Patent ID: 8075215

Claim:
A device configured to apply a product, the device comprising: a receptacle defining an inside space configured to contain a product to be applied, the inside space defining a volume and the receptacle comprising an applicator element holder; an applicator element extending along a longitudinal axis and fixed in a first housing of the applicator element holder at least while the applicator element is in use, the applicator element comprising a bundle of bristles defining a convexly shaped outer periphery exterior to the first housing; a cap configured to close the receptacle, the cap defining a second housing configured to receive the applicator element, the second housing defining a volume smaller than the volume of the inside space of the receptacle configured to contain the product to be applied; and at least one channel formed in the applicator element holder and outwardly opening through an orifice, said at least one channel configured to enable the product to flow from the receptacle through the orifice to reach the outside of the applicator element so that a first contact between the applicator element and the product coming out of said receptacle occurs exclusively on the outer periphery of said applicator element, wherein said at least one channel allows flow communication between an inside space of the cap and the inside space of the receptacle when the receptacle is closed by the cap, and wherein the at least one channel is disposed so as to be able to guide product from the receptacle toward and over the outer periphery of the outside of the applicator element.