WO2010066748A1

WO2010066748A1 - Device for packaging and delivering a cosmetic product

Info

Publication number: WO2010066748A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/066650
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laure Thiebaut
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2008-12-10
Filing date: 2009-12-08
Publication date: 2010-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2011-06-10
Also published as: FR2939289B1; FR2939289A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to a keratinous material comprising: - a reserve of cosmetic product (P) in stick form, - a seat (2) receiving the said reserve of product, - a combing member (26) configured to separate the keratinous material comprising a support (260) comprising combing elements (264) that can be moved between two positions relative to the said seat one of which positions being a position of use, the said combing member being configured, in this position of use, to remain attached to the seat so as to make it possible to comb the said keratinous material and spread the said product in a concomitant manner.

Description

DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND DELIVERING A COSMETIC PRODUCT

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, including a care product .

A preferred, but not exclusive, field of the present invention relates to the application of a cosmetic product in cake or block form, more commonly called a stick. "Cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Directive 93/35/CEE of the Council of 14 June 1993.

Documents DE3704936, DE3934316, DE4014601, FR2632834, FR2727608, FR2733398, FR2888735, FR2892901, EP0861616, EP0861617, EP1221292, EP1230869, GB2159045, JP2008054877, US1309495, US2681462, US2007245, US5937864 and WO2007/066764 disclose examples of devices of the prior art.

Document US-I, 309, 495 discloses a device of the shaving brush type comprising a brushing head, a receptacle containing a stick of shaving soap and a seat to which the said receptacle is screwed. The brushing head comprises a tuft of bristles connected to a ring mounted on an inner surface of a free end of the receptacle. The stick is engaged in a cup connected to the seat by a spring. This stick may be moved in translation in the receptacle so as to emerge in a central space defined by the bristles. In order to protect the bristles, a protective cap may be mounted in screwed engagement onto the seat. However, a drawback associated with such a device is that it has a relatively large height due to the presence of the brushing head and therefore has a relatively large space requirement. A disadvantage associated with such a device is also that it is not suitable for the separation, or disentangling, of keratinous fibres, in particular of the eyelashes.

Document US2681462 discloses a device of the shaving brush type comprising a brushing head and a stick of shaving soap mounted in a receptacle. The brushing head comprises a tuft of bristles attached by bonding to a support. This support is designed to be able to move in the said receptacle with the aid of a rotary thumbwheel between an extended position and a retracted position. The stick of soap is, for its part, mounted on a supporting cup provided between the thumbwheel and the support of the brushing head, also movable between an extended position and a retracted position by moving a lug through a longitudinal slot arranged on the said receptacle.

However, a disadvantage associated with such a device is that it comprises many parts to be assembled, hence being difficult to assemble and having a high cost price. Moreover, its use is not convenient. Specifically, the stick of product cannot be used independently of the brushing head. In other words, only an application of product concomitant with brushing of the keratinous material is allowed.

Another disadvantage associated with such a product is notably that it does not make it possible to carry out a neat and precise application of product on a given application surface. A disadvantage associated with such a device is also that it is not suited to the separation or disentangling of keratinous fibres, in particular of the eyelashes.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device overcoming at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages.

An object of the present invention is also to provide a device having a restricted space requirement.

An object of the present invention is also to provide a device having a new action of use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device that is easy to manufacture, simple to use and has a moderate cost price.

Another object of the present invention is also to provide a device providing a make-up or a treatment of the keratinous fibres that is neat and tidy. In particular, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to modify the desired make-up result.

An object of the present invention is also to dispense with the presence of an application member during a refashioning of a free outer surface of a product in stick or cake form.

An object of the present invention is also to make it possible to soften a product in stick form for the purpose of applying it in a comfortable manner or of refashioning it without the difficulty caused by combing elements designed to separate, and even disentangle, keratinous fibres, and moreover without spoiling, deforming, or even melting the said combing elements .

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device making it possible to adequately load the keratinous material for making up or for treating.

The subject of the present invention is therefore a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to a keratinous material comprising: - a reserve of cosmetic product in stick form,

- a seat receiving the said reserve of product,

- a combing member comprising a support comprising combing elements that can be moved between two positions relative to the said seat one of which positions being a position of use, the said combing member being configured, in the position of use, to remain attached to the seat so as to make it possible to comb the said keratinous material and spread the said product in a concomitant manner. This combing member is therefore configured, in the position of use, to remain secured to the seat. Such a feature allows the user to have a device comprising a position of use in which it is possible to comb the keratinous material and to spread the said cosmetic product in a simultaneous manner on at least a portion of the length of a keratinous material or fibre .

In the storage position, the said combing member may also remain associated with the seat. This member may be fitted around or in the product.

These combing elements are able to move in the said two positions outside application of product. These combing elements can be moved in the said two positions when there is no application of product on the keratinous material concerned. In other words, these elements can be moved in the two said positions without the stress exerted by the combing elements pressing on the keratinous material. These two positions may be stable.

These combing elements may comprise teeth. "Teeth" may in particular include a form of tapered rod, of thin spikes with a rounded free end, of thin strips or rods with very small balls at the ends. These combing elements may have the same or different configuration. These combing elements are distinct from reliefs formed on the surface of the product.

In general, the combing elements may comprise a first end for connection to the support, called the base, and a second free end, these elements having a tapered portion between their base and their free end. Therefore, a combing element may have a cross section which reduces, if necessary evenly, in the direction of the free end. These combing elements may be obtained by moulding. They may be made of a material that is impermeable to the product. They may, for example, be made of a thermoplastic such as a polyolefin, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene more commonly called ABS, a polyamide or other material.

The said combing elements may be distributed at regular or variable intervals. For example, two consecutive combing elements may comprise respective free ends spaced at a minimum of 0.5 mm and at a maximum of 5 mm, for example between 0.7 and 2 mm, preferably between 1 and 1.5 mm to be confirmed, notably approximately 1.2 mm. These combing elements are suitable for separating, or even disentangling, keratinous fibres. Such combing elements are distributed so that the keratinous fibres can mix between them so as to correctly make up the fibre (s) situated between, and to do so over the whole of their length. These combing elements, numbering at least two, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, may, as necessary, be covered externally with product over at least a portion of their height. More generally, the number of combing elements may be preferably between 2 and 40, if necessary between 5 and 20. However, this number is usually less than 60.

The combing elements may have a constant or variable height or length relative to their support. This height measured from the support may be between 1 mm and 100 mm. It may generally extend from the support to a height of less than 5 mm. The relative height of these elements relative to the total height of the device may be between 0.05 and 0.5.

Two consecutive bases may be joined together. As a variant, two consecutive bases may be detached. Two consecutive bases may therefore be spaced from one another at a distance of between 0 and 5 mm, for example between 0.2 and 3 mm, preferably between 0.4 and 1.5 mm, between 0.6 and 1.2 mm, if necessary at a distance equal to approximately 1 mm.

One and the same base may be common to several combing elements, for example to two combing elements.

The combing elements may have a cross section, for example, of a circular, elliptical, polygonal such as triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, lozenge or other shape. In a particular embodiment, these elements have a conical shape with a circular cross section .

At least one of the combing elements, if necessary a plurality, and even the totality of the said elements, may have at its base a cross section with a dimension greater than 0.5 mm. For example this section may be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, particularly of the order of 1 mm. At its free end, this cross section may have a dimension of between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, particularly of the order of 0.3 mm.

The said combing elements may, at their base and/or their free end, be arranged in one or more rows with a generally rectilinear or curvilinear profile. At least 30%, 50%, and even 80% or else 100% of the combing elements may extend in a common plane. At least one portion of the combing elements may extend in a curvilinear manner, if necessary in an arc of a circle or even in a full circle.

The combing elements can be moved between two advantageously stable positions relative to the said seat, usually one designed for the storage of the device in a position of non-use, the other designed for applying product in a position of use. It may, in particular, be possible to adjust the height or the orientation of the combing elements relative to the seat, and to do so if necessary by the intervention of a fitted part. This fitted part may if necessary be a product support sleeve-fitted in engagement on the combing elements.

The said combing elements may be made in a single piece with the said support, including combing elements that are bi-injected or overmoulded onto the said support.

As a variant, the combing elements may be fitted to the said support, particularly in corresponding housings. In such a case, they may be attached by any appropriate means in these housings such as by tight sleeve-fitting, screwing, snap-fitting, bonding, welding or other means.

The combing elements may be made of a material that is the same as or different from that of the support. The support may for example be made of a polyolefin, an ABS or a polyamide while the combing elements may be made of elastomer or a plastic coated with flocking.

The combing member may be able to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the seat and, if necessary, relative to the reserve of product. This reserve of product may define a free outer surface protruding relative to a free edge of the seat, suitable for being brought directly into contact with the keratinous material.

The combing member may be able to move relative to the seat by sliding, and, if necessary, by translation and/or rotation. Advantageously, the said combing member can be moved in translation, without interaction of matching threads, between at least two distinct heights relative to the seat. To do this, the device may comprise actuation means suitable for moving it.

In the extended position, each combing element may extend through a respective orifice of the seat. In this case, each of the combing elements extends through an orifice of the seat which is dedicated to it. To do this, indexation means may be provided. These indexation means may comprise an interaction such as rib with groove or lug with slot, or be associated with a correspondence of shape of the seat and of the support of the combing member, for example both of polygonal or elliptical shape in cross section.

The said combing member and the said reserve of product may be able to move relative to the seat independently of one another in extended and retracted positions .

The combing elements may protrude relative to a delivery opening defined by a free edge of the seat, particularly in the position of use. They may also protrude relative to the product and more particularly relative to the free outer surface of the product so as to provide a combing of the keratinous fibres and a simultaneous application of product.

In general, a cross section of a combing element may be, at its base, at least 10 or even 20 times less than the surface of the delivery opening. Moreover, a cross section of a combing element may be, at its free end, at least 100 or even 1000 times less than the surface of the delivery opening. The combing elements may extend only on one side of the free edge of the seat or on either side of this edge. At least one portion of the combing elements may then be facing the delivery opening and included in this opening. Moreover, at least a portion of the combing elements may extend out of contact with the edge defining the said delivery opening. Such a configuration may in particular be observed either by looking at the device from the top or by producing an orthogonal projection of the combing elements and of the free edge defining the delivery opening on a projection plane.

The said combing elements may pass through the product, particularly at two opposite surfaces of this product. These opposite surfaces may comprise a bottom surface resting on a product support and a free top surface designed to come into contact with the keratinous material.

Therefore, at least a portion of the combing elements may lead into the said product, that is to say emerge from the product. At least a portion of the height of the combing elements may be externally covered with product. All the periphery of the combing elements may be in contact with the product. Therefore, at least a portion of the combing elements may extend into the product. These combing elements are capable of protruding from a top portion defined by the product. This top portion may be provided opposite to a bottom of the device. In other words it may also be provided opposite to a bottom portion in contact with the product support.

These combing elements may be surrounded by product over at least 30% of their height. Such combing elements may be internally solid or contain no product. The combing elements may extend on either side of a mid-plane passing through this edge or tangential to this edge. Such a plane may be, as necessary, transverse to a lengthwise axis of the device.

The combing member may be held on the seat by retention means. These retention means may comprise snap-fitting means or clamping means by frictional contact. This seat defines at least in part one reserve of product. Such a seat may define a surface that can be accessed by the user for the purpose of holding it. In particular, the said combing member may be secured to a gripping member or a tube, the said tube being able to be in contact with the product to be applied.

At least a portion, or even all the combing elements, may extend to a variable height relative to their support or relative to the free edge of the seat delimiting the delivery opening.

As a variant, all the elements may extend to one and the same height relative to their support or relative to the free edge of the seat delimiting the delivery opening.

The device also comprises a product support, this support may be fixed or movable relative to the said seat. Such a seat may in particular extend at least partly under the product to be delivered when the device is placed on a resting surface. If necessary, this seat or a portion associated with this seat may support the product.

The product to be delivered may, for example, be a make-up product. Therefore, this product may, for example, be a mascara, a lipstick, a lip gloss, a nail varnish, a face powder, an eye shadow or an eye liner.

The product to be delivered may also be a keratinous care product or a hair shaping product such as a shampoo, a colouring product, a conditioner or a styling agent. "Styling agent" means any ingredient of a hair composition, particularly any polymer, having the function of providing cohesion to an assembly of hairs, by depositing a material limiting their relative movements.

The product to be delivered may also be a bodycare product, such as an anti-wrinkle cream, a concealer, an oil or a deodorant.

The product to be delivered is in stick form. "Stick" means a product which retains its predetermined shape in the absence of stress, at ambient temperature and at atmospheric pressure. A product packaged in stick form is self-supporting, preferably for at least 60 seconds, particularly when the latter is placed so that its lengthwise axis extends perpendicularly to a horizontal flat surface. Generally, such sticks are obtained by hot casting the product or else by extrusion . Advantageously, the stick of product may be a solid composition, in particular dry-crumbleable . "Dry- crumbleable" designates a composition that is capable, at ambient temperature, of forming an adhering and coating product on a substrate, particularly keratinous fibres, and more particularly eyelashes, when they are respectively placed in direct contact with one another, without requiring prior preparation, and, in this instance, without requiring first placing the composition in contact with an aqueous phase, as opposed to cake mascaras which water-crumbleable and must first be partially dissolved in order to be applied to the keratinous fibres and form an adhering and coating deposit. The composition that is dry- crumbleable according to the invention may be drawn off, transferred and spread.

For example, the stick of product may be a solid composition having a hardness of between 500 and 18 200 Pa, in particular between 900 and 10 000 Pa, and more particularly between 1800 and 8200 Pa. Such a hardness makes it possible to obtain a composition that is sufficiently rigid to be presented in stick form while having a "soft" enough texture to allow easy application to the eyelashes, particularly a deposit of material by placing in direct contact with the eyelashes, without applying pressure to the fringe of the eyelashes.

The method used for determining the hardness of a cosmetic composition according to the invention is that called the "cheesewire" method. Accordingly, a stick of the said composition, the hardness of which is to be determined, is prepared. The stick is obtained by casting a composition in an aluminium mould placed for 45 minutes at -28⁰C, and then removed from the mould and packaged in a packaging article, in particular a pen, and then kept at a temperature of 20⁰C for 24 hours before the measurement. A rigid wire of 250 μm diameter made of tungsten is advanced relative to the stick at a speed of 100 mm/min, so as to cut the stick transversely with the aid of the said wire. The measured hardness corresponds to the maximum shearing force exerted by the wire on the stick at 20⁰C, this force being measured by means of a DFGS2 dynamometer marketed by INDELCO-CHATILLON. The measurement is repeated six times. The average of the six values read by means of the abovementioned dynamometer, marked Y, is given in grams. This average is converted into Pascals by the following equation in order to obtain the hardness value of the stick: (Y x 10-3 x 9.8) /surface area of the cross section of the stick (in m²) .

In the case of a cylindrical stick of circular section, the surface area of the cross section is equal to π x R², R being the radius of the stick expressed in metres.

Preferably, the hardness of the compositions according to the present invention is such that the compositions are self supporting and moreover can be easily disintegrated to form a deposit on the surface of the keratinous fibres when they are brought into contact with them.

Cosmetic compositions as, for example, described in documents FR-2 881 343, FR-2 895 248 or FR-2 895 252 can, for example, be used in a device according to the invention.

For example, the stick of product may be stick- shaped, comprising a longitudinal axis. This stick may comprise a tubular and in particular cylindrical portion . The stick of product may, for example, have a cross section of circular, elliptical, oblong, polygonal or other shape. For example, the stick may have an inner cross section having a portion that is concave towards the inside and a portion that is convex towards the inside having an identical, or different, radius of curvature. For example, the radius of curvature of the portion that is concave towards the inside may be greater than that of the portion that is convex towards the inside, or vice-versa. The stick of product may also have a cross section of a ring section with a circular profile. More precisely, this stick may have a half-ring shape. The stick may also comprise two portions that are concave towards the inside. As a variant, the stick may comprise two portions that are convex towards the inside. Otherwise, the stick may comprise two portions that are convex towards the inside facing respectively two portions that are convex towards the inside of the gripping member. This product may define a free outer surface suitable for being brought directly into contact with the keratinous material. This free outer surface of the product is capable of extending in a protruding position relative to the delivery opening, that is to say relative to the free edge delimiting the delivery opening. In this stable state, or position, of the device, the combing elements and a free outer surface of the product are capable of coming substantially simultaneously into contact with a keratinous material to be made up or to be treated. More precisely, the device may be configured so that the product situated in a space separating two combing elements is suitable for coming together with the said two combing elements, simultaneously directly in contact with the said keratinous material to be made up or to be treated.

The said combing elements may comprise a free end that is flush, or even protruding, relative to the delivery opening, if necessary relative to the free outer surface of product. The said combing elements may comprise a first end, called the base, associated with their support and a second free end, the said first and second ends being able to be connected together via an intermediate portion extending at least partly into the product.

Certain or all of the combing elements may point in one and the same direction, particularly in a direction of delivering the product. These combing elements may extend wholly or partly in one and the same direction. At least one portion of the combing elements extends in a direction substantially indistinguishable from a lengthwise axis of the receptacle. They may extend parallel or obliquely relative to an axis of translation of a product support. They may be distributed circumferentially spaced on a product support with, if necessary, the free ends pointing in identical or distinct directions.

At least a portion of the combing elements may emerge substantially at the centre of the delivery opening.

The combing member may be mounted in an opening of the seat, provided on a portion forming the bottom of the seat. The said opening of the seat may be designed for the filling of the seat with product. The relative level between the combing elements and the product may as an option be adjustable. Therefore, according to a first variant of use, the user can if necessary apply product only, when the latter is positioned beyond the free ends of the combing elements. According to a second variant of use, he can comb the keratinous material prior to the deposition of product by placing the outer surface of the stick of product beneath the surface of the free ends of the combing elements. Finally, according to a third variant of use, the combing of the keratinous material and the application of the product may be carried out simultaneously.

According to another variant of the invention, the user may move the combing member relative to the product, the product being mobile or stationary. According to a first variant of use, the user may place the stick in the low position and the combing elements in a high, or extended, position relative to the product so that the user can only comb the keratinous material. According to a second variant of use, the product may be in the high, or protruding, position relative to the delivery opening, and the combing elements placed in the low, or retracted, position so that the product can be applied only, with no combing. According to a third variant of use, the product may be in the high, or protruding, position relative to the delivery opening, and the combing elements placed in the high, or extended, position so that the keratinous material is simultaneously combed and coated with product .

Such a device then makes it possible to modify the desired result, particularly of making up, depending on the positioning of the product and of the combing member.

According to a first particular embodiment, this device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product may comprise a product support, if necessary in the form of a plate, a tube forming a housing for the said product and an operating means for moving the plate in translation in the tube, the movement of the plate allowing product to be delivered via a delivery opening of the tube, the tube being erected in a seat. With such an arrangement, at least one of an outer cross section of the seat or of an inner cross section of a lateral wall of the tube comprises a portion that is convex towards the inside, the seat and the tube being able to have a non-homothetic section.

Therefore, the operating means can be included in the main cross section of the seat, and the device is advantageously compact.

For example, the lateral wall of the tube may comprise an inner cross section having a portion that is concave towards the inside and a portion that is convex towards the inside, the seat having an outer cross section that is convex towards the outside.

The plate may be in sealed contact with the lateral wall of the tube, in at least one position of the plate in the tube. In particular, the plate is in sealed contact with the inner periphery of the lateral wall when it is in the low position in the tube and the product does not protrude beyond the delivery opening. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the device is packed with product via the delivery opening.

The device may comprise a cap configured to interact with the seat, and in particular with a gripping member of the seat. Therefore, between two uses, the product is protected in the volume delimited by the tube, the plate and the cap. Advantageously, the cap provides a sealed closure of the seat, the product, the tube and the plate being placed inside this sealed volume .

The operating means may be limited to the main cross section of the seat. This arrangement favours the compactness of the device. Advantageously, the operating means is placed between the lateral wall of the tube and the seat, and more particularly between the zone of the lateral wall having the portion that is convex towards the inside and the seat.

The operating means may be slid into a groove of the tube. This groove may advantageously be made through the lateral wall, in an axial portion of this wall surrounded by the seat. Therefore the groove is masked by the seat. Moreover, if the operating means comprises a button, the latter protrudes longitudinally from the seat, the operating means comprising a longitudinal portion extending into the seat and having a lug passing through the groove. In this case, the groove may be formed in a longitudinal portion of the tube at a distance from the longitudinal portion in which the plate can be moved.

Accordingly, the lug of the operating means may interact with a distal end of a rod erected from a bottom of the plate, the rod extending into the tube in the direction of a bottom of the seat.

The button may comprise a free end placed substantially at the plate, the groove being configured to allow the movement of the plate up to the level of the opening of the tube. When the plate is in the high position and the plate is situated substantially at the level of the delivery opening, the free end of the button is situated around the delivery opening without however protruding beyond the level in which it extends .

The groove may comprise two axial stops so as to determine the maximum axial travel tolerated for the plate. This distance between the two axial stops corresponds substantially to the height of product which is, for example, placed on the plate.

For example, a ratio of the height of product before the first use to the total height of the device may be between 0.3 and 0.8, and preferably between 0.4 and 0.6, advantageously of the order of 0.5.

As a variant, this operating means may be mounted so that it can rotate, if necessary relative to the tube, and thus form a thumbwheel.

The product support may comprise a plate forming a seating element in order to accommodate the product which may be in stick form.

This plate may have holes in it. In other words, it may be permeable to the product, particularly when the product placed on this plate is in stick form, and it has been deposited thereon by hot casting, the stick having solidified in situ in the tube. In this case, the tube advantageously comprises a second opening, axially opposite to the first opening, so as to allow this casting of the product into the housing. The device is then presented "head down" under means for injecting the product.

The delivery opening of the tube may be closed off before the first use. This arrangement is in particular useful when the product is cast into its housing from an opening opposite from the delivery opening. To close off this delivery opening, a lid, for example, is provided. If the lid is rigid, it also makes it possible to shape a free end of the cast product. In a first embodiment that can be envisaged, in which the combing member is secured to the gripping member of the seat, once the product has been cast, the combing elements can be inserted through the said opening opposite to the delivery opening. These combing elements may then extend through the orifices of the product support and come into contact with the product. These elements may then pierce the product so as to, if necessary, protrude relative to a free outer surface of the product. In order to correctly position the stopper, positioning means, or indexation means, can be provided. Such positioning means may, for example, comprise housings or recesses made in the stopper and in which the combing elements will be able respectively to be positioned. At the end of the travel of the gripping member, the opening opposite to the delivery opening will be closed off by this gripping member. The stopper initially placed opposite to the delivery opening during the casting may then be removed, particularly once the product has properly cooled and, if necessary, solidified.

In a second embodiment that can be envisaged, in which the combing elements are secured to the tube of the seat, the product cast through the opening opposite to the delivery opening will pass through the orifices of the product support. The gripping member can then be positioned to close off the said opening. The stopper initially placed opposite to the delivery opening during casting can be removed. Here again, positioning means, for example similar to those described above, can be used.

The tube may widen in the direction of its delivery opening. The inner lateral wall of the tube is therefore easier to strip from the mould. In this case, when the plate is moved from its initial position, a space is created between the outer periphery of the plate and the inner periphery of the lateral wall. The movement may therefore be made without friction stresses preventing it. The product can also more easily separate from the walls.

The delivery opening of the tube may have an inner peripheral section that is substantially identical to that of the inner cross section of the tube. It then has a portion that is concave towards the inside and a portion that is convex towards the inside. Therefore, the product presented on the plate is moved through the delivery opening without being modified by the latter. The delivered product, if it takes the form of cake, then also has a concave portion and a convex portion. This shape of opening for the delivery of product is in particular suitable for coming into contact with an eyelash fringe. Specifically, the eyelashes being installed on the border of the eyelid, this eyelid following the contour of the eyeball, the base of the eyelashes is therefore situated on a curve. With such a shape of opening, it is therefore possible to coat a row of eyelashes by coating them with product from substantially the same point relative to their respective base. The make-up is therefore uniform. The combing elements may extend parallel to a lengthwise axis of the device and if necessary parallel to an axis of translation of the plate in the tube. They are configured so as to come into engagement with the keratinous fibres in order to separate or comb them at the same time as and/or before and/or after the application of the product to the fibres by means of the product delivered at the delivery opening. The combing elements are advantageously tapered in order to allow an efficient combing and/or separation of the keratinous fibres and in particular the eyelashes.

The portion that is concave towards the inside and the portion that is convex towards the inside may be substantially superposable, and placed opposite one another so that the delivery opening forms a curved slot. Such an arrangement in particular makes it possible to comply with the layout of a fringe of eyelashes at the border of an eyelid.

According to a particular method for applying a product to the eyelashes by means of a device according to the invention, the device is moved along a path defined in one and the same plane substantially perpendicular to the cornea and parallel to the plane of the nose. This path is in particular that of the delivery orifice which is then brought tangentially to the cornea into contact with the base of a row of eyelashes, the delivery orifice then being moved along the row of eyelashes in the direction of their respective free end, while pressing the eyelashes against the delivery opening. The movement of the device can be made along an iterative loop defined in one or more planes substantially perpendicular to the cornea and parallel to the plane of the nose, depending on the make-up that is sought. According to a second particular embodiment, this packaging and application device may comprise a gripping member, a stick of at least one cosmetic product, a framework that is fixed relative to the product and extending into the latter, the stick defining a free outer surface extending over at least a portion of the height of the framework, and a cap arranged to be attached to the gripping member and to cover the stick.

"Free outer surface" should be understood to be a surface with no contact with a wall overlapping it, during the use of the device. The stick may be formed of a single product or, as a variant, comprise two or even more different products. One of the products may be coloured and the other designed to provide sheen. The two products may be placed respectively on either side of a mid-plane for the framework. This mid-plane may support the combing elements. Such a product may be applied with no other requirement than to remove the protective cap. The framework may be attached relative to the gripping member. This framework helps to mechanically retain the product, which allows new possibilities with respect to the formulation, particularly makes it possible to use a relatively fragile product without the risk that the product breaks during use. Such a framework may be flat or not flat, for example cylindrical or corrugated. A flat shape may confer flexibility on the framework if necessary. The framework may have holes in it and/or comprise reliefs promoting the coupling of the product to the framework. In particular, the framework may comprise a plurality of holes, which holes being traversed by the product. The framework may be moulded in a single piece with the gripping member, for example in a thermoplastic such as a polyolefin.

The framework may have no contact with the cap when the latter is in place on the seat, and in particular on the gripping member of the seat. As a variant, the framework may come into contact with the cap when the latter is in place on the seat, which may, for example, make it possible to prevent the products from being mixed, if necessary.

The seat may comprise a filling opening, on the side opposite to the cap. The device may comprise a plugging member fixed into the filling opening, in a removable or irremovable manner.

The combing member may be mounted across the filling opening. In such a case, the combing member may form the plugging member.

The combing member may extend substantially over the whole height of the seat. In particular, it may extend through the framework supporting the product stick. The seat may have, over at least a portion of its height, an oblong outer cross section, but other shapes can be envisaged.

The cap may be arranged to rest in a stable manner upside-down on a horizontal flat surface. This may make it easier to refashion the stick. As a variant, the device may comprise a plinth independent of the cap, on which the cap may be placed upside-down in a stable manner . The product stick is advantageously able to fluidify through the provision of heat. The product has, for example, a melting point of less than or equal to 60 °C. A method for manufacturing such a device may comprise the steps of placing the cap upside-down and in place on the seat, at least one product being poured in the fluid state through the filling opening of the seat, and in particular of the gripping member of the seat, the cap being used as a mould in order to give the product its shape during cooling. A method for refashioning a stick of at least one product of a device as defined above comprises the steps consisting in placing the cap upside-down in place on the seat, and in heating the product in order to take it to a temperature at which it becomes fluid, so that the product, on cooling, takes the shape of the cap. The heating may be carried out for example by placing the device in a microwave oven.

A further subject of the present invention is a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to a keratinous material comprising:

- a reserve of cosmetic product in stick form,

- a seat receiving the said reserve of product,

- a combing member configured to separate the keratinous material comprising a support comprising combing elements that can be moved between two positions relative to the said seat one of which positions being a position of use, the said combing member comprising two consecutive combing elements along the said support, having a respective free end, the said free ends being spaced from one another by a distance greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, the said combing member being configured, in this position of use, to remain attached to the seat.

- a reserve of cosmetic product in stick form,

- a seat receiving the said reserve of product, - a combing member configured to separate the keratinous material comprising a support comprising combing elements that can be moved between two positions relative to the said seat one of which positions being a position of use, the said combing member and the said reserve of product being able to be moved relative to the seat independently of one another in the said two positions, the said combing member being configured, in a position of use, to remain attached to the seat. In particular, in one possible position of use, the combing elements may be in a retracted position while the reserve of product may be in an extended position .

- a reserve of cosmetic product in stick form,

- a seat receiving the said reserve of product, the said reserve of product being able to move relative to this seat,

- a combing member configured to separate the keratinous material, comprising a support comprising combing elements that can be moved between two positions relative to the said seat. In such a case, a selection system may, if necessary, be provided which, during the movement of the combing elements in a position for combing the keratinous material, may generate a movement of the product stick to the low position called the storage position or vice-versa. This system may, for example, use a flip-flop, counterweight or rack system. This system may comprise an electronic system which makes it possible to control the movement of the product in one direction while moving the combing elements in the opposite direction.

A final subject of the present invention is a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to a keratinous material comprising: - a reserve of cosmetic product in stick form,

- a seat receiving the said reserve of product,

- a combing member configured to separate the keratinous material, comprising a support comprising combing elements that can be moved between two positions relative to the said seat while remaining secured to the seat.

In other words, the combing member may remain associated with the seat during its movement between a position of use or of combing and a position of storage.

The invention may be better understood by reading the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a non- limiting embodiment of the latter, and in which: - Figure 1 is a profile view in perspective of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention with a mounted cover,

- Figure 2 is a profile view in perspective of a device according to the invention, the button being in the low position;

- Figure 3 is a top view, from the delivery opening of the device of Figure 2,

- Figure 4 is a profile view in perspective of a device according to the invention, the button being in the mid position,

- Figures 5 and 6 are exploded views in perspective of a device according to the invention,

- Figures 7 and 8 are views in longitudinal sections of variant embodiments of a device according to the invention, being filled,

- Figure 9 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of a product support of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 10 is a view in perspective slightly to the side and slightly from above of another embodiment of a product support of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 11 is a top view of the product support shown in Figure 10,

- Figure 12 is a view during use of a device according to the invention,

- Figures 13 to 17 are schematic top views, from the delivery opening of variant embodiments of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 18 represents schematically in longitudinal section a second embodiment of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 19 is a longitudinal section along II-II of Figure 18,

- Figure 20 represents the device of Figure 19, with no product or cap,

- Figure 21 is an exploded view in perspective of the device represented in Figure 19, - Figure 22 represents the device closed, in a front view,

- Figure 23 represents the device after the cap has been removed,

- Figure 24 is a side view of the device, after the cap has been removed,

- Figures 25 to 27 illustrate the appearance of the product as it is consumed, in the event of refashioning of the application surface,

- Figure 28 represents in section, in isolation and partially, a variant embodiment of the cap,

- Figure 29 illustrates the use of a plinth for placing the cap upside-down,

- Figure 30 is a view similar to Figure 24 of a variant embodiment, - Figure 31 is a view similar to Figure 19 of a variant embodiment,

- Figure 32 is a view in longitudinal section of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention, - Figure 33 is a cutaway view in perspective of the device shown in Figure 32, and

- Figure 34 is an exploded view in perspective of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 35 is a view in perspective of the device shown in Figure 34 in the assembled state after the cap has been removed,

- Figure 36 is a view in perspective of the device shown in Figure 35 in a first combing position,

- Figure 37 is a view in perspective of the device shown in Figure 35 in a second combing position,

- Figure 38 is a view in longitudinal section of a variant of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 39 is an exploded view in longitudinal section of the variant embodiment of the device shown in Figure 38,

- Figure 40 is a view in longitudinal section of another variant of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 41 is a view in longitudinal section of another variant of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention, - Figure 42 is an exploded view in perspective of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 43 is a view in longitudinal section of the device shown in Figure 42 in the assembled state, in a first configuration,

- Figure 44 is a view in longitudinal section of the device shown in Figure 42 in the assembled state, in a second configuration,

- Figure 45 is a view in perspective of the device shown in Figure 43,

- Figure 46 is a view in perspective of the device shown in Figure 44.

Figure 1 represents a first embodiment of a packaging and application device 1 according to the invention .

Such a device may comprise on the one hand a seat

2 and on the other hand a cap 3. This cap may be mounted on the seat between a position covering the product and a cleared position.

According to this embodiment, the assembly comprising the device 1 and the cap 3 defines a cylinder the generatrix of which corresponds, in this example, to an axis of translation X of the cap 3 relative to the seat 2, during the mounting of this cap

3 onto the device 1. This axis X may be a lengthwise axis of the device.

The cap 3 may comprise a top wall from which a peripheral skirt extends. This cap, and in particular the said top wall, may comprise a mirror (not shown) designed to make it easier to apply the product.

Such a seat comprises a gripping member 205. The cap 3, and in particular the said peripheral skirt, may be limited to the main cross section of the gripping member 205. In particular, a section transversal to the axis X of the assembly has a contour that is convex towards the outside, for example of an ovoid shape. In particular, the cross section is elliptical with the large axis being Y. Along the axis X, in the assembled position, the gripping member 205 has a height Hl, and the cap a height H2. The ratio of the height Hl to the total of the heights Hl and H2, corresponding substantially to the height of the assembly in the assembled position, is between 0.3 and 0.4, and preferably of the order of 1/3. Preferably, the height Hl corresponds to the thickness of a thumb. Specifically, the gripping member is notably configured to be trapped in a grip between two fingers, for example between the thumb and the index finger. Hl is for example between 1 and 3 centimetres, preferably between 1.5 and 2 cm.

To make it possible to apply the contained product, the user detaches the cap 3 from the seat 2, the device 1 then having the form shown in Figure 2. The cap 3 is, for example, held onto the seat and notably onto the gripping member of the device by snap- fitting means 4. The cap 3 may also comprise an annular lip 5 engaged by force in an annular space 6 defined by the gripping member.

The annular space 6 is defined at an edge 7 of a lateral wall 8 of the gripping member. The lateral wall 8 is erected on a bottom 9 defined transversely to the axis X. A first outer annular skirt 10 is erected on the edge 7. This skirt has an outer periphery defined along the generatrix of the outer periphery of the cylindrical lateral wall 8. The annular space 6 is defined between this first outer annular skirt 10 and a second inner annular skirt 11, extending along the generatrix of the cylindrical inner periphery of this lateral wall 8.

In the example, particularly visible in Figure 2, the snap-fitting means 4 are shown in the form of a transverse flange 12 protruding towards the outside of the gripping member, from the second inner annular skirt 11. For this purpose, the second inner annular skirt 11 may have a height along the axis X that is greater than that of the outer annular skirt 10. Advantageously, the inner annular skirt 11 has two transverse flanges like 12, these two flanges advantageously extending substantially parallel to the large axis Y of the ellipse formed by the outer periphery of the inner annular skirt 11.

These snap-fitting means 4 may be configured to interact with a matching relief provided on the inside of the cap 3. The axial immobility of the cap 3 relative to the seat 2 is thus obtained.

To seal the closure, as seen above, the annular lip 5 is gripped between the inner periphery of the first outer annular skirt 10 and an annular flute or snap ring 13 provided protruding from the second annular skirt 11 into the annular space 6.

As a variant of the relief 4 as shown, a second annular flute or snap ring may be provided. In such a case, the cap may have no relief. This dual sealing cordon associated with the presence of two flutes makes it possible to have a good sealed grip of the cap.

The cap 3 assembled to the seat 2 thus makes it possible to define a sealed inner volume, a static seal being provided between these two parts. The product contained in the assembly is protected against the outside environment.

The seat 2 also comprises a tube 14. This tube is erected inside the gripping member 205, the tube 14 being fitted inside this member. Such a tube 14 therefore protrudes relative to the gripping member 205. This tube 14 defines a housing for a reserve of product P. The seat 2, and in particular this tube 14, comprises a free rim or edge 25 delimiting a delivery opening 15 for the product P. This delivery opening 15 may be axially opposite to the bottom 9.

Figure 3, an inner cross section of the tube 14, is in the shape of a "bean". Specifically, this inner cross section comprises a portion 16 that is concave towards the inside and a portion 17 that is convex towards the inside. These portions, the concave portion 16 and convex portion 17, extend along a side with a larger dimension of a cross section of the device. More particularly, these concave and convex portions extend generally along the large axis Y, and in particular on either side of this axis. The delivery opening 15 then has a section that is substantially identical to that of the tube 14. Preferably, the portions 16 and 17 are facing one another so that the delivery opening forms a slot extending along a curve C.

The portions 16 and 17 have different radii of curvature so that the width of the slot measured perpendicularly to the curve C passes through a maximum in a mid-zone, at a distance from the ends of the portions 16 and 17. In the example shown, the portion 16 that is concave towards the inside has a smaller radius than the portion 17 that is convex towards the inside, so that, at the ends, there is a small radius which makes it possible to make up the eyelashes of the corner of the eye and, so that, at the centre, there is a greater width in order to allow filling and obtain a considerable volume of product. The tube 14 is cylindrical with a generatrix parallel to the axis X. A lateral wall 18 of this tube has an outer face having a profile 19 that is convex towards the outside and a profile 20 that is concave towards the outside to match the respectively concave portion 16 and convex portion 17. The lateral wall 18 has, in this example, a substantially constant thickness. The profile 19 that is convex towards the outside also extends substantially along the curve C. It is placed in contact with the inner periphery of the inner annular skirt 11. Preferably, this curve C extends along the large axis Y of the ellipse formed by the cross section of the gripping member 205. There is therefore a space 21 between the profile 20 that is concave towards the outside and the inner periphery of the lateral wall 8.

An operating means 22 is placed partly in this space 21. The operating means 22 comprises a button 23 housed in the space 21 and interacting with a product support or plate placed inside the tube 14, such that a movement of the button along the axis X allows a translation along this axis of the plate in the tube 14 for the purpose of delivering product via the delivery orifice 15. The button 23 is limited to the main cross section of the gripping member 205, and even limited to the main cross section of the annular flute 13.

As a variant, the portion 16 that is concave towards the inside may have a radius of curvature that is identical to and therefore can be superposed on that of the portion 17 that is convex towards the inside. As a further variant, shown in Figure 13, the radius of curvature of the portion 16 that is concave towards the inside may be greater than that of the portion 17 that is convex towards the inside. As a variant, Figure 14, the outer periphery of the gripping member 205 defines a semicircle, inside which the tube 14 is placed delimiting the housing for the product P. The inner periphery and outer periphery of the tube 14 represents a half-ring. As a variant, Figure 15, the tube 14 has a profile that is wholly concave towards the inside and is erected in a gripping member 205 having two concavities towards the outside, forming respectively two portions 101 and 102 that are convex towards the inside. The operating means 22, in this embodiment, is housed in the space 21 defined between the outer periphery of the lateral wall 18 and the concavity towards the inside defined by the wall 8 between the two convex portions 101 and 102. As a variant, Figure 16, the tube 14 comprises two portions 111 and 112 that are convex towards the inside, and the gripping member 205 has a portion 113 that is convex towards the inside. The convex portion 113 of the gripping member 205 is placed opposite the convex portion 111 of the tube 14, the operating means 22 being placed between the second convex portion 112 of the tube 14 and the gripping member 205.

As a variant of Figure 16, as shown in Figure 17, the tube 14 has two portions 111 and 112 that are convex towards the inside facing respectively two portions 113 and 114 that are convex towards the inside of the gripping member 205. A space 21 is nevertheless made between the wall 18 and the gripping member 205 in which the bulk of the operating means 22 can be placed. It is possible for the outer cross section of the seat to be not homothetical with the inner cross section of the tube 14.

The device comprises a combing member 26 comprising a support 260 from which combing or separation elements 264 stand.

This combing member may be mounted around the seat 2, and more precisely around the tube 14. This combing member may be provided close to the free edge 25.

The combing elements 264 include a base 265 connected to the support and a free end 261. Two consecutive combing elements may comprise a respective free end 261 spaced from one another along the support at a distance greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, for example approximately 1 mm. Advantageously, they are spaced at a distance of less than or equal to 5 mm.

These combing elements 264 may be obtained by moulding and in particular injection moulding of a thermoplastic. They may be made in one piece with the said support 260, including in a single piece by bi- injection or overmoulding.

As a variant, these combing elements 264 may be associated by any appropriate means with this support 260 such as by sleeve-fitting, screwing, snap-fitting, bonding, welding or other means. For example, the combing elements may be inserted into matching housings provided on the said support.

The combing elements 264 and the support 260 may, if necessary, be made of one and the same material or of different materials. For example, the combing elements may be made of a material that is more flexible than that used to produce the support.

The combing member 26 can be moved between two positions, in some cases stable positions, relative to the seat over at least a portion of the height of the seat. This combing member can also be moved relative to the said product reserve over at least a portion of its height .

To do this, the tube may if necessary comprise externally a reduction 141 forming a shoulder. This shoulder may form a low stop for the support 260 of the combing member 26 in the retracted position. A sliding surface 140 of the support may extend from this shoulder. This reduction may allow an outer surface of the support 260 and an outer surface of the tube 14 to extend in the continuity of one another in the mounted position of the combing member 26.

The combing member 26 can be moved along the axis X relative to the seat between an extended position, called the position of use, and a retracted position, called the storage position. More precisely, this member is moved in translation. This member may be moved without interaction of matching threads, by being pushed manually. In some cases, it may be guided in its movement by the seat 2, and in particular by an outer surface of the tube 14.

The movement of the combing member 26 does not interfere with the movement of the product reserve and vice-versa. In other words, the movement of the combing member and of the product reserve relative to the seat occurs independently of one another in the said two positions .

In the extended position, the free ends 261 of the combing elements may protrude wholly or partly relative to the free edge 25 of the seat.

In the retracted position, the free ends 261 of these combing elements may extend wholly or partly flush with or beneath the free edge 25. In other words, in the retracted position, the combing elements may therefore extend wholly or partly to a height that is equal to or less than that defined by the said free edge along the axis X.

This combing member is configured, in the position of use, to remain secured to the seat. Such a feature allows the user to have a device comprising a position of use in which it is possible to comb the keratinous material and to spread the said cosmetic product in a concomitant manner on at least a portion of the length of a keratinous material or fibre.

The seat may comprise means 266 for retaining the combing member 26 on the seat in the extended and/or retracted position. These retention means may comprise snap-fitting means. These snap-fitting means may comprise one or more protuberances provided on the tube 14. These protuberances may, if necessary, interact with matching recesses of the support 260 of the combing member.

As a variant, these snap-fitting means may comprise a flange extending over substantially the whole periphery of the seat. This support may also be held by tight sleeve-fitting on the seat.

The combing elements 264 may comprise teeth or spikes. Such combing elements may for example be conical. They may have a circular base with a diameter for example of the order of 1 mm. The diameter at the free end may, for its part, be of the order of 0.3 mm.

As examples, several possible arrangements of the combing elements are illustrated in Figures 13 to 17. These combing elements are placed on the periphery of the seat. In particular, these elements are placed on the periphery of the tube 14 so as to follow the periphery of this tube. These combing elements may be distributed in at least one row of teeth. In particular, these combing elements may be distributed in a plurality of rows of teeth, for example two, three or more in number. Such combing elements may then be placed in line from one row to the other. As a variant, the combing elements may be placed offset or in a zigzag. Each row may then comprise a combing element situated overhanging relative to two elements of the other row.

The combing elements may be placed in a linear or curvilinear row or even be placed in a circle. Such elements may have a cross section with a dimension that reduces from the centre to at least one, or even both peripheral ends of the product, in some cases along the curve C. The combing elements may, for example, have a cross section of circular or oval shape or of polygonal shape such as triangular or diamond shape.

The free end 261 may come flush with, or even protrude relative to a free outer surface 100 of the product. An imaginary line connecting the free ends of the combing elements may have a curved or rectilinear profile. When the said combing elements are placed in a curved arrangement, these free ends may define an arc of a circle, possibly indistinguishable from the curve C. This arc of a circle may for example have a radius of curvature, in some cases, that is identical to that of the portion 16 and to that of the portion 17. This curve may stretch along a plane transversal to a lengthwise axis of the device.

These elements can be positioned so that they extend over at least a portion of the height of the product, and even over at least the whole height of the product . At least one portion of the combing elements may extend substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of the device, and, in some cases, substantially parallel to the axis X.

The button 23 has a contour and/or a surface effect making its manipulation easier. In particular, the button comprises a recess configured to interact with the pad on the end of the thumb.

The lateral wall 18 comprises guide rails 24 for interacting with the button 23. In Figure 4, the button is in a mid-way position between a free border of the second inner skirt 11 and the delivery opening, the product shown here in the form of a solid cake is standing partly outside the delivery opening 15.

The button 23 can be moved relative to the tube 14 between a low position and a high position. In the low position, an axial free end of the button, relative to its axis of translation X, protrudes from the seat 2 and is situated close to the free border of the second inner skirt 11. Conversely, in the high position, the axial free end is placed substantially in the plane of the delivery opening 15, and more particularly at the free edge 25 of the lateral wall 18 of the tube 14.

The button 23 comprises a wall forming a screen 27 which emerges progressively from the seat when it is brought from the low position to the high position. This screen 27 is initially masked in the seat 2 in the low position. This screen 27 comprises, as can be seen in the exploded views of Figures 5 and 6, a lug 29 standing transversely to this screen, at a free end opposite to the free end of the button configured to be manipulated. Even in the high position, the button can extend to a height lower than the free end of the combing elements. The lug is configured to pass through a groove 28 formed in an axial portion 30 of the lateral wall 18. In particular, the groove 28 is formed in the face 20 that is concave towards the outside. The groove 28 guides the sliding of the button along the tube 14. Advantageously, the groove 28 is formed in the portion of the tube 14 contained in the seat. It is masked both by the seat and the button 23, in particular the screen 27 of the button 23. The groove 28 emerges at an axial end opposite to that defining the delivery opening 15. Therefore the lug 29 can be inserted into the groove 28 by translation along the groove 28.

The lug 29 comprises one end 31 engaged in an orifice 32 formed in a rod 33. This rod 33 may rise from a perforated bottom 34 of the plate 35 on which the product is placed. The rod 33 rises in a direction opposite to the movement of the plate going from the low position to the high position along the axis X. The end 31 may be snap-fitted, or else in a tightening assembly. Alternatively, given the confinement of the button and of the plate relative to the tube, the engagement may be flexible, the only mobility tolerated being axial along the axis X.

As a variant, the button 23 and the plate 35 may be made in a single piece. This part may then have the shape of a "U" comprising an arm for connection to the product support, a flange protruding from the device through the groove 28 to come facing, in the present example, the portion 20 that is concave towards the outside. Such a part may be inserted into the groove 28 by translation along the groove 28.

The rod 33, inside the tube, is situated in the portion masked by the seat 2 when the button 23 is in the low position. The groove 28 forms, in cooperation with the bottom 9, a first translation abutment Bl of the button relative to the tube. The low position is thus determined.

It is possible, in this low position, to provide the plate 35 to be in sealed engagement with the inner periphery of the tube 14. For this purpose, the outer periphery of the plate has a slightly larger periphery than the cross section of the inner periphery of the lateral wall 18 so as to culminate in a sealed tightness. On the other hand, no provision is preferably made for dynamic sealing between the plate and the inner periphery of the tube when the plate is operated in translation inside the tube 14. Specifically, the inner periphery of the lateral wall is slightly flared in the direction of its delivery opening 15.

The plate 35 comprises an annular lip 36 in order to delimit the seating element designed to receive the product to be delivered. This annular lip 36 may come into sealed elastic contact with the inner periphery of the lateral wall, in particular in the low position.

Such a plate 35 may also comprise a plurality of crossmembers 42 connecting two portions facing the bottom 34. These crossmembers may define between them openings or orifices 40. These crossmembers make it possible to improve the anchoring of the product to its support. Such crossmembers may for example be three in number. Wings may be erected from these crossmembers. Such wings may then protrude from the bottom 34. These wings may, if necessary, rise substantially parallel with one another.

A means 43 for stiffening this support, for example in the form of a beam, may connect these crossmembers. In some cases, openings may be left on either side of this beam, between the said beam and the bottom 34.

According to a variant represented in Figures 10 and 11, these wings may, for example, be four in number. They may be placed so that two adjacent wings extend on respective intersecting planes. In particular, these wings may define between them an acute angle, for example of the order of 25°. Moreover, a first and a third wing may extend parallel to one another, as may a second and a fourth wing. Such an arrangement ensures a good anchoring of the product to its support.

The groove 28 comprises a second abutment B2 axially opposite to the first abutment Bl, this second abutment being situated beyond the level of the annular lip 36 when the button is in the low position. Because of this, the product height H3 before the first use may correspond to the distance between the plate 35 in the low position and the plane of the free edge 25. This height H3 is, for example, of the order of 3 cm. The total height H4 between the bottom 9 of the seat and the free edge 25 of the tube 14 when the latter is mounted is substantially equal to twice the height H3. The ratio R of the height H3 over the height H4 is of the order of 0.5, as is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

In Figures 7 to 9, it is possible to see that the openings 40 provided in the bottom 34 in order to make it permeable to the product allows product to be filled through the bottom, the seat 2 then not being placed around the tube.

To fill the devices according to the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the upper lip of the plate 35 being tight in the tube 14, it prevents the button from sliding by gravity towards its high position. The cap 3 is put in place.

Also provided is a stopper 41 arranged inside the tube in order to plug the housing and shape the free end of the product hot cast into its housing. The stopper 41 has a gripping means protruding into the cap to make it easier to remove at the time of the first use. The stopper 41 may be produced in one piece with the cap 3 or be fitted in fixed engagement in this cap 3. This fitted element may, for example, comprise a plate, in some cases a flexible plate, or a foam mounted in the cap.

This cap 3 may comprise positioning means comprising for example a plurality of housings, or recesses, in which the combing elements may extend, particularly during the casting of the product or during the replacement of the cap in the closed position of the seat in order to force the combing member from its high position to its low position. More precisely, the stopper 41 may be provided with the said positioning means.

As a variant, the device may be filled through the top, that is to say through the opening 15. In this case, the bottom 35 can be completely closed off.

According to another variant, the product may be moulded independently of the device and fitted into the device .

The distance between the two abutments Bl and B2, minus the axial height of the lug 29 at the groove 28, defines the tolerated axial travel of the plate 35 in the tube and corresponds substantially to the distance between the low position and the high position. Advantageously, when the button is in the high position, the end of the wings of the plate 35 is substantially level with the delivery opening 15. As a variant not shown, a member permeable to the product may be placed at the level of the delivery opening 15. This permeable member may be porous, fibrous, alveolar, or else pierced with several channels. Therefore the flow rate and the delivery of the product at the opening may be modified. A more liquid formula may therefore be delivered. In this case, the plate is designed to be in sealed contact with the tube 14 over the whole height between the low position and the high position. Additionally, the free edge 25 may also comprise separation/combing elements 26.

The gripping member 2, the cap 3, the tube 14, the button 23 and the plate 35 are for example obtained by moulding. They are for example respectively made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyoxymethylene (POM), ABS or another material. Preferably, the plate 35 and the tube 14 will not be made in one and the same material in order to prevent friction between two parts with the same coefficient of friction. Therefore, the movement of the plate 35 relative to the tube 14 may be fluid and not cause a grating noise.

As shown in Figure 12, the device 1 according to the invention is particularly configured for the application of a pasty product to the eyelashes. This device is innovative for the users, as is the action of use. Specifically, such a device is preferably used by bringing the device into contact with the base of the eyelashes, by presenting the large axis Y substantially tangential to the cornea, the path that the user imposes on the device to obtain the desired coating of her eyelashes follows a loop in a movement the components of which are defined in a plane perpendicular to the cornea and parallel to the ridge of the nose. The movement is divided into three stages, and corresponds to the movements Fl, F2 and F3 schematized in Figure 12.

According to this action of application, the user preferably presents the curve C defined by the delivery opening 15 substantially parallel to the curve formed by the free border of the eyelid at which the eyelashes are implanted.

Advantageously, the edges defined at the junction between the portions 16 and 17 respectively allow an enhanced treatment of the edges of a row of eyelashes, particularly for the coating of the eyelashes on the inner edge and outer edge of the eye, including occasional retouches. In this case, the movements of the device are always carried out in the plane perpendicular to the cornea and parallel to the ridge of the nose, but in this case, the large axis Y is placed in this plane.

It should be noted that such a device makes it possible to comb the keratinous material without applying product, or to apply the product without combing the keratinous material, or to comb the keratinous material and apply the product in a concomitant manner.

Figures 18 to 31 represent a second embodiment of a device 1 ' for packaging and applying at least one cosmetic product, including a care product, to the keratinous fibres. Only the elements of the second embodiment that differ from the elements of the first embodiment will be described. Similar reference numbers with a prime sign added have been attributed to elements of the second embodiment that are similar to the elements of the first embodiment.

This second embodiment differs notably from the first embodiment in that the gripping member and the tube are only one and in that there is no operating means and notably no button. Moreover, the product support called a plate with reference to the first embodiment will, in this second embodiment, be called the inner framework.

The packaging and application device 1 ' shown in Figures 18 to 31 comprises a seat 2' on which a protective cap 3' can be fixed.

The seat 2' comprises a gripping member 205' which the user can take hold of. In the example in question, the gripping member 205' comprises a filling opening 200' situated on the side opposite to the cap 3' closed off by a bottom or plugging member.

The device 1 ' also comprises an inner framework 35' optionally fixed relative to the gripping member 205'. This framework is for example moulded in a single piece with the gripping member 205', for example in a thermoplastic.

The framework 35' is designed to mechanically hold the product, which allows new possibilities in the matter of the formulation; it notably makes it possible to use a relatively fragile product without the risk of the product breaking during use. Such a framework may therefore be attached relative to the product and extend into the latter.

This framework 35' may or may not be flat, for example cylindrical or corrugated. A flat shape may confer flexibility on the framework, in some cases. In the example illustrated in Figure 18, the framework 35' has a flattened shape with a thickness e which can, for example, decrease slightly in the direction of its upper edge or rim 37', which may exhibit in front view a substantially semicircular shape.

The cap 3 ' can be attached to the gripping member 205' of the seat 2' in various ways, for example by friction or snap-fitting, or even by screwing if the shape of the cap allows it. The framework 35' may have no contact with the cap 2' when the latter is in place.

The filling opening 200' may be formed inside a base 202' of the gripping member 205' . This opening may lead onto a through-housing 351' designed to receive the combing member 26' .

In other words, the framework 35' may define a through-housing 351', as illustrated in Figure 19, situated in the extension of the filling opening 200' and designed to receive a combing member 26' . In particular, this housing may extend from the base 202' to at least one orifice 352'. The said at least one orifice may open onto the rim 37 ' of the framework 35 '.

As shown in Figure 21, several orifices may be provided along this rim. Each combing element 264' may be received through a respective orifice 352 ' in the mounted position of the combing member in the seat 2 ' , and more precisely in the mounted position of the combing member in the framework 35 '. In this case, each of the combing elements extends through an orifice of the seat which is dedicated to it. The combing member 26', and if necessary the combing elements 264', may be mounted in reversible fixed engagement in the said housing by any appropriate means, such as by tight sleeve-fitting, snap-fitting or other means.

The base 202' has, for example, a cross section of polygonal shape and in particular rectangular shape, as can be seen in particular in Figure 20 or 21, in order to correctly index the positioning of the combing member 26' in the said housing.

The combing member 26' may also be attached in various ways to the gripping member 205', for example by friction, snap-fitting or screwing. The combing member is mounted removably in the said housing.

The combing member 26' may form a member 9' for plugging the filling opening 200'. This plugging member may be made in a single piece with the support 260' of the combing member. As a variant, this plug may be fitted to this support.

In the example in question, the plugging member 9' comprises a sealing skirt 90 ' which is pressed sealingly onto an inner surface 201' of the filling opening 200'. As a variant, the support may comprise a sealing lip coming into sealed engagement on this surface 201'. This sealing lip may comprise a swelling.

This combing member 26' may occupy an extended position of use in which it is secured to the framework

35' and in which the combing elements emerge into the product so as to protrude relative to a free outer surface 100' of the product. This combing member may also occupy a retracted position in which either it is separated from the seat 2 ' or it is moved in the said housing 351' so that the free ends 261' of the combing elements do not protrude relative to the free outer surface 100' of the product.

Stable positions of the combing member may be obtained with the aid of appropriate retention means, such as snap-fitting means, screwing means, tightening means or other means.

The said sealing means may hold the combing member 26' in the said housing.

The gripping member 205' may comprise a free edge or rim 25' optionally extended by a crank to allow the cap 3 ' to be included in the continuity of the outer surface of the gripping member 205' .

In the example in question, the gripping member

205' has, on at least one portion of its height, an outer cross section of oblong shape, particularly substantially elliptical, as can be seen in Figures 20 and 21 for example.

The framework 35 may be connected to the gripping member 205' by diametrically opposed uprights 350', the framework 35' being, in the example in question, flattened on a plane containing the large axis of the cross section of the seat 2 ' .

The framework 35' may be pierced in the example in question, comprising a plurality of holes 38' optionally traversed by the product so as to improve the anchoring of a stick of a product P to the framework 35'. As a variant, or additionally, the framework 35' may comprise reliefs promoting the coupling of the product to the framework. The combing elements 264' may be made in a single piece with their support 260'. As a variant, they may be fitted to their support and fixed by any appropriate means, such as by sleeve-fitting, screwing, tightening, welding, bonding or other means. As illustrated in Figure 20, the combing element

264' can be included in the delivery opening 15' defined by the free edge 25'. In addition, these elements may extend at a distance from this free edge.

In particular, these combing elements are arranged on a rim 37' of the framework 35' . This rim 37' may define an anchoring surface for the combing elements that is curved, for example, in a semicircle.

As shown in this Figure 20, the combing elements

264' may comprise at least one row of teeth arranged in a curved profile. These combing elements 264' may, for example, extend over at least an eighth of the circle, a sixth of the circle, a quarter of a circle, a third of a circle or even a half of a circle. Such combing elements may extend radially relative to the said framework 35' or substantially parallel to a radius defined by this circle. Such combing elements 264' may therefore point in identical directions. In other words, these combing elements 264' may extend substantially parallel with one another. These combing elements 264' may in particular extend on a lengthwise plane of the device 1 ' .

According to a variant shown in Figure 31, the combing elements 264' may comprise at least one row of teeth the free ends 261' of which extend to one and the same height. Such free ends may be arranged in a rectilinear profile.

To do this, the combing elements 264' may have, at least for some of them, or even the totality, an identical length. However, the combing elements 264' at the centre, or at the summit, of the rim 37' may protrude for a shorter length than the peripheral teeth. More precisely, this length may decrease from the centre, or summit, of the framework towards the periphery of this framework. The combing elements may therefore protrude increasingly as they get closer to the free edge 25' . Here again, such combing elements may point in one and the same direction and extend substantially parallel with one another. As can be seen in particular in Figures 19 and 31, the combing elements 264' may extend at least partly into the stick of product. These combing elements may traverse the product over substantially the whole of its height. In particular, these combing elements may traverse the product at two opposite portions or surfaces of this product. These two opposite portions may comprise a lower portion or surface resting on the product support and an upper portion or surface designed to come into contact with the keratinous material to be made up or treated. When the device is placed on a resting surface, with the seat, and in particular the bottom of the gripping member, resting on this surface, the combing elements may extend beneath, through and above the product. In other words, these elements then extend inside the product so as to emerge flush with, or even protruding from, the product. More precisely, these combing elements 264' comprise respective free ends 261' suitable for coming flush with or, as it happens, protrude relative to the free outer surface 100' of the product.

In the example in question, the stick P extends above the seat 2' inside the cap 3' but there is no departure from the context of the present invention when the stick of product P also extends inside the seat 2', and in particular the gripping member 205', at least before the first use of the device 1.

The stick of product P may have various shapes and for example an oblong cross section, elongated on a large axis Xi, the dimension di of the stick P along the axis Xi being, for example, such that the ratio di/cb, where d2 designates the dimension along the small axis X2 perpendicular to Xi, is between 4 and 1, this range of values naturally being in no way limiting. The stick of product P may define a free outer surface 100' extending over at least a portion of the height of the framework. This surface may have no contact with a wall covering it, during the use of the device. In other words, the stick of product P covers the framework 35' over a height h while having a free outer surface 100' during use, the said free outer surface being able to vary gradually as the stick of product is used up. Therefore, the product may be applied with no other requirement than to remove the protective cap.

The product or the products may be designed for application to the keratinous fibres. This product may be cast into the device through the filling opening 200', the combing member 26' being removed and the cap being in place on the seat 2 ' , the device 1 ' being upside-down .

Filling with the cap 3' in place is appropriate when the adhesion of the product to the cap 3' is sufficiently weak to prevent damage to the stick of product P the first time the cap 3' is removed.

The cap 3' may if necessary be made of a material that reduces the adhesion of the product or which has sustained a surface treatment which produces the same effect.

This cap 3' may comprise positioning means comprising for example a plurality of housings, or recesses, in which the combing elements may extend particularly during the casting of the product. As a variant, a fitted element, such as a flexible plate or a foam, provided with the said positioning means may be applied.

In a variant, the product is cast in a mould above which the seat 2 ' is placed upside-down, for example a mould made of silicone or any other material making it possible to obtain a stripping action without damaging the stick of product P.

The product may be formulated so as to be easily fluidified. This may allow the user to refashion the application surface after consumption of a portion of the product, by positioning the device 1' upside-down and exposing the product, cap in place, to a source of heat, for example in a microwave oven.

In order to be held upside-down during the fluidification of the product, the cap 3' may be made, as illustrated in Figure 28, with a flattened summit 300'. The cap is therefore arranged in order to rest in a stable manner upside-down on a flat horizontal surface. This may make it easier to refashion the stick of product.

As a variant, as illustrated in Figure 29, a plinth 301' may be used, this plinth being arranged to keep the device 1' vertical, with the cap at the bottom. The refashioning of the application surface makes it possible to have a stick of product P closely following the shape of the inner surface of the cap, as the product is consumed, as illustrated in Figures 23 to 27. In the variant illustrated in Figure 30, the device 1' comprises a stick of product comprising two different products Pi and P2 each substantially occupying, for example, half of the said stick. The two products may be placed respectively on either side of a mid-plane for the framework. One of the products may be coloured and the other designed to provide sheen, the two products being able to be applied one after the other, for example. The framework 35' may be identical to that of the example previously described.

The product may be cast by the user himself, in some cases, in the device, this product being for example generated based on one or more components which are mixed in proportions chosen by the user depending upon the desired result.

The positioning means provided for accommodating the combing elements may be of a length such that the inner wall of the cap, or of the fitted element, is capable of butting against the said rim 37' when the cap 3' is put in place on the seat 2', and to do so in order to prevent the products Pl and P2 from mixing. In such a case, the cap or the fitted element serve as a partition member for the cast products. Figures 32 and 33 represent a third embodiment of a device 1 ' ' for packaging and applying at least one cosmetic product, including a care product, to the keratinous fibres.

Only the elements of the third embodiment that differ from the elements of the first embodiment will be described. Similar reference numbers with a second sign added have been attributed to elements of the third embodiment that are similar to the elements of the first embodiment. This third embodiment differs notably from the first embodiment in that the device 1 ' ' comprises an operating means 22' ' comprising a thumbwheel 23' ' mounted so as to rotate on the tube 14' '. In this case, in addition to the thumbwheel 23' ', the tube 14' ' may be used as a gripping member 205' ' when the thumbwheel 23' ' is rotated. One hand of the user may therefore take hold of the thumbwheel 23' ' and the other hand may come into contact with the tube 14' ' in order to keep it fixed during the rotation applied to the said thumbwheel .

The thumbwheel 23' ' may be secured to a threaded rod or screw. This rod is engaged with the product.

The product support 35' ' may comprise a plate supporting a stick of product P.

A linking member 39' ' supporting the plate 35' ' may also be provided. In particular, this member may connect a threaded rod 391' ' and the plate 35' '. This member may comprise a sleeve 390' ' internally coated with a thread, forming a nut, suitable for interacting with the matching thread of the rod 391' ' . Such a member is then suitable for transforming a rotary movement of the rod 391' ' applied by the thumbwheel 23' ' into an axial movement of the plate 35' ', and therefore of the product P relative to the tube 14' '.

A cap 3'' comprising a stopper 41'' may be provided so as to come, in the mounted position on the seat 2 ' ' , into the position for closing off the delivery orifice 15' '. Moreover, as can be seen in Figure 32, the means for retaining the combing member 26' ' may comprise snap-fitting means 266' '. These snap-fitting means may comprise two annular snap rings spaced from one another. Such snap rings then make it possible to define stable positions of use and of storage.

Figures 34 to 41 represent a fourth embodiment of a device 1 ' ' ' for packaging and applying at least one cosmetic product, including a care product, to the keratinous fibres. Only the elements of the fourth embodiment that differ from the elements of the first embodiment will be described. Similar reference numbers, with the addition of a third sign, have been attributed to elements of the fourth embodiment that are similar to the elements of the first embodiment.

This fourth embodiment differs notably from the first embodiment in that the device 1 ' ' ' comprises a tube 14' ' ' comprising two sleeves or barrels 144' ' ' and 205' " ', possibly concentric, separated from one another by a space 142' ' ' . This space 142' ' ' is designed to house the combing member 26' ' ' .

These sleeves may be axi-symmetric . Therefore, the space 142' ' ' defined between them may be axi-symmetric or annular.

Connecting means 143' " ' may connect the two sleeves 144' ' ', 205' ' ' together. These connecting means may comprise a crossmember comprising or defining at least one orifice 141' ' ' . These connecting means may be fitted between the two sleeves 144' ' ' and 205' ' ' . As a variant, the connecting means may be made in a single piece with these two sleeves.

The sleeve 205' ' ' may comprise a lower free end defining a slot or notch 2050' " ' . This slot may extend along the lengthwise axis of the device.

The combing member 26' " ' may comprise a support or tube 260' ' ' with a shape matching the space 142' ' ' so as to be inserted between the two sleeves 144' ' ' and 205' ' ' . The tube 260' ' ' may therefore have a dimension in cross section, or a diameter, with a dimension smaller than that of the sleeve 205' ' ' and greater than that of the sleeve 144' ' ' . This tube may be mounted in tight engagement between these two sleeves. This tube is mounted so as to slide between the two sleeves 144' ' ' and 205' ' ' . It may comprise externally a lug 262' ' ' capable of being engaged in the slot 2050' " ' . This slot then forms a means for sliding guidance of the combing member 260' ' ' . It also allows the indexation of the combing elements 264' ' ' relative to the orifices 141' ' ' . In the mounted position, the combing elements 26' " ' may then be received through the respective orifices 141' ' ' .

Although not shown, the tube 14' ' ' and the tube 260' ' ' of the combing member may have a cross section of non-circular shape and particularly oval or polygonal shape such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or other shape. Such a shape may also allow an indexation for the combing elements 264' ' ' to pass through the orifices 141' " ', irrespective of the presence or absence of the slot 2050' ' '.

The tube 260' ' ' comprises an upper free end from which the combing elements 264' ' ' stand. These combing elements may be distributed on an arc of a circle or even in a circle. As shown, they may extend from the tube 260' " ' to a variable height. According to a variant not shown, this height could be constant. Here again, the movement of the combing elements may be totally independent of that of the product.

In order to move the product P, a longitudinal groove 28'" ' passing through the two sleeves 144' ' ' and 205' ' ' may be provided. The product support 35' ' ' may, for its part, comprise externally a lug suitable for being engaged in a sliding manner in this groove 28' ' ' so as to move the product in the sleeve 144' ' ' .

This combing member 26' ' ' may occupy an extended position of use in which it is mounted between the two sleeves 144' ' ' and 205' ' ' so that the combing elements pass through the orifices 141' ' ' and protrude relative to a free outer surface 100' ' ' of the product and a storage position in which either it is separated from the seat 2' ' ', or it is moved in the said space 142' ' ' so that the free ends 161' ' ' of the combing elements do not protrude relative to the free outer surface 100' " ' of the product. Retention means may optionally be provided.

Figures 38 to 41 represent three variants of another embodiment of the device 1 ' ' ' ' shown in Figures 1 to 17. These variants differ essentially in the means for operating the product in stick form used.

Only the elements of this fifth embodiment that differ from the elements of the first embodiment will be described. Similar reference numbers with the addition of a fourth sign, have been attributed to elements of the fifth embodiment that are similar to the elements of the first embodiment.

In these variants, the combing member 26' ' ' ' may if necessary be held in the position of use and in the position of storage by a respective annular snap ring

266' ' ' ' . These snap rings may be spaced from one another along a lengthwise axis of the device 1 ' ' ' ' .

Such snap rings may be arranged on an outer surface of the seat 2 ' ' ' ' .

The first variant illustrated in Figures 38 and 39 shows a device 1 ' ' ' ' comprising a seat 2 ' ' ' ' , a removable cap 3' ' ' ' and an operating means or mechanism

22 ' ' ' ' designed to allow the axial movement of the product P in stick form.

The mechanism 22 ' ' ' ' is made up by the assembly of three elements, namely a sheath 147' ' ' ', a product support or grape-holder cup 35' ' ' ' and a tube or casing 14' ' ' ' . The sheath 147' ' ' ' and the cup 35' ' ' ' are made of plastic and the tube 14' ' ' ' comprises a sleeve 144' ' ' ' made of metal lined with an inner liner 145' ' ' ' made of plastic .

The cup 35' ' ' ' comprises two diametrically opposed lugs 350' " ' ' arranged to slide in two diametrically opposed guide slots 148' ' ' ' of the sheath 147' ' ' ' .

The ends of the lugs 350' ' ' ' come into engagement in helical grooves 146' ' ' ' of the inner liner 145' ' ' ', so that a rotary movement of the sheath 147' ' ' ' relative to the casing 14' ' ' ' is accompanied by an axial movement of the cup 35' ' ' ' .

The seat 2 ' ' ' ' comprises a gripping member 205' ' ' ' . It may also comprise an inner bush 206' ' ' ' engaging in the sheath 147' ' ' ' which is prevented from rotating relative to the latter.

The combing member 26' ' ' ' may be held in positions of use and of storage on this gripping member 205' ' ' ', and notably on a portion forming a neck of this gripping member. In order to cause the grape of product P to come out, after having taken off the closure cap 3' ' ' ', the user holds the gripping member 205' ' ' ' fixedly in one of her hands and turns the tube 14' ' ' ' with the aid of her other hand relative to the said seat 2 ' ' ' ' .

All that is shown in Figure 38 is the upper end of the grape of product P for reasons of clarity of the drawing .

The second variant illustrated in Figure 40 shows a device 1' ' ' ' comprising a seat 2' ' ' ' and a closure cap 3 ' ' ' ' , the latter accommodating an operating mechanism 22 ' ' ' ' comprising a tube 14 ' ' ' ' , a sheath 147' ' ' ' and a product support or grape-holder cup 35' ' ' ' . The sheath 147' ' ' ' is made in a single piece with the seat 2 ' ' ' ' and comprises two diametrically opposed slots 148'" ' ' in which two diametrically opposed lugs 350' ' ' ' of the cup 35' ' ' ' can slide.

The tube 14' ' ' ' comprises an outer metal sleeve 144' ' ' ' lined with an inner liner 145' ' ' ' provided with a helical thread 146' ' ' '.

The combing member 26' ' ' ' may for example be held in positions of use and of storage on the tube 14' ' ' ' .

More precisely, this combing member may be held in the position of use on a snap ring arranged on an outer surface of the outer metal sleeve 144' ' ' ' and in the position of storage on a snap ring arranged on an outer surface of the inner liner 145' ' ' ' . In the position of storage, the combing member may if necessary rest on a shoulder formed by the thumbwheel 205' ' ' ' .

The operation is similar to that of the device described above with reference to Figures 38 and 39.

The third variant illustrated in Figure 41 shows a device 1 ' ' ' ' comprising a seat 2 ' ' ' ' and a closure cap 3' ' ¹ ', the seat 2' ' ¹ ' and the cap 3' ' ¹ ' being for example made of metal.

The device 1 ' ' ' ' comprises an operating mechanism 22 ' ' ' ' which comprises a skirt 11' ' ' ', optionally made of plastic, fixedly mounted in the seat 2 ' ' ' ' , for example by sleeve-fitting, a tube 14' ' ' ' being able to rotate relative to the seat and, in some cases, relative to the said skirt and a product support or grape-holder cup 35' ' ' ' . The cup 35' ' ' ' is secured to a threaded rod 391' ' ' ' . The cup may be made of plastic, and if necessary in a single piece with the said rod. This threaded rod is engaged in a sleeve 390' ' ' ' internally coated with a thread, forming a nut, suitable for interacting with the matching thread of the rod 391' ' ' ' . This sleeve forming a nut may be fitted into the said skirt 11' ' ' ' . As a variant, this nut may be formed on the skirt 11' ' ' ' .

The tube 14' ' ' ' may extend, in some cases concentrically, between the seat 2' ' ¹ ' and the grape- holder cup 35' ' ' ' and more precisely between the skirt 11' ' ' ' and the said cup. This tube may comprise a sleeve 144' ' ' ', for example made of metal, that can rotate relative to the seat 2 ' ' ' ' and in some cases relative to the said skirt, but is fixed in translation, in which a plastic insert or tube 149¹ ' ¹ ' is engaged. This insert may if necessary comprise a free edge that can form a low abutment for the cup.

The threaded rod 391' ' ' ' comprises over its length two diametrically opposed flats which are not apparent in the drawing because they are parallel to the sectional plane of Figure 41.

The insert 149' ' ' ' comprises two operating surfaces, not shown in this Figure 41, which come to rest on the flats of the threaded rod 391' ' ' ' so that the rotary operation of the tube 14' ' ' ' is accompanied by a rotary movement of the rod 391' ' ' ' . This rod 391' ' ' ' is however free to move axially relative to the insert 149 ' ' ' ' , the threads of the rod 391 ' ' ' ' engaging in the sheath 39O¹ ' ' '.

Therefore, the rotation of the rod 391' ' ' ' is accompanied by an axial movement of the cup 35' ' ' ' in the sleeve 144 ' ' ' ' .

The combing member 26' ' ' ' may for example be held in positions of use and of storage on the tube 14 and in particular on snap rings provided on the sleeve 144' ' ' ' . In the storage position, the combing member 26' ' ' ' may if necessary come to rest on a free edge of the skirt 11' ' ' ' .

Figures 42 to 46 represent another embodiment of a device 1 ' ' ' ' ' for packaging and applying at least one cosmetic product, including a care product, to the keratinous fibres. Only the elements of the sixth embodiment that differ from the elements of the first embodiment will be described. Similar reference numbers with a fifth sign added have been attributed to elements of the sixth embodiment that are similar to the elements of the first embodiment.

This sixth embodiment differs notably from the first embodiment in that the seat 2 ' ' ' ' ' comprises a gripping member 205' ' ' ' ' from which a rod 263' ' ' ' ' extends for supporting a combing member 26' ' ' ' ' . This combing member may be provided in the extension of a supporting rod 263' ' ' ' ' and in particular at a distal end of this rod.

This combing member 26' ' ' ' ' may comprise a brush, for example like a conventional mascara brush. The combing member 26' ' ' ' ' may comprise a support or core 260' ' ' ' ' provided in the extension of the supporting rod around which combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' extend. These combing elements may be provided in the form of a plurality of rows of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis of the core. These teeth may extend radially from the said core.

The combing member 26' ' ' ' ' may be made by injection-moulding. The combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' may be made in a single piece with the core 260' ' ' ' ' or be fitted in matching housings of the core. They may also be provided on a sock mounted in fixed engagement on the core.

The combing member 26' ' ' ' ' may be attached by any appropriate means to the rod 263' ' ' ' ' . This combing member 26' ' ' ' ' may also be made in a single piece with the said rod 263' ' ' ' ', the rod being able to be fitted and attached by any appropriate means to the gripping member 205' ' ' ' ' . As a variant, the rod 263' ' ' ' ' and the gripping member 205' ' ' ' ' may be made in a single piece and the combing member fitted to the rod. According to another variant, the combing member 26' ' ' ' ', the rod 263' ' ' ' ' and the gripping member 205' ' ' ' ' may be made in a single piece. This seat 2' ' ' ' ' also comprises a product support 35' ' ' ' ' comprising a sleeve, optionally open at its two ends as shown, or blind at its distal end. This sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' receives the stick of product P. The stick of product may conform to the configuration of the sleeve and may for example be in roller form.

The sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' may be mounted by forced sleeve-fitting onto the combing member 26' ' ' ' ' . This sleeve may extend in tight engagement around the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' . It may possibly force the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' to fold down in the direction of the core 260' ' ' ' ', and even to flatten onto the core. Put in place, this sleeve may extend in a concentric manner to the said core.

As a variant, it is possible to removably mount the sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' on the supporting rod 263' ' ' ' ' or on the gripping member 205' ' ' ' ' by any appropriate means.

The sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' comprises at least one orifice 352' ' ' ' ' through which the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' may extend. In some cases, the combing elements may extend through a respective orifice of the sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' as shown. As a variant, several combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' may be received in a common orifice. In the latter case, it is, for example, possible to provide one or more longitudinal slots radially spaced receiving a respective row of combing elements 26' ' ' ' ' . These slots may extend along a generatrix of the cylinder formed by the said sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' . In this case, each group of combing elements extends through an orifice or a slot of the seat which is dedicated to it. The movement between a retracted position and an extended position of the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' may generally result in a translation, a rotation or a movement of the bayonet type. More precisely, in order to pass from a retracted position of the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' visible in Figures 43 and 45, in which the combing elements are confined in the sleeve 35' ' ' ' ', to an extended position, in which the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' extend through the sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' so as to protrude therefrom, the sleeve may be moved by sliding relative to the brush. In the extended position, the combing elements may extend through the product in stick form.

In order to facilitate the indexation of the orifices 352' ' ' ' ' provided on the sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' relative to the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ', guidance means may be provided. These guidance means may comprise a protuberance or rib 267' ' ' ' ', in some cases local or longitudinal, arranged on the core 260' ' ' ' ' and a groove 353' ' ' ' ', in some cases longitudinal, provided on the sleeve 35' ' ' ' ', or vice-versa. As a variant or additionally, the orifices 352 ' ' ' ' ' of the sleeve 35' ' ' ' ' may comprise an entrance edge on the surface turned towards the combing elements of greater dimension to an exit edge turned towards the product P. In other words, these orifices 352' ' ' ' ' may have a generally frustoconical shape.

As visible particularly in Figure 44, in the extended position, the combing elements 264' ' ' ' ' may extend at least partly into the stick of product. These combing elements may pass through the product P over substantially the whole of its height. In particular, these combing elements may pass through the product at two opposite portions or surfaces of this product. These two opposite portions may comprise a lower portion or surface resting on the product support and an upper portion or surface designed to come into contact with the keratinous material to be made up or treated. It should also be noted that the seat 2 ' ' ' ' ' may be mounted in a cladding shell, if necessary provided with a neck, designed to protect the stick of product P in the storage condition (not shown) . The gripping member 205' ' ' ' ' may then close off the opening of this shell. In particular, the gripping member may comprise reversible attachment means suitable for interacting with corresponding means provided on the said shell. These means may for example comprise matching threads or snap-fitting means. As a variant, the gripping member may form a plug mounted by tight sleeve-fitting in the opening of the said shell.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that have just been described. Specifically, for example, it is also possible to provide combing elements according to the invention within other conventional mechanisms for delivering product in stick form and/or within other forms of stick. Throughout the description, the expression "comprising a" or "including a" must be considered as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" or "including at least one", unless the contrary is specified.

Claims

1. Device ( 1 ; 1 ' ; 1 ' ' ; 1 ' ' ' ; 1 ' ' ' ' ; 1 ^{• • • • •}) for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to a keratinous material comprising:

- a reserve of cosmetic product (P) in stick form,

- a seat (2; 2'; 2' '; 2 ' ' ' ; 2 ' ' ' ' ; 2' ¹ ' ¹ ') receiving the said reserve of product,

- a combing member (26; 26'; 26' '; 26' ' '; 26' ' ' '; 26' " ' ' ') configured to separate the keratinous material comprising a support (260; 260'; 260' '; 260' ' '; 260' ' ' '; 26O¹ ' ' ' ') comprising combing elements (264; 264'; 264' '; 264' ' '; 264' ' ' '; 264' ¹ ' ¹ ') that can be moved between two positions relative to the said seat one of which positions being a position of use, the said combing member being configured, in this position of use, to remain attached to the seat so as to make it possible to comb the said keratinous material and spread the said product in a concomitant manner.

2. Device according to Claim 1, in which the said combing elements comprise teeth obtained by moulding.

3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the said combing elements and the said support are made in a single piece.

4. Device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the said combing member comprises two consecutive combing elements along the said support, having a respective free end (261; 261'; 261' '; 261' ' '; 261' ' ' '; 26I¹ ' ' ' '), the said free ends being spaced from one another by a distance greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing member comprises two consecutive combing elements along the said support, having a respective free end (261; 261'; 261' '; 261' " '; 261' ' ' '; 26I¹ ' ' ' '), the said free ends being spaced from one another by a distance of less than or equal to 5 mm.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing elements comprise a base (265; 265' ; 265' ' ; 265' ' ' ; 265' ' ' ' ; 265' ¹ ' ¹ ' ) connecting them to the support and a respective free end (261; 261'; 261' '; 261' ' '; 26I¹ ' ' '; 26I¹ ' ' ' '), these combing elements having a portion tapering at least partly in the direction of the free end.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing member can be moved in translation, without interaction of matching threads, between at least two distinct heights relative to the seat.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing member is fitted to, and if necessary around, the seat.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing member and the said reserve of product can be moved relative to the seat independently of one another in the said two positions.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing elements can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position relative to a free outer surface of product (100; 100'; 100' ', 100' ' '; 100' ' ' ') .

11. Device according to Claim 10, in which, in the extended position, the said combing elements extend through a respective orifice (352'; 141' ' '; 352 ' ' ' ' ') of the seat.

12. Device according to Claim 10 or 11, in which, in the retracted position, the said combing elements are retracted at least partly into the product or extend fully to a height of less than or equal to that defined by a free edge (25; 25'; 25' '; 25' ' '; 25' ' ' ') of the seat defining an opening for delivery of the product (15; 15'; 15' '; 15' ' '; 15' ' ' ') .

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing elements extend from the support to a height of less than 5 mm.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said combing elements (26'; 26' ' ' ' ') pass through the product, particularly at two opposite surfaces of this product.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising actuation means suitable for moving the said combing member.