Containers for stick products

Abstract

The container for stick products utilizes a novel inner body that has no gaps along its upper periphery. As a result, significant advantages in assembly and operation are realized. The container according to the present invention may be useful for all types of stick products that are applied by drawing the product across a surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved container for containing a stick-like product. More specifically, the present invention relates to a container that allows a stick-like product in a holder cup to be moved between an extended position, in which the product in the holder cup can be applied by a consumer, and a retracted position. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling such a container. [Background technology]

[0002] A known type of container for stick-shaped products features a base permanently connected to a cylindrical inner body, such that the cam sleeve and the inner body can rotate relative to one another, and a cam sleeve positioned around the inner body. The inner body is hollow and has a wall with at least one longitudinal slot extending through the wall. The cam sleeve has an inner wall characterized by at least one helical groove extending along a substantial length of the inner wall. A holder cup for stick-shaped products is provided, comprising at least one cam follower in the form of a lug. When the holder cup is fitted within the inner body, the lug extends through the longitudinal slot of the inner body to engage with the helical groove of the cam sleeve. In this configuration, when the inner body is rotated relative to the cam sleeve, the helical groove of the cam sleeve applies pressure to the lug of the holder cup, driving the holder cup up and down within the inner body while the lug rides in the longitudinal slot. In this way, the stick-shaped product is moved between an advanced position and a retracted position.

[0003] The holder cup is typically assembled on the top of the inner body. However, the lugs of the holder cup extend beyond the circumference of the inner body, and the top of the inner body may not be stretchy or flexible enough to allow the lugs to pass through. In fact, to facilitate the insertion of the inner body into the cam sleeve, the top outer edge of the conventional inner body is tapered, and this taper adds stiffness around the top circumference of the inner body. Also, even if the lugs of the holder cup can be forced into the top of the inner body, both the inner body and the lugs are likely to sustain some damage. To alleviate this problem, some inner bodies (50; see FIG. 14) are designed with a secondary slot (50a) that extends from the top of one of the longitudinal slots and opens onto the top edge of the inner body. This creates a break or gap around the top of the inner body. This gap adds some flexibility to the top portion of the inner body. Nevertheless, during assembly of the holder cup and the inner body, the top of the inner body needs to be held open with a tool so that the holder cup can be inserted into the inner body without scratching or otherwise damaging the top or lugs of the inner body. However, even with this extra step of holding the top of the inner body open, the holder cup must be inserted at an angle so that one lug can be inserted before the other. This is a significant drawback in the assembly process. In some cases, two secondary slots are used so that the holder cup can be inserted upright into the inner body, but the two gaps around the top of the inner body create their own problems.

[0004] After the holder cup is inserted into the top of the inner body, the inner body and cam sleeve are assembled by inserting the top of the inner body into the bottom of the cam sleeve. As mentioned above, secondary slots and gaps around the periphery of conventional inner bodies allow the top portion of the inner body to flex. Also, the outer edge of the inner body is tapered. Both of these features facilitate the insertion of the inner body into the cam sleeve. However, the holder cup must be lowered to its retracted position before the top of the inner body can flex inward. This has at least two disadvantages. First, it is just an extra step in the assembly process. Second, it would be advantageous for the product filler to receive the inner body-holder cup subassembly with the holder cup in its extended position, ready for filling. Otherwise, the filler must perform this step.

[0005] More serious problems caused by the gap around the top of the inner body relate to performance and perception. The gap around the circumference tends to loosen the assembly between the inner body and the holder cup. This causes some wobbling of the holder cup and the stick-like product when the holder cup is raised and lowered, and even when the holder cup is in its fully extended position. This wobbling makes it difficult to control the application of the product to the application surface, and at the same time conveys a low-quality image to the consumer. It is also noted that the secondary slots and the perimeter gap of the conventional inner body are generally visible to the consumer, and the aesthetic impact of the asymmetry is negative. Although some efforts can be made to obscure the gap around the top of the inner body, these are not completely effective and merely add another step to the manufacturing and / or assembly process.

[0006] The advantages of an inner body that does not have a secondary slot at its top end and does not have any breaks or gaps around the top of the inner body have not been realized heretofore. These advantages include: the top of the inner body does not need to be held open with a tool, the holder cup does not need to be retracted before assembling the inner body and cam sleeve, the holder cup does not need to be extended before product filling, the manufacturer can supply the product filler with the inner body / holder cup subassembly ready for filling, rattle during operation is reduced, and any unsightly features can be hidden from view.

[0007] Problem to be solved by the invention SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a container for a stick product which utilizes an inner body having a continuous upper periphery, i.e., no gaps around the upper periphery.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for assembling containers for stick products. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The container (10) for a stick-like product (7) according to the invention comprises a cap (1), a base (2), an A-shell (3), a cam sleeve (4), an inner body (5) and a holder cup (6). The inner body is continuous along its upper periphery, meaning that the longitudinal slots of the inner body do not open to the upper periphery of the inner body. Significant advantages in assembly are realized. The container according to the invention can be useful for all types of stick-like products that are applied to a surface by drawing the product across the surface. These include lipsticks, lip balms, deodorant sticks, antiperspirant sticks, glue sticks, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cap and base for a container for a stick product according to the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is one embodiment of a base that may be useful in the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 depicts an A-shell for a container for a stick product according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 depicts the A-shell seated on the base with the holder cup in the advanced position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a cam sleeve for a stick product container according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cam sleeve positioned within the A-shell. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 depicts an inner body for a container for a stick product according to the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 depicts the holder cup partially inserted into the inner body which is inserted through the cam sleeve. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the A-shell, cam sleeve, and inner body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the holder cup. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 depicts the holder cup partially inserted into the inner body. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 depicts the inner body and cam sleeve in a partially assembled configuration. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the inner body seated above the A-shell when the inner body and cam sleeve are in the partially assembled configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 depicts a conventional inner body having one secondary slot that opens onto the top edge of the inner body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Throughout this specification, the term "comprises" means that the collection of objects is not necessarily limited to those explicitly recited, but may or may not include additional objects.

[0012] For purposes of this invention, a stick product is an elongated mass of solid or semi-solid product that is capable of supporting its own weight when the elongated mass is suspended at one end.

[0013] Cap and Base Figure 1 depicts a cap (1) and base (2) for a container (10) for a stick product (7) according to the present invention. The cap comprises an open bottom (1a) designed to cooperate with the base, and a closed top (1b). The cap protects the contents of the container from the ambient environment and is removably secured to the base by some means such as an interference fit or snap fit.

[0014] One embodiment of the base (2) is shown in FIG. 2. The base comprises a closed bottom (2a) and an open top (2b) separated by a sidewall (2d). The closed bottom and sidewall define the interior space or interior (2e) of the base. The base supports the A-shell (3) and the inner body (5) by receiving their respective lower ends in the base in a concentric arrangement. When assembled, the A-shell and base rotate independently, whereas the base and inner body rotate as a unit. To achieve this, the inside of the base may be provided with a first set of gear teeth (2i) located on a concentric ring (2c), which is supported on the closed bottom of the base.

[0015] A shell and cam sleeve With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the A-shell (3) is a cylindrical tube with an open bottom (3a) and an open top (3b) separated by a sidewall (3d). The bottom of the A-shell rests inside the base (2) between the sidewall (2d) and the concentric ring (2c). The cam sleeve (4) (see Figures 5, 6, and 9) comprises a generally cylindrical body with an open top (4b) and an open bottom (4a) separated by a sidewall (4d). The cam sleeve is shorter than the A-shell. The entire length of the cam sleeve is positioned inside the A-shell such that none of the cam sleeve protrudes from the A-shell. There is a very tight fit between the cam sleeve sidewall (4d) and the A-shell sidewall (3d), and some means is used to ensure that the A-shell and the cam sleeve rotate as one unit. For example, during assembly, a fixture on the assembly line is used to set the cam sleeve at a predetermined position or height within the A-shell. The cam sleeve is fixed to the A-shell, usually by gluing or crimping it together at a point on the outside of the A-shell.

[0016] The side wall (4d) of the cam sleeve (4) is substantially solid and has an outer surface (4e) and an inner surface (4f). The inner surface is provided with at least one spiral groove, preferably two spiral grooves (4c, 4c'). The spiral groove starts at the top (4b) of the cam sleeve and completes several revolutions or a portion thereof before terminating near the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve. The cam sleeve is also capable of receiving the inner body (5) concentrically within itself. When positioned around the inner body, the cam sleeve and the inner body can rotate independently of each other.

[0017] Inner body and holder cup 7-9 and 11-13, the inner body (5) according to the present invention is generally cylindrical and includes an open top (5b) and an open bottom (5a) separated by a sidewall (5d). During assembly, the bottom of the inner body is inserted into the top (4b) of the cam sleeve (4). In final assembly, the inner body protrudes from both ends of the cam sleeve and is rotatable relative to the cam sleeve. A second set of gear teeth (5i) is located near the bottom on the inner surface (5h) of the sidewall. The bottom of the inner body is designed to be received within the base (2) such that the first set of gear teeth (2i) mesh with the second set of gear teeth (5i). When assembled, the base and inner body rotate as one unit. The order of assembly is important, as explained below.

[0018] At least one, and preferably two, longitudinal slots (5c, 5c') pass through the side wall (5d) of the inner body (5) 180° apart. The upper and lower ends of the longitudinal slots may be formed as horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e'). By design, neither the longitudinal nor horizontal slots open to the top (5b) of the inner body, as is typically done. That is, there is no secondary slot, as discussed above. In fact, the circumference of the top (5b) of the inner body is continuous or uninterrupted, which is important. The top of the inner body is also formed to overhang (5k) the side wall (5d). During assembly, the inner body can be inserted into the cam sleeve (4) by pressing down on the overhang. The overhang has an inwardly sloping surface (5g) that slopes towards the interior of the inner body. This is different from the outwardly sloping surfaces commonly found.

[0019] Above the level of the at least one longitudinal slot (5c, 5c') of the inner body (5), at least one horizontal bead, preferably two horizontal beads (5f, 5f'), extend along the side wall (5d). The diameter of the inner body at the level of the horizontal bead is slightly larger than the diameter of the cam sleeve (4) at its top (4b), but smaller than the inside diameter of the A-shell (3). Thus, when the bottom of the inner body is inserted into the top of the cam sleeve, the horizontal bead comes into contact with the top of the cam sleeve, acting as a stop to prevent further insertion of the inner body once it is fully inserted into the cam sleeve (see FIG. 8).

[0020] Once the inner body is fully inserted into the cam sleeve, it must be prevented from backing out. For example, when the base (2) is inserted into the bottom (5a) of the inner body, there is some resistance that may cause the inner body to move relative to the cam sleeve (4). To prevent this, a flexible tab (5j) is located on the side wall (5d) just below at least one of the longitudinal slots (5c, 5c'). The flexible tab is connected to the side wall of the inner body by a living hinge that biases the tab to project outwardly from the side wall. The flexible tab has sloping sides and a horizontal top surface. When the sloping surface of the tab hits the top of the cam sleeve (4b), the tab flexes inward, allowing the inner body to be inserted. However, once the tab emerges from the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, the tab returns to its extended position and the horizontal surface of the tab prevents upward movement of the inner body relative to the cam sleeve. In a fully assembled container (10), the inner body protrudes beyond both ends of the cam sleeve, but the top portion (5b) of the inner body does not protrude beyond the top portion (3b) of the A-shell (3).

[0021] With reference to Figures 8 and 10-12, the holder cup (6) comprises a bottom (6a) which can be open or closed, and an open top (6b). The top and bottom are separated by a side wall (6d). The holder cup can receive and hold a stick-like product (7) which can be inserted into the holder cup through the open top. At least one lug, preferably two lugs (6c, 6c') are located 180° apart to align with the longitudinal slots (5c, 5c') of the inner body (5). Optionally, the lugs can be located on flexible sections of the side walls. For example, in Figure 10, the lugs sit on thin strips of the side walls such that inwardly directed pressure on the lugs causes them to pinch inwards. When pressure is released, the lugs return to their original position. This facilitates assembly of the holder cup into the inner body. For example, when the bottom (6a) of the holder cup is inserted through the top (5b) of the inner body, the lugs contact the inclined surface (5g) of the ledge (5k), pinching the lugs inward. When the holder cup reaches a defined depth inside the inner body, the lugs of the holder cup enter the horizontal slots (5e, 5e') of the inner body and return to their original position.

[0022] Alternatively, the plastic material of the top of the inner body (5) may be sufficiently flexible to allow the lugs (6c, 6c') of the holder cup (6) to be forced through the top of the inner body (5b) and into the longitudinal slots (5c, 5c'). Depending on the sequence of assembly, it may be preferable that the inner body and the cam sleeve (4) can remain in a partially assembled configuration prior to the insertion of the holder cup. With reference to FIG. 12, in this partially assembled configuration, the horizontal bead (5f, 5f') of the inner body is not yet in contact with the top of the cam sleeve (4b) and the horizontal slot extension (5e, 5e') is not covered by the cam sleeve. Also, if the A-shell is present at this step of assembly, the top of the inner body (5b) is seated above the top (3b) of the A-shell (3) (see FIG. 13). The flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body exert an outward pressure against the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve. Preferably, the pressure is sufficient to maintain the inner body and cam sleeve in this partially assembled configuration. The purpose of this configuration is to aid in the assembly of the holder cup (6) onto the top of the inner body (5b) without interference from the cam sleeve or the A-shell. When the holder cup (with or without the stick product 7) is inserted through the top of the inner body, the lugs of the holder cup are caused to seat within the longitudinal slots. At this point, by pressing down on the ledge (5k) on the top of the inner body (5b) and simultaneously rotating the inner body relative to the cam sleeve, the inner body can be inserted further into the cam sleeve until the horizontal bead (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top of the cam sleeve (4b) and the lugs of the holder cup enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve. If the cam sleeve is not already inserted into the A-shell, it can be done by pressing down on the overhang (5k) on the top (5b) of the inner body to drive the cam sleeve to a predetermined height within the A-shell, where the cam sleeve and A-shell can be glued together or crimped with a dot on the outside of the A-shell.If the inner body (5) is scratched or otherwise damaged by forcing the holder cup (6) through the top (5b) of the inner body, the top (5b) of the inner body will seat under the top (3b) of the A-shell so that the holder cup (6) is not visible in the fully assembled container (10).

[0023] Several methods of assembly are possible, each with advantages, some examples of preferred methods are described here.

[0024] Example 1 - Assembly method 1. Assemble the cam sleeve (4) to the specified height inside the A-shell (3). 2. Partially insert the bottom (5a) of the inner body (5) into the cam sleeve so that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body apply outward pressure against the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve and the horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e') of the inner body remain exposed above the cam sleeve. 3. Assemble the holder cup (6) onto the top (5b) of the inner body (5) such that the holder cup sits in an extended position protruding from the top of the inner body with the lugs (6c, 6c') of the holder cup seated in the horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e') of the inner body. 4. Press down on the flared portion (5k) of the inner body until the horizontal bead (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top of the cam sleeve (4b), while simultaneously rotating the inner body to fully insert it into the cam sleeve, at which point the flexible tabs of the inner body extend outwardly below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, the lugs of the holder cup enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve, and the top (5b) of the inner body is below the top (3b) of the A-shell (3). 5. Insert the bottom (3a) of the A-shell and the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2). 6. Optionally, rotate the base relative to the A-shell to lower the holder cup to its retracted position. 7. Optionally, a cap (1) is fitted onto the base to complete the container (10).

[0025] Variations of this method include the step of inserting the stick product (7) into the holder cup, which is performed before step 3, or between steps 3 and 4, or between steps 4 and 5, or between steps 5 and 6.

[0026] Example 2 - Assembly Method 1. Assemble the cam sleeve (4) to the specified height inside the A-shell (3). 2. Assemble the inner body (5) and holder cup (6) so that the holder cup sits in an extended position protruding from the top of the inner body (5b) with the lugs (6c, 6c') seated in the horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e'). 3. Insert the bottom part (5a) of the inner body into the top part (4b) of the cam sleeve, pushing down the inner body's bulging part (5k) and simultaneously rotating the inner body, until the horizontal bead (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top part (4b) of the cam sleeve and the flexible tab (5j) of the inner body extends outwardly below the bottom part (4a) of the cam sleeve, until the inner body's horizontal bead (5f, 5f') contacts the top part (4b) of the cam sleeve and the flexible tab (5j) of the inner body extends outwardly below the bottom part (4a) of the cam sleeve, until the inner body's bulging part (5k) and the holder cup's lugs enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve, at which point the inner body's top part (5b) is below the top part (3b) of the A-shell 3. 4. Insert the bottom (3a) of the A-shell and the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2). 5. Optionally, rotate the base relative to the A-shell to lower the holder cup to its retracted position. 6. Optionally, a cap (1) is fitted onto the base to complete the container (10).

[0027] Variations of this method include the step of inserting the stick product (7) into the holder cup, which is performed before step 1, or between steps 1 and 2, or between steps 2 and 3, or between steps 3 and 4, or between steps 4 and 5.

[0028] Example 3 - Assembly Method 1. Partially insert the bottom (5a) of the inner body (5) into the cam sleeve (4) so ​​that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body apply outward pressure against the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve and the horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e') of the inner body remain exposed above the cam sleeve. 2. Insert the holder cup (6) into the top (5b) of the inner body such that the holder cup sits in an extended position protruding from the top (5b) of the inner body with the lugs (6c, 6c') seated in the horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e'). 3. Insert the inner body into the cam sleeve by pushing down the flared portion of the inner body until the horizontal bead (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top (4b) of the cam sleeve and the flexible tab (5j) of the inner body extends outwardly below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, while simultaneously rotating the inner body, while the lugs (6c, 6c') of the holder cup (6) enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve. 4. Insert the cam sleeve (4) into the A shell (3) to the specified height so that the upper part (5b) of the inner body is below the upper part (3b) of the A shell (3). 5. Insert the bottom (3a) of the A-shell and the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) so that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2). 6. Optionally, rotate the base relative to the A-shell to lower the holder cup to its retracted position. 7. Optionally, a cap (1) is fitted onto the base to complete the container (10).

[0029] Variations of this method include the step of inserting the stick product (7) into the holder cup, which is performed before step 1, or between steps 1 and 2, or between steps 2 and 3, or between steps 3 and 4, or between steps 4 and 5, or between steps 5 and 6.

[0030] The container for stick-like products according to the present invention utilizes an inner body that does not have gaps around the top of the inner body, providing many advantages over conventional designs. For example, the top of the inner body does not need to be "opened" with a tool during pre-assembly of the holder cup and inner body, making the assembly process more efficient. The holder cup does not need to be retracted before assembling the inner body and cam sleeve. The holder cup may not need to be extended before product filling. The manufacturer can supply the product filler with the inner body / holder cup subassembly ready for filling. The container according to the present invention is more stable, as there is no or reduced rattle of the holder cup and stick-like product. Overall, the design of the present invention has an improved appearance, as there are no visible gaps or scratches.

Claims

1. A container (10) for a stick-shaped product (7), comprising: A base (2), An internal space (2e), and a base (2) having a first set of gear teeth (2i) located within said internal space; A cylindrical A-shell (3), an open bottom (3a) placed in the internal space (2e) of the base (2); an open top (3b), and A cylindrical A-shell (3) with a side wall (3d); A cylindrical cam sleeve (4), an open bottom (4a), an open top portion (4b), and a side wall (4d) having at least one spiral groove (4c) on an inner surface (4f) of said side wall; a cylindrical cam sleeve (4) positioned completely inside the A-shell such that the A-shell and the cam sleeve can rotate as a unit; A cylindrical inner body (5) inserted into the cam sleeve (4), an open bottom (5a), An open top (5b), A continuous circumference with no gaps; and an open top portion (5b) having a bulge (5h) with an inwardly sloping surface (5g); A side wall (5d), at least one longitudinal slot (5c) passing through, at least one horizontal bead (5f) extending along the side wall of the inner body above the at least one longitudinal slot and resting on the top of the cam sleeve; a flexible tab (5j) biased to project outwardly from the side wall of the inner body and positioned below one of the longitudinal slots so as to be positioned below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve (4); and a second set of gear teeth (5i) located on the inner surface (5h) of the side wall of the inner body near the bottom; The inner body protrudes from both ends of the cam sleeve and is rotatable relative to the cam sleeve; a cylindrical inner body (5) including a side wall (5d), the bottom of the inner body being received in the interior space (2e) of the base (2) such that the first set of gear teeth (2i) mesh with the second set of gear teeth (5i); 1. A container (10) for a stick-shaped product (7), comprising: a holder cup (6) capable of receiving and holding a stick-shaped product (7), said holder cup (6) being located within said inner body and having at least one lug (6c) extending through said at least one longitudinal slot (5c) of said inner body (5) and into said at least one spiral groove (4c) of said cam sleeve (4).

2. the at least one spiral groove is two spiral grooves (4c, 4c'); said at least one longitudinal slot (5c) being two longitudinal slots (5c, 5c'); said at least one horizontal bead (5f) being two horizontal beads (5f, 5f'); Container (10) for a stick-like product (7) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one lug (6c) is two lugs (6c, 6c').

3. 2. A container (10) for a stick-shaped product (7) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lug (6c) is located in a flexible section of the side wall (6d) of the holder cup (6) and enables said lug to be clamped inwardly when passing over the inclined surface (5g) of the overhang (5k).

4. A method of assembling the container (10) of claim 1, comprising the steps of: a. partially inserting the inner body (5) into the cam sleeve (4) such that the flexible tabs (5j) of the inner body apply outward pressure against the inner surface (4f) of the cam sleeve and the horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e') remain exposed above the cam sleeve; and then b. assembling said holder cup (6) to said top part (5b) of said inner body (5) such that said holder cup sits in an extended position protruding from said top part of said inner body with said lugs (6c, 6c') of said holder cup seating in said horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e') of said inner body; and then c) fully inserting the inner body into the cam sleeve by depressing the ledge (5k) of the inner body until the horizontal bead (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top (4b) of the cam sleeve, at which point the flexible tab of the inner body extends outwardly below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve and the lugs of the holder cup enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve.

5. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of assembling the cam sleeve (4) to a predetermined height in the A-shell (3), which may be performed before the step of partially inserting the inner body (5) or immediately after the step of fully inserting the inner body.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of inserting the bottom portion (3a) of the A-shell (3) and the bottom portion (5a) of the inner body (5) into the base (2) such that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2).

7. 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of inserting a stick-shaped product (7) into said holder cup (6).

8. A method of assembling the container (10) of claim 1, comprising the steps of: a. Assembling the cam sleeve (4) to a predetermined height in the A-shell (3); b. Assembling the inner body (5) and holder cup (6) such that the holder cup sits in an extended position protruding from the top part (5b) of the inner body with the lugs (6c, 6c') seated in the horizontal slot extensions (5e, 5e'); c) inserting the bottom (5a) of the inner body into the top (4b) of the cam sleeve until the horizontal bead (5f, 5f') of the inner body contacts the top (4b) of the cam sleeve such that the flexible tab (5j) of the inner body extends outwardly below the bottom (4a) of the cam sleeve, the lugs of the holder cup enter the two spiral grooves (4c, 4c') of the cam sleeve, and the top (5b) of the inner body is below the top (3b) of the A-shell (3); d. Inserting the bottom portion (3a) of the A-shell and the bottom portion (5a) of the inner body into the base (2) such that the second set of gears (5i) of the inner body (5) mesh with the first set of gears (2i) of the base (2); e. Optionally, rotating the base relative to the A-shell to lower the holder cup to its retracted position; f. Optionally, fitting a cap (1) onto said base to complete said container (10).

9. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of inserting a stick-shaped product (7) into the holder cup (6).

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