U.S. patent application number 11/436621 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic or dermatological composition.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis Gueret.
Application Number | 20070000566 11/436621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35708734 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070000566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gueret; Jean-Louis |
January 4, 2007 |
Packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic or
dermatological composition
Abstract
A packaging and applicator device may include: a composition for
application to the skin; a receptacle containing the composition,
and including a dispenser zone configured to dispense the
composition; and a closure system configured to close the
receptacle. The closure system may include a first end facing the
dispenser zone. The closure system may include, on a second end
remote from the first end, a treatment zone including portions in
relief and/or a surface state that enable(s) a user to massage
and/or to cleanse skin. The closure system may prevent any
communication between the treatment zone and the dispenser
zone.
Inventors: |
Gueret; Jean-Louis; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
35708734 |
Appl. No.: |
11/436621 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60688362 |
Jun 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 23/0263 20130101;
A45D 34/041 20130101; A45D 2200/057 20130101; A61H 2201/105
20130101; A45D 2200/1018 20130101; A61H 7/003 20130101; A45D 34/04
20130101; A45D 2200/207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/098 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/04 20060101
B65B003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 23, 2005 |
FR |
05 51342 |
Claims
1. A packaging and applicator device comprising: a composition for
application to the skin, a receptacle containing the composition,
and including a dispenser zone configured to dispense the
composition; and a closure system configured to close the
receptacle, the closure system comprising a first end facing the
composition dispenser zone, the closure system including, on a
second end remote from the first end, a treatment zone including at
least one of portions in relief and a surface state that enable(s)
a user to at least one of massage and cleanse skin, the closure
system preventing any communication between the treatment zone and
the dispenser zone.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser zone is
defined by an applicator element.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the applicator element is
secured to the receptacle.
4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the applicator element is
secured to the closure system.
5. A device according to claim 2, wherein the applicator element
comprises a foam.
6. A device according to claim 2, wherein the applicator element
includes flocking.
7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the closure system
includes a protective cap configured to protect the portions in
relief or the surface state.
8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the protective cap
comprises, at least in part, a transparent material.
9. A device according to claim 7, wherein the protective cap is
retained on the closure system by friction.
10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the portions in relief
comprise an elastically deformable material.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the deformable material
comprises an elastomer.
12. A device according to claim 1, wherein the portions in relief
are secured to a flexible part that is fitted onto a remainder of
the closure system.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the portions in relief
are more rigid than a wall of the flexible part onto which the
portions in relief are fastened.
14. A device according to claim 13, further comprising a member
configured to limit a degree to which the wall is compressible.
15. A device according to claim 1, in which the portions in relief
are injection molded onto the second end.
16. A device according to claim 7, wherein the portions in relief
are secured to a flexible part that is fitted onto a remainder of
the closure system, and wherein, at a periphery thereof, the
flexible part is configured to contact the protective cap.
17. A device according to claim 7, wherein the portions in relief
are secured to a flexible part that is fitted onto a remainder of
the closure system, and wherein, at a periphery thereof, the
flexible part does not contact the protective cap when the
protective cap is disposed to protect the portions in relief or the
surface state.
18. A device according to claim 1, wherein, in plan view, at least
one of the portions in relief includes an elongate shape.
19. A device according to claim 18, wherein, in plan view, all of
the portions in relief include an elongate shape.
20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the portions in relief
are disposed along a plurality of concentric lines.
21. A device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment zone
comprises microscopic roughnesses.
22. A device according to claim 21, wherein the treatment zone is
at least one of substantially planar and outwardly convex.
23. A device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment zone is
defined by a removable part of the closure system.
24. A device according to claim 1, wherein the portions in relief
comprise at least one rotary member.
25. A device according to claim 24, wherein the rotary member
comprises a roller.
26. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a vibrator
configured to subject the treatment zone to vibration.
27. A device according to claim 1, the receptacle being equipped
with a dispenser system, the dispenser zone being defined by at
least one orifice of the dispenser system.
28. A device according to claim 27, the receptacle comprising a
pressurized receptacle.
29. A kit comprising a device according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one of a second closure system and a second
interchangeable part of the closure system.
30. A method of applying a composition using a device as defined in
claim 1, the method comprising: at least one of massaging and
cleansing a region to be treated with the treatment zone situated
on the second end of the closure system, using the receptacle as a
handle; and removing the closure system and applying the
composition contained in the receptacle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of
French Application No. 05 51342 filed on May 23, 2005, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/688,362 filed on Jun. 8, 2005, the
entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging and applicator
devices for applying a cosmetic or dermatological composition, such
as a skin care product, for example, a gel or a cream.
[0003] International patent application publication WO 03/068128
discloses a receptacle that is equipped with portions in relief
that enable a user to massage skin. The receptacle is arranged to
dispense a composition through an opening situated between the
portions in relief.
SUMMARY
[0004] Because the portions in relief are exposed to the
composition in this known device, thereby causing the portions in
relief to slide over the skin, the effectiveness of the massage may
be reduced. In addition, the portions in relief exposed to the
composition in that way may become dirty more quickly.
[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to improving
devices comprising a receptacle containing a composition for
application to the skin.
[0006] A need exists to benefit from a device that serves, for
example, to improve an action of the composition, that is simple to
manufacture, that is easy to use, and/or that remains clean.
[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a
packaging and applicator device comprising: a receptacle containing
a composition for application to the skin, and including a
dispenser zone configured to dispense the composition; and a
closure system configured to close the receptacle, and comprising a
first end facing the dispenser zone; the closure system including,
on a second end remote from the first end, a treatment zone
including portions in relief and/or a surface state that enable(s)
a user to massage and/or cleanse skin, such as the scalp, for
example, prior to applying the composition.
[0008] By using various exemplary embodiments, the user may use the
closure system, preferably when the closure system is in place on
the receptacle, to massage or to cleanse the skin, using the
receptacle as a handle, the skin being treated by the closure
system, without composition being dispensed during the
treatment.
[0009] In exemplary embodiments, there may be no composition flow
between the dispenser zone and the treatment zone. The closure
system may advantageously prevent any communication between the
dispenser zone and the treatment zone.
[0010] In such exemplary embodiments, the absence of communication
between the composition contained in the receptacle and the
treatment zone makes it possible to keep the treatment zone clean,
and to obtain a relatively high degree of rubbing, if so desired,
between the treatment zone and the skin, which may improve
massaging action, for example, and may create hyperemia.
[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may also make it
possible to avoid any potential problem of incompatibility between
the composition and the material from which the portions in relief
are made, or may make it possible to obtain a desired surface
state.
[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the dispenser zone may
advantageously be defined by an applicator element, which may make
it possible, if the user so desires, to avoid the user's hands
coming into contact with the composition while the composition is
being applied. Alternatively or additionally, the dispenser zone
may be defined by at least one orifice of a dispenser system
equipping the receptacle, for example, at least one orifice of a
pushbutton that actuates a valve or a pump.
[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may be
secured to the receptacle, or, alternatively, may be secured to the
closure system, for example, to the first end of the closure
system. The applicator element may also be independent of the
closure system and the receptacle.
[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the closure system may
advantageously include a protective cap configured to protect the
treatment zone, for example, the portions in relief. The cap may be
made, at least in part, of a transparent material, for example, and
may be retained on the closure system by friction, or in some other
way, for example, by snap-fastening or screw-fastening.
[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the portions in relief may be made
of an elastically deformable material, for example, an elastomer
material, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer, with the portion
in relief being made, for example, integrally, i.e.,
monolithically, with a flexible part that is fitted onto a
remainder of the closure system.
[0016] The surface state may also be obtained by using an
elastically deformable material.
[0017] The portions in relief may also be made by being injection
molded onto a remainder of the closure system.
[0018] The treatment zone may include a plant material, for
example, a woven plant material, or hooks or loops, for example,
similar to VELCRO.RTM. fastener systems.
[0019] The portions in relief may be covered, at least in part, by
a woven or a non-woven fabric.
[0020] The treatment zone may be defined, at least in part, by an
optionally-removable part added onto the closure system.
[0021] Making the treatment zone with a removable part may make it
easier to clean, and may enable the user to select from a plurality
of portions in relief and/or surface states, depending on a
treatment to be performed.
[0022] For example, interchangeability may also make it possible to
have a treatment zone that is defined by a single-use part, which
may improve hygiene.
[0023] Regardless of the way in which the portions in relief are
made, the portions in relief may be connected to a support wall
that may be flexible, and that may include a face that is plane or
outwardly convex, for example.
[0024] Flexibility of the support wall may improve comfort in use,
and may enable the treatment zone to follow a contour of the region
being treated more closely, for example.
[0025] The flexibility of the support wall may be associated with
use of an elastomer material, for example.
[0026] In exemplary embodiments in which the closure system
includes an add-on part that is made, at least in part, of an
elastically deformable material, the add-on part may, at a
periphery thereof, come into contact with the protective cap, in
such a manner as to contribute to retaining the cap on the closure
system by friction.
[0027] The part carrying the portions in relief and/or defining the
surface state may include fastener means, for example, at a
periphery thereof, for example, an annular lip that is arranged to
be engaged in a corresponding groove of the closure system.
[0028] The fastener means may be configured to enable fastening by
friction, adhesive, heat-sealing, screw-fastening, snap-fastening,
or magnetically, amongst others.
[0029] The fastener means may be configured to provide
optionally-releasable fastening.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments in which the treatment zone is
defined by a flexible part, the flexible part may co-operate with a
transverse wall of the closure system to define a space that makes
it easier for the treatment zone to deform. For example, a member
may be provided to limit flexing of the part defining the treatment
zone. On a face remote from the face defining the treatment zone,
the flexible part may include, for example, at a center thereof, at
least one stud or some other shape that limits a depression stroke,
and rests against a transverse wall of the closure system.
[0031] At least one air vent may open out into the space, in such a
manner that the deformation of the flexible part defining the
treatment zone is not hindered. For example, the vent may comprise
an orifice passing through a support wall of the portions in
relief.
[0032] In exemplary embodiments in which the treatment zone
includes portions in relief, the portions in relief may include
various configurations. For example, the portions in relief may be
identical or different in height, may be hollow or solid, may be
flat, relatively shallow, or very projecting, may be oriented in a
same or in different directions, may be a same or different shape.
In plan view, at least one of the portions in relief may include an
elongate shape. In plan view, all of the portions in relief may
include an elongate shape.
[0033] For example, the portions in relief may be disposed along a
plurality of parallel or concentric lines, for example, along two
circular lines, of which one may be situated at the periphery of
the closure system at a second end thereof. Alternatively, the
portions in relief may not have any defined orientation, for
example, being disposed randomly on the treatment zone.
[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the portions in relief may
comprise at least one rotary massage member, for example, a roller.
For example, the closure system may include at least two rollers,
making it possible to crease the skin while rolling thereover.
[0035] The portions in relief may include various surface states,
for example, being smooth or rough. For example, the surface state
may be associated with a covering matching a shape of the portions
in relief.
[0036] The receptacle may be made of a rigid material, for example,
a plastics material or glass.
[0037] The receptacle may include a wide base, for example, so as
to improve the user's grip when the closure system is used to
massage or cleanse the skin.
[0038] The receptacle may possibly include a longitudinal axis that
forms an angle with an axis of the closure system, so as to be more
ergonomic, for example.
[0039] A shape of the receptacle may be selected as a function of a
region to be treated, or as a function of a type of treatment to be
performed, for example, dermabrasion, cleansing, or massage of the
face or any other region of the body.
[0040] Where appropriate or desired, the receptacle may be equipped
with a dispensing system such as a valve or a pump.
[0041] The receptacle may comprise a pressurized receptacle,
equipped with a valve making it possible to dispense an
aerosol.
[0042] For such a receptacle, the closure system may prevent access
to the valve or the pump when the closure system is in place on the
receptacle.
[0043] The device may include a vibrator making it possible to
vibrate the treatment zone.
[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a
packaging and applicator device comprising: a receptacle containing
a composition for application to the skin, for example, the scalp;
a composition dispenser zone, preferably defined by an applicator
element, for example, that is secured to the receptacle, and
supplied with composition by the receptacle; and a closure system
configured to close the receptacle, and including a first end
facing the composition dispenser zone, and, on a second end remote
from the first end, a face configured to contact the skin to
perform a massage or cleansing, the face being defined, at least in
part, by an elastomer material.
[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a
packaging and applicator device comprising: a receptacle containing
a composition for application to the skin; a composition dispenser
zone, preferably defined by an applicator element, the applicator
element being contained, when the device is closed, for example, in
a leaktight manner, in a space formed between the receptacle and
the closure system, for example, and being secured to the
receptacle, or to the closure system, or independently of the
closure system and of the receptacle, for example, the dispenser
zone being supplied with composition by the receptacle; and a
closure system configured to close the receptacle, and including a
first end facing the composition dispenser surface, and, on a
second end remote from the first end, a face configured to contact
the skin to perform a massage or cleansing, the face being
protected, when not in use, by a protective cap that comprises a
transparent material, for example.
[0046] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a method
of applying a cosmetic using any one of the devices as defined
above, and preferably including an applicator element, the method
comprising: massaging or cleansing a region to be treated with the
treatment zone disposed on the second end of the closure system,
using the receptacle as a handle; and removing the closure system
and applying the composition, for example, by passing the
applicator element over the skin, when the applicator element is
included.
[0047] The region to be treated may comprise a region of the body
such as the bust or the legs, for example. For example, the
composition may comprise a moisturizer; a slimming agent; a
hair-removal cream; a self-tanning agent; or an anti-wrinkle,
anti-stretch mark, or anti-cellulite composition, this list not
being limiting.
[0048] For example, the applicator element may comprise a foam, for
example, a flocked foam, or any other element that is permeable to
the composition contained in the receptacle, for example, a
sintered element, felt, or a perforated wall, for example, a
perforated membrane or a very fine screen. The applicator element
may include flocking, and may be elastically deformable, or even
elastically compressible.
[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a kit
comprising: at least one receptacle containing a composition for
application to the human body, for example the face and/or the
scalp, the receptacle including a composition dispenser zone; and
at least one closure system configured to close the receptacle, and
including a first end facing the dispenser zone, and a second end
remote from the first end including a first treatment zone
including portions in relief and/or a surface state making it
possible to massage and/or cleanse skin; the treatment zone being
defined by an interchangeable part of the closure system, and the
kit including a second removable part defining a treatment zone
that is identical to, or different from, the first; and/or the kit
including at least a second closure system defining a treatment
zone that is identical to, or different from, the first.
[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the kit may comprise a receptacle
containing the composition, a closure system, and two
interchangeable parts defining treatment zones including portions
in relief and/or surface states that are different, the user being
able to select the part including the treatment zone adapted to a
result to be achieved.
[0051] In other exemplary embodiments, the kit may comprise a
receptacle containing the composition, and two closure systems
configured to close the receptacle, each including treatment zones
that are different. The user may mount one or the other of the
closure systems on the receptacle as a function of a desired
result.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] Various details of the present invention may will be better
understood on reading the following detailed description of
non-limiting embodiments, and on examining the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary device, in a
closed state;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1, with the
protective cap removed;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic axial cross-sectional view of the
device of FIG. 1;
[0056] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the device of FIG. 1 in use;
[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of another
exemplary closure system;
[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary device,
with the closure system removed;
[0059] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of another exemplary
closure system, with the protective cap removed;
[0060] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view of another exemplary
closure system, with the receptacle shown in longitudinal
cross-section;
[0061] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of another exemplary closure
system;
[0062] FIGS. 11 and 12 are axial cross-sectional views of another
exemplary closure system;
[0063] FIG. 13 is an elevation view of another exemplary
device;
[0064] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary kit; and
[0065] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of another exemplary
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0066] The exemplary device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 may comprise a
receptacle 2 containing a composition for application, for example,
a care product for the body such as a moisturizing, slimming,
anti-stretch mark, etc. cream or gel, and a closure system 3
configured to close the receptacle 2.
[0067] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the closure system 3 may
include a flexible part 4 that defines a treatment zone 100
provided with portions in relief 5 for massaging the skin prior to
applying the composition P.
[0068] The part 4 may preferably be made of an elastically
deformable material, for example, an elastomer, for example, a
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyurethane (PU), an ethyl vinyl
acetate (EVA), a nitrile, a silicone, a butyle SIS
styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), an ethylene-propylene
terpolymer rubber (EPDM), etc.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the receptacle 2 may comprise a
downwardly-widening body 8, and a neck 9 in which there is fastened
a support part 12 for supporting the applicator element 10.
[0070] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support part 12 may
be fastened by snap-fastening onto the neck 9, and may comprises an
inner transverse wall 13 on which there are two coaxial chimneys 15
and 16 that are coaxial about an axis X. The inner chimney 16 may
communicate directly with the inside space containing the
composition P. An annular groove defined between the two chimneys
15 and 16 may communicate with the inside space containing the
composition via orifices 17.
[0071] The applicator element 10 may be fastened, for example, by
clamping and/or adhesive, or by heat sealing, in the annular groove
defined around the chimney 15, with a peripheral portion of the
support part 12 being engaged in the neck 9, and may cover both
chimneys 15 and 16.
[0072] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the applicator element 10
may comprise a porous material, for example, a flocked foam. The
flocked foarn may include a surface 11 for coming into contact with
the skin and that projects from the receptacle 2 at least when the
closure system is removed.
[0073] In plan view, the applicator element 10 may be circular in
shape, including an outside diameter that is not less than 3
centimeters (cm), better not less than 4 cm, better still not less
than 5 cm, for example, about 6 cm, so as to make it easier to
apply the composition P to a relatively large area.
[0074] The closure system 3 may be fastened onto the receptacle in
various ways, and in the embodiment shown, the closure system 3 may
be screwed on a thread 14 of the support part 12.
[0075] The closure system 3 may include a mounting skirt 27
provided with an internal thread 28.
[0076] A transverse wall 26 may extend inside the mounting skirt 27
above the thread 28. The transverse wall 26 may support an annular
sealing lip 25 for bearing against a corresponding lip 23 of the
support part 12.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transverse wall 26
may co-operate with the mounting skirt 27 to form an annular groove
22, and the flexible part 4 may include an annular lip 34 that is
engaged at a periphery thereof in the groove and that is fastened
therein, for example, by adhesive. Alternatively, fastening may be
accomplished by snap-fastening for example, or in some other
way.
[0078] The flexible part 4 may include a support wall 30 that may
optionally be planar, for example, a little outwardly convex, and
that may carry portions in relief 5 on a top surface thereof.
[0079] In the embodiment shown, the bottom of the flexible part 4
may include a stud 31 that comes to bear against the transverse
wall 26, substantially in a center thereof.
[0080] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stud 31 may not be
fastened to the transverse wall 26, thereby making it easier for
the support wall 30 to deform when the portions in relief 5 come
into contact with the skin.
[0081] The empty space formed around the stud 31 may enable the
portions in relief 5 to be pressed in more easily when pressure is
exerted on the skin, thereby increasing comfort in use. The stud 31
may limit a degree to which the flexible part may be pressed in at
its center.
[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the portions in
relief S may be disposed along two concentric circular lines Le and
Li that are centered on the longitudinal axis X of the
receptacle.
[0083] The distance between the lines Le and Li may be greater than
1 cm, for example.
[0084] Each of the portions in relief 5 intersecting the inner line
Li may include a long axis Y that is radially oriented. The
portions in relief S disposed along the line Le may include long
axes Y alternately in radial and tangential orientations.
[0085] A height of a portion in relief 5 may lie in a range of 3
millimeters (mm) to 8 mm, for example. A dimension of a top of a
portion in relief 5 along the long axis Y may lie in a range of 3
mm to 8 mm, for example, and in the exemplary embodiment shown,
each portion in relief 5 may include a cross-section that widens
going toward the support wall 30.
[0086] In the embodiment shown, the flexible part 4 may come to
bear against a top edge 37 of the mounting skirt 27, and may
includes a diameter that is a little greater.
[0087] When not in use, the treatment zone 100 may be protected by
a protective cap 40, for example, a transparent cap, which may
include a peripheral skirt 41 provided with an internal shoulder
42.
[0088] When the protective cap 40 is put into place, the shoulder
42 may come to bear against the top face of the support wall 30,
while a free edge of the support wall may bear against the
peripheral skirt 41 of the protective cap 40, and retain the cap by
friction. A vent 43 may be formed in the protective cap 40 so as to
enable air to be evacuated while the cap is being put into
place.
[0089] To use the device 1, a user may begin by removing the
protective cap 40, and then taking hold of the receptacle body 8 to
massage the skin, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The massaging may be
performed using small circular movements, before any composition is
applied.
[0090] Once the massaging has been performed, the user may put the
protective cap 40 back into place, and may unscrew the closure
member 3, and then, by once again taking hold of the body 8 of the
receptacle, the user may apply the application surface 11 against
the skin to deposit the composition P, as illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0091] When application is performed with the head facing downward,
the applicator element 10 may be supplied with composition by
gravity. When application is performed in some other way, the user
may, for example, load the applicator element with composition
prior to application by shaking the receptacle, or by squeezing its
wall, if the wall is flexible, for example.
[0092] Dispenser means such as a pump or a valve, for example, may
possibly be provided, in which case the applicator element may no
longer be in permanent communication with the inside space of the
receptacle containing the composition.
[0093] FIG. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of the closure
system 3 that differs from the FIG. 3 embodiment in the way in
which the portions in relief 5 are fastened.
[0094] In the embodiment in FIG. 6, the portions in relief 5 may be
formed by injection molding a thermoplastic elastomer material over
the transverse wall 26. To this end, the transverse wall may
include a recess 50 that receives the support wall 51 of the
portions in relief S.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in this exemplary embodiment, the
portions in relief 5 may be grouped more in the center of the
closure system.
[0096] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the receptacle
may include a longitudinal axis X that forms an angle with the axis
W of the closure system.
[0097] For example, the receptacle may be made of a flexible
material, thereby enabling the user to squeeze its wall to force
the composition to flow over the application surface 11.
[0098] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the closure
system may include portions in relief S that are in the form of
rotary members, for example, rollers.
[0099] For example, the rollers may turn about respective
non-parallel axes of rotation A and B, so as to crease the skin
while rolling thereover.
[0100] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the closure
system may carry an applicator element 10 on the end remote from
the portions in relief 5 and the protective cap 40. The receptacle
may include a housing 60 for receiving the applicator element 10
when the closure system is in place on the receptacle. At least one
composition dispenser orifice 61 may open into the housing 60, so
as to load the applicator element.
[0101] The FIG. 9 device may be used to massage the skin by the
portions in relief 5, when the closure system 3 is in place on the
receptacle. Then, the protective cap 40 may be put back into place,
and the closure system removed, so as to release the applicator
element 10.
[0102] The applicator element 10 may thus be displaced over the
skin to apply the composition, with the user using the closure
system as a handle. The applicator element may possibly be reloaded
with composition when necessary, by being replaced on the
receptacle.
[0103] The treatment zone 100 need not have portions in relief that
are visible to the naked eye, and may include a surface state that
makes it possible to cleanse the skin, for example, a surface state
that is associated with microscopic roughnesses.
[0104] For example, and as shown in FIG. 10, the treatment zone 100
may be defined by a part 70 including a rough outer surface that is
adapted to perform dermabrasion.
[0105] The treatment zone 100 may be defined by a removable part 80
of the closure system, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In FIGS. 11 and
12, the removable part 80 may comprise a bottom portion 81 made of
a rigid plastics material, with the treatment zone being defined by
a top portion 82 made of elastomer, that is molded onto the bottom
portion 81. For example, the closure system may include an annular
groove 83 into which a bead 84 of the removable part 80 may
snap-fasten.
[0106] As a result of the removable part being interchangeable, it
may be easier to manufacture devices including treatment zones that
are different, for example, as a function of a composition
contained in the receptacle, and/or as a function of an intended
purpose, for example, cleansing and/or massaging.
[0107] Exemplary packaging and applicator devices of the invention
may include a vibrator, where appropriate or desired.
[0108] For example, FIG. 13 shows a device in which the closure
system 3 may include a vibrator 110, for example, similar to
vibrators that are to be found in mobile telephones.
[0109] The vibrator may be switched on by turning a control member,
for example.
[0110] Where appropriate or desired, a receptacle may be provided
with different interchangeable parts in the form of a kit 90, as
shown in FIG. 14. The user may thus select the kind of treatment
zone as a function of the desired effect. A receptacle may be
provided with a plurality of different closure systems, or with a
single closure system, but with a plurality of interchangeable
parts of the closure system, each interchangeable part including,
for example, an identical bottom part for fastening onto the
closure system, by snap-fastening, or by some other method.
[0111] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the receptacle
2 may be equipped with a dispenser system 200 that may include a
valve or a pump that is actuated by a pushbutton. For example, the
receptacle 2 may be arranged to make it possible to dispense an
aerosol. The closure system 3 may close off access to the
pushbutton when the closure system 3 is in place on the
receptacle.
[0112] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above.
[0113] A shape of the massage portions in relief may be modified,
and the portions in relief may, for example, include plant
material, or hooks or loops as in the VELCRO.RTM. fastener
system.
[0114] The applicator element may be independent of the closure
system and the receptacle, for example, being constituted by a foam
that is configured to be received in the housing 60 of the
receptacle shown in FIG. 9, but that is not fastened to the closure
system.
[0115] The characteristics of the various embodiments shown may be
combined with one another. For example, it is possible to envisage
providing the treatment zone 10 of the FIG. 10 embodiment in the
FIG. 9 embodiment.
[0116] The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless specified to the
contrary.
[0117] Although various details of the present invention herein
have 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.
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