CN115348828A - Case for lipstick, lip gloss, deodorant or cosmetic - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge for an applicable material, the cartridge comprising: an elongated housing comprising a base, a peripheral wall, and an open upper perimeter; a material retainer located within and supported by the housing; and an elongated inner sleeve including an outer peripheral wall and an open upper peripheral edge, the inner sleeve being at least partially within the outer shell and at least partially surrounding the fastener. The fixing piece is fixed relative to the shell; the inner sleeve is longitudinally slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, such that when in the retracted position, the inner sleeve is configured to expose the applicable material for use, and when in the extended position, the inner sleeve is configured to at least partially surround the applicable material when not in use; and the inner sleeve is manipulable by a user to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted position and the extended position.

Description

Case for lipstick, lip gloss, deodorant or cosmetic

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims benefit of the filing date and priority date of european patent application No. 20 162 849.2 filed on 12/3/2020.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a case for lipstick, lip gloss or cosmetic (or indeed other material) and to a product comprising lipstick, lip gloss, cosmetic, deodorant, glue or the like and such a case.

Background

U.S. patent publication No. 2019/0328110A1 discloses a lipstick container having a cylindrical upper cover, the cylindrical member having (i) a shoulder portion (having an open upper portion and a lower portion) insertable into a lower opening of the upper cover and (ii) a lower cover (having an open upper portion and a closed lower portion), and an upper opening portion thereof inserted into a lower outer circumference of a circumferential protrusion protruding outward at a center of the shoulder portion; a rotating body of a cylindrical member inserted into the lower cover to rotate integrally with the lower cover; a lipstick holding member for holding lipstick at an upper portion thereof, which is inserted into the center of the rotary body and moves up and down while rotating integrally with the rotary body; a guide member, of which upper and lower portions are opened and of which outer circumference is tapered, provided between the rotary body and the lipstick holding member, for guiding the lipstick to be raised and lowered while the lipstick holding member is vertically moved up and down; and a lipstick receiving member of a cylindrical member whose upper and lower portions are opened and fixed on the tapered outer circumference of the guide member such that the upper opening is tapered to protect the lipstick inside the lipstick receiving member.

EP patent publication No. 0178188A2 discloses a stick holder for holding sticks of solid consumables such as lipstick. The cover sleeve is axially movable relative to the handle with the wand fixedly retained to selectively conceal or expose the wand. The sleeve itself is manually engageable and can be manipulated as required for said axial movement.

Us patent No. 1931079a discloses a lipstick holder whose body has a longitudinal slot and an open end, a cream holder that is movable back and forth in the body, a member cut out from the bottom of the holder leaving a small hole therein for venting air when filling and forming the cream holder to provide a portion that engages in the slot of the body, a relatively flat finger that extends over the slot and at an angle to the bottom of the cream holder, and a cap for the open end of the body.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge for an applicable material, i.e. a material for application to another material or object, which has a simple mechanism for facilitating access to or protection of the material.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a cartridge for an applicable material, comprising:

an elongated housing comprising a base, a peripheral wall, and an open upper perimeter;

a material retainer located within and supported by the housing; and

an elongated inner sleeve including an outer peripheral wall and an open upper peripheral edge, the inner sleeve being at least partially within the outer shell and at least partially surrounding the fastener;

wherein the fixture is fixed relative to the housing;

the inner sleeve is longitudinally slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, such that when in the retracted position, the inner sleeve is configured to expose the applicable material (i.e. the elongate portion or any cross-sectional shape) for use, and when in the extended position, the inner sleeve is configured to at least partially surround (so as to at least partially protect) the applicable material when not in use; and is provided with

The inner sleeve may be manipulated by a user (such as with a single finger) to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted and extended positions.

It should be noted that in this specification, "upper" and "lower" (or the like) refer to directions in which the applicable material extends or retracts, respectively.

The material "appliable" from the cartridge should have a relatively high viscosity and may thus comprise, for example, lipstick or lip gloss (in the form of a shot of lipstick or lip gloss), make-up (such as foundation in the form of a "fat stick"), glue (in the form of a "glue stick") or deodorant. It is envisaged that the material will typically be generally cylindrical, but other cross-sectional shapes are possible. In many embodiments, the material will be in the form of a stick (e.g., a lipstick, a glue stick, or a deodorant stick).

In normal use, the fixture is fixed relative to the housing, and thus when mounted on or in the fixture, the material is also typically fixed relative to the housing. This does not exclude the option that the securing member may be removed from the outer shell for replacement or refurbishment (such as by engaging the securing member with the outer shell by a snap-lock engagement), but the securing member and outer shell are fixed relative to each other as the inner sleeve is extended and retracted. Indeed, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the fixture and the housing may be manufactured as one piece. Thus, a lid sized to accommodate the expected applicable material cannot squeeze or crush the material if carefully placed over the material to engage the housing.

In one embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the outer shell defines a longitudinal slot through which a projection (such as a tab or stop) externally provided to the outer peripheral wall of the inner sleeve projects, the projection and hence the inner sleeve being manipulable by a user to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted and extended positions.

In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a cap configured to removably engage the housing, such as a cap removably positioned around an upper perimeter of the housing. The engagement may be, for example, a threaded engagement or a snap-lock engagement.

The base of the housing need not be closed, but in some embodiments is at least partially closed by one or more elements provided to support the fixture within the housing.

In one embodiment, the peripheral wall of the outer shell is substantially cylindrical on the inside, and the peripheral wall of the inner sleeve is substantially cylindrical on the outside (i.e. has a substantially circular cross-section). However, it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as polygonal (e.g., square, triangular, rectangular), elliptical, or irregular shapes.

In one embodiment, the casing is made of a plastics material.

In one embodiment, the fixing is integral with the base of the housing and/or the peripheral wall of the housing.

In one embodiment, the cartridge includes one or more elements (such as legs or ribs) that extend from the mount to the housing and support the mount.

In one embodiment, the fixture includes a skirt configured to extend under the material, and the cartridge includes one or more elements (e.g., legs or ribs) extending from the skirt to the shell and supporting the fixture.

The fixture may have a base plate. Thus, material may be prevented from being pushed into the fixture further than desired and/or supported by the base plate.

In one embodiment, the fixture is configured to support the material at the circumference or periphery of the material, at the base of the material, or both the periphery and the base of the material.

In one embodiment, the inner sleeve is configured to engage a portion of the outer shell or a portion of the securing member when in the extended position such that the inner sleeve resists movement beyond the extended position. For example, the inner sleeve may be provided with stops or tabs that abut the outer shell or the fixture when in the extended position.

In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a locking mechanism (such as a snap or catch element) disposed on the inner sleeve, and the locking mechanism is configured to engage the cap when the inner sleeve is in the extended position (such as at a complementary recess or catch element disposed therein). Thus, when such a cap is used, the locking mechanism serves to prevent displacement of the cap and displacement of the inner sleeve from the extended position.

In one embodiment, the cartridge comprises a cap configured to cover the applicable material and removably engage the outer shell, wherein the outer shell and the cap are configured such that preferably when the inner sleeve is fully extended and the cap and the outer shell are engaged, a portion of the outer shell is pushed by the cap against the inner sleeve, thereby preventing movement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer shell.

In one embodiment, the cartridge further comprises a conduit extending from the base to the floor of the fixture, the conduit configured to facilitate filling at least an interior volume of the fixture with the applicable material.

The cartridge may comprise an internally shaped cap configured to cover the applicable material and removably engage the outer shell, or an insert shaped to be removable so as to act as a mould defining the shape of a portion of the applicable material during said filling. Thus, during manufacture, once filling has been completed through the catheter, the base and peripheral wall of the fixture and the cap will define the final shape of the applicable material (ignoring any material remaining in the catheter). If the cap includes a removable insert, the insert will be removed from the cap or applicable material prior to use, but may also serve to inhibit undesirable drying of the applicable material prior to use.

In one embodiment, the housing defines:

one or more cutouts at an upper periphery of the outer shell exposing respective portions of the inner sleeve to facilitate manipulation of the inner sleeve; and/or

One or more cutouts at the lower periphery of the outer shell exposing respective portions of the inner sleeve as the inner sleeve is retracted, thereby facilitating manipulation of the inner sleeve.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a product comprising:

a cartridge according to the first aspect; and

a quantity of applicable material mounted to the fixture.

The material may include, for example, lipstick, lip gloss, make-up (such as foundation), deodorant, or glue.

It should be noted that any of the various individual features of each of the above-described aspects of the invention, as well as any of the various individual features of the embodiments described herein, including in the claims, may be combined as appropriate and desired.

Drawings

In order that the invention may be more clearly defined, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lipstick product according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the lipstick product of FIG. 1 with the cap removed and the inner sleeve extended;

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of the lipstick product of FIG. 1, with the cap omitted and the inner sleeve partially extended;

FIG. 2C is a schematic perspective view of the lipstick product of FIG. 1 with the cap omitted and the inner sleeve retracted;

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the outer shell and the mount of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the outer shell and the mount of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a further perspective view of the outer shell and the mount of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic perspective views of the lipstick product of FIG. 1 from below looking obliquely (with the cap omitted), wherein FIG. 4A depicts the inner sleeve retracted and FIG. 4B depicts the inner sleeve extended;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are further views of the outer shell and the fastener of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of an inner sleeve of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A through 7D are cross-sectional views through a vertical mid-plane of the lipstick product of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of a lipstick product according to further embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a lipstick product according to a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B — comparable to the perspective view of FIG. 8B;

9A, 9B, and 9C are perspective views of three configurations of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B with the cap omitted;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the inner sleeve, outer sleeve and material securing member of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with the inner sleeve and outer sleeve separated;

FIG. 10B is a further perspective view of the inner sleeve, outer shell, and material retainer of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with the inner sleeve in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 10C is a further perspective view, from below, of the inner sleeve, outer shell and material fixture of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with the inner sleeve in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the outer case and material holder of the lipstick product of FIGS. 8A and 8B, wherein a mold for partially forming the applicable material is shown mounted on the outer peripheral wall of the material holder; and

fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a funnel defined by the cup and the conduit of the lipstick product of fig. 8A and 8B, with a mold positioned against the cup for filling back or bottom with an applicable material via the conduit.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lipstick product 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The lipstick product 10 comprises a case 12 (of plastic material) and a pellet of lipstick (not shown in this view).

The cartridge body 12 includes an elongated substantially cylindrical housing 14 and a cap 16; the cap 16 engages the upper periphery of the housing 14 in a snap-fit engagement and is removed when access to a bolus of lipstick is desired. The housing 14 includes a peripheral wall 18 and a base 20.

The peripheral wall 18 defines an elongate longitudinal slot 22. The cassette 12 includes a projection in the form of a tab 24 (provided on the peripheral wall of the inner sleeve, not shown) which is slidable along the slot 22 between the position shown in the drawings and a position adjacent the base 20.

Briefly, the lipstick product 10 functions in the following manner. Fig. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the lipstick product 10 after the cap 16 is removed. A first latching element 26 (including a flange) of the latching mechanism is clearly visible at the upper periphery of the peripheral wall 18; the cap 16 includes a complementary detent element (not visible in this view) in its lower periphery that is configured to engage the first detent element 26 when the cap 16 is in place on the housing 14.

The cartridge body 12 includes and partially houses a substantially cylindrical inner sleeve 28 which is exposed by removal of the cap 16. As shown, the inner sleeve 28 is in its extended position. It should be noted that the tabs 24 are provided on the inner sleeve 28 (and, in this example, are integrally formed with the inner sleeve 28). The bolus of lipstick is largely concealed by inner sleeve 28 such that inner sleeve 28 provides protection for the bolus of lipstick when inner sleeve 28 is in the extended position shown.

FIG. 2B is a view comparable to FIG. 2A, with the cap 16 omitted for clarity, and with the inner sleeve 28 partially retracted longitudinally, exposing a portion of the lipstick projectile 30. As described in more detail below, the lipstick pill 30 is mounted on a mounting (not visible in this view) of the case 12 within the housing 14; the fixture is in turn supported by the housing 14.

Figure 2C is a view comparable to figure 2B but with the inner sleeve 28 in its retracted position. In this configuration, the tab 24 is at its lowest position, which may be defined by the lowest point of travel of the inner sleeve 28 allowed (such as by the fixture or enclosure 14 described above), by the slot 22, or by the base 20. It should be noted that the tab may optionally include a depression in the form of a recess 32 to facilitate its manipulation, for example with a thumb or forefinger.

The tab 24 or inner sleeve 28 may also optionally include a locking mechanism disposed on the inner sleeve 28 for engaging the cap 16 when the cap 16 is positioned on the outer shell 14. The locking mechanism may be, for example, an extended or completed form of the first latch element 26, or a simple stop or tab (such as tab 34 on the inner sleeve 28 above tab 24) that forms a degree of frictional engagement with the cap 16 to resist displacement of the cap 16 and inner sleeve 28 when the inner sleeve 28 is in its extended position.

Fig. 3A is a plan view and fig. 3B and 3C are perspective views of the housing 14 and the mount 40 of the lipstick product 10. Referring to these figures, the mount 40 is configured to receive a lipstick projectile 30. Thus, in this embodiment, the fixing member 40 has a substantially cylindrical outer peripheral wall 42 and a floor 44 (wherein the outer peripheral wall 42 defines a cup together with the floor 44). The floor 44 prevents the lipstick projectile 30 from being pushed further into the mount 40 than desired during manufacture or use.

The holder 40 optionally includes one or more lobes 46 projecting inwardly from the peripheral wall 42 for retaining the lipstick pellets 30. In other embodiments, spikes, folds, or other protrusions may be used or omitted (such as if the lipstick pellet 30 is retained within the mount 40 by a friction fit between the lipstick pellet 30 and the peripheral wall 42). In this example, the fixture 40 includes six such lobes 46 evenly distributed about the peripheral wall 42.

The mount 40 includes ribs 48 attached to the housing 14, whereby the housing 14 supports the mount 40 (and thus the lipstick projectile 30) fixed relative to the housing 14. As best seen in fig. 3C, the securing member 40 includes a lower skirt 50, which is in effect a downwardly depending extension of the peripheral wall 42 beyond the floor 44 of the securing member 40.

It should be noted that the volume of the holder 40 containing the lipstick pellet 30 is defined by the peripheral wall 42 and the bottom plate 44, and is shallower than the peripheral wall 18 of the case 14; this is because the lipstick pill 30 is fixed with respect to the holder 40 and the peripheral wall 18 of the housing 14, so that the part of the lipstick pill 30 in the peripheral wall 42 of the holder 40 is substantially unusable. Thus, the floor 44 is positioned as high as possible in the mount 40, consistent with the secure retention of the lipstick projectile 30 within the mount 40 during shipping and use.

It will also be apparent from fig. 3C that in this embodiment, although generally cylindrical, the housing 14 has a recessed portion 52 (viewed from the exterior of the housing 14), with the slot 22 located in the recessed portion 52. Recessed relative to the substantially cylindrical form of housing 14, in this example recessed portion 52 is substantially flat such that slot 22 is located within the substantially flat portion of housing 14. (it should be noted that in other embodiments, such portions may also be provided that are recessed relative to the general outline of the housing). The recessed portion 52 allows the tabs 24 to be similarly recessed relative to the general contour of the outer shell 14 to reduce the risk of accidental displacement of the tabs 24, and therefore the inner sleeve 28.

Fig. 4A and 4B are schematic perspective views of lipstick product 10 viewed obliquely from below (cap 16 omitted for clarity). FIG. 4A depicts the inner sleeve 28 in its retracted position, while FIG. 4B depicts the inner sleeve 28 in its extended position, thereby exposing an upper portion of the lipstick projectile 30.

These figures also depict the lower ends of the ribs 48, which in this embodiment are directly connected to each other and to the fixture 40, as shown in the figures. Although substantially cylindrical, the lower periphery of the inner sleeve 28 terminates in four sections 54 defining slots therebetween for receiving the ribs 48 when the inner sleeve 28 is in its retracted position (as described in more detail below).

Fig. 5A and 5B are further views of the housing 14 and the mount 40. The upper positioning of fig. 5A is an elevational rear view, in which only the uppermost periphery of the fixture 40 is visible; the lower orientation of fig. 5A is a perspective view in which another portion of the fixture 40 is visible through the longitudinal slot 22.

The upper orientation in fig. 5B is also an elevational view (rotated 90 degrees relative to the upper elevation in fig. 5A) with the recessed portion 52 of the housing 14 shown from the side. The lower orientation of fig. 5B is a plan view equivalent to the plan view of fig. 3A, with the recessed portion 52 oriented to the left as in the upper orientation.

Fig. 6A and 6B are views of the inner sleeve 28. In fig. 6A, the upper positioning is an elevation view and the lower positioning is a perspective view, while in fig. 6B, the upper positioning is another elevation view (rotated 90 degrees with respect to the upper positioning of fig. 6A) and the lower positioning is a plan view. In these figures, a portion 54 of the inner sleeve 28 is more clearly seen, which portion 54 defines a slot 56 for receiving the rib 48 when the inner sleeve 28 is in its retracted position. One of these portions 54 is shorter than the other portions 54: the shorter portion 54 supports the tab 24.

Fig. 7A-7D are cross-sectional views of the lipstick product 10 through a vertical mid-plane. Figure 7A shows the cap 16 in place on the outer shell 14, with the inner sleeve 28 in its extended position. Figure 7B shows the cap 16 in place on the outer shell 14, with the inner sleeve 28 in its extended position. Figure 7C shows the cap 16 removed from the outer shell 14 and the inner sleeve 28 in its extended position (thereby protecting the otherwise exposed lipstick pellet 30). FIG. 7D shows the cap 16 removed from the outer housing 14 and the inner sleeve 28 in its retracted position, thus facilitating access to the lipstick projectile 30.

In these figures, a first latch element 26 of the latch mechanism can be seen, as well as a second complementary latch element 60 of the latch mechanism (including a recess for receiving the first element 26) disposed within the lower periphery of the cap 16.

Fig. 8A and 8B are perspective views of a lipstick product 70 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The view of FIG. 8B shows the side of the lipstick product 70 opposite that shown in FIG. 8A.

The lipstick product 70 (similar to the lipstick product 10 in fig. 1) comprises a case 72 (of plastic material) and a lipstick pellet (not shown in this view). The cartridge 72 includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical housing 74 and a cap 76. The cap 76 engages the upper periphery of the housing 74 in a snap-lock engagement, and the cap 76 is removed when access to a lipstick cartridge is desired. The housing 74 includes a peripheral wall 78 and a base 80.

The peripheral wall 78 defines one or more cutouts in an upper periphery of the peripheral wall 78 that expose the inner sleeve 88 and allow a user to access the inner sleeve 88. In this example, the peripheral wall 78 defines first and second cutouts 82a, 82b that expose the inner sleeve 88 and allow a user to access the inner sleeve 88 (only partially visible in this view); the cutouts 82a, 82b allow a user to manipulate the inner sleeve 88, as described further below, such as when the inner sleeve 88 is extended from its fully retracted position, or when the inner sleeve is retracted from its fully extended position (see FIG. 9A). In this example, the cuts 82a, 82b are diametrically opposed to one another, but it will be appreciated that they may be spaced apart if desired.

In some variations of this embodiment, the peripheral wall of the housing defines only one such cutout. Fig. 8C is a perspective view of this variation (comparable to the variation of fig. 8B). The lipstick product 70 'of this variation appears the same as lipstick product 70 in the view of FIG. 8A, but in the opposite view, as shown in FIG. 8C, because the peripheral wall 78' of housing 74 defines only one cutout.

In still other variations, the peripheral wall 78/78' defines one or more further cutouts in the lower periphery of the peripheral wall 78.

Fig. 9A, 9B, and 9C are perspective views of three configurations of lipstick product 70 (with cap 76 omitted). As can be seen in these views, the peripheral wall 78 terminates at its upper periphery in a collar 92, which collar 92 defines the cutouts 82a, 82b (or, in lipstick product 70', through cutout 82 a). The collar 92 has a smaller outer diameter than the remainder of the outer peripheral wall 78 so that the collar 92 can be received by the cap 76.

Similar to lipstick product 10, lipstick product 70 includes a latch mechanism for removably engaging cap 76 and housing 74. The latch mechanism includes a first latch element on collar 92 or formed by collar 92, and a second latch element (not visible in this view) disposed in cap 76.

In one example, the first latch element includes a flange. In the example of fig. 9A, 9B and 9C, the primary latch element includes one or more stops, in this example four stops 94 (or only two of which are visible in this view, only one of which is partially visible). If multiple stops 94 are provided, they may be spaced, such as evenly spaced, around the collar 92 as desired; in the example shown, the stops 94 are evenly spaced around the collar 92.

The secondary detent element provided in the cap 76 includes a flange formed within the lower perimeter of the cap 76 for receiving the primary detent element. Thus, the second latch element is configured to engage the first latch element (such as stop 94) when the cap 76 is in place on the housing 74.

FIG. 9A shows lipstick product 70 with inner sleeve 80 fully extended, while FIG. 9B shows inner sleeve 88 partially retracted (thereby partially exposing lipstick pellet 90), and FIG. 9C shows inner sleeve 88 fully retracted (thereby maximally exposing lipstick pellet 90).

It should be noted that the inner sleeve 88 may be stepped in the area exposed by the cutouts 82a, 82b (or in the area exposed by the cutout 82a in the variation of FIG. 8C). Accordingly, outer shells 74, 74' may be enlarged in these regions in a complementary manner to accommodate the outwardly stepped portion of inner sleeve 88. Advantageously, this arrangement prevents rotation of the inner sleeve 88 within the peripheral wall 78 (or the peripheral wall 78'). In some embodiments, it may be desirable to step the inner sleeve 88 outwardly by an amount such that the inner sleeve 88 extends outwardly in this region to the collar 92, such that when the inner sleeve 88 is fully extended (as shown in FIG. 9A), the inner sleeve 88 and collar 92 provide an effectively continuous surface.

Furthermore, the cut- outs 82a, 82b of the peripheral wall 78 (likewise, the elongate longitudinal slot 22 of the peripheral wall 18 and the cut-out 82a of the peripheral wall 78') contribute to a certain degree of resilient flexibility of the peripheral wall 78. Advantageously, the cap 76 (and likewise, the cap 16 and the cap 76') may optionally be configured such that its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper perimeter of the peripheral wall 78 (i.e., the collar 92), such that the process of pressing the cap 76 onto the peripheral wall 78 (so as to be positioned as shown in fig. 8A and 8B) drives the upper perimeter of the peripheral wall 78 inwardly into contact or more forceful contact with the inner sleeve 88. This contact has the effect of preventing the inner sleeve 88 from moving relative to the peripheral wall 78, which is generally undesirable.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, such a configuration may not drive the upper periphery of the peripheral wall 78 inward evenly around the circumference of the upper periphery of the peripheral wall 78, but this is not necessary to achieve the desired effect of friction (or increased friction) between the inner sleeve 88 and the peripheral wall 78 in order to prevent movement of the inner sleeve 88.

Figure 10A is a perspective view of inner sleeve 88 and outer shell 74 of lipstick product 70 as they are disengaged. In this view, the partially stepped nature of the inner sleeve 88 is evident. The inner sleeve 88 includes a main portion or upper portion 100 and a lower perimeter 102. Lower perimeter 102 has one or more enlarged portions adapted to be received by complementary recesses in the inner surface of peripheral wall 78 and one or more non-enlarged portions (i.e., relative to the diameter of upper portion 100). With this arrangement, inner sleeve 88 resists rotation relative to outer shell 74 when positioned within outer shell 74. In the example of this embodiment, the lower perimeter 102 has two enlarged portions 104a, 104b and two non-enlarged portions (one of which is visible at 104 c), alternating between the enlarged and non-enlarged portions to form the lower perimeter 102. In this example, the enlarged and non-enlarged portions each span approximately 90 degrees of the lower perimeter 102, but this can be varied as desired.

The variant lipstick product 70 of fig. 8C includes an enlarged portion spanning about 90 degrees and a non-enlarged portion spanning about 270 degrees.

Also visible in this view is a portion of the mount 106 of the lipstick pellet 90.

FIG. 10B is a further perspective view of inner sleeve 88 and outer shell 74 of lipstick product 70, in this view inner sleeve 88 is in a fully retracted position. This view more clearly shows one of the recesses 109 in the inner surface of the peripheral wall 78 for receiving the enlarged portion 104a of the lower periphery 102 of the inner sleeve 88. In this example, the portion of the peripheral wall 78 at each recess 109 is approximately half the thickness of the portion of the peripheral wall 78 elsewhere.

In this view, the peripheral wall 108 (provided with a plurality of inwardly projecting retaining blades 110) and the base plate 112 of the fixture 106 are visible; the peripheral wall 108 and the floor 112 together define a cup for supporting the lipstick projectile 90. As described further below, the base 112 is in turn supported by radial ribs that engage or are integral with the peripheral wall 78 and define conduits that allow filling of lipstick material on the back or bottom of the cups 108, 112 through apertures 114 defined by the base 112.

FIG. 10C is a further perspective view of inner sleeve 88 and outer shell 74 of lipstick product 70 from below, again with inner sleeve 88 in a fully retracted position. The anchor 106 includes radial ribs 116 and a central conduit 118; the radial ribs 116 are fixed to (or integral with) the housing 74 and the conduit 118 and the radial ribs 116 and the conduit 118. Thus, the housing 74 supports the mount 106 (and thus the lipstick pellet 90). The conduit 118 is continuous with the aperture 114 in the base 112 such that the cups 108, 112 and the conduit 118 define a funnel, and as described above, the cups 108, 112 can be back-filled or bottom-filled with lipstick (or other applicable) material (i.e., through the base 80 or from below).

In an example of such a manufacturing process, cups 108, 112 are fitted with mold-like caps, inner sleeve 88 and outer shell 74 are assembled, and caps 70, 70' are attached to outer shell 74. The cups 108, 112 and the mold-like cap are then filled via conduit 118. Wherein the mold-like cap is adapted to receive and shape lipstick material.

Referring again to FIG. 10C, the enlarged portions 104a, b and the non-enlarged portions 104C, d of the lower periphery 102 of the inner sleeve 88 are also shown. One or more of these may optionally be provided with or formed to include an inwardly extending removal inhibiting element configured to engage the floor 112 from below when the inner sleeve 88 is at or near its fully extended position (see fig. 2A and 9A). Such one or more elements thereby prevent removal of inner sleeve 88 from outer shell 74. The removal prevention element may comprise, for example, an undercut, a tongue or a protrusion.

In the example of fig. 10C, enlarged portions 104a, 104b are shown provided with a respective pair of projections 120, while non-enlarged portions 104c,104d have respective undercuts 122. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the enlarged portions 104a, 104b or non-enlarged portions 104c,104d (but not both) may have such a mechanism.

As described above, the conduit 118 is continuous with the hole 114 in the bottom plate 112 such that the interior volume of the cups 108, 112 is in fluid communication with the conduit 118 such that the cups 108, 112 can be back-filled or underfilled with applicable material, so long as the material can be pumped, injected, or the like along the conduit 118 into the cups 108, 112.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of outer shell 74 and material holder 106 of lipstick product 70, where mold 130 is used to partially form the applicable material and is located on peripheral wall 108 or against peripheral wall 108. With this arrangement, the applicable material may be back-filled or underfilled via the conduit 118 and held and shaped by the cups 108, 112 and the mold 130. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the mold 130 may take many suitable forms and may be of many suitable materials. For example, the mold 130 may be in the form of a thin sheath (which may be rigid or flexible and may be disposable) that fits over the peripheral wall 108 during the manufacturing process, or a die or cup (which may be suitable for reuse) that is positioned against the peripheral wall 106. In particular, the mold 130 may also be formed by a cap 76 (and likewise, 76' and 16) suitably shaped inside it.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a mold 130 positioned against the funnel defined by cups 108, 112 and conduit 118, ready for back-side or bottom-filling 132 with material via conduit 118.

Thus, in an example of such a manufacturing process, outer shell 74 and material fixture 106 are manufactured (whether integrally, such as by injection molding, or separately manufactured and then assembled), mold 130 is attached to peripheral wall 108 or positioned against peripheral wall 108, and mold 130 is filled via conduit 118. Before or after these steps, inner sleeve 88 is positioned within outer shell 74, 74', and cap 70, 70' is attached to outer shell 74 at any point after inner sleeve 88 has been positioned within outer shell 74, 74 '. Whether as part of the manufacturing process, the mold 130 is removed when it is desired to use (e.g., apply) the material, or if the material must solidify after filling (after the material hardens). The mold 130 may also be formed from a cap and continue to serve as the product cap for the cartridge body.

In another example, the cap 76 is internally shaped so that it can serve as a mold that defines the shape of a portion of the applicable material 90 (in this example, the portion of the applicable material that extends beyond the peripheral wall 108). Thus, the cap 76 can be said to replace the die 130.

In one example, the cap 76 is internally shaped in this manner, with an internal insert that is removable from the interior of the cap 76 after manufacture. This may be advantageous to minimize interference between the cap 76 and the applicable material 90 during use.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope, and in particular, it will be apparent that certain features of the embodiments of the present invention may be employed to form further embodiments.

It will be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, unless the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary due to express timing, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. A cartridge for an applicable material, comprising:

an elongated housing having a base, a peripheral wall, and an open upper perimeter;

a material mount located within and supported by the housing; and

an elongated inner sleeve having an outer peripheral wall and an open upper peripheral edge, the inner sleeve being at least partially located within the outer shell and at least partially surrounding the fastener;

wherein the fixture is fixed relative to the housing;

the inner sleeve being longitudinally slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, such that when in the retracted position the inner sleeve is configured to expose the appliable material for use and when in the extended position the inner sleeve is configured to at least partially surround the appliable material when not in use; and is provided with

The inner sleeve is manipulable by a user to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted position and the extended position.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall of the outer shell defines a longitudinal slot through which a projection externally provided on the peripheral wall of the inner sleeve projects, the projection and hence the inner sleeve being manipulable by the user to slide the inner sleeve between the retracted position and the extended position.

3. A cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing member is integral with the base of the housing and/or the peripheral wall of the housing.

4. A cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises one or more elements extending from the fixture to the shell and supporting the fixture, or the fixture comprises a skirt configured to extend under the material, and the cartridge contains one or more elements extending from the skirt to the shell and supporting the fixture.

5. A cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner sleeve is configured to engage a portion of the outer shell or a portion of the fixing when in the extended position such that the inner sleeve resists movement beyond the extended position.

6. A cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises a locking mechanism provided on the inner sleeve and configured to engage a cap when the inner sleeve is in the extended position.

7. A case according to any preceding claim configured for use with a lipstick or a stick or a bullet shaped further applicable material.

8. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, comprising a cap configured to cover the appliable material and removably engage the outer shell, wherein the outer shell and cap are configured such that a portion of the outer shell is urged by the cap against the inner sleeve, thereby preventing movement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer shell.

9. A cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the outer shell is provided with one or more outwardly and/or inwardly projecting stops configured to engage the cap and/or the inner sleeve, respectively.

10. A cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a conduit running from the base to a floor of the fixture, the conduit being configured to facilitate filling at least an interior volume of the fixture with the applicable material.

11. A cartridge according to claim 10, comprising a cap configured to cover the applicable material and removably engage the outer shell, wherein the cap is internally shaped or comprises a removable internal insert so shaped as to act as a mould defining the shape of a portion of the applicable material during the filling.

12. A cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing defines

One or more cutouts at an upper periphery of the outer shell exposing respective portions of the inner sleeve to facilitate manipulation of the inner sleeve; and/or

One or more cutouts at a lower periphery of the outer shell exposing respective portions of the inner sleeve as the inner sleeve is retracted, thereby facilitating manipulation of the inner sleeve.

13. A product, comprising:

a cartridge according to any of the preceding claims;

a quantity of applicable material mounted to the fixture.

14. The product according to claim 13, wherein the material is selected from lipstick, lip gloss, cosmetics, deodorants, glue or similar materials.

15. The product of claim 13 or 14, wherein the material is in the shape of a rod or pellet.

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