Application device and related method

• US 6,991,396 B2
• Filed: 09/28/2001
• Issued: 01/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Original Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Inventors: Gueret, Jean-Louis H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Manahan, Todd E.
• Application Number:
  US09/964,488
• Publication Number:
  US 20020038661A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,586 Days
• Field of Search: 132/317, 132/320, 132/108, 132/311, 132/315, 132/73, 132/74.5, 132/76.2, 132/218, 401/130, 401/125, 401/191, 401/126, 401/128, 401/129, 151/85, 206/229
• US Class Current: 401/191
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 47/42 with pads or like contents-applying means contents-applying means associated to aerosol container nozzles B65D83/285; brushes combined or associated with containers A46B11/00; swabs for applying media to the human body from an integral supply A61F13/40

Abstract

A device for applying a product comprises a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product and an application element configured to apply a product to a surface. A cavity is in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element. The device further comprises a support element on which the application element is mounted. The support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied.

Claims

1. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the application element is configured to remain external to the reservoir,

wherein the device is configured so that the application element cannot be placed in the reservoir, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle body is configured to be used as a handle for holding the device during application of product to the surface.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the support element is configured to close the cavity when the support element is in the first position.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the support element is configured to hermetically seal the cavity when the support element is in the first position.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a sealing member configured to provide the hermetic sealing when the support element is in the first position.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the support element is configured to pivot over an angle of at least approximately 180 degrees.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the support element is configured to pivot over an angle of at least approximately 120 degrees.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a hinge member associated with the support element, the support element being configured to pivot about the hinge member.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the hinge member comprises a film hinge.

10. The device of claim 8, further comprising a head portion associated with the receptacle body, wherein the hinge member connects the support element to the head portion.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein the hinge member connects the support element to the receptacle body.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein the hinge member comprises at least one pivot configured to pivot in a housing.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein the hinge member is configured to snap-fasten to one of the support element and the receptacle body.

14. The device of claim 8, wherein the hinge member is spring-biased.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle body is made of a relatively flexible material.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle body is made of a relatively rigid material.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the support element in the first position.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a snap-fastener.

19. The device of claim 1, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the support element in the second position.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a snap-fastener.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cavity is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that flow of a product from the reservoir into the cavity is along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an axis about which the support element is configured to pivot.

26. The device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the application element is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body when the support element is in the second position.

27. The device of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the application element forms a non-zero angle with a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body when the support element is in the second position.

28. The device of claim 1, wherein the support element is configured to pivot through an angle of at least approximately 210 degrees when the support element is moved from the first position to the second position.

29. The device of claim 1, wherein the cavity is defined at least partially by a wall defining at least one opening.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the at least one opening provides the flow communication between the cavity and the reservoir.

31. The device of claim 29, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings.

32. The device of claim 29, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one capillary opening.

33. The device of claim 1, wherein the product is chosen from a cosmetic product and a care product.

34. The device of claim 1, further comprising a head portion associated with the receptacle body, the head portion defining the cavity.

35. The device of claim 34, wherein the head portion defines an internal passage configured to place the cavity in flow communication with the reservoir.

36. The device of claim 34, wherein the receptacle body comprises a neck portion and the head portion is configured to engage with the neck portion.

37. The device of claim 34, wherein the head portion and the receptacle body are formed as a single piece.

38. The device of claim 34, wherein the head portion is removably attached to the receptacle body.

39. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element, the cavity being defined at least partially by a wall defining at least one opening; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product, and

wherein the application element is compressible and the device is configured such that product flows through the at least one opening during expansion of the application element from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration when the support element moves from the first position to the second position.

40. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the application element is made of a compressible material; and

wherein the reservoir contains a product.

41. The device of claim 40, wherein the application element is configured to be in a compressed configuration when the support element is in the first position.

42. The device of claim 40, wherein the application element is configured to be in an uncompressed configuration when the support element is in the first position.

43. A method of applying a product to a surface, the method comprising:

providing a device comprising

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product;

flowing a product toward the cavity to place the product in contact with at least a portion of the application element positioned in the cavity so as to load at least a portion of the application element with the product;

placing the support element in the second position; and

placing at least the loaded portion of the application element in contact with a surface so as to apply product to the surface.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the placing of the support element in the second position comprises pivoting the support element relative to the receptacle body.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the placing of the application element in contact with the surface comprises holding the receptacle body.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the placing of the support element in the second position comprises securing the support element in the second position.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises exerting pressure on an outside of the receptacle body.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the application element is compressible and the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises permitting the application element to expand from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration.

49. The method of claim 43, further comprising placing the support element in the first position after the product has been applied to the surface.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the placing of the support element in the first position comprises securing the support element in the first position.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the securing of the support element in the first position comprises snap-fastening the support element relative to the receptacle body.

52. The method of claim 43, wherein the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises flowing the product through at least one opening defined in a wall defining the cavity.

53. The method of claim 43, wherein the product is chosen from a cosmetic product and a care product.

54. The method of claim 43, wherein the placing of the application element in contact with the surface comprises placing the application element in contact with at least one of skin, hair, at least one toenail, and at least one fingernail.

55. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive an application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the receptacle body is configured to be used as a handle portion for holding the device during application of product to the surface when the support element is in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the application element is configured to remain external to the reservoir,

wherein the device is configured so that the application element cannot be placed in the reservoir, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product.

56. The device of claim 55, wherein the support element is configured to close the cavity when the support element is in the first position.

57. The device of claim 55, wherein the support element is configured to hermetically seal the cavity when the support element is in the first position.

58. The device of claim 57, further comprising a sealing member configured to provide the hermetic sealing when the support element is in the first position.

59. The device of claim 55, wherein the support element is configured to pivot over an angle of at least approximately 120 degrees during movement of the support element between the first position and the second position.

63. The device of claim 55, further comprising a hinge member associated with the support element, the support element being configured to pivot about the hinge member.

64. The device of claim 63, wherein the hinge member comprises a film hinge.

65. The device of claim 63, further comprising a head portion associated with the receptacle body, wherein the hinge member connects the support element to the head portion.

66. The device of claim 63, wherein the hinge member connects the support element to the receptacle body.

67. The device of claim 63, wherein the hinge member comprises at least one pivot configured to pivot within a housing.

68. The device of claim 63, wherein the hinge member is configured to snap-fasten to one of the support element and the receptacle body.

69. The device of claim 63, wherein the hinge member is spring-biased.

70. The device of claim 55, wherein the receptacle body is made of a relatively flexible material.

71. The device of claim 55, wherein the receptacle body is made of a relatively rigid material.

72. The device of claim 55, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the support element in the first position.

73. The device of claim 72, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a snap-fastener.

74. The device of claim 55, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the support element in the second position.

75. The device of claim 74, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a snap-fastener.

76. The device of claim 55, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

77. The device of claim 76, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

78. The device of claim 55, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cavity is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

79. The device of claim 78, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

80. The device of claim 55, wherein the device is configured such that flow of a product from the reservoir into the cavity is along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an axis about which the support element is configured to move relative to the receptacle body.

81. The device of claim 55, wherein a longitudinal axis of the application element is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body when the support element is in the second position.

82. The device of claim 55, wherein a longitudinal axis of the application element forms a non-zero angle with a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body when the support element is in the second position.

83. The device of claim 55, wherein the support element is configured to pivot through an angle of at least approximately 210 degrees when the support element is moved from the first position to the second position.

84. The device of claim 55, wherein the cavity is defined at least partially by a wall defining at least one opening.

85. The device of claim 84, wherein the at least one opening provides the flow communication between the cavity and the reservoir.

86. The device of claim 84, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings.

87. The device of claim 84, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one capillary opening.

88. The device of claim 55, wherein the product is chosen from a cosmetic product and a care product.

89. The device of claim 55, further comprising a head portion associated with the receptacle body, the head portion defining the cavity.

90. The device of claim 89, wherein the head portion defines an internal passage configured to place the cavity in flow communication with the reservoir.

91. The device of claim 89, wherein the receptacle body comprises a neck portion and the head portion is configured to engage with the neck portion.

92. The device of claim 89, wherein the head portion and the receptacle body are formed as a single piece.

93. The device of claim 89, wherein the head portion is removably attached to the receptacle body.

60. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive an application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the receptacle body is configured to be used as a handle portion for holding the device during application of product to the surface when the support element is in the second position,

wherein the application element is made of a compressible material, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product.

61. The device of claim 60, wherein the application element is configured to be in a compressed configuration when the support element is in the first position.

62. The device of claim 60, wherein the application element is configured to be in an uncompressed configuration when the support element is in the first position.

94. A method of applying a product to a surface, the method comprising:

providing a device comprising

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive an application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the receptacle body is configured to be used as a handle portion for holding the device during application of product to the surface when the support element is in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product;

flowing a product toward the cavity to place product in contact with at least a portion of the application element positioned in the cavity so as to load said at least a portion of the application element with the product;

placing the support element in the second position; and

placing at least the loaded portion of the application element in contact with a surface so as to apply product to the surface.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the placing of the support element in the second position comprises pivoting the support element relative to the receptacle body.

96. The method of claim 94, wherein the placing of the application element in contact with the surface comprises holding the receptacle body.

97. The method of claim 94, wherein the placing of the support element in the second position comprises securing the support element in the second position.

98. The method of claim 94, wherein the flowing of the product from toward the cavity comprises exerting pressure on an outside of the receptacle body.

99. The method of claim 94, wherein the application element is compressible and the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises permitting the application element to expand from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration.

100. The method of claim 94, further comprising placing the support element in the first position after the product has been applied to the surface.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein the placing of the support element in the first position comprises securing the support element in the first position.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein the securing of the support element in the first position comprises snap-fastening the support element relative to the receptacle body.

103. The method of claim 94, wherein the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises flowing the product through at least one opening defined in a wall defining the cavity.

104. The method of claim 94, wherein the product is chosen from a cosmetic product and a care product.

105. The method of claim 94, wherein the placing of the application element in contact with the surface comprises placing the application element in contact with at least one of skin, hair, at least one toenail, and at least one fingernail.

106. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive an application element, the cavity being defined at least partially by a wall defining at least one opening; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the receptacle body is configured to be used as a handle portion for holding the device during application of product to the surface when the support element is in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product, and

wherein the application element is compressible and the device is configured such that product flows through the at least one opening and during expansion of the application element from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration when the support element moves from the first position to the second position.

107. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted, the support element being connected to the receptacle body,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the support element is configured to remain connected to the receptacle body in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the application element is configured to remain external to the reservoir,

wherein the device is configured so that the application element cannot be placed in the reservoir, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product.

108. The device of claim 107, wherein the receptacle body is configured to be used as a handle for holding the device during application of product to a surface.

109. The device of claim 107, wherein the support element is configured to close the cavity when the support element is in the first position.

110. The device of claim 107, wherein the support element is configured to hermetically seal the cavity when the support element is in the first position.

111. The device of claim 110, further comprising a sealing member configured to provide the hermetic sealing when the support element is in the first position.

112. The device of claim 107, wherein the support element is configured to pivot between the first position and the second position.

113. The device of claim 112, wherein the support element is configured to pivot over an angle of at least approximately 120 degrees.

114. The device of claim 107, further comprising a hinge member associated with the support element, the support element being configured to pivot about the hinge member.

115. The device of claim 114, wherein the hinge member comprises a film hinge.

116. The device of claim 114, further comprising a head portion associated with the receptacle body, wherein the hinge member connects the support element to the head portion.

117. The device of claim 114, wherein the hinge member connects the support element to the receptacle body.

118. The device of claim 114, wherein the hinge member comprises at least one pivot configured to pivot within a housing.

119. The device of claim 114, wherein the hinge member is configured to snap-fasten to one of the support element and the receptacle body.

120. The device of claim 114, wherein the hinge member is spring-biased.

121. The device of claim 107, wherein the receptacle body is made of a relatively flexible material.

122. The device of claim 107, wherein the receptacle body is made of a relatively rigid material.

123. The device of claim 107, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the support element in the first position.

124. The device of claim 123, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a snap-fastener.

125. The device of claim 107, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the support element in the second position.

126. The device of claim 125, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a snap-fastener.

127. The device of claim 107, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

128. The device of claim 127, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

129. The device of claim 107, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cavity is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

130. The device of claim 129, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cavity is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle body.

131. The device of claim 107, wherein the device is configured such that flow of a product from the reservoir into the cavity is along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an axis about which the support element is configured to pivot during movement of the support element between the first position and the second position.

132. The device of claim 107, wherein a longitudinal axis of the application element is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body when the support element is in the second position.

133. The device of claim 107, wherein a longitudinal axis of the application element forms a non-zero angle with a longitudinal axis of the receptacle body when the support element is in the second position.

134. The device of claim 107, wherein the support element is configured to pivot through an angle of at least approximately 210 degrees when the support element is moved from the first position to the second position.

135. The device of claim 107, wherein the cavity is defined at least partially by a wall defining at least one opening.

136. The device of claim 135, wherein the at least one opening provides the flow communication between the cavity and the reservoir.

137. The device of claim 135, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings.

138. The device of claim 135, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one capillary opening.

139. The device of claim 107, wherein the product is chosen from a cosmetic product and a care product.

140. The device of claim 107, further comprising a head portion associated with the receptacle body, the head portion defining the cavity.

141. The device of claim 140, wherein the head portion defines an internal passage configured to place the cavity in flow communication with the reservoir.

142. The device of claim 140, wherein the receptacle body comprises a neck portion and the head portion is configured to engage with a neck portion.

143. The device of claim 140, wherein the head portion and the receptacle body are formed as a single piece.

144. The device of claim 140, wherein the head portion is removably attached to the receptacle body.

145. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element, the cavity being defined at least partially by a wall defining at least one opening; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted, the support element being connected to the receptacle body,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the support element is configured to remain connected to the receptacle body in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product, and

wherein the application element is compressible and the device is configured such that product flows through the at least one opening during expansion of the application element from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration when the support element moves from the first position to the second position.

146. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted, the support element being connected to the receptacle body,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the support element is configured to remain connected to the receptacle body in the second position,

wherein the application element is made of a compressible material, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product.

147. The device of claim 146, wherein the application element is configured to be in a compressed configuration when the support element is in the first position.

148. The device of claim 146, wherein the application element is configured to be in an uncompressed configuration when the support element is in the first position.

149. A method of applying a product to a surface, the method comprising:

providing a device comprising;

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted, the support element being connected to the receptacle body,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the support element is configured to remain connected to the receptacle body in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails, and

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product;

flowing a product toward the cavity to place the product in contact with at least a portion of the application element positioned in the cavity so as to load said at least a portion of the application element with the product;

placing the support element in the second position; and

placing at least the loaded portion of the application element in contact with a surface so as to apply product to the surface.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein the placing of the support element in the second position comprises pivoting the support element relative to the receptacle body.

151. The method of claim 149, wherein the placing the application element in contact with the surface comprises holding the receptacle body.

152. The method of claim 149, wherein the placing of the support element in the second position comprises securing the support element in the second position.

153. The method of claim 149, wherein the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises exerting pressure on an outside of the receptacle body.

154. The method of claim 149, wherein the application element is compressible and the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises permitting the application element to expand from a compressed configuration to an uncompressed configuration.

155. The method of claim 149, further comprising placing the support element in the first position after the product has been applied to the surface.

156. The method of claim 155, wherein the placing of the support element in the first position comprises securing the support element in the first position.

157. The method of claim 156, wherein the securing of the support element in the first position comprises snap-fastening the support element relative to the receptacle body.

158. The method of claim 149, wherein the flowing of the product toward the cavity comprises flowing the product through at least one opening defined in a wall defining the cavity.

159. The method of claim 149, wherein the product is chosen from a cosmetic product and a care product.

160. The method of claim 149, wherein the placing of the application element in contact with the surface comprises placing the application element in contact with at least one of skin, hair, at least one toenail, and at least one fingernail.

161. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product, and

wherein the device is configured to load at least a portion of the application element with product from the reservoir while the application element is positioned in the cavity.

162. The device of claim 161, further comprising a wall delimiting the reservoir and the cavity, the wall comprising at least one opening allowing fluidic communication between the reservoir and the cavity.

163. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product to a surface;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive an application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the receptacle body is configured to be used as a handle portion for holding the device during application of product to the surface when the support element is in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product, and

wherein the device is configured to load at least a portion of the application element with product from the reservoir while the application element is positioned in the cavity.

164. The device of claim 163, further comprising a wall delimiting the reservoir and the cavity, the wall comprising at least one opening allowing fluidic communication between the reservoir and the cavity.

165. A device for applying a product, the device comprising:

a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product;

an application element configured to apply a product;

a cavity in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element; and

a support element on which the application element is mounted, the support element being connected to the receptacle body,

wherein the support element is mounted to move between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied,

wherein the support element is configured to remain connected to the receptacle body in the second position,

wherein the application element is configured to apply product to at least one of skin, hair, toenails, and fingernails,

wherein the reservoir contains a product chosen from at least one of a skin product, a hair product, a toenail product and/or a fingernail product, and

wherein the device is configured to load at least a portion of the application element with product from the reservoir while the application element is positioned in the cavity.

166. The device of claim 165, further comprising a wall delimiting the reservoir and the cavity, the wall comprising at least one opening allowing fluidic communication between the reservoir and the cavity.