Container for rod-shaped products

Abstract

A container for rod-like products utilizes a novel inner body without gaps along its top periphery. Thus, significant advantages in assembly and operation are achieved. The container according to the invention can be used for all types of rod-like products applied by applying the product on the surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in containers for holding stick-shaped products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container that enables the stick-shaped product in a holder cup to be moved between an extended position and a retracted position in which a consumer can apply the product in the holder cup. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling such a container. Background Art

[0002] A container of a well-known type for a stick-shaped product is characterized by a base connected to a cylindrical inner body and a cam sleeve placed around the inner body so that the cam sleeve and the inner body can rotate relative to each other. The inner body is hollow and has a wall having at least one longitudinal groove extending through the wall. The cam sleeve has an inner wall characterized by at least one spiral groove extending along the substantial length of the inner wall. A retainer cup for a stick-shaped product is provided, and the retainer cup includes at least one cam follower in the form of a lug. When the retainer cup is assembled into the inner body, the lug extends through the longitudinal groove of the inner body to engage the spiral groove of the cam sleeve. In this arrangement, when the inner body rotates relative to the cam sleeve, the spiral groove of the cam sleeve applies pressure to the lug of the retainer cup, which drives the retainer cup upward or downward in the inner body while the lug is placed in the longitudinal groove. In this way, the stick-shaped product moves between an advanced position and a retracted position.

[0003] The retainer cup is typically assembled into the top of the inner body. However, the retainer cup's lugs extend beyond the perimeter of the inner body, and the top of the inner body may not be stretchy or flexible enough to allow the lugs to pass through. In fact, to facilitate insertion of the inner body into the cam sleeve, the top outer edge of a conventional inner body is tapered, and the tapered portion increases stiffness around the top perimeter of the inner body. Moreover, even if the retainer cup's lugs could be forced into the top of the inner body, both the inner body and the lugs would likely suffer some damage. To alleviate this problem, some inner bodies (50; see Fig.14) is designed with an auxiliary groove (50a) that extends from the top of one of the longitudinal grooves to open onto the top edge of the inner body. This creates a split or gap in the top periphery of the inner body. The gap adds some flexibility to the top portion of the inner body. Nevertheless, during assembly of the retainer cup and the inner body, a tool is required to keep the top of the inner body open so that the retainer cup can be inserted into the inner body without scratching or otherwise damaging the top or lugs of the inner body. However, even with this extra step of keeping the top of the inner body open, the retainer cup must be inserted at an angle so that one lug can be inserted before the other. This is a significant disadvantage in the assembly process. Sometimes, two auxiliary grooves are used so that the retainer cup can be inserted upright into the inner body, but the two gaps in the top periphery of the inner body create their own problems.

[0004] After the retainer cup is inserted into the top of the inner body, the inner body and the cam sleeve are assembled by inserting the top of the inner body into the bottom of the cam sleeve. As mentioned above, the gap in the auxiliary groove and the top periphery of the conventional inner body allows the top portion of the inner body to bend. Moreover, the outer edge of the inner body is tapered. Both of these features are conducive to inserting the inner body into the cam sleeve. However, before the top of the inner body can be deflected inwardly, the retainer cup must be lowered to its retracted position. This brings at least two disadvantages. First, this is an extra step in the assembly process. Secondly, it will be advantageous for the product filling machine to receive the inner body-retainer cup assembly ready for filling when the retainer cup is in its extended position. Otherwise, the filling machine must perform this step.

[0005] Even more serious problems caused by gaps in the top perimeter of the inner body relate to performance and perception. The gaps in the perimeter tend to loosen the assembly between the inner body and the retainer cup. This causes a certain degree of shaking of the retainer cup and the stick-shaped product when the retainer cup is raised and lowered, and even when the retainer cup is in the fully extended position. This shaking makes it difficult to control the application of product to the application surface, while also conveying a low-quality image to the consumer. We also note that, in general, the auxiliary grooves and peripheral gaps of conventional inner bodies are visible to consumers, and the asymmetric aesthetic impact is negative. Some efforts can be made to cover up the gaps in the top perimeter of the inner body, but these efforts are not completely effective and simply add another step to the manufacturing and / or assembly process.

[0006] Until now, the advantages of an inner body without a secondary groove at the top end and without a split or gap in the perimeter of the top of the inner body have not been realized. These advantages include: the top of the inner body does not need to be held open with a tool; the retainer cup does not need to be retracted prior to assembly of the inner body and cam sleeve; the retainer cup does not need to be extended prior to product filling; the manufacturer can supply the product filling machine with a ready-to-fill inner body / retainer cup assembly; reduced shaking during operation; and any unsightly appearance can be hidden from view.

[0007] Purpose of the invention

[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a container for stick-shaped products that utilizes an inner body having a continuous top perimeter, ie, an inner body having no gaps in the top perimeter.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide improvements in methods of assembling containers for stick products. Summary of the invention

[0010] The container (10) for a stick product (7) according to the present invention comprises a cap (1), a base (2), an A-shell (3), a cam sleeve (4), an inner body (5) and a retainer cup (6). The inner body is continuous along the top periphery, which means that the longitudinal grooves of the inner body are not open to the top periphery of the inner body. Significant advantages in assembly are achieved. The container according to the present invention is useful for all types of stick products that are applied to a surface by applying the product on the surface. These stick products include lipstick, lip balm, deodorant sticks, antiperspirant sticks, glue sticks, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cap and a base of a container for stick-shaped products according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 is one embodiment of a base that can be used in the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 A housing of a container for stick-shaped products according to the invention is depicted.

[0014] Figure 4 The A-housing is depicted seated in the base with the retainer cup in the advanced position.

[0015] Figure 5 A cam sleeve for a container for stick-shaped products according to the invention is depicted.

[0016] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cam sleeve positioned inside the A housing.

[0017] Figure 7 An inner body of a container for stick-shaped products according to the invention is depicted.

[0018] Figure 8 The retainer cup is depicted partially inserted into the inner body, which is inserted through the cam sleeve.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the A housing, cam sleeve and inner body.

[0020] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a retainer cup.

[0021] Fig.11 The retainer cup is depicted partially inserted into the inner body.

[0022] Fig.12 The inner body and cam sleeve are depicted in a partially assembled configuration.

[0023] Fig.13 Shows when the inner body and cam sleeve are in Fig.12 The inner body sits above the A shell when in the partially assembled configuration shown in .

[0024] Fig.14 A conventional inner body is depicted having an auxiliary slot opening onto the top edge of the inner body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Throughout the specification, the term "comprising" means that the set of objects is not necessarily limited to those explicitly recited, but may or may not include additional objects.

[0026] For the purposes of the present invention, a stick-like product is an elongated mass of a solid or semi-solid product that is capable of supporting its own weight when suspended by one end.

[0027] Cap and base

[0028] Figure 1 A cap (1) and a base (2) of a container (10) for a stick-shaped product (7) according to the invention are depicted. The cap comprises an open bottom (1a) designed to cooperate with the base and a closed top (1b). The cap protects the contents of the container from the surrounding environment and is removably secured to the base by some means, such as an interference fit or a snap fit.

[0029] Figure 2An embodiment of the base (2) is shown in FIG. The base includes a closed bottom (2a) and an open top (2b) separated by a side wall (2d). The closed bottom and the side wall define an interior space or interior (2e) of the base. The base supports the A shell (3) and the inner body (5) by receiving the lower end of each of the A shell and the inner body in a concentric arrangement into the base. When assembled, the A shell and the base rotate independently. On the other hand, the base and the inner body rotate as a whole. To achieve this, the interior of the base may be provided with a first set of gear teeth (2i), which are located on concentric rings (2c), which are supported on the closed bottom of the base.

[0030] A Housing and cam sleeve

[0031] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The A housing (3) is a cylindrical tube having an open bottom (3a) and an open top (3b) separated by a side wall (3d). The bottom of the A housing is placed inside the base (2), between the side wall (2d) and the concentric ring (2c). The cam sleeve (4) (see Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig. 9 ) comprises a generally cylindrical body having an open top (4b) and an open bottom (4a) separated by a side wall (4d). The cam sleeve is shorter than the A housing. The entire length of the cam sleeve is positioned inside the A housing so that no part of the cam sleeve protrudes from the A housing. There is a very tight fit between the side wall (4d) of the cam sleeve and the side wall (3d) of the A housing, and some means is used to ensure that the A housing and the cam sleeve rotate as a unit. For example, during assembly, a clamp on the assembly line is used to set the cam sleeve at a predetermined position or height inside the A housing. The cam sleeve will be fixed to the A housing, typically by being glued together or crimped at points on the outside of the A housing.

[0032] The side wall (4d) of the cam sleeve (4) is substantially solid and has an outer surface (4e) and an inner surface (4f). The inner surface is provided with at least one helical groove, preferably with two helical grooves (4c, 4c'). The helical groove starts at the top (4b) of the cam sleeve and completes a number of revolutions or a portion thereof to end near the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve. Moreover, the cam sleeve is capable of receiving the inner body (5) into itself in a concentric manner. When positioned around the inner body, the cam sleeve and the inner body are capable of rotating independently of each other.

[0033] Inner Body and Retainer Cup

[0034] refer to Figure 7-Figure 9 and Figure 11-13 , the inner body (5) according to the present invention is generally cylindrical and comprises an open top (5b) and an open bottom (5a) separated by a side wall (5d). During assembly, the bottom of the inner body is inserted into the top (4b) of the cam sleeve (4). In the final assembly, the inner body protrudes from both ends of the cam sleeve and can rotate relative to the cam sleeve. The second set of gear teeth (5i) is located near the bottom of the inner surface (5h) of the side wall. The bottom of the inner body is designed to be received in the base (2) so that the first set of gear teeth (2i) meshes with the second set of gear teeth (5i). Once assembled, the base and the inner body will rotate as a whole. The order of assembly is important, as will be explained below.

[0035] At least one, preferably two, longitudinal grooves (5c, 5c') spaced 180° apart pass through the side wall (5d) of the inner body (5). The upper and lower ends of the longitudinal grooves can be formed as extensions (5e, 5e') of the leveling grooves. According to the design, neither the longitudinal groove nor the leveling groove opens onto the top (5b) of the inner body as is usually done. That is, there is no auxiliary groove as discussed above. In fact, the periphery of the top (5b) of the inner body is continuous or uninterrupted; this is critical. Moreover, the top of the inner body forms an overhang (5k) of the side wall (5d). During assembly, the inner body can be inserted into the cam sleeve (4) by pushing the overhang downwards. The overhang has an inwardly beveled surface (5g) that is inclined toward the inside of the inner body. This is different from the common outwardly beveled surface.

[0036] At least one leveling bead, preferably two leveling beads (5f, 5f'), extend along the side wall (5d) above the level of at least one longitudinal groove (5c, 5c') of the inner body (5). The diameter of the inner body at the level of the leveling bead is slightly larger than the diameter at the top (4b) of the cam sleeve (4), but smaller than the inner diameter of the A housing (3). Therefore, when the bottom of the inner body is inserted into the top of the cam sleeve, the leveling bead comes into contact with the top of the cam sleeve, and these leveling bead acts as a stop to prevent further insertion of the inner body (see Figure 8 ), at this time, the inner body is fully inserted into the cam sleeve.

[0037] Once the inner body is fully inserted into the cam sleeve, it must be prevented from withdrawing. For example, when the base (2) is inserted into the bottom (5a) of the inner body, there will be some resistance that may dislodge the inner body relative to the cam sleeve (4). To prevent this, a flexible lug (5j) is located in the side wall (5d), just below at least one of the longitudinal grooves (5c, 5c'). The flexible lug is connected to the side wall of the inner body by a living hinge, which biases the lug to protrude outward from the side wall. The flexible lug includes a beveled side surface and a horizontal top surface. When the beveled surface of the lug hits the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, the lug flexes inward to allow insertion of the inner body. However, once the lug is exposed from the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, the lug returns to its extended position, and the horizontal surface of the lug prevents the inner body from moving upward relative to the cam sleeve. In the fully assembled container (10), the inner body protrudes from both ends of the cam sleeve, however, the top (5b) of the inner body does not protrude beyond the top (3b) of the A shell (3).

[0038] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 10-12 The retainer cup (6) comprises a bottom (6a) which may be openable or closed, and an open top (6b). The top and bottom are separated by a side wall (6d). The retainer cup is capable of receiving and retaining a rod-shaped product (7) which can be inserted into the retainer cup through the open top. At least one lug, preferably two lugs (6c, 6c') are positioned 180° apart to align with the longitudinal grooves (5c, 5c') of the inner body (5). Optionally, the lugs may be located on a flexible section of the side wall. For example, in Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lugs sit on the thin strips of the side walls so that inwardly directed pressure on the lugs will cause the lugs to pinch inwardly. Once the pressure is relieved, the lugs will return to their original position. This facilitates the assembly of the retainer cup into the inner body. For example, when the bottom (6a) of the retainer cup is inserted through the top (5b) of the inner body, the lugs will contact the beveled surface (5g) of the overhang (5k), which causes the lugs to pinch inwardly. When the retainer cup reaches a defined depth inside the inner body, the lugs of the retainer cup will enter the leveling grooves (5e, 5e') of the inner body and return to their original positions.

[0039] Alternatively, the plastic material at the top of the inner body (5) may be flexible enough to allow the lugs (6c, 6c') of the retainer cup (6) to be forced through the top (5b) of the inner body and into the longitudinal slots (5c, 5c'). Depending on the assembly sequence, it is sometimes preferred that the inner body and cam sleeve (4) be able to maintain a partially assembled configuration prior to insertion of the retainer cup. Fig.12In this partially assembled configuration, the leveling protrusions (5f, 5f') of the inner body have not yet contacted the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, and the leveling groove extensions (5e, 5e') are not covered by the cam sleeve. Also, if the A housing is present at this assembly step, the top (5b) of the inner body will sit above the top (3b) of the A housing (3) (see Fig.13 ). The flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body apply outward pressure to the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve. Preferably, the pressure is sufficient to maintain the inner body and the cam sleeve in this partially assembled configuration. The purpose of this configuration is to assist in assembling the retainer cup (6) into the top (5b) of the inner body without interference from the cam sleeve or the A housing. When the retainer cup (with or without the rod-shaped product 7) is inserted through the top of the inner body, the lugs of the retainer cup are seated in the longitudinal grooves. At this point, the inner body can be further inserted into the cam sleeve by pushing the overhang (5k) at the top (5b) of the inner body downward and rotating the inner body relative to the cam sleeve at the same time until the horizontal protrusions (5f, 5f') of the inner body contact the top (4b) of the cam sleeve and the lugs of the retainer cup enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve. If the cam sleeve has not already been inserted into the A housing, this can be done now by pushing down on the overhang (5k) at the top (5b) of the inner body to drive the cam sleeve to its predetermined height within the A housing, where the cam sleeve and A housing can be glued together or point crimped onto the outside of the A housing. If the inner body is scratched or any damage is incurred by forcing the retainer cup (6) through the top (5b) of the inner body (5), it will not be visible in the fully assembled container (10) because the top (5b) of the inner body sits below the top (3b) of the A housing.

[0040] A variety of assembly methods are possible, each with advantages. Examples of some of the preferred methods are described here.

[0041] Example 1 - Assembly method

[0042] 1. Assemble the cam sleeve (4) to a predetermined height in the A housing (3).

[0043] 2. Partially insert the bottom (5a) of the inner body (5) into the cam sleeve so that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body apply outward pressure to the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve and the level groove extensions (5e, 5e') of the inner body remain exposed above the cam sleeve.

[0044] 3. Assemble the retainer cup (6) into the top (5b) of the inner body (5) so that the retainer cup sits in an extended position protruding from the top of the inner body with the retainer cup's lugs (6c, 6c') sitting in the leveling groove extensions (5e, 5e') of the inner body.

[0045] 4. Fully insert the inner body into the cam sleeve by pushing the overhang (5k) of the inner body downward and rotating the inner body at the same time until the horizontal protrusion (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, at which point the flexible protrusion of the inner body extends outward below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, the lug of the retainer cup enters the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve, and the top (5b) of the inner body is below the top (3b) of the A housing (3).

[0046] 5. Insert the bottom (3a) of the A housing and the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2).

[0047] 6. Optionally, rotate the base relative to the A housing to lower the retainer cup to its retracted position.

[0048] 7. Optionally, fit the cap (1) onto the base to complete the container (10).

[0049] A variant of the method comprises a step of inserting the rod-shaped product (7) into the holder cup, which step occurs before step 3, or between step 3 and step 4, or between step 4 and step 5, or between step 5 and step 6.

[0050] Example 2 - Assembly Method

[0051] 1. Assemble the cam sleeve (4) to a predetermined height in the A housing (3).

[0052] 2. Assemble the inner body (5) and retainer cup (6) so that the retainer cup sits in its extended position, protruding from the top (5b) of the inner body with the lugs (6c, 6c') sitting in the level groove extensions (5e, 5e').

[0053] 3. Insert the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the top (4b) of the cam sleeve and push the overhang (5k) of the inner body downward while rotating the inner body until the leveling protrusions (5f, 5f') of the inner body contact the top (4b) of the cam sleeve and the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body extend outward under the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve while the lugs of the retainer cup enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve. At that time, the top (5b) of the inner body is below the top (3b) of the A housing (3).

[0054] 4. Insert the bottom (3a) of the A shell and the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2).

[0055] 5. Optionally, rotate the base relative to the A housing to lower the retainer cup to its retracted position.

[0056] 6. Optionally, fit the cap (1) onto the base to complete the container (10).

[0057] A variant of the method comprises the step of inserting the rod-shaped product (7) into the holder cup, which step occurs before step 1, or between step 1 and step 2, or between step 2 and step 3, or between step 3 and step 4, or between step 4 and step 5.

[0058] Example 3 - Assembly Method

[0059] 1. Partially insert the bottom (5a) of the inner body (5) into the cam sleeve (4) so ​​that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body apply outward pressure to the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve and the level groove extensions (5e, 5e') of the inner body remain exposed above the cam sleeve.

[0060] 2. Insert the retainer cup (6) into the top (5b) of the inner body so that the retainer cup sits in its extended position protruding from the top (5b) of the inner body with the lugs (6c, 6c') sitting in the level groove extensions (5e, 5e').

[0061] 3. Fully insert the inner body into the cam sleeve by pushing the overhang of the inner body downward and rotating the inner body at the same time until the leveling protrusion (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top (4b) of the cam sleeve and the flexible tab (5j) of the inner body extends outward under the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve while the lugs (6c, 6c') of the retainer cup (6) enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve.

[0062] 4. Insert the cam sleeve (4) into the A housing (3) to a predetermined height so that the top (5b) of the inner body is below the top (3b) of the A housing (3).

[0063] 5. Insert the bottom (3a) of the A housing and the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2).

[0064] 6. Optionally, rotate the base relative to the A housing to lower the retainer cup to its retracted position.

[0065] 7. Optionally, fit the cap (1) onto the base to complete the container (10).

[0066] A variation of the method includes a step of inserting the rod-shaped product (7) into the retainer cup, which occurs before step 1, or between step 1 and step 2, or between step 2 and step 3, or between step 3 and step 4, or between step 4 and step 5, or between step 5 and step 6.

[0067] The container for stick-shaped products according to the present invention utilizes an inner body without gaps in the periphery at the top of the inner body, which provides several advantages over conventional designs. For example, during the pre-assembly of the retainer cup and the inner body, the top of the inner body does not need to be "opened" with a tool, which makes the assembly process more efficient; the retainer cup does not need to be retracted before assembling the inner body and the cam sleeve; the retainer cup may not need to be extended before the product is filled; the manufacturer is able to supply the inner body / retainer cup assembly ready for filling to the product filling machine. The container according to the present invention is more stable because there is no shaking or reduced shaking of the retainer cup and the stick-shaped product. Overall, the present design has an improved appearance because there are no visible gaps or scratches.

Claims

1. A container (10) for a stick-shaped product (7), the container comprising: A base (2), the base comprising: Internal space (2e); and a first set of gear teeth (2i), the first set of gear teeth being located in the interior space; A cylindrical A shell (3), the cylindrical A shell comprising: an open bottom (3a), the open bottom being placed in the inner space (2e) of the base (2); an open top (3b); and Side wall (3d); A cylindrical cam sleeve (4), the cylindrical cam sleeve comprising: An open bottom (4a); an open top (4b); and a side wall (4d) having at least one spiral groove (4c) on an inner surface (4f) of the side wall; wherein the cam sleeve is completely positioned inside the A housing, and the A housing and the cam sleeve are capable of rotating as a whole; A cylindrical inner body (5) which is inserted into the cam sleeve (4) and comprises: An open bottom (5a); An open top (5b), the open top having: A continuous perimeter with no gaps; and an overhang (5h) having an inwardly beveled surface (5g); A side wall (5d), the side wall having: at least one longitudinal groove (5c) extending through the side wall; at least one leveling protrusion (5f), the at least one leveling protrusion extending along the side wall of the inner body above the at least one longitudinal groove and disposed on the top of the cam sleeve; a flexible tab (5j) located below one of the longitudinal slots such that the flexible tab is biased to protrude outwardly from the side wall of the inner body and is located below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve (4); and a second set of gear teeth (5i), the second set of gear teeth being located near the bottom of the inner surface (5h) of the side wall of the inner body; wherein the inner body protrudes from both ends of the cam sleeve and is rotatable relative to the cam sleeve; and The bottom of the inner body is received in the interior space (2e) of the base (2) so that the first set of gear teeth (2i) mesh with the second set of gear teeth (5i); and A retainer cup (6) capable of receiving and retaining a rod-shaped product (7), the retainer cup being located in the inner body and having at least one lug (6c) extending through the at least one longitudinal groove (5c) of the inner body (5) and into the at least one helical groove (4c) of the cam sleeve (4).

2. The container (10) for stick-shaped products (7) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one spiral groove is two spiral grooves (4c, 4c'); The at least one longitudinal groove (5c) is two longitudinal grooves (5c, 5c'); The at least one leveling protrusion (5f) is two leveling protrusions (5f, 5f'); and The at least one lug (6c) is two lugs (6c, 6c').

3. The container (10) for stick-shaped products (7) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one lug (6c) is located on a flexible section of the side wall (6d) of the retainer cup (6) which allows the lug to pinch inwardly as it passes over the beveled surface (5g) of the overhang (5k).

4. A method of assembling a container (10) according to claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: a. partially inserting the inner body (5) into the cam sleeve (4) so ​​that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body exert outward pressure on the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve and the leveling groove extensions (5e, 5e') remain exposed above the cam sleeve; Then b. Assembling the retainer cup (6) into the top (5b) of the inner body (5) so that the retainer cup sits in an extended position protruding from the top of the inner body, wherein the lugs (6c, 6c') of the retainer cup sit in the level groove extensions (5e, 5e') of the inner body, and then c. The inner body is fully inserted into the cam sleeve by pushing the overhang (5k) of the inner body downward until the leveling protrusion (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, at which point the flexible tab of the inner body extends outward below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve and the lug of the retainer cup enters the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve.

5. The method according to claim 4 further comprises the step of assembling the cam sleeve (4) to a predetermined height inside the A housing (3), which step can occur before the step of partially inserting the inner body (5) or immediately after the step of fully inserting the inner body.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: The bottom (3a) of the A housing (3) and the bottom (5a) of the inner body (5) are inserted into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2).

7. Method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of inserting a rod-shaped product (7) into the holder cup (6).

8. A method of assembling a container (10) according to claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: a. Assembling the cam sleeve (4) to a predetermined height within the A housing (3); b. Assembling the inner body (5) and the retainer cup (6) so that the retainer cup is seated in its extended position, protruding from the top (5b) of the inner body, wherein the lugs (6c, 6c') are seated in the level groove extensions (5e, 5e'); c. inserting the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the top (4b) of the cam sleeve until the leveling protrusions (5f, 5f') of the inner body contact the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, so that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body extend outwardly under the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve and the lugs of the retainer cup enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve, and the top portion (5b) of the inner body is below the top portion (3b) of the A shell (3); d. inserting the bottom (3a) of the A housing and the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2); e. Optionally, rotating the base relative to the A housing to lower the holder cup to its retracted position; f. Optionally, fitting a cap (1) onto the base to complete the container (10).

9. Method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of inserting a rod-shaped product (7) into the holder cup (6).

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