Equipment for applying cosmetic sticks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for applying a cosmetic stick, the device comprising: - a cup-shaped portion (30) including at least one lug (32); - a guide (14) including a slot (22, 24) through which the associated lug (32) of the cup-shaped portion (30) passes, the slot (22, 24) including an upper edge (26); - a sheath (40) including internally helical grooves (42, 44) for receiving the lug (32) of the cup-shaped portion (30); - the lug (32) having an upper flat region (90a); characterized in that the upper edge (26) of the slot (22, 24) is inclined relative to a radial plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for applying cosmetics, particularly cosmetic sticks, the apparatus comprising:

[0002] - A cup-shaped portion, which is designed to receive a rod and includes at least one radial lug;

[0003] - At least one guide, the at least one guide including a tubular body including an upper opening for extending a rod, a cup-shaped portion being mounted in the upper opening for axial sliding, the guide including at least one slot, an associated at least one lug of the cup-shaped portion passing through the at least one slot, the slot being defined axially toward the opening by an upper edge;

[0004] - A tubular sheath, in which the body is rotatably mounted, the sheath including at least one helical groove inside for receiving at least one lug of the cup-shaped portion, the rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causing axial movement of the cup-shaped portion between a maximum extended position and a maximum retracted position through the opening, in which the lug abuts against the upper edge of the slot.

[0005] - At least one lug has an upper flat area. Background Technology

[0006] Devices of this type, known from the prior art, are used for packaging cosmetics, such as cosmetic sticks, particularly but not limited to lipsticks. In the following text and claims, such cosmetic sticks will be referred to as "sticks".

[0007] The stick is held within a cup-shaped portion by its base, which slides axially between at least one retracted position and one application position of the cosmetic, in which at least a portion of the cosmetic stick extends axially from the device.

[0008] In a known manner, this kinematics is achieved by a rotating mechanism comprising a guide and a sheath, which are concentrically mounted, one of which includes at least one slider, and the other of which includes at least one helical groove, the at least one helical groove being radially passed through by at least one lug fixed to a cup-shaped portion of a support rod.

[0009] The cup-shaped portion typically includes a pair of lugs arranged radially opposite each other, the guide is equipped with two sliders, and the sheath has two helical grooves.

[0010] The actuation of the mechanism is typically controlled manually by applying a rotational motion to the base of the device, which is transmitted to the mechanism to cause axial displacement of the cup-shaped portion containing the cosmetic.

[0011] One method of arranging a rod in a cup-shaped portion involves first assembling the various components of the device, excluding the cover, and then positioning the cup-shaped portion in its maximum extended position. The previously formed rod is then forced into the cup-shaped portion. The cup-shaped portion includes ribs that penetrate the rod to hold it in place. The cup-shaped portion is then slid to its maximum retracted position, and the device is equipped with the cover.

[0012] To perform the insertion of the rod, the base of the device is typically positioned and held on a support, while a sliding element carrying the rod is axially lowered relative to the support so that the rod can be inserted into the cup-shaped portion. The final position of the sliding element relative to the support is determined at the end of the insertion operation.

[0013] Therefore, at its maximum extended position, the bottom of the cup-shaped part must be positioned very precisely relative to the base of the device. Specifically, the positioning tolerance of the cup-shaped part relative to the reference position must be very small, for example, less than or equal to 0.2 mm. In the cosmetics industry, product quality and aesthetics are indeed of paramount importance.

[0014] If the bottom of the cup-shaped part is too high, the rod may be pressed down at the bottom, causing the rod to deform.

[0015] On the other hand, if the cup is too low, the rod may not be pushed into the cup sufficiently. The rod may then wobble within the cup and come into contact with the edge of the guide. This will again lead to damage to the rod.

[0016] Therefore, the cup-shaped part must be stably maintained in its maximum extended position. In addition, the cup-shaped part must be precisely positioned in height relative to the base. Summary of the Invention

[0017] This invention provides an apparatus for applying cosmetics, particularly cosmetic sticks, the apparatus comprising:

[0018] - A cup-shaped portion, which is designed to receive a rod and includes at least one radial lug;

[0019] - At least one guide, the at least one guide including a tubular body including an upper opening for allowing a rod to be protruded, a cup-shaped portion being mounted in the upper opening for axial sliding, the guide including at least one axial slot extending from the bottom of the guide, the at least one axial slot being through an associated at least one lug of the cup-shaped portion, the slot being defined by a straight upper edge.

[0020] - A tubular sheath, in which the body is rotatably mounted, the sheath including at least one helical groove inside for receiving at least one lug of the cup-shaped portion, the rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causing axial movement of the cup-shaped portion between a maximum extended position and a maximum retracted position through the opening, in which the lug abuts against the upper edge of the slot.

[0021] - At least one lug has an upper flat area.

[0022] The application device according to the invention is characterized in that the upper edge of at least one slot is inclined relative to the radial plane.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the spiral groove has a constant inclination angle, the inclination angle of the upper flat region of the lug is the same as the inclination angle of the spiral groove, and the upper flat region of the lug engages with the upper wall of the spiral groove, and the inclination angle of the upper edge of at least one slot is the same as the inclination angle of the upper flat region of the lug, such that in the maximum extended position, the lug supports against the upper edge over the entire width of the upper flat region.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one slot has an upper end extension, the width of which is approximately equal to the width of the lug, which is received in the end extension of at least one slot at the maximum protrusion position of the cup-shaped portion.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one slot has a channel restriction portion disposed at the lower inlet of the upper end extension of the slot.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one slot is defined by two axial edges in width orientation, and the channel restriction is formed by at least one protrusion formed in one and / or the other of the axial edges.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one slot is axially open in the direction opposite to the opening.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the lug passage restriction is achieved by elastically spaced apart the axial edges of at least one slot.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, when the cup-shaped portion occupies its maximum extended position, the lug is axially tightened between the upper edge of at least one slot and the protrusion under the action of the elastic return force of the axial edge. Therefore, as long as an axial force greater than the force used to overcome the channel restriction portion is not applied to the cup-shaped portion, the cup-shaped portion is blocked in its maximum extended position.

[0030] In another aspect of the invention, the lug includes a lower flat region parallel to the upper flat region, the lower flat region engaging with the lower wall of an associated helical groove of the sheath.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the sheath, guide, and cup-shaped portion are made of the same plastic material, particularly polypropylene.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, the base of the sheath forming apparatus has a removable cover designed to be directly attached to the base. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below, in order to understand the description.

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a cosmetic application device manufactured according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of the application device in its installed state, with the cup-shaped portion in its maximum retracted position.

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of the application device in its installed state, with the cup-shaped portion in its maximum extended position.

[0037] Figure 4 It only shows Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of the guide of the application device.

[0038] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A larger-scale side view of the guide taken at the upper end of the slot for receiving the cup-shaped portion, wherein the cup-shaped portion is mounted in the guide and is in its maximum extended position.

[0039] Figure 6 It is by Figure 2 An enlarged view of the details enclosed by the circle "VI" in the image, showing the means for axially attaching the guide to the sheath of the device.

[0040] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 5 The view shows an alternative design for the lug receiving slot.

[0041] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 2 The view shows that the upper end of the guide has an edge orthogonal to the main axis of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0042] By convention, the “axial” direction in the attached diagram corresponds to the direction of the main axis A of the device (also known as the mechanism) used to apply cosmetics, such as cosmetic sticks (especially lipsticks), and the “radial” direction is oriented to be orthogonal to the axial direction radiating from the main axis.

[0043] In the following description and claims, the plane orthogonal to axis “A” will be referred to as the “radial plane”.

[0044] In the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, the terms "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" will be used with reference to the axial direction, where the upper part of the device corresponds to the portion from which the cosmetic stick emerges for application.

[0045] Similarly, the terms "outer or external" and "inner or internal" are used with reference to the radial direction, with the outer element being further radially from axis A than the inner element.

[0046] The accompanying drawing shows a device 10 including an actuation base 11.

[0047] Preferably, cosmetics (in) Figure 2 and Figure 3 (shown in dashed line) is cosmetic stick 12, and more specifically, cosmetic stick 12 is a lipstick, or alternatively lip balm, designed to be applied by friction.

[0048] The device 10 is designed to dispense cosmetics through at least one rotational motion.

[0049] Device 10 has an axis A, referred to as the main axis.

[0050] Device 10 includes at least one first element, conventionally and hereinafter referred to as guide 14. Guide 14 in Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 4 It is particularly evident in the middle.

[0051] The guide 14 mainly includes a tubular body 16 that extends axially from the lower end 18 of the guide 14 to an upper outlet opening 20, which is intended to be passed through by the cosmetic stick 12.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the upper outlet opening 20 is defined by a chamfered edge that is obliquely cut relative to the main axis A of the device 10.

[0053] Alternatively, such as Figure 8 As shown, the upper outlet opening 20 is defined by an edge extending in a plane orthogonal to the main axis A.

[0054] Preferably, the guide 14 includes at least one slot that radially passes through the wall of the body 16. Each slot forms a slider. Here, the guide 14 includes a first slot 22 and a second slot 24 that radially pass through the wall of the body 16. The slots 22 and 24 are arranged radially opposite to each other.

[0055] Two slots 22, 24 extend axially into the body 16 of the guide 14. Each slot 22, 24 includes a straight, parallel axial edge 25. The two slots 22 are axially closed at their upper ends. More specifically, each slot 22, 24 is axially defined by an upper edge 26 toward the opening 20. The upper edge 26 has a straight shape.

[0056] Slots 22 and 24 open in the lower end 18 of the main body 16. Therefore, the lower extension of the main body 16 is divided into two support rods 27 by slots 22 and 24. The support rods 27 can be elastically bent, allowing the axial edges 25 to be spaced apart.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, in the unconstrained position of the support rod 27, the slots 22 and 24 have a constant width "l" along their entire length. This width "l" is designed to allow the cup-shaped portion 30 to be guided.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the device 10 includes a cup-shaped portion 30 for receiving a cosmetic stick 12.

[0059] The cup-shaped portion 30 is designed to, for example, Figure 2 The maximum retraction position shown and as Figure 3 It is axially slidably mounted in the guide 14 between the maximum extension positions shown.

[0060] The maximum retracted position corresponds to the position where the rod 12 is inside the device 10 for protection and storage, and in this position, the cup-shaped portion 30 is in the position as follows: Figure 2 The lower stroke end position is shown. In this position, the rod 12 is surrounded and protected by the guide 14, with the free upper end of the rod 12 located below the upper opening 20.

[0061] The maximum extension position corresponds to the position where the rod 12 extends axially upward so that the free end of the rod protrudes from the device 10 through the opening 20, and in this position, the cup-shaped portion 30 is in the position as follows: Figure 6 The high-stroke end position is shown.

[0062] The cup-shaped portion 30 can also be in an intermediate position between the maximum retracted position and the maximum extended position of the cup-shaped portion, which is referred to as the intermediate application position.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the cup-shaped portion 30 includes at least one lug 32, preferably two lugs 32. Each lug 32 protrudes radially outward and engages in one of the slots 22, 24 of the guide 14 and extends through one of the slots 22, 24 of the guide 14 to pass through the outer cylindrical surface of the body 16 of the guide 14 that extends radially outward beyond the body 16 of the guide 14.

[0064] The width “l” of each slot 22, 24 is approximately equal to the width of the associated lug 32, so that the associated lug 32 can be received with a circumferential gap, which allows the cup 30 to slide axially relative to the guide 14 without tightening the lug 32.

[0065] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the device 10 includes means for blocking the travel end of the cup-shaped portion 30 at its maximum extended position. For this purpose, at least the first slot 22 has an upper end extension 22a, the width of which "l" is approximately equal to the width of the lug 32, which is received in the upper end extension 22a of the slot 22 at the maximum extended position of the cup-shaped portion 30, as... Figure 5 As shown. The slot 22 also has a channel restriction portion 33a arranged at the lower inlet of the upper end extension 22a of the slot 22.

[0066] Here, only the first slot 22 includes the channel restriction part 33a.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first slot 22 and the second slot 24 each include a channel restriction portion 33a.

[0068] Here, the channel restriction portion 33a is formed by a protrusion 35a that extends only from one axial edge of the axial edge 25 toward the other axial edge.

[0069] exist Figure 7 In the variant shown, the channel limiting portion 33a extending toward the upper end of the slot 22 is formed by a protrusion 35a extending from each of the opposing axial edges 25. The two protrusions 35a are arranged opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the main axis A.

[0070] The width "la" of the slot 22 at the channel restriction 33a is slightly smaller than the width of the lug 32. Therefore, when it is desired that the lug 32 overcomes the channel restriction 33a, an axial overcoming force "Fa" must be applied to the cup-shaped portion 30, which is greater than the force required for the cup-shaped portion to slide along the rest of the slot 22. This overcoming force "Fa" must be significant enough to allow the support rods 27 to be elastically spaced, and thus allow the edges 25 to be elastically spaced.

[0071] When the cup-shaped portion 30 is in its maximum extended position, it is blocked in the maximum extended position as long as a force greater than or equal to the axial overcoming force "Fa" is not applied to the cup-shaped portion 30.

[0072] In order to enable the edges 25 to be automatically spaced apart, the protrusion 35a has a circular shape that engages with the associated lug 32 to space the edges 25 apart.

[0073] The axial length of the upper end extension 22a is also approximately equal to the axial length of the associated lug 32. Therefore, when the cup-shaped portion 30 is in its maximum extended position, the lug 32 is received in the upper end extension 22a of the slot 22, and the support rod 27 returns to its rest position. In this position, preferably, the protrusion 35a contacts the lug 32. Thus, the lug 32 is forced against the upper end edge 26 of the slot 22 by the protrusion 35a under the elastic return force of the axial edges 25 toward each other. In this way, the cup-shaped portion 30 remains fixed in its maximum extended position.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device 10 also includes means for blocking the travel end of the cup-shaped portion 30 at its maximum retracted position. For this purpose, at least the first slot 22 has a lower end extension 22b, the width of which "l" is approximately equal to the width of the lug 32, which is received in the lower end extension 22b of the slot 22 at the maximum retracted position of the cup-shaped portion 30. The slot 22 also has a channel restriction portion 33b disposed at the upper inlet of the lower end extension 22b of the slot 22.

[0075] The channel restriction portion 33b extending toward the lower end of the slot 22 is formed by a protrusion 35b extending from each of the opposing axial edges 25 of the slot 22.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the channel restriction is formed by a protrusion extending only from one of the axial edges toward the other axial edge.

[0077] The width "lb" of the slot 22 at the channel restriction 33b is slightly smaller than the width of the lug 32. Therefore, when it is desired that the lug 32 overcomes the channel restriction 33b, an axial overcoming force "Fb" must be applied to the cup-shaped portion 30, which is greater than the force required for the cup-shaped portion to slide along the rest of the slot 22. This overcoming force "Fb" should allow the support rods 27 to be elastically spaced, and thus allow the edges 25 to be elastically spaced. However, since the channel restriction 22b is located at the lower free end of the support rod 27, the force "Fb" required to overcome the channel restriction 22b is less than the force "Fa" required to overcome the channel restriction 22a located near the upper end 22a of the slot 22 through a lever arm effect.

[0078] The axial length of the lower end extension 22b is also approximately equal to the axial length of the associated lug 32. Therefore, when the cup-shaped portion 30 is in its maximum retracted position, the lug 32 is accommodated in the lower end extension 22b of the slot 22, and the support rod 27 returns to its rest position. Preferably, the protrusion 35b contacts the lug 32 to secure the cup-shaped portion 30.

[0079] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cup-shaped portion 30 includes an axially extending cylindrical wall 34. The wall 34 defines a receiving portion 36 for receiving the lower part of the rod 12. The receiving portion 36 opens upward through an inlet 33. The receiving portion 36 is defined axially downward by a bottom 37. The inner surface of the cylindrical wall 34 is provided with ribs 38, which are designed to securely attach the rod 12 to the receiving portion 36.

[0080] Device 10 includes a second element, referred to below as sheath 40. As shown here, sheath 40 has a cylindrical shape with a main axis A disposed thereon.

[0081] Preferably, the sheath 40 includes at least one groove internally, which receives the free end of the associated lug 32 of the cup-shaped portion 30. Here, the sheath 40 includes two oppositely sized grooves 42, 44, with the free end of the lug 32 of the cup-shaped portion 30 engaging with the groove. The sheath 40 includes an inner wall 46 provided with the spiral grooves 42, 44. The grooves 42, 44 have a spiral shape. Thus, each groove is defined by two walls 92 (upper wall and lower wall) having a slope forming a constant helical angle "α" with the radial plane.

[0082] Furthermore, the two lugs 32 of the cup-shaped portion 30 are generally circular and advantageously have an upper flat region 90a and a lower flat region 90b. The flat regions 90a and 90b are parallel. The flat regions are configured to mate with the walls 92 of the spiral grooves 42 and 44 of the sheath 40, such as... Figure 5 As shown. In particular, the flat regions 90a and 90b have the same slope as the wall 92. Therefore, the flat regions 90a and 90b have a slope that forms an angle "α" with the radial plane, which is the same as the slope angle of the wall 92 of the spiral grooves 42 and 44.

[0083] In other words, each lug 32 extends in a direction similar to that of the spiral grooves 42, 44, and each lug engages in the spiral groove.

[0084] The specific shape of the lug 32 is adapted to the shape of the spiral grooves 42 and 44 to facilitate the sliding of the lug and to ensure that the lug remains contained within the spiral grooves even when forcibly rotated by the user, without coming out. This reduces the risk of damage to the cup-shaped portion 30.

[0085] Furthermore, the flat regions 90a and 90b also extend through the associated slots 22 and 24. As previously described, when the cup-shaped portion 30 is in its maximum extended position, the lug 32 is pressed against the upper end edge 26 of the associated slots 22 and 24.

[0086] However, due to the inclination of the upper flat region 90a, if the upper edge is perpendicular to the axial direction, the lug 32 will only contact the upper edge at the point where a large pressure is applied to the lug. This may cause plastic deformation of the lug and / or the upper edge, resulting in a gap that allows the lug to move relative to the slot. Furthermore, in this arrangement, the single-point contact of each lug with the upper edge of the associated slot may lead to the risk of the cup-shaped portion tilting about the axis passing through the two contact points.

[0087] To ensure the cup-shaped portion 30 is stably positioned at its maximum extension, the upper edge 26 of each slot 22, 24 has an inclination angle "α" relative to the radial plane. This inclination angle "α" is the same as the inclination angle of the upper flat region 90a of the lug 32, such that in the maximum extension position, the lug 32 is supported against the upper edge 26 across the entire width of the upper flat region 90a. Therefore, the fastening force of the lug 32 against the upper edge 26 is distributed across the entire width of the lug 32, as... Figure 5 As shown. Therefore, the cup-shaped portion 30 occupies a stable and clearly defined maximum protrusion position relative to the guide 14.

[0088] The sheath 40 is integrally formed with the base 11 of the device 10. The sheath 40 includes an upper edge 50 at its upper axial end and a lower edge 52 at its lower axial end, said edges 50 and 52 being circumferentially continuous. The upper edge 50 defines an upper opening 51 of the sheath 40. The base 11 also includes a radial bottom 53 extending downward from the lower edge 52 to completely close the sheath 40. The sheath 40 and the bottom 53 are integrally formed.

[0089] The sheath 40 is designed to snap onto the guide 14 to achieve a special fit after installation. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The device 10 is shown in the figure. In the installation position, the opening 20 of the guide 14 is arranged above the upper edge 50 of the sheath 40.

[0090] The guide 14 is rotatably mounted in the sleeve 40 about the main axis "A". Therefore, the guide 14 is concentrically received inside the sleeve 40. For this purpose, the outer diameter of the body 16 of the guide 14 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the sleeve 40, having a radial clearance that allows the body and the sleeve to rotate relative to each other.

[0091] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in detail, the resilient snap-fit ​​engagement is achieved in a non-limiting manner via at least one annular valley 54 (in this case, two valleys), which extends hollowly from the upper section of the inner surface of the sheath 40. A flange 56 associated with each valley 54 extends radially projecting from the outer surface of the body 16 of the guide 14. When the body 16 of the guide 14 is axially inserted from top to bottom through the upper opening 51 of the sheath 40, the flange 56 is designed to resiliently snap into the valley 54 of the sheath 40. This mounting of the flange 56 and the valley 54 allows the guide 14 to be axially attached relative to the sheath 40, while allowing the guide and the sheath to rotate relative to each other about axis "A".

[0092] To ensure precise axial positioning of the sheath 40 relative to the guide 14, the positioning surface of the guide 14 is designed to axially abut against the positioning surface facing the sheath. In the example shown in the figures, the guide 14 has an upper extension 60 axially positioned above the support rod 27, which has a shoulder 58 extending radially outward from the support rod 27. When the guide 14 is installed in the sheath 40, this shoulder 58 axially supports and abuts against the upper edge 50 of the sheath 40. Thus, the shoulder 58 of the guide 14 forms the positioning surface of the guide 14, while the upper edge 50 of the sheath 40 forms the positioning surface of the sheath 40.

[0093] In such a device 10, the guide 14 causes axial movement of the cup-shaped portion 30 by means of rotation of its upper end extension 60 relative to the base 11 including the sheath 40, more precisely causing the cup-shaped portion 30 to move upward or downward according to the rotational orientation. When the cup-shaped portion 30 is in its maximum extended position, the cup-shaped portion 30 is fully extended into the guide 14, as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0094] The cosmetic stick 12 and the cup-shaped portion 30 are axially displaced between the maximum extended position and the maximum retracted position.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, when the cup-shaped portion 30 is in its maximum retracted position, the device 10 can preferably be closed by means of the cap 62 to prevent contamination or damage to the cosmetic stick. In this respect, when the device 10 is not in use, the removable cap 62 is intended to be directly attached to the base 11, which includes the sheath 40.

[0096] According to one example of an embodiment, the sheath 40 has an upper end extension 64, which has means on its outer wall for attaching the cover 62, for example, by friction. More specifically, the sheath 40 has an upward-facing shoulder surface 66, and the annular lower end edge 68 of the cover 62 is intended to abut against this shoulder surface in the installed position.

[0097] The guide 14, cup-shaped part 30, base 11 and cover 62 are advantageously made of plastic.

[0098] Preferably, the guide 14, the cup-shaped part 30, the base 11, and the cover 62 are made of the same plastic material.

[0099] Plastic materials may be selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyethylene (PE) (e.g., low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE)), composites, post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and / or the like.

[0100] These plastic materials specifically include those with a hardness between 70 Schott A and 90 Schott D.

[0101] Preferably, regardless of whether it is recycled, the plastic material is polypropylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0102] Therefore, advantageously, all components of the device 10 are made of plastic material, preferably selected from polypropylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0103] For example, the plastic material is 100% polypropylene.

[0104] According to the first example, the cup-shaped portion 30 is made of 100% polypropylene.

[0105] Alternatively, the cup-shaped portion 30 is made of a plastic material formed from a blend comprising a portion of polypropylene, for example at least 80% polypropylene (by weight). The remainder of the blend is, for example, polyethylene. Such a mixture allows for the production of, for example, a recyclable plastic material with good rigidity and a reasonably high operating torque, without the lugs of the cup-shaped portion slipping out of the helical groove.

[0106] For example, the plastic material is formed from a blend of at least 80% polypropylene (PP), with the remainder of the blend being low-density polyethylene (LDPE). According to various examples, the plastic material is formed from the following mixtures:

[0107] A mixture of 80% polypropylene (PP) and 20% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or

[0108] A mixture of 85% polypropylene (PP) and 15% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or

[0109] A mixture of 90% polypropylene (PP) and 10% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or

[0110] - A mixture of 95% polypropylene (PP) and 5% low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0111] For example, the guide 14, base 11, and cover 62 are made of 100% polypropylene. Therefore, the entire device 10 essentially comprises polypropylene mixed with less than 10% polyethylene (by weight relative to polypropylene), which allows the entire device 10 to be recycled in processes used for polypropylene.

[0112] Alternatively, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used instead of LDPE.

[0113] Alternatively, the cup-shaped portion 30 is made of polyethylene (PE), while the guide 14, base 11, and cover 62 are made of polypropylene (PP). Thus, the entire device 10 essentially comprises polypropylene mixed with less than 10% polyethylene (by weight relative to polypropylene). The plastic components can be readily obtained through injection molding, resulting in a lightweight device 10.

[0114] Furthermore, the use of plastic materials (especially similar plastic materials) throughout the device 10 facilitates recycling. In particular, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate are two plastic materials whose recycling is well-known.

[0115] The force "Fa" that overcomes the upper limiting part 33a is predetermined based on the material used to manufacture the device 10. In particular, the force must be high enough that the cup-shaped part 30 is effectively blocked at its maximum extended position during its transport and during the packaging of the rod 12. However, the force must be low enough not to damage the components (especially the spiral grooves 42, 44).

[0116] When the device is installed, the cup-shaped portion 30 is axially inserted into the guide 14 through the lower end 18 of the guide. The lugs 32 are each inserted into the associated slots 22, 24 through the lower opening ends of the associated slots 22, 24.

[0117] Then, the base 11, including the sheath 40, receives the guide 14, which is equipped with a cup-shaped portion 30, through the upper opening 51 of the sheath, until the flange 56 snaps into the valley 54. Then, the shoulder 58 of the guide 14 abuts against the upper edge 50 of the sheath 40. The lugs 32 of the cup-shaped portion 30 are each received in the associated spiral grooves 42, 44.

[0118] At this point, the cup-shaped portion 30 does not yet include the cosmetic stick 12. When preparing to receive the stick 12, the cup-shaped portion 30 is controlled to its maximum extended position, in which the cup-shaped portion is stably fixed by the upper edge 26 of the protrusion 25a and each slot 22, 24 that engages with the associated lug 32.

[0119] Typically, the assembled device 10 is transported to the packaging location of the bar 12, where the cup-shaped portion 30 is blocked in its maximum extended position. The assembly location of the device 10 and the packaging location of the bar 12 can be located at a very large distance from each other, such as tens or hundreds of kilometers. The force "Fa" overcoming the upper restraint 33a is generally limited to allow the device 10 to withstand normal vibrations or shocks during transport without causing the cup-shaped portion 30 to move out of its maximum extended position.

[0120] Then, the axial position of the bottom 37 of the cup-shaped portion 30 relative to the bottom 53 of the base is precisely determined. In fact, the axial position of the bottom 37 of the cup-shaped portion 30 relative to the guide 14 is determined by the distance between the lug 32 and the bottom 37 of the cup-shaped portion 30. The axial position of the lug 32 relative to the shoulder surface 58 of the guide is determined by the distance between the upper edges 26 of the slots 22, 24 and the shoulder 58 of the guide. The axial position of the shoulder surface 58 of the guide 14 is determined by the axial distance between the upper edge 50 of the sheath 40 and the bottom 53 of the base 11. Therefore, the rib band used to determine the axial position of the bottom 37 of the cup-shaped portion 30 is reduced to three values, which allows the axial positioning tolerance to be reduced, for example, to 0.2 mm.

[0121] This allows the pre-formed cosmetic stick 12 to be properly inserted into the cup-shaped portion 30, thereby ensuring good retention and preventing deterioration of the cosmetic stick. The axial force exerted by the stick 12 on the cup-shaped portion 30 during insertion is less than the axial force required for the lug 32 to overcome the upper channel restriction portion 33a.

Claims

1. A device (10) for applying cosmetics, the device having an axis (A) referred to as a main axis, the cosmetic being a cosmetic stick (12), the device (10) comprising: - Cup-shaped portion (30), said cup-shaped portion for receiving the cosmetic stick (12) and including at least one radial lug (32). - At least one guide (14), the at least one guide comprising a tubular body (16) including an upper outlet opening (20) for dispensing the cosmetic stick (12), a cup-shaped portion (30) being mounted in the upper outlet opening for axial sliding, the guide (14) including at least one axial slot (22, 24) extending from the bottom of the guide (14), the at least one axial slot being traversed by the at least one associated radial lug (32) of the cup-shaped portion (30), the axial slot (22, 24) being defined by a straight upper edge (26); - A tubular sleeve (40) in which the tubular body (16) is rotatably mounted, the tubular sleeve (40) including at least one helical groove (42, 44) inside, the at least one helical groove for receiving the at least one radial lug (32) of the cup portion (30), the rotation of the guide (14) relative to the tubular sleeve (40) causing the cup portion (30) to move axially between a maximum extended position and a maximum retracted position through the upper outlet opening (20), in the maximum extended position, the radial lug (32) abutting against the upper edge (26) of the axial slot (22, 24). - The at least one radial lug (32) has an upper flat region (90a). The feature is that the upper edge (26) of the at least one axial slot is inclined relative to a radial plane orthogonal to the main axis, and the upper edge (26) of the at least one axial slot (22, 24) has an inclination angle relative to the radial plane, the inclination angle being the same as the inclination angle of the upper flat region (90a).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spiral grooves (42, 44) have a constant inclination angle, the inclination angle of the upper flat region (90a) of the radial lug is the same as the inclination angle of the spiral grooves (42, 44), and the upper flat region of the radial lug engages with the upper wall of the spiral grooves (42, 44). The inclination angle of the upper edge (26) of the at least one axial slot (22, 24) is the same as the inclination angle of the upper flat region (90a) of the radial lug (32), such that in the maximum extended position, the radial lug (32) supports against the upper edge (26) over the entire width of the upper flat region (90a).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one axial slot has an upper end extension (22a) with a width (l) approximately equal to the width of the radial lug (32), which is received in the end extension (22a) of the at least one axial slot at the maximum protrusion position of the cup-shaped portion.

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one axial slot has a channel restriction portion (33a) arranged at the lower inlet of the upper end extension (22a) of the axial slot.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one axial slot is defined in width orientation by two axial edges (25), and the channel restriction (33a) is formed by at least one protrusion (25a) formed in one of the two axial edges (25).

6. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one axial slot is defined in width orientation by two axial edges (25), and the channel restriction (33a) is formed by two protrusions (25a) facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the main axis and formed in each of the two axial edges (25).

7. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide includes two axial slots (22, 24) arranged radially opposite to each other, each axial slot (22, 24) including a channel restriction portion (33a).

8. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one axial slot is axially open in the direction opposite to the upper outlet opening (20).

9. The device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The at least one axial slot is axially open in the direction opposite to the upper outlet opening (20), and the radial lug (32) passes through the channel restriction portion (33a) by elastically spacing the axial edges (25) of the at least one axial slot.

10. The device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the cup-shaped portion (30) occupies its maximum extended position, the radial lug (32) is axially tightened between the upper edge (26) of the at least one axial slot and the protrusion (25a) under the action of the elastic return force of the axial edge (25). Therefore, as long as an axial force greater than the force used to overcome the channel restriction is not applied to the cup-shaped portion, the cup-shaped portion is blocked in its maximum extended position.

11. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The radial lug (32) includes a lower flat region (90b) parallel to the upper flat region (90a), the lower flat region (90b) engaging with the lower wall of the associated spiral groove (42, 44) of the tubular sheath (40).

12. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tubular sheath (40), the guide (14), and the cup-shaped portion (30) are made of the same plastic material.

13. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tubular sheath (40) forms the base (11) of the device, and the removable cover (62) is designed to be attached directly to the base.

14. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide (14) has an upper outlet opening (20) defined by a chamfered edge that is obliquely cut relative to the main axis of the device (10).

15. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide (14) has an upper outlet opening (20) defined by an edge extending in a plane orthogonal to the main axis.

16. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cup-shaped portion (30) is made of 100% polypropylene.

17. The device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The plastic material constituting the cup-shaped portion (30) is formed of a blend comprising at least 80% polypropylene, the remainder of which is formed of low-density polyethylene.

18. The device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The plastic material is polypropylene.

Images