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.

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° 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° 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.