EP1312280A1 - Package for storing and applying a product - Google Patents

Abstract

Container and applicator assembly comprises a neck with an outlet, and an applicator (20j). The applicator has a side wall (21j), one closed end (22j) and an open end that fits onto the container, with an inner cavity to receive the liquid during application. <??>Container and applicator assembly comprises a neck with an outlet, and an applicator (20j). The applicator has a side wall (21j), one closed end (22j) and an open end that fits onto the container, with an inner cavity to receive the liquid during application. The cavity is of variable volume, especially in response to a pressure applied to the applicator surface, and is shaped to hold the liquid product by capillary action.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging assembly and application of a fluid product, in particular with a liquid consistency or in the form powder. The invention is particularly intended for packaging and to the application of cosmetic or care products such as foundations liquids, nail polish, lipsticks, creams, oils, hair treatments, etc. Applications in other fields can also be considered, for example in the field of adhesives, correctors of writing, household stain removers, polishes, etc ...

There are devices such as detaching buffers consisting of a product surmounted by a neck at the top of which is placed an applicator under form of a foam pad which is applied to a surface to be treated, by example on the skin or on a fabric. The applicator pad being confined in the upper part of the neck. Loading the product with it requires turn and press its application surface several times on the support to treat in order to "pump" and load it with product before proceeding to its application, the pressure exerted on the applicator, causing the opening of a valve which, in the closed position, isolates the applicator from the product. Indeed these applicators, usually containing volatile formulas, dry out often quickly during the storage period causing formation a crust on the applicator.

For other products, such as shoe polish, the applicator pad is isolated from the product by means of a valve, which further accelerates the drying of the applicator, sometimes rendering it unusable after a long period during which it has not been used or requiring cleaning operations prior to any new use.

We also know of applicators in the form of a foam block that soak in the product to be applied then, after wringing, either on the neck of the bottle, either through an elastic wringer, which is applied to the support treat. The applicator is generally secured to the stopper. The dosage of product to be applied by impregnating the applicator is difficult to adjust by product to another, depending on the variable rheology of the products. Furthermore, his use remains delicate in certain circumstances, in public transport for example, due to the independent nature of the applicator and the reservoir, which implies in these conditions of use of hold the container upright in one hand, and proceed with the application of the product with the other.

Patent application EP-A-0 872 193, in the name of the applicant, describes a set for applying a liquid product comprising a reservoir for product. It has a neck with a free edge defining an opening, means removable for sealingly sealing said opening being provided. A applicator in the form of a block of foam with open or semi-open cells, able to load product by pumping, is mounted inside the collar. This applicator has a first end in liquid communication permanent with the product inside the tank, and a second end opposite said first end, said second end forming a application surface. The application surface is axially movable between a first position in which the application surface emerges outside the neck through said opening, for the application of the product, and a second position in which said application surface is contained at inside the tank. Moving from the first position to the second position of the application surface is effected by an elastic push to against a sealing means, a displacement of the application surface from the second position to the first being effected by removal of said sealing means.

However, it has been observed that certain materials forming the applicator member are deteriorated, especially when exposed for a period extended at said elastic thrust. On the other hand, the plaintiff found that it was desirable to improve the adjustment of the dose of product to be applied depending on the rheology of the product, without causing a flow of excess product, which could contaminate the neck of the tank.

This is why this set of applications has been improved by adding means, elastically compressible which form a support for the applicator, said support means having a compressibility greater than the compressibility of the applicator. These means limit the compression of the applicator in the position of use and dosing of its flow, and this on a determined decompression course. Such an improved set has was described in application EP-A-1 094 011, also in the name of the Applicant.

In this packaging and application set, the applicator is configured in such a way that the product is distributed throughout the applicator, before reaching the application surface. The applicator can thus be saturated with product before the product reaches the application surface. So when the user applies the applicator to the area to be treated, a relatively small amount significant amount of product tends to flow over the area to be treated. In addition, in this set, the product is pushed towards the applicator by pressing the flexible walls of the tank. The user can permanently press the tank walls, the product can flow with a very high flow rate.

Patent application EP-A-1 125 517 also describes a device application in which the applicator is configured in such a way that the product is distributed throughout the applicator, before reaching the surface application. The applicator can thus be saturated with product before the product does not reach the application surface.

Patent application EP-A-0 155 350 describes a device for applying a perfume or deodorant that includes a container topped with an applicator made of rigid porous material. The product from the container is transported by gravity to the upper portion of the applicator, turning the device over, through a cylindrical wall on which the applicator is in axial abutment. The product then reaches the application surface by flowing through applicator pores, by capillary action. In this device, the product cannot be kept close to the application surface and it is necessary to turn over the device, before each use, so that the product flows by gravity at across the cylindrical wall.

Patent application EP-A-0 875 465 describes a device for applying a shoe polish to apply a predetermined dose of shoe polish. These measures includes a product reservoir on which an applicator is mounted, via a intermediate piece which has a movable part between two positions. The intermediate piece delimits a chamber which, in one of the two positions communicates only with the interior of the tank and, in the other of the two positions, communicates only with the applicator. In the first position, the chamber can be filled with product by gravity, turning the upside down device, the moving part being held in this position by a spring. Then the user must hold the device upside down and apply the applicator to the area to be waxed, so as to push the part mobile in the second position so that the product reaches the applicator. The spring resiliently returns the moving part to its first position when the application stops. Such a device can only be used upside down which is not always practical, especially when you want to apply a product on the body, for example on an area of the face.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to produce a set of packaging and application which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

It is in particular an object of the invention to produce a set of packaging and application in which the product is applied with a flow which is not too important.

It is yet another object of the invention to produce such an assembly which allows a very precise application.

It is another object of the invention to produce such an assembly in which the product is brought into the applicator body regularly.

It is also another object of the invention to produce such an assembly which is convenient to use.

i) un réservoir d'axe X, contenant le produit, muni d'une cheminée délimitant un passage communiquant de façon sélective ou permanente avec le réservoir ;

ii) un organe d'application perméable au produit, ledit organe d'application comprenant une paroi latérale dont une première extrémité est fermée et forme une surface d'application, une seconde extrémité étant ouverte pour permettre le montage de l'organe d'application sur le réservoir, l'organe d'application s'étendant sur au moins une partie de sa hauteur autour de la cheminée,

l'organe d'application étant tel que, en position montée sur le réservoir et en l'absence de contrainte axiale exercée sur la surface d'application :

a) au moins une cavité soit formée entre une extrémité libre de ladite cheminée et une surface interne de l'organe d'application située en regard de ladite extrémité libre; et

b) au moins une portion dudit organe d'application, située au-dessus de la cavité soit d'épaisseur selon l'axe X, inférieure à l'épaisseur de ladite paroi latérale mesurée perpendiculairement à l'axe X ;

ladite cavité étant à volume variable, notamment en réponse à une pression exercée axialement sur la surface d'application.According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing an assembly for packaging and applying a product comprising:

i) a tank of axis X, containing the product, provided with a chimney delimiting a passage communicating in a selective or permanent way with the tank;

ii) an applicator member permeable to the product, said applicator member comprising a side wall of which a first end is closed and forms an application surface, a second end being open to allow mounting of the applicator member on the reservoir, the applicator member extending over at least part of its height around the chimney,

the application member being such that, in the position mounted on the reservoir and in the absence of axial stress exerted on the application surface:

a) at least one cavity is formed between a free end of said chimney and an internal surface of the applicator member located opposite said free end; and

b) at least a portion of said applicator member, situated above the cavity, is of thickness along the X axis, less than the thickness of said side wall measured perpendicular to the X axis;

said cavity being of variable volume, in particular in response to a pressure exerted axially on the application surface.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "closed end of the member" of application constituting the application surface ", an application surface such only when we return the set and no axial stress is exerted on the application surface, the product does not flow outside the assembly through said application surface. This avoids that product does not flow without being desired so that the risks of untimely soiling is limited. In addition, the assembly can be configured so that it is stored upside down without any product leakage.

Overall according to the invention, the product from the tank flows in the cavity, for example by shaking the packaging assembly and of application, then it flows into the application member, permeable to the product, to the application surface. The thickness between the cavity and the surface measured along the X axis being less than the wall thickness side of the applicator member measured perpendicular to the X axis, the product reaches the application surface before reaching the rest of the surface end of the nozzle. We can thus apply the product on the area to be treated before the side wall of the applicator member is saturated, this wall side then serving as a reserve buffer for the product. In particular, when the area of the applicator member located between the cavity and the application surface is saturated, the product can flow into the side wall so as to regulate the flow of product arriving at the application surface. The presence of chimney also makes it possible to use a relatively thick applicator member, in other words having a relatively large axial height, while the portion of said applicator member, located above the cavity either thickness along the X axis, less than the thickness of said side wall measured perpendicular to the X axis.

In addition, the cavity being of variable volume, in particular in response to a pressure exerted axially on the application surface, the volume of this when pressure is applied to the application surface, in particular when applying the application surface to the area to be treated. When we ceases to exert pressure, the volume of the cavity increases so that product from the tank is drawn into the cavity. We can thus fill the cavity each time the application surface is applied to the area to be treat. In addition, we can thus measure the amount of product that is applied, coming from the cavity, by playing on the pressure exerted on the surface application.

Advantageously, the cavity is configured so as to maintain by capillarity of the product from the reservoir. For this purpose, we choose the dimensions of the cavity depending in particular on the viscosity of the product. We thus obtains a reserve of product close to the application surface.

The area of the largest cross section of the cavity can be less than that of the application surface. The product being brought to the surface from the cavity, the product reaches the surface in a portion of the surface of application substantially equal to the cross section of the cavity and therefore in a relatively limited area. The area of the application surface comprising of the product being relatively limited, the product can be applied relatively accurately.

Advantageously, the chimney is configured so as to maintain by capillarity of the product from the reservoir. To this end, we determine by example the dimensions of the chimney according to the viscosity of the product. The side wall of the chimney can also be crossed by one or several slots extending axially over all or part of the chimney, the slits also allowing the product to be held by capillary action in the fireplace. Another reserve of product is thus formed which makes it possible to supply the cavity.

The chimney can have any shape that allows it to drain the product from the reservoir to the cavity, and this, after a simple agitation of the application set. Preferably, the shape of the chimney should also allow it to maintain a quantity of product by capillarity. Her internal cross section can have any shape, for example circular, said section being able to be constant over its entire axial height or else may vary, in particular by increasing or decreasing, gradually or not, to the cavity. Preferably, we choose a chimney whose internal cross section decreases towards the cavity so as to facilitate entry of the product from the tank into the chimney and its flow from the tank to the cavity. The external cross section of the chimney is independent of its internal cross section. It can have any shape, in particular a shape complementary to the internal shape of the organ application.

The side wall of the applicator member can be in contact with the chimney. Alternatively, the side wall of the applicator member is located at a distance from the fireplace. Such a configuration makes it possible to increase the capacity of the cavity located above the chimney, said cavity being extended around the fireplace.

The applicator member can be mounted on the reservoir via an element intermediate comprising said chimney. The intermediate element can be made in one or more pieces.

The intermediate element may have a transverse wall above which the free end of the chimney projects, said transverse wall being flat, concave or convex. Preferably, a wall will be used concave transverse towards the inside of the tank, for example which forms a cone towards the chimney, so as to facilitate the transport of the product from the reservoir to the cavity.

The intermediate element can define a housing adapted to receive the organ application, said intermediate element having a cross section circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal.

The intermediate element advantageously comprises a side wall whose axial height is such, relative to the axial height of the applicator member, that it participates in the maintenance of said applicator member in the element intermediate when said applicator member is applied to an area to treat. By choosing the transverse dimensions of the intermediate element relative to those of the applicator in such a way that the wall side of the intermediate element exerts lateral pressure on the wall side of the applicator, the applicator can be perfectly held in the intermediate element, especially when applying the application surface on an area to be treated, without fixing means are not required.

According to a particular embodiment, the intermediate element is mounted on the reservoir so as to be movable between two positions, a first position in which the product from the tank flows into the cavity with a first flow and a second position in which the product from the tank flows into the cavity with a second flow which can be zero. The reservoir can in particular be surmounted by a hollow tip comprising a lateral orifice, the chimney then being configured so as to close said orifice when the application head is in the second position.

Advantageously, the applicator member is crossed by a passage, in particular in the form of one or more end channel (s) or one or more slot (s), opening onto the application surface, said passage being closed at rest. This passage makes it possible to increase the dosing capacity and the flow rate of the product. When making several slots, these can be arranged in cross-shaped or star-shaped.

The applicator member may be formed from a substantially rigid material, in particular a sinter, chosen in particular from sintered chloride polyvinyl, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide. In this particular case, the application body is advantageously mounted in the intermediate element on means elastically compressible which will be described later.

Alternatively, the applicator member may be formed, at least in part, of a elastically compressible material, especially cell foam closed, open or semi-open, chosen in particular from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyether, polyester, NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), SBR (styrene butadiene) rubber), or in a superposition of layers of one or more of these materials. These different layers can be welded or glued to each other. the other.

Foams can be hydrophilic. They can be cross-linked or not crosslinked.

Thus, the product can move in the applicator member by compression / decompression of the compressible part of the applicator member. In addition, the compression of the portion of the applicator member located above of the cavity can also cause the variation of the volume of the cavity. We can thus measure the amount of product to be applied depending on the compression of the applicator member by acting on the pressure exerted on the application surface.

The packaging and application unit further comprises a member removable closure, in particular a screwed or slammed stopper or a hinged cover, for sealing the application surface of the applicator member, the closure member being for this purpose provided with a seal or a sealing lip. Thus, the product is perfectly preserved at inside the application set.

Advantageously, the internal surface of the applicator member is supported on the free end of the chimney so as to close the passage so substantially sealed when the closure member is in the closed position. The cavity is then removed. The product can no longer leave the chimney so that the risk of leakage is almost nonexistent in the closed position of the closing member.

When the applicator member is formed at least in part from a material elastically compressible, the compressible part of the applicator member is advantageously at least partially compressed when the closure member is in the closed position. So after shaking the application set to bring product into the cavity, the user opens the entire application which allows the applicator to relax and the product present in the cavity to be drawn into said product permeable application member, especially up to the application surface. We thus start the whole application automatically.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the application surface is axially movable between a first position in which said surface application emerges from the reservoir through an opening defined by an edge tank free, and a second position in which the application surface is contained inside the tank. So, in the closed position of the assembly, the applicator member is completely housed inside the reservoir so that the overall size of the assembly is limited. Furthermore, in this position the sealing the assembly is relatively simple to obtain.

Advantageously, the packaging and application assembly comprises elastically compressible means allowing the application surface to move from its first to its second position, said means elastically compressible having a compressibility greater than the compressibility of the application body. We thus obtain a set which gives a great smoothness when applied without the applicator being strongly compressed in the case where it is formed, at least in part, of a material elastically compressible.

The elastically compressible means may consist of an element separate from the applicator, especially when the latter is formed rigid material. They consist for example of at least one block of material elastically deformable, in particular a block of foam, preferably open or semi-open cells or a spring element, especially metal or plastic.

Alternatively, the elastically compressible means consist of at least at least a portion of said applicator member, configured so as to have greater compressibility than that of the rest of the organ application. The difference in compressibility between the applicator member and the elastically compressible means may result from the presence of a recess formed by said applicator member on at least part of its periphery. Alternatively, the difference in compressibility between the organ of application and the elastically compressible means may result from the presence of an area of smaller cross section, relative to the cross section of the rest of the applicator member.

The applicator member can be removably fixed in the reservoir, in particular by reversible bonding, by magnetic attraction or by mechanical snap-in. The application member is for example fixed from removably on the tank by means of an adhesive which adheres to one of said applicator member and said reservoir more than the other. Alternately, the applicator member can be fixed in the reservoir by magnetic attraction, for example thanks to the presence of a magnetic plate which cooperates with a tin plate placed in the tank. We can easily change the application organ in order to use, for example, an organ application of a different nature or having a different application surface, said application member being chosen as a function of the area to be treated. it also allows the applicator to be removed for washing and reposition.

The application organ can have any form, in particular a section transverse which can be circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal.

The application surface of the application member can be of concave profile, convex, in particular in the form of a dome. The shape of the surface of application is chosen, in particular, according to the nature of the product to apply and the area to be treated. Also, to apply a moisturizer for the face, for example, a dome shape will be chosen.

The application surface can be covered with a permeable coating of textile type, perforated plastic, felt, and / or covered with a flocking which can be, for example, made up of bristles of different diameters, and / or nature, and / or height or a mixture of such hairs.

Opposite the application surface, the second end of the member application has a planar, concave or convex profile, the profile of the second end having a shape complementary to the shape of the transverse wall of the housing in which the applicator member is mounted.

Advantageously, the applicator member contains an agent capable of absorbing and / or retain a fluid, in particular the product to be applied. We thus further limit plus unfortunate product leaks.

Advantageously also, the applicator member is able to increase by volume when loaded with product. This improves its retention in the intermediate element.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the reservoir is consisting of a body with rigid or semi-rigid walls, in particular made of metal, glass, of thermoplastic material chosen in particular from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylene terephthalates or of thermosetting material, and contains the product substantially at the atmospheric pressure.

The product is then for example brought into the cavity by a simple shaking of the application set. The product is not pushed into the cavity with a very high pressure so as to avoid too much product flow. In addition, this allows the use of an assembly in which the applicator member is not necessarily fixed irreversibly on the tank.

Movable means of the ball or counterweight type can be arranged at inside the tank so as to promote the homogenization of the product and thus promoting the flow of the product in the cavity, via the delimited passage by the fireplace.

Advantageously, a means is then provided to prevent the means movable to block the passage, for example a bead or fins arranged around the passage delimited by the chimney.

The product can be a cosmetic product, such as a nail polish, a red to liquid lips, a cream, a lotion, an oil, a powder, a makeup remover, a solvent, a liquid foundation, a coloring composition, discoloration, a perm or a glue, a corrector of writing, a stain remover or shoe polish.

The invention also relates to a method for applying a product, in particular cosmetic, by means of an assembly as just described, consisting in agitating said assembly in order to bring product into said cavity; and to bring the application surface into contact with an area to be treated, the flow of product transferred to the area to be treated varying according to the pressure exerted on the application surface.

i) un réservoir, apte à contenir le produit, muni d'une cheminée d'axe X délimitant un passage communiquant de façon sélective ou permanente avec le réservoir ;

ii) un organe d'application perméable au produit, ledit organe d'application comprenant une paroi latérale dont une première extrémité est fermée et forme une surface d'application, une seconde extrémité étant ouverte pour permettre le montage de l'organe d'application sur le réservoir, l'organe d'application s'étendant sur au moins une partie de sa hauteur autour de la cheminée,

l'organe d'application étant tel que, en position montée sur le réservoir et en l'absence de contrainte axiale exercée sur la surface d'application :

a) au moins une cavité soit formée entre une extrémité libre de ladite cheminée et une surface interne de l'organe d'application située en regard de ladite extrémité libre; et

b) au moins une portion dudit organe d'application, située au-dessus de la cavité soit d'épaisseur selon l'axe X, inférieure à l'épaisseur de ladite paroi latérale mesurée perpendiculairement à l'axe X ;

ladite cavité étant à volume variable, notamment en réponse à une pression exercée axialement sur la surface d'application. The invention also relates to an assembly for packaging and applying a product comprising:

i) a tank, capable of containing the product, provided with an X-axis chimney defining a passage communicating selectively or permanently with the tank;

ii) an applicator member permeable to the product, said applicator member comprising a side wall of which a first end is closed and forms an application surface, a second end being open to allow mounting of the applicator member on the reservoir, the applicator member extending over at least part of its height around the chimney,

the application member being such that, in the position mounted on the reservoir and in the absence of axial stress exerted on the application surface:

a) at least one cavity is formed between a free end of said chimney and an internal surface of the applicator member located opposite said free end; and

b) at least a portion of said applicator member, situated above the cavity, is of thickness along the X axis, less than the thickness of said side wall measured perpendicular to the X axis;

said cavity being of variable volume, in particular in response to a pressure exerted axially on the application surface.

• la figure 1 illustre une vue éclatée d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un ensemble de conditionnement et d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en coupe du premier mode de réalisation de la figure 1, en position fermée;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe du premier mode de réalisation de la figure 1, en position ouverte;
• la figure 4 représente une première variante de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 5 représente une deuxième variante de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 6 représente une troisième variante de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application;
• la figure 7 représente une quatrième variante de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application;
• les figures 8a et 8b représentent une cinquième variante de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application dans une position ouverte et dans une position fermée;
• les figures 9 à 13 représentent d'autres variantes de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application ;
• les figures 14a et 14b représentent une vue en coupe d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un ensemble de conditionnement et d'application selon l'invention dans deux positions différentes ; et
• les figures 15 à 17 représentent d'autres variantes de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a first embodiment of a packaging and application assembly according to the invention;
• 2 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of Figure 1, in the closed position;
• 3 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of Figure 1, in the open position;
• FIG. 4 represents a first variant of the packaging and application assembly according to the invention;
• FIG. 5 represents a second variant of the packaging and application assembly according to the invention;
• FIG. 6 represents a third variant of the packaging and application assembly;
• FIG. 7 represents a fourth variant of the packaging and application assembly;
• Figures 8a and 8b show a fifth variant of the packaging and application assembly in an open position and in a closed position;
• Figures 9 to 13 show other variants of the packaging and application assembly;
• Figures 14a and 14b show a sectional view of a second embodiment of a packaging and application assembly according to the invention in two different positions; and
• Figures 15 to 17 show other variants of the packaging and application assembly.

Figures 1 to 3, to which reference is now made, illustrate a first embodiment of the packaging and application assembly according to the invention. This set comes in the form of a bottle applicator for a product P, of the liquid cream or liquid foundation type, and mainly comprises a reservoir 10 consisting of a body 11, one of which end is closed by a bottom 12. The other end of the tank 10 is surmounted by an application head which comprises an intermediate element 13 intended for mounting the head on the reservoir and an application member 20 housed in the intermediate element. The intermediate element 13 has on its external surface of the means 130 (type of screw or snap-off cord) to allow the removable mounting of a plug 40 capable of closing so watertight an opening 131 delimited by a free edge 132 of the element intermediate 13. A ball 60 is arranged inside the tank for homogenize the product to facilitate its flow.

The internal wall of the intermediate element 13 defines a cylindrical housing internal 133, of revolution around an axis X. This housing 133 comprises a side wall 134 and a flat transverse wall 135 constituting the bottom of the housing. A mounting skirt 136 extends the side wall, beyond the transverse wall, opposite the opening 131 of the intermediate element. The mounting skirt 136 is fixed, by snap, on the tank body, at the top which is provided with a radial projection 14, opposite the bottom 12. This system of breakdown can of course be replaced by any other fixing system, in particular a screw fixing system. A sealing skirt 137 is advantageously provided on the transverse wall 135 of the housing, to come in tight contact with the inside of the tank. The body 11 of the tank, the intermediate element 13 and the plug 40 are made of material rigid, for example made of polyethylene. It is obvious that these three elements independent can each be made of a different material.

The housing 133 communicates with the interior of the tank via a passage 139 crossing a chimney 15 extending in the axis of the housing. The fireplace is formed in one piece with the transverse wall 135 from which it extends to a free end 150, located inside the housing 133. The chimney has a circular internal cross section, constant all along its axial height, while its external cross-section decreases up to free end 150. The diameter of the chimney is chosen according to of the product contained in the tank, so that the product from of the tank can flow into the chimney by a simple shake of all. Advantageously, the diameter of the chimney is also chosen so that the product entering the chimney can be maintained by capillary action inside said chimney. Fins 138 are provided on the transverse wall 135 of the housing, around the entry of the chimney 15, the side of the reservoir 10, to avoid the ball 60 disposed in the reservoir to close said chimney.

An applicator member 20 is mounted inside the housing 133 around the chimney 15. The applicator is in the form of a block of porous material, at least part of which is elastically compressible. According to a preferred embodiment, the application member is produced by a block of open cell foam, including a block of open cell foam polyurethane. Alternatively, the applicator member 20 can be formed of a axial succession of at least two portions of foam, of compressibility that can be glued together. Advantageously, the organ Application 20 contains an agent capable of absorbing and / or retaining water.

According to the example shown, the applicator member has a cylindrical shape and has a circular cross section. It is obvious that the organ of application may have any other form, for example frustoconical or prismatic and may have an oval, rectangular or polygonal.

The applicator member 20 has a side wall 21, one end of which 22 constitutes a dome-shaped application surface. If applicable, the application surface 22 can be covered with a permeable coating, textile type, perforated plastic, felt, and / or is covered with a flocking. In this case, the flocking can consist of bristles of different diameters, and / or different nature, and / or different height or a mixture of such hairs. AT opposite this application surface 22, the application member ends with a second open end 24 which comes into contact with the wall 135 of the housing. The end 24 can be fixed so permanent to the intermediate element 13. Advantageously, this end is detachably attached to allow easy removal of the organ for example to clean it. For this purpose, the end 24 of the applicator member is covered with a permanent adhesive, for example a acrylic adhesive, which adheres more to the application member than to the wall 135.

A portion 23 of the side wall located on the side of the open end 24, serves of support to the application member. The portion 23 serving to support the organ application is separated from the rest of the application member by a groove annular 50 which defines an area of least cross section. The throat annular 50 provided on the periphery of the applicator member allows the area smaller cross section to have greater compressibility than the rest of the enforcement body. So when pressure is exerted on the application surface, maximum compression of the area of smallest section transverse is obtained before obtaining the maximum compression of the organ application.

When the applicator member is mounted in the housing 133, it occupies substantially the entire housing, the applicator member having a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the housing. The enforcement body 20 in particular has an axial recess 25 whose shape is chosen to so that the applicator member comes to bear on the wall of the chimney, without being substantially compressed laterally by said chimney. Alternatively, the side wall of the applicator member can be located at distance from the chimney. In the relaxed position of the application member, the axial recess 25 has a substantially greater axial height than the axial height of the chimney 15 so as to define an internal cavity 30 to inside the applicator member, between an internal surface 26 located at look of the chimney and the free end 150 of the chimney. Portion 27 of the applicator member located above the cavity 30 has an axial thickness less than the thickness of the side edge 21 of the applicator member measured perpendicular to the X axis. The cavity 30 thus constitutes a reserve of product near the application surface, the product cannot come to the contact of the applicator member only in the cavity. In addition, the surface of the cross section of the cavity 30 is less than the area of the section cross-section of the application surface. The product therefore arrives at the level of application surface 22 in a relatively limited area allowing a precise application. To increase the product delivery rate to the application surface, an axial slot 28 advantageously passes through the member of application, in the X axis, from the cavity 30 to the application surface 22. The width of this slit may vary depending on the viscosity of the product and desired flow.

Typically, the applicator member has a diameter of between 2 mm and 80 mm, and preferably between 5 mm and 25 mm. Its height, in uncompressed position can vary between 1.5 mm and 50 mm. The fireplace has a axial height between 1 mm and 48 mm and a diameter between 2 mm and 30 mm. The cavity has a diameter substantially equal to that of the chimney and a height between 1 mm and 30 mm.

Generally, the applicator member 20 includes pores or cells open, of average size between 0.5 µm and 3 mm. Preferably, cells or pores communicate with each other, so omnidirectional.

According to Figure 2, in the illustrated storage position, the plug 40 is in closed position. The applicator member 20 is partially compressed so that the cavity 30 is removed. The internal wall 26 of the applicator member abuts against the free end 150 of the chimney. In this position, the product coming from the tank cannot leave the chimney 15 by the end 150 thanks to the presence of a compressed portion of the nozzle. The area of the applicator member of smallest cross section located at the throat height 50 is also compressed. The application surface 22 is entirely inside the intermediate element 13.

In FIG. 3, the assembly has been freed from its plug 40. At the opening, the foam block relaxes, causing cavity 30 to form and the suction of the product into the cavity, the product having been previously supplied in the chimney 15. When the cap is opened, product may also be pumped into the foam cells located near the cavity 30. After opening, the foam block is no longer compressed. The surface 22 then emerges outside of the intermediate element 13, above of the free edge delimiting the opening 131, and occupies a position, called position of use.

To use the application set according to the invention, the user shakes the packaging and application unit in order to bring product into the chimney 15. Product is then maintained by capillary action inside the chimney 15. It then removes the plug 40, which causes the decompression of the foam block 20 forming the applicator member and the area of the applicator member located at the level of the groove 50, so that the application surface 22 emerges from the intermediate element 13. We note that when switching from the storage position to the use position, the height of the applicator member 20 increases less than the height of the foam block area located at throat level. Decompression of the applicator member 20 is accompanied by the formation of the cavity 30, a aspiration of the product P in said cavity 30, and if necessary, of a pumping of the product in the foam cells located near the cavity 30. The portion 27 of the applicator member located between the cavity 30 and the surface 22 is then saturated with product while the side wall 21 of the applicator member is not, this wall then serving as a reserve buffer to the product. In the event that, when the cap is opened, the portion 27 of the applicator member located between the cavity 30 and the application surface 22 is not completely saturated, just slightly compress the organ 20 by applying the application surface 22, for example on the area to be treated, and to release the pressure so as to relax the organ application so that, during this expansion, the product present in the cavity 30 is pumped by the foam cells to the application surface 22.

The operation of applying a dose of product P to the support to be treated is the next. The user applies the application surface 22 to the support, and exerts pressure on the application member depending on the dose of product desired pressure which causes partial compression of the organ of application and the output of a dose of product, the volume of the cavity being further reduced during this compression. Too much pressure, which could cause excess product to exit, possibly causing soiling, is further compensated by the presence of the groove 50. Indeed, the area of the applicator member of smallest cross section located at the height of the groove 50 then limits the pressure exerted, by compressing at its tower.

It then remains, after releasing the pressure exerted on the assembly of application, spreading the product P by means of the application surface 22. The release of the pressure of the applicator member on the treated support, especially on the skin, is accompanied by aspiration of the product contained in the cavity 30 in the cells of the application organ, an increase of the volume of the cavity 30 and of its filling by suction of the product present in the fireplace. The applicator is immediately ready for a new application. Thus, the spreading of product is done by passing the application surface 22 on the support to be treated, by simple capillary contact, so as to stretch the product in the form of a film, under the action of the affinity of the product acting between the application surface and the support to be treated, and this, without significantly exerting any pressure on the application assembly.

According to a variant not shown, the applicator member can be configured so that in the closed position of the plug, the cavity 30 is not completely removed, the volume of said cavity then being only reduced compared to its volume in the relaxed position of the applicator member.

In Figure 4, there is shown a variant of the applicator member 20a suitable replacing the applicator member 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3. According to this variant, the applicator member 20a has an applicator surface 22a whose shape general is convex and which includes a small concave portion 22a '. This shape is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to limit the thickness of foam 27 located between the application surface 22a 'and the cavity 30a.

This figure also shows a variant of the intermediate element 13a, in particular of the chimney 15a capable of replacing the chimney 15 of the Figures 1 to 3. The chimney 15a has an internal cross section which is not constant over its entire height. Indeed, the fireplace has a first diameter on the side of the tank, then it has a step 15a ' beyond which it has a second constant diameter until its free end so that the internal cross section of the chimney is greater over a portion of its axial height located opposite the tank than on the rest of its height. Such a configuration allows the more easily enter the chimney 15a due to its more large section, on the tank side.

In Figure 5, there is shown a variant of the applicator member 20b suitable replacing the applicator member 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3. According to this variant, the applicator member 20b does not include compressible means elastically additional. In the closed position of the plug 40b, the member 20b is not compressed, the application surface 22b extends beyond the free edge 132b of the intermediate element 13b and a cavity 30b is formed between the end free 150b of the chimney and the internal surface 26b. In addition, the organ application is kept in the housing simply by pressure side exerted by the side wall 134b of the housing on the side wall 21b of the application body.

In this configuration, when the packaging unit is agitated and application, whether the cap is closed or not, the product is brought into the cavity 30b, via the chimney 15b where it is maintained by capillarity. The user then apply the application surface to the area to be treated by compressing in particular the portion of the applicator member 20b located between the surface application and cavity. The product present in the cavity 30b is then pumped in the cells of the application organ and brought to the application surface.

FIG. 5 also shows a variant of the chimney 15b. The chimney 15b this time has an internal cross section which decreases gradually from the side wall 135b to the free end 150b from the fireplace. This configuration of the chimney promotes the flow of product from the reservoir to the cavity 30b.

In Figure 6 there is shown a chimney 15c which this time has a section internal transverse which increases gradually from the wall transverse 135c to the end 150c of the chimney. In addition, the wall side of the chimney 15c is crossed by at least one axial slot 151c provided over part of its height. This slot 151c makes it possible in particular to maintain the product by capillarity in the chimney. Finally, the transverse wall 135c is concave towards the inside of the tank in order to facilitate the flow of product in the chimney.

The applicator member 20c shown is identical to the applicator member 20b of FIG. 5, except that its application surface 22c is slightly concave and that its end 24c, opposite the application surface is concave profile towards the inside of the tank in order to adapt to the profile of the wall transverse 135c.

FIG. 7 illustrates a variant of the intermediate element 13d and of the end upper part of the tank body 11d, the applicator member 20d shown on this figure being identical to that represented in figure 5 except that it is consisting of a stack of three blocks 120d, 220d and 320d of foam different nature, glued together.

The tank body 11d this time has on its outer surface a 16d thread to allow removable mounting of the plug 40. The wall side 134d of the intermediate element 13d comprises a portion 134d 'which is housed inside the tank while being in tight contact with the wall inside the tank, and a second portion 134d "which rests on a free edge of the tank.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show an applicator member 20f made of material rigid and porous, for example made of a polyethylene frit which is mounted in the intermediate element on a spring 51f. In FIG. 8a, the assembly is in open position. The spring 51f is in the relaxed position and the surface 22f application emerges outside the intermediate element 13f, above of the free edge 132f delimiting the opening of the intermediate element. A cavity 30f is formed between the free end 150f of the chimney 15f and the surface internal 26f of the application member. According to FIG. 8b, in the position of storage illustrated, the plug 40f is in the closed position. The spring 51f is then compressed and the application surface 22f is entirely inside of the intermediate element 13f. The internal wall 26f of the applicator member then comes to bear against the free end 150f of the chimney eliminating thus the cavity 30f.

According to this embodiment, the product is brought into the chimney and into the cavity by shaking the assembly, then it flows to the application surface at through pores of the applicator member. The product arriving on the surface cannot to flow out of this surface only when it is brought into contact with a surface, in particular the surface to be treated.

FIG. 9 illustrates another variant of the applicator member 20e capable of replace the applicator member 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3. According to this variant, the 21st side walls of the applicator member consist of a first foam block. This block of foam can be open cell or closed cells. The upper end 22e of the applicator member forming the application surface consists of a block of open cell foam in the form of a cap which is welded to the 21st portion. The organ 20e has an axial recess 25e comprising a portion cylindrical in which the chimney is located and a frustoconical portion which flares from the cylindrical portion to the internal surface 26e of the cap so as to delimit the internal cavity 30e. This variant can by example be used to apply a cosmetic product in the form of powder.

The variant of the applicator member 20i illustrated in FIG. 10 differs from that illustrated in Figure 9 in that the upper end 22i is this time consisting of a sheet of nonwoven or of a woven fabric which is fitted around the side wall 21i.

In FIG. 11, a variant of the application assembly is shown in which the intermediate element 13j is made in two pieces. According to this variant, the chimney 15j is snap-fitted into the wall transverse 135d. The chimney 15j is also integral with an axial skirt 134j around which the applicator member 20j is fitted. The organ 20j application includes a side wall 21j formed by a foam block cylindrical hollow and by an upper end 22j, welded to the wall lateral 21j, in the form of a cap.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate another variant of the applicator member 20k and 201 suitable for replacing the applicator member 20 of FIGS. 1 to 3. According to this variant, the application surfaces 22k and 22l are covered with an envelope 122k and 122l in rigid plastic, or in elastomer, which is perforated a plurality of orifices 222k and 222l allowing the product to flow. according to the variant illustrated in FIG. 12, the envelope 122k is fixed to the member application so that it can slide in the intermediate element when the application organ is compressed. According to the variant illustrated in FIG. 13, the envelope 122l is fixed to the intermediate piece 13l and has a bellows 111 allowing it to deform when the foam block constituting the application organ is compressed.

Figures 14a and 14b illustrate a second embodiment of the assembly packaging and application according to the invention in which one can vary the flow rate with which the product flows in the cavity.

The set includes a 10g reservoir consisting of a body 11g of axis X, of which one end is closed by a 12g bottom and the other end is surmounted by an application head formed by an intermediate element 13g in which is housed an applicator member 20g. The intermediate element 13g is this time slidably mounted on the tank body. The body of the tank has a 16g thread, just below the element 13g intermediate, to allow removable mounting of a plug (not shown) capable of sealingly closing an opening delimited by the edge free 132g of the intermediate element 13g.

A 17g nozzle is irreversibly mounted in the tank body along the X axis. The 17g nozzle is a hollow body, communicating with the interior of the reservoir, formed of a first portion 170g of substantially shaped cylindrical on which the intermediate element 13g slides. The 17g tip includes a second frustoconical portion 171g decreasing, from the cylindrical portion 170g, to a closed 172g end. A side opening 176g is formed in the frustoconical part, near the 172g end. The 172g end is connected to the rest of the tapered portion 171g by a pin 173g formed in the X axis of the reservoir, the pin 173g being integral with the portion frustoconical 171g by means of fins (not shown) formed in a plane perpendicular to the X axis. The cylindrical portion 170g and the portion tapered 171g are connected by an annular transverse wall 174g whose diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 170g so as to form an annular radial projection. The transverse wall 174g has, around the base of the frustoconical portion 171g, a groove 175g ring finger.

The internal wall of the intermediate element 13g defines a cylindrical housing internal, of revolution around the X axis in which a member is mounted 20g application with a 30g cavity, substantially identical to that shown in Figure 5. This housing has a side wall 134g and a 135g flat transverse wall constituting the bottom of the housing. A skirt of mounting 136g extends the side wall, beyond the transverse wall, to the opposite of the opening of the intermediate element. The 136g mounting skirt is ends with a radial projection 136g 'extending towards the inside of the tank, said projection 136g 'being mounted on the body of the tank, so as to slide on the cylindrical portion 170g of the nozzle 17g. In an end position the projection 136g 'abuts against the annular projection formed by the periphery of the transverse wall 174g. A 137g sealing skirt is provided on the 135g transverse wall of the housing. The 137g sealing skirt cooperates with the 175g annular groove provided in the transverse wall 174g of the nozzle 17g, in which it slides tightly.

A 15g chimney is made in one piece with the transverse wall 135g from which it extends, along the X axis, to a free end 150g, located inside the housing and opening into the cavity 30g of the application body. The chimney has a frustoconical shape, complementary to the tapered portion 171g of the mouthpiece 17g.

In a first position illustrated in FIG. 14b, the chimney 15g is in watertight support on the frustoconical portion 171g of the nozzle 17g so that port 176g is closed. In a second position illustrated in FIG. 14a, the intermediate element 13g is moved along the X axis and the chimney is released of the frustoconical portion 171g of the nozzle 17g so that the orifice 176g is open thus putting the 30g cavity in communication with the inside of the tank via a 139g passage. It is obvious that the intermediate element 13g can take intermediate positions so as to vary the section of the 139g passage allowing the user to vary the flow rate with which the product flows into the 30g cavity.

Figure 15 shows another embodiment of a set of packaging and application according to the invention which comprises a 10h tank with 11h body. A 13h intermediate element fitted a 15h chimney is mounted on the tank and has a member application 20h. This example differs from that shown in accordance with Figures 1 to 3 in that it comprises a 40h plug provided with a surface reflective 301, such as a mirror. The reflecting surface 301 can by example be located on the upper surface of the cap.

Figure 16 shows another embodiment of a set of packaging and application according to the invention which comprises a tank 10i comprising a body 11i, for example in the form of a tube, and a chimney 15i around which is mounted an applicator member 20i. The tank 10i and the chimney 15i can be formed for example by extrusion or by injection blow molding. They can be made from a single piece, or alternatively, from several pieces, which are for example welded between them.

Figure 17 shows another embodiment of a set of packaging and application according to the invention which comprises a tank 10j comprising a body 11j configured, for example, to be conform to the hand of a user, and which is generally elongated according to an axis Y. It is provided with a chimney 15j of axis X, different from the axis Y. The tank 10j and the chimney 15j can be formed for example by extrusion or by injection blow molding. They can be made from a single piece, or alternatively, from several pieces, which are for example welded between them.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that there are variations be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below, in particular the application assembly may have any form, especially a jar or bottle.

Claims (42)

Package for packaging and applying a product (P) comprising: i) a tank (10) of axis X, containing the product, provided with a chimney (15; ...; 15l) delimiting a passage (139; ...; 139l) communicating in a selective or permanent way with the tank ; ii) an application member (20; ...; 20l) permeable to the product, said application member comprising a side wall (21; ...; 21l) of which a first end is closed and forms a surface of application (22; ...; 22l), a second end (24; ...; 24l) being open to allow mounting of the application member on the reservoir, the application member extending over at least part of its height around the chimney, the application member being such that, in the position mounted on the reservoir and in the absence of axial stress exerted on the application surface: a) at least one cavity (30; ...; 30l) is formed between a free end (150; ...; 150l) of said chimney and an internal surface (26; ...; 26l) of the member application located opposite said free end; and b) at least a portion (27; ...; 27l) of said applicator member, situated above the cavity, is of thickness along the axis X, less than the thickness of said side wall measured perpendicularly to the X axis; said cavity (30; ...; 30l) being of variable volume, in particular in response to a pressure exerted axially on the application surface. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (30) is configured so as to hold the product coming from the reservoir by capillary action. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the largest cross section of the cavity (30) is less than that of the application surface (22). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chimney (15) is configured so as to hold the product coming from the reservoir by capillary action. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall of the chimney (15c) is crossed by one or more slots (151c) extending axially over all or part of the chimney. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chimney (15; 15a; 15d; ...; 15l) has a constant internal cross section. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the chimney (15b; 15c; 15g) has an internal cross section varying along the axial height of the chimney, in particular by increasing or decreasing gradually until '' to the cavity (30b; 30c; 30g). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (21) of the applicator member is in contact with the chimney (15). Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the side wall (21) of the applicator member is located at a distance from the chimney (15). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member is mounted on the reservoir via an intermediate element (13) comprising said chimney. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate element comprises a transverse wall (135) above which the free end of the chimney projects, said transverse wall being planar, concave or convex. Assembly according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the intermediate element (13) defines a housing (133) adapted to receive the application member (20), said intermediate element having a circular cross section , oval, rectangular or polygonal. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the intermediate element (13) comprises a side wall (134) whose axial height is such, relative to the axial height of the application member (20), that it participates in maintaining said applicator member in the intermediate element when said applicator member is applied to an area to be treated. Assembly according to any one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the intermediate element is mounted on the reservoir so as to be movable between two positions, a first position in which the product coming from the reservoir flows in the cavity (30g) with a first flow and a second position in which the product from the reservoir flows into the cavity (30g) with a second flow. Assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the second flow is zero. An assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the reservoir is surmounted by a hollow nozzle (17g) comprising a lateral orifice (176g), the chimney (15g) being configured so as to close said orifice (176g) when the element intermediate is in the second position. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member (20) is traversed by a passage (28), in particular in the form of one or more thin channel (s) or d 'one or more slot (s), opening onto the application surface, said passage (28) being closed at rest. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member (20f) is formed from a substantially rigid material, in particular a sinter, chosen in particular from sintered polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the application member (20) is formed, at least in part, of an elastically compressible material, in particular of closed cell foam, open or semi -openings, chosen in particular from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyether, polyester, NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) foams, or in a superposition of layers of a or more of these materials, welded or glued to each other. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a removable closure member (40), in particular a screwed or slammed stopper or an articulated cover, for sealingly sealing the application surface ( 22) of the application body. Assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the internal surface (26) of the applicator member bears on the free end (150) of the chimney (15) so as to close the passage (139) of substantially sealed when the closure member (40) is in the closed position. Assembly according to any one of Claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the compressible part of the application member (20) is at least partially compressed when the closing member (40) is in the closed position. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface (22) is axially movable between a first position in which said application surface (22) emerges from the reservoir through an opening (131 ) defined by a free edge (132) of the reservoir, and a second position in which the application surface (22) is contained inside the reservoir. Assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that it comprises elastically compressible means (50) allowing the application surface (22) to pass from its first to its second position, said elastically compressible means having a compressibility greater than the compressibility of the applicator member. Assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the elastically compressible means (51f) consist of a separate element from the application member (20f). Assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that the elastically compressible means consist of at least one block of elastically deformable material, in particular a block of foam, preferably with open or semi-open cells. Assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that the elastically compressible means (51f) consist of a spring element, in particular made of metal or plastic. Assembly according to claims 19 and 24, characterized in that the elastically compressible means consist of at least a portion of said applicator member, configured so as to have greater compressibility than that of the rest of the applicator member . Assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that the difference in compressibility between the application member (20; 20a) and the elastically compressible means results from the presence of a recess (50; 50a) formed by said member. application (20; 20a) on at least part of its periphery. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member (20) is removably fixed in the reservoir, in particular by reversible bonding, by magnetic attraction or by mechanical snap-fastening. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator member (20) has a circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal cross section. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface (22) is of concave or convex profile, in particular in the form of a dome. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end (24) of the applicator member has a planar, concave or convex profile. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member (20) contains an agent capable of absorbing and / or retaining a fluid. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member (20) is capable of increasing in volume when it is loaded with product. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (10) consists of a body (11) with rigid or semi-rigid walls, in particular made of metal, glass, made of thermoplastic material chosen in particular from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylene terephthalates or in thermosetting material, and contains the product (P) substantially at atmospheric pressure. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that mobile means (60) of the ball or counterweight type are arranged inside the tank (10) so as to promote the homogenization of the product and its flow through of the passage (139). An assembly according to claim 37, characterized in that it further comprises means (138; 138c; 138e) for preventing the movable means (60) from blocking the passage (139). An assembly according to claim 38, characterized in that the means (138; 138c; 138e) is constituted by a bead or fins arranged (es) around the passage (139). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) is a cosmetic product, such as a nail polish, a liquid lipstick, a cream, a lotion, an oil, a powder, a makeup remover, a remover, a liquid foundation, a coloring, bleaching composition, a perm, an adhesive, a corrector of writing, a stain remover or a polish. Method for applying a product, in particular cosmetic, by means of an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, consisting in: a) agitating said assembly in order to bring product into said cavity (30); b) bringing the application surface (22) into contact with an area to be treated, the flow of product transferred to the area to be treated varying as a function of the pressure exerted on the application surface (22). Package for packaging and applying a product (P) comprising: i) a reservoir (10), capable of containing the product, provided with a chimney (15) of axis X delimiting a passage (139) communicating selectively or permanently with the reservoir; ii) an application member (20) permeable to the product, said application member comprising a side wall (21) of which a first end is closed and forms an application surface (22), a second end (24) being open to allow mounting of the applicator member on the reservoir, the applicator member extending over at least part of its height around the chimney, the application member being such that, in the position mounted on the reservoir and in the absence of axial stress exerted on the application surface: a) at least one cavity (30) is formed between a free end (150) of said chimney and an internal surface (26) of the applicator member located opposite said free end; and b) at least a portion (27) of said applicator member, located above the cavity, is of thickness along the axis X, less than the thickness of said side wall measured perpendicular to the axis X; said cavity (30) being of variable volume, in particular in response to a pressure exerted axially on the application surface.

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