate that need.  
      In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.  
      In one aspect of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention may provide a device for packaging and applying a substance, comprising a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein, at least one orifice providing flow communication between the first and second spaces, and a third space capable of being supplied with the substance and separated at least partially from the second space by at least the chimney, wherein the chimney may comprise at least one opening for permitting flow of the substance between the second space and the third space.  
      In another aspect of the invention, a device for packaging and applying a substance may comprise a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein, and a plurality of orifices providing flow communication between the first and second spaces, wherein the chimney may extend at least partially inside the applicator member.  
      In still another aspect of the invention, a device for packaging and applying a substance may comprise a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein (i.e., in the chimney), at least one orifice providing flow communication between the first and second spaces, and a third space capable of being supplied with the substance and separated at least partially from the second space by at least the chimney, wherein the chimney may be configured to enable a communication of the substance between the second space and the third space.  
      Various aspects of the invention may provide a device for packaging and applying a substance, comprising a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein, at least one orifice providing flow communication between the first and second spaces, and a third space capable of being supplied with the substance and separated at least partially from the second space by at least the chimney, wherein the wall and the chimney may be configured to permit the substance contained in the second and third spaces to return to the first space when the device is in a head-up position.  
      In another aspect of the invention, a device for packaging and applying a substance may comprise a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the first wall and defining a second space therein, at least one orifice providing flow communication between the first and second spaces, a third space capable of being supplied with the substance and separated at least partially from the second space by at least the chimney, and a flow controller for controlling flow of the substance. The flow controller, such as, for example, a valve or a pump, may serve as means for distributing the substance to the applicator member.  
      In one aspect, the at least one orifice may comprise a plurality of orifices opening out into the first and second spaces.  
      In another aspect, the chimney may contact a base portion of the applicator member.  
      According to still another aspect, the third space may be in fluid communication with the first space via at least one orifice formed through the wall and opening out into the first and third spaces. The third space may be in fluid communication with the first space via the second space. Alternatively or additionally, the third space may communicate with the second space via at least one slot formed in the chimney.  
      In various aspects, the chimney may comprise a free end opposite from the wall, and the free end may be substantially in contact with the applicator member. The chimney may thus support the applicator member while it is being pressed against the surface being treated so as to improve comfort during application.  
      Alternatively, the chimney may comprises a free end opposite from the wall, and the free end may be spaced apart from the applicator member by, for example, a gap that may be selected to be of greater or lesser extent depending on many factors, such as, for example, whether it is desirable to have the chimney to contribute to holding of the applicator member and whether it is desirable to form a chamber that is capable of containing the substance above the chimney. The presence of the gap may impart more or less flexibility to the applicator member while it is being applied to the surface being treated.  
      In another aspect, the applicator member may extend at least partially around and above the second and third spaces when, for example, the receptacle is in a head-up position (i.e. when the applicator member is situated above the supply of substance).  
      In still another aspect, the wall and the chimney may be configured such that, when the device is held in a head-up position, substance contained in the second and third spaces may return to the first space.  
      According to some aspects, the chimney may be substantially cylindrical. An outer diameter of the chimney may range from about 5 mm to about 10 mm.  
      In various aspects, the chimney may comprise a plurality of chimneys. For example, the chimney may comprise a first chimney and at least one second chimney surrounding the first chimney. The third space may be defined at least partially between the first and second chimneys. In an aspect, the first and second chimneys may be coaxial, thereby enabling the applicator member to be fed in a uniform manner. By arranging the chimneys (e.g., selecting the dimension, number, shape, position, and/or flow area or passage of the chimneys), it may be possible to control the flow rate of the substance during utilization.  
      In another aspect, the second chimney may also be substantially cylindrical. An outer diameter of the second chimney may range from about 12 mm to about 90 mm.  
      In one aspect, the height of at least one of the chimneys may be greater than or equal to about 5 mm and, in particular, greater than or equal to about 10 mm. The height may range from about 15 mm to about 40 mm.  
      In still another aspect, the chimney may be a first chimney, and the device may further comprise a second chimney. The third space may be defined inside the second chimney.  
      In yet still another aspect, the second chimney may not surround the first chimney.  
      In some aspects, an outer diameter of the second chimney may be greater than or equal to twice an outer diameter of the first chimney. Alternatively, an outer diameter of the second chimney may be substantially equal to three times an outer diameter of the first chimney.  
      One aspect of the invention may further comprise an outer skirt extending from the wall and cooperating with the second chimney to define a groove configured to receive a base portion of the applicator member. The groove may be an annular groove. The outer skirt may include a suitable mechanism (e.g., screw-fastening or snap-fastening) on its outside for fastening a cap for closing the receptacle.  
      In various aspects, the first and second chimneys may be made integrally by, for example, molding a plastic material.  
      In another aspect, at least one of the first and second chimneys may comprise a fastener member for fastening to a neck of the receptacle.  
      According to still another aspect, the first and second chimneys may be connected together at their bases by the wall. The wall may extend generally transversely to the axis of the neck of the receptacle. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second chimneys may be connected together by at least one partition. Such a partition may serve to further increase head loss, and/or to hold the applicator member. The at least one partition may extend over at least a fraction of its height going up from its base. In a variant, the first and second chimneys may be connected to each other by the wall only without any additional connecting member.  
      In yet still another aspect of the invention, the wall may completely close the bottom end of the space formed between the outer skirt and the second chimney, which may serve to avoid feeding substance to the bottom portion of the applicator member which is engaged in this space.  
      In one aspect, the applicator member may be configured to bear against a free end of the second chimney.  
      In another aspect of the invention, the applicator member may comprise at least one annular groove that may be radially open towards the outside.  
      In some aspects, the applicator member may comprise a base portion that may be stationary relative to the receptacle. Alternatively, the applicator member may comprise a base portion that may be movable relative to the receptacle. The base portion may be movable against a return action of a resilient return member. The return member may comprise a helical spring.  
      According to one aspect, the applicator member may be compressible. For example, the applicator member may comprise a foam. The applicator member may include flocking. Where appropriate, the applicator member may also contain a bactericidal or fungicidal agent.  
      In various aspects, the device may further comprise a cap, or any other suitable closure member, for closing the receptacle. The cap may be fastened to the receptacle in a leaktight manner. The applicator member may be compressed when the cap is in place on the receptacle. Conversely, removal of the cap may cause an expansion of the applicator member.  
      In another aspect, the chimney may extend along an axis that may coincide with a longitudinal axis of the receptacle. Alternatively, the chimney may extend along an axis that may form a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The non-zero angle may permit the receptacle to have a more ergonomic configuration.  
      In still another aspect, the receptacle may comprise an outer wall, and the substance may be in contact with said outer wall.  
      In some aspects, the substance may be contained in a limp bag. The receptacle may comprise a flexible wall substantially enclosing the bag. The receptacle may also comprise a first valve enabling air to enter into a space between the limp bag and the flexible wall, and the limp bag may comprise a second valve allowing the substance to flow in one direction only towards the chimney and the applicator member. At least one of the first and second valves may comprise a check valve.  
      In various aspects, the first space (i.e., inside the receptacle) and the second space (i.e., inside the chimney) may be in fluid communication with each other without using any valve or closure system. Alternatively, a suitable flow controller (e.g., a valve or a pump) may be used to supply the substance therethrough from the first space to the second space. The controller may be actuated by the user. Use of such a controller may prevent the substance from being released from the receptacle, especially when the device is being carried (e.g., in a handbag).  
      In some aspects, the receptacle may contain a variety of substance for application to a body (e.g., a cosmetic product and/or care product). For example, the substance may comprise a moisturizing cream, a self-tanning substance, or possibly a sunscreen product. In some examples, the product may comprise a makeup or a dermatological substance.  
      In an aspect, the applicator member may comprise a base portion configured to be fastened to the receptacle. The base portion may comprise a skirt extending along an axis and having a radial inner face. The receptacle may comprise a support extending in contact with said radial inner face. The support may contact the radial inner face of the skirt along at least a fraction of its height along the axis without contacting the radial inner face in every radial position with respect to the axis (i.e., for at least a fraction of its height along the axis, the support may contact the radial inner face over less than one complete turn about the axis). Such a configuration may enable the applicator member to be retained in a reliable manner (e.g., by clamping the skirt), while still allowing the applicator member to be supplied with the an appropriate amount of the substance (e.g., by selectively configuring a passage through which the substance may flow from the receptacle to the applicator member).  
      In one aspect, the flow controller may comprise a pump or a valve. The chimney may contact a base portion of the applicator member.  
      The device, according to various aspects of the invention, may enable a user to apply a substance in a satisfactory manner over a large area. The device may also reduce the risk of supplying the substance to the applicator member in excessive quantity or insufficient quantity. The device may also allow a user to easily determine the quantity that is being dispensed.  
      According to one aspect, the chimney may extend above the wall, and the second space may be separated from the first space by the wall. The support may not have a wall having cut-outs and/or extending above the chimney.  
      In an aspect of the invention, a third space may extend at least partially around the chimney. Alternatively or additionally, the third space may be situated inside another chimney. The presence of the third space may make it easier to adjust the flow rate of the substance, such that the device can be more appropriately customized according to the desired conditions for which the device is used and/or according to the nature of the substance and/or applicator member.  
      The applicator member may not have any split section or throughhole thereon. The applicator member may not fill the entire second space. The applicator member may be fixed on the receptacle during the application. The third space may open directly towards the applicator member.  
      In another aspect, when a plurality of orifices open out into the first and second spaces, the first chimney may be configured to contact the base portion of the applicator member. The first chimney may thus contribute to the retaining of the applicator member by the receptacle, while avoiding the problems of overfeeding the applicator member with the substance by the effect of additional head loss created by the plurality of orifices.  
      The second and third spaces may be in permanent fluid communication with the supply of substance.  
      In various aspects, the applicator surface of the applicator member may have any shape. For example, the applicator surface may have any shape that is suitable for a particular body portion where the substance is intended to be applied. For example, the applicator surface may be generally outwardly convex.  
      Additionally or alternatively, the applicator member may have at least one alternating projection and/or depression (e.g., indentation) portion. Such a configuration may allow a user to apply the substance in a localized area. The applicator member may also present an applicator surface of a shape that is generally conical, pyramid-shaped, or chamfered. The applicator surface may also extend, by way of example, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first chimney.  
      The applicator member may comprise a base portion extending along the axis X and a portion configured to apply the substance (e.g., applicator portion). The thickness of the base portion (as measured perpendicular to the axis X) may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the applicator portion (as measured along the axis X).  
      According to still another aspect of the invention, a device for packaging and applying a substance may comprise a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein, at least one orifice providing flow communication between the first and second spaces, and a third space capable of being supplied with the substance and separated at least partially from the second space by at least the chimney, wherein the wall may comprise at least one opening to enable a circulation of the substance between the first space and the third space.  
      In one aspect, a device for packaging and applying a substance may comprise a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein, at least one orifice providing flow communication between the first and second spaces, and a third space capable of being supplied with the substance and separated at least partially from the second space by at least the chimney, wherein the at least one chimney may comprise a lateral opening to enable a circulation of the substance between the second space and the third space.  
      According to another aspect of the invention, a device for packaging and applying a substance may comprise a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, at least one chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein, and a plurality of orifices opening out into the first and second spaces, wherein the at least one chimney may extend at least partially inside the applicator member.  
      In still another aspect, when the applicator member is in use and/or when a closure member is place on the receptacle, the applicator member may contact the free edge of the chimney. When not in use and/or when the closure member is not in place, the applicator member may not bear against the free edge.  
      In an aspect, the applicator member may be fixed inside an outer skirt of the support. The skirt many not have any rim at its upper end portion that may be oriented radially outwardly. This may facilitate the manufacture of the device. The applicator member may be fixed on a monolithic support insertable in a neck of the receptacle.  
      Some aspects of the invention may provide a device for packaging and applying a substance, comprising a first space inside a receptacle for containing a supply of substance, an applicator member suitable for applying the substance, a wall extending between the first space and the applicator member, a first chimney extending from the wall and defining a second space therein, a second chimney around the first chimney, and a third space between the first and second chimneys, wherein the applicator member may extend at least partially around the second chimney, and wherein the third space may open out entirely towards the applicator member.  
      As used herein, the term “open out entirely” should be understood as meaning that no intermediate member, such as, for example, a grid, is interposed between the third space and the applicator member.  
      Aside from the structural arrangements set forth above, the invention could include a number of other arrangements, such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following description are exemplary. 
    
    
      The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a number of non-limiting embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
       FIG. 1  is an axial cross-section view of a device for packaging and applying a substance, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  along the elevational level II-II.  
      FIGS.  3  to  10  are cross-section views analogous to  FIG. 2 , illustrating various exemplary embodiments of the device.  
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are schematic illustrations of an enveloping profile of chimneys, according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention.  
       FIGS. 13 and 14  are cross-section views of a device, analogous to  FIG. 2 , illustrating variant embodiments.  
       FIG. 15  is a partial cross-section view of a device, illustrating a variant configuration for a chimney.  
       FIGS. 16 and 17  are cross-section views of a device, analogous to  FIG. 2 , illustrating variant embodiments.  
       FIG. 18  is a partial, axial cross-section view of the device shown in  FIG. 17  along the axial plane XVIII-XVIII, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser head.  
       FIG. 19  is a partial, axial cross-section view of a device, analogous to  FIG. 18 , illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser head.  
       FIG. 20  is a cross-section view analogous to  FIG. 17 , illustrating a variant embodiment of the device.  
      FIGS.  21  to  24  are axial cross-section views of a device for packaging and applying a substance, illustrating various exemplary embodiments of a dispenser head.  
      FIGS.  25  to  29  are partial cross-section views of a device for packaging and applying a substance, illustrating various exemplary embodiments of an applicator member and a support.  
       FIGS. 30 and 31  are axial cross-section views of a device for packaging and applying a substance, according to various exemplary embodiments the invention.  
       FIG. 32  is a partial, axial cross-section view of a device for packaging and applying a substance, according to still another exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 33  is a partial, axial cross-section view of a device for packaging and applying a substance, according to still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, illustrating a flow controller system for controlling flow communication between an applicator member and a supply of substance.  
       FIG. 34  is an axial cross-section view of a device for packaging and applying a substance, according to still another exemplary embodiment the invention.  
       FIG. 35  is a cross-section view of the device shown in  FIG. 34  along the elevational level XXXV-XXXV.  
       FIG. 36  is a partial, axial cross-section view of a device for packaging and applying a substance, illustrating an open condition with a closure member removed.  
       FIG. 37  is a partial, axial cross-section view of the device shown in  FIG. 36 , illustrating a closed condition with a closure member in place. 
    
    
      Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.  
       FIG. 1  shows a device  1  comprising a receptacle  3  configured to contain a supply of substance P and an applicator member  4  configured to be fastened to the receptacle  3 . The applicator member  4  may be permeable to the substance P and also capable of being filled with the substance P.  
      The body of the receptacle  3  may comprise a neck  5  extending from the body and about an axis X, to which a support  6  carrying an applicator member  4  may be fastened by, for example, snap-fastening or screw-fastening. In a variant, the support  6  may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the receptacle  3  by molding, for example, a thermoplastic material.  
      The device  1  may also include a cap  8  or any other suitable closure member associated with the support  6  and/or the receptacle  3  for closing the receptacle. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the support  6  may include an outer skirt  14 , and the cap  8  may engage with the outer skirt  14  (e.g., via screw-fastening or snap-fastening) so as to provide a leaktight enclosure of the substance P within the device  1 . For this purpose, the outer skirt  14  may comprise a thread  10  corresponding to another thread of the cap  8 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cap  8  may also include an annular sealing lip  12  bearing in a leaktight manner against the outer skirt  14  of the support  6 .  
      The support  6  may also include a sealing lip  16  bearing in a leaktight manner against the radial inner surface of the neck  5 , as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
      In various exemplary embodiments, the support  6  may comprise a first chimney  20  and a second chimney  22 . The first and second chimneys  20 ,  22  may be coaxial with one another. In some exemplary embodiments, the two chimneys  20 ,  22  may be cylindrical about the axis X. The axis X may coincide with the axis of the neck  5 .  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter of the second chimney  22  may be substantially equal to three times the outside diameter of the first chimney  20 . By way of example only, the outside diameter of the first chimney  20  may be equal to about 7 mm, and the outside diameter of the second chimney  22  may be equal to about 21 mm. As is apparent, the invention is not limited to particular values of the diameters.  
      The support  6  may include a transverse wall  24  extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis X. The two chimneys  20 ,  22  may be connected at their bases to the transverse wall  24 . At the periphery of the transverse wall  24 , the outer skirt  14  may extend upwardly, and a rim  26  may extend downwardly. The rim  26  may be configured to be snap-fastened or screw-fastened to the neck  5  of the receptacle  3 .  
      In various exemplary embodiments, the transverse wall  24  may include at least one orifice  27  (or openings) having an axis parallel to the axis X. The at least one orifice  27  may provide fluid communication between an annular groove  30  formed between the first and second chimneys  20 ,  22  and the space  33  inside the receptacle  3  for containing the supply of substance P. The orifice(s)  27  may be formed by piercing the transverse wall  24 .  
      The space  34  inside the first chimney  20  may also be in fluid communication with the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3 .  
      In some exemplary embodiments, the substance P may flow through the groove  30  and/or through the inside space  34  of the first chimney  20  to reach the applicator member  4  when the receptacle  3  is placed in a head-down position, or when the receptacle  3  is shaken.  
      In various exemplary embodiments, the support  6  may be stationary relative to the receptacle  3 . In a variant, the support  6  may be movable (e.g., axially and/or rotatably) relative to the receptacle  3 . The support  6  may be configured in such a way that, in cooperation with a closure system, the inside space  33  may have a fluid communication with the applicator member  4  in a selective manner, as described in detail below.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , the applicator member  4  may be fastened to the support  6  via a base portion  36  (e.g., skirt) having a generally tubular shape. The base portion  36  may be clamped in the annular groove  37  formed between the outer skirt  14  of the support  6  and the second chimney  22 .  
      The base portion  36  may be fastened in a variety of different ways. For example, the base portion  36  may be heat-sealed or interference-fitted with at least one of the outer skirts  14 , the second chimney  22 , and the transverse wall  24 .  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the base portion  36  (as measured perpendicular to the axis X), for example, before being mounted on the support  6 , may be greater than the thickness of the part of the applicator member (e.g., central part) used to apply the substance (as measured along the axis X). The thickness of the part used to apply the substance may vary depending on the nature of the substance. For example, the thickness may be smaller as the substance is more viscous.  
      Where appropriate, an additional part may be fitted to the support  6  in order to retain the applicator member  4  thereto. The additional part may be fastened to the support  6  by snap-fastening, adhesive, and/or heat-sealing.  
      In some exemplary embodiments, the applicator member  4  may include an inner face  39  that may rest against a free edge  40  of the second chimney  22  and/or against a free edge  41  of the first chimney  20 , as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . The first and second chimneys  20 ,  22  may thus at least partially support the applicator member  4  while it is being pressed against a surface being treated.  
      The orifices  27  may have a variety of different shapes, numbers, and dimensions. The number of chimneys  20 ,  22 , and their respective positions and dimensions, may also vary. The shape, number, and dimension of the orifices  27  and/or the chimneys  20 ,  22  may be selected based on, at least partially, the nature of the substance (e.g., viscosity), the nature of the applicator member  4 , and/or the type and location of the body portion being treated, so as to ensure, among other things, that the substance P does not flow at an extreme rate which may result in an excessive discharge of the substance P onto the applicator member  4 .  
      The applicator member  4  may be made of various materials. For example, the applicator member  4  may be made of an elastically compressible material, such as, for example, a foam having open or semi-open cells. Suitable materials for such a foam may include, but not be limited to, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyether, polyester, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, and styrene butadiene rubber. Any other material known in the art may also be used alternatively or additionally.  
      In various exemplary embodiments, the applicator member  4  may be sufficiently compressible so as to permit deformation while being used.  
      When the cap  6  is in place on the receptacle  3 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the applicator member  4  may be compressed, thus ensuring that, when the cap is unscrewed, the applicator member  4  may expand. In a variant, the applicator member may not need be compressed when the cap  8  is in place on the receptacle  3 .  
      In operation, the user may shake the receptacle  3  or turn it upside-down, thereby enabling the substance P to flow by gravity into the annular groove  30  and/or into the inside space  34  of the first chimney  20  in order to bring the substance in contact with the inside face  39  of the applicator member  4  and to feed the applicator member with the substance P. The user may then hold the device  1  in any orientation (e.g., with the applicator member  4  pointing upwards or downwards) and apply the substance P by bringing the applicator member  4  in contact against a body surface being treated. If the device  1  is being used with the applicator member  4  pointing downwards, as is apparent, the substance P may be continuously supplied to the applicator member  4  by gravity.  
      The applicator member  4  may not be supplied by gravity. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the substance P may be supplied to the applicator member  4  by, for example, utilizing a differential pressure. For example, the substance P in the receptacle  3  may be pressurized, and the substance P may be supplied to the applicator member  4  by using a suitable actuatable flow controller (e.g., a valve or a pump). The substance P may also be supplied to the applicator member by manually squeezing the wall of the receptacle  3 .  
      As briefly mentioned above, the number and shape of the orifices  27 , that may allow the substance P to flow between the annular groove  30  and the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3 , may be modified. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the orifices  27  may have a kidney shape.  
      It may also be possible to make the orifices  27  in the form of perforations formed between partitions  47  (e.g., walls) interconnecting the first and second chimneys  20 ,  22 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . These partitions  47  may extend over all or part of the height of the chimneys  20 ,  22  and may contact the applicator member  4 .  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the partitions  47  may compartmentalize the support  6  to, for example, increase head loss or improve the distribution of the substance P within the applicator member  4 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 5 , uprights  48  may replace the continuous second chimney  22 . To support the uprights  48 , the partitions  47  may be connected to the uprights  48  at their ends adjacent the base portion  36  of the applicator member  4 . The base portion  36  may then be held clamped between the uprights  48  and the outer skirt  14  of the support  6 .  
      Where appropriate, each of the spaces formed between two adjacent partitions  47  may communicate with the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3  via an orifice  27  (e.g., opening), as shown in  FIG. 6 . The orifice  27  may be made small so as to increase head loss.  
      In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the partitions  47  may not have the upright  48 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the partitions  47  may directly extend to the applicator member  4 , so that their radially extended outer edges  49  may bear against the base portion  36  of the applicator member  4 .  
      The variant embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  may differ from the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  by the absence of the partitions  47 . In this embodiment, the uprights  48  may be connected to the chimney  20  via the transverse wall  24 . The space  30  (i.e., annular groove) extending around the chimney  20  may communicate with the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3  via the orifices  27 . The orifices  27  may be situated at substantially halfway between the uprights  48  and the chimney  20 , as shown in the figure.  
      In some exemplary embodiments, the first chimney  20  may be cylindrical and surrounded by the second chimney  22 . At least one of the first and second chimneys  20 ,  22  may not be cylindrical. For example, at least one of the first and second chimneys  20 ,  22  may have a shape of a polygon (e.g., triangle, square, or hexagon). In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the second chimney  22  may have a triangular shape. The second chimney  22  may be connected at its bottom end to the transverse wall  24  and may cooperate with the first chimney  20  to define three spaces  52 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . These spaces  52  may communicate with the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3  via the orifices  27  formed in the transverse wall  24 . As shown, the transverse wall  24  may not have any orifice that opens out into the outside of the second chimney  22 . The corner edges  39  of the second chimney  22  may press against the radial inner surface  58  of the applicator member  4  at, for example, the base portion  36 . Therefore, the support  6  may contact the radial inner surface  58  of the applicator member  4  (e.g., the base portion  36 ), but without contacting every radial location of the inner surface  58  with respect to the axis X (i.e., less than one complete turn of the perimeter or circumference of the inner surface  58  around the axis X).  
      The base portion  36  may be retained on the support  6  by being clamped between the second chimney  22  and the outer skirt  14 .  
      In some exemplary embodiments, the second chimney may not surround the first chimney. For example, the support  6  may comprise a plurality of chimneys that are not coaxial with respect one another. By way of example,  FIG. 10  shows three adjacent chimneys  54  with each having its independent axis along which each extends axially. The three axes may define the vertices of a triangle, and the chimneys  54  may define at least one generator line that may bear against the radial inner surface  58  of the applicator member  4 . The inside space  55  of each chimney  54  may be cylindrical, and may communicate at one end with the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3 .  
      When the support  6  comprises a plurality of chimneys  54 , the top edges  40 ,  45  of the chimneys  54  may define, for example, a projecting conical portion, as shown in  FIG. 11 , or a depressed conical portion, as shown in  FIG. 12 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the chimneys  20 ,  54  may not be in contact with one another.  
      The transverse wall  24  may comprise at least one opening or orifice each corresponding to the respective chimney  20 ,  54 . The flow area of the opening may be substantially equal to or less than the flow area of the respective chimney. Alternatively or additionally, the transverse wall  24  may include at least one additional orifice in, for example, its central region other than the region occupied by the chimneys  20 ,  54 , as shown in  FIG. 14 .  
      By way of example only,  FIGS. 13 and 14  show the chimneys having a kidney-shaped cross-section. It should be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the chimneys is not limited to the circular shape of  FIG. 10  or the kidney-like shape of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Instead, any other shapes or variations thereof may also be possible.  
      In some exemplary embodiments, at least one chimney may be provided with at least one slot  56 , as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 .  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the slots  56  may serve as a flow passage between the annular space  30  formed between the first and second chimneys  20 ,  22  and the inside space  33  of the first chimney  20 . The annular space  30  may then receive the substance P from the inside space  33  through the slots  56 . The transverse wall  24  may not have any orifice that opens out both into the annular space  30  and into the inside space  33 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . In a variant, such an orifice may be provided.  
      In various exemplary embodiments, the slots  56  may communicate with the spaces  30  formed between the partitions  47 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . In this embodiment, the transverse wall  24  may not have any orifice other than the orifice feeding the chimney  20 . In a variant, the transverse wall  24  may have an additional orifice providing fluid communication between the spaces  30  and the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3 , as shown in  FIG. 18 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 19 , the chimney  20  and the partitions  47  may have a height different from the height of the uprights  48 . For example, the height of the chimney  20  and the partitions  47  may be shorter than the height of the uprights  48 . Alternatively or additionally, the height of the chimney  20  may be different from the height of the partitions  47 .  
      In a variant embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the first chimney  20  may not be coaxial with the second chimney  22 .  
      The cross-sectional area inside the first chimney  20  may be constant throughout its height, including the location at which the chimney  20  may pass through the transverse wall  24 . In various alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the chimney  20  may not be constant. For example, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the inside space  34  of the chimney may communicate with the inside space  33  of the receptacle  3  via an orifice  59  in the transverse wall  24 , where the flow area of the orifice  59  may be smaller than the cross-sectional area in the upper portion of the chimney  20 .  
      The inner face  39  of the applicator member  4  may not contact the free edge  41  of the first chimney  20 .  
      In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the cap  8  may be configured such that the cap  8  does not contact the applicator member  4  when the cap  8  is placed on the receptacle  3 . Leak-tight closure of the receptacle  3  may be achieved by, for example, the cap  8  pressing against the radial outer surface of the outer skirt  17  or any other portion of the support  6 .  
      The applicator member  4  may be made in various ways. For example, as shown in  FIG. 23 , an annular groove  61  may be formed near the bottom portion  36  adapted to engage with the space formed between the second chimney  22  and the outer skirt  14 . The groove  61  may open radially towards the outside and against the outer skirt  14 . Alternatively or additionally, the groove  61  may open upwardly (not shown). By way of example only, such a groove  61  may serve to impart additional deformability to the applicator member  4 .  
      In some exemplary embodiments, the applicator member  4  may be stationary relative to the support  6 . Alternatively, the applicator member  4  may be movable relative to the support  6 , as shown in  FIG. 24 .  
      In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 24 , the base portion  36  may rest against a ring  68  in the annular groove  37  formed between the outer skirt  14  and the second chimney  22 . This ring  68  may bear against a resilient return member  63 , such as, for example, by a helical spring, that may bear against the transverse wall  24  at the bottom of the groove  37 . The applicator member  4  may be arranged in such a manner that the applicator member  4  may rest on the support  6  when it is pressed against a surface being treated. The second chimney  22  may include teeth  98  for retaining the ring  68 , as shown in the figure.  
      Mounting the applicator member  4  on such a resilient return member may further improve the comfort level during application.  
      The applicator member  4  may have a wide variety of shapes. For example, in addition to the generally convex shapes shown in  FIGS. 1, 18 ,  19 , and  21 - 24 , the outside surface  45  of the applicator member  4  may have a shape that is generally concave with respect to the axis X, as shown in  FIG. 25 . In other various exemplary embodiments, the outside surface  44  of the applicator member  4  may have: for example, a substantially conical or pyramid-shaped applicator face, as shown in  FIG. 26 ; at least one alternating projection  66  and depression  67 , as shown in  FIG. 27 ; a generally flat applicator face (e.g., at least in a central region) that is substantially perpendicular to the axis X, as shown in  FIG. 28 ; or a chamfered surface defining a sloping applicator face that forms an oblique angle relative to the axis X, as shown in  FIG. 29 .  
      As mentioned above, the chimney  20  may have a height that is different from the height of the adjacent chimney  22  or uprights  48 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 28 , the height of the chimney  20  may be greater than the adjacent chimney  22 . This arrangement may avoid a suction effect when the applicator member is compressible and/or is compressed and released against the chimney  50 .  
      When a plurality of chimneys are provided for the receptacle  3 , it may be advantageous to include a central extension or a chimney in the central region so as to prevent the applicator member  4  from closing one or more chimneys that may be positioned closer to the base portion  36  of the applicator member  4 .  
      The free end of the chimney  20  may define a slanted edge  41  extending in a plane that may intersect with the axis X of the chimney  20  obliquely, as shown in  FIG. 29 . Alternatively, the free end of the chimney  50  may define any other shape or form.  
      The receptacle  3  may have a variety of shapes. In particular, the receptacle  3  may have a shape that may facilitate holding or grasping of the receptacle  3  and/or application of the substance to the body. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axis Y of the receptacle  3  may form a non-zero angle α relative to the axis X, as shown in  FIG. 30 .  
      The receptacle  3  may have a flexible wall  80  so as to allow an elastic deformation of the receptacle  3 . For example, the receptacle  3  may be made of a material having shape memory so that, when the receptacle  3  is deformed, the receptacle  3  may restore its original shape. Such a flexible wall may enable a user to dispense the substance P out of the receptacle  3  by squeezing the receptacle  3  (e.g., reducing the internal volume of the receptacle so as to increase the pressure inside the receptacle  3 ), thus making it easier for the substance P to flow through the applicator member  6 .  
      The substance P may be contained in a limp bag  70 , as shown in  FIG. 31 , which may be situated inside the receptacle  3 . The space  71  between the bag  70  and the outer wall  68  of the receptacle  3  may communicate with the outside of the receptacle  3  through an air inlet valve  73  (e.g., a check valve) that, as will be described below, may selectively permit in-flow of air therethrough into the space  71 . The bag  70  may be coupled to an end piece  74  disposed adjacent the neck  5  of the receptacle  3 . In an exemplary embodiment, the end piece  74  may be held in the neck  5  by the support  6 . The end piece  74  may include another check valve  76  (e.g., a substance-outlet check valve) that may selectively permit out-flow of the substance P out of the bag  70  therethrough when extra pressure is created inside the bag  70 . At least one of the valves  73  and  76  may be made of an elastomer material by, for example, overmolding.  
      In operation, when a user squeezes the flexible wall  68  of the receptacle  3 , the volume of the inside space  71  may decrease, causing the the pressure inside the bag  70  to increase. The pressure increase in the bag  70  may actuate the outlet valve  76  to open, causing the substance P to be expelled through the outlet valve  76 . During the squeezing, the air inlet valve  93  may be maintained in a closed state. When the user releases the wall  68 , the outlet valve  76  may be closed with the bag  70  remaining in the reduced volume since the outlet valve  76  only permits one-way flow (e.g., outflow of the substance). Furthermore, a suction condition may be established inside the space  71  due to the reduced volume of the bag  70  and the elasticity of the flexible wall  68 . The suction condition inside the space  71  may actuate the air inlet valve  73  to open, allowing in-flow of air into the space  71  to bring the pressure back to its equilibrium pressure.  
      In some exemplary embodiments, the device may comprise a suitable dispensing member that may be actuated by a user to dispense the substance P out of the receptacle  3 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 32 , the device may comprise a dispensing member  100 , such as, for example, a pump, a valve, or any other suitable flow controller mechanism known in the art. The support  6  or the neck  5  of the receptacle  3  may be appropriately configured to accommodate such a dispensing member  100 . For example, the support  6  may be arranged to cooperate with an actuator rod  101  of the dispensing member  100 , as shown in  FIG. 32 , such that, when the rod  101  is displaced (e.g., by being depressed along the axis X against the support  5 ), the dispensing member  100  may be actuated to deliver the substance P to the applicator member  4  via, for example, the inside channel of the chimney  20 . In various exemplary embodiments, the substance P contained within the receptacle  3  may be in a pressurized form.  
      It may also be possible to provide a temporary closure system for closing the flow communication between the supply of substance P contained in the receptacle  3  and the applicator member  4 .  
      In still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support may constitute two or more interacting parts, where at least one of the parts may be movable relative to the other of the parts or the receptacle  3 . By way of non-limiting example,  FIG. 33  shows one part  205  of a support  6  that may be rotatably movable relative to another part  105  of the support  6 , where the part  105  is fixedly coupled to the neck  9  of the receptacle  3 . The fixed part  105  may have a transverse wall having at least one opening  106  passing therethrough and a concentric skirt  109  defining, in cooperation with another concentric skirt  108  of the movable part  205 , an opening  107 . The openings  106 ,  107  may define a passage through which the substance P may be delivered to the applicator member  4 . The movable part  205  may be moved between a closed position and an open position to close and open the passage (e.g., the opening  107 ), respectively. For example, to close the passage, the movable part  205  may be rotated with respect to the fixed part  105  such that the skirt  108  of the movable part  205  may engage the skirt  109  of the fixed part  105  to close the opening  107 . To open the passage, the movable part  205  may be rotated to open the opening  107 , as shown in  FIG. 33 . Alternatively or additionally, a suitable closure system may be arranged so that opening and closing of the passage may be achieved by, for example, moving the movable part  205  axially relative to the fixed part  105 .  
      In the various exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS.  1  to  31 , the device may include one or more second spaces  30 ,  52 ,  55 , for example, outside the second chimney  22  and into which the substance P may flow during utilization for the purpose of filling the applicator member. The presence of the one or more second space may provide the first chimney  20  with a cross-section that is smaller than the inside cross-section of the base portion  36  of the applicator member  4  so as to facilitate control of the quantity of substance with which the applicator member  4  may be supplied.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the chimney  20  may have an outer section corresponding substantially to the inner section of the base portion  36 . Nevertheless, a plurality of orifices  27  may be formed through the transverse wall  24  that may open out into the space inside the chimney  20 . These orifices  27  may form a grid that may reduce the rate at which the substance may flow towards the applicator member  4 .  
      In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , the first chimney  20  may not have any lateral opening, orifice, or slot. Similarly, the transverse wall  24  may not have any opening, orifice, or slot that would otherwise allow the annular groove  30  to communicate directly with the internal space  33  of the receptacle  3 . In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 23 , the applicator member  4  may be fixed in a space between the second chimney  22  and the outer skirt  14 . The height of the first chimney  20  may be substantially the same as the height of the second chimney  22 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 36 , when the cover  8  or closure member is removed, the inside face  39  of the central part of the applicator member  4  may not contact with the free edge  41  of the first chimney  20 . When the closure member  8  is placed on the receptacle  3 , the base portion  36  of the applicator member  4  may be compressed or deformed, as shown in  FIG. 37 . This deformation may be facilitated by the presence of the annular groove  61  of the applicator member  4 .  
      The central part of the applicator member  4  may also be moved axially towards the first chimney  20  by the presence of a gap between the inside surface of the applicator member  4  and the free edge  41  of the chimney  20 . Therefore, when the closure member  8  is placed on the receptacle  3 , the central part of the applicator member  4  may not be extremely compressed between the first chimney  20  and the bottom of the cap  8 . This configuration may prevent the substance P impregnated onto the applicator member  4  from being expelled by the applicator member  4  and flowing back into the internal space  33  of the receptacle  3 . By preventing the back flow of the substance P from the applicator member  4  into the receptacle  3 , the risk of contamination (e.g., caused by impurities in the substance P that may have been in contact with the applicator member  4 ) may be reduced.  
      The groove  30  may open directly towards the applicator member  4 . The inside face of the applicator member  4  may face the bottom of the groove  30  without having any grid interposed therebetween.  
      In the various exemplary embodiments described above, a wide variety of modification may be possible. For example, the receptacle  3  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 30  may be fitted with any one of the dispenser heads shown in, for example, FIGS.  3  to  24 , and the applicator member  4  shown in those figures may be replaced by any one of the applicator members  4  shown in, for example, FIGS.  25  to  29 .  
      Moreover, the applicator member  4  may be made of a material other than a foam. For example, the applicator member  4  may be made of a felt, a sponge, or a sintered plastic or inorganic material. The structure of the applicator member  4  may comprise a single block or multiple layers. For example, the applicator member  4  may have a woven or non-woven fabric and/or flocking on its surface.  
      The transverse wall  24  of the support  6  may also have a variety shapes. For example, the wall  24  may constituted no more than simple bridges of material.  
      The chimney may be continuous in the radial direction (e.g., circumferential direction if the chimney has a circular shape), presenting, where appropriate, portions of height and/or of radial extent that may be unequal.  
      Throughout the description, including in the claims, the term “a” should be understood as being synonymous with “at least one” (i.e., relating to both the singular and the plural) unless specified to the contrary.  
      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.