Consumable solid-paste refill material for application to a support, in stick form, intended for a refillable sliding case, and related material case

Abstract

The baton-holding cup (18) of a refill R comprises a side wall (29), a sliding slot (14), a housing (39) for receiving the baton B, a lug (40) integral with the side wall (29) having a peduncle (17), a forward end-travel means (55b) relative to a refill cap (27) located towards the forward end (31) of the side wall (29), where the peduncle (17) can pass through the slot (14) and is extended by a distal handling slider (41), and a holster-association arrangement comprising a radially elastically deformable structure (42). Abstract figure: Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Refill of consumable solid-paste material to be applied to a support, in stick form, intended for a refillable sliding case, and case of material relating thereto Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of refillable sliding cases for packaging and applying to a support a consumable solid-pasty material in the form of a stick, and refills of such a stick of material for such a case. State of the prior art

[0002] In a more specifically described application, the material is a cosmetic product such as a colored or colorless lipstick, a foundation, a treatment or moisturizing composition, a care product such as a balm, a deodorant, an ornamental product such as a colored pencil for the skin. The support is then the human body, in particular the face, the nails, the hair. It may also be a different material but which, with regard to its stick shape, its packaging, its application and its implementation by means of a case, has similar technical characteristics. Thus, the invention is also applicable, in particular, to medicines or pharmaceutical products, cleaning products, decorative products. This is how “material to be applied” (or more simply “material”) must be understood.The application of the material to the support means the deposit of a certain quantity of material on the support by means of light contact of the stick on the support, which may include sliding.

[0003] “Stick” refers to the shape given to the material to be applied and also designates the block of corresponding material. For a lipstick, we also use the term "grape", for others, the term "stick". The stick is cylindrical in shape with a front end for application and a rear end for fixing. "Front" refers to what is towards, or close to, the application support and "rear" is opposed to front. These qualifiers front and rear also apply to the case and the refill.

[0004] In the case of a lipstick, the stick most often comprises a powdery phase and a rather oily phase for ease and smoothness of application. As a result, the stick has a certain fragility, because touching it, grasping it, and even more so squeezing it with the fingers, leads to its deterioration and to the user's fingers becoming dirty.

[0005] In one application, a refillable sliding case is a lipstick case. Such a case is also intended for storage, transport, presentation and marketing, storage or deposit in an ad hoc location (kit, storage plan). toilet, etc.) as well as the implementation of the stick, that is to say its application on a support. The term "case" refers to a means of packaging having a certain rigidity, which is adapted to the shape of its contents (the stick) and which aims to protect it and allow its handling. The term "case" is not exclusive of others, such as for example "stick" (by ellipse of "stick case"), "sheath", depending on the applications envisaged.

[0006] The case, which like the stick and the refill, has an extension axis (sometimes called an ellipse axis), comprises firstly a body which is its main part forming a stick-carrying structure, most often including at least one hollow tubular part, a means for associating the stick, a means for sliding the stick for use and, secondly, an auxiliary part which is a removable closing cap. The case is of a shape adapted to that of the stick (in particular cylindrical with a circular or oval outline), generally rigid, self-supporting, transportable and manipulable by the user. The case has dimensions adapted to the stick. For example, it may have a length of the order of 6 cm to 10 cm and a diameter of the order of 2 cm to 4 cm for a lipstick. It may have a larger diameter in the case of a deodorant, or smaller in the case of a pointed stick.For the application of the stick material, the main part of the case is used, with the cover removed and separated. Thus, the case can be in two states: open (cover separated from the body), closed (cover separated from the body).

[0007] Generally speaking, the term "associated" used in relation to several means must be understood as meaning that these means are combined structurally and / or functionally with a view to a certain result.

[0008] “Axial” refers to that which is arranged in the axis or parallel to it (including substantially parallel), "transverse" to that which is arranged perpendicular to the axis (including substantially perpendicularly) and passing through it or not, "radial" to that which extends in a transverse direction passing through the axis. "Peripheral" refers to that which goes around, relative to the axis. "Peripheral" refers to that which is arranged on the periphery. "Internal" or "inner" refers to that which is closest to the axis or facing towards it. "External" or "outer" refers to that which is furthest from the axis or facing away from it. "Lateral" refers to that which is on the side of the axis.

[0009] "Sliding" qualifying the case (or such part of the case) means that it allows, due to the fact of its arrangement, to slide its contents (the stick) between a retracted configuration and a protruding configuration. In the retracted configuration, the stick is placed inside the hollow main part of the case, the stick not being used. In the protruding configuration, the front end of the stick and an adjoining part protrude outside the main part, towards the front, so that the stick can be used for applying the material.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, the sliding is an exclusively axial, non-rotary movement, and for this reason is described as "straight". According to a second embodiment, the sliding is a combined axial and rotary movement around the axis, and for this reason is described as "helical". In this case, two cylinders mounted one inside the other, sliding and rotating, are generally provided, one comprising a straight slot or groove and the other a helical groove or slot, cooperating with a projection of a moving part.

[0011] “Rechargeable” qualifying a given case, means that this case can be associated with as and when required to new, identical or similar sticks (for example of a different color or fragrance), when necessary or desired, in particular when a previous stick has been completely used. "Associated" here means more precisely that the stick is mounted on and in the case, so that it is carried and held by it, and in doing so can be used for the application. In this configuration, the stick thus mounted, constitutes or belongs to what is called "refill in place".

[0012] “Empty case” means the case alone, without a refill in place, therefore without a stick. This is essentially a mechanical device that allows a stick to be attached to it. "Loaded case" refers to the case to which a refill is attached, therefore a stick, which includes the case of a reloaded case. This is what the user can use for the purpose of applying the material.

[0013] In the case of a cosmetic material, it is sometimes required that the case has a qualitative appearance for the buyer or user, its external appearance being very attractive and being able to be interpreted at first glance as a promise of quality giving confidence. Often, it is desirable that the buyer or user can know what exactly the contents of the case are when it is closed, for example the color of the grape. For this purpose, the case may include a disc in the color of the grape, or all or part of the external face of the case may be of this color. In other cases, such as certain everyday products, it is only necessary that the appearance be suitable.

[0014] “Refill” in relation to a stick of material, denotes a structural unit (sometimes also called a spare or cartridge) available to the user for having obtained it, comprising at least one stick, which is separate from the empty case, and which is intended to associate the stick with the empty case. The operation by which a stick from a new refill is associated with a case is called "setting up". The prior operation by which a stick which was previously associated with a case is dissociated from it is called "removing". A refill can be found in several successive configurations (which means constitution, arrangement, arrangement). In a first configuration, the refill, then called "packaged", is as it is presented for sale and available to the user and may include overpackaging such as a box, a sheath or an envelope. Then, in a second configuration, then called "unpackaged", the user has removed the overpackaging in preparation for the upcoming installation. In a third configuration, called "new and ready", the refill is in the configuration just preceding installation so as to make it possible. Between the unpackaged configuration and the new and ready configuration, it is possible that the user has carried out a preparatory operation. Finally, in a fourth final configuration, then called "in place", the user has installed the new and ready refill, so that the loaded case can then be used.In this configuration, the stick is consumed with each use and, once it has been used completely, the refill is called "consumed", it being specified that there always remains a residual part of stick not used, but practically unusable, or that the user may not wait until the stick has been used completely, when he wishes to use another stick. The term "refill" is used without any other qualifier, when it is not required to distinguish its configuration.

[0015] A first type of lipstick case is known (US 1236846, US 1862271) which, as designed, are not refillable. When the stick has been completely or almost completely used, the user must throw away the case, which is prohibitive if this is deemed unacceptable due to the cost of the case, the user's attachment to it (for its qualitative aspect, its design, its brand), or for ecological reasons. FR 255643, FR 2577397 and FR 2603468 describe cases of the first type comprising an inner tubular element made of metal and an outer sleeve made of molded plastic. EP 0597591 describes an applicator for a cosmetic product but does not purport to propose a new arrangement for lipstick refills or the substitution of one colored ointment for another, as this is considered unsanitary, as all lipstick stick materials touch and contaminate the inside of the case.The aim is to provide a system in which the case is sold separately from the assembly comprising the lipstick cup, and the two are combined to form a new permanent unit. A cup carrying the grape is provided having towards the rear clipping projections arranged so as to cooperate permanently with a transverse edge of a cup holder forming part of the case.

[0016] The invention does not belong to this first type of non-rechargeable cases. A second type of cases, rechargeable, overcomes the previous drawbacks, and is available in several families.

[0017] In a first family of refillable cases, a cup for receiving the grape is provided which is an integral and permanent part of the case. The refill consists of a grape and a protective coating in the form of an envelope made of a material such as soft wax provided with a removal tab. The refill does not include a cup or the like. To install it, the user takes the grape by the coating, then, having grasped the tab, detaches the rear end of the coating so as to reveal the rear end of the grape which can be mounted in the cup, while the grape remains protected by the coating towards its front end which prevents it from being damaged and the user from getting his fingers dirty. This arrangement has the disadvantage that removing the coating is a complicated and unsatisfactory operation. In addition, it leads to waste which is contrary to ecological requirements.Furthermore, when it comes to replacing the rest of a grape with a new grape, it is necessary to clean the bucket and remove the residual part of the unused grape, which is a long, tedious and dirty operation. The invention does not belong to this first family.

[0018] In a second family of refillable cases, there is provided, on the one hand, a grape holder cup supporting the grape and constituting the refill and, on the other hand, distinctly, a sliding mobile support forming an integral and permanent part of the case. The cup and the mobile support mutually comprise complementary removable rigid association means. According to FR 2642624, the mobile support comprises a thread and the grape holder comprises a thread and a keying. The grape holder is screwed onto the thread of the support. A handling cap is provided with a keying complementary to that of the grape holder, these keyings being implemented both for the screwing of installation and the unscrewing of removal by ensuring a rotational lock. This case has the disadvantages that the operations of association and dissociation of the keyings and the threads are neither intuitive, nor easy, nor fast, and that they require care and meticulousness.It is not guaranteed that the combination of keys and threads is correct and effective. The handling cap must be kept in place to unscrew and remove the grape holder. The handling cap is not integral with the grape holder. According to EP 3148367, the grape is mounted in a cup (grape holder bucket), using a toothed arrangement or by clamping and this cup is mounted in a solid and removable manner on the slide (mobile support) by means of an assembly by screwing or cooperation of male and female or magnetic members. A refill consists of a grape, a refill cup and a refill cap. This design has the disadvantage that the installation and especially removal operations are complicated, long and especially that removal requires the use of an extractor.

[0019] The embodiments according to the second family all have the disadvantage of requiring not only a bucket but also a mobile support, i.e. two parts, which is penalizing in terms of quantity of raw material, weight, cost, complexity. The invention does not belong to this second family.

[0020] In a third family, only a grape-holder cup is provided supporting the grape mounted directly in the case, without the need for an intermediate sliding mobile support belonging to the case. FR 1124179, describes a cup, intended to be part of a refill of a lipstick stick, having the function of holding the stick. The cup is capable of being associated with a retractable hollow case comprising on the one hand a hollow cylinder with an open front edge and a helical lateral slot and, on the other hand, a body with an axial internal groove. The slot and the groove of constant width, without narrowing, open on the front edge.The cup is arranged to be able to be placed in the case, once filled with a lipstick stick, to be moved by sliding helical motion relative to the case between two configurations respectively retracted and protruding, and finally to be extracted and separated from the case when desired, especially when the stick has been consumed. The cup comprises, with an axis, a peripheral side wall of cylindrical shape, having on the one hand a front part with a front end having a front opening, and a rear end, and on the other hand, an external face and an internal face delimiting a space. The cup also comprises a transverse partition adjoining the side wall, located in the space. The cup thus provides a housing in the front part of the space, arranged to receive the stick by its rear part abutting on the transverse partition.The slot, the groove and a lug of the cup form a suitable association arrangement so that the cup can be mounted and guided in the case, with helical sliding. This association arrangement is based on the characteristic according to which the lug cooperates with the slot and the groove. This is how the cup is moved in sliding and held at the sliding location where it has been brought. The lug of the cup is integral with the side wall, in a middle position between the front end and the rear end, and extends radially outwards. The lug consists of a single part cooperating with the slot and the groove, having the function of guiding the cup with helical sliding. It has no extension towards the outside. Once the cup is in place, the lug is completely inside the case and it cannot therefore be directly touched, acted upon or moved by the user.Apart from the lug, the external face of the side wall is cylindrical without a projecting portion directed radially outwards. The lug is also a means for limiting the travel of the cup, capable of cooperating with a complementary means for limiting the travel of a protective and handling cap, namely a slot made in the side wall of the cap. As a result, the means for limiting the travel of the cup is spaced from the front end of the . side wall and coincides with the projection. This protective and handling cap is separate from the cup, and can be mounted on it by sliding with significant engagement, up to the lug. To install the refill, the cup is inserted into the opening of the case and it comes into axial locking on its front edge, then the operating head of the case is rotated until the lug enters the groove, then into the slot. As a result, installing the cup is delicate and hazardous since the cup remains on the edge of the opening of the case until it enters the groove, which requires in particular that the case be held with its axis vertical, while, simultaneously, the operating head of the case must be pivoted. The same applies to removal. In addition, the arrangement described by this document is limited to a helical sliding and does not allow a straight sliding.As a result, the case necessarily has an inner cylinder and an outer body, i.e. two parts, not including the cup and the cap. This results in a high cost, a large quantity of material and complex assembly. In addition, the user is unable to know the exact contents of the refill once it is in place and the case is closed. Summary of the invention

[0021] - The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks and limitations of sliding cases and refills of this third family to which it relates. Thus, the problem underlying the invention is, within the framework of this third family, to be able to have a refillable sliding case (without its own sliding support) and a refill comprising a stick-holder cup, with, at the same time: - A simple construction, few constituent parts, namely two main parts, namely a metal case and a plastic cup, in addition of course to a refill cap and a case closing cover. As a result, a reduced quantity of constituent materials, simple manufacturing, acceptable cost. A minimum quantity of material thrown away during removal. - No play or wobbling of the cup and therefore of the stick, especially in the event of vibrations (during transport for example). And a minimal variation in the value of friction of the cup on the case even in the event of changes in ambient parameters such as temperature and aging. - The need for lubrication (such as silicone), which is an advantage from an ornamental point of view, and in the case of lubrication accidental (emanating from the stick) the absence of negative impact on operation. - Easy installation requiring no screwing or application of significant force, without damaging the stick, and without soiling the fingers, even when the refill is gripped with the fingers. - During implementation, the cup slides easily by direct pressure from the user on the lug. - Regular, "smooth" and smooth sliding, "unctuous", easy and pleasant over the entire stroke, except for a functional hard point, between the extreme retracted and protruding configurations with controlled braking and, simultaneously, effective maintenance of the stick in the protruding configuration, without untimely movement. - No squeaking during operation, the noise being low and pleasant. - Removal requiring no disengagement tools or cleaning of a cup that is a permanent part of the case. - A qualitative aspect. - The possibility of identifying the nature (including the color) of the material of the stick from the outside of the closed case with its cover. - Very high flexibility of construction, the sliding can be straight or helical, the case-carrying structure can have one or more slots, with one or more projections provided with a distal part for manual gripping by the user.

[0022] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a stick-holder cup, intended to be part of a refill of a stick of consumable solid-paste material to be applied to a support, having the function of holding the stick, capable of being associated with a retractable hollow case in empty configuration, having a body with a front case opening limited by a front case edge and an axially extended lateral sliding slot with an open front end, - the cup being arranged to be able to be placed in the case while it is filled with a stick, to be, during use, moved by sliding relative to the case between two extreme configurations retracted and projecting, and to be extracted and separated from the case when desired, - the cup, comprising, with an axis: - a peripheral side wall of the cup, rigid as a whole, comprising on the one hand a front part of the cup with a front end of the cup having a front opening of the cup limited by a free edge of the front of the cup, and a part rear of cup with a rear end of cup, and on the other hand an external face of cup and an internal face of cup delimiting an interior space of cup, - a front housing of cup in the front part of the space of cup, arranged to receive the stick by its rear part, so as to hold it, - a suitable coupling arrangement so that the cup can be mounted and guided in the case, - a lug secured to the side wall of the cup, extending radially outwards, having a proximal peduncle capable of cooperating with the sliding slot to guide the cup, - a means for the end of the cup travel forwards relative to a refill cap, belonging to the cup side wall, arranged to cooperate with a means for the end of the cap travel backwards relative to the cup.

[0023] This cup is such that: - the peduncle has a length in the radial direction allowing it to pass through the through sliding slot, - the peduncle is extended outwards by a distal manipulation cursor arranged to be able to be touched, acted upon and moved by the user in order to move the sliding cup, - the association arrangement comprises a radially elastically deformable structure, belonging to the side wall of the cup or associated with it, arranged to - being constrained inwards by the case - ensure a soft frictional contact and braking of the cup on the case on the stroke between the extreme retracted and projecting configurations, controlled so that the cup is moved with a soft sliding action when the cursor is moved by the user, and that in the absence of any user input, the cup remains at the sliding location where it has been brought, including during the application of the material, while the stick is in light contact with the support, - the means for the end of the cup travel forward relative to the refill cap is located towards the front end of the cup side wall, and spaced from the lug forward.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the radially elastically deformable structure comprises a projecting portion of the external face of the cup side wall, located in the rear part, directed radially outwards, arranged so as to be able to be moved elastically inwards once the cup is placed in the case.

[0025] According to different embodiments: - the projecting portion comprises one or more projecting parts, and / or - the projecting portion is arranged over the whole or only part of the circumference of the side wall of the cup, and / or - several projecting parts are arranged around the edge of the side wall of the cup in a continuous or discontinuous manner, adjoining, adjacent or spaced apart.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a projecting portion is provided on at least one peripheral sector of the side wall of the cup in the hollow rear part which it limits, between two solutions of continuity extended axially of length capable of allowing the radial deformation of the peripheral sector towards the interior suitable for ensuring the contact with gentle friction and braking of the cup and the maintenance of the cup at the location of the sliding where it has been brought.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the lug is arranged outside the radially elastically deformable structure, in particular is arranged in the vicinity between the front part and the rear part of the cup.

[0028] Depending on the embodiments, the cup comprises a single lug, or two lugs, or at least three lugs, with a peduncle and a slider, regularly distributed around the axis in the case of a plurality of lugs, by means of the same plurality of sliding slots.

[0029] According to the embodiments, the cursor is characterized in that: - either it is an integral part of the cup to be a single piece with it, or it is attached to it, using a means of association such as screwing, gluing, clipping, force-fitting, and / or - it is swollen to facilitate its touch, its use and its movement by the user, and / or - it has an appearance, in particular a shade of color, corresponding to the characteristics, in particular the shade of color, of the stick.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the means for the end of the cup travel forward relative to the cap comprises the front free edge of the cup.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cup further comprises a removable rigid means for associating the cup with the cap, belonging to the side wall of the cup and located towards the front end of the cup, capable of cooperating with a removable rigid means for associating the cap with the cup, so that, on the one hand, the associated cup and cap form a unitary assembly allowing the cup to be manipulated with a view to positioning it by means of the cap, and on the other hand, the cup and the cap can be separated from each other after positioning. In particular, the removable rigid means for associating the cup with the cap comprises a relief provided on the external face of the side wall of the cup in the vicinity of the front opening of the cup. According to the embodiments: - the relief comprises one or more relief parts, and / or - the relief is arranged over the whole or only part of the circumference of the side wall of the cup, and / or - several relief parts are arranged around the periphery of the side wall of the cup in a continuous or discontinuous manner, adjoining, adjacent or spaced apart, and / or - the relief is hollow, in particular a groove, or part of a groove.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the peduncle has a dimension in the transverse direction chosen so as to be: - slightly less than the width of the main section of the sliding slot, except for the clearance necessary to guide the cup in the case with smooth sliding, over the travel of the main section of the slot between the extreme retracted and protruding configurations, - slightly greater than the width of a narrowing of the sliding slot in the absence of any stress to widen it or of any stress to narrow it in the transverse direction of the peduncle.

[0033] Depending on the embodiments, the cup is made entirely or partly of plastic, or entirely or partly of metal.

[0034] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a refill of a stick, in its new and ready configuration just preceding the placement of the stick to associate it with an empty case, comprising, with an axis: - a stick-holder cup as previously described, - a stick of material whose rear part is received in the front housing of the cup, so as to hold it, and whose front part projects towards the front of the front housing, - a refill cap, rigid as a whole, having a peripheral envelope comprising a lateral part and a top part opposite a base having an opening, an external face and an internal face delimiting an internal housing for the projecting part of the stick, and comprising: - a means for limiting the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup, located towards the opening of the cap and arranged to cooperate with the means for limiting the cup travel towards the front relative to the cap, - a means for limiting the cap travel towards the rear relative to the case, capable of cooperating with a means for limiting the case travel towards the front relative to the cap.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the means for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup comprises a transverse recess of the internal face of the lateral part of the casing of the cap, located towards the opening of the cap by means of an axial spacing with the latter, and facing towards the opening of the cap. In particular: - the offset includes one or more offset parts, and / or - the recess is arranged on the whole or only on part of the perimeter of the lateral part of the cap envelope and / or - several recessed parts are arranged around the edge of the lateral part of the cap envelope continuously or discontinuously, adjoiningly, adjacently or spaced apart.

[0036] According to the embodiments, the means for limiting the cap travel towards the rear relative to the case is, in the case of a cylindrical cap base, the edge limiting the opening of the cap and, in the case of a cap base flared towards the opening of the cap, the part of the internal face of the cap adjacent to the edge limiting the opening of the cap.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the new and ready refill further comprises a removable rigid means for associating the cap with the cup, belonging to the internal face of the lateral part of the casing of the cap, located towards the opening of the cap by means of an axial spacing with the latter, capable of cooperating with a removable rigid means for associating the cup with the cap, so that, on the one hand, the cap and the cup can form a unitary assembly allowing the manipulation of the cup with a view to positioning it by means of the cap, and on the other hand, so that the cap and the cup can be separated from each other after positioning.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the removable rigid means for associating the cap with the cup is arranged between the detachment of the cap end-of-travel means towards the rear relative to the cup and the opening of the cap.

[0039] According to the embodiments, the removable rigid cup-cap association means comprises a relief such that: - the relief comprises one or more relief parts, and / or - the relief is arranged over the whole or only part of the perimeter of the lateral part of the cap casing, and / or - several relief parts are arranged around the edge of the lateral part of the cap envelope in a continuous or discontinuous manner, adjoining, adjacent or spaced apart, - the relief is protruding, in particular a boss, bead or part of a bead.

[0040] Depending on the embodiments, the base of the refill cap towards the edge limiting its opening is either cylindrical like the remaining part of the cap or flared towards the opening.

[0041] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a refill in its in-place configuration, with the stick associated with a case, which is similar to that previously described, but without a refill cap, the latter having been separated from the stick-holder cup at the end of the installation.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a refillable, hollow sliding case, in an empty configuration, comprising, with an axis, in addition to a removable closing cover, a case body having: - a peripheral side wall of the case, rigid as a whole, comprising on the one hand a front part of the case with a front end of the case having a front opening of the case limited by a free front edge of the case, and a rear part of the case with a rear end of the case provided with a bottom, and on the other hand an external face of the case and an internal face of the case delimiting an internal housing of the case, capable of receiving the stick, - an axially extended lateral sliding slot provided in the case side wall, with an open front end and a closed rear end.

[0043] This empty case is such that: - it is specially adapted to be associated with a stick of a new and ready refill as previously described, - apart from the closing hood, it is essentially made up of the side wall of the case with its base, to the exclusion of any other cylinder, sheath, slide or cup holder, - the slit is through and able to cooperate with the peduncle which crosses it, to guide the cup, - the inner face of the case side wall is designed to cooperate with the radially elastically deformable structure of the cup, so - the elastically deformable structure being constrained inwards by the inner face of the case side wall - to ensure a soft frictional contact and braking of the cup on the case over the stroke corresponding to the extreme retracted and projecting configurations, controlled so that the cup is moved with a smooth sliding action when the cursor is moved by the user, and that in the absence of any user input, the cup remains at the sliding location where it was brought, including during the application of the material, while the stick is in light contact with the support, - it comprises a means for the end of the case travel towards the front relative to the refill cap, capable of cooperating with the means for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the case.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the sliding slot comprises a narrowing of smaller width located towards - but spaced apart from - the front end of the slot.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the empty case further comprises an axially extended lateral widening slot formed in the side wall of the case, with an open front end, intended to allow the narrowing to be slightly widened when the peduncle passes through it.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the sliding slot has a flared open front end, capable of facilitating the axial introduction of the peduncle.

[0047] Depending on the embodiments, the sliding slot is either straight or helical, the sliding of the stick being either straight or helical.

[0048] Depending on the embodiments, the empty case comprises a single sliding slot, or two sliding slots, or at least three sliding slots.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the means for stopping the case from moving forward relative to the cap is the edge of the front opening of the case.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the side wall of the case is made of metal by machining, including drilling or turning, the internal face of the side wall being free of undercut or counter undercut.

[0051] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a case loaded with a stick of solid-pasty material, comprising an empty refillable sliding case as previously described, and a refill in place as previously described, in which the cup is associated directly with the case.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the width of the narrowing is slightly less than the transverse dimension of the peduncle, which when sliding: - can come into abutment forwards against the rear edge of the narrowing, thus forming a hard point, so that the cup and the case, once associated, cannot be dissociated unexpectedly, but can be by sufficiently stressing the slider forwards to cross the hard point, the main slot section, between the rear edge of the narrowing and the closed rear end of the slot defining the travel between the retracted and projecting extreme configurations, - can come into abutment rearwards against the front edge of the narrowing, thus forming a hard point, which can be crossed by sufficiently stressing the cap or the slider rearwards.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the rear edge of the narrowing is spaced in the axial direction from the open front end of the sliding slot by a distance close to or slightly less than the distance in the axial direction between the peduncle and the front free edge of the cup or the removable rigid means for associating the cup with the cap, so that in the extreme projecting position, the cup projects slightly from the case.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the main section of slot, between the rear edge of the narrowing and the closed rear end of the slot, corresponds to the length of the section of new stick outside the cup.

[0055] According to one embodiment, apart from the closing cover, the loaded case is essentially constituted by the case side wall, the cup and the stick.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the side wall of the case and the cup, arranged to slide straight or helical, are in plastic-metal contact.

[0057] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for placing a stick of a new and ready refill as described, in an empty, refillable sliding case as described, in which: - such an empty case is available, - such a new and ready refill is available, - the empty case and the new, ready refill are taken by the refill cap, and the rear part of the cup is brought opposite the front opening of the case, coaxially and with the lug of the cup opposite the front opening of the sliding slot, - the rear part of the cup is inserted into the front part of the case and the lug into the sliding slot, - a relative movement of the cup filled with the stick and associated with the refill cap, and of the case, is ensured, so as to make the stick penetrate into the interior housing of the case, - and we separate the refill cap and the cup.

[0058] According to one embodiment, to dissociate the refill cap and the cup, the peduncle is brought to the second hard point against the front edge of the narrowing, then the edge of the opening of the cap is brought into abutment against the edge of the opening of the case by forcing the passage of the front edge of the narrowing, then the cleaner is urged backwards so as to dissociate the respective removable rigid association means of the cap and the cup.

[0059] According to one embodiment, an operation of removing a refill consumed in place has previously been carried out and, for this purpose, the cursor is moved forward so as to slide the cup forward, and make it pass through the constriction until the cup is completely extracted from the interior housing of the case, and this without the need for an extractor or the like. Brief description of the drawings

[0060] [Fig. 1] is a front elevational view of a closed loaded case showing its side wall and closing cover and the cup manipulation slider placed in the case;

[0061] [Fig.2]and the;

[0062] [Fig.3] are two views respectively front, side and top of the loaded case of [Fig.l];

[0063] [Fig.4] is a front elevational view of an open loaded case, the cover having been removed. The figure shows the side wall of the case, a sliding slot here right, the part of the cup protruding from the side wall of the case, the stick of material to be applied, the handling cursor allowing the cup to slide;

[0064] [Fig.5] and;

[0065] [Fig.6] are two sectional views of the loaded case according to section planes VV and VI- VI of figures 2 and 1. These figures show in particular the stick in the extreme retracted position and the handling slider allowing the cup to slide. They illustrate the radially elastically deformable structure of the cup in contact with the internal face of the peripheral side wall of the case;

[0066] [Fig.7] is a side elevational view of a refill in its new and ready configuration, showing the cup with its slider and the refill cap mounted on the cup in its variant embodiment with the end portion towards the edge limiting its opening flared towards the opening;

[0067] [Fig.8A] is a front elevation view of the refill of [Fig.7].

[0068] [Fig.8B] is a front elevation view of the refill in its variant of construction with end part towards the edge limiting its cylindrical opening;

[0069] [Fig.9] is a sectional view along section plane IX-IX of [Fig.8A], of the new and ready refill, showing the cup with its slider, the material stick and the refill cap mounted on the cup. It illustrates the radially elastically deformable structure of the cup;

[0070] [Fig. 10] is a front elevational view of the side wall of the open empty case, without the closing cap, showing the sliding slot, here a straight slot. It also shows a removable rigid means of securing the wall to the cap;

[0071] [Fig. 11] is a front rear elevational view of the side wall of the open empty case, without the closing hood, showing the widening slot;

[0072] [Fig. 12] is a top view of the side wall of the open empty case of Figures 10 and 11, showing the sliding slot and the widening slot;

[0073] [Fig. 13] is an enlarged sectional view of the side wall of the open empty case, without the closing hood, showing the sliding slot and its narrowing.

[0074] [Fig.l3A] is an enlargement of [Fig. 13] showing the narrowing of the sliding slot;

[0075] [Fig. 14] is a front elevation view of the cup showing its side wall, its distal manipulation slider, its radially elastically deformable structure, and the removable rigid association means of the cup to the cap, here in the form of a groove;

[0076] [Fig. 15] is a side elevational view of the cup of [Fig. 14];

[0077] [Fig. 16] is a top view of the cupule of [Fig. 14] and 15, showing the peduncle proximal to the lug and the stick holding reliefs;

[0078] [Fig.17] is a sectional view along section plane XVII-XVII of [Fig.14], of the cup showing its side wall, its slider, its radially elastically deformable structure, the removable rigid means of association of the cup to the cap, here in the form of a groove, the proximal peduncle of the lug and reliefs for holding the stick;

[0079] [Fig. 18] is a front elevation view of the refill cap in its variant embodiment with the end portion towards the edge limiting its opening flared towards the opening;

[0080] [Fig. 19] is a sectional view of the refill cap of [Fig. 18], along the line XIX-XIX, showing its peripheral casing with its lateral part and its top part, its base having an opening, an interior housing, a means for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup here in the form of a transverse recess, a means for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the case, and a means for the removable rigid association of the cap with the cup here a relief comprising several bosses.

[0081] [Fig. 19A] is a partial enlargement of [Fig. 19];

[0082] [Fig.20A] ;

[0083] [Fig.20B] ;

[0084] [Fig.20C] ;

[0085] [Fig.20D] ;

[0086] [Fig.20E] ; and

[0087] [Fig.20F]; are six front elevation diagrams illustrating successive stages of placing a stick refill in an empty case;

[0088] [Fig.21A] ; and

[0089] [Fig.21B] are two detailed diagrams illustrating the installation of a refill of stick in an empty case, namely more specifically the disengagement of the refill cap;

[0090] [Fig.22] is a side elevation view similar to [Fig. 15], of a cup variant comprising two pushers. Description of the embodiments

[0091] Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention accompanied by examples and reference to the drawings.

[0092] The field of the invention has been mentioned previously, as well as certain general knowledge of those skilled in the art. The terms and expressions used in the following description must be understood as mentioned previously (e.g. for front, rear, axial, etc.). There is no need to return to this. If the following description is made with reference to a lipstick case, the invention may have other applications as mentioned previously.

[0093] The invention relates to a case E for a stick of solid-pasty material B, consumable (such as lipstick in particular), to be applied to a support (such as the human body in particular), by means of light contact of the stick on the support, which may include sliding, by means of a refill R of stick B.

[0094] The reference E generally designates the case or the relevant part of the case, whether it is in the open state (body 1 detached from the cover 2) or closed (body 1 secured to the cover 2), and whether it is in its “empty case” configuration (without refill R in place, therefore without stick B) or in its “loaded case” configuration (which includes the case of a reloaded case), in which the case E is associated with a refill in place R, therefore a stick B. This is what the user can use for the purpose of applying the material.

[0095] The reference R generally designates the refill or the part considered of the refill, whether it is in its “new and ready” configuration just preceding placement in a case E, so as to make it possible, or in the final “in place” configuration in which a new and ready refill (with a new stick B) is in place in the case, which is then loaded and can be used, or even in the “consumed” configuration in which the stick B has been consumed.

[0096] Reference B generally designates the stick which may be new as shown in the figures, or more or less used or finally consumed.

[0097] As this is a retractable case, the stick B is movable by axial sliding relative to the case E between two extreme configurations, respectively retracted (figures 5 and 6) and projecting ([Fig.20F]). Consequently, the refill in place (which comprises the stick B), is itself movable by axial sliding between these two extreme configurations.

[0098] The case E and the refill R both have a general rectilinear reference direction, or axis A, which may be at least partly of revolution or symmetry. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the case E and the refill R and their constituent parts have a general cylindrical shape or one close to a cylindrical shape, and have a periphery (or contour) of circular or close to a circular section. These embodiments are not exclusive of others in which the periphery is of oval shape for example (typically for a deodorant stick). In all cases, the shapes of the case E, the refill R and the stick B are mutually adapted. A straight sliding can be obtained with a circular or other shape, such as oval, whereas a helical imposes a circular shape.

[0099] The case E may have a length of the order of 6 cm to 10 cm and a diameter of the order of 2 cm to 4 cm for a lipstick. It may have a larger or smaller diameter for other materials to be applied.

[0100] The case E, in its loaded configuration (figures 1 to 6) and in the closed state, comprises a case body 1, a closing cover 2 of the body 1, mounted on it rigidly and removable, and a refill R in its in-place configuration, associated with body 1. In its loaded configuration and in the open state - closing cap removed - ([Fig.20F]), case E is essentially made up of body 1 and refill R in its in-place configuration.

[0101] Reference is now made more specifically to Figures 10 to 13A which illustrate in detail the body 1 of the empty and open case E (closing cover removed). The body 1 comprises, and more precisely, is constituted by a peripheral side wall of the case 3, rigid as a whole.

[0102] The side wall 3 firstly comprises a front case portion 4 with a front case end 5 having a front case opening 6 limited by a front case free edge 7.

[0103] The side wall 3 secondly comprises a rear case portion 8 with a rear case end 9 provided with a bottom 10, here closed. On the other hand, the side wall 3 has an external case face 11 and an internal case face 12, delimiting an internal case housing 13, capable of receiving the stick B. Here, the side wall 3 is made of metal, such as aluminum, by machining, including drilling or turning, the internal face 12 being free of undercut or counter undercut.

[0104] In the side wall 3 is provided a lateral sliding slot 14. “A” sliding slot must be understood as meaning at least one slot, as will be detailed later. The sliding slot 14 is a through slot and is extended axially between a front end 15, open onto the opening 6 and the edge 7, and a rear end 16, closed, close to the bottom 9, by means of a space. The sliding slot 14 is able to cooperate with a peduncle 17 of a stick-holder cup 18 forming part of the refill R, which peduncle 17 completely crosses the sliding slot 14 and has the function of guiding the cup 18. In Figures 10, 13 and 13A, it is provided that the sliding slot 14 has a flared end 15, able to facilitate the axial introduction of the peduncle 17.

[0105] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the sliding slot 14 comprises a narrowing 19. This narrowing 19 is interposed between two slot sections which it separates: a main slot section 14a, located at the rear of the narrowing 19 between the rear edge 21 of the narrowing 19 and the rear end 16 of the sliding slot and an introduction section 14b, located at the front of the narrowing 19. The axial length (or stroke) of the main section 14a defines the sliding stroke of the refill R and the stick B between the retracted and projecting extreme configurations. This axial length corresponds to the length of the new stick section B outside the cup 18. The narrowing 19 has a front edge 20 and a rear edge 21, connecting to the unnarrowed part of the slot 14 towards the introduction section 14b and towards the main section 14a, and a part intermediate 22 between the edges 20 and 21. The width (in transverse direction) of the narrowing 19 is slightly less than the dimension in transverse direction of the peduncle 17, while the width of the slot 14 in its main section 14a and its introduction section 14b is slightly greater than the dimension in transverse direction of the peduncle 17. The narrowing 19 is located towards the front end 15 of the slot 14, but nevertheless spaced from it, as will be explained later.

[0106] Since the width of the narrowing 19 is slightly less than that of the stalk 17, a lateral widening slot 23 is provided in the side wall 3, intended to allow, by a minimal elastic deformation of the side wall 3 designed for this purpose, to slightly widen the narrowing 19 when the stalk 17 crosses it (towards the rear or towards the front). In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1 1], the widening slot 23 is axially extended between a front end 24, open on the opening 6 and the edge 7, and a rear end 25, closed, close to the bottom 9, and for example more or less in the same transverse plane as the rear end 16. The width of the widening slot 22 may be minimal and if necessary the widening slot 22 may be without substantial removal of the material constituting the side wall 3.

[0107] According to the embodiment of figures 4 to 6 and 10 to 13A, the sliding slot 14 is straight, the sliding of the stick B and the refill R being straight. According to the embodiment of figures 20A to 20F, the sliding slot 14 is helical, the sliding of the stick B and the refill R being helical. According to the embodiment of figures 4 to 6, 10 to 13A, 20A to 20F, a single sliding slot 14 is provided. In other embodiments, not shown, two sliding slots 14 are provided, or at least three sliding slots 14.

[0108] The body 1 (therefore the side wall 3) also comprises a means 26a for the end of travel of the case forwards relative to a refill cap 27 forming part of the refill R in its new and ready configuration. This means 26a is capable of cooperating with a means 26b for the end of travel of the refill cap backwards relative to the case. By "means for the end of travel of the case forwards relative to a refill cap", it is necessary to understand a means (such as a relief, a projection, an edge, a stop or the like) which belongs to - and forms part of - the case E, which ensures an end of travel function (i.e. blocking or stopping) when it cooperates with a complementary means of the refill cap 27, this end of travel being in the direction of the axis A and the direction in which the case E moves forwards, relative to the refill cap 27.This definition can be transposed to the other case end-of-travel means discussed in the description. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the case end-of-travel means 26a forward relative to the refill cap 27 is the front free edge of the case 7.

[0109] The body 1 (therefore the side wall 3) also comprises case means 28 for (i) carrying the closing cap 2 of the case E, (ii) limiting the mounting stroke of the closing cap 2 on the body 1 and the side wall 3, and (iii) rigidly and removably associating the closing cap 2 with the body 1 and the side wall 3, capable of cooperating with complementary means of the closing cap 2.By "case means for rigidly and removably associating the closure cap 2 with the body 1 and the side wall 3" is meant means (such as a relief, a projection, an edge, a stop or the like) which belong to - and are part of - the body 1 (and the side wall 3), which, in cooperation with complementary means of the closure cap 2, on the one hand allow the closure cap 2 to be carried and held firmly by the body 1 (and the side wall 3) so as to form with it a unitary assembly allowing the assembly to be handled, the closure cap not being able to be unintentionally dissociated from the body 1 (and the side wall 3), on the other hand allow the closure cap 2 and the body 1 (and the side wall 3) to be dissociated from each other with sufficient stress from the user.Such case means 28 for carrying, limiting the stroke and rigidly associating in a removable manner may comprise a section 28a of the external face 11, an outward peripheral transverse recess 28b of the external face 11, for example in the vicinity of the rear end 9, so that the rear part of the case 8 is bulged, and an inward peripheral transverse groove 28c of the external face 11, for example in the vicinity of the front end 5. These means 28 are capable of cooperating with the internal face of the closure hood 2, the free edge of the closure hood 2 limiting its opening and its end and a peripheral transverse projection of the internal face of the closure hood 2. Such means are well known to those skilled in the art.In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the transverse recess 28b is located slightly spaced towards the rear of the rear end 16 of the sliding slot 14, so as to allow the stalk 17 to pass between them, while ensuring visual continuity between the external face 11 of the swollen rear part 8 and the external face of the closing hood 2.

[0110] Of course, it is not forbidden to provide that the case E is itself placed in a decorative trim.

[0111] Reference is now made more specifically to Figures 7 to 9 which illustrate the refill R as a whole, in its new and ready configuration, to Figures 5 and 6 which illustrate the refill R as a whole in its in-place configuration, to Figures 14 to 17 which illustrate in detail the cup 18 of the refill R, to Figures 18 and 19 which illustrate in detail a possible embodiment of the refill cap 27 of the refill R, and finally to [Fig.22] which illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cup 18.

[0112] In its new and ready configuration (figures 7 to 9), the refill R comprises - and is constituted by - the cup 18, the stick B which it carries and holds, as well as the refill cap 27 mounted on the cup. In its in-place configuration (figures 5 and 6), the refill R also comprises - and is constituted by - the cup 18 and the stick B, but not the refill cap 27 which has been detached and removed.

[0113] Of course, the case E and the refill R are both designed so that they can be associated and cooperate. Thus, the cup 18 is arranged to be able to (i) be placed in the empty case E while it is filled with a stick B, (ii) be, during use, moved by sliding relative to the case E between the two extreme configurations retracted and protruding, and (iii) be extracted and separated from the case when desired, in particular when the stick B has been consumed.

[0114] The cup 18 has the functions of holding the stick B and, in association with the case E, of contributing to the positioning of the stick B in the housing 13 of the case E, of participating in a guided sliding of the stick B in the case E, of contributing to the stick B remaining at the sliding location where it was brought, and of contributing to the removal of the consumed stick B from the housing 13 of the case E.

[0115] The cup 18, of axis A, comprises a peripheral cup lateral wall 29, rigid as a whole, comprising on the one hand a front cup part 30 with a front cup end 31 having a front cup opening 32 limited by a front free cup edge 33, and a rear cup part 34 with a rear cup end 35, and on the other hand an external cup face 36 and an internal cup face 37 delimiting an internal cup space 38.

[0116] The cup 18 also comprises in the interior space 38 and in the front part 30, a front cup housing 39 arranged to receive the stick B by its rear part Ba, so as to hold it. For the purpose of holding the stick B, axially oriented ribs 39a may be provided, adjoining the internal face of the housing 39, capable of firmly gripping by force the rear part Ba of stick B.

[0117] The cup 18 also comprises a lug 40 secured to the side wall 29, extending radially outwards, comprising the peduncle 17. This peduncle is arranged proximally relative to the side wall 29 to be adjacent thereto, and, as indicated, capable of cooperating with the sliding slot 14 to guide the cup 18. The peduncle 17 has a length in the radial direction allowing it to pass through the through sliding slot 14.

[0118] The peduncle 17 is extended outwards by a manipulation slider 41, arranged distally relative to the side wall 29 to be separated therefrom by the peduncle 17. The slider 41 (which could also be called a button) is arranged to be able to be touched, acted upon and moved by the user, in all circumstances, whatever the arrangement, in order to move the sliding cup 18.

[0119] The cup 18 also comprises an association arrangement adapted to be able to be mounted and guided in the case constituted by the very structure of the cup 18. This association arrangement comprises a radially elastically deformable structure 42, belonging to the side wall 29 or associated with it. The radially elastically deformable structure 42 is arranged to, when it is forced inwards by the inner face 12 of the case, ensure a gentle frictional contact and braking of the cup 18 on the case E, on the travel between the retracted and projecting extreme configurations. This contact is controlled so that, firstly, the cup 18 is moved with a gentle sliding action when the cursor 41 is moved by the user.This gentle frictional contact and braking is controlled so that, secondly, in the absence of any user input, the cup 18 remains, by braking, at the sliding location where it has been brought, including during the application of the material, while the stick B is in light contact with the support.By controlled contact between the radially elastically deformable structure 42 and the inner face 12 of the case, it is necessary to understand that the embodiment of the radially elastically deformable structure 42, that the bearing force exerted by the elastically deformable structure 42 on the inner face 12, that the nature of the materials of the cup 18 and of the case E, that the coefficient of friction and the surface condition of the contact zones of the elastically deformable structure 42 and of the inner face 12, and that the dimensions of the associated moving parts (cup 18 and case E) and the clearances existing between them, are chosen so as to obtain the combination of gentle friction and braking as indicated.

[0120] For the purposes previously set out, it is provided in one embodiment that the side wall 3 of case E is made of metal, such as aluminum, for example with a thickness of the order of 1 to 2 mm, while the side wall 29 of cup 18 and the elastically deformable structure 42 are made of plastic, such as polypropylene, so that the elastically deformable structure 42 and the internal face 12 are in plastic-metal contact. Aluminum and polypropylene are not exclusive of other equivalent materials, especially with regard to the characteristics of their contact.

[0121] For the same purposes, it is provided in one embodiment that the radially elastically deformable structure 42 comprises a projecting portion 42a of the external face 36 of the side wall 29 of the cup 18. In this embodiment, this projecting portion 42a is located in the rear part 34 of the cup 18. It is directed radially outwards. It is arranged so as to be able to be moved elastically inwards once the cup 18 is placed in the case E. For this purpose, in this embodiment, the rear part 34 of the cup 18 is hollow. More precisely, it can be provided that a projecting portion 42a is provided on one, or preferably several (four in the embodiment shown in the figures, but which can be of a different number), peripheral sectors 43 of the side wall 29 in the rear part 34 which it limits, between two solutions of continuity 44a and 44b, extended axially which give the peripheral sectors 43 a shape of a tab, tongue or flap, of axial direction. With four projecting portions 42a, there are four solutions of continuity 44a, 44b. These solutions of continuity 44a and 44b are slots with removal of material, as shown in the figures, or without removal of material. These solutions of continuity 44a and 44b have an axial length capable of allowing the radial deformation of the peripheral sector towards the inside ensuring the obtaining of the effects that the radially elastically deformable structure 42 must obtain. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a projecting portion 42a is a bead projecting from the external face 36, located at the rear end 35, on its free edge 35a.In this embodiment, it is also provided that the connection between the bead of the projecting portion 42a and the free edge 35a has a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than that of the external face 37, so that the introduction of the cup 18 into the housing 13 of the case E is not hindered, by the free edge 35a passing through the front opening 6 of the case E. In this embodiment, it is also provided that the external face 36 radially in line with the tabs, tongues or flaps constituting the peripheral sectors 43 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the external face 36 radially in line with the front part 30 of the cup.

[0122] The embodiment of the radially elastically deformable structure 42 which has just been described is not exclusive of others. Depending on the embodiments, the projecting portion 42a comprises either one projecting part or several projecting parts, and / or the projecting portion 42a is arranged over the entirety or only part of the periphery of the side wall 29, and / or several projecting parts 42a are arranged over the periphery of the side wall 29 continuously or discontinuously, adjoiningly, or adjacently or spaced apart.

[0123] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the cup 18 also comprises in the space 38 a transverse wall 45 having a vent 45a, limiting towards the rear the front housing 39 of the cup 18 and forming an end of travel for pushing the stick B into the cup 18. This wall 45 is located between the front 30 and rear 34 parts of the cup 18. In the front part 30, the external face 36 of the cup 18 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. When the cup 18 is in the new and ready configuration, not yet in place, and in the absence of external stress, the external face of the projecting portion(s) 42a projects slightly radially towards the outside of the cylindrical envelope of the external face 36 in the front part 30, in order to provide the desired friction with the internal face 12 of the case E. The axial length of the front part 30 towards the front of the wall 45 is for example of the order of twice the axial length of the rear part 34, towards the rear of the wall 45. The cup 18 can therefore have, in a possible embodiment, an axial dimension of the order of 2 cm to 3 cm. These dimensions are in no way limiting.

[0124] The lug 40 is arranged outside the elastically deformable structure 42 itself so as not to hinder it. In particular, the lug 40 is arranged in the vicinity between the front part 30 and the rear part 34 of the cup 18, for example slightly towards the rear relative to the wall 45, to which the lug 40 is connected.

[0125] In the embodiment of Figures 14 to 17, a single lug 40 is provided. In the embodiment of [Fig.22], two lugs 40a and 40b are provided, with diametrically opposed stalks 17 and sliders 41, the case E then comprising two diametrically opposed sliding slots 14. In other embodiments, not shown, at least three lugs 40 may be provided, with stalks 17 and sliders 41, regularly distributed around the axis A, by means of the same plurality of sliding slots 14.

[0126] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cursor 41 is an integral part of the cup 18 to be a single piece with it, including with the peduncle 17. In other embodiments, the cursor 41 is attached to the peduncle 17 or else the cursor 41 with the peduncle 17 is attached to the cup 18, using an association means such as screwing, gluing, clipping, or force-fitting.

[0127] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cursor 41 is bulged to facilitate its touch, its stress and its movement by the user. For example, the cursor can be spheroid of the order of a few millimeters in diameter. This shape is however not exclusive of others, for example more or less flattened.

[0128] According to one characteristic, the cursor 41 has an appearance, in particular a shade of color, corresponding to the characteristics, in particular the shade of color, of the stick B, which allows the user to know which is the stick B, without having to open the case E, closed with the cover 2.

[0129] The refill R, in its new and ready configuration, comprises, in addition to the cup 18 and a stick B, the refill cap 27 (figures 18 to 20). The cap 27 is rigid as a whole and is constituted by a peripheral envelope 46, comprising a lateral part 47 and a top part 48, which is located opposite a base 49 having an opening 50 limited by an edge 51. Depending on the embodiments, the base 49 is either cylindrical like the remaining part of the cap ([Fig.8B]) or flared towards the opening 50 (figures 7, 8A, 9, 18 to 20, 20A to 20F, 21A and 21B). The lateral part 47 is generally cylindrical in shape, possibly with a diameter decreasing towards the top part 48. Depending on the embodiments, the top part 48 is flat and transverse (figures 18 to 20), or pointed (figures 21A and 21B). The shapes which have just been mentioned are not limiting. Where appropriate, the peripheral envelope 46 is at least partly transparent or translucent so as to allow the stick B to be viewed through it.

[0130] The cap 27 also comprises an external face 52 and an internal face 53, which delimits an internal housing 54 for the part of the stick B which projects towards the front of the cup 18.

[0131] The cap 27 comprises a means 55a for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup, arranged so as to be able to cooperate with a means 55b for the end of the cup travel towards the front relative to the cap, the means 55a and 55b being complementary.

[0132] The means 55a for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup comprises a transverse recess of the internal face 52 of the cap 27. This recess 55a is located towards the opening 50 of the cap 27, by means of an axial spacing with the latter. This recess 55a faces the opening 50. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the recess 55a comprises a single recess portion arranged around the entire circumference of the lateral portion 47 of the cap 27. This embodiment is not exclusive of other equivalent embodiments in which the recess 55a may comprise several recess portions, and / or be arranged over only one part of the circumference of the lateral portion 47. In the case of several recess portions, they may be arranged around the circumference of the lateral portion 47 continuously or discontinuously, adjoiningly, adjacently or spaced apart.

[0133] The means 55b for the end of the cup travel forward relative to the cap belongs to the side wall 29 of the cup 18. It is located towards the front end 33. It is spaced from the lug 40 towards the front. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the means 55b for the end of the cup travel forward relative to the cap comprises the front free edge 33 of the cup 18.

[0134] The cap 27 also comprises a means 56a for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the case, arranged so as to be able to cooperate with a means 56b for the end of the case travel towards the front relative to the cap, the means 56a and 56b being complementary. In an embodiment where the base 49 is cylindrical like the remaining part of the cap ([Fig.8B]), the means 55a is the edge 51 of the opening 50 of the cap 27. In an embodiment where the base 49 is flared towards the opening 50 (figures 7, 8A, 9, 18 to 20, 20A to 20F, 21A and 21B), the means 55a is the part of the internal face 53 of the cap 27 adjacent to the edge 51 of the opening 50. The means 56b for the end of travel of the case towards the front relative to the cap is the front free edge 7 of the case E.

[0135] The cap 27 also comprises a means 57a for removable rigid association of the cap to the cup, arranged so as to be able to cooperate with a means 57b of removable rigid association of cup to cap, the means 57a and 57b being complementary. The means 57a and 57b are such that, on the one hand, the cap 27 and the cup 18 can form a unitary assembly allowing the manipulation of the cup 18 with a view to placing it in the case E by means of the cap 27, on the other hand, that the cap 27 and the cup 18 can be dissociated from each other after placing the refill in the case E.

[0136] The means 57a for removable rigid association of the cap with the cup belongs to the internal face 52 of the cap 27. It is located towards the opening 50 of the cap 27 by means of an axial spacing with the latter. More specifically, it is arranged between the recess 55a of the means for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup and the opening 50. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the means 57a is a relief comprising several parts. These relief parts are arranged over the entire periphery of the casing 46 of the cap, in a discontinuous and spaced manner. These relief parts are projecting and, in particular, are bosses.This embodiment is not exclusive of other equivalent embodiments in which the relief comprises only one portion of relief, or in which the relief is arranged on only one portion of the periphery of the envelope 46, or in which several portions of relief are arranged in a continuous, adjoining or adjacent manner.

[0137] The means 57b for removable rigid association of the cup to the cap belongs to the side wall 3 of the cup 18 and is located towards the front end 5 of the cup 18. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the means 57b is a hollow relief, such as a groove forming a single part, arranged over the entire circumference of the side wall 3 of the cup 18. This embodiment is not exclusive of other, equivalent embodiments, in which the relief comprises several relief parts, or in which the relief is arranged over only a part of the circumference of the side wall 3, in which several relief parts are arranged on the circumference of the side wall 3 continuously or discontinuously, adjoiningly, or adjacently or spaced apart, or in which the relief is not a groove or part of a groove.

[0138] The invention relates to the refill R, both in its new and ready configuration, and in its in-place configuration (Figures 5, 6). In the in-place configuration, where the stick B is associated with a case, the refill R is similar to the refill in its new and ready configuration, but without the refill cap, the latter having been dissociated from the cup 18 at the end of the refill placement ([Fig.20F]).

[0139] The peduncle 17 has a length in the radial direction just sufficient to allow it to pass through the sliding slot 14, provided to pass through, the cursor 41 thus being located in the immediate vicinity of the external face 11 of the case E. The peduncle 17 has a dimension in the transverse direction which is chosen so that it is now exposed. It is, on the one hand, slightly less than the width of the main slot section 14a, with the clearance necessary to guide the cup 18 in the case E, with a smooth sliding, over the travel of the main slot section 14a, between the extreme retracted and projecting configurations. It is, on the other hand, slightly greater than the width of the narrowing 19 in the absence of stress to widen the width of the narrowing 19, or conversely of stress to narrow in the transverse direction of the peduncle 17.

[0140] When sliding the cup 18 in the case E, towards the front, the refill R having been put in place, the peduncle 17 can, on the one hand, come into abutment towards the front against the rear edge 21 of the narrowing 19, thus forming a first hard point towards the front. Thus, the cup 18 and the case E, once associated, cannot be dissociated unexpectedly. However, the cup 18 and the case E can be dissociated by sufficiently urging the cursor 41 towards the front to overcome this hard point.

[0141] When sliding the cup 18, towards the rear, the peduncle 17 can also come into abutment towards the rear against the front edge 20 of the narrowing 19, thus forming a second hard point towards the rear. However, this second hard point can be crossed by means of sufficient stress on the refill cap 27 or the slider 41 towards the rear.

[0142] The rear edge 21 of the narrowing 19 is spaced in the axial direction from the open front end 15 of the sliding slot 14 by a distance close to or slightly less than the distance in the axial direction between the peduncle 17 and the front free edge 33 of the cup 18, or the means 57b for removable rigid association of the cup to the cap. Thus, in the extreme projecting position, the cup 18 projects slightly, by its extreme front part, from the opening 6 of the case E.

[0143] For use, the user obtains on the one hand a refill R, then in the packaged configuration, and on the other hand an empty case E (from which the cover 2 has been removed) either because the user obtains it or because the user previously obtained a loaded case, but from which the consumed stick has been removed by a prior removal operation.

[0144] The operation of removing a refill R consumed in place consists of moving the cursor 41 forward so as to slide the cup 18 forward, and make it cross the first hard point of the narrowing 19, until the cup 18 is completely extracted from the internal housing 13 of the case E. This operation can be carried out by the user easily, without the need for an extractor or the like. This is how the previously loaded case E becomes empty.

[0145] From the refill R in the packaged configuration, the user can then remove any over-packaging or the like, so as to have a new and ready refill R, which includes the refill cap 27 associated with the cup 18 which holds the stick B. The user can handle this new and ready refill R, which then forms a unitary whole, without risk of damaging the stick B or getting his fingers dirty with the material of the stick B, because the stick B is protected by the refill cap 27 and therefore inaccessible.

[0146] Having thus available the empty case E, open (cover 2 removed) and the new and ready refill R, the user can grasp the empty case E and the new and ready refill R by the refill cap 27 and bring the rear part 34 of the cup 18 opposite the front opening 6 of the case E, coaxially and with the lug 40 of the cup 18 opposite the front opening 14 of the sliding slot 14 ([Fig.20A]).

[0147] Then, the user can make the rear part 34 of the cup 18 penetrate into the front part 4 of the case F, and the lug 40, more precisely its peduncle 17, into the sliding slot 14. And, the user can ensure a relative movement of the cup 18 fitted with the stick B and still at this moment associated with the refill cap 27, and of the case E, so as to make the stick B penetrate into the interior housing 13 of the case E ([Fig.20B]).

[0148] The dissociation of the refill cap 27 and the cup 18 then occurs. To this end, the stalk 17 is brought to the second hard point against the front edge 20 of the narrowing 19 ([Fig.20C]), then the edge 51 of the opening 50 of the cap 27 is brought into abutment against the edge 7 of the opening 6 of the case E ([Fig.20D]), forcing the passage of the front edge 20 of the narrowing. Then the cleaner 41 is urged rearward so as to dissociate the respective removable rigid association means 57a, 57b of the refill cap 27 and the cup 18 ([Fig.20E]). The refill cap 27 is then ejected and thrown away ([Fig.20F]). The stress on the peduncle 17 to cross the front edge 20 of the narrowing 19 most often results in a forward dynamic of the cup 18 which easily draws it into the main section of the slit 14a.

Claims

1. Claims Stick-holder cup (B) (18) comprising, with an axis (A): - a peripheral cup side wall (29), rigid as a whole, comprising on the one hand a front cup part (30) with a front cup end (31) having a front cup opening (32) limited by a front cup free edge (33), and a rear cup part (34) with a rear cup end (35), and on the other hand an external cup face (36) and an internal cup face (37) delimiting an internal cup space (38) with a front cup housing (39), - a lug (40) secured to the side wall (29), extending radially outwards, comprising a proximal stalk (17) outwards extended outwards by a handling slider (41), arranged distally relative to the side wall (29) to be separated therefrom by the stalk (17), arranged to be able to be touched, acted upon and moved by the user in order to move the sliding cup (18), - an association arrangement comprising a radially elastically deformable structure (42), belonging to the side wall (29) or associated with it, comprising a projecting portion (42a) of the external face (36), located in the rear part (34), located at the rear end (35) on its free edge (35a), directed radially outwards and arranged so as to be able to be moved elastically inwards, arranged on one or more peripheral sectors (43) of the side wall (29) in the rear part (34), between two solutions of continuity (44a and 44b), being slots with or without removal of material, extended axially of a length capable of allowing the radial deformation of the peripheral sector (43) inwards suitable for ensuring the contact with gentle friction and braking of the cup (18) and the maintenance of the cup (18) at the location of the sliding where it has been brought which give to the peripheral sectors (43) a shape of paw,of tab or flap, characterized in that: - a projecting portion (42a) is a bead, and the connection between the bead (42a) and the free edge (35a) has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the external face (36), - the external face (36) radially in line with the peripheral sectors (43) has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the external face (36) radially in line with the front part (30), - the front free edge (33) forms a means (55b) for the end of the cup travel towards the front, - it further comprises a means (57b), being a hollow relief, of removable rigid cup association, belonging to the side wall (29) and located towards the front end (31), so that the cup (18), intended to be part of a refill (R) of a stick (B) of consumable solid-paste material to be applied to a support and having the function of holding the stick (B) in the front housing (39), is capable of being associated with a hollow, retractable case (E), having a body and a lateral sliding slot extended axially at the front end which can be crossed by the peduncle (17).

2. Cup (18) according to claim 1, which comprises a single lug (40), or two lugs (40), or at least three lugs (40), with peduncle (17) and cursor (41), regularly distributed around the axis (A) in the case of a plurality of lugs (40).

3. Cup (18) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the slider (41) is characterized in that: - either it is an integral part of the cup (18) to be a single piece with it, - either it is attached to it, using a means of association such as screwing, gluing, clipping, forcing, and / or - it is swollen to facilitate its touch, its use and its movement by the user, and / or - it has an appearance, in particular a shade of color, corresponding to the characteristics, in particular the shade of color, of the stick (B).

4. Cup (18) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which is made of plastic in whole or in part, or of metal in whole or in part.

5. Refill (R) of a stick (B) in its new and ready configuration just preceding the placement of the stick (B) by the user to associate it with a case (E), comprising, with an axis (A): - a cup (18) for holding a stick (B) according to one of claims 1 to 4, - a stick (B) of material whose rear part is received in the front housing (39) of the cup (18), so as to hold it, and whose front part projects towards the front of the front housing (39), - a refill cap (27), rigid as a whole, having a peripheral envelope (46) comprising a lateral part (47) and a top part (48) opposite a base (49) having an opening (50), an external face (52) and an internal face (53) delimiting an internal housing (54) for the projecting part of the stick (B), and comprising: • a means (55a) for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup, located towards the opening (50) and arranged to cooperate with the front edge (33) forming a means (55b) for the end of the cup travel towards the front relative to the cap, • a means (56a) for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the case, capable of cooperating with a means (56b) for the end of the case travel towards the front relative to the cap,

6. New and ready refill (R), according to claim 5, in which the means (55a) for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the cup comprises a transverse recess of the internal face (53), located towards the opening (50) by means of an axial spacing with the latter, and facing towards the opening (50).

7. New and ready refill (R), according to one of claims 5 and 6, in which the means (56a) for the end of the cap travel towards the rear relative to the case is, in the case of a cylindrical cap base (49), the edge (51) limiting the opening (50) and, in the case of a base (49) flared towards the opening (50), the part of the internal face (53) adjacent to the edge (51).

8. New and ready refill (R), according to one of claims 5 to 7, which further comprises a means (57a) for removable rigid association of the cap to the cup, belonging to the internal face (53) of the cap (27), located towards the opening (50) by means of an axial spacing with the latter, capable of cooperating with the means (57b) for removable rigid association of the cup to the cap, so that, on the one hand, the cap (27) and the cup (18) can form a unitary assembly allowing the manipulation of the cup (18) with a view to positioning by means of the cap (27), on the other hand, that the cap (27) and the cup (18) can be dissociated from each other after positioning.

9. New and ready refill (R) according to claim 8, in which the removable rigid cup-cap coupling means (57a) comprises a projecting relief, in particular a boss, bead or part of a bead.

10. Refill (R) of a stick (B) in its in-place configuration, with the stick (B) associated with a case (E), comprising, with an axis (A): - a cup (18) for holding a stick (B) according to one of claims 1 to 4, - a stick (B) of material whose rear part is received in the front housing (39) of the cup (18), so as to hold it, and whose front part projects towards the front of the front housing (39), - a limit switch means (55a) intended for a cap having been dissociated from the cup (18) holding the stick (B) at the end of the installation, towards the rear relative to the cup, located towards the opening (50), - a means (56a) for the end of travel intended for the cap having been dissociated from the cup (18) holding the stick (B) at the end of the installation, towards the rear relative to the case (E).

11. A hollow, refillable sliding case (E) in an empty configuration, comprising, with an axis (A), in addition to a removable closing cap (2), a body (1) of the case (E), for a stick-holder cup of a stick of consumable material to be applied to a support, having a side wall with a projecting portion of its external face directed radially outwards, and a radially extending lug with a peduncle having: - a peripheral side wall of the case (3), rigid as a whole, comprising on the one hand a front part of the case (4) with a front end of the case (5) having a front opening of the case (6) limited by a free front edge of the case (7), and a rear part of the case (8) with a rear end of the case (9) provided with a bottom (10), and on the other hand an external face of the case (11) and an internal face of the case (12) delimiting an internal housing of the case (13), capable of receiving the stick, the internal face (11) being provided to cooperate with the radially projecting portion of the cup, - except the closing hood (2), essentially consisting of the side wall (3) with its base (10), to the exclusion of any other cylinder, sheath, slide or cup holder - an axially extended lateral sliding slot (14) formed in the side wall (3), with a front end (15) open onto the front case opening (6) and the front free edge of the case (7), and with a rear end (16) closed, passing through and capable of cooperating with the peduncle (17) which passes through it, comprising a main rear slot section (14a) and a front introduction section (14b), characterized in that: - the case is specially adapted to be associated with a stick of a new and ready refill, the projecting portion of which belongs to a radially elastically deformable structure, and comprising a refill cap, according to one of claims 5 to 9, the user being able to put in place the new and ready refill, so that the stick of the new refill is associated with the case, - the internal face of the case (12), without undercut or counter undercut, ensures a soft friction contact and braking of the cup on the case (E) on the stroke corresponding to the extreme retracted and projecting configurations, controlled so that the cup is moved with a smooth sliding motion when the cursor is moved by the user, and that in the absence of any user input, the cup remains at the sliding location where it was brought, including during the application of the material, while the stick is in light contact with the support, - the sliding slot (14) has a narrowing (19) of smaller width, located towards the front end (15) of the slot (14) and spaced from it, having a front edge (20) forming a hard point towards the rear and a rear edge (21) forming a hard point towards the front, interposed between the main section (14a) and the introduction section (14b), the width of which is slightly less than the dimension of the peduncle, while the width of the slot (14) in the main section (14a) and the introduction section (14b) is slightly greater than the dimension of the peduncle, - an axially extended lateral widening slot (23) provided in the side wall (3), with an open front end (24), is intended to allow the narrowing (19) to be slightly widened when the peduncle passes through it. - the front free edge 7 of the case is a means (56b) for the end of the case travel forwards relative to the refill cap with a view to dissociating the refill cap and the refill cup when the refill is put in place.

12. Empty case (E) according to claim 11, in which the sliding slot (14) has a flared front end (15), capable of facilitating the axial introduction of the stalk of the refill by the user.

13. Empty case (E) according to claim 11, in which the sliding slot (14) is either straight or helical, the sliding of the stick being either straight or helical.

14. Empty case (E), according to one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that it comprises a single slot of sliding (14), or two sliding slots (14), or at least three sliding slots (14).

15. Empty case (E) according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the internal face (12) of the side wall (3) is free of undercut or counter undercut, the side wall (3) of the case being made of metal by machining, including drilling or turning.

16. Case (E) loaded with a stick (B) of consumable solid-paste material to be applied to a support, comprising an empty refillable sliding case (E) according to one of claims 11 to 15, and a refill (R) in place, in which a new and ready refill according to one of claims 5 to 9 is in place in the case (E), in which the cup (18) is associated directly with the case (E).

17. A loaded case (E) according to claim 16, wherein the peduncle (17) has a dimension in the transverse direction chosen so as to be: - slightly less than the width of the main section (14a) of the sliding slot (14), with the clearance necessary to guide the cup (18) in the case (E) with a smooth sliding movement, over the travel of the main section (14a) of the slot (14) between the retracted and projecting extreme configurations, - slightly greater than the width of a narrowing (19) of the sliding slot (14) in the absence of any stress to widen the latter or of any stress to narrow in the transverse direction of the peduncle (17).

18. Loaded case (E) according to one of claims 16 and 17, in which the width of the narrowing (19) is slightly less than the dimension in the transverse direction of the peduncle (17), which when sliding: - can come into abutment forwards against the rear edge (21) of the narrowing (19), thus forming a hard point, so that the cup (18) and the case (E), once associated, cannot be dissociated unexpectedly, but can be by means of sufficient stress on the cursor (41) forward to cross the hard point, the main slot section (14a), between the rear edge (21) and the closed rear end (16) of the slot defining the stroke between the retracted and projecting extreme configurations, - can come into abutment towards the rear against the front edge (20) of the narrowing (19), thus forming a hard point, which can be overcome by sufficiently stressing the cap (27) or the slider (41) towards the rear.

19. Case (E) loaded according to one of claims 16 to 18, in which the side wall (3) and the cup (18), arranged to slide straight or helical, are in plastic-metal contact.

20. Method for placing a stick (B) of a new and ready refill (R) of consumable solid-paste material to be applied to a support according to one of claims 5 to 9, in an empty, refillable sliding case (E), according to one of claims 11 to 15, in which; - an empty case (E) is available, according to one of claims 11 to 15, from which the cover (2) has been removed, - a new and ready refill (R) according to one of claims 5 to 9 is available, - the empty case (E) and the new, ready refill (R) are taken by the refill cap (27), and the rear part (34) of the cup (18) is brought opposite the front opening of the case (6), coaxially and with the lug (40) of the cup (18) opposite the front opening (15) of the sliding slot (14), - the rear part (34) is inserted into the front part (4) of the case (E) and the lug (40) into the sliding slot (14), - a relative movement of the cup (18) fitted with the stick (B) and associated with the refill cap (27), and of the case (E), is ensured, so as to make the stick (B) penetrate into the internal housing (13) of the case (E), - and we separate the refill cap (27) and the cup (18).

21. Method according to claim 20, in which, to dissociate the refill cap (27) and the cup (18), the peduncle (17) is brought to the second hard point against the front edge (20) of the narrowing (19), then the edge (51) of the opening (50) of the cap (27) is brought into abutment against the edge (7) of the opening (6) of the case (E) by forcing the passage of the front edge (20) of the narrowing (19), then the cursor (41) is urged backwards so as to dissociate the respective removable rigid association means (57a, 57b) of the cap (27) and the cup (18).

Images