Device for applying a cosmetic product, refiller and method of using the refiller

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for applying a cosmetic product, a refill and a method of using a refill, the device comprising: a cup configured to receive a wand and comprising at least one radial lug; at least one guide comprising a tubular body comprising an upper exit opening of the rod and comprising a lower insertion opening for insertion of a cup mounted to be axially slidable, the guide comprising at least one axial slot, at least one axial slot extending from the bottom of the guide and penetrated by the associated at least one lug of the cup, the at least one axial slot of the guide opening at the level of the upper opening; a tubular sheath in which the body is rotatably mounted, the sheath internally comprising at least one spiral groove for receiving at least one lug of the cup, rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causing axial movement of the cup between a limit extended position and a limit retracted position, the helical groove opens at the upper end of the stroke.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying cosmetics, particularly cosmetic sticks, the apparatus comprising a cup that holds the cosmetic and is configured to be inserted into a guide of the application apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the art, applicators for encapsulating cosmetics are known, such as cosmetic sticks, particularly but not exclusively sticks for lipsticks or deodorants. Such cosmetic sticks are also known in French as "raisins".

[0003] The stick is held in place with its base inside the cup. In most application devices, the cup slides axially between at least one retracted position and a cosmetic application position, where at least a portion of the cosmetic stick extends axially outside the device.

[0004] The assembly and disassembly of all the components that make up the applicator can be quite complex, especially due to the radially outward protrusions on the cup, which allow the cup to slide axially to allow cosmetics to enter and exit.

[0005] There are also cups that can be removably installed in the device with or without a sliding mechanism to form a refill, the refill being configured to be used with an applicator for applying cosmetics, and the cup can be removed when the user wishes.

[0006] The use of a removable system allows certain components of the application device to be retained.

[0007] For example, the components could be the cap and base of an application device. The guide, sleeve, and cup should then be replaced with a cosmetic stick. This is particularly advantageous if the cap and / or base are made of expensive materials and / or decorated, for example, with a lining, making the components relatively more expensive to manufacture.

[0008] In other types of application devices, only the cup is the replaceable component. The cup is then designed to allow the cosmetic applicator to be replaced when it runs out. Again, replacing the cup is still relatively complex and not always easy, especially due to the lugs on the cup.

[0009] Furthermore, depending on the height difference between the old and new cosmetic sticks, the user may have to perform several rotations of the mechanism to move the cosmetic stick, which is carried by the new cup, from a low position to a high usage position, or vice versa, so that the stick is in the proper position.

[0010] Therefore, a solution is needed that can address at least some of the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention proposes a device for applying cosmetics, wherein the cosmetic is in the form of a cosmetic stick, the device having a main axis, and the device comprising: - A cup, configured to receive a rod and including at least one radial lug. - At least one guide, the at least one guide including a tubular body including an upper exit opening for rod exit and a lower insertion opening for cup insertion, wherein the cup is mounted to be axially slidable, the guide including at least one axial slot extending from the bottom of the guide and through an associated at least one lug of the cup, the at least one axial slot of the guide opening at the level of the upper opening. - A tubular sheath, the body of which is rotatably mounted in the tubular sheath, the sheath including at least one helical groove inside, the at least one helical groove for receiving at least one lug of the cup, rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causing axial movement of the cup between a maximum extension position and a maximum retraction position, the helical groove opening at the upper end of the stroke.

[0012] According to various embodiments that can be used together or separately: - At least one axial slot in the guide extends horizontally at the bottom of the guide by at least one downward ramp, the at least one downward ramp serving to guide the lug of the cup. - All axial slots in the guide open at the upper opening. - All spiral grooves open at the top of the stroke. - The axial slot includes a lower inlet at its lower end. - The body of the guide has a thinner thickness at the lower end of the axial slot. - At least one axial slot in the guide extends at the level of the top of the guide by at least one upper ramp, the at least one upper ramp serving to guide the lug of the cup. - The cup is removably mounted in the device, and is inserted into the device through the lower insertion opening of the guide and / or removed from the device through the upper opening of the guide. - The cup has a shell and at least one tab, the shell for receiving a cosmetic stick and radially defined by cylindrical sidewalls, at least one tab formed in the sidewalls and having a connecting end and a free end, the connecting end being connected to the sidewalls, at least one lug located on the tab, each tab being flexible between the following positions: - Stress-free location: At the stress-free location, each lug protrudes radially outward from the sidewall; - A position for inserting the cup into the device, where each tab is configured to be pushed and radially penetrated into the housing through contact between the lug and the guide, such that each lug is aligned with the sidewall. - Each tab extends axially downwards from its connecting end to its free end. - Each lug is located at the level of the free end of the tongue. - Each tongue and sidewall is made from a single piece of material. - Each tongue is formed by a notch in the sidewall. - The notch is U-shaped. - The device has at least two opposing tongues, each tongue including a lug and regularly distributed around the main axis. - Each lug has a front surface that is inclined relative to the sidewall, and the lower section of the lug has a greater thickness than the upper section of the lug. The device includes a lower cover configured to close the lower insertion opening of the guide. -The lower cover is clipped onto the guide. - The device includes a top cover configured to separate from the opening on the sheath closing rod. - Screw the top cover onto the protective sleeve. The device also includes a cosmetic stick mounted on the cup, the stick having a flexible lower section similar to a tongue. - The cup includes an inner skirt that hooks onto the rod and protrudes axially into the housing. - The housing is axially defined below by a bottom extending radially inward from the sidewall, the bottom being pierced by an orifice. - At least one of the cup, guide, sleeve, lower cover, and upper cover is made by molding. - At least one of the cup, guide, sleeve, lower lid, and upper lid is made of a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). - At least one of the cup, guide, sleeve, lower lid, and upper lid is made of a metallic material such as aluminum. - At least one of the cup, guide, sleeve, lower lid, and upper lid is made of the same material.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a refiller for use in an apparatus for applying cosmetics, the cosmetics being in the form of a cosmetic stick, said refiller comprising: - Cosmetic stick, - A cup, designed to receive the rod and including at least one radial lug, the at least one radial lug being designed to cooperate with at least one axial slot of the guide of the device and with at least one helical groove of the tubular sheath. The cup includes at least one vertical tongue that extends upward and is configured to reversibly cooperate with the inner skirt of the device's lower cover.

[0014] Advantageously, each vertical tongue includes an internal groove that cooperates with an external annular flange located on the lower skirt of the cup. The invention also relates to a method of using the aforementioned refiller, which combines the refiller with at least one guide and a tubular sheath to form a device for applying cosmetics as described above, the cosmetic being in the form of a cosmetic stick. - At least one guide includes a tubular body having an upper opening for the rod to exit and a lower opening for a cup to be inserted, wherein the cup is mounted to be axially slidable, the guide including at least one axial slot extending from the bottom of the guide and passing through at least one associated lug of the cup, the at least one axial slot of the guide opening at the level of the upper opening. - The main body is rotatably mounted in a tubular sheath, the sheath internally including at least one helical groove for receiving at least one lug of the cup. Rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causes axial movement of the cup between a maximum extended position and a maximum retracted position. The helical groove opens at the upper end of the stroke. The refill is inserted into the guide through the lower opening and removed from the guide through the upper opening for the rod to exit. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an applicator manufactured according to the teachings of the present invention, wherein the cup occupies the ultimate retracted position.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device shown.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a first example according to the embodiments. Figure 1 A perspective view of the cup in the apparatus shown.

[0021] Figure 6 It is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of the guide of the device shown.

[0022] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The longitudinal section of the guide shown.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the sheath of the device shown.

[0024] Figure 9 In the first example of the embodiment, Figure 1 A perspective view of the lower cover of the device shown.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the lower cover of the device according to a second example of the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11 It is applicable Figure 10 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the guide of a second example of the embodiment of the lower cover shown.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the lower cover of the device according to the third example of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an applicator manufactured according to the teachings of the present invention, the applicator comprising... Figure 12 The bottom cover.

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 8 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the modified sheath shown.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a cup according to a second example of an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Another perspective view of the cup.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the lower cover of the device according to the fourth example of the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 18 It is applicable Figure 17 A perspective view of a cup in a fourth example of an embodiment of the lower cover.

[0034] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 The lower cover is assembled into Figure 18 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cup.

[0035] Figure 20 It includes Figure 18 Exploded perspective view of the refilled part of the cup. Detailed Implementation

[0036] By convention, the “axial” or “longitudinal” direction in the figure corresponds to the direction of the main axis A of the cosmetic applicator 10, and the “radial” or “lateral” direction is orthogonal to the axial direction and radiates from the main axis A. The cosmetic applicator 10 is, for example, a cosmetic stick 12, especially a lipstick stick or deodorant stick.

[0037] 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, but not as a limitation. The upper portion of the applicator 10 corresponds to the portion through which the cosmetic stick 12 passes when it leaves the applicator 10 to apply the cosmetic.

[0038] Similarly, the terms "outer" or "external" and "inner" or "internal" are used with reference to the radial direction, with the outer element being radially further away from axis A compared to the inner element.

[0039] Subsequently, elements with the same structure or similar function will be represented by the same reference numerals.

[0040] Figures 1 to 4 A device 10 for applying cosmetics is shown, with the cosmetics in the form of a cosmetic stick 12.

[0041] Preferably, cosmetic stick 12 (in) Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As can be seen in the image) is a lipstick stick or deodorant stick designed to be applied by rubbing, or alternatively, lip balm.

[0042] The device 10 is designed to remove the cosmetic through at least one rotational motion.

[0043] Device 10 has an axis A, which is called the main axis.

[0044] Device 10 includes: -Cup 14, cup 14 is configured to receive rod 12. - At least one guide 16, and - Tubular sheath 18.

[0045] Guide 16, especially Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen in the text.

[0046] The guide 16 mainly includes a tubular body 20 that extends axially from a lower opening 22 to an upper exit opening 24. The lower opening 22 is for inserting a cup 14, and the upper exit opening 24 is configured to be passed through by a cosmetic stick 12.

[0047] Advantageously, the guide 16 also includes a base 26 that is aligned with the lower opening 22 of the tubular body 20.

[0048] The guide 16 includes at least one axial slot 28 that extends radially through the wall of the body 20. Each axial slot 28 forms a slider.

[0049] Here, the guide 16 includes two axial slots 28. The axial slots 28 are arranged radially opposite to each other.

[0050] The axial slot 28 extends axially from the bottom of the guide 16 into the body 20 of the guide 16.

[0051] Each axial slot 28 opens at the level of the upper opening 24. In other words, each axial slot 28 opens axially at its upper end 28a.

[0052] The axial slot 28 may include a protrusion (not visible) at its upper end 28a. The protrusion serves as a clicking mechanism and indicates to the user that the cup 14 has reached the end of the upper end of its travel and can be removed.

[0053] The axial slot 28 closes at its lower end 28b located on the side of the base 26, but includes a lower inlet. In particular, the body 20 of the guide 16 has a thin thickness at the level of the lower end 28b of the axial slot 28, so that the lug 36 of the cup 14 can pass through when the cup 14 is inserted into the guide 16.

[0054] Each axial slot 28 includes parallel straight edges.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, each axial slot 28 in the guide 16 extends horizontally at the bottom of the guide 16 by at least one lower guide ramp 30.

[0056] Each lower guide ramp 30 has a shoulder 30a that extends from a low point at the bottom of the base 26 toward a high point at the level of the lower end 28b of the axial slot 28. Each shoulder 30a extends through one of the straight edges forming the axial slot 28.

[0057] Each axial slot 28 in the guide 16 extends at the top level of the guide 16 by at least one upper guide ramp 32.

[0058] Each upper guide ramp 32 is located in an extension of one of the straight edges forming the axial slot 28 and extends to the high point forming the upper edge 34, thereby defining the upper exit opening 24 of the rod 12.

[0059] Each axial slot 28 includes two upper guide ramps 32 and two lower guide ramps 30. Therefore, the guide 16 includes four upper guide ramps 32 and four lower guide ramps 30.

[0060] Cup 14 is configured in guide 16, as... Figure 1 It slides axially between the indicated limit retraction position and the indicated limit extension position (not shown).

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the ultimate retraction position corresponds to the position where the rod 12 is located inside the device 10 to protect and store the rod 12, and the cup 14 is located at the lower end of the stroke.

[0062] The ultimate extension position corresponds to the position where the rod 12 extends axially upwards such that the free end of the rod 12 extends through the opening beyond the device 10, and the cup 14 is at the high end of the stroke.

[0063] The cup 14 can also occupy its two extreme positions, namely the middle position between the extreme retraction position and the extreme extension position, which is called the middle application position.

[0064] refer to Figure 5 The cup 14 includes at least one lug 36, preferably two lugs 36. Each lug 36 projects radially outward, and each lug 36 engages in one of the axial slots 28 of the guide 16 and extends radially outward beyond the outer cylindrical surface of the body 20 of the guide 16 through the axial slot 28.

[0065] Preferably, the lugs 36 are opposite each other in the radial direction.

[0066] The cup 14 has a housing 38 for receiving the cosmetic stick 12, and the housing 38 is radially defined by cylindrical sidewalls 40. The housing 38 opens toward the top.

[0067] The housing 38 is defined axially below by a bottom extending radially inward from the sidewall. The bottom is pierced by an orifice.

[0068] The cup 14 has at least one tongue 42 formed in the sidewall and having a connecting end 42a and a free end 42b leading to the sidewall, and at least one lug 36 located on the tongue 42. Each tongue 42 extends axially downward from its connecting end 42a to its free end 42b.

[0069] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the cup 14 includes two radially opposing tongues 42 that are evenly spaced around the main axis A, each of the two tongues 42 including one of two lugs 36.

[0070] Preferably, each tongue 42 and the sidewall 40 are made of a single piece of material. The tongue 42 is formed by a notch formed in the sidewall of the cup 14, for example, as shown here, by a U-shaped notch.

[0071] exist Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the variant embodiment of the cup 14 shown, the cup 14 differs in that it does not have a perforated tongue 42, but only a lug 36. For example, the flexibility of movement of the lug 36 can be achieved by the choice of material.

[0072] Advantageously, the cup 14 includes an inner skirt 44 for hooking the rod 12, the inner skirt 44 projecting axially from the bottom into the housing 38.

[0073] The inner skirt 44 includes a slit 46 to improve the grip of the rod 12 in the cup 14.

[0074] refer to Figure 8 The sheath 18 has a tubular wall 48, and the tubular wall 48 has a main axis A.

[0075] The sleeve 18 includes at least one internal helical groove 50 for receiving at least one associated lug 36 of the cup 14. Each helical groove 50 opens at the upper end of its travel.

[0076] The sleeve 18 includes two radially opposing helical grooves 50, and during operation, the free end of the lug 36 on the cup 14 engages with the helical grooves 50.

[0077] According to the complementary approach, such as Figure 14 As shown, the spiral groove 50 of the sheath 18 may include a bottom lead 51, which makes it easier for the lug 36 of the cup 14 to be positioned in the spiral groove 50 when the cup 14 is inserted into the device 10.

[0078] The wall 48 of the sheath 18 includes an inner cylindrical surface on which the spiral groove 50 is provided.

[0079] The wall 48 of the sheath 18 also includes an outer cylindrical surface, which includes threads 52 extending on the upper section of the sheath 18. The remainder of the outer surface is smooth.

[0080] Rotation of the guide 16 relative to the sheath 18 causes axial movement of the cup 14 between its maximum extended position and its maximum retracted position, and vice versa, thus causing the cosmetic stick 12 to enter and / or exit.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, rotation is advantageously achieved by the user by gripping the base 26 and rotating the guide 16 relative to the sheath 18.

[0082] The axial slot 28 in the guide 16 opens at the level of the upper opening 24 of the guide, and the spiral groove 50 opens at the upper end of the stroke, enabling the complete removal of the cup 14.

[0083] In practice, the axial slot is usually axially closed at its upper end, or even includes a notch to block the cup at the upper end of the stroke.

[0084] In the applicator 10 according to the invention, there is nothing obstructing the cup 14 at the upper end of the travel, so the cup 14 can be easily removed with a simple gesture without tools or damage to other components, especially the sheath 18 and the guide 16.

[0085] This removal method is particularly interesting because it avoids the need for the user to lower the cup 14 all the way to the bottom, as is done in other known devices. This removal does not require any additional gestures from the user on the part, allowing the user to quickly remove the cup 14 without wasting time on cumbersome gestures.

[0086] For example, when recycling device 10 is used, removing cup 14 may be more useful, where each component may need to be disassembled for recycling in its own channel, depending on the material made of each component.

[0087] The removability of cup 14 also allows cup 14 to be replaced, for example, when cosmetic stick 12 runs out or if the user wishes to replace cosmetic stick 12.

[0088] Advantageously, the upper guide ramp 32 guides the lug 36 of the cup 14 to the end of its stroke, particularly when the lug 36 is exposed from the axial slot 28 of the guide 16, relative to the sleeve 18, guiding the lug 36 of the cup 14 to the end of its stroke.

[0089] Therefore, the cup 14 can reach the end of its stroke via its lug 36 guided by the upper guide ramp 32, specifically at the upper end of the stroke of the spiral groove 50 in the sleeve 18. The cup 14 then remains positioned at the end without the risk of loosening or obstruction.

[0090] On the other hand, the lower opening 22 of the guide 16 allows the cup 14 to be inserted from the bottom of the device 10.

[0091] In this way, the upper end of the cosmetic stick 12 is first inserted into the device 10 through the lower opening 22 of the guide 16, so that the stick 12 is immediately located inside the device 10, and thus the stick 12 is protected from any damage or contamination that may occur during the assembly of the cup 14.

[0092] Furthermore, by inserting the cup 14 from the bottom of the device 10, the cup 14 is directly in the retracted position. Therefore, the user does not need to perform any additional gestures, such as lowering the cup 14 to position it so that the cosmetic stick 12 is inside the device 10.

[0093] Inserting the cup 14 can be useful, for example, when assembling the device 10, or when replacing the cosmetic stick 12 after it has been removed, when the cosmetic stick 12 is completely used up, or if the user wishes to replace the cosmetic stick 12.

[0094] Advantageously, the lower guide ramp 30 guides the lug 36 of the cup 14 into the axial slot 28 of the guide 16. Therefore, when the user inserts the cup 14 through the lower opening 22 of the guide 16, the lug 36 engages with the lower guide ramp 30 until the lug 36 is in place in one of the two axial slots 28. Thus, the guide ramp makes insertion of the cup 14 into the guide 16 easier and prevents damage to the cosmetic stick 12 due to the user's difficulty in aligning the lug 36 on the cup 14 with the axial slot 28 on the guide 16.

[0095] Advantageously, in order to facilitate the insertion of the cup 14 into the guide 16 and also ensure that the cup 14 remains in the guide 16, each tongue 42 is flexible between the following positions: - In the stress-free position, each lug 36 protrudes radially outward relative to the side wall 40 of the cup 14; - A position for inserting the cup 14 into the device 10, in which each tongue 42 is configured to be pushed and radially penetrated into the housing 38 by contact between the lug 36 and the guide 16, such that each lug 36 is aligned with the sidewall 40.

[0096] Preferably, the tongue 42 extends axially downward from its connecting end 42a to its free end 42b.

[0097] Furthermore, each lug 36 advantageously has a front surface 36a inclined relative to the sidewall 40, and the lower section 36b of the lug 36 has a greater thickness than the upper section 36c of the lug 36 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 3 ).

[0098] In this way, when the user inserts the cup 14, the tongue 42 is radially displaced toward the interior of the device 10, and when the cup 14 is correctly inserted, the tongue 42 returns to its position.

[0099] Advantageously, the specific shape of the lug 36 facilitates the movement of the tongue 42. This is because the thinner upper section 36c of the lug 36 is more easily installed in the corresponding axial slot 28.

[0100] Conversely, as the cup 14 descends, the wider lower section 36b of the lug 36 abuts against the guide 16, preventing the cup 14 from descending and exiting the guide 16 through the lower opening 22.

[0101] Advantageously, the cup 14 is removably mounted in the device 10. As explained above, the cup 14 can be easily inserted into the device 10 through the lower insertion opening 22 of the guide 16 and / or removed from the device 10 through the upper opening 24 of the guide 16.

[0102] In this way, cup 14 can be as follows: Figure 20 A portion of the refill 53 shown.

[0103] The refill 53 includes at least a cup 14 and a rod 12.

[0104] Advantageously, the cosmetic stick 12 mounted on the cup 14 has a flexible lower section similar to the tongue 42. This facilitates insertion into the cup 14 without hindering the movement of the tongue 42 toward the interior of the device 10.

[0105] Preferably, the device 10 includes a lower cover 54 configured to close the lower opening 22 for inserting the guide 16. The lower cover 54 is in particular a removable cover.

[0106] refer to Figure 9 The lower cover 54 is clamped onto the guide 16. The two outer annular flanges 56 of the lower cover 54 and the two inner annular recesses 58 located at the bottom of the guide 16 (in...) Figure 7 (See in the image) The lower cover 54 is axially held on the lower opening 22 of the guide 16 by the fit between the flange 56 and the recess 58. The flange 56 and the recess 58 are radially opposite each other.

[0107] The lower cover 54 has a first annular shell 60, which is defined by two circular axial inner skirts 62. When the cup 14 is in its ultimate retracted position, the lower edge 64 of the cylindrical sidewall 40 of the cup 14 is inserted into the two circular axial inner skirts 62. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (See in the middle).

[0108] The lower cover 54 also includes a circular axial outer skirt 66, which has an outer surface on which the aforementioned flange 56 is located. The outer skirt 66 is inserted into the interior of the guide 16 at the level of the lower opening 22.

[0109] The inner skirt 62 and the outer skirt 66 extend from the closed lateral bottom 68 toward the corresponding upper edge.

[0110] The upper edge 70 of the outer skirt 66 has a shape that complements the shape defined by the lower slope 30 of the guide 16, and when inserted, the upper edge 70 of the outer skirt 66 abuts against the lower slope 30 of the guide 16.

[0111] For example, by comparison Figure 7 and Figure 11 This demonstrates the complementarity of these shapes. Figure 7 and Figure 11 Two variations of an embodiment of the guide 16, depending on the design of the upper edge 70 of the lower cover 54, are shown. Figure 7 The guide 16 in the middle is Figure 9 The associated guide of the lower cover 54 in the middle, Figure 11 The guide 16 in the middle is Figure 10 The associated guide of the lower cover 54 in the middle.

[0112] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the device 10 may also include a cover 72 configured to exit the opening from the top of the closing rod 12 of the sheath 18.

[0113] The top cover 72 is particularly removable.

[0114] The top cover 72 includes a tubular skirt that is closed at its upper end by a solid transverse wall.

[0115] Preferably, the device 10 can be closed by means of the top cover 72 to avoid contamination or damage to the cosmetic stick 12. In this respect, the top cover 72 is configured to be directly attached to the outer wall of the sheath 18 when the device 10 is not in use, to cover at least the upper section of the outer surface of the sheath 18.

[0116] Advantageously, the cover 72 is screwed onto the sleeve 18. In this way, the upper section of the outer surface of the sleeve 18 engages with the internal thread 74 on the inner surface of the tubular skirt of the cover 72.

[0117] Advantageously, at least one of the cup 14, guide 16, sleeve 18, lower cover 54 and upper cover 72 is made of a plastic material such as recycled or non-recycled polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a metallic material such as aluminum.

[0118] Advantageously, at least one of the cup 14, guide 16, sleeve 18, lower cover 54 and upper cover 72 is made of the same material, such as plastic.

[0119] Furthermore, using plastic materials, particularly similar plastic materials, throughout the device 10 facilitates recycling. In particular, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate are two plastic materials whose recycling is well-known.

[0120] Preferably, at least one of the cup 14, guide 16, sleeve 18, lower cover 54 and upper cover 72 is manufactured by molding.

[0121] This invention is not limited to the description given above, and other variations of the embodiments may fall within the scope of this invention.

[0122] For example, Figure 10 and Figure 12 A second and a third alternative embodiment of the lower cover 54 are shown, which alternatively include different connection devices.

[0123] As an explanation, and as Figure 10 As shown, in a second variation of the embodiment, the lower cover 54 includes two locking clips 75 in the form of resiliently deformable hooks. These two clips 75 are located at... Figure 11 The recess 58 in the bottom of the guide 16 shown engages. In this way, the shape and elasticity of the hook facilitate insertion, and the removal of the lower cover 54, whether intentional or unintentional, is restricted because pressure must be applied simultaneously to the area of ​​the hook to disengage and thus release it.

[0124] Another alternative to the technical embodiment of the lower cover 54 is as follows: Figure 12 The diagram shows a bayonet lock, a design well known to those skilled in the art. The lower cover 54 includes two radially opposing L-shaped recesses 76, each recess 76 being connected to a rib 78 located at the bottom of the guide 16 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 13 (As shown)

[0125] Figure 17 A fourth example of an embodiment of the lower cover 54 is shown. As previously mentioned, in this third example, the lower cover 54 is configured to cooperate with the lower opening 22 of the guide 16, and also with... Figure 18 The cup 14 shown is a collaborative design.

[0126] The outer skirt 66 of the lower cover 54 is provided with four protruding tabs, each tab having a flange and forming a resiliently deformable hook-shaped tab 80. The hook-shaped tab 80 engages with a recess 58 of the guide 16 so that the lower cover 54 can be held on the guide 16. This can be a single annular recess. Therefore, the shape and elasticity of the hook-shaped tab 80 facilitates insertion, and the removal of the lower cover 54, whether intentional or unintentional, is limited because pressure must be applied simultaneously to the area of ​​the hook-shaped tab 80 to disengage and thus release the hook-shaped tab 80.

[0127] The inner skirt 62 of the lower cover 54 also includes four upwardly extending vertical tongues 84, each of which includes an internal groove 86.

[0128] Each internal groove 86 mates with an external annular flange 88 located on the lower skirt 90 of the cup 14. The lower skirt 90 extends downward and has a diameter smaller than that of the cylinder formed by the sidewalls 40.

[0129] The shape and flexibility of the vertical protrusion 84 allow the lower cover 54 to clamp onto and remain together with the cup 14 until the cup 14 is inserted into the guide 16. The shape and flexibility of the vertical protrusion 84 must also facilitate the disassembly of the lower cover 54 and the cup 14 so that the cup 14 can be raised and lowered when the mechanism is in operation.

[0130] For ease of disassembly, the annular flange 88 is discontinuous and includes at least one flat portion 91, which allows the vertical tongue 84 to be released from the flange 88.

[0131] Figure 20 The refill element 53 shown includes Figure 18 Cup 14, rod 12 is installed on cup 14.

[0132] In addition to cup 14 and rod 12, refill 53 may advantageously include outer shell 92 and inner shell 94.

[0133] To achieve greater visibility, Figure 20 Rod 12 is not shown in the refill 53.

[0134] The outer casing 92 has the shape of a cylindrical sleeve, here having a circular cross-section. The outer casing 92 extends between two opposing open ends, namely the upper end 92a and the lower end 92b. Advantageously, each of the upper end 92a and the lower end 92b is closed by a sealing cap 96 before the refill 53 is first inserted into the outer sheath 18.

[0135] The lower cover 96 is positioned at cup 14 to protect the rod 12.

[0136] The top cover 96 protects the rod 12. The removal of the top cover 96 facilitates the removal of the rod 12 from below by creating vents.

[0137] The cover 96 is removable, meaning that the user can remove the cover 96 before inserting the refill 53 into the outer sheath 18.

[0138] The inner shell 94 is cylindrical in shape and includes sidewalls extending from the lower opening 94a to the upper transverse wall 94b, thereby defining a cavity in which the rod 12 is received. Advantageously, the inner shell 94 also serves as a mold for molding and shaping the rod 12. A liquid cosmetic is then poured into the cavity through the slit 46 of the cup 14, and the cosmetic hardens to form the rod 12.

[0139] The lower edge of the sidewall has two radially opposing notches 98 to receive the two lugs 36 of the cup 14.

[0140] The upper transverse wall is covered by a circular platform 100 for closing the upper opening of the housing 92. Therefore, the diameter of the platform 100 is substantially equal to the diameter of the upper opening of the housing 92.

[0141] Platform 100 may include ventilation holes 102 connected to a cavity defined by inner shell 94 to facilitate demolding of rod 12.

[0142] During initial use, the user removes both caps 96 and the outer shell 92. The user then clips the lower cap 54 onto the cup 14. The lower cap 54 allows the refill 53 to be held in place and the inner shell 94 to be removed without contacting the rod 12.

[0143] Then, the user inserts the rod 12, cup 14 and lower cover 54 assembly into the guide 16 installed inside the outer sheath 18.

[0144] Then, the lower cover 54 can be clamped onto the guide 16 to form the applicator of the present invention.

[0145] When the user actuates the mechanism, the cup 14 is released from the lower cover 54. In other words, the guide 16 is rotated, releasing the cup 14 from the lower cover 54. The cup 14 can then move freely up and down to take the rod 12 in or out.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for applying cosmetics, the cosmetics being in the form of a cosmetic stick (12), the apparatus having a main axis (A), the apparatus (10) comprising: - A cup (14), which is configured to receive the rod (12) and includes at least one radial lug (36). - At least one guide (16), the at least one guide comprising a tubular body (20) including an upper exit opening (24) for the rod (12) to exit, and the tubular body including a lower insertion opening (22) for the cup (14) to be inserted, wherein the cup (14) is mounted to be axially slidable, the guide (16) including at least one axial slot (28) extending from the bottom of the guide (16) and passed through by at least one associated lug (36) of the cup (14), the at least one axial slot (28) of the guide (16) opening at the level of the upper opening (24); - A tubular sleeve (18), in which the body (20) is rotatably mounted, the sleeve (18) including at least one helical groove (50) inside, the at least one helical groove for receiving the at least one lug (36) of the cup (14), the rotation of the guide (16) relative to the sleeve (18) causing axial movement of the cup (14) between a maximum extension position and a maximum retraction position, the helical groove (50) opening at the upper end of the stroke.

2. The apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The at least one axial slot (28) in the guide (16) extends at the level of the bottom of the guide (16) by at least one downward ramp (30) for guiding the lug (36) of the cup (14).

3. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one axial slot (28) in the guide (16) extends at the level of the top of the guide (16) by at least one upper ramp (32) for guiding the lug (36) of the cup (14).

4. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cup (14) is removably mounted in the device (10) and is inserted into the device (10) through the lower insertion opening (22) of the guide (16) and / or removed from the device (10) through the upper opening (24) of the guide (16).

5. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cup (14) has a shell (38) and at least one tab (42), the shell for receiving the cosmetic stick (12) and radially defined by a cylindrical sidewall (40), the at least one tab being formed in the sidewall (40) and having a connecting end (42a) and a free end (42b), the connecting end being connected to the sidewall (40), the at least one lug (36) being located on the tab (42), each tab (42) being flexible between the following positions: - Stress-free position, where each lug (36) protrudes radially outward from the sidewall (40) of the cup (14); - Position for inserting the cup (14) into the device (10), wherein each tongue (42) is configured to be pushed and radially penetrated into the housing (38) by contact between the lug (36) and the guide (16), such that each lug (36) is aligned with the sidewall (40) of the cup (14).

6. The apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, Each tongue (42) extends axially downward from its connecting end (42a) to its free end (42b).

7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 5, wherein, The device has at least two opposing tongues (42), each tongue including lugs (36) and regularly distributed around the main axis (A).

8. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each lug (36) has a front surface (36a) that is inclined relative to the sidewall (40) of the cup (14), and the lower section (36b) of the lug (36) has a greater thickness than the upper section (36c) of the lug (36).

9. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes a lower cover (54) configured to close the lower insertion opening (22) of the guide (16).

10. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes a cover (72) configured to close the upper exit opening (24) of the rod (12) from the sheath (18).

11. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 5, wherein, The device also includes a cosmetic stick (12) mounted on the cup (14), the stick (12) having a flexible lower section similar to the tongue (42).

12. The apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The cup (14) includes an inner skirt (44) for hooking the rod (12) and projecting axially into the housing (38).

13. A refiller (53) for use in an apparatus (10) for applying cosmetics, the cosmetics being in the form of a cosmetic stick (12), the refiller comprising: -The cosmetic stick (12). - A cup (14), the cup being designed to receive the rod (12) and including at least one radial lug (36), the at least one radial lug being designed to cooperate with at least one axial slot (28) of the guide (16) of the device and with at least one helical groove (50) of the tubular sheath (18), The cup includes at least one vertical tongue (84) that extends upward and is configured to reversibly cooperate with the inner skirt of the lower cover (54) of the device (10).

14. A method of using a refiller, said refiller being the refiller according to claim 13, said method using said refiller in conjunction with at least one guide (16) and a tubular sheath (18) to form an apparatus (10) for applying cosmetics according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the cosmetic being in the form of a cosmetic stick (12). - The at least one guide includes a tubular body (20) having an upper opening (24) for the rod (12) to exit and a lower opening (22) for the cup (14) to be inserted, wherein, The cup (14) is mounted to be axially slidable, and the guide (16) includes at least one axial slot (28) extending from the bottom of the guide (16) and passing through at least one associated lug (36) of the cup (14), the at least one axial slot (28) of the guide (16) opening at the level of the upper opening (24). and - The body (20) is rotatably mounted in the tubular sheath (18), which includes at least one helical groove (50) internally for receiving at least one lug (36) of the cup (14). Rotation of the guide (16) relative to the sheath (18) causes axial movement of the cup (14) between its maximum extended position and maximum retracted position. The helical groove (50) opens at the upper end of the stroke. The refill is inserted into the guide (16) through the lower opening (22) and removed from the guide (16) through the upper opening (24) for the rod (12) to exit.

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