U.S. patent application number 12/140837 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to the skin or the lips.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis GUERET.
Application Number | 20080317542 12/140837 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39048840 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080317542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GUERET; Jean-Louis |
December 25, 2008 |
PACKAGING AND APPLICATOR DEVICE FOR APPLYING A COMPOSITION TO THE
SKIN OR THE LIPS
Abstract
The present invention relates to a packaging and applicator
device for applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the
device comprising: an applicator comprising: a stem having a distal
portion; and an applicator element that is carried by the distal
portion of the stem; and a receptacle containing the composition
for application to the skin or the lips, the receptacle being
provided with at least one wiper member for wiping the applicator
element while it is being removed from the receptacle; the
applicator element having a longitudinal axis that does not
coincide with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the
stem; and the applicator element having an end face of envelope
surface that is substantially plane and substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, the end
face being situated on the side of the applicator element that is
opposite from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the
stem.
Inventors: |
GUERET; Jean-Louis; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
US
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
39048840 |
Appl. No.: |
12/140837 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60948598 |
Jul 9, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/121 ;
132/200; 132/320; 401/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/1018 20130101;
A45D 34/045 20130101; A45D 40/265 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/121 ;
401/126; 132/200; 132/320 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00; A45D 40/26 20060101 A45D040/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2007 |
FR |
07 55903 |
Claims
1. A packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to
the skin or the lips, the device comprising: an applicator
comprising: a stem having a distal portion; and an applicator
element that is carried by the distal portion of the stem; and a
receptacle containing the composition for application to the skin
or the lips, the receptacle being provided with at least one wiper
member for wiping the applicator element while it is being removed
from the receptacle; the applicator element having a longitudinal
axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the
distal portion of the stem; and the applicator element having an
end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem, the end face being situated on the side of the
applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of
the distal portion of the stem.
2. A device according to claim 1, the end face being of envelope
surface that is plane.
3. A device according to claim 1, the end face being of envelope
surface that is outwardly convex to a small extent.
4. A device according to claim 1, the end face being of envelope
surface that is outwardly concave to a small extent.
5. A device according to claim 1, the end face extending along the
longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem over a distance
that is greater than or equal to 2 mm.
6. A device according to claim 5, the distance lying in the range 2
mm to 15 mm.
7. A device according to claim 1, at least one point of the end
face being spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem by a distance that is greater than or equal to
2 mm.
8. A device according to claim 7, the distance lying in the range 2
mm to 6 mm.
9. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element extending
along a longitudinal axis that forms an angle .alpha. with the
longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, said angle
lying in the range 5.degree. to 45.degree..
10. A device according to claim 9, the angle .alpha. lying in the
range 10.degree. to 35.degree..
11. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element extending
with a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear.
12. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element extending
with a longitudinal axis that is not rectilinear.
13. A device according to claim 1, the end face presenting a width
that decreases towards the distal end.
14. A device according to claim 13, the end face presenting a shape
that is substantially triangular.
15. A device according to claim 13, the end face presenting a shape
that is substantially elliptical.
16. A device according to claim 1, the end face defining, in
longitudinal section, a bevel at the distal end of the applicator
element.
17. A device according to claim 16, the bevel being of angle .beta.
lying in the range 6.degree. to 65.degree..
18. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element
presenting, over at least a fraction of its length, a cross-section
that is circular.
19. A device according to claim 1, the width of the portion of the
applicator element that is situated above the end face being
substantially constant when the applicator element is observed in
front view.
20. A device according to claim 1, the width of the portion of the
applicator element that is situated above the end face decreasing
towards the distal end when the applicator element is observed in
front view.
21. A device according to claim 1, the width of the portion of the
applicator element that is situated above the end face increasing
towards the distal end when the applicator element is observed in
front view.
22. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element
comprising a recess that opens out into the end face.
23. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element
comprising an opening that is situated between the stem and the end
face.
24. A device according to claim 22, the recess being a through
recess.
25. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element
comprising a thin hinge-forming zone.
26. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element including
a flat tip that defines the end face, at least in part.
27. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element being
flocked.
28. A device according to claim 27, the applicator element being
flocked with a mixture of bristles of various kinds and/or
sizes.
29. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element
comprising a material that is magnetic or magnetizable.
30. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element having a
longitudinal axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of
the distal portion of the stem, at least in a region of the
applicator element that is immediately in line with the stem on the
outside.
31. A device according to claim 1, the composition being a
composition for application to the lips.
32. A method of applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the
method comprising: removing from a receptacle containing the
composition for application, an applicator comprising a stem that
is provided at one end with an applicator element, the stem being
removed in a removal direction, the applicator element having a
longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis
of the stem, and presenting an end face of envelope surface that is
substantially plane and that extends substantially parallel to the
removal direction, the end face being situated on the side of the
applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of
the end of the stem; then applying the composition that is present
on the end face by bringing said end face into contact with the
skin or the lips.
33. A method according to claim 32, comprising the step consisting
in deforming the applicator element while being removed, on contact
with a wiper member that is disposed in the receptacle.
34. A method according to claim 32, the composition being applied
to the lips.
Description
[0001] This non provisional application claims the benefit of
French Application No. 07 55903 filed on Jun. 20, 2007 and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/948,598 filed on Jul. 9, 2007.
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging and applicator
devices for applying a composition to the skin or the lips.
[0003] The invention relates more particularly to devices in which
the applicator comprises an applicator element that is carried by a
stem and that is inserted into a receptacle so as to be loaded with
composition.
BACKGROUND
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,254 discloses devices in which the
applicator includes an applicator element that presents a free end
that is at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem. The receptacle containing the composition for
application is provided with a wiper member comprising a block of
foam. The use of a block of foam makes it easier to wipe the
applicator element in uniform manner. However, the presence of the
block of foam can impose constraints in making the receptacle,
which constraints are associated in particular with fastening the
block of foam in the receptacle.
[0005] European patent application EP 1 053 695 discloses packaging
and applicator devices in which the applicator element also
presents a distal end that is at a distance from the longitudinal
axis of the distal portion of the stem. Such devices allow the
applicator element to be wiped in non-uniform manner, allowing
composition to accumulate on one side of the applicator
element.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,598 describes applicators having an
applicator element that presents a free end that is beveled. When
such applicators are removed from a receptacle that includes a
conventional wiper member, a drop of composition can form at the
end of the applicator element, on the beveled portion of said
applicator element. Such a drop of composition can ruin the
uniformness of the deposit of composition on the surface being
treated, which is of little consequence for a lipgloss, but can be
very troublesome with a composition for imparting color.
[0007] Application EP 1 336 353 discloses an applicator element for
applying a composition such as an eyeliner to the eyelids, the
applicator element having, at one end, tips that make it possible
to draw lines, the tips possibly being laterally offset relative to
the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem so as to
improve the perception of the line drawn with the tips.
[0008] Application EP 1 745 777 discloses applicators having an
applicator element that presents at least one thin hinge-forming
zone between its proximal portion and its distal portion. The
applicators allow the applicator element to be wiped in non-uniform
manner, with an accumulation of composition on the end face.
SUMMARY
[0009] There exists a need to improve still further packaging and
applicator devices for applying a composition to the skin or the
lips.
[0010] In one of its aspects, the invention provides a packaging
and applicator device for applying a composition to the skin or the
lips, the device comprising: [0011] an applicator comprising: a
stem having a distal portion; and an applicator element that is
carried by the distal portion of the stem; and [0012] a receptacle
containing the composition for application to the skin or the lips,
the receptacle being provided with at least one wiper member for
wiping the applicator element while it is being removed from the
receptacle; [0013] the applicator element having a longitudinal
axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the
distal portion of the stem, e.g. forming a non-zero angle
therewith; and [0014] the applicator element having an end face of
envelope surface that is substantially plane and substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the
stem, the end face being situated on the side of the applicator
element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem.
[0015] The invention is particularly suitable for applying a
composition to the lips, but it can also be used for application to
the eyelids.
[0016] The term "substantially plane" should be understood to mean
that the envelope surface can be plane or slightly concave or
convex. The greatest offset of the envelope surface, as measured
relative to its edge, is less than or equal to 1.2 millimeters
(mm), better less than or equal to 0.5 mm.
[0017] The term "substantially parallel" should be understood to
mean an angle that is less than or equal to .+-.10.degree. with the
longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, better less
than or equal to .+-.5.degree..
[0018] When it is not rectilinear, the longitudinal axis of the
applicator element can be defined as the axis that follows the
center of gravity of the cross-section of the envelope surface of
the applicator element. For an envelope cross-section that is
circular, or polygonal, or that presents axial symmetry, the axis
passes via the center of the section. The applicator element may
have a longitudinal axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal
axis of the distal portion of the stem, at least in a region of the
applicator element that is immediately in line with the stem on the
outside.
[0019] A device of the invention enables the applicator element to
be wiped without forming a drop of composition in excess on the end
face which, as a result of its orientation, can be wiped suitably
by the wiper member, unlike an applicator element having its
longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the
stem.
[0020] The invention can be suitable for applying a composition
that is relatively fluid.
[0021] The invention thus makes it possible to apply a layer of
composition of relatively uniform thickness, which is advantageous
in particular when the composition is colored and when uniformity
of color is desired on application.
[0022] In addition, the invention makes it possible to benefit from
an end face that is relatively extensive, if so desired, making it
easier to apply makeup both quickly and precisely. Application may
be performed by means of the end face, but also by means of another
surface of the applicator element, where appropriate, e.g. a
surface that is situated substantially opposite from the end
face.
[0023] The end face may be relatively extensive in the axial
direction, and, by way of example, may extend along the
longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem over a distance
that is greater than or equal to 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm, e.g. a
distance lying in the range 2 mm to 15 mm.
[0024] The end face may optionally extend as far as the distal end
of the applicator element. At least one point of the end face may
be spaced apart from the distal end of the applicator element by a
distance that is less than or equal to 1 mm. The applicator element
may deform elastically in order to pass through the wiper
member.
[0025] The end face may be somewhat spaced apart from the
longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, e.g. by a
distance that is greater than or equal to 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. When
the stem is secured to a closure cap for closing the receptacle,
the end face may be sufficiently close to the longitudinal axis of
the stem to allow the applicator to roll on a horizontal plane
surface without the applicator element touching said surface.
[0026] The applicator element may comprise a flat tip, and the end
face may be defined by said flat tip, at least in part.
[0027] The applicator element may extend along a longitudinal axis
that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem, said angle lying in the range 5.degree. to
45.degree., better in the range 10.degree. to 35.degree.. Such an
angle contributes to making the applicator more ergonomic.
[0028] The applicator element may extend with a longitudinal axis
that is optionally rectilinear, the longitudinal axis of the
applicator element being curvilinear for example, in particular
concave or convex beside the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem, or comprising a plurality of segments having
different orientations, in particular when the applicator element
presents a flat tip that defines the end face, at least in
part.
[0029] The end face may present a width that decreases towards the
distal end, and that makes it possible to form a point at the end
of the applicator element, and to obtain greater accuracy in
application, for example. By way of example, the end face may
present a shape that is substantially triangular or elliptical.
[0030] The end face may define, in longitudinal section in a plane
that is perpendicular to the end face, a bevel at the distal end of
the applicator element, the bevel being of angle (.beta.) lying in
the range 6.degree. to 65.degree., for example.
[0031] The applicator element may present various shapes in
cross-section, and for example it may present, over at least a
fraction of its length, a cross-section that is circular,
non-circular, polygonal, or flat, amongst others.
[0032] When the applicator element is observed in front view, in a
direction that is substantially perpendicular to the end face, the
width of the portion of the applicator element that is situated
above the end face may be substantially constant, or it may
increase or decrease on going away from the distal end of the
applicator element.
[0033] The applicator element may comprise an opening, e.g. a slot,
that is situated between the stem and the end face.
[0034] The applicator element may present an outside surface that
does not have an indentation. In a variant, the applicator element
may comprise a recess that opens out into the end face for example,
the recess possibly being a through recess, where appropriate. The
presence of the recess makes it possible to constitute a reserve of
composition that feeds the end face, and may impart flexibility to
the applicator element, where appropriate.
[0035] The applicator element may comprise a thin hinge-forming
zone, the thin zone opening out into the side that is opposite from
the side where the end face is located, for example. The thin
hinge-forming zone can make it easier for the applicator element to
flex on contact with the lips or with the wiper member, with
flexing taking place through about ten degrees, for example.
[0036] The applicator element is advantageously flocked, e.g. with
bristles all of the same kind or with a mixture of bristles, e.g.
bristles of various kinds and/or of various lengths.
[0037] The applicator element may be flocked over substantially all
of its visible surface. In a variant, only the surface of the
applicator element that is used for applying composition need be
flocked. Still in a variant, the applicator element need not be
flocked. By way of example, the presence or absence of flocking
could be chosen as a function of the rheology of the
composition.
[0038] The applicator element may be magnetic or magnetizable.
[0039] In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a
method of applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the
method comprising the following step: [0040] removing from a
receptacle containing the composition for application, an
applicator comprising a stem that is provided at one end with an
applicator element, the stem being removed in a removal direction,
the applicator element presenting an end face of envelope surface
that is substantially plane and that extends substantially parallel
to the removal direction, the end face being situated on the side
of the applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal
axis of the end of the stem.
[0041] The method may comprise the step consisting in removing the
applicator element in contact with a wiper member that is disposed
in the receptacle, the applicator element being capable of
deforming on passing through the wiper member. The removal
direction may be parallel to the wiper member.
[0042] The method may comprise the step of applying the composition
that is present on the end face by bringing said end face into
contact with the skin or the lips.
[0043] In another of its aspects, the invention also provides an
applicator element for applying a composition to the skin or the
lips, the applicator element comprising: a fastener portion for
fastening on a stem of an applicator, e.g. an endpiece for
inserting into a housing of the stem; and a body that defines an
end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastener
portion, the body having a longitudinal axis that forms an angle
with the longitudinal axis of the fastener portion. Such an
applicator element may present any one of the characteristics
defined above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The invention can be better understood on reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof,
and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary and diagrammatic longitudinal
section showing an example of a packaging and applicator device of
the invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a larger-scale view of the FIG. 1 applicator
element;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a front view as seen looking along arrow III in
FIG. 2;
[0048] FIG. 4 shows the use of the end face of the applicator for
applying makeup to the lips;
[0049] FIGS. 5 to 7 are fragmentary and diagrammatic side views of
variant embodiments of the applicator;
[0050] FIG. 8 is a front view as seen looking along arrow VIII in
FIG. 7;
[0051] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a variant embodiment of the
applicator element;
[0052] FIG. 10 is a front view as seen looking along arrow X in
FIG. 9;
[0053] FIG. 11 is a side view of another variant embodiment of the
applicator element;
[0054] FIG. 12 is a front view as seen looking along arrow XII in
FIG. 11;
[0055] FIG. 13 is a front view of another variant embodiment of the
applicator element;
[0056] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section on XIV-XIV in
FIG. 13;
[0057] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section of a variant
embodiment of the applicator element;
[0058] FIG. 16 shows a variant embodiment of the applicator
element;
[0059] FIG. 17 is a cross-section on XVII-XVII in the FIG. 2
applicator element;
[0060] FIG. 18 is a section of the applicator element in a plane
that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem on XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 2;
[0061] FIGS. 19 to 21 are fragmentary views in elevation showing
other examples of applicators; and
[0062] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view of an end face that is
slightly convex.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] FIG. 1 shows a packaging and applicator device 1 comprising
a receptacle 2 and an applicator 3.
[0064] The receptacle 2 contains a composition P that is a liquid
lipstick in the embodiment described, but it is not beyond the
ambit of the present invention for the composition P to be
different, e.g. being a lipgloss and/or a care product for the
lips, or makeup for the eyelids.
[0065] The applicator 3 comprises a stem 4 that is connected at its
proximal end to a handle 5, and at its distal end to an applicator
element 6 that is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2.
[0066] The stem 4 can be of longitudinal axis that is rectilinear
as shown, or, in a variant, it could be curved. The longitudinal
axis of the distal portion of the stem can thus correspond to the
direction along which the distal end of the stem extends.
[0067] The handle 5 constitutes a closure cap for closing the
receptacle 2 in leaktight manner, and includes an
internally-threaded skirt for example, that is configured in such a
manner as to screw on a neck 7 of the receptacle 2 that can include
a corresponding external thread.
[0068] The device 1 further includes a wiper member 8 that is
housed, at least in part, in the neck 7 of the receptacle 2 for
example, and that is suitable for contributing, where appropriate,
to closing the receptacle in leaktight manner.
[0069] In the embodiment described, the stem 4 presents a
cross-section that is circular, but it is not beyond the ambit of
the present invention for this to be otherwise, in particular when
the cross-section of the stem 4 is oval, elliptical, or polygonal,
e.g. square, rectangular, or triangular. The stem 4 can be solid or
hollow. By way of example, the greatest outside diameter of the
stem 4 can lie in the range 3 mm to 6 mm, e.g. being in the range
about 4 mm to 5 mm.
[0070] When the stem 4 is not of circular cross-section, the cap 5
can possibly by fastened on the receptacle by snap-fastening or by
some other means, without turning relative to said receptacle. The
wiper member 8 can thus present a non-circular wiper orifice of
section that is complementary to the section of the stem 4.
[0071] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wiper member 8
includes a flexible lip that defines a wiper orifice 11 of
dimension that is adapted to wipe the applicator element 6. The
wiper member can have a wiper lip that is optionally undulating,
optionally slotted, optionally adjustable.
[0072] The applicator element 6 comprises a body 9 that can be
covered in flocking 13.
[0073] At least part and preferably all of the body 9 can be made
by molding, e.g. by injection-molding, e.g. in a material selected
from the following list: thermoplastic materials; elastomers;
thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic elastomer polyester such as
HYTREL.RTM., for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber;
ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM);
styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene
(SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl
chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate
(PET); polypropylene (PP); this list not being limiting.
[0074] The body 9 can be made, at least in part, from material that
is more flexible than a material from which the stem 4 is made.
[0075] Where appropriate, the applicator element 6 can be magnetic,
the body 9 possibly including particles having non-zero magnetic
susceptibility, for example.
[0076] The greatest width of the applicator element, as measured
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stem, can be less
than, indeed strictly less than, the greatest width of the stem, as
measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the
stem.
[0077] The body 9 of the applicator element can be molded
integrally with a fastener endpiece, not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, for
being received in a corresponding housing of the stem 4. In the
embodiment under consideration, the endpiece has a longitudinal
axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the distal
portion of the stem.
[0078] The applicator element 6 can be fastened to the stem 4 by
adhesive, by heat-sealing, by force-fitting, by snap-fastening, by
crimping, or by screw-fastening. In a variant, the body 9 is made
integrally with the stem 4, e.g. from the same material or from
different materials, e.g. by dual-injection.
[0079] Where appropriate, the stem 4 can include a flexible zone
that favors deformation of the stem during application and/or
during removal from the receptacle, or, on the contrary, it need
not include such a zone.
[0080] The applicator element 6 presents a visible portion 20 that
extends the stem 4 downwards, as can be seen in FIG. 2, that
extends along a longitudinal axis Y, that is rectilinear for
example, and that forms an angle .alpha. with the longitudinal axis
X of the distal portion 21 of the stem 4. The angle .alpha. lies in
the range 5.degree. to 45.degree., for example.
[0081] The applicator element 6 presents an end face 25 and a side
surface 26.
[0082] Where appropriate, the handle 5 can include at least one
reception zone (not shown) for receiving a finger, e.g. a recess or
a flat, that can extend on the side of the end face 25, for
example. Such a reception zone can make it easier to identify the
orientation of the applicator element.
[0083] The cross-section of the applicator element 6, along its
portion 30 situated above the end face 25, is circular for example,
as shown in FIG. 17, but it could be of some other shape, e.g.
oblong or polygonal, amongst others.
[0084] The width w of the applicator element, along the portion 30
situated above the end face 25, as measured in front view as in
FIG. 3, can be substantially constant, as shown in FIG. 3, or it
can vary, e.g. increasing towards the distal end 33 of the
applicator element, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0085] The end face 25 can present a width w' that decreases
towards the distal end 33, e.g. along an elliptical outline that
can be symmetrical about a mid-plane, as shown.
[0086] In the embodiment in FIG. 2, the distal end 33 forms a
rounded point.
[0087] The end face 25 can intercept the longitudinal axis Y of the
applicator element 9 with an angle .beta. that is, for example, the
same as the angle formed at the distal end 33 between the end face
25 and the side surface 26, in a longitudinal section plane of the
applicator element that is perpendicular to the end face. By way of
example, the angle .beta. is equal to the angle .alpha. between the
axes X and Y.
[0088] The distance k between the end face 25 and the longitudinal
axis X depends on the length of the portion 20, on its shape, and
on the slope relative to the axis X.
[0089] The distance l over which the end face 25 extends parallel
to the axis X is greater than or equal to 2 mm for example, better
greater than or equal to 3 mm or 4 mm.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 16, the angle .gamma. between the envelope
surface of the end face 25 and the longitudinal axis X, in at least
one section plane containing the longitudinal axis, is zero or
relatively small, being less than or equal to 10.degree., such that
the end face 25 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis X of the distal portion 21 of the stem 4.
[0091] The end face 25 can be oriented substantially parallel to
the direction along which the distal portion 21 of the stem 4 is
removed from the receptacle 2, which direction coincides with the
axis of the wiper member 8, and the end face 25 can be wiped by the
edge of the wiper lip 8 in a relatively thorough manner, thereby
resulting in the absence of any drop of composition in excess on
the end face 25.
[0092] The end face 25 is of envelope surface E that is
substantially plane, e.g. said envelope surface being plane or
slightly concave or convex.
[0093] FIG. 22 shows an envelope surface E that is slightly convex.
The offset .epsilon. defined as being the distance from the top S
of the envelope surface to a straight line D joining two
diametrically opposite regions of the outline of the end face is
less than or equal to 1.2 mm, better 0.5 mm. The same applies for a
surface that is slightly concave, the offset .epsilon. being
measured between the bottom of the indentation and the straight
line D.
[0094] In use, the wiped end face 25 can be brought into contact
with the lips L, as shown in FIG. 4. Where appropriate, the side
surface 26 can also be used for application.
[0095] Various modifications can be applied to the applicator
element 6 without going beyond the ambit of the present
invention.
[0096] In particular, the side surface 26 need not be cylindrical
or need not be frustoconical.
[0097] In the embodiment in FIG. 5, the applicator element 6 is
flat or tapering at its end, forming a tip 40 that extends
substantially parallel to the axis x, for example. The
cross-section of the tip 40 can be flat in a section plane that is
perpendicular to the axis X, or to the longitudinal axis of the
applicator element 6.
[0098] The tip 40 can extend over a shorter or longer distance b,
as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the end face 25 can be defined
by a larger or smaller fraction of said tip 40.
[0099] The end face 25 can be defined by the tip 40 over at least
half of its length, as measured parallel to the axis X, or over
three-fourths of its length.
[0100] Where appropriate, the tip 40 can be thin enough to flex
during application, since its mean thickness f can be relatively
small.
[0101] The end face 25 can be wider than the top portion 30, as can
be seen in FIG. 8, the end face 25 presenting a width w' that
increases, then decreases, towards the distal end 33.
[0102] In the embodiment in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end face 25 is
formed by a flat tip 40 that is connected to form an angle .delta.
with the longitudinal axis of the top portion 30, said top portion
having a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear and that forms an
angle .alpha. with the longitudinal axis X of the distal portion 21
of the stem 4, for example.
[0103] In the variant in FIGS. 9 and 10, the end face 25 presents
an outline that is substantially triangular when seen from the
front.
[0104] The same applies for the variant in FIGS. 11 and 12 in which
the top portion 30 of the applicator element presents a width that
decreases towards the stem 4.
[0105] In the variant in FIGS. 13 and 14, the applicator element 6
includes a recess 50 that opens out into the end face 25. In this
embodiment, the envelope surface E of the end face 25 is a plane
that is flush with the periphery of the recess 50, the plane being
parallel to the axis X.
[0106] By way of example, the applicator element 6 presents a tip
40, and the recess 50 passes through the tip 40.
[0107] The thickness of the tip 40 can decrease towards the distal
end 33.
[0108] By way of example, the recess 50 is in the form of an
opening that is relatively narrow and that is elongate along the
longitudinal axis of the tip 40, as can be seen in FIG. 13. In a
variant not shown, the recess 50 is not a through recess. Where
appropriate, the recess 50 can extend into the portion 30 that is
situated above the end face 25.
[0109] FIG. 14 shows that the applicator element 6 can include a
fastener portion that is arranged to be fastened in or on the stem,
e.g. an endpiece 81 that is inserted into a housing of the
stem.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 15, the applicator element 6 can include a
thin hinge-forming zone 55 that is created by a narrowing of the
cross-section of the applicator element. In the embodiment in FIG.
15, the hinge-forming zone 55 is situated in the top portion 30 of
the applicator element, defining a recess 56 in the side that is
opposite from the end face 25.
[0111] FIG. 19 shows an applicator element having a side surface 26
that diverges towards the end face 25.
[0112] In the embodiment in FIG. 20, the applicator element
includes a ridge 51 on the side that is opposite from the end face
25, the ridge 51 being situated at the junction between two
substantially plane faces 52, for example.
[0113] FIG. 21 shows the possibility of the portion 30 of the
applicator element that is situated between the end face 25 and the
stem 4 presenting an opening 58, e.g. in the form of a slot.
[0114] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
shown. The characteristics of the embodiments shown can be combined
together within variants not shown.
[0115] The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless specified to the
contrary.
[0116] Although the present invention herein has been described
with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood
that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles
and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *