Double-ended rod mechanism

Abstract

A double-ended rod mechanism includes double-ended retainer cups for holding two rod-shaped products; a single internal body with a longitudinal axis; a single cam sleeve with a helical groove; two A-shell members; and two top covers. The retainer cups move up and down as either top cover rotates relative to the opposing A-shell. An alignment feature alerts the user that the retainer cup has reached its neutral position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container for containing two consumer products (such as cosmetics) in stick form. More specifically, it relates to a double-ended mechanism that allows one or more stick-shaped products to move between a forward position and a retracted position, in which the stick-shaped product can be applied by a consumer, and in the retracted position for storing the product between multiple uses. Background Technology

[0002] Prior art containers for rod-shaped products may include a cylinder having a rotatable member disposed at its bottom end. The rod-shaped product is received into a retainer cup disposed within the cylinder. Rotation of the rotatable member relative to the cylinder causes a mechanism within the cylinder to propel the rod-shaped product longitudinally away from the rotatable member, such that a portion of the rod-shaped product becomes exposed above the cylinder. In this manner, the exposed portion of the product is available for application.

[0003] For example, a common type of container is characterized by a base permanently attached to a cylindrical inner body, and a cam sleeve placed around the inner body such that the cam sleeve and the body can rotate relative to each other. The inner body is hollow and has a wall with at least one longitudinal slot extending through it. The cam sleeve has an inner wall characterized by at least one helical groove extending along a substantial length of the inner wall. A product retainer cup is provided with at least one cam follower in the form of a lug. When the retainer cup is fitted into the inner body, the lug extends through the longitudinal slot of the inner body to engage the helical groove of the cam sleeve. As the base and the cam sleeve rotate relative to each other, the helical groove applies pressure to the lug of the retainer cup, which drives the retainer cup to move up and down in the longitudinal slot, thereby moving the rod-shaped product between an advanced position and a retracted position. A typical example of this type of device is described in US 3,438,714. Such devices function well but are limited to providing only one rod-shaped product.

[0004] Discharge devices are known that have two rod-shaped products extending from both ends of the device. See, for example, US2008-0166172, US8,444,334, and US5,306,107. None of these patent applications possess the simplicity of the device described herein. For instance, US8,444,334 utilizes two cam sleeves, requiring the lugs of the retainer cup to pass between these two cam sleeves, which necessitates precise alignment, which can be difficult to achieve.

[0005] The purpose of this invention

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a double-ended mechanism with a relatively simple design that allows two rod-shaped products to extend and retract, and is airtight when not in use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The double-ended rod mechanism according to the invention comprises a double-ended retainer cup (1) holding two rod-shaped products (9, 9'), one rod-shaped product at each end; a single inner body (2) with a longitudinal axis; a single cam sleeve (3) with a helical groove; two A-shell members (4, 4'); and two top covers (5, 5'). Each top cover forms an airtight seal on its corresponding A-shell. In use, the user presses the top of the first top cover to disengage it from the rest of the mechanism. The second top cover is not removed and remains in contact with the inner body, such that the second top cover and the inner body rotate together. Thus, as the second top cover and the cam sleeve rotate relative to each other, the retainer cup advances within the inner body and moves the rod-shaped product to an extended position, where the rod-shaped product can be used. Reverse rotation causes the retainer cup to retract. An alignment feature alerts the user that the retainer cup has reached its neutral position. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 Depicts a double-ended rod mechanism according to the invention in a closed configuration.

[0009] Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 The double-ended rod-shaped mechanism, in which one of the top covers was removed.

[0010] Figure 3 It is an isometric view of a double-ended retainer cup containing two rod-shaped products.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the retainer cup.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a front view of the internal body with the double-ended retainer cup.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a front view of the cam sleeve.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cam sleeve.

[0015] Figure 8 Describe one of two identical type A shells.

[0016] Figure 9 It is the cross-section of the second of two identical A-shells.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the internal body, the cam sleeve and the A-type shell.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the outer shell and inner cover.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the casing.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of the inner cover.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the outer shell and the inner cover.

[0022] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the internal body, cam sleeve, A-type shell, outer shell and inner cover.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the locking features of the internal body and the two top covers. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The term "including" and its variations indicate that the list of components is not necessarily limited to those explicitly stated. The following description refers to the opposite ends of several components as "top" and "bottom," but this naming is for reference only, as any end can be considered either top or bottom.

[0025] The double-ended rod mechanism according to the present invention includes a double-ended retainer cup (1), a single inner body (2), a single cam sleeve (3), two A-type shell members (4, 4') and two top covers (5, 5'). Figure 1 An embodiment of the double-ended rod mechanism (10) according to the invention in a fully closed configuration is depicted. Generally, the mechanism is cylindrical and enclosed within two top covers (5, 5'). Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 The mechanism is a double-ended rod-shaped structure in which one of the top covers (5) is removed and a rod-shaped product extends out. Conversely, if the other top cover (5') has been removed, the mechanism will present itself in exactly the same manner.

[0026] A double-ended retainer cup (1)

[0027] The double-ended retainer cup (1) according to the invention is depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4The retainer cup holds two rod-shaped products that extend in opposite directions from the retainer cup along a central longitudinal axis A. The retainer cup includes a cylindrical wall (1a) with an open top end (1b) and an open bottom end (1b'). The interior of the retainer cup acts as a reservoir. This reservoir can be divided across the center by a separator (1c) into an upper reservoir (1f) and a lower reservoir (1f'). Each reservoir is capable of receiving and holding a portion of a solid or semi-solid rod-shaped product, such as lipstick, lip balm, deodorant stick, antiperspirant stick, glue stick, etc. Each stick is typically held in the retainer cup by friction or by an undercut design, but additional means may be provided as known in the art. One or more vent holes (1d) through the cylindrical wall may be positioned approximately at the level of the separator to allow air to escape when the rod-shaped products (9, 9') are inserted into the retainer cup through the open ends. A single lug (1e) is located at the midpoint of the height of the cylindrical wall. The lug has a length extending vertically from the cylindrical wall. When the mechanism is fully assembled, the retainer cup will travel within the inner body, and the lug will travel along the upper and lower sections (2e, 2e') of the longitudinal track and in the upper and lower horizontal tracks (2c, 2c') of the inner body (2) (see below). The lug (1e) is long enough to extend through and beyond the longitudinal and horizontal tracks of the inner body.

[0028] An internal ontology (2)

[0029] refer to Figure 5 The inner body (2) includes a generally cylindrical sidewall (2a) having an open top (2b) and an open bottom (2b'). A longitudinal track and an upper horizontal track and a lower horizontal track extending from the longitudinal track pass through the sidewall. The longitudinal track includes an upper section (2e) and a lower section (2e'). The two sections are collinear and meet at the middle of the sidewall of the inner body. The upper section extends between the meeting point and the upper horizontal track (2c). The lower section extends between the meeting point and the lower horizontal track (2c').

[0030] Preferably, at least one of the horizontal tracks (e.g., the upper horizontal track) intersects a notch (2d) leading to the open top (2b) or open bottom (2b') of the inner body. This notch provides some flexibility to the sidewall (2a), allowing the opening at the top (2b) of the inner body to be temporarily enlarged and then allowed to return to its initial size. In this way, the retainer cup (1) can be inserted into the inner body by forcing the lug (1e) through the notch (2d) and into the upper section (2e) of the longitudinal track. Since only one such notch is required, it is preferable that the lower horizontal track (2c') does not lead to the bottom of the inner body. When the mechanism is fully assembled, the lug (1e) will travel along the upper and lower sections (2e, 2e') of the longitudinal track and in the upper and lower horizontal tracks (2c, 2c') of the inner body (2).

[0031] When the retainer cup (2) is positioned in the middle of the inner body, we say it is in the neutral position. In the neutral position, neither of the two rod-shaped products (9, 9') protrudes beyond the inner body. When the mechanism (10) is not in use, the retainer cup will normally be in the neutral position. However, when the retainer cup retracts from the extended position, it may retract too far and beyond the neutral position, causing the unseen rod-shaped product (e.g., 9') to wedge into the interior of the top cover (5'). To help the user avoid this, two or more protrusions (2h, 2h') may be located above and below the midpoint of the longitudinal track, near the meeting point of the upper and lower sections (2e, 2e') of the longitudinal track. These protrusions protrude slightly into the upper and lower sections and are longitudinally spaced to allow the lug (1e) of the retainer cup (1) to fit in between (see Figure 5 As the retainer cup moves up and down within the inner body, the bumps provide slight resistance to its movement because the lugs are forced to pass over each bump. When the user retracts the retainer cup into the inner body, the sensation will allow the user to know when the lugs are positioned between the bumps (i.e., when the retainer cup has reached the neutral position) and when she should stop retracting the retainer cup.

[0032] Preferably, both the top (2b) and bottom (2b') of the inner body (2) are formed with edges (upper edge 2f, lower edge 2f') that hang over the sidewall (2a) of the inner body. The purpose of the edges will be explained below.

[0033] refer to Figure 10The first set of teeth (2g) protrudes inward from the open top (2b) of the inner body (entering into the space enclosed by the cylindrical sidewall 2a). Preferably, at least three teeth are equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the open top. For example, three such teeth may be spaced 120° apart along the periphery of the open top, or four such teeth may be spaced 90° apart. The second set of teeth (not shown in the figures) is positioned along the periphery of the open bottom (2b') of the inner body. The purpose of this tooth will be explained below.

[0034] A cam sleeve (3)

[0035] The double-ended rod mechanism (10) according to the invention has only one cam sleeve. The cam sleeve (3) is shown in... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cam sleeve comprises a generally cylindrical hollow body (3a) having an outer surface and an inner surface that accommodates the inner body (2). The hollow body is integral, but can be considered as comprising a hollow upper body (3f) with an open top (3b) and an upper inner surface (3c), and a hollow lower body (3f') with an open bottom (3b') and a lower inner surface (3c'). The cam sleeve is designed to slide concentrically above the inner body (2). The upper and lower inner surfaces are provided with helical grooves (3e). The helical grooves begin near the top (3b) of the hollow upper body (3f) and complete a certain number of rotations or fractions thereof, ending near the bottom (3b') of the hollow lower body (3f'). Typically, the number of rotations and fractions thereof will be between 1 and 3; such as 1, 1 1 / 4、1 1 / 2,1 3 / 4、2、2 1 / 4、2 1 / 2、2 3 / 4 or 3 turns, or any other fraction between approximately 1 and 3 turns. Preferably, the pitch of the spiral groove is constant, and the same number of turns and their fractions are located on both the upper and lower inner surfaces. This will provide the user with a consistent experience when using either side of the dual-end mechanism.

[0036] The cam sleeve is mounted to the outside of the inner body (2) by inserting the top (2b) (the end with the notch (2d)) of the inner body into the open bottom (3b') of the cam sleeve (3). The notch will allow the sidewall (2a) of the inner body to compress sufficiently to allow the cam sleeve to slide onto the inner body. When fully positioned on the inner body, the cam sleeve and the inner body are concentric, and the cam sleeve is held between the upper and lower edges (2f, 2f') that are suspended above the sidewall (2a) of the inner body. The cam sleeve will substantially fill the space, making very small vertical movement of the cam sleeve relative to the inner body possible; however, the cam sleeve and the inner body are capable of rotating relative to each other. The cam sleeve is fitted above the inner body (2) in such a way that the distal end of the lug (1e) of the retainer cup (1) passing through the longitudinal track of the inner body is located in the helical groove (3e) of the cam sleeve. The outer surface of the cam sleeve may include an annular stop (3d) located at the midpoint of the cam sleeve between the hollow upper body (3f) and the hollow lower body (3f'). This annular stop is half of a locking feature that secures each top cover (5, 5') to the double-ended mechanism (10). The full operation of this locking feature will be described below.

[0037] Two A-type shell members (4', 4')

[0038] The double-ended rod mechanism (10) according to the invention comprises two identical A-type shells (4, 4'). (See reference) Figure 8 and Figure 9 Each type A shell includes cylindrical sidewalls (4a, 4a'), an open upper end (4b, 4b'), and an open lower end (4c, 4c'). For each type A shell, a flange (4d, 4d') may extend inward at the upper open end (4b, 4b').

[0039] An open lower end (4c) of one type A housing (4) is fitted over the hollow upper body (3f) of the cam sleeve (3), and an open lower end (4c') of another type A housing (4') is fitted over the hollow lower body (3f') of the cam sleeve. The type A housing and the cam sleeve rotate integrally. That is, if either type A housing is rotated, the cam sleeve will also rotate. For example, the fitting of the type A housings to the cam sleeve can be tight enough to prevent relative rotation between either type A housing and the cam sleeve. Optionally, an adhesive can be used between the type A housings and the cam sleeve.

[0040] As described above, when fully positioned on the inner body (2), the cam sleeve (3) is held between its upper and lower edges (2f, 2f') suspended above the sidewall (2a) of the inner body. In other words, these upper and lower edges extend beyond the ends of the cam sleeve. Therefore, when each A-shell is fully positioned on the cam sleeve, the flanges (4d, 4d') will rest directly above the upper and lower edges (2f, 2f') of the inner body (see [reference]). Figure 10 ).

[0041] The A-type housing also serves an aesthetic purpose, acting as a decorative cover for the cam sleeve. While the A-type housing can be made of plastic, a more upscale appearance can be achieved using a metal A-type housing. Similarly, the dimensions of the A-type housing are designed such that the open lower end (4c, 4c') reaches the bottom of the annular stop (3d) of the cam sleeve (as shown). Figure 2 (As seen in the image). However, the annular stop of the cam sleeve extends laterally beyond the A-type housing.

[0042] Two top covers (5', 5')

[0043] Like conventional top covers, the top cover of this invention slides over the A-type shell to protect rod-shaped products from the surrounding environment and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, the top cover of this invention has several unique functional features. Figures 11-15 An embodiment of the top cover is shown in more detail. The top cover (5) includes an outer shell (6) and an inner cover (7). Figures 11-13 In the diagram, the outer shell and inner cover are shown as separate components. However, the best way to achieve the configuration described below is by overmolding. For example, the outer shell (6) is molded first, and then the inner cover (7) is molded into the outer shell, thus effectively making it a single component, as... Figure 14 As seen in the following discussion. Only one of the caps will be mentioned, and the other cap is functionally identical.

[0044] 1. Release button

[0045] A standard cap typically holds in place via a friction fit on an A-frame and can be easily removed by grasping the lipstick base and pulling the cap. In contrast, its closed configuration ( Figure 1 In this invention, the double-ended rod-shaped mechanism provides the user with two caps (5, 5'). In use, one cap is removed to expose one of the rod-shaped products, while the other cap remains in place. Unless measures are taken, it is equally possible to remove either cap by pulling it open, and this cap may not be the one the user intends to remove. As a unique feature of this invention, each cap is provided with a button that releases the associated cap from the rest of the mechanism.

[0046] The outer shell (6) of the top cover (5) includes a sidewall (6a) with an open top (6b) and an open bottom (6c). This sidewall is sized to fit over one of the type A shells (4), such as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. The housing further includes a button (6d) suspended in the open top of the sidewall. A skirt (6e) hangs from the button. The button and skirt are suspended in the open top of the housing by a plurality of flexible struts (6f) extending between the skirt (6e) and the inner surface of the sidewall (6a). Preferably, the sidewall, button, skirt, and struts are molded as a single unit. The primary purpose of the flexible struts is to suspend the button and skirt within the sidewall of the housing before the inner cover (7) is overmolded into the housing.

[0047] The inner cover (7) includes a sidewall (7a) with an open top (7b) and an open bottom (7c). The inner cover includes a pressure surface (7d) suspended near the open top of the inner cover by a plurality of flexible tabs (7f) extending between the pressure surface and the inner surface of the sidewall (7a). Reference Figure 15 The inner cover (7) is positioned inside the outer casing (6) such that the sidewall (7a) of the inner cover is sandwiched between the sidewall (6a) and the skirt wall (6e) of the button (6d). To accommodate the multiple flexible tabs (7f) of the inner cover, the skirt wall of the button is provided with the same number of cuts (6h, see [link]). Figure 12 , Figure 14 After the inner cover is overmolded into the outer shell (6), the pressure surface (7d) of the inner cover is positioned directly below the button (6d). Therefore, when the user presses the button (6d), both the button and the pressure surface (7d) move downward (into the outer shell), thereby stretching the flexible tab (7f).

[0048] When the fully assembled top cover (5) is positioned on the A-type shell (4), the skirt wall (6e) of the button (6d) supports against the top of the inner body (2). Therefore, when the user presses the top of the button (6d), the button applies pressure to the inner body. This causes longitudinal displacement of the inner body relative to the side wall (6a) of the top cover. In this way, the top cover can be removed from the remaining part of the double-ended mechanism connected to the inner body without removing the wrong top cover (which would be the case if the user simply pulls both top covers at the same time). When the pressure applied by the user is released from the button, the flexible tab (7f) provides sufficient restoring force to return the button to its rest position.

[0049] 2. Airtightness characteristics

[0050] As described above, the inner cover (7) includes a sidewall (7a) with an open top (7b) and an open bottom (7c). For airtightness considerations, a plurality of raised rings (7e) can be positioned on the inner surface of the sidewall, near the open bottom. These raised rings have a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the A-shell (4). When the fully assembled top cover (5) is positioned on the A-shell (4), the open top (4b) of the A-shell slides into the open bottom (7c) of the inner cover (7). Once the A-shell is inserted into the inner cover, the raised rings (7e), with a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the A-shell, form an airtight seal between the inner cover and the A-shell.

[0051] 3. Connection between the top cover and the inner body

[0052] The third distinctive feature of the top cover (5, 5') of the present invention will now be described. To raise and lower the retainer cup (1), the user must rotate one of the A-shells (4, 4') relative to the inner body (2). In conventional mechanisms, an outer base is permanently attached to the inner body such that rotation of the base relative to the A-shell will raise or lower the retainer cup. However, the present invention does not have a base permanently attached to the inner body. However, each top cover must be able to act as a base when mounted to its A-shell. Therefore, the skirt (6e) of the button (6d) is formed with a plurality of vertical grooves (6g) around its periphery (see...). Figure 12 When the first top cover (5) is positioned on the first A-type shell (4), the skirt of the button extends into and through the open top (4b) of the A-type shell and into the open top (2b) of the inner body (2). This allows a connection to be established between the top cover and the inner body, enabling the two parts to rotate integrally. This connection is in Figure 15 As shown, the teeth (2g) of the inner body are positioned in the vertical groove (6g) of the button. This engagement is sufficient to prevent relative rotation between the top cover and the inner body, such that when the top cover rotates, the inner body also rotates. Since the groove of the outer shell is vertical, the teeth of the inner body will not prevent the top cover from being removed from its A-shell.

[0053] 4. Locking the feature section

[0054] As another unique feature of the invention, each top cover is provided with a locking feature. Figure 1 An embodiment of two identical caps is shown. In this embodiment, the two caps are complementary in the sense that they meet along a non-circular boundary, and each cap extends beyond the midpoint of the double-ended rod mechanism (10). For example, in Figures 11-14 as well as Figure 16 In one embodiment, the outer shell (6) of each top cover (5) can be shaped such that a portion of the open bottom (6c) of the outer shell will extend beyond the cam sleeve (3, as shown in the example). Figure 2 and Figure 16 The annular stop (3d) is shown in the image. This provides some stability to the top cover as it is positioned on the A-type shell (4). It also prevents the two top covers from rotating relative to each other, which would otherwise exert excessive torque on the internal body and possibly other components. Optionally, each shell (6, 6') may be provided with one or more sets of raised bead-like portions (6i, 6'i). Preferably, each set includes at least two raised bead-like portions; more preferably, each set includes at least three raised bead-like portions. The first set of raised bead-like portions is positioned on the portion of the annular stop (3d) extending beyond the open bottom of the first shell and beyond the cam sleeve. The second set of raised bead-like portions is positioned on the portion of the annular stop (3d) extending beyond the open bottom of the second shell and beyond the cam sleeve. There is interference between the raised bead-like portions and the annular stop in either set. "Interference" means that when removing and replacing either top cover (5, 5'), the raised bead-like portions and the annular stop must be pressed down and up against each other. When removing the top cover, the aforementioned button feature provides sufficient force to push the annular stop under the set of raised beads. When replacing the top cover, the user pushes the top cover onto the A-shell (4), thereby again forcing the set of raised beads above the annular stop. By carefully positioning the raised beads, the visible gap between the two top covers can be zero each time they are positioned on their respective A-shells. This further improves the overall airtightness and appearance of the mechanism.

[0055] Two rod-shaped products

[0056] This invention provides two rod-shaped products (9, 9') in a double-ended mechanism. This mechanism is used for all types of rod-shaped products that are applied to a surface by dragging the product across it. For the purposes of this invention, the rod-shaped product is an elongated block of a solid or semi-solid product capable of supporting its own weight when suspended at one end. A non-exhaustive list includes lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, makeup sticks (foundation, concealer, blush, contour powder, etc.), deodorant sticks, antiperspirant sticks, glue sticks, etc. Preferably, the two products (9, 9') are complementary. For example, two shades of lipstick, or a lipstick and a lip gloss, or a foundation and a blush, or a deodorant and a solid perfume, or an adhesive and a base coat for curing the adhesive, etc.

[0057] Assembly method

[0058] The retainer cup (2) is inserted into the inner body (2) by forcing the lug (1e) of the retainer cup (2) through the notch (2d) and into the upper section (2e) of the longitudinal track of the inner body. Optionally, the retainer cup can be moved to a neutral position at this time by sliding the lug of the retainer cup between the protrusions (2h, 2h') of the longitudinal track. Next, the cam sleeve is mounted to the outside of the inner body by inserting the open top (2b) (the end with the notch (2d)) of the inner body into the open bottom (3b') of the cam sleeve (3). The notch will allow the sidewall (2a) of the inner body to compress sufficiently to allow the cam sleeve to slide onto the inner body. When fully positioned on the inner body, the cam sleeve and the inner body are concentric, and the cam sleeve is captured between the upper and lower edges (2f, 2f') that are suspended above the sidewall (2a) of the inner body. The cam sleeve (3) is mounted above the inner body (2) in such a way that the distal end of the lug (1e) of the retainer cup (1) passing through the longitudinal track of the inner body will be located in the spiral groove (3e) of the cam sleeve.

[0059] As explained above, the first and second top covers (5, 5') have already been formed previously by the first and second outer shells (6, 6') and the first and second inner covers (7, 7'). The first top cover (5) is then fitted over the first A-shell (4) such that the skirt (6e) of the first button (6d) extends to and through the open top (4b) of the first A-shell and into the open top (2b) of the inner body (2), where each of the first set of teeth (2g) of the inner body will reach into one of the vertical recesses (6g) resting on the first button. If not completed, the retainer cup is moved to its neutral position by positioning the first top cover relative to the still exposed second A-shell until the lugs of the retainer cup are positioned between the protrusions (2h, 2h') of the longitudinal track. Then, the second top cover (5') is fitted over the second A-type shell (4') such that the skirt (6e') of the second button (6d') extends into and through the open top (4b') of the first A-type shell and into the open bottom (2b') of the inner body (2), wherein each of the second set of teeth (2g') of the inner body will reach into one of the vertical grooves (6g') resting on the second button. The assembly of the mechanism is now complete.

[0060] First, the first and second rod-shaped products (9, 9') are formed by any suitable method (such as hot casting into a mold), and then allowed to cool and solidify.

[0061] When it is desired to load two rod-shaped products into the mechanism, the first top cover (5) is removed, and the double-ended retainer cup (1) is advanced away from the second top cover to the fully extended position. The procedure for performing this operation is explained below. The first rod-shaped product is inserted into the upper reservoir (1f) of the retainer cup. Next, the retainer cup is lowered so that the first rod-shaped product does not protrude beyond the open top (2b) of the inner body (2), and the first top cover is replaced. Then, the second top cover (5') is removed, and the double-ended retainer cup (1) is advanced away from the first top cover to the fully extended position. The second rod-shaped product is inserted into the lower reservoir (1f') of the retainer cup. Next, the retainer cup is lowered so that the second rod-shaped product does not protrude beyond the open bottom (2b') of the inner body (2). Preferably, the retainer cup is moved to its neutral position by positioning the lugs (1e) of the retainer cup between the protrusions (2h, 2h') of the longitudinal track. Finally, the second top cover is replaced.

[0062] use

[0063] When the user wishes to use one of the rod-shaped products (e.g., 9), the user presses the button (6d) on the top cover (5). She can do this by wrapping her fingers around the side wall (6a) of the housing and pressing down on the button with her thumb. This causes the remainder of the double-ended mechanism to longitudinally displace relative to the top cover and presses the annular stop (3d) of the cam sleeve (3) under the raised bead (6i) of the top cover. By doing so, the top cover (5) is easily removed from the A-shell (4), and the remainder of the mechanism is received in the user's other hand. The user then holds the exposed A-shell (4) in one hand and the still-attached top cover (5') in the other. The user rotates the A-shell relative to the top cover and the inner body (2) (e.g., counterclockwise). This will force the lug (1e) of the retainer cup (1) to reach above one of the protrusions (2h) of the inner body, and then continue to raise the retainer cup, wherein the lug travels along the upper section (2e) of the longitudinal track until it enters the horizontal track (2c) of the inner body, at which point the rod-shaped product (9) is fully extended from the mechanism (10) for its intended use.

[0064] When the user has finished using the rod-shaped product (9), she again holds the exposed A-shell (4) in one hand and the still-attached top cap (5') in the other. The user rotates the A-shell relative to the top cap (e.g., clockwise). This causes the retainer cup (2) to descend and the rod-shaped product (9) to retract into the mechanism. The user continues to rotate the A-shell until the lug (1e) of the retainer cup is forced above the first protrusion (2h) of the inner body, at which point the retainer cup will be in its neutral position, and she stops rotating. The removed top cap (5) is placed back on the exposed A-shell (4), thereby again forcing the protruding bead (6i) of the top cap above the annular stop (3d) of the cam sleeve (3). If desired, the same process can be repeated on the other side of the mechanism (10) to use another rod-shaped product.

Claims

1. A double-ended rod mechanism, comprising: Internal body, the internal body comprising: Cylindrical sidewalls with an open top and an open bottom; Longitudinal tracks passing through the sidewalls; and The first set of teeth is equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the open top of the inner body and protrudes inward; The second set of teeth is equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the open bottom of the inner body and protrudes inward; A retainer cup that travels within the inner body and includes: A cylindrical wall defining the reservoir, and a lug extending perpendicularly from the cylindrical wall, wherein: The lug is long enough to extend through the longitudinal track of the internal body; and The reservoir is capable of accommodating two rod-shaped products extending from the retainer cup in opposite directions; Cam sleeve, the cam sleeve comprising: A hollow cylindrical body with an open top, an open bottom, a midpoint, and an inner surface; The inner surface has a spiral groove that begins near the open top of the hollow cylindrical body and completes 1 to 3 rotations before ending near the bottom of the hollow cylindrical body; wherein The cam sleeve is mounted to the outside of the inner body such that the lug of the retainer cup is located in the spiral groove; A first type A housing, the first type A housing includes a cylindrical sidewall, an open upper end and an open lower end, wherein the open lower end of the first type A housing is fitted above the open upper end of the cam sleeve, wherein the first type A housing and the cam sleeve rotate integrally; The second type A shell includes a cylindrical sidewall, an open upper end, and an open lower end, wherein the open lower end of the second type A shell is fitted above the open bottom of the cam sleeve, and wherein the second type A shell and the cam sleeve rotate integrally. A first top cover, the first top cover comprising: A cylindrical sidewall with an open bottom that slides over the open top of the first A-shell; A first button having a plurality of vertical grooves extending into the open top of the inner body, such that the first set of teeth of the inner body is positioned in the vertical grooves of the first button; Pressing the first button causes a longitudinal displacement of the internal body relative to the cylindrical sidewall of the top cover; and A second top cover, the second top cover comprising: A cylindrical sidewall with an open bottom that slides above the open top of the second type A shell; A second button having multiple vertical grooves extending into the open bottom of the inner body, such that the second set of teeth of the inner body is positioned in the vertical grooves of the second button; Pressing the second button causes a longitudinal displacement of the internal body relative to the cylindrical sidewall of the top cover.

2. The double-ended rod-shaped mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The internal body further includes: An upper horizontal track and a lower horizontal track extending from the longitudinal track, wherein at least one of the upper horizontal track and the lower horizontal track intersects with a notch leading upward to the open top or open bottom of the internal body.

3. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The internal body further includes: Two protrusions are located a short distance above and below the midpoint of the longitudinal track, protruding into the longitudinal track to provide resistance to the movement of the retainer cup.

4. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The open top of the inner body has an upper edge, and the open bottom of the inner body has a lower edge, such that both edges are suspended above the sidewalls of the inner body, and the cam sleeve is captured between the upper edge and the lower edge.

5. The double-ended rod-shaped mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The first top cover has a raised ring that holds the first A-type shell to form an airtight seal, and the second top cover has a raised ring that holds the second A-type shell to form an airtight seal.

6. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The spiral groove completes 1, 1 1 / 4、1 1 / 2、1 3 / 4、2、2 1 / 4、2 1 / 2、2 3 / 4 or 3 rotations.

7. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The cam sleeve further includes an outer surface having an annular stop located at the midpoint of the cam sleeve; and The first type A shell and the second type A shell reach the bottom on the annular stop.

8. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 7, wherein, The first and second top covers meet along the non-circular boundary.

9. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: A portion of the open bottom of the first top cover and a portion of the open bottom of the second top cover extend beyond the annular stop of the cam sleeve.

10. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: One or more protruding bead-like portions are positioned on the portion of the open bottom of the first top cover that extends beyond the annular stop of the cam sleeve; A second group of one or more protruding bead-like portions are positioned on the portion of the open bottom of the second top cover that extends beyond the annular stop of the cam sleeve; Make: There is interference between the first set of protruding bead-shaped portions and the annular stop, and between the second set of protruding bead-shaped portions and the annular stop.

11. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer cup further includes one or more vent holes through the cylindrical wall of the retainer cup.

12. The double-ended rod mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The reservoir of the retainer cup is divided into an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir by a separator, and each reservoir is capable of receiving and holding a portion of the rod-shaped product.

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