CASE FOR LIPSTICK, LIP GLOSS, DEODORANT OR COSMETICS

Abstract

A case for an applicable material, the case comprising: an elongate outer casing comprising a base, a peripheral wall and an open upper periphery; a material mount located within and supported by the outer casing; and an elongate inner sleeve comprising a peripheral wall and an open upper periphery, the inner sleeve being located at least in part within the outer casing and surrounding the mount at least in part. The mount is fixed relative to the outer casing; the inner sleeve is slidable longitudinally between a retracted position and an extended position such that, when in the retracted position, the inner sleeve is configured to expose the applicable material for use and, when in the extended position, the inner sleeve is configured to at least partially surround the applicable material when not in use; and the inner sleeve is manipulable by a user so as to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted position and the extended position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims the benefit of the filing and priority dates of European patent application no. 20 162 849.2 filed 12 Mar. 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a case for lipstick, lip gloss or makeup (or indeed other materials), and to a product including lipstick, lip gloss, cosmetics, deodorant, glue, etc., and such a case.

BACKGROUND

US patent publication no. 2019/0328110 A1 discloses a lipstick vessel with a cylindrical upper cover, cylindrical member with (i) a shoulder (with open upper and lower parts) insertable into a lower opening of the upper cover and (ii) a lower cover (with an open upper part and a closed lower part), and the upper opening portion thereof is inserted into the lower outer circumference of a circumferential protrusion protruding outward at a center of the shoulder; a rotating body of a cylindrical member, which is inserted into the lower cover to rotate integrally with the lower cover; a lipstick holding member for holding a lipstick at the upper part thereof, which is inserted into the center of the rotating body and moves up and down while rotating integrally with the rotating body; a guide member, of which the upper and lower parts are opened and the outer circumference is tapered, which is provided between the rotating body and the lipstick holding member for guiding the lipstick to be lifted and lowered when the lipstick holding member moves up and down vertically; and a lipstick receiving member of a cylindrical member, the upper and lower parts of which are opened and fixed to the tapered outer circumference of the guide member so that the upper opening is tapered to protect the lipstick inside the lipstick receiving member.

EP patent publication no. 0178188 A2 discloses a stick holder for holding a stick of solid consumable material such as lipstick. A cover sleeve is axially movable relative to a handle in which the stick is fixedly held selectively to conceal or expose the stick. The sleeve is itself manually engageable and can be manipulated as required for said axial movement.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,931,079 A discloses a lipstick holder whose body has a longitudinal slot and an open end, a paste holder movable to and fro in the body, a member cut out from the bottom of the holder leaving an aperture therein for the escape of air when the paste holder is being filled and formed to provide a part engaging in the slot of the body and a relatively fiat finger-piece extending above the slot and at an angle to the bottom of the paste holder, and a cover for the open end of the body.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a case for an applicable material (that is, a material for application to another material or object) with a simple mechanism for facilitating access to or for protecting the material.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a case for an applicable material, comprising:

an elongate outer casing comprising a base, a peripheral wall and an open upper periphery;a material mount located within and supported by the outer casing; andan elongate inner sleeve comprising a peripheral wall and an open upper periphery, the inner sleeve being located at least in part within the outer casing and surrounding the mount at least in part;wherein the mount is fixed relative to the outer casing;the inner sleeve is slidable longitudinally between a retracted position and an extended position such that, when in the retracted position, the inner sleeve is configured to expose an applicable material (that is, an elongate portion or whatever cross-sectional shape) for use and, when in the extended position, the inner sleeve is configured to at least partially surround (so as to at least partially protect) the applicable material when not in use; andthe inner sleeve is manipulable by a user (such as with a single digit) so as to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted position and the extended position.

It should be noted that, in this description, references to ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ (or the like) refer to the directions in which the applicable material is extended or retracted, respectively.

The material—to be ‘applicable’ from the case—should be of relatively high viscosity and hence may comprise, for example, lipstick or lip gloss (in the form of a bullet of lipstick or lip gloss), a cosmetic (such as foundation in the form of a ‘chubby stick’), glue (in the form of a ‘glue stick’) or deodorant. It is envisaged that the material will typically be in generally cylindrical form, but other cross-sectional shapes are possible. In many embodiment, the material will be in the form of a stick (e.g. lipstick, a glue stick or a stick of deodorant).

The mount is fixed relative to the outer casing in normal use so the material, when mounted on or in the mount, is also generally fixed relative to the outer casing. This does not preclude the option of the mount being removable from the outer casing for replacement or refurbishment (such as by having the mount engaging the outer casing by snap-lock engagement), but the mount and outer casing are fixed relative to one another when the inner sleeve is extended and retracted. Indeed, it is envisaged that the mount and the outer casing may be manufactured so as to be integral in some embodiments. As a consequence, a cap sized to accommodate the intended applicable material—if placed carefully over the material to engage the outer casing—cannot compress or crush the material.

In an embodiment, the peripheral wall of the outer casing defines a longitude slot through which projects a projection (such as a tab or boss) provided externally on the peripheral wall of the inner sleeve, the projection and hence the inner sleeve being manipulable by the user so as to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted position and the extended position.

In an embodiment, the case includes a cap configured to removably engage the outer casing, such as a cap removably locatable about the upper periphery of the outer casing. The engagement may be, for example, threaded engagement or snap-lock engagement.

The base of the outer casing need not be closed, but in some embodiments is at least partially closed by one or more elements provided to support the mount within the outer casing.

In an embodiment, the peripheral wall of the outer casing is internally generally cylindrical and the peripheral wall of the inner sleeve is externally generally cylindrical (that is have generally circular cross sections). It will be appreciated, however, that other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as polygonal (e.g. square, triangular, rectangular), elliptical or irregular.

In an embodiment, the case is of a plastics material.

In an embodiment, the mount is integral with the base of the outer casing and/or with the peripheral wall of the outer casing.

In an embodiment, the case includes one or more elements (such as legs or ribs) that extend from the mount to the outer casing and support the mount.

In an embodiment, the mount includes a skirt configured to extend below the material, and the case includes one or more elements (such as legs or ribs) that extend from the skirt to the outer casing and support the mount.

The mount may have a floor. Thus, the material can be impeded from being pushed further into the mount than desired and/or supported by the floor.

In an embodiment, the mount is configured to support the material at a circumference or periphery of the material, at a base of the material, or at both the periphery and base of the material.

In an embodiment, the inner sleeve is configured to engage a portion of the outer casing or a portion of the mount when in the extended position, so that the inner sleeve resists being moved beyond the extended position. The inner sleeve may, for example, be provided with a detent or tab that abuts the outer casing or the mount when in the extended position.

In an embodiment, the case includes a locking mechanism (such as a catch or snap-lock element) provided on the inner sleeve, and the locking mechanism is configured to engage a cap (such as at a complementary recess or snap-lock element provided therein) when the inner sleeve is in the extended position. Hence, the locking mechanism serves to resist dislodgement of such a cap and displacement of the inner sleeve from the extended position, when such a cap is in use.

In an embodiment, the case comprises a cap configured to cover the applicable material and to removably engage the outer casing, wherein the outer casing and cap are configured such that, preferably when the inner sleeve is fully extended and the cap and outer casing are engaged, a portion of the outer casing is urged by the cap against the inner sleeve thereby inhibiting movement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer casing.

In an embodiment, the case further comprises a conduit extending from the base to a floor of the mount, configured to facilitate filling at least an interior volume of the mount with the applicable material.

The case may include a cap (configured to cover the applicable material and to removably engage the outer casing) shaped internally, or include a removable insert so shaped, so as to act as a mold that defines a shape of a portion of the applicable material during said filling. Thus, during manufacture, the base and peripheral walls of the mount and the cap would define the ultimate shape of the applicable material (ignoring any residual material left in the conduit) once filling via the conduit has been completed. If the cap includes the removable insert, that insert would be removed from the cap or applicable material before use, but may also serve to inhibit the undesired drying out of the applicable material before use.

In an embodiment, the outer casing defines:

one or more cut-outs at an upper periphery of the outer casing that expose respective portions of the inner sleeve and thereby facilitate manipulation of the inner sleeve; and/orone or more cut-outs at a lower periphery of the outer casing that expose respective portions of the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is retracted and thereby facilitate manipulation of the inner sleeve.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a product, comprising:

• • a case according to the first aspect; and
  • a quantity of applicable material mounted to said mount.

The material may comprise, for example, lipstick, lip gloss, a cosmetic (such as foundation), deodorant or glue.

It should be noted that any of the various individual features of each of the above aspects of the invention, and any of the various individual features of the embodiments described herein including in the claims, can be combined as suitable and desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly ascertained, embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lipstick product according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the lipstick product of FIG. 1 with cap removed and inner sleeve extended;

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of the lipstick product of FIG. 1 with cap omitted and inner sleeve partially extended;

FIG. 2C is a schematic perspective view of the lipstick product of FIG. 1 with cap omitted and inner sleeve retracted;

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the outer casing and mount of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the outer casing and mount of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a further perspective view of the outer casing and mount of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 48 are schematic perspective views of the lipstick product of FIG. 1 viewed obliquely from underneath (with cap omitted), with FIG. 4A depicting the inner sleeve retracted and FIG. 4B depicting the inner sleeve extended;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are further views of the outer casing and mount of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of the inner sleeve of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A to 7D are cross-sectional views through a vertical mid-plane of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of a lipstick product according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view—comparable to that of FIG. 8B—of a lipstick product according to a variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are perspective views of three configurations of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with cap omitted;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the inner sleeve, outer casing and material mount of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with inner sleeve and outer casing disengaged;

FIG. 10B is a further perspective view of the inner sleeve, outer casing and material mount of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with the inner sleeve in fully retracted position;

FIG. 10C is a still further perspective view, from below, of the inner sleeve, outer casing and material mount of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with the inner sleeve in fully retracted position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the outer casing and material mount of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with a mold for partially shaping the applicable material shown fitted to the peripheral wall of the material mount; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the funnel defined by the cup and conduit of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with a mold located against the cup for back- or bottom-filling with applicable material via the conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lipstick product 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Lipstick product 10 includes a case 12 (of a plastics material) and a bullet of lipstick (not shown in this view).

Case 12 includes an elongate, generally cylindrical outer casing 14 and a cap 16; cap 16 engages an upper periphery of outer casing 14 in snap-lock engagement, and is removed when it is desired to access the bullet of lipstick. Outer casing 14 includes a peripheral wall 18 and a base 20.

Peripheral wall 18 defines an elongate longitudinal slot 22. Case 12 includes a projection in the form of a tab 24 (provided on the peripheral wall of an inner sleeve, not shown) that is slidably moveable along slot 22 between the position shown in this figure and a position adjacent base 20.

Briefly, lipstick product 10 functions in the following manner. FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of lipstick product 10 after removal of cap 16. A first snap-lock element 26 (comprising a flange) of a snap-lock mechanism is apparent at the upper periphery of peripheral wall 18; cap 16 includes a complementary snap-lock element (not visible in this view) within its lower periphery, configured to engage first snap-lock element 26 when cap 16 is in situ on outer casing 14.

Case 12 includes and partially houses a generally cylindrical inner sleeve 28, which is exposed by removal of cap 16. As illustrated, inner sleeve 28 is in its extended position. It should be noted that tab 24 is provided on inner sleeve 28 (and, in this example, is formed integrally with inner sleeve 28). The bullet of lipstick is largely concealed by inner sleeve 28 such that, with inner sleeve 28 in the illustrated extended position, inner sleeve 28 provides protection for the bullet of lipstick.

FIG. 2B is a comparable view to that of FIG. 2A, with cap 16 omitted for clarity and with inner sleeve 28 partially longitudinally retracted thereby exposing a portion of lipstick bullet 30. As is described in greater detail below, lipstick bullet 30 is mounted on a mount of case 12 (not visible in this view) within outer casing 14; the mount is in turn supported by outer casing 14.

FIG. 2C is a comparable view to that of FIG. 2B, but with inner sleeve 28 in its retracted position. In this configuration, tab 24 is in its lowest position, which can be defined either by the lowest point of travel permitted inner sleeve 28 (such as by the aforementioned mount or by outer casing 14), by slot 22 or by base 20. It will be noted that tab 24 may include, optionally, a concavity in the form of a recess 32 to facilitate its manipulation with, for example, a thumb or forefinger.

Tab 24 or inner sleeve 28 may also optionally include a locking mechanism for engaging cap 16 when cap 16 is located on outer casing 14, provided on inner sleeve 28. This locking mechanism may be in the form of, for example, an extension or completion of first snap-lock element 26, or a simple boss or tab (such as tab 34, on inner sleeve 28 above tab 24) that forms a degree of friction engagement with cap 16 to thereby resist the displacement of cap 16 and of inner sleeve 28 when the latter is in its extended position.

FIG. 3A is a plan view, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are perspective views, of outer casing 14 and mount 40 of lipstick product 10. Referring to these figures, mount 40 is configured to receive lipstick bullet 30. Hence, in this embodiment, mount 40 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 42 and a floor 44 (with peripheral wall 42 and floor 44 together defining a cup). Floor 44 prevents lipstick bullet 30 from being pushed further into mount 40—such as during manufacture or use—than desired.

Mount 40 optionally includes one or more blades 46 for retaining lipstick bullet 30, inwardly projecting from peripheral wall 42. In other embodiments, spikes, corrugations or other projections may be employed, or omitted (such as if lipstick bullet 30 is instead retained within mount 40 with a friction fit between lipstick bullet 30 and peripheral wall 42). In this example, mount 40 includes six such blades 46, evenly distributed about peripheral wall 42.

Mount 40 includes ribs 48 which are attached to outer casing 14 whereby outer casing 14 supports mount 40 (and hence lipstick bullet 30) fixed relative to outer casing 14. As is most clearly apparent in FIG. 3C, mount 40 includes a lower skirt 50, which is in effect a downwardly depending extension of peripheral wall 42 beyond floor 44 of mount 40.

It will be noted that the volume of mount 40 that accommodates lipstick bullet 30 is defined by peripheral wall 42 and floor 44, and is shallow compared with peripheral wall 18 of outer casing 14; this is because lipstick bullet 30 is fixed relative to mount 40 and peripheral wall 18 of outer casing 14, so the portion of lipstick bullet 30 within peripheral wall 42 of mount 40 is essentially unusable. The floor 44 is thus positioned as high in mount 40 as possible, consistent with the secure retention of lipstick bullet 30 within mount 40 during transportation and use.

It will also be apparent from FIG. 3C that, in this embodiment, outer casing 14—though generally cylindrical—has a recessed portion 52 (as viewed from outside outer casing 14) in which slot 22 is located. Being recessed relative to the generally cylindrical form of outer casing 14, recessed portion 52 is—in this example—generally flat such that slot 22 is located within a generally flat portion of outer casing 14. (It should be noted that such a portion, recessed relative to the general profile of the outer casing, may also be provided in other embodiments.) Recessed portion 52 allows tab 24 to likewise be recessed relative to the general profile of outer casing 14, to reduce the risk of inadvertent displacement of tab 24 and hence of inner sleeve 28.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic perspective views of lipstick product 10 viewed obliquely from underneath (with cap 16 omitted for clarity). FIG. 4A depicts inner sleeve 28 in its retracted position, while FIG. 4B depicts inner sleeve 28 in its extended position, thus exposing the upper portion of lipstick bullet 30.

These figures also depict the lower extremities of ribs 48, which—as is visible in the figures—are connected directly to one another in this embodiment, as well as to mount 40. The lower periphery of inner sleeve 28—though generally cylindrical—terminates in four portions 54 that define slots therebetween for accommodating ribs 48 when inner sleeve 28 is in its retracted position (as described in greater detail below).

FIGS. 5A and 5B are further views of outer casing 14 and mount 40. The upper register of FIG. 5A is an elevational rear view, in which only the very upper periphery of mount 40 is visible; the lower register of FIG. 5A is a perspective view, in which a further portion of mount 40 is visible through longitudinal slot 22.

The upper register of FIG. 5B is also an elevational view (rotated 90 degrees relative to the upper register of FIG. 5A), with recessed portion 52 of outer casing 14 shown from the side. The lower register of FIG. 5B is a plan view comparable to that of FIG. 3A, with recessed portion 52 oriented—as in upper register—to the left.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of inner sleeve 28. In FIG. 6A, the upper register is an elevational view and the lower register is a perspective view, while in FIG. 6B, the upper register is a further elevational view (rotated 90 degrees relative to the upper register of FIG. 6A) and the lower register is a plan view. In these figures, portions 54 of inner sleeve 28, which define slots 56 for accommodating ribs 48 when inner sleeve 28 is in its retracted position, are more clearly visible. One of these portions 54 is shorter than the others portions 54: this shorter portion 54 supports tab 24.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are cross-sectional views of lipstick product 10 through a vertical mid-plane. FIG. 7A shows cap 16 in place on outer casing 14 and inner sleeve 28 in its extended position. FIG. 7B shows cap 16 in place on outer casing 14 and inner sleeve 28 in its extended position. FIG. 7C shows cap 16 removed from outer casing 14 and inner sleeve 28 in its extended position (hence protecting the otherwise exposed lipstick bullet 30). FIG. 7D shows cap 16 removed from outer casing 14 and inner sleeve 28 in its retracted position, hence facilitating access to lipstick bullet 30.

In these figures, first snap-lock element 26 of a snap-lock mechanism is visible, as is a second and complementary snap-lock element 60 (comprising a recess for receiving first element 26) of a snap-lock mechanism, provided inside the lower periphery of cap 16.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of a lipstick product 70 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The view of FIG. 8B shows the side of lipstick product 70 that is opposite that shown in FIG. 8A.

Lipstick product 70 (which is similar to lipstick product 10 of FIG. 1) includes a case 72 (of a plastics material) and a bullet of lipstick (not shown in this view). Case 72 includes an elongate, generally cylindrical outer casing 74 and a cap 76. Cap 76 engages an upper periphery of outer casing 74 in snap-lock engagement, and is removed when it is desired to access the bullet of lipstick. Outer casing 74 includes a peripheral wall 78 and a base 80.

Peripheral wall 78 defines a one or more cut-outs in the upper periphery of peripheral wall 78 that expose and give user access to an inner sleeve 88. In this example, peripheral wall 78 defines first and second cut-outs 82a,b that expose and give user access to an inner sleeve 88 (only partially visible in this view); cut-outs 82a,b allow a user to manipulate inner sleeve 88, as described further below, such as when extending inner sleeve 88 from its fully retracted position or when retracting inner sleeve 88 from its fully extended position (cf. FIG. 9A). In this example, cut-outs 82a,b are diametrically opposite one another, but it will be appreciated that they may be spaced at other intervals if desired.

In some variants of this embodiment, the peripheral wall of the outer casing defines only one such cut-out. FIG. 8C is a perspective view—comparable to that of FIG. 8B—of such a variant. The lipstick product 70′ of this variant would appear identical to lipstick product 70 in the view of FIG. 8A, but in the opposite view appears as shown in FIG. 8C as peripheral wall 78′ of its outer casing 74 defines only one cut-out.

In still other variants, peripheral wall 78/78′ defines one or more further cut-outs in the lower periphery of peripheral wall 78.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are perspective views of three configurations of lipstick product 70 (with cap 76 omitted). As may be seen in these views, peripheral wall 78 terminates at its upper periphery in a collar 92, which defines cut-outs 82a,b (or, in lipstick product 70′, by cut-outs 82a). Collar 92 has a smaller outer diameter than the rest of peripheral wall 78, so that collar 92 can be received by cap 76.

Like lipstick product 10, lipstick product 70 includes a snap-lock mechanism for removably engaging cap 76 and outer casing 74. The snap-lock mechanism comprises a first snap-lock element on or formed by collar 92, and a second snap-lock element (not visible in this view) provided in cap 76.

In one example, the first snap-lock element comprises a flange. In example of FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, the first snap-lock element comprises one or more bosses—in this example four bosses 94 (or which only two are visible in this view, one of which only partially). If a plurality of bosses 94 are provided, they may be spaced as desired around collar 92, such as evenly; in the illustrated example, bosses 94 are evenly spaced around collar 92.

The second snap-lock element provided in cap 76 comprises a flange for receiving the first snap-lock element, formed inside the lower periphery of cap 76. This second snap-lock element is thus configured to engage first snap-lock element (such as bosses 94) when cap 76 is in situ on outer casing 74.

FIG. 9A shows lipstick product 70 with inner sleeve 80 fully extended, while FIG. 9B shows inner sleeve 88 partially retracted (thereby partially exposing lipstick bullet 90) and FIG. 9C shows inner sleeve 88 fully retracted (thereby maximally exposing lipstick bullet 90).

It will be noted that inner sleeve 88 may be stepped in the region exposed by cut-outs 82a,b (or in the region exposed by cut-out 82a in the variant of FIG. 8C). Correspondingly, outer casing 74,74′ may be enlarged in those regions in complementary fashion, for accommodating the outwardly stepped portion(s) of inner sleeve 88. Advantageously, this configuration inhibits rotation of inner sleeve 88 within peripheral wall 78 (or within peripheral wall 78′). It may be desired in some embodiments to have inner sleeve 88 outwardly stepped by an amount such that inner sleeve 88 extends outwardly in that region as far as collar 92, such that—when inner sleeve 88 is fully extended (as is shown in FIG. 9A)—inner sleeve 88 and collar 92 provide an effectively continuous surface.

Additionally, cut-out 82a,b of peripheral wall 78 (likewise elongate longitudinal slot 22 of peripheral wall 18 and cut-out 82a of peripheral wall 78′) facilitates a degree of resilient flexibility in peripheral wall 78. Advantageously, cap 76 (likewise cap 16 and cap 76′) may optionally be configured so that its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper periphery of peripheral wall 78 (viz. collar 92), such that the process of pressing cap 76 onto peripheral wall 78 (so as to be located as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) drives the upper periphery of peripheral wall 78 inwardly, and either into contact with, or more forcefully into contact with, inner sleeve 88. This contact has the effect of inhibiting movement of inner sleeve 88 relative to peripheral wall 78, which would normally be undesirable.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, this configuration may not drive the upper periphery of peripheral wall 78 inwardly uniformly about the circumference of the upper periphery of peripheral wall 78, but that is not necessary to obtain the desired effect of friction (or increased friction) between inner sleeve 88 and peripheral wall 78 so as to inhibit movement of inner sleeve 88.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of inner sleeve 88 and outer casing 74 of lipstick product 70, when disengaged. The partially stepped nature of inner sleeve 88 is evident in this view. Inner sleeve 88 comprises a main or upper portion 100 and a lower periphery 102. Lower periphery 102 has one or more enlarged portions and one or more unenlarged portions (i.e. relative to the diameter of upper portion 100), the enlarged portions being adapted to be accommodated by complementary recesses in an inner face of peripheral wall 78. By this arrangement, inner sleeve 88 resists rotation relative to outer casing 74 when located within outer casing 74. In the example of this embodiment, lower periphery 102 has two enlarged portions 104a,b and two unenlarged portions (of which one is visible at 104c), the enlarged portions alternating with the unenlarged portions to form lower periphery 102. In this example, the enlarged and unenlarged portions each span approximately 90 degrees of lower periphery 102, but this may be varied as desired.

The variant lipstick product 70 of FIG. 8C includes an enlarged portion spanning approximately 90 degrees, and an unenlarged portion spanning approximately 270 degrees.

A portion of a mount 106 for lipstick bullet 90 is also visible in this view.

FIG. 10B is a further perspective view of inner sleeve 88 and outer casing 74 of lipstick product 70, in this view with inner sleeve 88 in its fully retracted position. This view more clearly shows one of the recesses 109 in the inner face of peripheral wall 78 for receiving an enlarged portion 104a of lower periphery 102 of inner sleeve 88. In this example, the portion of peripheral wall 78 at each of recesses 109 is approximately half the thickness of the portion of peripheral wall 78 elsewhere.

In this view, a peripheral wall 108 (provided with a plurality of inwardly projecting retention blades 110) and floor 112 of mount 106 are visible; peripheral wall 108 and floor 112 together define a cup for supporting lipstick bullet 90. As is described further below, floor 112 is in turn supported by radial ribs that engage or are integral with peripheral wall 78 and which define a conduit that allows back- or bottom-filling of the cup 108,112 with lipstick material via an aperture 114 defined by floor 112.

FIG. 10C is a further perspective view, from below, of inner sleeve 88 and outer casing 74 of lipstick product 70, again with inner sleeve 88 in its fully retracted position. Mount 106 includes radial ribs 116 and a central conduit 118; radial ribs 116 are fast with (or integral with) outer casing 74 and conduit 118, and radial ribs 116 and conduit 118. Outer casing 74 thereby supports mount 106 (and hence lipstick bullet 90). Conduit 118 is continuous with aperture 114 in floor 112, such that cup 108,112 and conduit 118 define a funnel and—as mentioned above—the cup 108,112 can be back- or bottom-filled with lipstick (or other applicable) material (i.e. through base 80 or from below).

In an example of such a manufacturing process, cup 108,112 is fitted with a mold-like cap, inner sleeve 88 and outer casing 74 are assembled, and cap 70,70′ is attached to outer casing 74. Cup 108,112 and the mold-like cap are then filled via conduit 118 wherein the mold-like cap serves to receive and shape the lipstick material.

Referring again to FIG. 10C, enlarged portions 104a,b and unenlarged portions 104c,d of lower periphery 102 of inner sleeve 88 are also shown. One or more of these may optionally be provided with—or formed so as to include—an inwardly extending removal inhibiting element configured to engage floor 112 from below when inner sleeve 88 is at or approaching its fully extended position (cf. FIGS. 2A and 9A). Such an element or elements thereby inhibit the removal of inner sleeve 88 from outer casing 74. A removal inhibiting element may comprise, for example, an undercut, a tongue or a projection.

In the example of FIG. 10C, enlarged portions 104a,b are shown provided with respective pairs of projections 120, and unenlarged portions 104c,d with respective undercuts 122. It is also envisaged that, in some embodiments, either enlarged portions 104a,b or unenlarged portions 104c,d (but not both) may be provided with such a mechanism.

As mentioned above, conduit 118 is continuous with aperture 114 in floor 112, such that an interior volume of cup 108,112 and conduit 118 are in fluid communication, such that cup 108,112 can be back- or bottom-filled with applicable material—provided only that the material can be pumped, injected or the like along conduit 118 into cup 108,112.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of outer casing 74 and material mount 106 of lipstick product 70, with a mold 130 for partially shaping applicable material and located on or against peripheral wall 108. With this arrangement, the applicable material can be back- or bottom-filled via conduit 118 and retained and shaped by cup 108,112 and mold 130. Mold 130 may assume many suitable forms and be of many suitable materials, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. For example, mold 130 may be in the form of a thin sheath (which may be rigid or flexible, and may be disposable) to be fitted over peripheral wall 108), or a die or cup (which may suitable for repeated use) to be located against peripheral wall 108 during the manufacturing process. In particular, mold 130 may also be formed by a cap 76 (and likewise 76′ and 16) suitably shaped on its inside.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of mold 130 located against the funnel defined by cup 108,112 and conduit 118, ready for back- or bottom-filling 132 with material via conduit 118.

Thus, in an example of such a manufacturing process, outer casing 74 and material mount 106 are manufactured (whether integrally, such as by injection molding, or separately then assembled), mold 130 is attached to or located against peripheral wall 108, and mold 130 is filled via conduit 118. Inner sleeve 88 is located within outer casing 74, 74′ before or after these steps, and cap 70,70′ is attached to outer casing 74 at any point after inner sleeve 88 has been located within outer casing 74, 74′. Mold 130 is removed whether as a part of the manufacturing process, when it is desired to use (e.g. apply) the material, or—if the material must set after filling—after the material hardens. Mold 130 may also be formed by the cap and continue to be used as the product cap of the case.

In another example, cap 76 is shaped internally so that it can act as a mold that defines the shape of a portion of applicable material 90 (in this example, that portion of applicable material 90 that extends beyond peripheral wall 108). Hence, cap 76 may be said to replace mold 130.

In one example, cap 76 is shaped internally in this manner with an internal insert that is removable from the interior of cap 76 after manufacture. This may be advantageous in minimizing interference between cap 76 and applicable material 90 during use.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A case for an applicable material, comprising: an elongate outer casing (14; 74) having a base (20; 80), a peripheral wall (18; 78) and an open upper periphery;a material mount (40; 108,112) located within and supported by the outer casing (14; 74); andan elongate inner sleeve (28; 88) having a peripheral wall and an open upper periphery, the inner sleeve (28; 88) being located at least in part within the outer casing (14; 74) and surrounding the mount (40; 108,112) at least in part;wherein the mount (40; 108,112) is fixed relative to the outer casing (14; 74);the inner sleeve (28; 88) is slidable longitudinally between a retracted position and an extended position such that, when in the retracted position, the inner sleeve (28; 88) is configured to expose the applicable material (30; 90) for use and, when in the extended position, the inner sleeve (28; 88) is configured to at least partially surround the applicable material (30; 90) when not in use;the inner sleeve (28; 88) is manipulable by a user so as to slide the inner sleeve (28; 88) between the retracted position and the extended position; andthe mount (40; 108,112) is integral with the base (20; 80) of the outer casing (14; 74), with the peripheral wall (18; 78) of the outer casing (14; 74), or with the base (20; 80) and the peripheral wall (18; 78) of the outer casing (14; 74).

2. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall (18; 78) of the outer casing (14; 74) defines a longitude slot (22) through which projects a projection (24) provided externally on the peripheral wall of the inner sleeve (28; 88), the projection (24) and hence the inner sleeve (28; 88) being manipulable by the user so as to slide the inner sleeve (28; 88) between the retracted position and the extended position.

3. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the case (12; 72) includes one or more elements (48; 116) that extend from the mount (40; 108,112) to the outer casing (14; 74) and support the mount (40; 108,112), or the mount (40; 108,112) includes a skirt (50) configured to extend below the material mount (40; 108,112) and the case (12; 72) includes one or more elements (48; 116) that extend from the skirt (50) to the outer casing (14; 74) and support the mount (40; 108,112).

4. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner sleeve (28; 88) is configured to engage a portion of the outer casing (14; 74) when in the extended position, so that the inner sleeve (28; 88) resists being moved beyond the extended position.

5. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the case includes a locking mechanism (34) provided on the inner sleeve (28; 88), and is configured to engage a cap (16; 76) when the inner sleeve (28; 88) is in the extended position.

6. A case as claimed in claim 1, configured for use with lipstick or another applicable material (30; 90) in the shape of a stick or a bullet.

7. A case as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cap (16; 76) configured to cover the applicable material (30; 90) and to removably engage the outer casing (14; 74), wherein the outer casing (14; 74) and cap (16; 76) are configured such that a portion of the outer casing (14; 74) is urged by the cap (16; 76) against the inner sleeve (28; 88) thereby inhibiting movement of the inner sleeve (28; 88) relative to the outer casing (14; 74).

8. A case as claimed in claim 7, wherein the outer casing (14; 74) is provided with one or more outwardly and/or inwardly projecting bosses (94) configured to engage the cap (16; 76) and/or the inner sleeve (28; 88), respectively.

9. A case as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a conduit (118) extending from the base (80) to a floor (112) of the mount (108,112), configured to facilitate filling at least an interior volume of the mount (108,112) with the applicable material (90).

10. A case as claimed in claim 9, comprising a cap (16; 76) configured to cover the applicable material and to removably engage the outer casing (14; 74), wherein the cap (16; 76) has an internal shape such that the cap (16; 76) can act as a mold that defines a shape of a portion of the applicable material (30; 90) during said filling.

11. A case as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cap (16; 76) includes a removable internal insert (130; 90) configured to define the shape of the portion of the applicable material (30; 90) during said filling.

12. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer casing (14; 74) defines one or more cut-outs at a lower periphery of the outer casing (14; 74) that expose respective portions of the inner sleeve (28; 88) when the inner sleeve (28; 88) is retracted and thereby facilitate manipulation of the inner sleeve (28; 88).

13. A product (10; 70), comprising: a case (12; 72) according to claim 1;a quantity of applicable material (30; 90) mounted to said mount (30; 90).

14. A product (10; 70) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the material (30; 90) is selected from a group comprising lipstick, lip gloss, a cosmetic, deodorant, glue or the like materials.

15. A product (10; 70) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the material (30; 90) is in the shape of a stick or a bullet.

16. A product (10; 70) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the material (30; 90) is in the shape of a stick or a bullet.