Stick assembly

Abstract

A stick assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a stick body having sidewalls extending between a top and a bottom of the container body, a space being defined in an interior of the stick body. The assembly further comprises an elevator platform disposed in the space formed in an interior of the stick body, a solid composition configured to be attached to the elevator platform, The assembly comprises a turnable base configured to be operationally coupled to the elevator platform such that the elevator platform is displaced along the space formed in the interior of the deodorant stick body, and wherein the turnable base comprises turnable base connectors and the stick body comprises body connectors that are adapted to mate with the turnable base connectors such that, in use, the attachment between the turnable base connectors and the body connectors defines an airtight sealing.

Description

[0001] P12672PC01

[0002] STICK ASSEMBLY

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a stick assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There are many applicators for personal care products such as lip balm, deodorants, salves, and so forth. Specifically, antiperspirant / deodorant sticks are used to reduce underarm wetness and control body odour. These products are typically made by blending active ingredients with waxes, oils, and silicones and moulding the mixture into stick form. The sticks are typically packaged in hollow tubes with a piston or elevator platform inside that moves up and down to dispense the product. In some packages, this platform can be pushed up by hand, in others it is elevated by turning a screw that causes it to travel up along a central threaded post.

[0006] Unfortunately, the materials that are widely used in the manufacturing of the components forming part of a stick assembly (e.g., a deodorant stick assembly) may be difficult to dispose and recycle. Particularly, the materials of the elements that are configured to prevent air from entering the stick assembly are, typically, less biodegradable, making them more challenging for the environment. One example of a material used in this kind of components is nitrile.

[0007] A further problem with many deodorant sticks is that the packaging is artificially enlarged solely to gain a competitive advantage at the point of sale. This is not a very sustainable solution.

[0008] Examples of the present disclosure seek to at least partially reduce one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] According to a first aspect, a stick assembly is provided. The stick assembly comprises a stick body having one or more sidewalls extending between a top and a bottom of the stick body, a space being defined in an interior of the stick body, an elevator platform disposed in the space formed in the interior of the stick body and a solid composition configured to be attached to the elevator platform. The stick assembly further comprises a turnable base configured to be operationally coupled to the elevator platform such that P12672PC01 the elevator platform is displaced along the space formed in the interior of the stick body, and wherein the turnable base comprises one or more turnable base connectors and the stick body comprises one or more body connectors that are adapted to mate with the turnable base connectors such that, in use, the attachment between the turnable base connectors and the body connectors defines an airtight sealing.

[0011] According to this first aspect, a stick assembly that is configured to dispense all kind of solid compositions (each of them including e.g., a mix of active ingredients) is provided. To this end, the stick assembly is adapted to alternately dispense the corresponding solid composition by displacing and extending such solid composition from the stick body, and to store the solid composition by displacing and retracting such solid composition into the stick body.

[0012] Moreover, the attachment between the body connectors and the turnable base connectors defines a sealing which prevents, e.g. before opening the assembly and during transportation and storage, air from entering the stick. Stick assemblies, especially those made including solid compositions made with natural ingredients, require protection from air exposure to maintain their effectiveness. Ingredients like, for example, fruit butter and seed butter can degrade when exposed to air, which can affect the product’s texture and scent. A proper airtight assembly helps to prevent this degradation, ensuring that the corresponding solid composition remains potent and effective. Additionally, the airtight stick arrangement is vital for keeping ingredients from oxidizing, which can lead to a solid composition that no longer smells as fresh as intended.

[0013] In summary, a stick assembly which is simple, cost-effective, maintains effectiveness of the solid composition, and with a high degree of sustainability is provided.

[0014] In examples, the stick assembly is exclusively made of polypropylene. Therefore, the assembly can be easily and completely recycled after use. Thus, an even more sustainable solution is provided.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an example of a deodorant stick assembly; P12672PC01

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the deodorant stick assembly;

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates an elevator platform or piston forming part of the deodorant stick assembly;

[0020] Figure 4 illustrates a turnable base forming part of the deodorant stick assembly,

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates rotary handle forming part of the deodorant stick assembly, and

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged detail of the attachment between the turnable base and a deodorant stick body forming part of the deodorant stick assembly.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0024] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exploded view of an example of a stick assembly 10 e.g. a deodorant stick assembly. The deodorant stick assembly 10 may be configured to store, transport, dispense, etc., a deodorant composition contained within deodorant stick device 10. However, in some other examples, the stick assembly may be configured to store, transport, dispense, etc., some other personal care compositions such as shaving compositions, lip balm, salves, solid shampoo compositions, solid soap or make up compositions. In further examples, the stick assembly may also be configured to store, transport, dispense, etc., non-personal care compositions e.g., glue compositions.

[0025] The deodorant stick assembly 10 may comprise a stick body 20. The body 20 may comprise a first generally cylindrical or oval sidewall 21 extending longitudinally from a first end 21a to a second end 21 b. The body may further comprise a second generally cylindrical sidewall 24 extending longitudinally from a first end 24a to a second end 24b (which corresponds to the bottom of the deodorant stick body).

[0026] As can be seen in figure 2, a first transition portion 27a e.g., a radially inward step may be provided between the second end 21 b of the first cylindrical sidewall and the first end 24a of the second cylindrical sidewall.

[0027] As depicted in figure 2 and figure 6, the second cylindrical sidewall 24 further comprises one or more body connectors or male coupling members 24c to sealingly couple with a one or more turnable base connectors or female coupling members located in a turnable base for extending and I or retracting an elevator platform forming part of deodorant stick assembly 10, as will be explained later on. The body connector 24c may be located at P12672PC01 or near the second end 24b of the second cylindrical sidewall 24 of the base. The body connector may comprise e.g. one or more horizontal projections 24c.

[0028] Agan in figure 1 , the body 20 may further comprise a third generally cylindrical sidewall 22 extending between a first end 22a (which corresponds to the top of the deodorant stick body) and a second end (not visible in this figure). A second transition portion 27b e.g., a radially inward step may be provided between the first end 21a of the first cylindrical sidewall and the second end (not visible in this figure) of the third cylindrical sidewall.

[0029] The third cylindrical sidewall 22 may be provided with threads 22c, as is the inside of an inner cap 100. The second transition portion 27b may be specifically shaped to provide a seat to the inner cap 100. The inner cap 100 in question can be rotated with respect to the third sidewall and be advanced in the direction of the arrow (arrow A) until it encounters the seat 27b (or “stopper”).

[0030] As can be seen in figure 1 , the deodorant stick assembly 10 may also comprise a removable cap 90. In use, the removable cap 90 may serve, for example, to protect the upper part of the deodorant stick assembly 10 during transport and / or storage.

[0031] The cover or cap 90 may be substantially circular-shaped. The cover or cap 90 comprises an outer circular sidewall 94 and a top base 92. The base 92 further comprises an inner surface (not visible in this figure). A space is defined between a top and a bottom of the sidewall 94 as well as the inner surface. The outer sidewall 94 may be of constant height as shown in this example.

[0032] The cover or cap 90 comprises retaining means, located in the inner part of the outer circular sidewall 94, which are configured to engage in a fixed manner with retaining means located in the outer part of a substantially circular sidewall forming part of the inner cap 100. As result, in use, the removable cover or cap 90 is connected in a fixed manner and can be rotated, together with the inner cap, until it encounters the seat 27b, as hereinbefore described.

[0033] The cap 90 in question (together with the inner cap 100) can thus be inserted at or near the first end 22a of the third cylindrical sidewall 22 and be rotated with respect to the third sidewall and advanced, in the direction of the arrow (arrow A), until a bottom portion of the sidewall encounters the second transition portion 27b, as can be seen with reference P12672PC01 to figure 2. As result, in use, cap 90 may cover and protect an upper part of the deodorant stick assembly 10.

[0034] The body 20 may comprise an elongated channel 28 along the longitudinal length of the body extending from the first end 22a (which corresponds to the top of the deodorant stick body) of the third cylindrical sidewall 22 to the second end 24b (which corresponds to the bottom of the deodorant stick body) of the second cylindrical sidewall 24. A through-hole is thus formed in the body 20. Along the interior of the body 20, a plurality of mutually spaced axial ribs 27 may be provided.

[0035] The channel 28 may comprise a diameter at or near the second end 24b (which corresponds to the bottom of the deodorant stick body) of the second cylindrical sidewall 24 smaller than a diameter at or near the first end 22a (which corresponds to the top of the deodorant stick body) of the third cylindrical sidewall 22.

[0036] AS shown in figures 1 and figure 3, the deo stick assembly may also comprise an elevator platform or piston 40. As shown best in figure 3, the elevator platform or piston 40 may comprise an annular outer collar 41 and a central hollow cylindrical hub 42. In examples, four radial pokes 43 may extend from top portions of the collar 41 to an end of the hub.

[0037] The exterior face of the annular outer collar 41 may be provided with surface formations that provide a plurality of circumferential recesses, each of which comprises a mouth 47 at an end which narrows to a slot 48 at an upper end.

[0038] The elevator platform 40 is of a cross-sectional size and shape that enables it to fit inside the body 20, as can be seen in figure 1 and figure 2. A solid deodorant composition may be attached, at its bottom end, to the elevator platform or piston 40.

[0039] As shown best in figure 1 , the elevator platform or piston 40 may be situated at or near the first end 22a of the third cylindrical sidewall 22, oriented with the recess mouths of the collar facing down. This means that the wider mouths can more easily engage onto sidewall ribs 70, following which the ribs move through the mouths and then engage through the slots. The piston 40 then moves through the body until the piston sidewall reaches a final position.

[0040] A turnable base 30 for extending and I or retracting the elevator platform or piston 40 is also provided. As can be seen in figure 1 and figure 4, the turnable base 30 comprises P12672PC01 a base element 31 and a spindle 32. As can be seen in figure 4, the base element 31 comprises a first substantially cylindrical sidewall 31a, a second substantially cylindrical sidewall 31 b and a transition portion 31c situated between the first cylindrical sidewall and the second cylindrical sidewall. The first substantially cylindrical sidewall 31a is situated radially outwardly with respect to the second substantially cylindrical sidewall 31 b, and with respect to the transition portion.

[0041] The base element 31 may further comprise a central hollow cylindrical hub 33. In examples, four radial spokes 34 may extend from the second sidewall 31 b to the central hollow cylindrical hub. One end of the spindle 32 may be connected to the central hub 33.

[0042] The base element 31 (and thus the turnable base) is adapted to rotate while maintaining attachment to the body 20, as shown best in figure 2 and 6. Rotation of the turnable elevator base 31 thus rotates the spindle 32. The shaft of the spindle 32 is provided with threads, as is the inside of a bore 71 of the elevator platform 40. Rotation of the turnable elevator base 31 causes the spindle 32 to rotate, in turn causing the elevator platform 40 (and thus the solid deodorant composition attached to the platform 40) to be displaced in the direction of the arrow (arrow B).

[0043] As can be seen in in figure 6, the base element 31 , forming part of the turnable base, further comprises turnable base connector or female coupling member 39. The base connector 39 comprises a pair of parallel, horizontal and spaced apart flanges 39a, 39b which extend substantially perpendicularly to the vertical plane defined by the base 39c. The base connector further comprises a recess 39d in between the flanges 39a, 39b. The recess forms a female coupling members and is adapted to receive and sealingly mate with the body connector or male coupling member 24c e.g. a horizontal extension located in the body. The turnable base connector is thus configured to sealingly couple with the body connector or male coupling member 24c located in the body.

[0044] In some examples, in order to provide a sealing engagement of the male and female coupling members a snap fit may be used.

[0045] In examples, in use, the attachment between the body connector and the base connector defines a sealing such that air tightness is provided. This sealing provides a sealed space within the deodorant stick assembly, particularly before opening the deodorant stick assembly. Therefore, external contamination may be avoided, specifically during P12672PC01 transportation of the stick assembly. By preventing air from entering the assembly, the stick assembly will effectively preserve the ingredients. This means that the deodorant stick may remain effective and fresh for a longer period. it is noted that the elevator platform or piston 40 may be extended or retracted such that the elevator platform is situated at different positions with respect to the turnable base

[0046] 30. AS a result, deodorant stick assembly with different inner volumes may be obtained, depending on the position of the elevator platform or piston with respect to the turnable base. For example, the volume may be between 15 ml and 25 ml.

[0047] As can be seen in figure 1 and figure 5, the deodorant stick assembly 10 may also comprise a rotary handle 110. The rotary handle 110, in this example, is substantially circular-shaped. The rotary handle 110 comprises an outer substantially circular sidewall 110a, an inner substantially circular sidewall 100b, an intermediate substantially circular sidewall 110c, a first handle transition portion 110d and a second handle transition portion 110e. The first handle transition portion is situated between the first sidewall and the intermediate sidewall. The second handle transition portion is situated between the intermediate sidewall and the inner sidewall.

[0048] As shown in figure 6, the intermediate sidewall 110c comprises rotary handle connectors 150. The rotary handle connectors 150 may comprise an upstanding flange 150a (which may be elastically deformable) including a male connector 150b configured to mate with a second female turnable base connector 150c located in a portion of the base element 31 of the turnable base 30. Specifically, the second female turnable base connector 150c may be situated at an inner part of the first substantially cylindrical sidewall 31a of the base element 31. In use, the attachment of the male connector 150b with the female connector 150c may define a second airtight sealing. With such an arrangement, the rotary handle 110 may be releasably joined to turnable base 30 for extending and I or retracting the elevator platform 40 using e.g. a snap fit locking mechanism.

[0049] Again in figure 5, the second sidewall 110b comprises first retaining elements 198 which, in use, are configured to engage with second retaining elements 180 located in the inner part of the second substantially cylindrical sidewall 31 b forming part of the base element

[0050] 31 . AS result, in use, the rotary handle 110 is connected with the base 30 for extending and I or retracting the elevator platform 40 and can be rotated together in order to extend and retract the elevator platform 40. P12672PC01

[0051] The outer part of the outer substantially circular sidewall 110a may comprise a grip (not shown), thus the manipulation of the rotary handle 110 may be improved. The grip may be made of any suitable rough material e.g., plastic polymer, thus the manipulation of rotary handle 110 by a user may be improved, especially if the base of the deodorant stick is wet. For example, a user may hold the rotary handle 110 while holding the body 20 and rotate the rotary handle 110 (and thus turnable base 30 for extending and I or retracting the elevator platform 40) by exerting a rotational force on the grip.

[0052] In some examples, the deodorant stick assembly is exclusively made of polypropylene. Contrary to previous stick solution in which the sealing of the stick assembly has been provided using materials e.g., nitrile which, as a general rule, are not easily recyclable through traditional recycling programs, current solution may provide an assembly fully and exclusively made of polypropylene. With such an arrangement, a sustainable solution is also provided since the stick assembly can be fully and easily recycled, after use.

[0053] Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

P12672PC01CLAIMS1 . A stick assembly comprising a stick body having one or more sidewalls extending between a top and a bottom of the stick body, a space being defined in an interior of the stick body, an elevator platform disposed in the space formed in the interior of the stick body, a solid composition configured to be attached to the elevator platform, a turnable base configured to be operationally coupled to the elevator platform such that the elevator platform is displaced along the space formed in the interior of the stick body, and wherein the turnable base comprises one or more turnable base connectors and the stick body comprises one or more body connectors that are adapted to mate with the turnable base connectors such that, in use, the attachment between the turnable base connectors and the body connectors defines an airtight sealing.

2. A stick assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the stick assembly is a deodorant stick assembly, wherein the stick body is a deodorant stick body and the solid composition is a deodorant solid composition.

3. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 - 2, wherein the stick body comprises a first cylindrical sidewall extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, a second cylindrical sidewall extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, and a third generally cylindrical sidewall extending longitudinally from a first to a second end.

4. A stick assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second end of the second cylindrical sidewall corresponds to the bottom of the stick body.

5. A stick assembly according to any of claims 3 - 4, wherein the first end of the third cylindrical sidewall corresponds to the top of the stick body.

6. A stick assembly according to any of claims 3 - 5, wherein a first radially inward step is provided between the second end of the first cylindrical sidewall and the first end of the second cylindrical sidewall.

7. A stick assembly according to any of claims 3 - 6, wherein a second radially inward step is provided between the first end of the first cylindrical sidewall and the second end of the third cylindrical sidewall.P12672PC018. A stick assembly according to any of claims 3 - 7, wherein the body connectors are located at or near the second end of the second cylindrical sidewall of the stick body.

9. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 - 8, wherein the body connectors comprise a horizontal male projection and the turnable base connectors comprise a female coupling member configured mate with the horizontal male projection.

10. A stick assembly according to claim 9, wherein the female coupling member is configured to snap fit around the horizontal male projection.

11. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 - 10, wherein the turnable base connectors comprise a pair of parallel, horizontal and spaced apart flanges which extend substantially perpendicularly to a vertical plane defined by a base forming part of the turnable base connectors.

12. A stick assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the turnable base connectors further comprise a recess in between the flanges.

13. A stick assembly according to claim 12, wherein the recess forms a female coupling member and is adapted to receive and mate with the body connectors.

14. A stick assembly according to any of claims 3 - 12, wherein the stick body comprises an elongated channel along the longitudinal length of the body extending from the first end of the third cylindrical sidewall to the second end of the second cylindrical sidewall such that a through-hole is formed in the stick body.

15. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 - 14, wherein an interior part of the stick body comprises a plurality of internal axial ribs.

16. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 - 15, wherein the turnable base comprises a base element, and a threaded spindle attached to the base element such that rotation of the base element causes the spindle to rotate thereby displacing the elevator platform along the space formed in the interior of the stick body.

17. A stick assembly according to claim 16, wherein the base element comprises a first substantially cylindrical sidewall, a second substantially cylindrical sidewall and a transition portion between the first cylindrical sidewall and the second cylindrical sidewall.P12672PC0118. A stick assembly according to claim 17, wherein the first substantially cylindrical sidewall is situated radially outwardly with respect to the second substantially cylindrical sidewall.

19. A stick assembly according to claims 17 - 18, wherein the base element further comprises a central hollow cylindrical hub, wherein four spokes extend from the first substantially cylindrical sidewall to the central hub.

20. A stick assembly according to claim 19, wherein one end of the threaded spindle is attached to the central hollow cylindrical hub.

21. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 -20, further comprising a rotary handle configured to be operationally coupled to the turnable base such that rotation of the rotary handle causes the turnable base to rotate.

22. A stick assembly according to claim 21 , wherein the rotary handle comprises an outer substantially circular sidewall, an inner substantially circular sidewall, an intermediate substantially circular sidewall, a first handle transition portion and a second handle transition portion, wherein the first handle transition portion is situated between the first sidewall and the intermediate sidewall, wherein the second handle transition portion is situated between the intermediate sidewall and the inner sidewall.

23. A stick assembly according to claim 22 when dependent on claim 17, wherein the second sidewall comprises first retaining elements which are configured to engage with second retaining elements located in the inner part of the second substantially cylindrical sidewall forming part of the base element of the turnable base.

24. A stick assembly according to any of claims 22 - 23, wherein the intermediate sidewall comprises a male rotary handle connector configured to mate with a second female turnable base connector.

25. A stick assembly according to claim 24, wherein, in use, the attachment between the male rotary handle connector and the second female turnable base connector defines a second airtight sealing.P12672PC0126. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 - 25, further comprising a removable cap.

27. A stick assembly according to any of claims 1 - 26, wherein the stick assembly is exclusively made of polypropylene.

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