CN117322723A

CN117322723A - Cosmetic product application device comprising a retractable sheath

Info

Publication number: CN117322723A
Application number: CN202310785806.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 弗雷德里克·勒库瑞尔; 马克·埃蒙森
Original assignee: Albea Services SAS
Current assignee: Albea Services SAS
Priority date: 2022-06-30
Filing date: 2023-06-29
Publication date: 2024-01-02
Also published as: FR3137259A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cosmetic application device comprising a retractable sheath. The device (10) for applying a cosmetic stick (12) has a central axis (a) and comprises: a base (14) comprising a tubular outer wall (16), a cylindrical inner wall (18) arranged coaxially with the outer wall (16); a tubular sheath (44) axially slidably received between the inner wall (18) and the outer wall (16) of the base (14), the sheath (44) comprising lugs (50), each lug cooperating with an associated recess (52) in the base (14); the inner wall (18) of the base (14) and the sheath (44) are made of the same material; characterized in that the sheath (44) comprises at least three lugs (50) protruding radially from the inner cylindrical surface towards the central axis (a), a groove (52) being formed in the outer cylindrical surface of the inner wall (18).

Description

Cosmetic product application device comprising a retractable sheath

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for applying cosmetics, in particular cosmetic sticks, said device having a central axis, said device comprising:

-a base comprising a tubular outer wall, a cylindrical inner wall arranged coaxially with the outer wall and a cup for receiving the rod, the outer wall, the inner wall and the cup being stationary relative to each other;

-a tubular sheath axially slidably received between the inner and outer walls of the base, the sheath comprising lugs, each lug cooperating with an associated recess in the base to guide the sheath relative to the base in the base between an extreme extended position in which the rod is fully covered by the sheath and an extreme retracted position in which the rod is at least partially uncovered.

Background

The prior art includes devices of this type for packaging cosmetics, such as cosmetic sticks, in particular but not exclusively lipstick sticks or lip gloss sticks. Such cosmetic sticks will be referred to hereinafter and in the claims as "sticks".

Such an applicator includes a base in which the sheath is slidably mounted between an extreme extended position and an extreme retracted position. The rod is received in the cup portion of the base.

In the extreme extended position, the sheath protects the rod by completely covering the rod. In the extreme retracted position, the rod is exposed to at least the upper extremity of the cup.

In order to allow a person to see the wand without having to fully retract the sheath, it is known to make the sheath from a transparent material. The condition or color of the wand can be readily seen by a person.

However, some guide elements for sliding the sheath relative to the base are typically carried by the sheath. The aesthetic appearance of the device is impaired when these guide elements are visible through the sheath when the sheath is in its extreme extended position. In the cosmetic field, the aesthetic appearance of the application device is a key criterion for the consumer.

Furthermore, the application device is preferably easily recyclable. For this purpose, all the components of the known application device are made of the same material, so that it is not necessary to separate them before recycling them.

The slip control mechanism of the sheath typically includes a helical groove that mates with the lug.

However, failures have been observed when the sliding control mechanism of the sheath is made of a single material, in particular of a plastic material (e.g. polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate). In particular, when a slightly excessive torque is applied to the base, the lugs tend to leave the associated helical grooves. This type of torque is commonly referred to as cross-thread torque.

While this type of failure has been previously known, the fact that the components are made of a single, relatively flexible material has significantly reduced the value of the cross-thread torque as compared to devices made of multiple materials. Such failures can compromise the quality image that cosmetic distributors typically wish to communicate.

Thus, there is a need for an application device that is both aesthetically pleasing and reliable.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention proposes a device for applying a cosmetic product, in particular a cosmetic stick, said device having a central axis, said device comprising:

-a tubular sheath axially slidably received between the inner and outer walls of the base, the sheath comprising lugs, each lug cooperating with an associated recess in the base to guide the sheath in the base relative to the base between an extreme extended position in which the rod is fully covered by the sheath and an extreme retracted position in which the rod is at least partially uncovered;

the inner wall of the base and the sheath are made of the same material.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that the sheath comprises at least three lugs protruding radially from the inner cylindrical surface towards the central axis, a groove being formed in the outer cylindrical surface of the inner wall.

According to another aspect of the invention, each groove in the base associated with a lug of the sheath has a helical shape, rotation of the sheath relative to the base causing the sheath to slide in the base between its extreme extended position and its extreme retracted position.

According to another aspect of the invention, each recess of the base associated with a lug of the sheath has an axially oriented rectilinear shape.

According to another aspect of the invention, the lugs are evenly distributed about the central axis.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sheath has a lower extension, which is permanently housed in the cylindrical outer wall of the base, whatever the position of the sheath, the lugs being carried by said lower extension.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sheath is transparent.

According to another aspect of the invention, the lugs are snapped into the associated grooves.

According to another aspect of the invention, the space defined radially between the outer wall and the inner wall is closed by a lower bottom.

According to another aspect of the invention, the bottom is integrally formed with the outer wall.

According to another aspect of the invention, an inner wall is added and attached to the bottom of the base.

According to another aspect of the invention, the inner wall is integrally formed with the cup portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sheath includes at least four lugs evenly distributed about the central axis.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the sake of understanding of the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator device produced in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, with one sheath of the device in an extreme extended position and the cover removed.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the device of fig. 1 without the cover, with the sheath in an extreme retracted position.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of the device shown in fig. 1, wherein the device is closed by its cover and the sheath is in its extreme extended position.

Fig. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the device shown in fig. 1, with the cover removed, the wand not shown and the sheath in its extreme retracted position.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section 6-6 of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section 7-7 of fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a sheath of the apparatus shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to fig. 3 showing an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the grooves in the sheath have a straight, axially oriented shape.

Detailed Description

Conventionally, the "axial" direction in the figures corresponds to the direction of the main axis "a" of a device (also called a mechanism) for applying a cosmetic product, such as a cosmetic stick, in particular a lipstick stick or lip gloss, and the "radial" direction is orthogonal to the axial direction, radiating from the main axis.

In the following description and claims, a plane orthogonal to the axis "a" will be referred to as a "radial plane".

In the following detailed description of the drawings, the terms "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "below" will be used with reference to the axial direction, the upper part of the device corresponding to the following parts: through which the cosmetic stick exits the device for application.

Similarly, the terms "outer or outer" and "inner or inner" are used with reference to a radial direction, in which the outer element is farther from the axis a than the inner element.

The term "circumferential" is used to denote a direction tangential to a circle centred on the main axis "a".

Subsequently, elements having the same structure or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The figures show a device 10 for applying cosmetics. Preferably, the cosmetic product (as shown in fig. 1, 2 and 4) is a cosmetic stick 12, more specifically, cosmetic stick 12 is a lipstick stick intended to be applied by friction, or a lip balm.

The device 10 is designed to remove the cosmetic product by at least one rotational movement.

The apparatus 10 has an axis a referred to as the main axis.

As can be seen in fig. 1 to 3, the device 10 comprises at least one first element, hereinafter referred to as a base 14.

As shown in more detail in fig. 4 and 5, the base 14 comprises a tubular outer wall 16 coaxial with the main axis a. The base 14 further includes a cylindrical inner wall 18 coaxially disposed within the outer wall 16. Thus, the outer wall 16 and the inner wall 18 radially define an annular space 19. The outer wall 16 and the inner wall 18 are stationary relative to each other.

At least the annular space 19 of the seat 14 is closed at its lower end by a radial bottom 20.

By way of non-limiting example, the base 20 is integrally formed with the outer wall 16 of the base 14.

The base 14 also includes a cup 22 designed to receive the wand 12. Thus, the cup-shaped portion 22 defines a receiving portion that is upwardly open and downwardly closed by the radial partition 23. The receiving portion is shaped to receive the lower extension of the rod 12. In order for the rod 12 to be held securely, one inner face of the cup 22 is provided with an axial rib 24.

A cup 22 is arranged at the upper end of the inner wall 18. The cup 22 is also stationary relative to the inner wall 18.

In the example shown in the figures, the cup 22 and the outer wall 16 belong to two separate parts.

An inner wall 18 is added and attached to a bottom 20 of the base 14.

The inner wall 18 is integrally formed with the cup 22. In particular, the inner wall 18 is tubular, the upper end of which forms a cup 22.

As shown in fig. 2, the base 14 comprises two separate parts, a first outer part 14A comprising the outer wall 16 and the bottom 20, and a second inner part 14B comprising the cup 22 and the inner wall 18. The two parts 14A, 14B are designed to be attached together.

Thus, the inner wall 18 has a cylindrical shape with a lower opening at the lower end of the inner wall 16 defined by a circular rim 25.

This embodiment is of particular interest from an industrial point of view, since it enables the outer portion 14A to remain common to a plurality of models, only the inner portion 14B being able to be changed to change the inclination of the groove or the shape of the cup.

Alternatively, not shown, the base 14 may be made in one piece, or the base 14 may be made of more separate parts attached to each other.

To attach the inner portion 14B into the outer portion 14A, the outer portion 14A includes a center tube 26 extending axially from the bottom 20, as shown in fig. 4 and 5. The tube 26 is arranged concentrically inside the outer wall 16. The outer diameter of the tube 26 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner wall 18 so that the central tube 26 can be axially inserted into the inner wall 18 through the lower opening in the inner portion 14B.

Thus, when the inner portion 14B is inserted into the outer portion 14A, the lower end edge 25 of the inner wall 16 contacts the bottom 20 of the outer portion 14A. In this position, the upper end of the center tube 26 is disposed immediately below the lower partition 23 of the cup-shaped portion 22.

The inner portion 14B includes a central skirt 28, the central skirt 28 extending axially downwardly from a lower face of the bulkhead 23. The skirt 28 extends concentrically within the inner wall 18. When the inner portion 14B is positioned in the outer portion 14A, the skirt 28 is axially inserted into the upper opening in the center tube 26.

Rotation of the outer portion 14A relative to the inner portion 14B is blocked in both directions about the axis "a" by the cooperation between the circumferential stops 32A, 32B, 36A, 36B carried by each of said portions 14A, 14B, the stops 32A, 32B, 36A, 36B being eccentric relative to the axis "a".

Fig. 4 to 6 show non-limiting embodiments of such a stop. Thus, the central tube 26 of the outer portion 14A includes an axial rib 30, the axial rib 30 being circumferentially delimited by two faces forming first stops 32A, 32B. The central skirt 28 of the inner portion 14B includes a downwardly open axial slot 34. The groove 34 is circumferentially delimited by two faces forming the second stops 36A, 36B. When the inner portion 14B is positioned in the outer portion 14A, each rib 30 nests in an associated slot 34 such that the first stop 32A, 32B mates with the second stop 36A, 36B to block rotation of the inner portion 14B relative to the outer portion 14A about the axis "a" in both directions.

Furthermore, the inner portion 14B is also axially fixed relative to the portion 14A by means of elastic snap-fit means.

According to a non-limiting example of such a resilient snap-fit arrangement shown in fig. 5, the central skirt 28 of the inner portion 14B comprises at least one recess 38, in this case two opposite recesses 38, at its connection with the partition 23. The recess 38 is here formed by two windows through the tubular skirt 28.

The central tube 26 of the outer portion 14A has two opposing axial tabs 40 with hooks 42 at the free upper ends thereof. The hooks 42 on the tabs 40 are designed to be received in the associated notches 38 on the central skirt 28 by the resilient flexing of the tabs 40. Thus, the hooks 42 enable the inner portion 14B to be axially retained in the outer portion 14A. Thus, with the inner portion 14B axially abutting the bottom 20, the inner portion 14B is completely axially fixed in both directions relative to the outer portion 14A.

Thus, the inner portion 14B is attached to the outer portion 14A.

The applicator 10 further includes a tubular sheath 44, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the tubular sheath 44 being radially received in the annular space 19 between the inner wall 18 and the outer wall 16 of the base 14.

The tubular sheath 44 is controlled to slide axially in the base 14 between an extreme extended position, as shown in fig. 1 and 4, in which the rod 12 is fully covered by the sheath 44, and an extreme retracted position, as shown in fig. 2 and 5, in which the rod is at least partially uncovered.

As shown in fig. 4, in the extreme extended position, the lower end extension 46 of the sheath 44 remains housed in the space 19, while the upper end edge 48 of the sheath 44 extends above the upper end of the rod to protect the entire rod.

In the extreme retracted position, the lower end extension 46 of the sheath 44 rests against the bottom 20 of the base 14. The upper end edge 48 of the sheath 44 is advantageously arranged at substantially the same level as the upper end of the cup 22 to expose all the bars 12 protruding from the cup 22.

To control sliding movement of the sheath, the sheath 44 includes lugs 50, each lug 50 mating with an associated helical groove 52 in the base 14. Rotation of the sheath 44 relative to the base 14 causes the sheath 44 to slide between its two extreme positions. The sheath 44 may of course occupy any intermediate position between its two extreme positions. The lugs 50 are integrally formed with the sheath 44.

More specifically, the sheath 44 includes at least three lugs 50 protruding radially from the inner cylindrical surface toward the central axis. The same number of spiral grooves 52 as the lugs 50 are formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the inner wall 18. This arrangement with at least three lugs 50 provides a more stable retention of the sheath 44 relative to the base 14 regardless of the position of the sheath.

Furthermore, having at least three lugs 50 enables the reduction of the force exerted by each lug 50 on the associated groove 52 when the sheath 44 and the inner wall 18 are made of the same plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). Thus, even when the lugs 50 and the inner wall 18 are made of a relatively flexible material such as PP or PET, the cross-threading torque increases.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the sheath 44 includes four lugs 50.

As shown in fig. 6 and 8, lugs 50 are evenly distributed about central axis "a". The lugs are arranged in the same radial plane.

The lugs 50 are arranged only on the lower end extension 46, which remains permanently accommodated in the outer wall 16. Thus, the upper end extension 54 of the sheath 44 (which axially protrudes beyond the outer wall 16 when the sheath 44 is in its extreme extended position) does not include any elements for guiding or controlling the sliding of the sheath 44 relative to the base 14.

This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the sheath 44 is transparent. The lugs 50 are never visible to the user because they are permanently hidden by the outer wall 16 of the base 14.

The lugs 50 snap into associated helical grooves 52. For this reason, the upper end of the groove 52 is not axially open. Thus, in the extreme extended position, the lugs 50 abut the upper ends of the grooves 52.

Furthermore, to ensure that the sheath 44 remains in a selected position between its extreme extended position and its extreme retracted position, the lower end extension 46 is equipped with a friction pad 56 for rubbing against the inner cylindrical surface of the outer wall 16. In this case, there are two pads 56 arranged diametrically opposite each other. As shown in fig. 8, each pad 56 is carried by a resiliently flexible tab 58 formed in the lower end extension 46 of the sheath 44.

As shown in fig. 1 and 4, when the sheath 44 is in its extreme extended position, the device 10 is preferably closable by a cover 60 to avoid contaminating the cosmetic stick 12. In this regard, the removable cover 60 is intended to be directly attached to the outer wall 16 of the base 14 when the apparatus 10 is not in use.

According to one example of embodiment, the outer wall 16 has an upper end extension with means on the outer wall 16 thereof for attaching the cover 60 (e.g., attaching the cover 60 by nesting with a boss 62 on the outer wall 16). More specifically, the outer wall 16 has an upwardly facing shoulder surface 64, as shown in fig. 4, and in the installed position, an annular lower end edge 66 of the cover 60 is intended to rest against the shoulder surface 64.

The sheath 44, base 14 (i.e., outer portion 14A and inner portion 14B), and cover 60 are advantageously made of plastic.

Preferably, the sheath 44, the base 14 (i.e., the outer portion 14A and the inner portion 14B), and the cover 60 are made of the same plastic material.

The plastic material may be selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene (PE) (e.g., low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and/or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)), composite materials, post Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials, and/or the like.

These plastic materials include in particular plastic materials having a hardness of between 70 shore a and 90 shore D.

Preferably, the plastic material is polypropylene and/or polyethylene terephthalate, whether or not it is recyclable.

Thus, advantageously, all the components of the device 10 are made of a plastic material, preferably selected from polypropylene and/or polyethylene terephthalate.

The plastic parts can be easily obtained by injection molding and result in a lightweight device 10.

Furthermore, the use of plastic materials, particularly similar plastic materials, for the entire apparatus 10 can facilitate recycling. In particular, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate are two plastic materials, the recycling of which is well known.

When the apparatus 10 is installed, the inner portion of the base 14 is inserted into the lower opening of the sheath 44. The lower end of the groove 52 opens axially into the lower edge 25 of the inner wall 18. In this way, lugs 50 are inserted into their respective recesses 52.

The inner portion and sheath 44 thus assembled are then inserted axially through the upper opening in the outer portion until the tab 40 snaps into the recess 38. In this position, the lugs 50 of the sheath 44 snap into the grooves 52, as the lower ends of the grooves 52 are closed by the base 20.

The cover 60 is then arranged to enclose the device 10.

According to a variant of the invention shown in fig. 9, the grooves 52 are not helical, but have an axially oriented rectilinear shape. There are four grooves 52, each of which mates with one of the lugs 50 on the sheath 44. In this way, the sliding of the sheath 44 between its two extreme positions is controlled by axially pushing and pulling the sheath relative to the base 14. The remainder of the device 10 shown in fig. 9 is identical to the remainder of the device described above with reference to fig. 1 to 8. In particular, the sheath 44 is identical to that shown in fig. 8.

Claims

1. Device (10) for applying a cosmetic product, in particular a cosmetic stick (12), the device having a central axis (a), the device (10) comprising:

-a base (14) comprising a tubular outer wall (16), a cylindrical inner wall (18) arranged coaxially to the outer wall (16) and a cup (22) for receiving the rod (12), the outer wall (16), the inner wall (18) and the cup (22) being stationary with respect to each other;

-a tubular sheath (44) axially slidably received between an inner wall (18) and an outer wall (16) of the base (14), the sheath (44) comprising lugs (50), each lug cooperating with an associated recess (52) in the base (14) to guide the sheath (44) in the base (14) between an extreme extended position, in which the rod (12) is fully covered by the sheath (44), and an extreme retracted position, in which the rod (12) is at least partially uncovered, with respect to the base (14);

-the inner wall (18) of the base (14) and the sheath (44) are made of the same material;

characterized in that the sheath (44) comprises at least three lugs (50) protruding radially from an inner cylindrical surface towards the central axis (a), the groove (52) being formed in an outer cylindrical surface of the inner wall (18).

2. The apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein each recess (52) of the base (14) associated with a lug (50) of the sheath (44) has a spiral shape, rotation of the sheath (44) with respect to the base (14) causing sliding of the sheath in the base (14) between its extreme extended position and its extreme retracted position.

3. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lugs (50) are evenly distributed around the central axis (a).

4. The device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sheath (44) has a lower extension (46), the lower extension (46) being permanently housed in the cylindrical outer wall (16) of the base (14) regardless of the position of the sheath (44), the lugs (50) being carried by the lower extension (46).

5. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheath (44) is transparent.

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the lugs (50) are snapped into the associated grooves (52).

7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a space (19) radially delimited between the outer wall (16) and the inner wall (18) is closed by a lower bottom (20).

8. The device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said bottom (20) is made integral with said outer wall (16).

9. The device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the inner wall (18) is added and attached to the bottom (20) of the base (14).

10. The device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said inner wall (18) is made in one piece with said cup (22).

11. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheath (44) comprises at least four lugs (50) evenly distributed around the central axis (a).