WO2011073898A2

WO2011073898A2 - A packaging and applicator device having a cold effect

Info

Publication number: WO2011073898A2
Application number: PCT/IB2010/055798
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Louis Gueret
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2009-12-15
Filing date: 2010-12-14
Publication date: 2011-06-23
Also published as: FR2953694A1; FR2953694B1; WO2011073898A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic or dermatological composition (P), the device comprising: • a container (2) containing the composition; and • an application surface (7) into which there opens out at least one dispenser orifice (16) for dispensing the composition, the application surface being defined, at least in part, by an applicator member (6) made of an inorganic material, the dispenser orifice (16) having a flow section for the composition that is less than or equal to 20 mm2, and that extends axially with such a section, along the composition flow direction, over a length that is less than or equal to 7 mm.

Description

A PACKAGING AND APPLICATOR DEVICE HAVING A COLD EFFECT

The present invention relates to packaging and applicator devices for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition.

There exists a need to create a cold sensation on applying a cosmetic or dermatological composition, in particular so as to increase comfort in application and/or to stimulate the zone being treated.

In order to cool the zone being treated, it is known from application FR 2 894 460 to use a device including a wall that defines a space containing a fluid that stores cold.

It is also known from application FR 2 915 972 to dispense the composition through a metal endpiece that is made by inj ection-molding an alloy such as Zamak^®, then by polishing the endpiece in order to give it a surface appearance that is compatible with it coming into contact with the skin. The endpiece is relatively costly to make .

The invention seeks to improve still further packaging and applicator devices for producing a cold sensation on applying a composition.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention achieve this object by means of a packaging and applicator device for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition, the device comprising:

• a container containing the composition; and

• an application surface into which there opens out at least one dispenser orifice for dispensing the composition, the application surface being defined, at least in part, by an applicator member made of an inorganic material, the dispenser orifice having a flow section for the composition that is less than or equal to 20 square millimeters {mm²} , and that extends axially with such a section, along the composition flow direction, over a length that is less than or equal to 7 millimeters (mm) , For example, the dispenser orifice extends axially over less than 6 mm, or even less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm, with a section that is less than 5 mm², or even less than 2 mm². The axial extent of the dispenser orifice may correspond to the thickness of the wall in which it is made, when the wall is formed of sheet metal.

The section of the dispenser orifice may vary or may be constant along the composition flow direction.

By means of the invention, the composition may be used as a source of cold by being placed in a cold location prior to application, e.g. in a refrigerator or in a freezer .

The use of an inorganic material, in particular metal, glass, or ceramic for example, for defining the application surface at least in part, makes it possible to benefit from thermal conductivity that is greater than the thermal conductivity that could be obtained with a material such as a thermoplastic material. That enables the compositio to cool the application surface very quickly by means of good thermal conduction between the composition contained in the container and the zone being treated, by means of the applicator member.

The above-mentioned inorganic material is advantageously selected from thermally-conductive materials, e.g. of thermal conductivity that is greater than 1 watt per metre-kelvin ( m^iC¹) , or even greater than 10 Wm^""1K^"1, better greater than 100 Wm^{^}K^"1, e.g. selected from metals, in particular metals that are capable of plastic deformation. The term "plastic deformation" should be understood to cover cold or hot deformation applied by stamping or by some other means, in particular by forging, hammering, pressing, drawing, or extrusion.

The applicator member may be constituted by a metal wall made from plane sheet metal of constant thickness. The stamping operation may change the thickness of the sheet metal. The thickness of the metal wall within the device lies in the range 0.1 mm to 6 mm, for example, or even in the range 0.1 mm to 3 mm, or better in the range 0.2 mm to 2 mm. The wall may be polished or varnished, may include a protective film, or it may be anodized. The metal wall may present studs, spheres, or undulations that may optionally be concentric. The wall may be convex or concave. The wall may be covered in a fine layer that encourages sliding, e.g. particles or a film of polytetrafluoroethylene ( PTFE} . The applicator member may have received any antibacterial treatment.

Thus, the applicator member may be made inexpensively out of metal, by plastically transforming sheet metal, the metal being for example aluminum, brass, copper, tinplate, steel, silver, or other metals and alloys. The applicator member may be plated with a metal, e.g. it may be silver plated.

The relatively small section of the dispenser orifice makes it possible to brake the flow of the composition, or even to prevent^' it, in the absence of the user applying a specific action on the container, e.g. reducing the inside volume of the container, when that is possible .

i- s a11 axial dimension for the dispenser orifice makes it easier for the composition to flow by capillarity from the container towards the zone being treated, when the application surface is held in contact with the zone being treated.

The dispenser orifice may be made by cutting out or punching the above-mentioned wall or it may be made with a laser.

Advantageously, the device may include a vibration source for subjecting the application surface to vibration. By way of example, the vibration is generated by rotating an off-center fly-weight, e.g. at a speed of rotation lying in the range 1500 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 20,000 rpm. The dispenser orifice may be the only dispenser orifice, e.g. being centered on the application surface, the application surface possibly presenting a shape that is optionally circularly symmetrical, in particular a shape having axial symmetry. The dispenser orifice may be of shape that is not annular .

The section of the dispenser orifice may be selected, as a function of the viscosity of the composition, so that the rate at which the composition flows through the orifice under the effect of gravity is zero or discontinuous when the container is turned upsidedown and moved away from the zone being treated. The composition may be dispensed by capillarity on coming into contact with the skin.

For example, when the flowrate is zero, and when the container is turned upsidedown, a droplet of composition may form at the dispenser orifice, which droplet is retained on the application surface by capillarity. In a variant, the composition may drip with a small flowrate, e.g. one droplet per second, or smaller still.

The composition may be in the form of an oil, a cream, or a liquid (milk or lotion) . Where appropriate, the composition may contain at least one volatile solvent that provides an additional cold sensation in use by evaporating relatively quickly, e.g. an alcohol or a gas.

The dimension of the orifice may be selected as a function of the viscosity of the composition and of the result that is desired. For example, the orifice may be circular of diameter that is less than or equal to 5 mm, where the section of the orifice is narrowest.

It may be advantageous for the dispenser orifice to be defined, at least in part, on the inside by a projection, e.g. in the form of an annular rim or teeth, so as to increase the contact area with the composition at the orifice, and so as to increase the retention of the composition by capillarity. The projection may be formed while stamping sheet metal that is used to make the applicator member. The device may be closed by a stopper member that enables composition to accumulate in contact with the dispenser orifice, in particular between the stopper member and the dispenser orifice, and/or in the dispenser orifice.

The orifice may open out through the bottom of a depression that is outwardly concave, the depression being suitable for contributing to better diffusion of the composition over the application surface.

The device may include a removable stopper member that is engaged in the depression when the device is not being used, enabling a certain quantity of composition to remain in contact with the dispenser orifice by capillarity, even when the device is oriented with the dispenser orifice at the top. It may be found that capillary flow is easier to prime after the stopper member has been removed. The stopper member forms part of a closure cap. The depression may open out onto a plane, concave, or convex surface of the applicator member .

The applicator member may be generally dish shaped, and concave towards the composition contained inside the container. The dish may define an application surface in the shape of a dome that may optionally have a recess or that may be flat at the dispenser orifice.

Advantageously, the applicator member may ^' be embedded, at its periphery, in a body made of thermoplastic material, in particular a body made of thermoplastic material over-molded on the applicator member. The thermoplastic material may thus cover both the inside and the outside of the metal wall at its periphery .

This makes it easier to mount the applicator member on a body of the container, while avoiding any composition leaking via the applicator member, in spite of the use of metal in particular. The body made of thermoplastic material may define all or part of the grip surface for holding the device during use . The body may include a side wall presenting a recess, e.g. at least substantially mid-way up its height, that makes it easier to hold. The applicator member may include a peripheral portion in relief, e.g. a rim that is directed radially outwards and that makes it possible to improve anchoring in the thermoplastic material. The portion in relief may be angularly continuous and may extend over a complete revolution .

The greatest transverse dimension of the applicator member may be less than or equal to 0.9 times the g atest transverse dimension of the body of the container. In other words, when the device is observed from above, e.g. along the axis of the dispenser orifice, the container may project beyond the outline of the applicator member by a short distance only, e.g. less than or equal to 5 mm. For example, the greatest visible diameter of the container is 60 mm, and the greatest visible diameter of the application surface is 55 mm, these values not being limiting. This makes it possible to have an application surface that is relatively large, if so desired, and that may be advantageous for treating regions of the body that are situated other than on the face .

The invention may be used for multiple cosmetic or dermatological treatments. In particular, the invention may be used to treat acne, herpes, cellulite, wrinkles, stretch marks, or to massage the stomach, the legs, or the buttocks. The invention may also be used for care product, in particular for skin treatment product, solar treatment product, makeup, or perfume.

The height of the visible portion of the applicator member, measured along the longitudinal axis of the device, may be less than or equal to 20 mm, thereby making it possible to benefit from a grip surface that is relatively large, reducing the risk of the user's fingers touching the applicator member. In some exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may present a wall thickness that is substantially constant, e.g. lying in the range 0.1 mm to 5 mm, in particular when using metal. The wall thickness may be constant to within ±20%, for example.

The container may present an inside volume that is constant, with the composition being dispensed by capillarity. The container may include a flexible pouch having an inside surface that may be reducible or variable.

The container may be made with a rigid wall and the user may merely move the upsidedown device over the zone being treated so that the compositio flows by capillarity through the dispenser orifice and onto the zone being treated.

The container may be made with at least one flexible wall making it possible to create increased pressure in the container, the increased pressure being capable of forcing the composition to flow through the dispenser orifice.

The application surface may be stationary relative to the grip surface of the device, which grip surface is defined by the body of the container. In a variant, the application surface may be movable, in particular axially, e.g. along the axis of the dispenser orifice or along the longitudinal axis of the container.

The container may include at least two reservoirs containing two different compositions for dispensing extemporaneously. Each composition may be dispensed through a dispenser orifice of the invention, which dispenser orifice presents a flow section that is less than or equal to 20 mm², and extends over a width that is less than or equal to 7 mm. All of the above characteristics may apply to one and/or the other of the dispenser orifices.

The compositions may be mixed together at applicatio . Other exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a cosmetic treatment method, wherein a device as defined above is brought into contact with the skin or the mucous membranes after being pre-cooled, e.g. by being stored in a refrigerator or a freezer.

By means of a device of the invention, cold may be applied continuously or in alternation, with the skin or the mucous membranes being reheated periodically, e.g. for one or more minutes . The device may be brought into contact with the skin by tapping.

In other exemplary embodiments, and independently or in combination with the above, the invention also provides a packaging and applicator device for applying at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition, the device comprising:

• a container containing the composition;

• a free stirrer member inside the container, in particular constituted by a ball; and

• a capillary dispenser orifice.

The stirrer- member may advantageously come into the proximity of the- dispenser orifice, e.g. to within 10 mm, or even to within 5 mm thereof.

The presence of the stirrer member, and in particular the presence of the stirrer member in the proximity of the dispenser orifice, makes it possible to force the composition towards the dispenser orifice and encourage the composition to flow through the dispenser orifice. In particular, this may promote dampening of the dispenser orifice with the composition, and enable flow to take place by capillarity on coming into contact with the skin.

The section of the capillary dispenser orifice may be small enough to prevent the composition from flowing through by gravity, when the device is held upsidedown without contact with the zone being treated and without being shaken. 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:

· Figure 1 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section showing an example of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

^■ Figure 2 shows a detail of the applicator member at the dispenser orifice;

■ Figure 3 is a plan view as seen looking along arrow III in Figure 1, with the closure member being removed;

• Figures 4A to 4C are views similar to Figure 2, showing variant embodiments of the dispenser member;

· Figures 5A and 5B are diagrammatic and fragmentary perspective views of the applicator member as seen from the inside;

• Figures 6A and 6B show the use of a ball contained in the container in two variant embodiments;

* Figures 7A to 7E are diagrammatic elevation views showing examples of shapes of the application surface;

• Figures 8A to 8K are examples of dishes in axial section defining the application surface;

. Figure 8L is a plan view as seen looking along arrow VIII in Figure 8K,

. Figure 8M is a plan view of a variant embodiment of the applicator member,

^■ Figure 9 is an elevation view of an example of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

· Figure 10 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section of the Figure 9 device;

• Figure 11 shows the possibility of closing the dispenser orifice with a peel-off film prior to first use;

· Figure 12 shows the possibility of providing the application surface with a particular surface state; • Figure 13 shows ■ the possibility of making a plurality of dispenser orifices;

• Figure 14 shows a variant embodiment of the applicator member;

· Figures 15 to 19 show variants of devices of the invention;

• Figure 20 shows how multiple dispenser orifices are closed by means of a closure cap;

• Figure 21 is a diagrammatic elevation view showing another example of a device of the invention;

• Figure 22 is an exploded view, in perspective, of

• Figure 23 is an axial half-section of the device

· Figure 24 is a view similar to Figure 23 showing a variant embodiment ;

• Figure 25 shows a variant embodiment of a packaging and dispenser device with the closure cap removed;

· Figure 26 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section of the Figure 25 device with the closure cap in place;

^■ Figure 27 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section of a variant packaging and dispenser device of the invention;

- Figure 28 is an elevation view of another variant device of the invention;

- Figure 29 shows the formation of the retention chamber for retaining composition after the device has been closed;

· Figure 30 shows a variant embodiment of a stopper member ; and

. Figure 31 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section showing a variant embodiment of the packaging and applicator device of Figure 1 .

The packaging and applicator device 1 shown in

Figure 1 includes a container 2 containing a cosmetic composition P for application to human keratinous materials, in particular to the skin.

Where appropriate, and as shown, the container 2 may contain a ball 4 that makes it possible to stir the composition P and possibly make it easier for the composition to flow out during use. The container may contain a plurality of compositions for dispensing extemporaneously, as described below.

The device 1 includes an applicator member 6 that defines an application surface 7 that is brought into contact with keratinous materials to be treated, while the device is being used.

The container 2 may include a fastener piece 8 that carries the applicator member 6.

By way of example, the fastener piece 8 is snap- fastened on a neck 10 of the container and may include an annular sealing lip 11 that comes to bear against the inside surface of the body of the container.

Naturally, the piece for fastening the applicator member 6 on the body of the container may be fastened thereon in some other way, e.g. by over-molding, by screw-fastening, by crimping, by friction, by adhesive, or by heat-sealing, this list not being limiting.

In the embodiment shown, th fastener piece 8 is used for mounting the removable closure cap 14 that, when it is in place, makes it possible to close the dispenser orifice 16 of the applicator member 6, and that includes, for this purpose, a closure pin 18 that is suitable for being engaged, at least in part, in the dispenser orifice 16.

The applicator member 6 may be formed by a metal dish having a shape that is achieved by stamping, for example, the metal dish possibly presenting a generally convex outside surface that defines the application surface 7. At its periphery, the metal dish may present an annular rim 20 that makes it easier to anchor in the fastener piece 8.

By way of example, the fastener piece 8 is molded onto the metal dish in such a manner that the metal dish is covered by the material of the fastener piece both internally at 22 and on top at 23, as shown.

In a variant, the body of the container 2 is molded directly onto the applicator member.

By way of example, the metal wall of the dish is made of steel, in particular stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, tinplate, or any other metal. The metal wall may optionally be a single material, and in particular may include a coating, e.g. of PTFE or some other material, or it may have been subjected to treatment, e.g. anodizing treatment. By way of example, the coating is in the form of a film, of metallization, or of a discontinuous deposit, e.g. formed by spraying.

The fastener piece 8 may define a neck 26 that is used for mounting the closure cap 14, e.g. by snap- fastening or by screw-fastening .

The thickness e of the wall of the applicator member 6 generally lies in the range 0.1 mm to 3 mm, for example .

By way of example, the axial dimension d of the dispenser orifice 16, measured axially along the axis X that may coincide with the longitudinal axis Z of the device, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, corresponds to the thickness e of the metal dish.

By way of example, the greatest transverse dimension

D of the dispenser orifice 16, e.g. its diameter for a dispenser orifice 16 of circular section, is less than or equal to 5 mm, better less than or equal to 3 mm.

The dimensions of the dispenser orifice 16 may be selected so as to avoid a continuous flow of composition through the dispenser orifice 16 when the device 1 is turned upsidedown. For example, the dimensions of the dispenser orifice are small enough to ensure that the composition P is retained by capillarity inside the container when said container is turned upsidedown without being brought into contact with the surface to be treated.

When the device is observed from above, as in Figure 3, the greatest visible diameter T of the applicator member 6 may be only slightly smaller than the greatest transverse dimension W of the overall device, thereby making it possible to benefit from an application surface 7 that is relatively large.

The dispenser orifice 16 may be of a shape other than the shape shown in Figure 2, and in particular the applicator member 6 may present a recess 30 that opens out into the application surface 7, as shown in Figure 4A. The depth t of the recess is less than or equal to 3 mm, for example.

The visible height u of the application surface 7 may be less than or equal to 20 mm.

In accordance with the invention, the flow section provided by the dispenser orifice 16 is never less than 20 mnr over a length that is greater than 5 mm. In other words, the dispenser orifice 16 is never formed by a narrow channel that extends over a length of more than 5 mm.

Thus, in the embodiment in Figure 4A, the recess 30 flares outwards relatively steeply so that the distance I , within which the composition flow section is less than or equal to 20 mm², is less than or equal to 5 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm, e.g. less than or equal to 1 mm or 2 mm.

In Figure 4B, it can be seen that the applicator member 6 may include an inwardly-directed annular rim 34 that can also be seen in Figure 5A. The rim 34 may possibly be discontinuous, in the form of teeth 36 that form between them spaces 37, as shown in Figures 4C and 5B. When observed in plan view, the dispenser orifice 16 may be of circular shape, as shown in Figure 2lA, but may equally well be of non-circular shape, e.g. polygonal, in particular square or triangular, as shown in Figures 2IB and 21C respectively, cross shaped, as shown in Figure 2 ID, star shaped, as shown in Figure 2 IE, or slot shaped, as shown in Figure 2 IF.

The shapes shown in Figures 21A to 2 IF may be combined with any one of the above-described characteristics, in particular any one of the configurations shown in Figures 4A to 4C .

The applicator member 6 may have a shape such that, in the presence of a ball 4, said ball comes to close the dispenser orifice 16 substantially, when the device is upsidedown, as shown in Figure 6A. That may slow down the rate at which the composition flows over the surface being treated. However, the movement of the ball towards the dispenser orifice may push the composition towards the application surface.

In a -variant, and as shown in Figure 6B, a spacer 40 may be provided between the inside surface of the applicator member 6 and the ball 4, so that said ball remains at a distance from the orifice 16 and does not hinder the flow of the composition.

By way of example, the spacer 40 is constituted by an element that is fitted to the applicator member 6, e.g. adhesively-bonded, heat-sealed, over-molded, or fastened thereon in some other way. The spacer 40 may also result from an extension of the fastener piece 8 or of the body of the container 2, which extension may be molded integra.ily with the fastener piece 8 or with the body of the container, or it may be fitted thereto.

The application surface 7 may be of various shapes, as shown in particular in Figures 7A to 7E. ■

In particular, the application surface 7 may be of shape that is circularly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the device. The application surface 7 may be of shape that is generally conical, as shown in Figure 7A, frustoconical , as shown in Figure 7B, or in the shape of a dome that is flattened to a greater or lesser extent, as shown in Figure 7C.

In Figure 7D, it can be seen that the applicator member 6 may present a narrowing 50. The application surface 7 may be defined by the top of the applicator member 6, e.g. metal, when the device is observed upright, as in Figure 7D.

Where appropriate, the application surface 7 may be oriented . in a direction Y that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the device, as shown in Figure 7E. The axis X of the dispenser orifice 16 may coincide with the axis Y.

The orientation of the application surface 7 may result from the shape of the applicator member 6 that may possibly be formed with a narrowing 50, as in Figure 7E.

The applicator member 6 may present various other shapes, as shown in Figures 8A to 8J.

For example, the applicator member 6 may present a dish shape having a bottom that is flat, as shown in Figure 8A. In Figure 8B, it can be seen that the dispenser orifice 16 may be formed with a rim 55. In Figure 8C, it can be seen that the applicator member 6 may be formed with ribs 58, e.g. ribs that are concentric about the axis X, and that extend around the dispenser orifice 16 that may be central. In Figure 8D, it can be seen that the applicator member 6 may be formed with a peripheral rim 20, and with a shape that is relatively narrow and that is rounded at its vertex. In Figure 8E, it can be seen that the applicator member 6 may be formed with a generally frustoconical shape having a vertex that presents a recess 30. In Figure 8F, it can be seen that the applicator member 6 may be formed with a relatively large shape, and with a recess 30 at its center. Each of Figures 8G and 8H show an applicator member 6 with ribs 58 of amplitude that is relatively small around the dispenser orifice 16.

Figure 81 shows another embodiment of the applicator member 6. At the vertex, the dispenser orifice 16 is formed with a bead 193. By way of example, the dispenser orifice 16 may open out into a depression formed at the vertex of the bead 193, the depression being outwardly concave .

The applicator member 6 may include three or more dispenser orifices 16, as shown in Figure 8J . By way of example, the dispenser orifices may be situated at various distances from the longitudinal axis of the device .

Figure 8K shows another embodiment of the applicator member 6 comprising studs 56 formed for example symmetrically around the dispenser orifice.

Figure 8L shows a plan view of the applicator member 6 of figure 8 .

Figure 8M illustrates the possibility for the applicator member 6 to have an oval shape.

The device 1 may receive a vibration source 80, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. By way of example, the vibration source 80 includes a disk motor that drives an off-center fly-weight in rotation. The fly-weight need not be integrated in the motor. The vibration source 80 may possibly be fastened in removable manner on the container 2, e.g. being inserted in a housing 83 of the container that is provided at the end of the container remote from the application surface 7. By way of example, the vibration source may be as described in application F 08/06489.

In a variant that is not shown, the vibration source is integrated in the device during manufacture of said device, and no provision is made for it to be removed with a view to being separated from the device and possibly used on another device. ΐΓ Figure 10 and by way of example, it can be seen that the fastener piece 8 may be fastened inside a neck 10 of the container by means of a mounting endpiece 90 that extends for example over at least half the height of the neck, or even over substan ially the entire height of the neck, and that may be fastened to said neck by friction or in some other way, e.g. by snap-fastening .

Prior to first use, the application surface 7 may receive a peel-off closure film 94 that, by way of example, is adhesively-bonded on the applicator member 6 or is fastened in some other way in the dispenser orifice 16.

The application surface 7 may be provided with any surface state, e.g. a smooth or rough surface state, e.g. ridged or cross-hatched, as shown in Figure 12. Where appropriate, the metal wall defining the application surface may be anodized or varnished on one face or on both of its faces. The metal wall may have been subjected to a treatment that improves its ability to slide, e.g. it may be coated in PTFE, carbon, graphite, silicone rubber, or flocking. The metal wall may be smooth, in particular in its portion defining the contact surface, or it may present small portions in relief, e.g. studs .

The dispenser orifice need not be the only dispenser orifice, and, by way of example, Figure 13 shows a variant including a plurality of dispenser orifices 16 that open out into the application surface 7.

It is possible to have a plurality of dispenser orifices of the same size or of different sizes.

For example, it is possible to have a larger central dispenser orifice and smaller peripheral dispenser orifices .

When the device includes a plurality of dispenser orifices 16, it is possible, for example, to have a central bump 101, and an annular groove 102 into which the dispenser orifices 16 open out, as shown in Figure 13. This makes it easier to close the dispenser orifices 16 with a closure cap 14 that is fitted on the container, which closure cap includes a tubular closure pin 106, as shown in Figure 20.

Figure 14 shows an example of an applicator member 6 that is made to be thicker, e.g. so as to make it possible to machine the dispenser orifice 16 with a shape that flares towards the application surface 7.

The container may define at least two reservoirs for dispensing two different compositions contained in respective reservoirs.

The two compositions may be dispensed simultaneously.

For example, the two reservoirs communicate with two respective orifices 16 that are formed on a common wall of the applicator member 6.

The container 2 may be in the form of a pot with a wall that remains substantially undeformed by the user during application, as applies in Figure 1, for example. By way of example, the pot is made by injection-molding a rigid thermoplastic material, or it is made out of glass or out of metal. In general, in order to make the body of the container 2, in particular the portion defining the normal grip surface during use, it is possible to use any known thermoplastic material, e.g.: a polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene; a polyamide; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyoxymethylene (POM); polystyrene (PS) ; RILSAN^®.

The container may also be made with at least one flexible wall.

It is possible to have a container 2 having an inside volume that is variable, e.g. by making the container in the form of a tube, as shown in Figure 15, e.g. a tube having an end remote from the dispenser orifice 16 that is closed by heat-sealing along a line that extends generally transversally to the longitudinal axis of the device. Alternatively, the body of the container 2 may present a generally elongate shape with a flexible wall, as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 16 shows the possibility of the axis X of the dispenser orifice 16 extending in a direction that is different from the direction of the longitudinal axis Z of the container 2.

Figure 16A shows another possibility for the longitudinal axis Z of a container 2 to extend in a direction different from the direction of the application surface of the device.

The dispenser orifice 16 may be in permanent communication with the inside space containing the composition, with said communication not being prevented by any valve member, valve, or tap, and with the composition being capable of freely coming into contact with the dispenser orifice when the container is turned upsidedown. In a variant, a system may be provided to interrupt communication between the dispenser orifice 16 and the inside space of the container containing the composition .

By way of example, the container 2 may be provided with a dispenser mechanism 115, such as a pump or a valve, as shown in Figure 18, which dispenser mechanism is provided with a hollow stem 116 that delivers the composition when the dispenser mechanism is actuated. By way of example, it is possible to have an applicator member 6 that is movable relative to the body of the container 2, so as to enable the user to actuate the dispenser mechanism 115 by exerting pressure on the applicator member 6. The applicator member may be secured to an endpiece 120 that is mounted on the stem 116, e.g. over-molded, adhesively-bonded, or fastened in some other way, inside the applicator member 6, which endpiece channels the composition leaving the stem 116 towards the dispenser orifice 16. It can be seen in Figure 19 that the application surface 7 may present a relatively narrow shape in certain embodiments, e.g. being disposed at the end of a pen-shaped container 2.

In the embodiment in Figures 20 to 23, the applicator member 6 may be made by transforming sheet metal. In the embodiment shown, the metal wall is in the shape of a dish that, at its periphery, includes a tubular upright 139 that is terminated by a rim 20 that is directed radially outwards.

The tubular upright 139 is circularly cylindrical about an axis X, for example, and the top of the application surface 7 is substantially perpendicular to the axis X, for example.

By way of example, the closure member 130 is fastened to the container body 2 by snap-fastening, but, in a variant, it may be crimped, heat-sealed, or adhesively-bonded thereto. The body may include a first mounting skirt that, on its inside surface, is provided with a snap-fastener bead 214, and the closure member 130 may include a second mounting skirt 215 that includes a groove that comes to snap-fasten on the bead 214.

As shown, the closure member 130 may also include an annular sealing lip 217 that comes to bear against an inside surface of the body 2 of the container.

The closure member 130 may include a bottom wall 218 that extends inside the body and that is set back relative to the bottom end of said body.

Annular ribs 219 may excend concentrically about the axis X, projecting from the underside of the bottom wall 218. As shown, the ribs 219 may possibly extend axially a little below the level of the wall 220 for connecting the bottom wall 218 to the mounting skirt 215.

Figures 25 and 26 show a device 1 of the invention that is arranged so as to dispense two compositions P_1; P₂ contained in reservoirs 170 and 171 respectively of the container 2. By way of example, the reservoir 170 is central and is defined by a tubular wall 172, e.g. coaxial about the longitudinal axis X of the device. The reservoir 170 may supply an applicator member 6a that is provided with a respective dispenser orifice 16a, and the reservoir 171 may communicate with one or more dispenser orifices 16b, e.g. a plurality of dispenser orifices 16b that are disposed at the bottom of an annular groove 175, as can be seen in particular in Figure 25. The closure member 14 may include a stopper member 176, e.g. in the form of one or two annular lips that come to be engaged in the groove 175 when the closure member 14 is in place on the container 2.

The dispenser orifices 16a and 16b may be capillaries, i.e. when the container is turned upsidedown with the closure cap removed, the composition flows little or not at all through the applicator members. However, when the device is moved over the skin, the composition may be deposited thereon by surface tension.

By way of example, the compositions Pi and P₂ are dispensed simultaneously when the applicator members 6a and 6b are moved over the skin.

The container 2 may include a flexible pouch 177, e.g. contained in a body 178 of the container 2, which body may be provided with a vent 179, as shown in Figure 27.

By way of example, the pouch 177 may flatten progressively as the composition is dispensed through the dispenser orifice 16.

The container may be made in accordance with the teaching of European patent application EP 0 786 419. In particular, the container 2 may include a flexible wall 182 that makes it possible to create increased pressure inside the container when the user presses thereon, as shown in Figure 28.

The dispenser orifice may be disposed at the end of an endpiece 184. When the dispenser orifice 6 is directed downwards, the user may, by pressing on the flexible wall 182, create increased pressure inside the container, thereby enabling the composition to flow drop by dro .

When the device is in its closed configuration, the closure pin 18 cannot be engaged in the dispenser orifice 16 at all, or is engaged therein only in part, as shown in Figure 29. That makes it possible to form a chamber 188 in which the composition may be retained by capillarity. That may accelerate priming the dispensing of composition by capillarity, after removal of the closure member 14.

It can be seen in Figure 30 that the closure pin 18 may be hollow.

When a ball or other stirrer member 4 is disposed in the container 2, the dimension of the stirrer member may be selected so that it may move closer to the dispenser orifice 16 when the device is used in certain conditions. For example, for the Figure 10 device, the stirrer member 4 may be made in the form of a ball that presents a diameter that is small enough to be able to enter into the channel formed by the piece 90, in order to come into the proximity of the dispenser orifice 16, as shown by dashed lines in this figure. The stirrer member coming into the proximity of the dispenser orifice 16 makes it easier for the composition to flow through the dispenser orifice .

The capacity of the container 2 may generally lie in the range 5 milliliters (rtiL) to 250 mL, for example.

The container may have any shape other than that shown, in particular a mushroom shape. Thus, in general, the applicator member may be wider than a portion of the container that defines a grip zone for the user.

Figure 31 shows a variant embodiment of the packaging and applicator device of Figure 1, in which a sealing foam 57 is placed into the closure member 14, for example being fixed to the bottom wall 14a of the closure member 14. The sealing foam 57 replaces the closure pin 18, part of the sealing foam 57 being engaged in the dispenser orifice 16. The sealing foam may for example be made into foam rubber .

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

In- particular, the characteristics of the various embodiments shown can be combined with one another within variants that are not shown.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1. A packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic or dermatological composition {P) , the device comprising :

• a container (2) containing the composition; and ■ an application surface (7} into which there opens out at least one dispenser orifice (16) for dispensing the composition, the application surface being defined, at least in part, by an applicator member (6) made of an inorganic material, the dispenser orifice (16) having a flow section for the composition that is less than or equal to 20 mm², and that extends axially with such a section, along the composition flow direction, over a length { t } that is less than or equal to 7 mm.

2. A device according to claim 1 including a vibration source (80) for subjecting the application surface (7) to vibration.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, the applicator member being made out of metal, in particular by plastic deformation of sheet metal. 4. A device according to any preceding claim, the dispenser orifice (16) being the only dispenser orifice .

A device according to any preceding claim, the section of the orifice (16) being selected so that the rate at which the composition flows through the orifice under the effect of gravity is zero or discontinuous when the container is turned upsidedown and moved away from the zone being treated.

A device according to any preceding claim, the dispenser orifice (16) being defined, at least in part, on the inside by a projection, in particular in the form of an annular rim (34) or teeth (36) .

A device according to any preceding claim, the applicator member (6) being dish shaped.

A device according to any preceding claim, the applicator member being embedded at its periphery in a body

(8) made of thermoplastic material, in particular a body made of thermoplas ic material over-molded on the applicator member.

9. A device according to claim 8, the applicator member comprising a metal wall that presents a rim (20) at its periphery.

10. A device according to any preceding claim, the greatest visible transverse dimension { ) of the applicator member (6) being less than or equal to 0.9 times the greatest transverse dimension ( ) of the body of the container (2) .

11. A device according to any preceding claim, the height (u) of the visible portion of the applicator member (6), measured along the longitudinal axis (Z) of the device, being less than or equal to 20 mm.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, the applicator member (6) presenting a wall thickness (e) that is substantially constant.

13. A device according to claim 12, the thickness (e) lying in the range 0.1 mm to 3 mm.

14. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the dispenser orifice (16) being of circular section, of diameter that is less than or equal to 5 mm. A device according to any preceding claim, the container (2) presenting an inside volume that is constant, with the composition being dispensed by capillarit .

A device according to any preceding claim, the device being closed by a stopper member (18) that enables composition to accumulate in contact with the dispenser orifice (16) , in particular between the stopper member and the dispenser orifice, and/or in the dispenser orifice.

A device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the container including two reservoirs containing different compositions (Pi, P₂) that are each dispensed by capillarity by means of a corresponding dispenser orifice (16a, 16b) .