Patent Application
20170042310
The invention relates to the field of packaging for sticks of material to be applied by friction, and especially to the field of lipsticks or the like. It relates to a case for such a stick of material to be applied and the product comprising a stick in such a case.
A case for a stick of material to be applied by friction, especially a stick of lipstick, conventionally comprises a body and a cap.
The elongate body includes, firstly, a generally cylindrical housing with an opening at a proximal end and a elements for longitudinally guiding the sliding of the stick, capable of receiving the stick of material which can slide relative to the housing and protrude from it at its proximal end.
The body includes, secondly, a manually operated drive mechanism, typically rotatable and located towards a distal end of the body, the mechanism capable of sliding the stick of material relative to the body and to its housing in order to extend or retract it through the proximal opening.
The cap is removable and fits onto the body to cover the opening at the proximal end. More specifically, the cap also has a generally elongate shape, so as to cover the body over the greater part of its length, leaving the manual mechanism uncovered.
When the cap is removed, a large portion of the body is therefore visible. However, the longitudinal guide elements and the drive mechanism are generally visible on the body. For example, the drive mechanism may comprise a helical groove extending over a large portion of the length of the body, visible from outside the body. This is why the body typically comprises an outer casing, hiding the drive mechanism and the longitudinal guide elements while leaving the manual control of the drive mechanism uncovered. The cap, when it is fitted on the body, is placed over the outer casing.
In order to manipulate the case, the user takes the case in one hand. With the other hand, he or she removes the cap which is then either kept in the hand or placed on a suitable surface. Then, holding the case without its cap in one hand by the outer casing, the user operates the manual control with the other hand to extend the stick from the housing through the opening at the proximal end. Once the stick has been used, the user is still holding the case with one hand by the outer casing, and operates the manual control with the other hand to retract the stick into the housing. Then, still holding the body with one hand, the user can replace the cap over the outer casing with the other hand.
Whether removing the cap or operating the manual control, the user must use both hands. Furthermore, the cap is a hindrance to the user after the cap has been removed from the body.
Lipstick cases have been proposed that are operable with one hand, one example being document U.S. Pat. No. 3,588,262. The case described therein comprises two outer shells, placed end-to-end to form the exterior of the case. A first shell is secured to a first sleeve and the second shell is secured to a second sleeve, said second sleeve being rotatably mounted within the first sleeve. Each shell extends substantially for half the total length of the case. By rotating one of the sleeves relative to the other, the stick of lipstick is extended or retracted. A movable cover is mounted on one of the shells, for closing the opening of the case. The opening and closing of the case by the cover are controlled by a cam mechanism and a spring associated with the rotation of the sleeves, so as to be synchronized with the extension or retraction of the stick.
The case of document U.S. Pat. No. 3,588,262 thus allows, by holding the case with one hand, retaining one of the shells and rotating the other, in order to open or close the case and obtain the extension or retraction of the stick. However, the combination of stick driving mechanism and cover opening and closing mechanism involves complex synchronized movements. In particular, when the stick is long, in other words when it is first being used, the cover must expose the opening of the case sufficiently to allow the stick to protrude, with a short path of travel of the stick driving mechanism. But the cover must also be movable when the driving mechanism has a long path of travel as the stick grows shorter, to ensure that there is no impediment at the cover when wanting to extend the stick. In addition, the opening and closing mechanism must be precise to ensure minimal play between the cap and the body of the closed case, and to provide satisfactory sealing of the closed case. The proposed solution is therefore complex, leading to high manufacturing costs.
Document JP 2003-135144 also proposes a lipstick case that is operable with one hand. The case of this document comprises a housing in which are mounted a pivoting body and a cylinder. The housing is pivotally mounted in the housing. A lid is fitted onto an attachment portion of the housing, blocking translational movement of the pivoting body and preventing it from leaving the housing. A portion of the pivoting body is left exposed between the housing and the lid, close to the case opening. The cylinder is slidably mounted in the housing, but is prevented from rotating. The cylinder engages with the pivoting body via a helical connection. A cup comprises a threaded portion for helical connection with the cylinder, and is guided in translation in the pivoting body. The pivoting body is accessible outside the housing. The lid comprises a portion that is manually movable about a hinge. Thus, the user holds the case by the housing with one hand and can, for example with the thumb, lift the hinged portion to uncover the opening of the case. With the same hand, he or she can then actuate the pivoting body, causing translational movement of the cylinder in the housing, and therefore of the cup.
However, the cup driving mechanism proposed in patent JP 2003-135144 is complex. Furthermore, the attachment portion of the housing forms a protrusion on the housing, disrupting the general appearance, for example cylindrical, of the housing. The projection may inadvertently catch on surrounding elements, for example when placed in a purse. In addition, the projection requires the user to hold the housing in a specific orientation. The protrusion also causes problems with case storage.
There is therefore a need for a new case, for example a lipstick case, that is operable with one hand and that provides a solution to the above disadvantages in particular.
A first object of the invention is to provide a case for a stick of material to be applied by friction, in particular a stick of lipstick, that is fully operable with one hand.
A second object of the invention is to provide a case for a stick of material to be applied by friction, in particular a stick of lipstick, operable with one hand, that is of simple and reliable design.
A third object of the invention is to provide a case for a stick of material to be applied by friction, in particular a stick of lipstick, operable with one hand, that is convenient to manipulate.
A fourth object of the invention is to provide a case for a stick of material to be applied by friction, in particular a stick of lipstick, operable with one hand, that ensures satisfactory sealing.
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a case for a stick of material to be applied by friction, in particular a stick of lipstick, comprising:
The internal body and the external body are both open at a proximal end, so as to define an opening on the case. The cup is in a sliding connection along the main axis with one among the internal body and the external body, and is in a helical connection about the main axis with the other among the internal body and the external body, so as to alternately extend the stick from the case through the opening and retract it into the case by rotation of the external body relative to the internal body.
The case further comprises:
The case can thus be manipulated with one hand due to the access to the displacement mechanism provided by the lateral opening of the casing. The case also remains simple in design. In particular, the independence of the lid relative to the cup displacement mechanism elements that the number of parts composing the case remains small.
The casing extends, for example, over the entire length of the case along the main axis.
According to one embodiment, the casing comprises two lateral slots that are symmetrical with one another relative to a plane comprising the main axis.
The case may further comprise an intermediate shell prevented from translation and rotation on the external body. In this case, the slot or slots of the casing partially expose the intermediate shell. The aesthetics of the case can thus be improved by selecting special material and/or designs for the intermediate shell without having to redesign the displacement mechanism.
The lid may be hinged to the casing by means of a hinge having its axis transverse to the main axis, the hinge axis being fixed to the casing. In this case, the lid may be integral with the casing. More specifically, the hinging of the lid to the casing comprises a portion of elastically deformable material forming a bistable hinge with two positions of equilibrium: a first position corresponding to the closed position of the lid and a second position corresponding to the closed position of the lid, about an axis transverse to the main axis.
Alternatively, the internal body may comprise a distal portion extending beyond the external body, the casing being prevented from rotation and translation at the distal portion of the internal body.
Alternatively, the cup is in a sliding connection along the main axis on the internal body, and is in a helical connection on the external body.
According to another variant, the cup is in a sliding connection along the main axis on the external body, and in a helical connection on the internal body.
For example, the casing is cylindrical.
The lid may further comprise sealing elements for the casing.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a packaged product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a stick of material to be applied by friction, the stick being contained in a case as presented above.
The figures of the drawings will now be briefly described.
The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, with examples and with reference to the drawings.
The case 1 has the general shape of a tube, extending along a main axis X.
In the following, the terms “axial” and “axially” indicate an axial direction parallel to the main axis X. The terms “lateral” and “laterally” refer to any direction perpendicular to the main axis X.
In the following, the terms “inner” or “internal” and their variants indicate that which faces or is close to the main axis X, while “outer” or “external” and their variants conversely indicate that which faces away from or is at a distance from the main axis X.
The case 1 is intended to receive a stick 2 of material to be applied by friction, and in particular a stick of lipstick. The case comprises a cup 3, forming a housing for the stick 2. More specifically, the cup 3 is in the form of a bowl, and includes a transverse bottom 4 from which a side wall 5 rises in the direction of the main axis X. The side wall 5 extends from one side of the bottom 4, forming the housing for the stick. On other side of the bottom 4, the cup may comprise a flange 6, substantially an extension of the side wall 5, a lip 7 being formed that projects from the flange 6. The function of the lip 7 will be explained further below. The stick 2 is placed against the bottom 4 of the cup 3, the side wall 5 gripping a portion of the stick, such that the rest of the stick 2 extends out of the cup 3. The side wall 5 and the flange 6 of the cup 3 are substantially cylindrical and rotationally symmetrical in order to provide, as will be seen further below, guided rotation of the cup 3. The cup 3 comprises at least one pin 8 projecting transversely from the side wall 5. In practice, the cup 3 comprises two pins 8, diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the main axis X.
The case 1 comprises a cup 3 displacement mechanism 9, for moving the cup 3 axially, meaning along the main axis X. For this purpose, the displacement mechanism 9 comprises a hollow cylindrical internal body 10, for example straight, of circular cross-section. The inner diameter of the internal body 10 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the cup 3 measured on the side wall 5, such that the cup 3 can slide along the main axis X within the internal body 10, with minimal clearance between the cup 3 and the internal body 10, the lip 7 of the cup 3 being in contact with the inner wall 10 of the internal body. The displacement mechanism 8 further comprises an external body 11, also extending along the main axis X. The external body 11 has inner dimensions substantially equal to the outer dimensions of the internal body 10, such that the internal body 10 can be fitted into the external body 11 with minimal clearance, their circular cross-sections enabling guided rotation of the internal body 10 relative to the external body 11 about the main axis X.
Elements are provided for preventing axial translation between the internal body 10 and external body 11. For example, the internal body 10 comprises, at a proximal end 12, a transversely projecting first ring 13 forming a stop for a proximal end 14 of the external body 11. The internal body 10 may further comprise, on a distal end portion, a transversely projecting second ring 15, the axial distance between the two rings 13, 15 of the internal body 10 substantially corresponding to the axial dimension of the external body 11. The second ring 15 thus forms a stop for the distal end 16 of the external body 11. Preferably, the axial dimension of the internal body 10 is greater than the axial dimension of the external body 11, so that the internal body 10 comprises a distal portion 17, extending from the distal end 18 of internal body 10, which extends beyond the distal end 16 of the external body 11 when the latter is placed between the two rings 13, 15 on the internal body 10. The distal portion 17 of the internal body 10 has a transverse dimension substantially equal to the outer transverse dimension of the external body 11, so that the outer surface of the distal portion 17 substantially forms an extension of the outer surface of the external body.
The internal body 10 and external body 11 are open at their proximal end 12, 14, defining an opening 19 on the case 1. The external body 11 is also open at its distal end 16, to enable fitting it onto the internal body 10. The internal body 10 may be closed or open at its distal end 18.
The displacement mechanism 9 for the cup 3 is based on a helical connection. For this purpose, the internal body 10 comprises at least one axial groove 20. In practice, the internal body 10 comprises two axial grooves 20, symmetrical to each other relative to the main axis X, each axial groove 20 capable of receiving a pin 8 of the cup 3. The axial grooves 20 are through-holes in the internal body 10, so that the pins 8 of the cup 3 can traverse the internal body 10 and emerge beyond it. The external body 11 then comprises at least one helical groove 21, its axis being the main axis X, formed in its wall facing the internal body 10. In practice, the external body 11 comprises two helical grooves 21 which are symmetrical to each other relative to the main axis X, each helical groove 21 capable of receiving a pin 8 of the cup 3. More specifically, each helical groove 21 receives the portion of a pin 8 which emerges beyond the internal body 10, traversing an axial groove 20. The helical grooves 21 may or may not form through-holes.
Alternatively, the internal body 10 may provide the helical grooves, which are then through-holes, and the external body 1 may provide the axial grooves, which then may not be through-holes.
Elements are provided on the case 1 for rotating the external body 10 about the main axis relative to the internal body 11. By causing rotation of the internal body 10 relative to the external body 11 about the main axis X, the axial grooves 20 and helical grooves 21 move the cup 3 in translation along the main axis X. The stick 2 can then be alternately extended out of the case 1 through the opening 19 or retracted into the case 1, depending on the direction of rotation of the internal body 10 relative to the external body 11. Elements may be provided for controlling the operating torque, meaning the torque that must be applied to obtain displacement of the cup 3. For example, the internal body 10 may include a lip 22 projecting transversely from the wall facing the external body 11 and bearing against the wall of the external body 11 which faces the internal body 10. The lip 22 of the internal body 11 allows adjusting the operating torque, by means of friction. Similarly, the lip 7 of the cup 3 also allows adjusting the operating torque by its friction against the internal body 10.
The case 1 also comprises a casing, at least partially covering the displacement mechanism 9, which will now be described with reference to an embodiment.
The casing 30 comprises a single part, and is in the form of a tubular sleeve made as one piece, extending over the entire axial dimension of the case 1. The axial dimension of the casing 30 is substantially equal, or greater than, the total axial dimension of the displacement mechanism 9, so that the casing 30 forms the entire outside of the case 1. In other words, the casing 30 extends from the opening 19 of the case to its bottom, formed in the example shown on the distal end 18 of the internal body 10. Preferably, the casing 30 has a cylindrical outer surface 31 that is rotationally symmetrical, giving the case 1 the general appearance of a straight tube. At least a portion of the inner surface 32 of the casing 30 is also preferably rotationally symmetrical, of dimensions substantially corresponding to those of the outer cross-section of the external body 11. The displacement mechanism 9 can thus be inserted into the casing 30 with minimal clearance between the external body 11 and the inner surface 32 of the casing 30.
The casing 30 comprises two lateral slots 33, symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane comprising the main axis X, and extending over an intermediate portion 34 of the casing 30. A proximal portion 35 and a distal portion 36 are thus defined on the casing 30, on either side of the intermediate portion 34. The proximal portion 35 and distal portion 36 are solid, meaning they have no slots, such that each presents a continuous cross section, unlike the intermediate portion 34 which comprises two strips of material separated by the lateral slots 33. The slots 33 are oblong along the axial direction. Each slot 33 is delimited by an edge comprising two segments 37 parallel to the main axis X and two semicircular segments 38. The distance between the two parallel segments 37 is adapted for the width of a human finger, in other words so that the user can insert a portion of the pad of the finger between the two parallel segments 37 in order to reach the external body 11 and, by pressing on the casing 30, rotate the external body 11.
The proximal portion 35 is open at the distal end 39 of the casing 30, so as to coincide with the opening 19 of the case 1. The distal portion 36 is preferably closed at the proximal end 40 of the case 1, forming a bottom for the case 1.
The casing 30 is mounted on the displacement mechanism 9 and is prevented from axial translation. The casing 30 is also prevented from rotating on the internal body 10. More specifically, the displacement mechanism 9 is inserted into the casing 30 by the open distal end 39, so that the distal portion 17 of the internal body 10 is received in the distal portion 36 of the casing. To this end, the inner surface 32 of the casing 30 at its distal portion 36 is specially shaped to receive the distal portion 17 of the internal body 10, and comprises, in succession from the distal end 39 of the casing 30, a first area 41, second area 42, and a third area 43, the diameter of the inner cross-section of these three areas increasing from the first area 41 to the third area 43. The diameter of the inner cross-section of the second area 42 is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer cross-section of the distal portion 17 of the internal body 10. The diameter of the inner cross-section of the third area 43 is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer cross-section of the external body 11.
Thus, the distal end 18 of the internal body 10 abuts against a shoulder 44 between the first area 41 and second area 42. The diameter of the inner cross-section of the third area 43 allows accommodating a portion of the displacement mechanism 9. In order to prevent a relative rotation between the casing 30 and the internal body 10, the distal portion 17 of the internal body 10 may comprise axial grooves, cooperating with complementary axial grooves 45 formed on the inner surface 32 of the casing 30 within the second area 42. Complementary elements complete the blocking of axial translation of the casing relative to the displacement mechanism 9; for example, stops may be placed between the casing 30 and the external body 11. Gluing or welding the distal portion 17 of the external body 10 onto the second area 42 of the casing 30 may also be provided. The first area 41 remains empty, and may for example serve as a housing for a part providing additional weight to the case, making the case 1 more attractive to the user.
The external body 11 remains visible and accessible through lateral slots 33 of the casing 30. It is thus possible to hold the case 1 in one hand by its casing 30, and to use the fingers of the same hand to rotate the external body 11 within the casing 30, guided by the casing's inner surface 32 of circular cross-section.
When the grooves, which may be helical or axial, provided by the external body 11 are through-holes, it is preferable to hide the external body 11 by means of an intermediate shell 45, mounted on the exterior of the external body 11 so as to cover at least the portion that would otherwise be visible through the slots 33. The intermediate shell 45 is at least immobilized in rotation about the main axis X relative to the external body 11. In practice, the intermediate shell 45 is completely fixed to the external body 11, meaning that it is immobilized both in rotation and in translation. Preferably, the intermediate shell 45 covers the entire external body 11, and for example is glued to it. The intermediate shell 45 may also be folded over at its distal end 45′ in order to cover the distal end 12 of the internal body 10. The folded end 45′ may further form an axial stop between the internal body 10 and the external body 11, to which the intermediate shell 45 is completely fixed. The displacement mechanism 9 is thus completely hidden to the user. The intermediate shell 45 may also serve to provide an aesthetic element for the case 1. For example, the intermediate shell 45 may be covered with a particular pattern, or offer a particular texture and appearance, that could not be provided by the external body 11. For example, while the internal body 10 and external body 11 are made of plastic, the intermediate shell 45 can be made of a material that imitates metal or of metal. The dimensions of the casing 30 are then adapted to allow insertion, with minimal clearance, of the displacement mechanism 9 equipped with the intermediate shell 45.
The case 1 further comprises a lid 46, hinged to the casing 30, that is independent of the displacement mechanism 9 of the cup 3. According to one embodiment, which is the one shown in the figures, the lid 46 is hinged to the casing 30 by means of a hinge 47 having a transverse axis of rotation, which is fixed to the casing 30. For example, the hinge 47 is formed by a strip of elastically deformable material connecting the lid 46 to the proximal end 39 of the casing 30. The lid 46 is formed with the casing 30. In other words, the lid 46 and the casing 30 are one piece. Alternatively, the hinge 47 may be formed by a hinge axis connecting knuckles of the lid 46 and casing 30.
“Elastically deformable” is understood here to mean that the material has the property of deforming and returning to its initial shape without breaking under normal usage conditions, in this case meaning when force is manually applied.
The hinge 47 is preferably bistable, in other words it has two stable equilibrium positions. A first equilibrium position corresponds to a closed position of the lid 46, in which the lid 46 covers the opening 19 of the case 1; the second equilibrium position corresponds to an open position of the lid 46, in which the lid 46 has uncovered the opening 19 of the case 1. The lid 46 remains secured to the casing 30 whether it is in the closed position or open position.
The independence of the lid 46 with respect to the cup 3 displacement mechanism 9 allows placement of sealing elements between the lid 46 and the casing 30. For example, the lid 46 may form an elastically deformable skirt 48, defining a lid cross-section that is slightly smaller than the cross-section of the proximal end 39 of the case 1. Thus, to reach the closed position, the skirt 48 is deformed to grip a portion of the casing 30 around the opening 19. This ensures that close contact is established between the lid 46 and the casing, providing a seal. In addition, effort must be applied for the skirt 48 to slide on the casing 30 and allow the lid 46 to open. This reduces the risk of the lid 46 being opened inadvertently. Alternatively, a shoulder 49 may be formed on the casing 30, so that the casing 30 has an external cross-section of reduced diameter around the opening 19 of the case 1. The skirt 48 of the lid then grips the casing 30 on this external cross-section, such that the lid 46 can fit into the geometric external shape of the casing 30, meaning in alignment with the outer surface 31 of the casing 30 so that the case 1 retains the general shape of a straight and smooth tube without discontinuities, even when fitted with the lid 46. However, to facilitate placing the lid 46 in the open position, the lid has at least one portion which projects transversely relative to the casing when the lid 46 is in the closed position, forming an area where, for example, the user's thumb can apply pressure. This pressure area is advantageously placed opposite the hinge 47 with respect to the main axis X.
To use the case 1 so formed, the user holds the case 1 in one hand, with the lid 46 in the closed position. Using for example the thumb of the same hand, he or she pushes on the lid 46 to move it to the open position. Then, still using the fingers of the same hand, he or she rotates the external body 11 through the lateral slots 33, for example using the thumb and index finger. The presence of the two lateral slots 33, diametrically opposed, is particularly suited for holding the casing 30 while using two fingers to rotate the external body 11. In addition, the fact that the lateral slots are in the intermediate portion 34 allows firmly holding the casing 30, in particular by the distal portion 36. As the internal body 10 is prevented from rotating relative to the casing, the external body 11 then pivots relative to the internal body 10, causing axial displacement of the cup 3 in a direction that extends the stick 2 out of the case 1 through the opening 19. Once the stick has been used, the user, without using the other hand, then rotates the external body 11 relative to the internal body 10 through the lateral slots 33 and while holding the casing 30, so that the cup 3 moves in the opposite direction to retract the stick 2 into the case 1. Then the user simply folds the lid 46 back over the opening, possibly pressing on it axially so that the skirt 48 grips the casing 30, and so that the lid 46 is returned to the closed position. These operations are then alternately repeated.
The case 1 described with reference to the embodiment below, provided with a casing 30 and a lid 46 independent of the displacement mechanism 9 for the cup 3, can be operated with one hand while providing a simple and inexpensive design. The one-piece casing 30 covers the entire displacement mechanism 9, concealing it from the user.
The casing 30 may have a smooth exterior, giving the case 1 the shape of a straight tube, that is particularly pleasing to the eye and is practical for storage. The casing 30 may be used for decorating with patterns or for providing information to the user, to or for presenting a particular texture.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 51147 | Feb 2014 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR2015/050329 | 2/11/2015 | WO | 00 |
