Device for applying a cosmetic product, in particular a stick of cosmetic product

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic product application device (10) in the form of a cosmetic product stick (12), having a main axis (A), said device (10) comprising: - a cup (14) intended to receive the stick (12) and comprising at least one radial lug (36), - at least one guide (16) comprising a tubular body which includes a top outlet opening for the stick (12) and a bottom insertion opening for the cup (14), in which the cup (14) is mounted to slide axially, the guide (16) comprising at least one axial slot extending from the bottom of the guide (16) and which is traversed by at least one associated lug (36) of the cup (14), the at least one axial slot of the guide (16) opening at the level of the top opening;- a tubular sheath (18) in which the body is mounted for rotation, the sheath (18) internally comprising at least one helical groove (50) for receiving at least one lug (36) of the cup (14), the rotation of the guide (16) relative to the sheath (18) causing an axial movement of the cup (14) between an extreme deployed position and an extreme retracted position, the helical groove (50) being open at the upper end of the stroke.

Description

Domaine technique de l'invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cosmetic product application device, in particular a cosmetic product stick, comprising a cup carrying the cosmetic product and intended to be inserted into a guide of an application device. Arrière-plan technique

[0002] The state of the art is known regarding application devices used for packaging cosmetic products, such as cosmetic sticks, particularly but not exclusively for lipstick or deodorant sticks. Such a cosmetic stick may also be referred to as a "stick".

[0003] The stick is held by its base in a cup. In most application devices, the cup slides axially between at least one retracted position and a cosmetic product application position in which at least part of the cosmetic product stick extends axially out of the device.

[0004] The assembly and disassembly of all the parts constituting the application device can be complex, in particular because of lugs protruding radially outwards on the cup and allowing axial sliding of the latter causing the exit and entry of the cosmetic product.

[0005] There are also cups which are mounted in a removable manner, with or without the sliding mechanism, in the device and form a refill intended to equip a cosmetic product application device and to be able to be removed when the user wishes.

[0006] Using a removable system allows certain parts of the application device to be retained.

[0007] This could be, for example, the cap and base of the application device. The guide, sheath, and cup must then be replaced along with the cosmetic product stick. This is particularly advantageous when the cap and / or base are made of precious and / or decorated materials, for example, covered with a protective layer, which makes them comparatively more expensive to manufacture.

[0008] In other types of application devices, only the cup needs replacing. The cup is then designed to allow the cosmetic product stick to be replaced when it is empty. Here again, the technique for replacing the cup remains complex and is not always easy, particularly because of the prongs on it.

[0009] Furthermore, depending on the height differences between the old cosmetic product stick and the new cosmetic product stick, the user may need to make several rotations of the mechanism to move the cosmetic product stick carried by the new cup from the low position to the high position of use, or vice versa, to have the stick in the appropriate position.

[0010] Thus, there is a need for a solution that addresses at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art. Résumé de l'invention

[0011] The invention proposes a cosmetic product application device in the form of a cosmetic product stick, having a main axis, said device comprising: a cup intended to receive the stick and comprising at least one radial lug, at least one guide comprising a tubular body which includes a top opening for the stick's exit and a bottom opening for the cup's insertion, in which the cup is mounted to slide axially, the guide having at least one axial slot extending from the bottom of the guide and which is traversed by at least one associated lug of the cup, at least one axial slot of the guide opening at the level of the top opening; a tubular sheath in which the body is mounted to rotate, the sheath internally comprising at least one helical groove for receiving at least one lug of the cup, the rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causing an axial movement of the cup between an extreme deployed position and an extreme retracted position, the helical groove being open at the end of the upper stroke.

[0012] According to different modes of implementation, which may be taken together or separately: At least one axial slot in the guide is extended at the bottom of the guide by at least one lower guide ramp for the cup lugs. At least one axial slot in the guide is extended at the top of the guide by at least one upper guide ramp for the cup lugs. All axial slots in the guide open at the upper opening. All helical grooves open at the upper end of their travel. The axial slot includes a lower inlet at its lower end. The guide body has a thinned thickness at one lower end of the axial slot. The cup is removably mounted in the device, the cup being 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 cosmetic product stick receiving recess radially delimited by a cylindrical side wall.at least one tab formed in the side wall and having a connecting end to the side wall and a free end, at least one lug being located on a tab, each tab being flexible between: an unconstrained position in which each lug projects radially outwards from the side wall, a cup insertion position in the device in which each tab is intended to be pushed by contact between a lug and the guide and to penetrate radially into the housing so that each lug is in alignment with the side wall, each tab extending axially downwards from its connecting end to its free end, each lug is disposed at the free end of a tab, each tab is made of material in one piece with the side wall, each tab is formed by a notch made in the side wall, the notch having a "U" shape,The device has at least two opposing tabs, each comprising a lug, evenly distributed around the main axis. Each lug has a front surface inclined relative to the side wall. The lower portion of the lug is thicker than the upper portion. The device includes a lower cap for closing the lower insertion opening of the guide. The lower cap is clipped to the guide. The device includes an upper cap for closing an upper exit opening of the stick from the sheath. The upper cap is screwed to the sheath. The device further includes a cosmetic product stick mounted on said cup. The stick has a lower portion that is flexible in a manner similar to the tabs. The cup includes an internal stick-holding skirt that projects axially into the housing.The housing is axially delimited downwards by a base extending radially inwards from the side wall, the base having an opening; at least one of the following components is made of molded material: the cup, guide, sheath, lower cap, and upper cap; at least one of the following components is made of plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET); at least one of the following components is made of metallic material, such as aluminum; or at least one of the following components is made of the same material.

[0013] The invention also relates to a refill for a cosmetic product application device in the form of a cosmetic product stick, said refill comprising: the cosmetic product stick, a cup intended to receive the stick and comprising at least one radial lug intended to cooperate with at least one axial slot of a guide of the device and with at least one helical groove of a tubular sheath, said cup comprising at least one vertical tab extending upwards and configured to cooperate reversibly with an internal skirt of a lower cap of the device.

[0014] Advantageously, each of the vertical tabs includes an internal groove cooperating with an external annular ridge located on a lower skirt of the cup.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method of using the above-mentioned refill with: at least one guide comprising a tubular body which includes a top opening for the stick exit and a bottom opening for the cup insertion, in which the cup is mounted to slide axially, the guide comprising at least one axial slot extending from the bottom of the guide and which is traversed by at least one associated lug of the cup, at least one axial slot of the guide opening out at the level of the top opening;and a tubular sheath in which the body is mounted for rotation, the sheath internally comprising at least one helical groove for receiving at least one lug of the cup, the rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causing an axial movement of the cup between an extreme deployed position and an extreme retracted position, the helical groove being open at the end of the upper stroke, to form a cosmetic product application device in the form of a cosmetic product stick as described above.

[0016] The said refill is inserted into the guide through the lower receiving opening and removed from the guide through the upper stick exit opening. Brève description des figures

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the reading of the detailed description that follows, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings. There figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an application device made according to the teachings of the invention, a cup occupying an extreme retracted position. figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device of the figure 1 . There figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 1 . There figure 4 is another longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 1 . There figure 5 is a perspective view of the cup of the device of the figure 1 according to a first example of implementation. The figure 6 is a perspective view of a guide to the device of the figure 1 . There figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the guide of the figure 6 . There figure 8 is a perspective view of a sheath of the device of the figure 1 . There figure 9 is a perspective view of a lower cap of the device of the figure 1 according to a first example of implementation. The figure 10 is a perspective view of a lower cap of the device according to a second embodiment. figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the guide adapted to the second example of the lower cap of the figure 10 . There figure 12 is a perspective view of a lower cap of the device according to a third embodiment. figure 13 is a perspective view of an application device made according to the teachings of the invention comprising the lower cap of the figure 12 . There figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a variant of the sheath of the figure 8 . There figure 15 is a perspective view of a cupule according to a second example of its realization. figure 16 is another perspective view of the cupule of the figure 15 . There figure 17 is a perspective view of a lower cap of the device according to a third embodiment. figure 18 is a perspective view of a cup adapted to the third example of the realization of the lower cap of the figure 17 . There figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower cap of the figure 17 assembled to the cupule of the figure 18 . There figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of a refill including the cup of the figure 18 . Description détaillée de l'invention

[0018] By convention, the "axial" or "longitudinal" direction corresponds in the figures to that of the principal axis A of the cosmetic product application device 10, such as a cosmetic product stick 12, in particular a lipstick or deodorant stick, and the "radial" or "transverse" direction is directed orthogonally to the axial direction by radiating from the principal axis A.

[0019] In the detailed description of the figures that follows, the terms "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" will be used without limitation in reference to the axial direction, the upper part of the application device 10 corresponding to that through which the stick 12 of cosmetic product comes out of the application device 10 for application.

[0020] Similarly, the terms "outside or external" and "inside or internal" are used with reference to the radial direction, an outside element being radially further from axis A than an inside element.

[0021] Subsequently, elements with an identical structure or analogous functions will be designated by the same reference.

[0022] THE figures 1 à 4 illustrate a device 10 for applying a cosmetic product in the form of a stick 12 of cosmetic product.

[0023] Preferably, stick 12 of cosmetic product (visible at figures 1 And 2 ) is a lipstick or deodorant stick intended to be applied by rubbing, alternatively a lip balm.

[0024] Device 10 is designed to dispense the cosmetic product by at least one rotational movement.

[0025] Device 10 has an axis A, called the principal axis.

[0026] Device 10 includes: a cup 14 intended to receive the stick 12, at least one guide 16, and a tubular sheath 18.

[0027] Guide 16 is particularly visible at figures 6 And 7 .

[0028] The guide 16 mainly comprises a tubular body 20 which extends axially from a lower opening 22 for insertion of the cup 14 to an upper outlet opening 24 intended to be traversed by the stick 12 of cosmetic product.

[0029] Advantageously, the guide 16 further includes a base 26 in the extension of the lower opening 22 of the tubular body 20.

[0030] The guide 16 has at least one axial slot 28 radially passing through the wall of the body 20. Each axial slot 28 forms a slide.

[0031] Here, the guide 16 comprises two axial slots 28. The axial slots 28 are arranged diametrically opposite each other. The axial slots 28 extend axially into the body 20 of the guide 16 from the bottom of the guide 16.

[0032] Each of the axial slots 28 is open at the upper opening 24. In other words, each axial slot 28 is open axially at its upper end 28a.

[0033] The axial slots 28 may include a protrusion (not visible) at their upper end 28a. The protrusion acts as a click indicating to the user that the cup 14 has reached the end of its upper stroke and that it can be removed.

[0034] The axial slots 28 are closed at their lower end 28b, located on the side of the base 26, but include a lower inlet. In particular, the body 20 of the guide 16 has a thinned thickness at the lower end 28b of the axial slot 28, allowing the passage of the lugs 36 of the cup 14 when the cup is inserted into the guide 16.

[0035] The 28 axial slots each have straight and parallel edges.

[0036] Each of the axial slots 28 of the guide 16 is extended at the bottom of the guide 16 by at least one lower guide ramp 30 visible at the figure 7 .

[0037] Each of the lower guide ramps 30 has a shoulder 30a extending from a low point located at the bottom of the base 26 to a high point located at the lower end 28b of an axial slot 28. Each of the shoulders 30a extends into one of the straight edges forming the axial slots 28.

[0038] Each of the axial slots 28 of the guide 16 is extended at the top of the guide 16 by at least one upper guide ramp 32.

[0039] Each of the upper guide ramps 32 is in the extension of one of the straight edges forming the axial slot 28 and extends to a high point forming an upper edge 34 delimiting the upper opening 24 exit of the stick 12.

[0040] Here, each axial slot 28 comprises two upper guide ramps 32 and two lower guide ramps 30. The guide 16 therefore comprises four upper guide ramps 32 and four lower guide ramps 30.

[0041] The cup 14 is intended to be mounted to slide axially in the guide 16, between an extreme retracted position, as shown in the figure 1 and an extreme position deployed, not illustrated.

[0042] The retracted extreme position corresponds to a position in which the stick 12 is inside the device 10 for protection and storage, and the cup 14 is in the lower end-of-travel position as illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0043] The extreme deployed position corresponds to a position in which the rod 12 is deployed axially upwards so that its free end extends out of the device 10 through the opening and the cup 14 is in the upper end-of-stroke position.

[0044] The cup 14 can also occupy intermediate positions between its two extreme retracted and deployed positions, called intermediate application positions.

[0045] With reference to the figure 5 , the cup 14 has at least one lug 36, preferably two lugs 36. Each lug 36 protrudes radially outwards, said lugs 36 being each engaged in one of the axial slots 28 of the guide 16 and passing through them to extend radially outwards beyond the external cylindrical surface of the body 20 of the guide 16.

[0046] Preferably, the lugs 36 are diametrically opposed.

[0047] The cup 14 has a housing 38 for receiving the cosmetic product stick 12, radially delimited by a cylindrical lateral wall 40. The housing 38 is open upwards.

[0048] Housing 38 is axially delimited downwards by a base which extends radially inwards from the side wall. The base is pierced by an orifice.

[0049] The cupule 14 has at least one leg 42 formed in the lateral wall and having a connecting end 42a to the lateral wall and a free end 42b, at least one lug 36 being located on a leg 42. Each leg 42 extends axially downwards from its connecting end 42a to its free end 42b.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 5 , the cupule 14 comprises two diametrically opposed legs 42 distributed regularly around the main axis A, the two legs 42 each comprising one of the two lugs 36.

[0051] Preferably, each leg 42 is made from a single piece of material with the side wall 40. They are formed by a notch made in the side wall of the cupule 14, for example, as here by a notch having a "U" shape.

[0052] In one variant of the cupule 14 shown in figures 15 And16 , cupule 14 differs in that it does not have openwork legs 42 but only lugs 36. The flexibility of movement of the lugs 36 can be achieved through the choice of material, for example.

[0053] Advantageously, the cup 14 includes an internal skirt 44 for attaching the stick 12 which protrudes axially into the housing 38 from the bottom.

[0054] The inner skirt 44 includes lights 46 to improve the grip of the stick 12 in the cup 14.

[0055] With reference to the figure 8 , the sheath 18 has a tubular wall 48 with main axis A.

[0056] The sheath 18 has internally at least one helical groove 50 for receiving at least one associated lug 36 of the cup 14. Each of the helical grooves 50 is open at the upper end of its stroke.

[0057] The sheath 18 here has two helical grooves 50, diametrically opposed, with which the free ends of the lugs 36 of the cup 14 cooperate in operation.

[0058] In addition, as illustrated in the figure 14 , the helical groove 50 of the sheath 18 may have a starter 51 allowing the lugs 36 of the cup 14 to position themselves more easily in the helical groove 50 when inserting the cup 14 into the device 10.

[0059] The wall 48 of the sheath 18 has an internal cylindrical face provided with said helical grooves 50.

[0060] The wall 48 of the sheath 18 also has an external cylindrical face comprising a screw thread 52 extending over an upper portion of the sheath 18. The rest of the external face is smooth.

[0061] Rotating the guide 16 relative to the sheath 18 causes an axial movement of the cup 14 between the extreme deployed position and the extreme retracted position, and vice versa, i.e. the entry and / or exit of the stick 12 of cosmetic product.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation is advantageously carried out by the user by grasping the base 26 and rotating the guide 16 relative to the sheath 18. The axial slots 28 of the guide 16 opening at the level of the upper opening 24 of the guide, as well as the helical groove 50 open at the end of the upper stroke, allow the total removal of the cup 14.

[0063] Indeed, classically axial slots are closed axially at their upper end, or even include a notch, so as to block the cup at the end of the upper stroke.

[0064] In the application device 10 according to the invention, nothing blocks the cup 14 at the end of its upper stroke; it can then be easily removed by a simple movement, without requiring any tools and without damaging the other elements, in particular the sheath 18 and the guide 16.

[0065] This removal method is also particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for the user to push the cup 14 all the way down to remove it, as is required in other known devices. Removal requires no additional steps from the user, who can quickly remove the cup 14 and thus avoid wasting time on tedious movements.

[0066] Removing the cup 14 can be useful, for example, when recycling the device 10 where each element may need to be disassembled to be recycled in its own stream depending on the material it is made of.

[0067] Removing the cup 14 can also allow it to be replaced, for example, when the cosmetic product stick 12 is finished or if the user wishes to change it.

[0068] Advantageously, the upper guide ramps 32 allow the lugs 36 of the cup 14 to be guided to the end of its travel, in particular in relation to the sheath 18 when the lugs 36 come out of the axial slots 28 of the guide 16.

[0069] The cup 14 can thus reach its end of travel, in particular the upper end of travel of the helical groove 50 of the sheath 18 by means of its lugs 36 which are guided by the upper guide ramps 32. The cup 14 is then held in position until the end without risk of it coming loose or getting stuck sideways.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Thus, the upper end of the cosmetic product stick 12 is inserted first into the device 10 through the lower opening 22 of the guide 16 so that the stick 12 is immediately inside the device 10 and thus protected from any deterioration or contamination which might occur during the assembly of the cup 14.

[0072] Furthermore, by inserting the cup 14 from the bottom of the device 10, it is immediately in its fully retracted position. The user therefore does not need to perform any additional steps, such as lowering the cup 14, to position it where the cosmetic product stick 12 is inside the device 10.

[0073] Inserting the cup 14 can be useful, for example, when assembling the device 10 or when changing the cosmetic product stick 12 after its removal when it is completely consumed or if the user wishes to change it.

[0074] Advantageously, the lower guide ramps 30 guide the lugs 36 of the cup 14 to the axial slots 28 of the guide 16. Thus, when the user inserts the cup 14 through the lower opening 22 of the guide 16, the lugs 36 cooperate with the lower guide ramps 30 until they are positioned in one of the two axial slots 28. The guide ramps thus facilitate the insertion of the cup 14 into the guide 16, preventing damage to the cosmetic product stick 12, which can occur if the user has difficulty aligning the lugs 36 of the cup 14 with the axial slots 28 of the guide 16.

[0075] Advantageously, to facilitate the insertion of the cup 14 into the guide 16 and also to ensure its retention therein, each tab 42 is flexible between: an unconstrained position in which each lug 36 is projecting radially outwards relative to the lateral wall 40 of the cup 14; an insertion position of the cup 14 in the device 10 in which each leg 42 is intended to be pushed by contact between a lug 36 and the guide 16 and to penetrate radially into the housing 38 so that each lug 36 is in alignment with the lateral wall 40.

[0076] Preferably, the legs 42 extending axially downwards from its connecting end 42a to its free end 42b.

[0077] Furthermore, each lug 36 advantageously has a front surface 36a inclined relative to the lateral wall 40, a lower portion 36b of the lug 36 having a greater thickness than an upper portion 36c of the lug 36 (see figures 1 And 3 ).

[0078] Thus, the tabs 42 are radially moved into the device 10 when the user inserts the cup 14 and return to their original position when the cup 14 is correctly inserted.

[0079] Advantageously, the movement of the legs 42 is facilitated by the particular shape of the lugs 36. Indeed, the upper portion 36c of the lug 36, being thin, inserts more easily into the corresponding axial slot 28. Conversely, the wider lower portion 36b of the lug 36 comes into contact with the guide 16 when the cup 14 is lowered, blocking its descent and its exit from the guide 16 through the lower opening 22.

[0080] Advantageously, the cup 14 is mounted removably in the device 10. 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 as explained above.

[0081] Thus, cup 14 can be part of a refill 53 as illustrated in the figure 20 .

[0082] Refill pack 53 includes at least cup 14 and stick 12.

[0083] Advantageously, the cosmetic product stick 12 mounted on the cup 14 has a lower portion that is flexible in a similar way to the legs 42. Insertion of the cup 14 is facilitated and movement of the legs 42 into the device 10 is not hindered.

[0084] Preferably, the device 10 includes a lower cap 54 for closing the lower opening 22 for inserting the guide 16.

[0085] The lower cap 54 is notably a removable cap.

[0086] With reference to the figure 9 The lower cap 54 is clipped to the guide 16. Its axial retention on the lower opening 22 of the guide 16 is ensured by the cooperation of two external annular ridges 56 of the lower cap 54 with two internal annular grooves 58 located in the bottom of the guide 16 (visible in the figure 7 ). The ridges 56 and the hollows 58 are respectively diametrically opposed.

[0087] The lower cap 54 has a first annular housing 60 delimited by two internal circular axial skirts 62 into which a lower edge 64 of the cylindrical lateral wall 40 of the cup 14 is inserted when it is in its fully retracted position (visible in figures 3 And 4 ).

[0088] The lower cap 54 also includes a circular axial outer skirt 66 having an external surface on which the aforementioned ridges 56 are located. This outer skirt 66 is inserted inside the guide 16 at the lower opening 22.

[0089] The internal skirt 62 and external skirt 66 extend from a closed, transverse lower base 68 to their respective upper edges. The upper edge 70 of the external skirt 66 has a shape complementary to the shape defined by the lower ramps 30 of the guide 16 against which it abuts when inserted. This complementary shape is visible, for example, by comparing the figures 7 And 11 illustrating two embodiments of guide 16 depending on the design of the upper edge 70 of the lower cap 54, guide 16 of the figure 7 being the associated guide of the lower cap 54 of the figure 9 and guide 16 of the figure 11 being the associated guide of the lower cap 54 of the figure 10 .

[0090] As illustrated in figures 1 à 4 , the device 10 can finally include a top cap 72 intended to close a top exit opening of the rod 12 of the sheath 18.

[0091] The upper cap 72 is notably a removable cap. The upper cap 72 comprises a tubular skirt closed at its upper end by a solid transverse wall.

[0092] It is preferable to be able to close the device 10 using the upper cap 72 to prevent contamination or damage to the cosmetic product stick 12. In this regard, the upper cap 72 is designed to be fixed directly to the outer wall of the sleeve 18 when the device 10 is not in use, covering at least an upper portion of the outer face of the sleeve 18.

[0093] Advantageously, the upper cap 72 is screwed to the sheath 18. Thus, the upper portion of the outer face of the sheath 18 cooperates with an internal screw thread 74 disposed on the inner face of the tubular skirt of the upper cap 72.

[0094] Advantageously, at least one of the cup 14, guide 16, sheath 18, lower cap 54 and upper cap 72 is made of plastic material, such as recycled or non-recycled polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or of metallic material, such as aluminium.

[0095] Advantageously, at least one of the cup 14, the guide 16, the sheath 18, the lower cap 54 and the upper cap 72 are advantageously made of the same material, for example of plastic.

[0096] Furthermore, the use of plastics, particularly similar plastics, throughout the entire device 10 facilitates recycling. In particular, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate are two plastics whose recycling cycles are well established.

[0097] Preferably, at least one of the cup 14, guide 16, sheath 18, lower cap 54 and upper cap 72 is made by molding.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the description just given; other embodiments may fall within the scope of the invention.

[0099] For example, the figures 10 And 12 illustrate a second and a third variant embodiment of the lower cap 54 comprising, as a variant, different means of connection.

[0100] For illustrative purposes and as shown in the figure 10 In a second embodiment, the lower cap 54 has two locking clips 75 in the form of elastically deformable hooks. The two clips 75 cooperate with the recesses 58 located in the bottom of the guide 16 illustrated in the figure 11 .

[0101] Thus, insertion is facilitated by the shape and elasticity of the hooks, and the removal of the lower cap 54, whether voluntary or untimely, is limited since it is necessary to exert simultaneous pressure on the area of ​​the hooks to disengage and therefore release them.

[0102] Another alternative to the technical realization of the lower cap 54, shown in the figure 12 , consists of a bayonet locking mechanism, a design well known to those skilled in the art. The lower cap 54 comprises two diametrically opposed L-shaped recesses 76, each of which cooperates with a rib 78 located in the bottom of the guide 16, as illustrated in the figure 13 .

[0103] There figure 17 illustrates a fourth example of an embodiment of a lower cap 54. This third example of a lower cap 54 is configured, on the one hand, as mentioned previously, to cooperate with the lower opening 22 for inserting the guide 16, but also with the cup 14 illustrated in the figure 18 .

[0104] The outer skirt 66 of the lower cap 54 has four tabs, each with a raised edge, forming elastically deformable hooked tabs 80. The hooked tabs 80 cooperate with a recess 58 in the guide 16 to secure the lower cap 54 to the guide 16. This may be a single annular recess.

[0105] Thus, insertion is facilitated by the shape and elasticity of the hooked tabs 80, and the removal of the lower cap 54, whether voluntary or untimely, is limited since it is necessary to exert simultaneous pressure on the area of ​​the hooked tabs 80 to disengage and therefore release them.

[0106] The inner skirt 62 of the lower cap 54 also includes four vertical tabs 84 extending upwards and each including an internal groove 86.

[0107] Each of the internal grooves 86 cooperates with an external annular rim 88 located on a lower skirt 90 of the cupule 14. The lower skirt 90 extends downwards and has a diameter less than a diameter of the cylinder formed by the lateral wall 40.

[0108] The shape and elasticity of the vertical tabs 84 allow the lower cap 54 to be clipped onto the cup 14 and held together until the latter is inserted into the guide 16. They must also facilitate the disassembly of the lower cap 54 and the cup 14 to allow the cup 14 to move up and down when the mechanism is activated.

[0109] To facilitate disassembly, the annular bead 88 is not continuous and further includes at least one flat portion 91 allowing the vertical tabs 84 to be released with the bead 88.

[0110] The 53 refill shown in the figure 20 includes cup 14 of the figure 18 on which the baton 12 is mounted.

[0111] In addition to the cup 14 and the stick 12, advantageously, the refill 53 can also include an outer sleeve 92 and an inner sleeve 94.

[0112] For greater clarity, stick 12 is not shown in refill 53 of the figure 20 .

[0113] The outer envelope 92 has the shape of a cylindrical sleeve, here with a circular cross-section. It extends between two opposite open ends, upper 92a and lower 92b.

[0114] Advantageously, before the first insertion of the refill 53 into the outer sheath 18, each of the upper 92a and lower 92b ends is sealed by a watertight cap 96. The lower cap 96 protects the rod 12 at the cup 14.

[0115] The upper cap 96 protects the stick 12. Removing it facilitates the stick 12's expulsion from the bottom by creating an air intake. The caps 96 are removable, meaning they can be removed by a user before inserting the refill 53 into the outer sleeve 18.

[0116] The inner envelope 94 is cylindrical in shape and includes a side wall extending from a lower opening 94a to an upper transverse wall 94b defining a cavity in which the rod 12 is housed.

[0117] Advantageously, the inner envelope 94 also serves as a mold for pouring and forming the stick 12. The cosmetic product in liquid form is then poured through the lights 46 of the cup 14 into the cavity and after hardening forms the stick 12.

[0118] The lower edge of the side wall has two diametrically opposed notches 98 to receive the two lugs 36 of the cupule 14.

[0119] The upper transverse wall is surmounted by a circular platform 100 which allows the upper opening of the outer envelope 92 to be closed. Thus, the diameter of the platform 100 is substantially equal to the diameter of the upper opening of the outer envelope 92.

[0120] The platform 100 may include a vent 102 connected to the cavity delimited by the inner envelope 94 to facilitate the demolding of the stick 12.

[0121] During first use, the user removes the two seals 96 and the outer sleeve 92. Subsequently, the user clips the lower cap 54 onto the cup 14. The lower cap 54 allows the refill 53 to be grasped and the inner sleeve 94 to be removed without coming into contact with the stick 12.

[0122] The user then inserts the assembly of stick 12, cup 14, lower cap 54 inside the guide 16 mounted inside the outer sheath 18.

[0123] The lower cap 54 can then be clipped to the guide 16, thus forming the application device of the invention.

[0124] The cup 14 is unclipped from the lower cap 54 when the user operates the mechanism. In other words, rotating the guide 16 releases the cup 14 from the lower cap 54. The cup 14 can then move freely up and down to insert or extend the rod 12.

Claims

1. Device (10) for applying a cosmetic product in the form of a stick (12) of cosmetic product, having a main axis (A), said device (10) comprising: - a cup (14) intended to receive the stick (12) and comprising at least one radial lug (36), - at least one guide (16) comprising a tubular body (20) which includes a top opening (24) for the exit of the stick (12) and a bottom opening (22) for the insertion of the cup (14), in which the cup (14) is mounted to slide axially, the guide (16) comprising at least one axial slot (28) extending from the bottom of the guide (16) and which is traversed 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 top opening (24);- a tubular sheath (18) in which the body (20) is mounted for rotation, the sheath (18) internally comprising at least one helical groove (50) for receiving at least one lug (36) of the cup (14), the rotation of the guide (16) relative to the sheath (18) causing an axial movement of the cup (14) between an extreme deployed position and an extreme retracted position, the helical groove (50) being open at the upper end of the stroke.

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one axial slot (28) of the guide (16) is extended at the bottom of the guide (16) by at least one lower ramp (30) for guiding the lugs (36) of the cup (14).

3. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one axial slot (28) of the guide (16) is extended at the top of the guide (16) by at least one upper ramp (32) for guiding the lugs (36) of the cup (14).

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup (14) is removably mounted in the device (10), the cup (14) being 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. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup (14) has a housing (38) for receiving the cosmetic product stick (12) radially delimited by a cylindrical lateral wall (40), at least one tab (42) formed in the lateral wall (40) and having a connecting end (42a) to the lateral wall (40) and a free end (42b), at least one lug (36) being located on a tab (42), each tab (42) being flexible between: - an unconstrained position in which each lug (36) is radially projecting outwards relative to the lateral wall (40) of the cup (14); - an insertion position of the cup (14) in the device (10) in which each leg (42) is intended to be pushed by contact between a lug (36) and the guide (16) and to penetrate radially into the housing (38) so that each lug (36) is in alignment with the lateral wall (40) of the cup (14).

6. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which each leg (42) extends axially downwards from its connecting end (42a) to its free end (42b).

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 5, having at least two opposing legs (42) each comprising a lug (36) and distributed regularly around the main axis (A).

8. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lug (36) has a front surface (36a) inclined relative to the lateral wall (40) of the cup (14), a lower portion (36b) of the lug (36) having a thickness greater than an upper portion (36c) of the lug (36).

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a lower cap (54) for closing the lower opening (22) for inserting the guide (16).

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an upper cap (72) for closing an upper opening (24) for the exit of the stick (12) from the sheath (18).

11. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 5, further comprising a stick (12) of cosmetic product mounted on said cup (14), the stick (12) having a lower portion that is flexible in a manner similar to the legs (42).

12. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the cup (14) includes an internal skirt (44) for hooking the stick (12) which protrudes axially into the housing (38).

13. Refill (53) for cosmetic product application device (10) in the form of a cosmetic product stick (12), said refill comprising: - the cosmetic product stick (12), - a cup (14) intended to receive the stick (12) and comprising at least one radial lug (36) intended to cooperate with at least one axial slot (28) of a guide (16) of the device and with at least one helical groove (50) of a tubular sheath (18), said cup comprising at least one vertical tab (84) extending upwards and configured to cooperate reversibly with an internal skirt of a lower cap (54) of the device (10).

14. Method of using a refill according to claim 13 with: - at least one guide (16) comprising a tubular body (20) which includes an upper opening (24) for exiting the stick (12) and a lower opening (22) for inserting the cup (14), in which the cup (14) is mounted to slide axially, the guide (16) comprising at least one axial slot (28) extending from the bottom of the guide (16) and which is traversed 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);and - a tubular sheath (18) in which the body (20) is mounted for rotation, the sheath (18) internally comprising at least one helical groove (50) for receiving at least one lug (36) of the cup (14), the rotation of the guide (16) relative to the sheath (18) causing an axial movement of the cup (14) between an extreme deployed position and an extreme retracted position, the helical groove (50) being open at the upper end of the stroke, to form a device (10) for applying a cosmetic product in the form of a stick (12) of cosmetic product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said refill being inserted into the guide (16) through the lower receiving opening (22) and removed from the guide (16) through the upper exit opening (24) of the stick (12).

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