SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFILLING COSMETIC PACKAGING WITH A POROUS APPLICATOR

Abstract

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFILLING COSMETIC PACKAGING WITH A POROUS APPLICATOR A package (200) includes a porous applicator (205), a porous reservoir (210) in contact with the porous applicator at an interface, and a refill component (215). The refill component includes an insert (220) configured to surround the porous applicator, a tip (225) that extends from the interface between the porous applicator (205) and the porous reservoir (210) through the porous applicator (205) and toward an application surface of the porous applicator, and a deformable arm connecting the insert to the tip, where the deformable arm (230B) is configured to deform from a first state to a second state. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFILLING COSMETIC PACKAGING WITH A POROUS APPLICATOR SUMMARY

[0001] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are described more fully below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter or to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0002] In one aspect, disclosed herein is a package, including a porous applicator, a porous reservoir in contact with the porous applicator at an interface, and a refill component. The refill component includes an insert configured to surround the porous applicator, a tip that extends from the interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir through the porous applicator and to an application surface of the porous applicator, and a deformable arm connecting the insert to the tip, where the deformable arm is configured to deform from a first state to a second state.

[0003] In another aspect, disclosed herein is a system for refilling a package. In some embodiments, the system includes the package as described herein, a formulation, and a container configured to contain the formulation.

[0004] In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a method of refilling a package with the system as described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes applying pressure to the tip with the container containing the formulation, deforming the deformable arm from a first state to a second state, where deforming the deformable arm from the first state to the second state forms a cavity in the porous reservoir, filling the cavity with the formulation, and releasing the pressure exerted on the tip, such that the deformable arm returns to the first state, where when the deformable arm returns to the first state, the formulation flows from the cavity to the porous reservoir. Description of the drawings

[0005] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] is a front view of an example of packaging, in accordance with the present technology;

[0007] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] is a top front view of an exemplary package, in accordance with the present technology;

[0008] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a cross-sectional view of an example package, where two deformable arms are in a first state, in accordance with the present technology;

[0009] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary package of [Fig.2A], where the two deformable arms are in a second state, in accordance with the present technology;

[0010] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3B] FIGURES 3A-3B are views of an exemplary charging system, in accordance with the present technology;

[0011] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4B] FIGURES 4A-4B are views of another example of a charging system, in accordance with the present technology;

[0012] [Fig.5A] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5A]-5B are views of another example of a charging system, in accordance with the present technology;

[0013] [Fig.6A] [Fig.6B] [Fig.6A]-6B are views of another example of a charging system, in accordance with the present technology;

[0014] [Fig.7A] [Fig.7A] is an example of an applicator of an example package, in accordance with the present technology;

[0015] [Fig.7B] [Fig.7B] is another example of an applicator of an example package, in accordance with the present technology;

[0016] [Fig.8A] [Fig.8B] FIGURES 8A-8B are rear views of an exemplary applicator, with and without a refill system, in accordance with the present technology;

[0017] [Fig.9A] [Fig.9B] [Fig.9C] [Fig.9D] [Fig.9E] Figures 9A-9E are examples of tips, in accordance with the present technology;

[0018] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is an example of a system for refilling a package, in accordance with the present technology; and

[0019] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is an example of a method of using the system of the [Fig. 10], in accordance with the present technology. Detailed description

[0020] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0021] This document describes a package, method, and system for refilling a package without disassembling or otherwise modifying the package. In some embodiments, the package includes a refill system. In some embodiments, the refill system includes an insert, a deformable arm, and a tip. In some embodiments, applying pressure to the tip deforms the deformable arm to form a cavity that can be filled with formulation. The formulation in the cavity can then fill a porous reservoir of the package, thereby refilling the package.

[0022] [Fig. 1A] is a front view of an exemplary package 100, in accordance with the present technology. [Fig. 1B] is a top front view of the package 100 of [Fig. 1A], in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the package 100 includes a porous applicator 105, a porous reservoir 110 in contact with the porous applicator 105 at an interface IF and a refill component 120. In some embodiments, the package 100 further includes a pot 135.

[0023] In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 includes an application surface AS configured to apply a formulation to a surface (not shown in [Fig. 1A]). In one embodiment, the porous applicator 105 or at least the portion of the porous applicator 105 in contact with the porous reservoir 110 at the interface IF is made of a porous material, such as a sponge or foam. In one embodiment, the portion of the porous applicator 105 at the interface IF may be convex, conical, concave, or inversely conical.

[0024] In some embodiments, the porous reservoir 110 serves to contain the mass of a formulation, such as liquid, within the package 100. The porous reservoir 110 may be formed from a sintered porous material, a closed-cell material (such as a urethane foam / sponge), or a fibrous material (such as a sintered fiber reservoir). In one embodiment, the porous reservoir 110 has a planar surface that contacts a domed or tapered surface of the porous applicator 105. In some embodiments, the porous reservoir 110 has an inverse shape that complements the domed or tapered surface of the porous applicator 105. The three-dimensional surface of the porous reservoir 110 may include facets (i.e., polyhedral dome surface) and may have a smooth, textured, or rough surface depending on the fluid (or formulation) in the porous reservoir 110. In some embodiments, the porous reservoir 110 includes a groove 250.In some embodiments, the groove 250 allows more formulation to be retained in the porous reservoir 110.

[0025] In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 is attached or bonded to the porous reservoir 110 at the IF interface. In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 and the porous reservoir 110 are in contact at the IF interface but are not bonded or bonded together. In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 and the porous reservoir 110 are formed to fit together.

[0026] In some embodiments, the package includes a pot 135. The pot 135 serves to protect and contain the porous reservoir 110, and, in some embodiments, the porous applicator 105. In some embodiments, the pot 135 includes a connector for connection to a lid (not shown in [Fig. 1A]). In some embodiments, the connector includes screw threads, a magnet, a groove, or the like.

[0027] In some embodiments, the package 100 further includes a refill system 120. In some embodiments, the refill system 120 includes an insert, a nozzle, and a deformable arm as described in detail herein, and as shown in FIGURES 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 5A-5C, or 6A-6B. In some embodiments, the refill system 120 prevents the package 100 from dripping or running when inverted.

[0028] In operation, the porous reservoir 110 may be wetted with a formulation, such as a liquid formulation. In some embodiments, the porous applicator 105 becomes wetted with the formulation by contact of the porous reservoir 110 and the porous applicator 105 at the IF interface. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional surfaces that contact the porous reservoir 110 and the porous applicator 105 enhance transfer from the porous reservoir 110 to the porous applicator 105, and vice versa. For example, contact alone of the porous reservoir 110 and the porous applicator 105 may be sufficient to transfer the liquid formulation from the porous reservoir 110 to the porous applicator 105. In one embodiment, the formulation may be any formulation that can be applied with the porous applicator 105.In some embodiments, the formulation may include, but is not limited to, makeup-related formulations and formulations that are intended to be applied to the skin and hair. In some embodiments, the formulation is a cream, lotion, gel, balm, colorant, or the like.

[0029] [Fig. 2A] is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary package 200, where two deformable arms 230A, 230B are in a first state, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the package 200 includes a porous applicator 205, a porous reservoir 210 in contact with the porous applicator 205 at an interface IF, and a refill component 215. In some embodiments, the package 100 further includes a pot 135.

[0030] In some embodiments, the package 200 includes a refill system 215. In some embodiments, the refill system 215 includes an insert 220 configured to surround the porous applicator 105, a tip 225 that extends from the interface IF between the porous applicator 105 and the porous reservoir 110 through the porous applicator and toward an application surface AS of the porous applicator 105, and one or more deformable arms 230A, 230B connecting the insert 220 to the tip 225, wherein the one or more deformable arms 230A, 230B are configured to deform from a first state (shown in [Fig.2A]) to a second state (shown in [Fig.2B]).

[0031] In some embodiments, the insert 220 is configured to couple to the pot 235. In some embodiments, the insert 220 is configured to surround the porous applicator 205. In some embodiments, the insert 220 secures the applicator 105 in the pot. In some embodiments, the insert 220 includes one or more grooves to further secure the porous applicator 205 in the pot 235.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tip 225 may take any number of shapes, such as cylindrical, conical, tapered, ziggurat, or extruded, as illustrated and described in FIGURES 9A-9E. In some embodiments, there is an opening 255 in the porous applicator 205 through which the tip 225 extends. In some embodiments, the tip 225 extends from the interface IF between the porous applicator 205 and the porous reservoir 210 to the application surface AS of the porous applicator 205, through the opening 255 in the porous applicator 205. In some embodiments, the tip 225 has an end E that extends toward the application surface AS of the porous applicator 205. In some embodiments, there is a gap 245 between the end E of the tip 225 and the application surface AS.

[0033] In some embodiments, the one or more deformable arms 230A, 230B are configured to connect the tip 225 and the insert 220. In some embodiments, the deformable arms 230A, 230B are configured to deform from a first state (as shown in [Fig. 2A]) to a second state (as shown in [Fig. 2B]). While two deformable arms 230A, 230B are illustrated in FIGURES 2A-2B, it should be understood that any number of deformable arms may be included in the recharging system 215. In some embodiments, the recharging system 215 includes a single deformable arm, three deformable arms, or the like, as shown and described in detail in FIGURES 5A-5B, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, and 6A-6B.

[0034] In some embodiments, when the deformable arms 230A, 230B are in the first state, the refill system 215 prevents dripping, trickling, or leaking of the porous reservoir 210 and / or the porous applicator 205. In some embodiments, the refill system 215 is formed from olefins, polypropylene, polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one or more elastomers, one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a or more thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), silicone or a combination thereof.

[0035] [Fig. 2B] is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary package 200 of [Fig. 2A], where the two deformable arms 230A, 230B are in a second state, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the two deformable arms 230A, 230B deform in response to pressure being applied to the nozzle 225. In some embodiments, pressure is applied to the nozzle with a portion 270 of a container (not shown in [Fig. 2B]), as shown and described in detail in [Fig. 10]. As shown, when both deformable arms 230A, 230B are in the second state, a cavity 260 forms in the porous reservoir 210. In some embodiments, the porous reservoir 210 is configured to deform in response to the deformable arms 230A, 230B to form the cavity 260. In some embodiments, the cavity 260 may be filled with a formulation.In some embodiments, when pressure on the tip 225 is released, the formulation flows into the porous reservoir 210, thereby refilling the package 200.

[0036] FIGURES 3A-3B are views of an exemplary refill system 300, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the refill system 300 includes an insert 320, a deformable arm 330, and a tip 325. In some embodiments, the tip 325 includes an end E. FIGURES 3A-3B also illustrate a porous applicator 305. In some embodiments, the refill system 300 includes only a single deformable arm 330. As described herein, the deformable arm 330 is configured to deform from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, the deformable arm 330 is straight, with a rounded edge, but it should be understood that the deformable arm 330 can take any shape.

[0037] FIGURES 4A-4B are views of another exemplary refill system 400, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the refill system 400 includes an insert 420, a first deformable arm 430A, a second deformable arm 430B, and a tip 425. In some embodiments, the tip 425 includes an end E. FIGURES 4A-4B also illustrate a porous applicator 405. In some embodiments, the refill system 400 includes two deformable arms 430A, 430B. As described herein, the two deformable arms 430A, 430B are configured to deform from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, the first deformable arm 430A is disposed 180 degrees from the second deformable arm 430B such that the two deformable arms 430A, 430B form a contiguous line, as shown in FIGURES 4A-4B.

[0038] FIGURES 5A-5B are views of another example refill system 500, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the refill system 500 includes an insert 520, three deformable arms 530A, 530B, 530C, and a tip 525. In some embodiments, the tip 525 includes an end E. FIGURES 5A-5B also illustrate a porous applicator 505. In some embodiments, the refill system 500 includes three deformable arms 530A, 530B, 530C. As described herein, the three deformable arms 530A, 530B, 530C are configured to deform from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, the first deformable arm 530A, the second deformable arm 530B and the third deformable arm 530C are equidistant from each other.In some embodiments, the first deformable arm 530A, the second deformable arm 530B, and the third deformable arm 530C are curved, but in other embodiments, the three deformable arms 530A, 530B, 530C are straight, polygonal, or organically shaped. In some embodiments, the three deformable arms 530A, 530B, 530C allow for a larger and / or more uniform cavity (such as cavity 260) in the porous reservoir (such as the porous reservoir in FIGURES 1A-1B and 2A-2B).

[0039] FIGURES 6A-6B are views of another example refill system 600, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the refill system 600 includes an insert 620, a first deformable arm 630A, a second deformable arm 630B, and a tip 425. In some embodiments, the tip 625 includes an end E. FIGURES 6A-6B also illustrate a porous applicator 605. In some embodiments, the refill system 600 includes two deformable arms 630A, 630B. As described herein, the two deformable arms 630A, 630B are configured to deform from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, the first deformable arm 630A and the second deformable arm 630B are inclined to form a two-arm spring.In some embodiments, the two-arm spring allows for the formation of a larger cavity (such as cavity 260) in the porous reservoir (such as the porous reservoir in FIGURES 1A-1B and 2A-2B).

[0040] [Fig.7A] is an example of a porous applicator 705 of an example package, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the porous applicator includes an application surface AS, configured to apply a formulation. In some embodiments, the porous applicator includes an opening 755. In some embodiments, as shown in [Fig.2A], the tip does not extend toward the application surface AS. In such embodiments, as shown in [Fig.2A], there is a gap between an end of the tip and the application surface AS. In some embodiments, the space allows the tip not to interrupt the application surface AS.

[0041] [Fig.7B] is another example of an applicator 705 of an example package, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the end E of the tip 725 is flush with the application surface AS. In such embodiments, the tip 725 becomes part of the application surface AS. In some embodiments, the opening 755, and thus the tip 725, are not centered in the porous applicator 705. Therefore, in some embodiments, the opening 755 and the tip 725 are offset from the center of the porous applicator 705.

[0042] FIGURES 8A-8B are rear views of an exemplary porous applicator 805, with and without a refill system including one or more deformable arms 830A, 830B, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the porous applicator 805 includes an opening 855, and one or more grooves 840 configured to hold the one or more deformable arms 830A, 830B. While two deformable arms 830A, 830B are illustrated in FIGURES 8A-8B, it should be understood that any number and arrangement of deformable arms may fit within the one or more grooves 840, including those illustrated in FIGURES 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, and 6A-6B. In such embodiments, the grooves 840 allow the deformable arms 830A, 830B to be flush with the rear of the porous applicator 805.In some embodiments, this allows the porous applicator 805 and a porous reservoir (such as the porous reservoir 110 or porous reservoir 210 described and illustrated herein) to be in greater contact at an interface (such as the IF interface described and illustrated herein). Therefore, the groove 840 may allow a greater surface area of ​​the porous applicator 805 to be in contact with the porous reservoir at the interface.

[0043] FIGURES 9A-9E are examples of tips 925, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, tip 925 includes an end E. Tip 925 may take any shape, such as conical ([Fig. 9A]), cylindrical without a taper ([Fig. 9B]), faceted and inclined like a pyramid ([Fig. 9C]), ziggurat-shaped ([Fig. 9D]), or extruded ([Fig. 9E]). In some embodiments, tip 925 includes a taper, as shown in [Fig. 9A]-[Fig. 9C] and [Fig. 9D]. In some embodiments, the tip is not tapered, as shown in FIGURES 9B and 9E. In some embodiments, tip 925 may bear a mark or include a graphic of some type. In some embodiments, the tip 925 includes one or more grooves as shown in [Fig. 9E]. FIGURES 9A-9E are purely representative. FIGURES 9A-9E should not be construed as the only shapes that the tip 925 can take. Different shapes of the tip 925 can provide different advantages, such as balance, stability, formulation flow when the system is in use (as shown in [Fig. 10]), and the like.

[0044] [Fig. 10] is an example of a system 10000 for refilling a package 1000, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the system 10000 includes the package 1000. In some embodiments, the package 1000 is the package as shown and described herein, such as the package 100 and the package 200 of FIGURES 1A-1B and 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the system 10000 includes a formulation F, and a container 7000 configured to contain the formulation F.

[0045] In some embodiments, the package 1000 includes a porous applicator 1005, and a porous reservoir 1010, where the porous applicator 1005 and the porous reservoir 1010 are in contact with each other at an interface IF. In some embodiments, the package 1000 includes a refill system, which includes a tip 1025, two deformable arms 1030A, 1030B and an insert 1020. In some embodiments, the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B are configured to deform from a first state to a second state when pressure is applied to the tip 1025. As shown in [Fig. 10], the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B are in the second state. When the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B are in the second state, a cavity 1050 is formed in the porous reservoir. While two deformable arms 1030A, 1030B are shown in [Fig.10], any number of deformable arms may be included, as shown in detail in FIGURES 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 5A-5C and 6A-6B. .

[0046] In some embodiments, the system 10000 includes a container 7000 configured to contain a formulation F. In some embodiments, the container 7000 includes a portion 7005 configured to contact the tip 1025, but this may be omitted. In some embodiments, the portion 7005 is a nozzle, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. In some embodiments, the formulation F is a liquid formulation. The formulation F may be a makeup-related formulation, or a formulation intended to be applied to the skin and / or hair. In some embodiments, the formulation is a perfume. In some embodiments, the formulation is a cream, lotion, gel, balm, colorant, or the like.

[0047] In some embodiments, the package 1000 may be refilled with the formulation F without having to disassemble the package 1000. In operation, the container 7000, or the portion 7005 of the container 7000, is configured to apply pressure to the tip 1025. In some embodiments, the application of a pressure on the tip 1025 deforms the first deformable arm 1030A and the second deformable arm 1030B from the first state to the second state. In some embodiments, deformation of the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B from the first state to the second state forms a cavity 1050 in the porous reservoir 1010. In some embodiments, the container 7000 is configured to allow the formulation F to flow over the tip 1025 and into the cavity 1050. In some embodiments, the container 7000 allows the formulation F to flow from the portion 7005, which can contact the tip 1025 and dispense the formulation F. In some embodiments, the formulation F flows along the tip 1025 into the cavity 1050. When the pressure exerted on the tip 7005 is released, the deformable arms 1030A, 1030B return to a first state. In the first state, the porous reservoir 1010 returns towards the IF interface, and the cavity 1050 moves back.Formulation F can then fill and saturate the porous reservoir 1010. In this way, the package 1000 can be refilled with formulation F without disassembling the package 1000.

[0048] [Fig. 11] is an exemplary method 1100 of using the system of [Fig. 10], in accordance with the present technology. It is to be understood that the method 1100 is to be interpreted as purely representative. In some embodiments, the processing blocks of the method 1100 may be performed simultaneously, sequentially, in a different order, or even omitted, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method 1100 is a method of using the system shown in [Fig. 10]. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the system includes a package (such as the package 1000) with a refill system including an insert (insert 1020), one or more deformable arms (deformable arms 1030A, 1030B), and a tip (tip 1025). In some embodiments, the system further includes a container (container 7000) configured to contain a formulation (formulation F).

[0050] At block 1105, pressure is applied to the tip with the container. In some embodiments, the container is shaped or formed specifically to apply pressure to the tip. In some embodiments, the container has a portion, such as a nozzle or other extrusion, configured to apply pressure to the tip. In some embodiments, the pressure is applied by gravity, but in other embodiments, the pressure may be applied manually, for example with a user's hand, or a machine.

[0051] At block 1110, the deformable arm (or in some embodiments, the deformable arms) is deformed from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, the deformation of the deformable arm to the second state forms a cavity in the porous reservoir.

[0052] At block 1115, the cavity is filled with a formulation. In some embodiments, this allows more formulation F to infiltrate into or otherwise fill the porous reservoir. In some embodiments, the cavity may be partially or completely filled. In some embodiments, the size of the cavity depends on the amount of formulation needed to saturate the porous reservoir.

[0053] At block 1120, the pressure on the tip is released. In some embodiments, the container is removed from the tip, and in other embodiments, the pressure is released from the tip without completely removing the container.

[0054] At block 1125, the deformable arm (or arms) returns (return) to the first state. In some embodiments, the formulation flows from the cavity into the porous reservoir. In some embodiments, when the porous reservoir returns to an interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir, the formulation saturates, fills, or flows to the porous reservoir.

[0055] Optionally, at block 1130, the formulation is transferred from the porous reservoir to the porous applicator. In some embodiments, the porous reservoir may be wetted with a liquid formulation, and the porous applicator becomes wetted with the liquid formulation by contact of the porous reservoir at the IF interface. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional surfaces that contact the porous reservoir and the porous applicator enhance transfer from one medium to the other. For example, contact of the porous reservoir and the porous applicator alone is sufficient to transfer the liquid formulation from the porous reservoir to the porous applicator.

[0056] The present application may refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically indicated, these quantities and numbers should not be considered restrictive, but rather representative of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," "near," etc. mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A, B, and C," for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all other possible permutations when more than three elements are listed.

[0057] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the accompanying drawings, where like numerals refer to like elements, is intended to be a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in This disclosure is provided solely by way of example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, to achieve the same or a substantially similar result. In general, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include structures and features from more than one specific embodiment illustrated in the figures and described in the specification.

[0058] In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without incorporating all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0059] The present application may include references to directions, such as "vertical", "horizontal", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper" and "lower", etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are intended to assist in describing and understanding the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

[0060] The present application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically indicated, these quantities and numbers should not be considered as restrictive, but as examples of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The term "about," "approximately," etc. means within plus or minus 5% of the stated value. The term "based on" means "based at least partially on."

[0061] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the preceding description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative. rather than restrictive. It should be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

Claims

Claims

1. A package (100, 200), including a porous applicator (105, 205), a porous reservoir (110, 210) in contact with the porous applicator at an interface (IF), and a refill component (120, 215); the refill component comprising: an insert (220) configured to surround the porous applicator; a tip (225) that extends from the interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir through the porous applicator and toward an application surface (AS) of the porous applicator; and a first deformable arm (230A, 230B) connecting the insert to the tip, wherein the first deformable arm is configured to deform from a first state to a second state.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the tip (225) extends through an opening (255) of the porous applicator (205).

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, in which a portion of the porous applicator (105), in contact with the porous reservoir (110) at the interface (IF), is made of a porous material, such as a sponge or a foam.

4. Packaging (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the refill component (215) further comprises a second deformable arm (230A, 230B) configured to deform from a first state to a second state.

5. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first deformable arm is configured to deform from the first state to the second state in response to the application of pressure to the tip (225), the packaging being configured so that, during said deformation from the first to the second state, a cavity (260) is formed in the porous reservoir (210).

6. A package according to claim 5, wherein: the cavity (260) is filled with a formulation; and when the pressure exerted on the nozzle (225) is released, the formulation flows into the porous reservoir (210), thereby refilling the package (200).

7. A refill system (10000) for a package (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: said package; a formulation; and a container (7000) configured to contain the formulation.

8. A charging method implementing the charging system according to claim 7 taken in combination with claim 6, the method comprising the following steps: applying pressure to the tip (225) with the container (7000) containing the formulation; deforming the first deformable arm from the first state to the second state, so as to form a cavity (260) in the porous reservoir; filling the cavity with the formulation; and releasing the pressure exerted on the tip, such that the first deformable arm returns to the first state and such that the formulation flows from the cavity to the porous reservoir (110, 210).