Containers for stick products

Abstract

A container for stick-shaped products utilizes a novel inner body that has no gaps along its top perimeter. This provides significant advantages in assembly and handling. The container according to the present invention can be used for all types of stick-shaped products that are applied by spreading the product on a 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 allows the stick-shaped product in a holder cup to be moved between an extended position, in which the consumer can administer the product within the holder cup, and a retracted position. The present invention also relates to methods of assembling such a container. Background Art

[0002] A well-known type of container for stick-shaped products features a base connected to a cylindrical inner body and a cam sleeve positioned around the inner body so that the cam sleeve and inner body can rotate relative to each other. The inner body is hollow and has a wall with 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 stick-shaped products 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 rests in the longitudinal groove. In this manner, the stick-shaped product is moved 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 stretchable 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 this tapered portion increases stiffness around the perimeter of the inner body's top. 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 Figure 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. Despite this, during assembly of the retainer cup and the inner body, a tool is needed to hold 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 holding 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 flex. Moreover, the outer edge of the inner body is tapered. Both of these features facilitate the insertion of the inner body into the cam sleeve. However, before the top of the inner body can flex 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. Second, it would 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 issues 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 results in a certain amount of wobble in the retainer cup and the stick-shaped product as the retainer cup is raised and lowered, even when the retainer cup is in the fully extended position. This wobble makes it difficult to control product application to the application surface and also conveys a low-quality image to the consumer. We also note that the auxiliary grooves and perimeter gaps of conventional inner bodies are often visible to the consumer, and the asymmetrical aesthetic impact is negative. Some efforts can be made to conceal the gaps in the top perimeter of the inner body, but these efforts are not entirely 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 and without a split or gap in the perimeter of the inner body's top have not been realized. These advantages include: the inner body's top does not require tools to hold it open; the retainer cup does not need to be retracted before assembling the inner body and cam sleeve; the retainer cup does not need to be extended before product filling; manufacturers can supply the product filling machine with a ready-to-fill inner body / retainer cup assembly; reduced shaking during operation; and any unsightly appearance is hidden from view.

[0007] Purpose of the present 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-shaped 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 do not open onto the top periphery of the inner body. This achieves significant advantages in terms of assembly. The container according to the present invention is useful for all types of stick-shaped products that are applied to a surface by smearing the product on the surface. These stick-shaped 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 A of a container for stick-shaped products according to the invention is depicted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" means that the set of objects is not necessarily limited to those explicitly recited and 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 base (2) of a container (10) for stick-shaped products (7) according to the present 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 comprises 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 into the base in a concentric arrangement. 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) located on concentric rings (2c) 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 Figure 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 walls (4d) of the cam sleeve and the side walls (3d) of the A housing, and some means is used to ensure that the A housing and the cam sleeve rotate as a whole. 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 is rotatable 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 into 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 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 are no auxiliary grooves 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 slopes towards the interior 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 beads act as stops 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 exiting. 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 tab (5j) is located in the side wall (5d), just below at least one of the longitudinal grooves (5c, 5c'). The flexible tab is connected to the side wall of the inner body by a living hinge that biases the tab to protrude outward from the side wall. The flexible tab includes a beveled side surface and a horizontal top surface. When the beveled surface of the tab hits the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, the tab flexes inward to allow insertion of the inner body. However, once the tab emerges from the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, the tab returns to its extended position, and the horizontal surface of the tab 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 Figure 10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lugs rest on the thin strips of the sidewalls so that inwardly directed pressure on the lugs causes the lugs to pinch inward. Once the pressure is relieved, the lugs return to their original position. This facilitates assembly of the retainer cup into the inner body. For example, as the bottom (6a) of the retainer cup is inserted through the top (5b) of the inner body, the lugs contact the beveled surface (5g) of the overhang (5k), causing the lugs to pinch inward. When the retainer cup reaches a defined depth inside the inner body, the lugs of the retainer cup 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. Reference Figure 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 Figure 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 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 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 is not already inserted into the A-shell, this can be accomplished 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-shell, where the cam sleeve and A-shell can be glued together or point-crimped onto the exterior of the A-shell. 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-shell.

[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 inside 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 level 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 protrusions (5f, 5f') of the inner body contact the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, at which point the flexible tabs of the inner body extend outward below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, the lugs of the retainer cup enter 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 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).

[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] Variants of the method include the 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 inside 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] Variants of the method include 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 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 (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 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).

[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 the step of inserting the rod-shaped product (7) into the retainer 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, 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 its perimeter at the top of the inner body, which offers several advantages over conventional designs. For example, during pre-assembly of the retainer cup and inner body, the top of the inner body does not need to be "opened" with tools, making the assembly process more efficient. The retainer cup does not need to be retracted before assembling the inner body and cam sleeve. The retainer cup may not need to be extended before product filling. Manufacturers can supply the inner body / retainer cup assembly to the product filling machine ready for filling. The container according to the present invention is more stable because there is no or reduced wobbling of the retainer cup and stick-shaped product. Overall, the design offers an improved appearance because there are no visible gaps or scratches.

Claims

1. A container (10) for a stick-shaped product (7), comprising: A base (2), 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 sidewall (3d); A cylindrical cam sleeve (4), 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: open bottom (5a); An open top (5b) having: A continuous perimeter with no gaps; and an overhang (5k) 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) extending along the side wall of the inner body above the at least one longitudinal groove and resting on the top of the cam sleeve; a flexible tab (5j) positioned below one of the longitudinal slots such that the flexible tab is biased to project outwardly from the side wall of the inner body and below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve (4); and a second set of gear teeth (5i) located near a bottom of an 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 portion of the inner body is received into the interior space (2e) of the base (2) such 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 slot (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, 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 portion (5b) of the inner body (5) such that the retainer cup sits in an extended position protruding from the top portion 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. Fully inserting the inner body into the cam sleeve by pushing the overhang (5k) of the inner body downward until the leveling protrusions (5f, 5f') of the inner body contact the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, at which point the flexible tabs of the inner body extend outward below 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.

5. The method according to claim 4 further comprises the step of assembling the cam sleeve (4) to a predetermined height within 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) are engaged 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, comprising the steps of: 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 sits in its extended position, thereby 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 portion (5a) of the inner body into the top portion (4b) of the cam sleeve until the leveling protrusions (5f, 5f') of the inner body contact the top portion (4b) of the cam sleeve, so that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body extend outwardly under the bottom portion (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. 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) engage with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2).

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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