Case for an applicable material and a product

Abstract

The invention relates to a case (100) for an applicable material (200), comprising a housing (110), a receptacle (120) arranged at least partially in an interior space (111) of the housing (110) and integrally connected thereto, wherein the receptacle (120) has a supporting surface (121) adapted to receive the applicable material (200), and a cover (130) with a substantially cylindrical shape, arranged between the housing (110) and the receptacle (120). The receptacle (120) comprises at least one guide (122) adapted to engage a thread (131) of the cover (130) so that the cover (130) is rotatably movable between a retracted state (I) in which the applicable material (200) is at least partially exposed and an extended state (II) in which the applicable material (200) is covered. The invention further relates to a corresponding product.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a case for an applicable material, as well as to a product.

[0002] In cosmetics, the packaging is an essential component of the product and serves multiple functions. The primary function of the packaging is to protect the applicable material from environmental factors that can affect its quality, such as mechanical impact, exposure to air, moisture, and sunlight. Additionally, the packaging is designed to enhance the product's visual appeal, making it more attractive to consumers.

[0003] The mechanical complexity of cosmetics packaging often arises from the need to incorporate multiple components. For lipstick packaging, a tube, cap, and a base are usually required. The tube is typically made of plastic or metal and needs to be precisely molded to hold the lipstick securely and protect it from mechanical impact. The cap must fit tightly and securely onto the tube to prevent the lipstick from drying out or being exposed to environmental factors. The base of the tube needs to be designed to hold the lipstick in place and allow it to be pushed up and down for application.

[0004] The high cost of manufacturing cosmetics packaging may arise from several factors. First, the materials used to make the packaging need to be of high quality to ensure that they protect the applicable material adequately. This can add to the cost of production. Additionally, the manufacturing process for cosmetics packaging is complex and requires specialized equipment. The molding process for the tube and cap, for example, requires precision machinery that can produce components with tight tolerances. Finally, the assembly process for the packaging requires labor or specialized machinery, as each component needs to be fitted together precisely.

[0005] Generally, despite being necessary for successfully selling cosmetics, their complex packaging has several disadvantages.

[0006] Because numerous parts are often required, the complexities of the assembly process are increased. The more parts need to be assembled, the more complex the assembly process becomes. This can lead to longer assembly times, higher labor costs, and increased risk of errors or defects in the finished product. Consequently, the cost of production is increased as well. Having more parts to connect can increase the cost of production, since each additional component adds to the cost of materials, production, and assembly.

[0007] Another problem is the high-level quality control required. With more parts to connect, there are more opportunities for errors or defects to occur during the manufacturing process. This can result in lower quality products and potentially higher rates of product returns or recalls.

[0008] In addition, more complex cosmetic packaging also represents a burden on the environment. Having more components to connect can increase the environmental impact, in particular, if such diverse parts are made of different materials. The more materials are used the higher the likelihood is for generating excess waste during production. Also, recycling the packaging become more complicated with an increasing number of materials and parts used in the packaging.

[0009] It is a problem of the present invention to provide an improved packaging for applicable materials and, in particular, at least partially eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Particularly, it is a problem of the present invention to provide a cover and a product which can be manufactured cost efficiently, allows for easy assembly and ensures a reliable, easy operation for the user.

[0010] These problems are solved at least in part by a case having the features of claim 1 and a product having the features of claim 13. Further features and details of the invention are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims. Features and details described in connection with the case according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the product according to the invention and vice versa so that reference is or can always be made mutually with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a case for an applicable material is provided, comprising a housing, a receptacle arranged at least partially in an interior space of the housing and integrally connected thereto, wherein the receptacle has a supporting surface adapted to receive the applicable material, and a cover arranged between the housing and the receptacle. The receptacle comprises at least one guide adapted to engage a thread, in particular a threaded groove, of the cover so that the cover is rotatably movable between a retracted state in which the applicable material is at least partially exposed and an extended state in which the applicable material is covered. The cover may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0012] In other words, a case according to the invention may comprise as few as two parts. A first part comprising the housing and the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is arranged inside the housing, configured to receive the applicable material, and a second part being a cover, configured to protect the applicable material. The cover is moveable between two positions, wherein the movement may be a rotatory motion that is determined by a guide arranged on the receptacle and a corresponding thread, preferably a threaded groove, arranged on the cover. In one of the end positions, the extended position, the cover may surround the applicable material. In the other end position, the retracted position, the cover may be retracted into a space between the housing and the receptacle.

[0013] Within the framework of the invention, a cover can be understood as an assembly of spatial components that can be connected to another and where one may overlap the other at least in part. A housing can be a spatial component that is configured to receive another object and to at least partially separate it from the environment. A receptacle can be understood as a spatial component that has at least one surface that is configured to support the applicable material.

[0014] An applicable material can be a material, in particular, for cosmetic purposes, that can be applied to the human body. The applicable material can e.g. be a lipstick pomade. Alternatively, the applicable material can be a glue, grease or the like.

[0015] An integral connection between the housing and the receptacle may be understood as these two forming a single part or being produced in a single process (such as a moulding process) or in a multi-component process. In particular, the receptacle and housing may be made of the same material, in particular at least in the area where the receptacle and the housing connect to each other.

[0016] The following description of embodiments of the invention is to be understood in such way that features of any of these embodiments, unless otherwise indicated, can be combined in a technically meaningful way and, in particular, in order to achieve advantageous combined embodiments. All such combinations are meant to be disclosed by the present disclosure, even without their explicit mentioning; this is in the interest of brevity.

[0017] In an embodiment, the housing and the receptacle are formed as a single part by an injection molding process. This provides the advantage of low cost of production and simplified assembly, as these two areas are already integrally connected to one another.

[0018] In an embodiment, the housing and receptacle are formed in a two-component injection molding process, wherein in particular a component of the housing differs from a component of the receptacle. This provides the advantage of having a single part that needs not further assembly while maintaining the freedom of choosing the best material adapted for the different functionalities of the housing and the receptacle.

[0019] In the context of the invention, a substantially cylindrical shape can be understood as a shape that is adapted to allow for the rotational movement of the cover between the retracted state and the extended state. Thus, e.g. a shape of the cover may also be slightly elliptical.

[0020] In an embodiment, at least the housing or the receptacle have a substantially cylindrical shape, in particular, in a section where the cover is moved between the retracted state and the extended state.

[0021] In connection with the present invention, the thread can be implemented as a spiral ridge (or groove) that is wrapped around an inner surface of the cover facing the receptacle. This inner surface can be configured as a cylindrical or conical surface. The thread ridge may have a substantially triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section, which is designed to mesh with the guide that, preferably, has a corresponding cross-sectional shape. Correspondingly, the guide can be understood as a protrusion that is configured to control and direct the movement of cover.

[0022] The guide ensures that the thread stays aligned and does not wobble or move off track. In particular, this arrangement leads to a force-guided movement of the cover relative to the housing along a substantially helical path, preferably along both movements, namely when the cover is moved from the retracted towards the extended position and also when the cover is moved in the opposite direction, i.e. from the extended position towards the retracted position.

[0023] In the context of the invention, the rotational movement of the cover may be a rotary or circular motion, referring to the movement of the cover around a longitudinal axis of the cover. The longitudinal axis of the cover may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of at least the housing or the receptacle. It may be provided that during the rotational movement, the cover spins or rotates on its longitudinal axis, and at the same time linearly moves along the longitudinal axis, in particular, determined by the interaction of the thread with the guide.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the cover fits snugly inside the housing so that its lower end glides along the inner circumferential wall of the housing when being moved between the extended state and the retracted state. Preferably, the distance along the longitudinal axis between the contact of the cover's periphery with the inner circumferential wall of the housing and the guide is maximized so that any transverse force against the cover is effectively withstood without any significant tilting of the cover relative to the housing.

[0025] In an another embodiment, the cover has a gripping area, which is accessible to a user of the case both in the retracted state and the extended state. In other words, at least a part of the cover is not arranged between the space between the housing and the receptacle, even in the retracted state.

[0026] The retracted state can be understood as a position of the cover in relation to the housing and the receptacle, in which the applicable material is at least partially exposed. The extended state can be understood as a position of the cover in relation to the housing and the receptacle, in which the applicable material is covered. Both the retracted and the extended state may also be defined by an end stop. An end stop may be a protrusion (or recess) on the housing and / or the receptacle, engaging with a corresponding protrusion (or recess) on the cover, designed to limit the motion of the cover by physically blocking a further motion. This blocking may be limiting a further rotational and / or a longitudinal motion of the cover.

[0027] As a whole, the case according to the invention can be manufactured cost efficiently, allows an easy assembly and ensures a reliable, easy operation for the user. Due to the integral form of the housing and the receptacle, only two parts need to be connected during manufacturing. This reduces the cost of production and allows for an easy assembly.

[0028] The cover being movable between the retracted and extended state allows both to protect the applicable material when the case is not in use and an easy access to the applicable material when the case is used. The interaction of the thread and the guide provides the mechanism of the cover, which allows for smooth, efficient, and precise rotational movement.

[0029] In a case according to an embodiment of the invention, the receptacle has at least one elastic region in which the guide is arranged. In other words, there may be a portion of the receptacle that is configured to allow for an elastic deformation when subjected to an external force, wherein the guide is arranged on this portion.

[0030] This has the advantage of providing an elastically moveable guide that defines the rotational movement of the cover, as the thread provided on the cover is counteracting with the guide. The elasticity allows for smooth and precise motion, simplified assembly (where a displacement of the elastic region may simplify the engaging of the cover with the housing, while also providing some flexibility and compensation for any misalignments or inconsistencies in the assembly and / or tolerance in the component's shape. Further, the flexibility reduces wear and tear on the thread and the guide, as well as minimize any potential damage or jamming that could occur.

[0031] Furthermore, a case according to an embodiment of the invention may advantageously provide that the receptacle has at least one slot, wherein, in particular, the slot at least partially defines the elastic region. In other words, a gap may be provided on a surface of the receptacle, wherein the gap may extend partially or fully through the receptacle. Such gap enables precise definition of the force required for displacing the elastic component.

[0032] The slot allows for elastic movement of the portion by providing flexibility and allowing the portion to deform or bend without breaking or damaging the receptacle. The elastic movement occurs because the portion can bend or stretch along the slot when subjected to external forces, and then return to its original shape when the forces are removed. In particular, the slot may be essentially U-shaped, thereby defining a tongue-like area that can be elastically moved.

[0033] Overall, the combination of an elastically moveable elastic region and / or elastic guide and a corresponding thread creates a robust and reliable mechanism that maintain precise control over the rotational movement of the cover.

[0034] In another case according to an embodiment of the invention the at least one elastic region is configured as a spring tongue. Put differently, the elastic region may be configured to provide a force on the cover that depends essentially linearly on the position of the elastic region.

[0035] The spring tongue provides the advantage of exerting a constant force of the guide against the cover when the cover is rotated. By providing a constant force of the guide, the spring tongue helps to maintain constant contact between the guide and the thread, ensuring smooth and consistent motion, preventing any wobbling or deviation from the intended path.

[0036] Further, the spring tongue can be understood as acting as a shock absorber, absorbing any impact or vibration that may occur during the rotational movement of the cover. This helps to reduce wear and tear on the guide and the thread, minimizing the risk of damage or failure. Also, the spring tongue can provide flexibility and compensation for any misalignments or inconsistencies in the case. If the guide or the thread is slightly misaligned, the spring tongue can flex or deform to accommodate the movement, helping to reduce any stress or strain on the case.

[0037] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the supporting surface is surrounded by a supporting wall, in particular, of substantially cylindrical design. In other words, it can be provided that the receptacle has a pot-shaped design, wherein a bottom of the pot and a, in particular substantially cylindrically shaped, sidewall of the pot provide support for the applicable material.

[0038] This provides the advantage that the applicable material is supported both along a longitudinal axis of the receptacle by the supporting surface as well as in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis by the supporting wall. Together, the supporting surface and the supporting wall provide a stable support for the applicable material, in particular, during the rotational movement of the cover as well as when the applicable material is applied.

[0039] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the housing has an upper stop against which a lower shoulder of the cover abuts in the extended state, wherein in particular the cover has a protrusion, which latches behind the upper stop in the extended state. Accordingly, the housing may provide means for limiting the rotational movement when the cover is the extended state, which interact with corresponding means on the cover.

[0040] This way, it is advantageously ensured that the cover and the housing move relative to one another in a controlled manner, with a stop of the movement in the extended state so that any mechanical damage can be avoided to happen even if the user would inadvertently rotate the cover beyond its defined end point. Further, by limiting the rotational movement, the duration of use of the cover and housing can be prolonged.

[0041] Accordingly, the protrusion of the cover acting as a latching mechanism can help to secure the cover in place, preventing it from unintentional movement from the extended state, so that the applicable material is protected. The latching mechanism also provides a simple mechanism for securing and releasing the cover in / from the extended state, thus ensuring that the cover stays in position when rotated to fully to the extended position so that the latching mechanism engages.

[0042] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the housing has a lower stop which is designed to limit the rotational movement of the cover in the retracted state. In other words, the housing may provide means for limiting the rotational movement when the cover is the retracted state, which interact with corresponding means on the cover.

[0043] This way, it is advantageously ensured that the cover and the housing move relative to one another in a controlled manner, and, in particular, with a stop of the movement in the retracted state so that mechanical damage or a full or nearly full disappearance of the cover inside the housing can be avoided to happen even if the user would inadvertently rotate the cover beyond its defined end point. By limiting the rotational movement in this way, the duration of use of the cover and housing can be prolonged and the usability of the case of the invention improved.

[0044] When a housing of an embodiment of the invention has an upper stop and a lower stop as described above, it is further provided that the complete range of rotational motion is defined between these stops, which enables a completely controlled movement of the cover from the extended to the retracted state and vice versa.

[0045] In a case according to an embodiment of the invention, the housing and the receptacle are connected via at least one connecting bar, wherein, in particular, the lower stop is formed by the connecting bar. In other words, a linking portion, which connects the housing and the receptacle, may have a rod-like shape, wherein this linking portion can further be configured as a lower stop limiting the rotational movement of the cover, for example, by providing an abutment against which a corresponding stop face of the cover abuts in the fully retracted position. The connecting bar thus provides a control of the end position of the cover when in the retracted state.

[0046] This configuration provides the advantage that, e.g. in comparison to a full face material connection arranged between the housing and the receptacle that less material is required and tooling may reach to the inside of the housing through its bottom face.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises a ramp-shaped portion adapted to slide along the connecting bar, at least when the cover is rotated out of the retracted state or when the cover is rotated into the retracted state. Accordingly, the cover may have a protrusion that is configured to slide along the connecting bar when the cover is moved from or into the retracted state.

[0048] This provides the advantage that the cover can be moved from the retracted state in a controlled manner. It may further be provided that ramp-shaped portion has a groove. The groove may act as a latch mechanism, providing a simple way for securing and releasing the cover for the user in the retracted state and reducing the effort required to keep the cover in the retracted state.

[0049] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that the housing has at least one cap projection on which a cap can be arranged, wherein the cap is designed to cover at least in part, the applicable material, the housing and / or the cover. In other words, the housing may have a cap surface, on which a cap abuts when covering the applicable material, the housing and / or the cover. This provides the advantage of a user-friendly way to close the case with a cap and providing a secure and defined positioning of the cap.

[0050] It can be further provided that a cap protrusion is arranged on the housing, with which the cap engages when placed over the applicable material, the housing and / or the cover. The cap protrusion provides a latching mechanism, securing the cap in place when connected to the case, such as, by a protrusion at the cap projection that engages with a corresponding groove in the cap (or vice versa).

[0051] In another embodiment according to the invention at least the housing and / or the receptacle comprises a filling opening, wherein the filling opening is designed to guide applicable material from the back or bottom face of the housing to the supporting surface. This provides the advantage that the case can be filled with the applicable material after the assembly of the case is completed, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the product.

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the supporting surface and the supporting wall comprises at least one rib, wherein the rib is adapted to partially penetrate the applicable material when arranged on the supporting surface. The receptacle may have a structure that may be connected to the supporting wall, the supporting surface or both, which penetrates the applicable material when the applicable material is placed in the receptacle to hold the applicable material securely in place, in particular, when the cover is moved and / or when the applicable material is applied by a user.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, a product comprising a case according to the invention and an applicable material is provided. The product may further comprise a cap as described in connection with the cap projection on the housing. Consequently, a product according to the invention provides the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a case according to the invention.

[0054] A product according to the invention may advantageously hold an applicable material selected from a group comprising lipstick, lip gloss, a cosmetic, deodorant, glue or the like materials. Preferably, the applicable material has the shape of a stick or a bullet. It is envisaged that the applicable material may typically be in generally cylindrical form, but other cross-sectional shapes are possible. In many embodiments, the material can be in the form of a stick (e.g. lipstick, a glue stick or a stick of deodorant).

[0055] The product of the invention has the advantage of being able to be produced from one and the same material, such as, for example, compostable polymer material, and with minimal assembling required in the production process due to the low number of parts. Still the product of the invention providing a reliable and cost effective way of packaging an applicable material.

[0056] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0057] In the drawings, Fig.1:is a perspective view of a case and a product according to the invention; Fig. 2a:is a perspective top view of a housing and a receptacle; Fig. 2b:is a perspective lower view of a housing and a receptacle; Fig. 3:is a perspective view of a case in a retracted state; Fig. 4:is a perspective view of a case in an extended state; Fig. 5a, b:are perspective bottom views of a case; Fig. 6:is a perspective lower view of a cover; and Fig. 7:is a side view of a case with a product and a cap.

[0058] In the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the identical reference signs are used for the same technical features or elements even in different embodiments and Figures. The figures are to be considered in their combination to determine the features described in relation to this exemplary embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a case 100 according to the invention, wherein the cover 130 is not shown for simplicity.

[0060] In general, as can be also seen from Figs. 2a and 2b, a case 100 for an applicable material 200 comprises a housing 110, a receptacle 120 arranged at least partially in an interior space 111 of the housing 110 and integrally connected thereto, wherein the receptacle 120 has a supporting surface 121 adapted to receive the applicable material 200. As can also be seen in Figs. 3 and 4, a cover 130 with a substantially cylindrical shape is arranged between the inside of the outer wall of the housing 110 and the receptacle 120, wherein the receptacle 120 comprises at least one guide 122 adapted to engage an inner thread groove 131 of the cover 130 so that the cover 130 is rotatably movable between a retracted state I, as shown in Fig. 3, in which the applicable material 200 is at least partially exposed and an extended state II in which the applicable material 200 is covered as shown in Fig. 4.

[0061] The case 100 according to the invention can be manufactured cost efficiently, allows an easy assembly and ensures a reliable, easy operation for the user. Due to the integral form of the housing 110 and the receptacle 120, only two parts need to be connected during manufacturing, that is the housing 110 and the cover 130, which is placed around the receptacle 120 and slides between the housing 110 and the receptacle 120.

[0062] In its mounted position, the cover 130 being movable between the retracted state I and extended state II allows both to protect the applicable material 200 when not in use and to easily access the applicable material 200 when intended to be used. The interaction of the thread grove 131 (see, in particular, Figs. 5b and 6) and the guide 122 provides the mechanism of the cover 130, which allows for smooth, efficient, and precise rotational movement.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows that the receptacle 120 has at least one elastic region 123 at which the guide 122 is arranged. This has the advantage of providing some elasticity at the guide 122 which defines the rotational / translational movement of the cover 130 as the thread grove 131 (see Fig. 6) provided on the inner side of the cover 130 is engaging with the guide 122 and is force-guided by it on the helical path defined by the thread grove 131.

[0064] The elasticity allows for smooth and precise motion, while also providing some flexibility and compensation for any misalignments or inconsistencies in the assembly in addition to reducing wear and tear on the thread 131 and the guide 122, as well as minimizing any potential damage or jamming that could occur in use. Moreover, it allows for an easy assembly of the case 100 from the two separate parts by sliding the cover into the housing over the guide 122 against the elastic force of the guide 122 to establish engagement of the guide 122 with the thread grove 131, preferably in a latched manner.

[0065] Figs. 1 and 2a show that the receptacle 120 has multiple slots 124, defining, for example, the width of the elastic region 123 and thus having an influence on its elasticity. The slots 124 define a striplike shape that carries the guide 122 providing flexibility and allowing the portion defined by the slots to deform or bend without breaking or damaging the receptacle 120. The elastic movement occurs because the portion can elastically bend slightly radially inwards, when subjected to external forces, and then return to its original position when the forces are removed, for example, after mounting the cover over the receptacle.

[0066] The elastic region(s) 123 may be considered as being configured as a spring tongue, i.e. the lower or upper part of the elastic region, may be free floating and not connected to, for example, the supporting surface 121-thus making the slot 124 essentially U-shaped (not shown).

[0067] The elastic region provides the advantage of exerting a constant force of the guide 122 against the cover 130 and, in particular, its thread groove 122 when the cover 130 is rotated. This provides a constant force of the guide 122 against the groove 122 thus maintaining constant contact between the guide 122 and the thread groove 131, preventing any wobbling or deviation from the intended helical path of the cover during its rotation. Also, the elastic region and, in particular, a spring tongue shaped elastic region can provide flexibility and compensation for any misalignments or inconsistencies in the case 100 by a flexing motion to accommodate the movement.

[0068] Turning now to Figs. 2a and 2b, it is shown that the supporting surface 121 may be surrounded by a supporting wall 125, in particular, of substantially cylindrical shape. This provides the advantage that the applicable material 200 is supported both along a longitudinal axis of the receptacle 120 by the supporting surface 121 as well as in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis by the supporting wall 125. Together, the supporting surface 121 and the supporting wall 125 provide a stable and secure support for the applicable material 200, in particular, during the rotational movement of the cover 130 as well as when the applicable material 200 is applied by a user.

[0069] The receptacle 120 is connected to the housing 110 via at least one connecting bar 112, which, in an embodiment, is moulded integrally with the housing 110 and the receptacle 120 thus making the housing and the receptacle an integral module.

[0070] In Fig. 3, the retracted state I, in which the applicable material 200 is at least partially exposed is shown. The curved arrow indicates the rotational movement of the cover 130 relative to the housing 110. It is shown that that at least one of the supporting surface 121 and the supporting wall 125 comprises at least one rib 126, wherein the rib 126 is adapted to partially penetrate the applicable material 200 when arranged in the receptacle 120. The rib(s) 126 provide the advantage of securely holding the applicable material 200 in place (also by providing an extended contact surface between the applicable material and the receptacle surface to enhance adhesion) and preventing rotation thereof, in particular, when the cover 130 is moved and / or while the applicable material 200 is applied by a user.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows case 100 in the extended state II, in which the applicable material 200 is covered by the cover 130. In Fig.4 it is shown that housing 110 may have at least one cap projection 115 on which a cap 400 can be arranged, wherein the cap 400 is designed to cover at least in part, the applicable material 200, the housing 110 and / or the cover 130. This provides the advantage of a user-friendly way to close the case 100 with a cap 400.

[0072] It can be further provided that a cap protrusion 117 is arranged on the housing 110, preferably an upper rim thereof, which engages the cap400 when it is placed in position on the cap projection 115 covering at least parts of the applicable material 200, the housing 110 and / or the cover 130. The cap protrusion 117 provides a latching mechanism, securing the cap 400 in place when positioned on the cap projection 115 of the case 100.

[0073] Reference is now made to Figs. 5a and 5b, which are a perspective views of the case 100 from below but at different angles to provide a better insight. As shown, the housing 110 and the receptacle 120 are connected via at least one connecting bar 112, wherein, in particular, the lower stop 116 is formed by the connecting bar 112.

[0074] As shown, the cover 130 may comprise a ramp-shaped portion 133 adapted to slide along the connecting bar 112, at least when the cover 130 is rotated out of the retracted state I or when the cover 130 is rotated into the retracted state I. The ramp-shaped portion 133 may have a groove (not shown) which may act as a latch mechanism, providing a simple way for securing and releasing the cover 130 for the user in the retracted state I and reducing the effort required to keep the cover 130 in the retracted state I.

[0075] The housing 110 may have a lower stop 116 arranged at or being the bar 112, which is designed to limit the rotational movement of the cover 130 in the retracted state. This configuration provides the advantage that the bottom rim of the cover can be shaped to include a stop face arranged substantially orthogonally to a circumferential direction, which, in the fully retracted position, abuts against the stop 116 of the bar 112. This limits the rotational movement of the cover 130 in the retracted state I and thus prevents it from accidently being moved beyond the stop. This allows the cover 130 to retract even further into the housing 110 up to the point (and if so desired beyond that point) where the bottom rim of the cover 130 is flush with the bottom face of the housing. Further, by limiting the rotational movement, the cover 130 and housing 110 are protected from wear and tear, which can improve the durability and lifespan of the case 100.

[0076] In Figs. 5b, it is further shown that the receptacle 120 comprises a filling opening 127, wherein the filling opening 127, is designed to allow access to the inner side of the receptacle 120 for filling thereof with the applicable material. This provides the advantage that the case 100 can be filled with the applicable material 200 even after the assembly is completed, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the product 300.

[0077] Turning now to Fig. 6, in combination with Fig. 2a, it is further shown that the housing 110 may have an upper stop 113 at least along a portion of its inner circumference, against which a lower shoulder 132 of the cover 130 abuts in the extended state II. In particular, the cover 130 may have a protrusion 135 located at the lower shoulder, which latches behind a section of the upper stop 113 in the turning direction, when in the extended state II.

[0078] This leads to an advantageous locking effect (possibly with a perceivable click) in which the cover 130 is in a locked position when in the extended position II by having the protrusion 135 glide along the lower side of the upper stop 113 until its end-while a certain pressure is building up by the force guided movement of the cover 130 relative to the housing 110-where it snaps up behind the upper stop's end face which is oriented substantially orthogonal to the circumferential direction. This way, it can be ensured the cover 130 is securely locked in the extended position II.

[0079] Fig. 7 shows a product 300 comprising a case 100 according to the invention with an applicable material 200. The applicable material 200 may be selected from a group comprising lipstick, lip gloss, a cosmetic, deodorant, glue or the like materials. Further, the applicable material 200 may have the shape of a bullet (as shown) or a stick.

[0080] The foregoing explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments may be freely combined with one another, provided that this is technically expedient to the person skilled in the art, without extending the present disclosure which expressly considers all such combinations disclosed but merely avoids a literal description thereof in the interest of conciseness.

Claims

1. Case (100) for an applicable material (200), comprising: • a housing (110), • a receptacle (120) arranged at least partially in an interior space (111) of the housing (110) and integrally connected thereto, wherein the receptacle (120) has a supporting surface (121) adapted to receive the applicable material (200), • a cover (130) having a substantially cylindrical shape, arranged between the housing (110) and the receptacle (120), wherein the receptacle (120) comprises at least one guide (122) adapted to engage a thread (131) of the cover (130) so that the cover (130) is rotatably movable between a retracted state (I) in which the applicable material (200) is at least partially exposed and an extended state (II) in which the applicable material (200) is covered.

2. Case (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (120) has at least one elastic region (123) in which the guide (122) is arranged.

3. Case (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacle (120) has at least one slot (124), wherein, in particular, the slot (124) at least partially defines the elastic region (123).

4. Case (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one elastic region (123) is configured as a spring tongue.

5. Case (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting surface (121) is surrounded by a supporting wall (125), in particular, of substantially cylindrical design.

6. Case (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (110) has an upper stop (113) against which a lower shoulder (132) of the cover (130) abuts in the extended state (II), wherein in particular the cover (130) has a protrusion (135), which latches behind the upper stop (113) in the extended state (II).

7. Case (100) accordingto one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (110) has a lower stop (116) which is designed to limit the rotational movement of the cover (130) in the retracted state (I).

8. Case (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (110) and the receptacle (120) are connected via at least one connecting bar (112), wherein in particular the lower stop (116) is formed by the connecting bar (112).

9. Case (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover (130) comprises a ramp-shaped portion (133) adapted to slide along the connecting bar (112), at least when the cover (130) is rotated out of the retracted state (I) or when the cover (130) is rotated into the retracted state (I).

10. Case (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (110) has at least one cap projection (115) on which a cap (400) can be arranged, wherein the cap (400) is designed to cover, at least in part, the applicable material (200), the housing (110) and / or the cover (130).

11. Case (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the housing (110) comprises a filling opening (114) or the receptacle (120) comprises a filling opening (127), wherein the filling opening (114, 127) is designed to guide applicable material (200) to the supporting surface (121).

12. Case (100) accordingto one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that at least one of the supporting surface (121) and the supporting wall (125) comprises at least one rib (126), wherein the rib (126) is adapted to partially penetrate the applicable material (200) when arranged on the supporting surface (121).

13. Product (300) comprising a case (100) according to any one of the preceding claims and an applicable material (200).

14. Product (300) according to claim 13, characterized in that the applicable material (200) is selected from a group comprising lipstick, lip gloss, a cosmetic, deodorant, glue or the like materials.

15. Product (300) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the applicable material (200) has the shape of a stick or a bullet.

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