COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATION MECHANISM

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (10) for applying a stick (12) of cosmetic product having a main axis (A), and a cup (14) for receiving the stick (12) which is axially movable within an external sheath (16) of the mechanism (10) having a superior orifice (18) for the stick (12) to exit. The external sheath (16) is radially delimited outwards by an external face (20) which is the outermost face of the mechanism (10) and which has a cylindrical shape of revolution about the main axis (A). The mechanism is characterized in that the external face (20) has at least one annular protrusion (22) which is formed in one piece with the sheath (16) and which has an external contour comprising at least one flat (24) adapted to prevent the mechanism (10) from rolling when it rests horizontally on its external face (20). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: MECHANISM FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT STICK Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cosmetic product stick application mechanism having a main axis, and a stick receiving cup which is mounted axially movably in an external sheath of the mechanism having a top exit orifice of the stick, the external sheath being radially delimited outwards by an external face which is the outermost face of the mechanism and which has a cylindrical shape of revolution around the main axis. Technical background

[0002] Prior art is known for application devices used for packaging a cosmetic product, such as a cosmetic product stick, particularly but not exclusively for a lipstick stick. Such a cosmetic product stick is sometimes referred to as a "raisin".

[0003] The application devices generally include a case, formed of a base and a cover, which closes a mechanism allowing the stick to be controlled to slide between a retracted position in which it is protected by the mechanism, and an extended position in which at least a section of the stick protrudes from the mechanism to allow its application.

[0004] The case plays a major aesthetic role. For this purpose, it is generally made entirely or partially of a metallic material.

[0005] It is also known to produce reusable cases into which a new mechanism equipped with a new stick can be inserted after dismantling the old mechanism containing a used stick.

[0006] Furthermore, for environmental reasons, it is now essential to be able to recycle the material constituting the mechanism. In this regard, the mechanism is generally made mostly of a recyclable plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0007] For recycling purposes, the mechanism is therefore separated from its casing before being discarded. The used mechanism is then delivered to a waste sorting center mixed with other waste made of different materials.

[0008] In the sorting center, the sorting chain consists of a series of steps. To carry out all these steps, the waste is conveyed on conveyor belts to each sorting station.

[0009] Some of these stations require that the waste rest in a stationary position on the conveyor belt. The term "stationary" means that the waste rests motionlessly or that it rests with the possibility of oscillating slightly but without significantly leaving its position.

[0010] One of these stations, for example, consists of an optical sorting machine capable of identifying plastics by spectrometry. The waste passes under white light. Based on the light signatures reflected by the waste, the optical sorting machine is able to identify its material. The waste is then redirected to the stream corresponding to the detected material.

[0011] However, cosmetic product grape application mechanisms traditionally have a cylindrical external face which prevents them from resting in a stationary manner when lying on a conveyor belt.

[0012] When the mechanisms roll or remain in motion by inertia, they are no longer stationary on the conveyor belt, the sorting stations cannot analyze the material of these wastes and consequently they are wrongly excluded from the recycling stream.

[0013] There is therefore a need to improve the recycling process of used mechanisms. Summary of the invention

[0014] The invention relates to a mechanism for applying a cosmetic product stick having a main axis, and a stick receiving cup which is mounted movably axially in an external sheath of the mechanism having a top exit orifice of the stick, the external sheath being delimited radially outwards by an external face which is the outermost face of the mechanism and which has a cylindrical shape of revolution around the main axis.

[0015] The mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention is characterized in that the external face has at least one annular protuberance which is made in one piece with the sheath and which has an external contour comprising at least one flat suitable for blocking or limiting the rolling of the mechanism when it rests lying down on its external face.

[0016] This makes it easy to recycle the mechanism.

[0017] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, the protuberance is made of the same material as the sheath.

[0018] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, the protuberance has on its external contour a plurality of flats distributed regularly around the main axis.

[0019] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, the protuberance has an external contour in the shape of a regular polygon.

[0020] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, the annular protuberance is located on an intermediate section of the external face.

[0021] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, it comprises a sliding guide piece for the cup, the guide piece being mounted to rotate relative to a drive piece whose rotation causes the cup to slide between a lower retracted position and an upper position extended towards the exit orifice of the stick, the outer sheath forming part of one of the guide piece and the drive piece.

[0022] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, it includes an actuator which extends axially downwards from the outer sheath and which is integral with the other between the guide piece and the drive piece, said actuator being entirely contained within the contour of the outer face in axial projection.

[0023] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, the outer sheath is formed by the drive part or by the guide part.

[0024] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, the sheath forms a tubular envelope which is fixed around one of the guide piece or the drive piece.

[0025] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, all the components of the mechanism are made of the same material.

[0026] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, all components of the mechanism are made of polypropylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0027] According to another feature of the mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, all the components of the mechanism are made of a metallic material.

[0028] The invention also relates to a cosmetic product application case comprising a mechanism made according to the teachings of the invention, characterized in that it comprises a closure cap for the outlet orifice which is capable of occupying a nested position in which it covers at least one upper end section of the external face of the outer sheath, the cap extending to the annular protuberance.

[0029] According to another feature of the case made according to the teachings of the invention, in the fitted position of the cap, the annular protrusion protrudes radially outwards relative to the cap.

[0030] According to another feature of the case made according to the teachings of the invention, it comprises a base which is fitted and rotationally secured with the actuator, the base extending axially to the annular protuberance by enveloping a lower section of the outer sheath.

[0031] According to another feature of the case made according to the teachings of the invention, the annular protuberance protrudes radially outwards relative to the base.

[0032] According to another feature of the case made according to the teachings of the invention, in the fitted position of the cap, the annular protuberance is axially clamped between the cap and the base.

[0033] According to another feature of the case made according to the teachings of the invention, all the components of the case are made of the same material.

[0034] According to another feature of the case made according to the teachings of the invention, all the components of the case are made of polypropylene and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0035] According to another feature of the case made according to the teachings of the invention, all the components of the case are made of a metallic material. Brief description of the figures

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the reading of the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the attached drawings which are briefly described below.

[0037] Fig. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view representing a cosmetic product stick application mechanism made according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view that represents the mechanism of Fig. 1.

[0039] Fig. 3 is an axial section view of the exploded view of Fig. 2.

[0040] Figure 4 is an axial cross-sectional view representing an external sheath of the mechanism of the [Fig.l].

[0041] Figures 5 to 14 are perspective views which represent the outer sheath made according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0042] Fig. 15 is a perspective view which represents a case containing the mechanism of Fig. 1, the case being in the closed position.

[0043] Fig. 16 is an axial cross-sectional view of the case of Fig. 15.

[0044] The [Fig. 17] is an exploded perspective view which represents a hood and a base of the case as well as the mechanism of the [Fig. 1]. Detailed description of the invention

[0045] By convention, the "axial" direction corresponds in the figures to that of the main axis "A" of the application device for a stick of cosmetic product, such as a lipstick bullet, and the "radial" direction is directed orthogonally to the axial direction by radiating from the main axis.

[0046] In the detailed description of the figures that follows, the terms "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" will be used without limitation in reference to the axial direction, the upper part of the device corresponding to that through which the stick of cosmetic product comes out of the device for application.

[0047] Similarly, the terms "outside or external" and "inside or internal" are used with reference to the radial direction, an outside element being radially further away from the axis "A" than an inside element.

[0048] Figures 1 to 3 show a mechanism 10 for applying a stick 12 of cosmetic product. The mechanism 10 extends along a principal axis "A".

[0049] The mechanism 10 includes a cup 14 for receiving the stick 12 of cosmetic product. The cup 14 is mounted axially, i.e., along the main axis "A", in an external sheath 16 of the mechanism 10 having a top outlet 18 for the stick 14.

[0050] The sheath 16 forms a radially external element of the mechanism 10. The external sheath 16 is thus radially delimited outwards by an external face 20 which forms the outermost face of the mechanism 10. This means that when the mechanism 10 is placed directly horizontally on a surface, it rests on that surface by the external face 20. This face 20 has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution about the principal axis "A".

[0051] To prevent the mechanism 10 from rolling due to the cylindrical shape of the outer face 20, the invention proposes that the sheath 16 have at least one annular protrusion 22 that extends radially beyond the outer face 20. In radial section, the annular protrusion 22 has an outer contour comprising at least one flat 24 suitable for blocking the rolling of the mechanism 10 when it rests on its outer face 20.

[0052] The annular protuberance 22 is made in one piece with the sheath 16.

[0053] Preferably, the protrusion 22 is made of the same material as the outer sheath 16. The sheath 16 and the protrusion 22 are, for example, made from a single piece of material by molding or by a known 3D printing process.

[0054] The outer sheath 16 is preferably made of a plastic material. The plastic material used is preferably recyclable. For example, it is a sheath 16 made of polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a composition involving one or both of PP and PET.

[0055] Alternatively, the outer sheath 16 is made of metal, for example aluminum.

[0056] The annular protuberance 22 is located on an intermediate section of the face 20 external.

[0057] The annular protuberance 22 is here delimited upwards by a superior shoulder face 22A and downwards by an inferior shoulder face 22B.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, the outer sheath 16 has a single annular protrusion 22. The protrusion 22 has a thickness, in the direction of the principal axis "A", which represents, for example, between 10% and 20% of the total axial height of the outer sheath 16. The annular protrusion 22 has, for example, a thickness of approximately 1 cm.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 14], the outer sheath 16 has a single annular protrusion 22. The protrusion 22 has a thickness, in the direction of the principal axis "A", which represents, for example, between 1% and 2% of the total axial height of the outer sheath 16. The annular protrusion 22 has, for example, a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 5, 7, 9, and 11, the outer sheath 16 has at least two parallel annular protrusions 22. In the example shown in the figures, the outer sheath 16 has two annular protrusions 22. Each protrusion 22 has a thickness, in the direction of the principal axis "A," which represents, for example, between 1% and 2% of the total axial height of the outer sheath 16. Each annular protrusion 22 has, for example, a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 13], the outer sheath 16 has a single annular protrusion 22. Unlike the other embodiments, the protrusion 22 does not have an upper shoulder face. The protrusion 22 is connected to the outer face 20 by means of a transition section whose outer face has a contour that gradually changes shape as one moves along the main axis "A", from the shape of the contour of the protrusion 22 at the bottom of the transition section, to the circular shape of the contour of the outer face 20 at the top of the transition section.

[0062] The shape of the flats 24, which ensures that the mechanism 10 remains stationary and extended on a surface, is now described. Each flat 24 must in particular, to allow the mechanism to remain either stationary, or to limit its rolling to the order of a millimeter.

[0063] For example, each flat 24 is arranged so as to be tangent to the external cylindrical face 20.

[0064] Alternatively, each flat 24 is totally radially outward projecting from the external face 20.

[0065] In the examples shown in figures 5, 6 and 9 to 14, the flats 24 preferably have a planar shape.

[0066] In an alternative shown in figures 7 and 8, it is possible to give the flats a slightly curved shape having a radius of curvature much greater than that of the external face 20 of the external sheath 16, so that the mechanism 10 can oscillate without rolling when it rests on its external face 20.

[0067] The annular protrusion 22 has on its outer contour a plurality of flat surfaces 24 distributed regularly around the main axis "A". The angles of the polygon may be sharp (Figures 11 to 14) or rounded (Figures 5, 6). The annular protrusion 22, for example, has an outer contour in the shape of a regular polygon.

[0068] Generally, it is preferable that each flat surface have, in a direction tangent to the external face 20, a width sufficient for the mechanism 10 to remain stationary while lying on a surface, in particular a movable surface. It is therefore preferable that the contour have a polygonal shape with a limited number of sides, for example, fewer than ten sides.

[0069] According to a first embodiment shown in figures 5 to 8, the contour of the protuberance 22 has a square shape.

[0070] According to a second embodiment shown in figures 9 to 12, the contour of the protuberance 22 has a hexagonal shape.

[0071] An example of an embodiment of a mechanism 10 equipped with such an external sheath 16 is now described with reference to figures 1 to 3.

[0072] Such a mechanism 10 includes a sliding guide piece 26 for the cup 14. Such a guide piece 26 is sometimes called a "guide". The guide piece 26 has a tubular body 28 in which the cup 14 is received to slide axially. To allow the sliding guidance of the cup 14, the guide piece 26 has at least one slot 30 that extends axially. The cup 14 has at least one radial lug 32 that is received in the associated slot 30 to allow its axial sliding guidance. Thus, the cup 14 is prevented from rotating relative to the guide piece 26 by the interaction between the lug 32 and the slot 30. The cup 14 here has two diametrically opposed lugs 32, each received in an associated slot 30 of the guide piece 26.

[0073] The guide piece 26 is mounted to rotate relative to a drive piece 34. The rotation of the drive piece 34 relative to the guide piece 26 causes the cup 14 to slide between a retracted lower position and an extended upper position towards the grape outlet 18. For this purpose, the drive piece 34 has a tubular shape. Internally, it has at least one helical groove 36 receiving a free end of an associated lug 32 of the cup 14, which passes through the associated slot 30 of the guide piece 26. The drive piece 34 here has two helical grooves 36, each associated with a lug 32 of the cup 14.

[0074] The outer sheath 16 is integral with one of the guide part 26 and the drive part 34.

[0075] The mechanism 10 also includes an actuator 38 which extends axially downwards from the outer sheath 16 and is integral with the other between the guide piece 26 and the drive piece 34. The actuator 38 is, for example, formed by a wheel having grooves on its outer face.

[0076] Preferably, in axial projection, said actuator 38 is entirely contained within the contour of the external face 20 of the external sheath 16.

[0077] In the example shown in the figures, the mechanism 10 is a so-called "unguided" mechanism. The outer sheath 16 is formed by the drive part 34. In this case, the tubular body 28 of the guide part 26 is fully inserted inside the drive part 34, which forms the outer sheath 16. One lower end of the guide part 26 is provided with the actuator 38. The actuator 38 is here formed as a single piece with the guide part 26.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mechanism 10 is a so-called "guided" mechanism in which the actuator 38 is rotationally linked to the drive part 34. The actuator 38 is, for example, formed as a single piece with the drive part 34. In this case, a section of the guide part 26 protrudes from the drive part 34. In this case, the external sheath 16 is formed by the section of the guide part 26 that protrudes from the drive part 34.

[0079] In an unrepresented variant of the invention, the outer sheath 16 forms a tubular envelope which is fixed around one of the guide piece 26 or the drive piece 34 depending on whether the mechanism 10 is a guided or unguided mechanism.

[0080] Preferably, in particular to facilitate recycling, all the components of the mechanism 10 are made of the same material.

[0081] This is for example a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0082] Alternatively, it is a metallic material such as aluminium.

[0083] The invention is applicable to a mechanism 10 capable of being used directly by the end user.

[0084] In an alternative shown in Figures 15 to 17, the mechanism 10 is intended to be part of a cosmetic product application case 40 comprising at least one closing cap 42. The cap 42 comprises a tubular skirt 44 closed at its upper end by a solid wall 46.

[0085] The cover 42 is intended to cap an upper end of the mechanism 10 to close the outlet 18 in a nested position in which it covers at least one upper end section of the external face 20 of the external sheath 16.

[0086] Preferably, in this nested position, the cover 42 extends to the annular protrusion 22. In the example, a lower end edge 48 of the cover 42 abuts against the upper shoulder face 22A of the annular protrusion 22.

[0087] In the fitted position of the hood 42, the annular protrusion 22 protrudes radially outwards relative to the hood 42.

[0088] In the example shown in Figures 15 to 17, the casing 40 includes a base 50. The base 50 has a tubular skirt 52 which is closed by a solid bottom 54. The base 50 is axially fitted and rotationally fixed with the actuator 38. The base 50 extends axially to the annular protrusion 22, enveloping a lower section of the outer sheath 16.

[0089] An upper end edge 56 of the base 50 is here in axial contact against the lower shoulder face 22B of the annular protuberance 22.

[0090] The annular protuberance 22 here projects radially outwards relative to the base 50.

[0091] In the fitted position of the cover 42, the annular protuberance 22 is thus axially clamped between the cover 42 and the base 50.

[0092] Generally, in the prior art, cases include an aesthetic ring that is axially interposed between the base and the cover. This ring is usually made of a different material than the mechanism 10 and is not recyclable. Furthermore, this added ring necessitates an additional assembly step.

[0093] In the case 40 made according to the teachings of the invention, the annular protuberance 22 advantageously replaces this separate ring by also fulfilling a stabilizing role for the mechanism 10 in the extended position when the cover 42 and / or the base 50 have been removed, while reducing the complexity of the assembly.

[0094] Compared to a prior art mechanism comprising an insert ring, the mechanism 10 according to the teachings of the invention is therefore easily recyclable, because: - It is no longer necessary to remove the ring before recycling it; and - it no longer rolls freely, which ensures that it is taken into account during the recycling operation.

[0095] In addition, the mechanism 10 is simpler to assemble because it does not require an additional operation of mounting the added ring.

[0096] To facilitate its recycling, all the components of the case 40 are made of the same material.

[0097] This is for example a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0098] Alternatively, it is a metallic material such as aluminium.

Claims

Demands

1. Mechanism (10) for applying a stick (12) of cosmetic product having a main axis (A), and a stick (14) receiving cup (12) which is mounted axially movably in an external sheath (16) of the mechanism (10) having a top exit orifice (18) of the stick (12), the external sheath (16) being delimited radially outwards by an external face (20) which is the outermost face of the mechanism (10) and which has a cylindrical shape of revolution about the main axis (A), characterized in that the external face (20) has at least one annular protuberance (22) which is made in one piece with the sheath (16) and which has an external contour comprising at least one flat (24) suitable for blocking or limiting the rolling of the mechanism (10) when it rests lying down on its external face (20).

2. Mechanism (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protrusion (22) is made of the same material as the sheath (16).

3. Mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protrusion (22) has on its external contour a plurality of flats (24) distributed regularly around the main axis (A).

4. Mechanism (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protrusion (22) has an external contour in the form of a regular polygon.

5. Mechanism (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the annular protuberance (22) is located on an intermediate section of the external face (20).

6. Mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sliding guide piece (26) for the cup (14), the guide piece (26) being mounted to rotate relative to a drive piece (34) whose rotation causes the cup (14) to slide between a lower retracted position and an upper position extended towards the exit orifice (18) of the rod (12), the outer sheath (16) being integral with one of the guide piece (26) and the drive piece (34).

7. Mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an actuator (38) which extends axially downwards from the outer sheath (20) and which is integral with the other between the guide piece (26) and the drive piece (34), said actuator (38) being entirely contained within the contour of the outer face (20) in axial projection.

8. Mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the outer sheath (20) is formed by the drive part (34) or by the guide part (26).

9. Mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the sheath (20) forms a tubular envelope which is fixed around one of the guide piece (26) or the drive piece (34).

10. Mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all components of the mechanism (10) are made of the same material.

11. Mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all components of the mechanism (10) are made of polypropylene (PP) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

12. Mechanism (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that all components of the mechanism (10) are made of a metallic material.

13. Cosmetic product application case (40) comprising a mechanism (10) made according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cover (42) for closing the outlet orifice (18) which is capable of occupying a nested position in which it covers at least one upper end section of the outer face (20) of the outer sheath (16), the cover (42) extending to the annular protrusion (22).

14. Case (40) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the fitted position of the cap (42), the annular protrusion (22) protrudes radially outwards relative to the cap (42).

15. Case (40) according to any one of claims 13 or 14 taken in combination with claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a base (50) which is fitted and rotationally secured with the actuator (38), the base (50) extending axially to the annular protrusion (22) by enveloping a lower section of the outer sheath (16).

16. Case (40) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the annular protrusion (22) projects radially outwards from the base (50).

17. Case (40) according to any one of the preceding claims 13 to 16 taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that in the fitted position of the cap (42), the annular protrusion (22) is axially clamped between the cap (42) and the base (50).

18. Case (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 17 taken in combination with claim 10, characterized in that all the components of the case (40) are made of the same material.

19. Case (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 17 taken in combination with claim 11, characterized in that all components of the case are made of polypropylene (PP) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

20. Case (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 17 taken in combination with claim 12, characterized in that all components of the case are made of a metallic material.

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