U.S. patent application number 11/117425 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for packaging and applicator device including a member for reshaping an applicator surface thereof and a method of reshaping an applicator surface.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Gueret, Jean-Louis.
Application Number | 20050244209 11/117425 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35456519 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050244209 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gueret, Jean-Louis |
November 3, 2005 |
Packaging and applicator device including a member for reshaping an
applicator surface thereof and a method of reshaping an applicator
surface
Abstract
A packaging and applicator device may include: a body; a block
of fluidizable substance that is stationary relative to the body
while the substance is in a solid state, the block of substance
projecting beyond the body to define at least one surface that
defines an applicator surface; and a reshaper member that is
positionable on the body to co-operate therewith to define at least
one cavity, the reshaper member reshaping the applicator surface by
allowing the substance to flow into the at least one cavity when
fluidized by supplying heat, the substance retaining a shape of the
cavity when the substance returns to the solid state after
cooling.
Inventors: |
Gueret, Jean-Louis; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
35456519 |
Appl. No.: |
11/117425 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60572482 |
May 20, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/001 |
International
Class: |
A46B 011/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 30, 2004 |
FR |
04 04674 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A packaging and applicator device comprising: a body; a block of
fluidizable substance that is stationary relative to the body while
the substance is in a solid state, said block of substance
projecting beyond the body to define at least one surface
comprising an applicator surface; and a reshaper member that is
positionable on the body to co-operate therewith to define at least
one cavity, the reshaper member reshaping the applicator surface by
allowing the substance to flow into the at least one cavity when
fluidized by supplying heat, the substance retaining a shape of the
cavity when the substance returns to the solid state after
cooling.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member is
configured to allow the body of the device to remain vertical as
the substance flows into the cavity.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member is
configured to engage on an outside of the body.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member is
configured to act as a closure member for the body when positioned
on an applicator surface end thereof.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the reshaper member is
configured to fasten on the body at an end thereof opposite the
applicator surface end.
6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes an
inside surface in contact with the substance, said inside surface
comprising at least one portion in relief that opposes slipping of
the substance inside the body when the substance is in the solid
state.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the portion in relief
comprises at least one of a constriction, a screen, a porous
structure, and a helical thread.
8. A device according to claim 6, wherein the portion in relief
comprises a serration.
9. A device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the
body one of decreases and increases toward the applicator
surface.
10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member
comprises at least two portions that define cavities configured to
reshape the applicator surface into different respective
shapes.
11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the reshaper member
comprises two portions that define cavities that open in opposing
directions.
12. A device according to claim 10, wherein the reshaper member
comprises two portions that define cavities that are
juxtaposed.
13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member
comprises a package configured to house the body of the device.
14. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member
comprises both a housing for reshaping the applicator surface and a
housing for enclosing the body.
15. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes at
least two openings configured to allow the substance to flow
therethrough when fluidized by applying heat.
16. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes at
least one eccentric opening configured to allow the substance to
flow therethrough when fluidized by applying heat.
17. A device according to claim 1, wherein the substance comprises
a blusher.
18. A device according to claim 1, wherein the substance comprises
a lipstick.
19. A device according to claim 1, wherein the substance comprises
an eye makeup.
20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body and the
reshaper member are compatible with use in a microwave oven.
21. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body and the
reshaper member are configured to withstand a temperature necessary
for fluidization of the substance.
22. A device according to claim 21, wherein the body and the
reshaper are configured to withstand at least 120.degree. C.
23. A device according to claim 1, wherein a quantity of substance
contained in the body is sufficient to allow at least one reshaping
operation.
24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the quantity of
substance contained in the body is sufficient to allow at least two
reshaping operations.
25. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member
includes a vent.
26. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes an
opening opposite an application surface end thereof, the opening
allowing pressure equalization.
27. A device according to claim 1, wherein the reshaper member is
made of at least two materials with different hardness.
28. A method of reshaping an applicator surface in a device
comprising a body, a block of substance contained in the body, said
block of substance projecting beyond the body to define said
applicator surface, and a reshaper member that is positionable on
the body to co-operate therewith to define at least one cavity, the
method comprising: after the block of substance has been used at
least once, positioning the reshaper member on the body to define
the cavity; heating the substance to allow the substance to flow
into the cavity; and allowing the substance to cool with the
reshaper member positioned on the body, the substance retaining a
shape of the cavity upon return to the solid state after
cooling.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein heating the substance
comprises exposing the substance to microwave radiation.
30. A method according to claim 28, wherein heating the substance
comprises exposing the substance to heat generated by an electrical
resistance.
31. A method according to claim 28, wherein allowing the substance
to cool comprises placing the body in one of a refrigerator and a
freezer.
32. A method according to claim 28, wherein the substance is heated
to a temperature higher than about 80.degree. C.
33. A method according to claim 28, wherein the reshaper member is
positionable on the body to co-operate therewith to selectably
define a plurality of cavities, positioning of the reshaper member
on the body comprising selecting one of the plurality of cavities
to define the cavity into which the substance flows upon heating.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of
French Application No. 04 04674 filed on Apr. 30, 2004, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/572,482 filed on May 20, 2004.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging and applicator
devices, for example, for making up skin, mucous membranes, nails
or hair.
[0003] Known devices for packaging and dispensing lipsticks or
deodorants comprise a body housing a stick of substance and a
mechanism for displacing the stick of substance relative to the
body to compensate for wear as the stick of substance is used up.
The drive mechanism is relatively expensive and an applicator
surface of the stick of substance never regains its original
shape.
[0004] Makeup pencils are also known that comprise a wood or
plastics body into which the substance is cast to form the "lead."
During use, the "lead" becomes worn and a user must resort to a
pencil sharpener to reshape the "lead," which risks breaking the
"lead" or weakening the "lead" for subsequent use.
SUMMARY
[0005] Known blushers, lip colors, or eye shadows that are slightly
domed for direct application to skin suffer from a disadvantage of
losing their initial shape relatively rapidly; once shape has been
lost, application may no longer be as accurate as desired.
[0006] The invention aims, for example, to overcome such
disadvantages.
[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a packaging
and applicator device comprising: a body; a block of fluidizable
substance that is stationary relative to the body while the
substance is in a solid state, said block of substance projecting
beyond the body to define at least one surface comprising an
applicator surface; and a reshaper member for reshaping the
applicator surface. The reshaper member may be positionable on the
body to co-operate therewith to define at least one cavity into
which the substance may flow when fluidized by supplying heat. The
substance thus may retain a shape of the cavity when the substance
returns to the solid state after cooling.
[0008] The term "fluidizable" should not be construed in a narrow
sense, and encompasses any possibility of softening a substance
under the effect of heat which is sufficient to allow the substance
to flow into said cavity to reshape the applicator surface
thereof.
[0009] The term "solid state" means the state of the substance at
ambient temperature (about 20.degree. C.) under normal conditions
of use.
[0010] The term "stationary relative to the body" means that the
device has no drive mechanism for displacing the block of substance
axially relative to the body when the substance is at ambient
temperature, such as, for example, known screw mechanisms in
certain deodorants or lipsticks.
[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the reshaper member may be
arranged to allow the body of the device to remain vertical as the
substance flows into the cavity. For example, the reshaper member
may be arranged to rest in a stable manner on a horizontal flat
surface.
[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the reshaper member may be
arranged to engage on an outside of the body. For example, the
reshaper member may also act as a member for closing the body, at
an applicator surface end thereof, for example, to protect the
applicator surface when not in use. The reshaper member may
optionally be configured to be fastened on the body on an end
opposite the applicator surface, which may, for example, reduce a
risk of losing the reshaper member while the substance is being
applied.
[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the body may include an inside
surface in contact with the substance. The inside surface may
comprise at least one portion in relief that opposes slipping of
the substance inside the body when the substance is in the solid
state. Said portion in relief may comprise a constriction or
serration, for example.
[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the body may include an inside
cross-section that tapers or flares toward the applicator surface,
for example, decreasing or increasing in internal cross-section
toward the applicator surface.
[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the reshaper member may comprise
at least two portions to define cavities with different shapes, for
example, configured to reshape the applicator surface into
different respective shapes, depending on which portion the user
selects to co-operate with the body of the device. This may afford
the user the opportunity to choose between a plurality of shapes of
the applicator surface, depending on the type of makeup being
applied.
[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the reshaper member may comprise
one housing to reshape the applicator surface and another housing
to enclose the body. The other housing may not act to reshape the
applicator surface. The other housing may, for example, co-operate
with the one housing to close around the body.
[0017] If appropriate or desired, the body may include more than
one opening configured to allow the substance to flow therethrough
when fluidized by applying heat, for example, during reshaping of
the applicator surface.
[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the body may include at least one
eccentric opening configured to allow the substance to flow
therethrough when fluidized by applying heat, for example, during
reshaping of the applicator surface.
[0019] If necessary or desired, the body of the device may be
packaged in a package such as a case with a portion that act as the
reshaper member. For example, the reshaper member may comprise a
package configured to house the body of the device.
[0020] In exemplary embodiments, a quantity of substance contained
in the body of the device is sufficient to allow at least one
reshaping operation. For example, the quantity may be sufficient to
allow at least two reshaping operations.
[0021] A temperature to which the substance is heated for reshaping
the applicator surface may, for example, depend on a nature of the
substance and a rate at which a missing portion thereof may fill in
the cavity defined by the reshaper member.
[0022] For example, the substance may comprise an anhydrous
formulation that behaves reversibly as a function of temperature.
The substance may contain at least one compound that coagulates,
plasticizes, or hardens on returning to ambient temperature.
[0023] For example, the substance may comprise a blusher, a
lipstick, or an eye makeup substance. Such examples are
non-limiting, the invention being applicable to any cosmetic or
dermatological care product, for example.
[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the device and the
reshaper member may be configured to withstand a rise in
temperature necessary to fluidize the substance and reshape the
applicator surface. For example, the body and the reshaper member
may be configured to withstand a temperature of about 120.degree.
C. in the absence of mechanical stresses.
[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the reshaper member may be made so
as to facilitate unmolding of the applicator surface. A material of
which the reshaper member is made may be provided to this end. The
reshaper member may, for example, be made of polypropylene (filled
or otherwise), polystyrene, polyamide, such as Nylon.RTM.,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), elastomers, or silicones, such
examples being non-limiting.
[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the reshaper member may be made of
at least two different materials, one of which may be elastically
deformable. The reshaper member may, for example, be made with a
bottom formed of an elastically deformable material, such as
silicone, to facilitate unmolding, with a remainder being formed of
a non-elastomeric material, such as polypropylene.
[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the reshaper member may include a
vent, for example, to facilitate filling the cavity.
[0028] In exemplary embodiments, opposite the reshaper member, the
body may include an opening to allow pressure equalization.
[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a method of
reshaping an applicator surface in a device comprising: a body, a
block of liquefiable substance contained in a solid state in the
body, said block of substance projecting beyond the body to define
at least one surface for application; and a reshaper member for
reshaping the applicator surface, said reshaper member being
positionable on the body to co-operate therewith to define at least
one cavity, the method comprising: after the block of substance has
been used at least once, positioning the reshaper member on the
body; heating the substance to allow the substance to flow into the
cavity; and allowing the substance to cool with the reshaper member
positioned on the body, the substance retaining a shape of the
cavity on resuming the solid state after cooling.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the substance may be heated by
exposing the substance to microwave radiation, for example, for a
period in a range of about 10 seconds to about 5 minutes.
Alternatively, in exemplary embodiments, the substance may be
heated by exposing the substance to heat generated by an electrical
resistance. The substance may be heated to a temperature of more
than about 80.degree. C., for example.
[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the cavity into which the
substance flows may be selected from a number of cavities as a
function of a desired shape with which the applicator surface is to
be endowed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention may be better understood from the following
detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and from
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an
exemplary embodiment of a packaging and applicator device;
[0034] FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate reshaping of an applicator surface
of the device of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional
views showing exemplary embodiments of a body of the device;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional view
showing an exemplary device in which the reshaper member may also
act as a closure cap;
[0037] FIG. 9 shows, in isolation, an exemplary reshaper member for
reshaping the applicator surface into two predetermined shapes, as
selected by a user;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary
package that allows the applicator surface to be reshaped;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 10,
taken along XI-XI in FIG. 10;
[0040] FIG. 12 shows another exemplary embodiment of a packaging
and applicator device;
[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates wear on the applicator surface of the
device of FIG. 12;
[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates the device before reshaping the
applicator surface;
[0043] FIG. 15 illustrates the device of FIG. 14 after reshaping
the applicator surface;
[0044] FIGS. 16 to 18 are diagrammatic cross-sectional views
showing other exemplary embodiments of packaging and applicator
devices;
[0045] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary body of the device with an
eccentric opening for substance outflow;
[0046] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary body of the device with a
plurality of openings for substance outflow;
[0047] FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary reshaper member comprising
at least two different materials; and
[0048] FIGS. 22 to 24 show exemplary portions in relief for
retaining substance in the body in the form of a screen, a helical
thread, and a porous structure, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0049] An exemplary packaging and applicator device 1 shown in FIG.
1 may comprise an applicator member 10 and a reshaper member 20.
The applicator member 10 may comprise a body 12 that is elongate
along a longitudinal axis X, for example, and a block of
fluidizable substance 13 that extends beyond one end of the body 12
to define an applicator surface 14.
[0050] In this exemplary embodiment, the applicator member 10 may
constitute a pencil. Prior to first use, the applicator surface 14
may have a generally pointed shape.
[0051] An end 15 of the body 12 adjacent to the applicator surface
14 may be substantially conical, converging toward the applicator
surface 14. The body 12 may be open at an opposite end 16, for
example. For example, the substance 13 may be cast into the body 12
via the opposite end 16 during manufacture of the device 1.
[0052] In this exemplary embodiment, the reshaper member 20 may be
in a general shape of a cap comprising a tubular skirt 21 that
connects at a lower end thereof to a bottom portion 22, as shown in
FIGS. 2-4, for example.
[0053] In this exemplary embodiment, the skirt 21 may be
cylindrical and centered about the axis X. The skirt 21 may include
an inside diameter that is adapted to an outside diameter of the
body 12, for example, so that the skirt 21 fits on the body 12 with
a small amount of interference.
[0054] The reshaper member 20 may define a cavity 24, defined
radially by the skirt 21 with a bottom portion 25 providing a shape
corresponding to that with which the applicator surface 14 is to be
endowed when reshaped.
[0055] Before first use, the applicator surface 14 may have a shape
that corresponds to that of the bottom 25 of the cavity 24. The
substance 13 may advantageously be initially cast into the body 12
while the reshaper member 20 was in position thereon, for example,
as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0056] After being used one or more times, the applicator surface
14 may become worn due to transfer of substance onto the treated
surface and may, for example, obtain a flattened shape shown in
FIG. 3. To reshape the applicator surface 14, the user may insert
the applicator member 10 into the reshaper member 20 until the end
15 axially abuts against the reshaper member 20, as shown in FIG.
3. As shown, a void remains above the bottom 25 of the cavity
24.
[0057] The user may then apply heat, with the applicator member and
the reshaper member 20 disposed vertically as shown, for example,
by placing the assembly in a microwave oven. A duration of heating
depends on several factors such as a power of the oven and natures
of the body, the device and the substance.
[0058] The substance 13 may be heated to a temperature higher than
about 80.degree. C., for example. The body 12 of the applicator
member 10 and the reshaper member 20 may be configured to
withstanding the temperature to which the substance is heated.
[0059] The applicator member 10 and the reshaper member 20 may be
made so as to be compatible with use in a microwave oven. For
example, the applicator member 10 and the reshaper member 20 may
avoid inclusion of any metal or metallization which could
deteriorate or damage the oven being used.
[0060] Properties of the substance 13 may be such that, when heated
to a sufficient temperature, the substance 13 fluidizes and flows
under gravity into the cavity 24 to match the shape of the bottom
25, for example, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0061] The user may then allow the substance 13 to cool, to allow
the substance 13 to solidify. Cooling may, for example, be
accomplished in ambient air or by placing the assembly in a
refrigerator or a freezer. As shown in FIG. 4, a level of the
substance 13 inside the body 12 drops due to outflow thereof into
the cavity 24 during reshaping of the applicator surface 14.
Outflow may be facilitated by an air pressure equalization, for
example, made possible by the end 16 of the body 12 being open.
[0062] Once the substance 13 has resumed the solid state, the user
may once again use the applicator member 10, with the applicator
surface 14 having regained a suitable or desired shape,
corresponding to that of the bottom 25.
[0063] Such operation may be repeated as many times as allowed by a
quantity of substance 13 contained in the body 12. A maximum volume
of substance 13 that flows out on each reshaping of the applicator
surface 14 into the cavity 24 may, for example, correspond to less
than half of an initial volume of the block of substance 13,
preferably less than a third, a quarter, a fifth, or a tenth
thereof.
[0064] Each time the applicator surface 14 is reshaped, heating of
the substance may be sufficient to exert a germicidal or
bactericidal action on the applicator surface 14, which may serve
to reduce or even dispense with preservatives in the substance.
[0065] To reduce a risk of the block of substance 13 slipping
relative to the body 12 when the substance is in the solid state,
an inside surface 17 of the body 12 may be provided with at least
one portion in relief, which may be a hollow or a projection, for
example, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 22 to 24.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the inside surface 17 may be provided
with serrations 18 extending across the longitudinal axis X. As
shown in FIG. 6, the inside surface 17 may include a constriction
19 formed, for example, by an annular bead 31 that projects
radially inward. The invention contemplates other portions in
portion in relief as well. For example, at least one screen 61 may
be provided, as shown in FIG. 22. Alternatively or additionally, a
helical thread 62 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 23.
Alternatively or additionally, a porous structure 63 may be fitted
in the body 12, as shown in FIG. 24. For example, the porous
structure 63 may comprise a foam or a sponge, and may occupy a
greater or lesser amount of space inside the body 12, depending,
for example, on a viscosity of the substance 13. The inside surface
17 may also be made with a suitable roughness.
[0067] It is also possible to provide the inside surface 17 with a
cross-section that is not constant, for example, a cross-section
that decreases toward the end 15, as shown in FIG. 7, or
conversely, increases toward the end 15 (not shown).
[0068] If appropriate or desired, the inside surface 17 may be made
with a cross-section that increases or decreases toward one end of
the body 12 and also provided with at least one portion in relief
to encourage retention of the substance 13.
[0069] The reshaper member 20 may act as a closure cap to protect
the applicator surface 14 when not in use, for example, as shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4. Alternatively or additionally, the reshaper member 20
may include a second portion defining a cavity 32 that differs from
the portion defining the cavity 24. The second portion may serves
only to receive the body 12 when not in use, the cavity 24, but not
the cavity 32, being the suitable for reshaping the applicator
surface 14. In such case, the cavity 32 may, for example, be
sufficiently wide to avoid contacting the reshaper member 20 with
the applicator surface 14, as shown in FIG. 8, the end 15 of the
body 12 bearing axially, for example, against a shoulder 33 of the
reshaper member 20 associated with the cavity 32.
[0070] If appropriate or desired, as shown in FIG. 9, the reshaper
member 20 may define two cavities 24 and 24' having respective
bottoms 25 and 25' that are arranged to reshape the applicator
surface 14 into different shapes, for example, one shape that is
more pointed than the other. The user may then select one of the
cavities 24 or 24' that is suitable for a desired application, for
example, to deposit substance on a broad surface or, in contrast,
to make an outline.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the cavities 24 and 24' may
open in opposite directions. However, such a configuration is not
the only possibility.
[0072] FIG. 9 also shows that the reshaper member 20 may be made
with at least one vent 60 that facilitates evacuation of air
contained in the cavity 24, 24' while being filled. The vent 60,
for example, be in the form of a groove.
[0073] The reshaper member 20 may, if appropriate or desired, and
as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, be in the form of a package comprising
a closing lid 37 and a bottom portion 36 with, for example, a
housing 35 that is configured to receive the applicator member 10
when not in use and defines at least one cavity, for example, three
cavities 24, 24' and 24", to receive the applicator member 10
during reshaping of the applicator surface 14.
[0074] The cavities 24, 24' and 24" may include respective bottoms
25, 25' and 25" with different shapes, for example, to allow
different applicator surface shapes to be formed, such as points
with different tapers.
[0075] The applicator member 10 may differ from a pencil. For
example, FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the
applicator member 10 includes a broader applicator surface 14 than
in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0076] The body 12 of the applicator member 10 in this exemplary
embodiment may comprise a tubular portion 40 that is connected at a
bottom thereof to a flange 41 that is directed radially outwardly.
As shown, the flange 41 may be provided with an edge 42 that is
directed toward the end 16 of the applicator member 10 remote from
the applicator surface 14.
[0077] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12, a shape of
the applicator surface 14 may be substantially part spherical with
a periphery that is, for example, substantially half a width of the
flange 41. A rib 43 may extend the flange 41 radially inward from
the tubular portion 40 and may form a portion in relief, for
example, that improves a grip of the block of substance 13 in the
solid state in the body 12.
[0078] As shown, the body 12 may comprise a one-piece plastics
molding. However, the present invention contemplates the body 12
being made by assembling a plurality of elements that have been
made independently as well.
[0079] The reshaper member 20 may comprise a wall 46 in the form of
a cup. The wall 46 may define a cavity 24 with a bottom 25 having a
shape that is to be restored to the applicator surface 14.
[0080] A periphery of the wall 46 may be connected to a tubular
skirt 47 via which the reshaper member 20 may rest on a horizontal
surface disposed between the wall 46 and the skirt 47, with an axis
of the cavity 24 disposed vertically. The skirt 47 may be extended
upward by a rib 48 that, by cooperating with the edge 42, may
center the applicator member 10 on the reshaper member 20, as shown
in FIG. 14.
[0081] During use, the applicator surface 14 may lose the initial
shape, as shown in FIG. 13. To reshape the applicator surface 14,
the applicator member 10 may be positioned over the reshaper member
20, as shown in FIG. 14. Then the assembly may be heated, for
example, in a microwave oven, to allow the substance 13 to fluidize
and flow into the bottom 25 of the cavity 24. The applicator
surface 14 may become reshaped in contact with the bottom 25 of the
cavity 24, as shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, a level of the
substance 13 in the body 12 is reduced following reshaping. The
block of substance 13 may set on cooling, and thus may retain the
shape of the bottom 25 of the cavity 24.
[0082] Contact between the flange 41 and the wall 46 may contribute
to preventing substance from leaking out while the substance is in
the fluid state. Specific sealing means may be provided, such as at
least one sealing lip or gasket formed of a particular material,
such as, for example, an elastomer.
[0083] The present invention contemplates that the applicator
member 10, as well as the reshaper member 20, may be made in a
variety of manners.
[0084] For example, FIG. 16 shows an exemplary applicator member 10
intended for application to a broad surface, for example, to a
human body. The applicator surface 14 may possibly comprise a domed
oblong shape, for example.
[0085] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the body 12 of
the applicator member 10 may be relatively short, for example, when
the substance 13 comprises a blusher.
[0086] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the substance
13 may, for example, be intended for application to lips.
[0087] The body 12 may include a single opening 45 through which
the substance 13 may flow when in the fluid state to allow the
applicator surface 14 to be reshaped. Said opening 45 may be
centered on a longitudinal axis of the applicator member 10. Such
axis may be an axis of symmetry, for example. Alternatively, as
shown in FIG. 19, the opening 45 may be eccentric with respect to a
longitudinal axis of the body 12.
[0088] The applicator member 10 may also include a plurality of
openings 45 through which the substance 13 may flow during
reshaping of the applicator surface 14, as shown in FIG. 20.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 21, the reshaper member 20 may be made of
at least two materials with different hardness, for example, an
elastomer and a non-elastomer, to facilitate unmolding, for
example.
[0090] One of the materials may define at least the bottom of the
cavity, while the other material may form a remainder of the
reshaper member.
[0091] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described
above; for example, characteristics of the various embodiments
described may be combined together.
[0092] The substance may be heated to fluidize the substance in a
manner other than by placing the applicator member in a microwave
oven, for example, by exposing the substance to heat generated by
an electrical resistance. Such electrical resistance may be
external to the applicator member or, if appropriate or desired,
may be integrated in the applicator member. In such embodiments,
the reshaper member may comprise a source of electrical energy and
means for establishing electrical contact with the resistance
incorporated in the applicator member, so that positioning the
applicator member on the reshaper member allows or automatically
causes an electric current to flow in the resistance, heating the
substance and reshaping the applicator surface.
[0093] Throughout the description, the expression "comprising a"
should be understood to be synonymous with "comprising at least
one", unless otherwise indicated.
[0094] Although the present invention herein has been described
with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood
that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles
and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
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