EP0844837B1 - Rotary case for lipstick and the like with axial clearance adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR96/01235 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 27, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 27, 1998 PCT Filed Aug. 2, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/05801 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 20, 1997A case for lipstick and similar materials with respectively rotating concentric tubes with axial movement of cup-slider (2) which bears stick (1) of pasty substance, characterized by the fact that it has a device for braking with respect to rotation and compensation for axial play between the tubes consisting of flange (10), added on or not, connected to the base of internal tube (5) and having at least one flexible extension (14) which bears elastically against edge (15) of the base of external tube (7).

Description

The present invention relates to the packaging industry and more particularly that of storage cases and handling of sticks pasty or brittle substance to be applied by rubbing on a solid surface, such as lipstick or other cosmetic, makeup pencil, marking or medicated, glue.

Cases have been used for a long time in which the stick is held by its base in a sliding bucket which is slid axially, on request, to remove or reinsert the case, the free end of the stick. This sliding can be done simply by digital movement of a side push button secured to the cursor-bucket and projecting externally from a longitudinal slot of the case. But the most often a rotary mechanism with two concentric sheaths is used cooperants dug respectively one of two spiral grooves, and the other two longitudinal slots reciprocally crossed by two radial lugs attached to the bucket-cursor.

Customers appreciate gentle and regular handling of rotary mechanisms, which implies a minimum of play between the elements mobile and a controlled movement effort. Mechanical tolerances inevitable industrially molded parts which generally constitute the almost all of the elements of these mechanisms do not allow fully achieve these goals. We therefore have recourse to braking, with or without backlash. Many devices have been proposed. radial brake pads inserted between the two sheaths, such as those described in French patents No 1,417,277, 2,657,238, 2,670,998, which can provide proper braking and good centering of the sheaths, but have no effect on the axial play, much more difficult to control than the diametral play. To catch up axial play, cylindrical groove-circular rib assemblies have been proposed frustoconical as in French patent No 2 169 557, which can provide good axial timing but without elasticity, so at the expense of regularity and the smooth handling of the mechanism.

The object of the invention is a rotary mechanism which does not have the disadvantages of the previous mechanisms, and which is reliable, of operation regularly soft, adapted to manufacturing and assembly requirements industrial, and inexpensive.

The subject of the invention is a case for a lipstick stick and analogous to respectively rotating concentric sheaths with drive axial of a bucket-slider carrying a stick of pasty substance, of the type which includes a device for braking in rotation and for taking up axial play between the sheaths constituted by a collar, attached or not, secured to the base of the internal sheath and having at least one flexible extension which carries elastically against the edge of the base of the outer sheath, characterized in that that the sheaths are linked to each other by reciprocal non-blocking snap-fastening near the internal collar-sheath connection.

The collar can be an attached part subject to the internal sheath by snap-on, gluing, welding or press fitting.

It advantageously has a U, V or W section including a branch lateral, possibly serrated, is flexible.

In order to make waterproof cases, the collar, or the internal sheath, has a solid background.

The assembly of the mechanism with an outer casing is facilitated if the collar, or the internal sheath has an axial tubular part, at least of which the lower end is open, for receiving the base of an envelope decorative of the case.

In one embodiment, the top of the outer side wall of the collar is topped with elastic arches.

As a variant, the collar is in the form of a crown surrounded by teeth parallel to the axis, the free ends of which are joined by poles elastic.

According to another embodiment, the base of the U-shaped section collar bent is linked to a tubular extension of the base of the inner sheath, the lateral branch of the U sheath side, possibly cut into teeth, door elastically by its free edge, possibly reinforced, against the edge of the outer sheath, while the branch of the U, not cut, has an edge beveled outwards.

According to yet another embodiment, the collar has a section general in V whose inner branch, full, is linked to an extension tubular from the base of the inner sheath, while the outer branch possibly cut into elastic teeth with its free end against an outer frustoconical part of the edge of the end of the sheath external.

With the same elements, we can realize mechanisms whose braking in rotation between ducts is different, when the collar is a part reported subject to a tubular extension of the internal sheath to a distance from the edge of the outer sheath determined by the amount of effort desired friction of the elastic teeth of the collar.

In an original construction method, the internal wall of the sheath external is dug with two diametrically opposite longitudinal grooves opening only at the base of the sheath, while the internal sheath is cut by two diametrically opposite spiral slots opening only each at one end by a longitudinal slot extending by a groove dug in the inner wall of the continuous circular end reinforced with internal sheath.

In this case, to possibly ensure better maintenance of the bucket-cursor in the slots and grooves of the sheaths, the side walls thereof triangular sections complementary to those of two external studs diametrically opposite of the bucket-slider which reciprocally fit therein for the axial drive of the cursor bucket by relative rotation of the sheaths

It is generally advantageous if the collar and the sheaths are of different materials in order to obtain better friction qualities and of reciprocal elasticity: for example, the sheaths are molded from polypropylene or with no filler or polystyrene, while the collar is molded in polyoxymethylene, high density polyethylene, or fluorinated polymer.

The invention can be more clearly understood by examining and detailed description of the attached drawings which represent some modes of realization simply chosen by way of example among the many forms of execution, adaptations and variants of the invention conceivable by a technician informed.

La figure 1 est une vue schématique, en élévation et en coupe axiale d'un étui suivant l'invention ;

la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du collet de l'étui de la figure 1 ;

la figure 3 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 2 d'une variante à fond plein du même collet ;

la figure 4 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 2 d'une autre variante du même collet ;

la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de la gaine interne de l'étui de la figure 1 ;

la figure 6 est une vue schématique, en élévation et en coupe axiale, d'un autre mécanisme d'étui suivant l'invention ;

la figure 7 est une vue en perspective du collet du mécanisme de la figure 5 ;

la figure 8 est une vue schématique, en élévation et en coupe axiale, d'une variante de mécanisme d'étui suivant l'invention ;

la figure 9 est une vue en perspective du collet du mécanisme de la figure 8 ;

la figure 10 est une vue, analogue à celle de la figure 9, d'une variante du même collet ;

la figure 11 est une vue schématique et en coupe diamétrale d'un godet-curseur d'étui suivant l'invention.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic view, in elevation and in axial section of a case according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the collar of the case of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 of a solid bottom variant of the same collar;

Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 of another variant of the same collar;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the inner sheath of the case of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic view, in elevation and in axial section, of another holster mechanism according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the collar of the mechanism of Figure 5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view, in elevation and in axial section, of a variant of the case mechanism according to the invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the collar of the mechanism of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a view, similar to that of Figure 9, of a variant of the same collar;

Figure 11 is a schematic view in diametrical section of a case-cursor bucket according to the invention.

In these figures, the corresponding elements are designated by the same numerical references, possibly assigned an index. The dimensions and the respective proportions of these elements may not be respected for better readability of the drawings.

The lipstick case, or the like, shown in Figure 1 essentially comprises a stick 1 of cosmetic or other pasty substance, shown in dashed line, the base of which is housed in a bucket-cursor 2 externally provided with two diametrically opposite radial studs 3, shown in dotted lines, sliding respectively through one of two slots opposite spirals 4 of an internal sheath 5, as well as, by their ends respective, in one of two opposite internal longitudinal grooves 6 of a outer sheath 7 coaxial with the inner sheath 5. On the outer sheath is fitted a tubular metal sheath 8 open at its top. The two sheaths are linked to each other towards their base by a non-blocking snap 9 which leaves them freedom of reciprocal rotation with low axial play. A 10 section collar W is fixed by snap blocking 11 or welding, or bonding of its wall median 12 inside the free end of the internal sheath 7. The wall outer 13 of the collar is extended by flexible arches 14, the number of four in this example, which bear elastically by their tops against the edge 15 of the free end of the base of the outer sheath 7, thus ensuring take-up of axial play between the two sheaths as well as flexible braking of their reciprocal rotation.

Each of the spiral slots 4 of the internal sheath 5 opens at its base in a longitudinal slot section 23 extending by a groove 24 carved into the inner wall of the reinforced continuous circular end 25 of sheath. This structure ensures good rigidity of the internal sheath (Figure 5) despite the cuts in its side wall.

In the internal axial tubular part of the internal wall 16 of the collar is force-fitted, or glued, or welded, or snapped, or otherwise blocked, a axial internal tubular extension 17 of the base of the base 18 of an envelope decorative of the case supplemented by a cap 19 whose bottom has internally an axial tubular extension 20 which is fitted to gentle friction inside the free opening of the internal sheath 5.

The collar 10a, shown as a variant in FIG. 3, does not differ from that of Figure 2 only by closing the top of the inner wall of the collar by a wall 21 which thus ensures a tight plugging of the base of the sheath internal 5.

The other variant of collar 10b shown in FIG. 4 fits on the case of FIG. 1 in the same way as the collars 10 and 10 has of FIGS. 2 and 3. In this variant the arches 14b connect the free ends teeth 22 regularly distributed in a crown projecting from the external wall 13b of the collar. This structure facilitates molding. The holster mechanism according to the invention shown in FIG. 6 essentially comprises elements similar to those of the holster of FIG. 1. Unlike it, it does not include a metal sheath, the external sheath 7c is hollowed out in two opposite helical grooves 4c while it is the internal sheath 5c which is cut by two opposite longitudinal slots 6c. This reverse arrangement of that of the sheaths of the case of Figure 1 works in the same way to ensure the translation of the bucket-cursor 2c by its pins 3c. The two sheaths 5c and 7c are linked to their base by a non-blocking snap 9c while a collar 10c with blind end 21c, in W section, is made integral with the end of the internal sheath 5c by a blocking link. 11c with its central wall 12c. The external wall 13c of the collar is cut into a plurality of flexible teeth 26c whose free ends come to bear elastically against the edge 15c of the end of the external sheath 7c. In this example, the annularly reinforced end 25c of the internal sheath provides both the free connection 9c with the external sheath and the blocked subjection 11c with the internal sheath.

In the example of Figure 8 we find an external sheath 7d dug internally of two longitudinal grooves 6d capped with a sheath 8d, and an internal sheath 5d cut by two helical slots 4d as in the example of Figure 1. But here the grooves and slots open at top, while the outer sheath has a fold at its base annular 27d whose internal circular end is linked to the side wall external of an open tubular extension 28d of the internal sheath 5d by a non-locking snap 9d. On this same wall is fixed, by gluing or welding preferably, the internal cylindrical wall 16d of a cross-section collar 10d V-shaped (Figure 9) whose external frustoconical flexible wall 13d carries elastically against the bevelled part 29d of the connection of the external wall from the outer sheath to its annular fold. Depending on the braking force and backlash desired between the two sheaths we will position the collar 10d plus or less depressed on the tubular extension before fixing it: thus, on the left half of Figure 8 the collar is shown at minimum insertion and provides minimal braking and backlash effort, while on the right half it is shown at maximum penetration and provides a maximum effect. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, the wall flexible outer 13e of the collar 10e is cut into a plurality of teeth 26e of greater elasticity than the continuous wall 13d of the collar of FIGS. 8 and 9.

Mainly when it is the internal sheath of the mechanism which is cut by helical slots, as in the examples in Figures 1 and 8, there is a risk of deformation by expansion of the sheath under stress pins of the bucket-cursor when handling the case, which can possibly encourage the posts to escape from the grooves. We can prevent this risk by giving the grooves 6 and the slots 4 sheaths 5, 7 of the walls to triangular sections complementary to those of the tenons 3 of the bucket-cursor 2, as shown in figure 11.

Claims (10)

1. A case for lipstick and similar materials with respectively rotating concentric tubes (5, 7) with axial movement of cup-slider (2) which bears stick (1) of pasty substance, which has a device for braking with respect to rotation and compensation for axial play between the tubes (5, 7) consisting of flange (10), integral or not, connected to the base of internal tube (5) and having at least one flexible extension (14) which bears elastically against edge (15) of the base of external tube (7), characterized by the fact that the tubes (5, 7) are connected together by nonlocking, mutually corresponding catches (9) near flange-internal tube connection (11).
2. The case according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the flange or the internal tube has a sealed solid bottom (21).
3. The case according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that flange (10) or internal tube (7) has axial tubular part (16), of which at least the lower end is open, for receiving tube cap (17) of decorative enveloppe (18, 19) for the case.
4. The case according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the top of external lateral wall (13) of flange (10) has overlying elastic arches (14).
5. The case according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that flange (10b) is in the form of a ring surrounded by teeth (22b) parallel to the axis, whose free ends are joined by elastic arches (14b).
6. The case according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that flange (10d) has a general cross section in the form of a V whose interior arm (16d), which is solid, is connected to tubular extension (28d) of the base of interior tube (5d), whereas exterior arm (13d), possibly cut with elastic teeth (26e), bears, at its free end, against exterior frustrum-shaped part (29d) of the edge of the end of external tube (7d).
7. The case according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that flange (10d) is an added part fastened to tubular extension (28d) of the internal tube a distance from the edge of external tube (7d) which is determined by the extent of the desired force of friction of elastic teeth (26e) of the flange.
8. The case according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the internal wall of external tube (7) is formed with two diametrically opposing longitudinal grooves (6) emerging only at the base of the tube, whereas internal tube (5) is cut by tow diametrically opposing spiral slits (4) each only emerging at an end by longitudinal slit (23) extended by groove (24) formed in the internal wall of reinforced continuous circular end (25) of the internal tube.
9. The case according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the lateral walls of grooves (6) of the external tube and the walls of slits (4) of the internal tube have triangular cross sections complementary to those of two diametrically opposing tongues (3) of cup-slider (2) and which mutually fit together for the axial movement of the cup-slider by rotation of the tubes.
10. A case according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the tubes are molded out of polypropylene with or without a charge or polystyrene, whereas the flange is molded out of polyoxymethylene, high-density polyethylene, or a fluorinated polymer.

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