EP1536715B1 - Improvement to rotary case - Google Patents

Abstract

The rotating lipstick case (1) comprises a base (2) rotating axially relative to a tubular body (3) inside which is movable cursor (4) intended to receive a lipstick (10). There is a removable fastening cap (100). A ballast is connected to the cursor to increase its mass.

Description

The present invention relates to a rotating case of the type used to contain cosmetic products, such as lipsticks or lip creams.

Many cases are known from the state of the art equipped with rotating mechanisms allowing the extraction and retraction of a product inside a protective case, see for example the document GB 2 115 387 A , which discloses a rotating case according to the preamble of claim 1. Such rotating cases schematically comprise a base mounted to rotate axially relative to a tubular body inside which is mounted movably moving a slider for receiving a product to protect.

For obvious economic reasons, rotating cases are generally made of plastic because it is an inexpensive material, which is easier to work especially by molding. However, the use of plastic has the disadvantage of giving the rotating case a very light weight that is absolutely not synonymous with quality in the world of luxury. In addition to this particularly harmful psychological consequence, too much lightness is also not able to provide comfort handling satisfactory to the user. Finally, a holster turning too light does not allow optimal control of movements during use, resulting in a significant lack of precision.

Also the technical problem to be solved by the object of the present invention is to provide a rotating case comprising a base mounted to rotate axially relative to a tubular body inside which is mounted movably moving a slider for receive a product to protect rotating case that would avoid the problems of the state of the art by providing a real perceived quality, while ensuring significantly improved comfort and accuracy of use.

The solution to the technical problem posed consists, according to the present invention, in that the rotating case comprises a weight integral with the slider adapted to substantially increase its mass.

The present invention also relates to the characteristics which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

• La figure 1 est une vue externe du tube de rouge à lèvres de l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale du tube, le curseur étant en position basse.
• Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en coupe longitudinale du tube sans le capot, le curseur étant respectivement en position haute, et en position basse.
• La figure 3A est une vue en coupe selon A-A de la figure 3.
• La figure 4B est une vue en coupe selon B-B de la figure 4.
• Les figures 5, 6, 7 représentent la base de l'étui tournant, respectivement en coupe selon D-D et C-C de la figure 7 qui est une vue de dessus.
• La figure 8 montre en coupe longitudinale le corps tubulaire de l'étui tournant.
• Les figures 9, 10, 11 et 12 représentent le curseur selon un premier mode d'éxecution respectivement en vue extérieure (figure 9), en coupe longitudinale selon E-E (figure 10), en vue de dessus (figure 11) et en vue de dessous (figure 12).
• Les figures 13, 14 et 15, 16 sont des vues similaires aux figures 10 et 9, et représentent respectivement deux variantes de réalisation du curseur.
• La figure 14 montre une première variante de réalisation du curseur en vue extérieure, tandis-que la figure 13 est une vue en coupe longitudinale.
• La figure 16 montre une deuxième variante de réalisation du curseur en vue extérieure, tandis-que la figure 15 est une vue en coupe longitudinale.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of non-limiting examples only.

• The figure 1 is an external view of the lipstick tube of the invention.
• The figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tube, the cursor being in the low position.
• The Figures 3 and 4 are views in longitudinal section of the tube without the cover, the slider being respectively in the up position, and in the low position.
• The figure 3A is a sectional view according to AA of the figure 3 .
• The Figure 4B is a sectional view along BB of the figure 4 .
• The Figures 5, 6, 7 represent the base of the rotating case, respectively in section according to DD and CC of the figure 7 which is a view from above.
• The figure 8 shows in longitudinal section the tubular body of the rotating case.
• The Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 represent the cursor according to a first mode of execution respectively in external view ( figure 9 ), in section longitudinal according to EE ( figure 10 ), in top view ( figure 11 ) and in view from below ( figure 12 ).
• The Figures 13, 14 and 15, 16 are similar views to Figures 10 and 9 , and respectively represent two embodiments of the cursor.
• The figure 14 shows a first embodiment of the cursor in external view, while-the figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view.
• The figure 16 shows a second embodiment of the cursor in external view, while-the figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view.

The rotating case (1) comprises a base (2) mounted to rotate axially around a tubular body (3) inside which is mounted movably moving a slider for receiving the product to protect the grape ( 10).

The base (2) is more particularly provided with guiding means (20) capable of driving the slider (4) in axial translation with respect to it, during the axial rotation of said base (2) around the tubular body (3). ). The assembly is arranged so that this axial rotation of the base (2) is further able to drive the slider (4) in a spin movement decomposing into a rotation and a translation, both simultaneous and axial relative to the tubular body (3).

As can be seen in particular on the figure 4 , the height (H1) of the slider (4) and the height (H2) of the guide means (20) are less than or equal to the external height (H3) of the base (2), that is to say at its externally apparent height.

In this example, the heights in question are identical because it is an optimized embodiment. But it is obvious that the important thing is that the respective dimensions of the slider (4) and the guide means (20) are not greater than those of the base (2). The outer wall of the base (2) must indeed hide both the cursor (4) and the guide means (20) when the rotating case (1) is in the retracted position, that is to say when the cursor is in the low position.

The Figures 5, 6 and 7 specifically illustrate the base (2) which has a shape substantially complementary to the lower part (32) of the tubular body (3), and therefore consists of a closed tube at its lower end. Its section is also circular to allow mobility in axial rotation.

According to a feature of the embodiment shown, the guide means (20) comprise at least one vertical rectilinear groove (21a, 21b) formed longitudinally in at least one portion of an inner tubular portion (22) extending concentrically to the inside the base (2); each guide groove (21a, 21b) being able to cooperate in relative sliding with a first guide projection (41a, 41b) integral with the slider (4). The cooperation between the first guide projections (41a, 41b) and the corresponding guide grooves (21a, 21b) makes it possible to drive the slider 4 in axial translation relative to the base (2), during the axial rotation of the said base (2) around the tubular body (3).

In the preferred embodiment, the rectilinear guide grooves (21a, 21b) are two in number. They are arranged longitudinally, and symmetrically with respect to the axis of the rotating case, in the inner tubular part (22) which extends inside and concentrically with respect to the outer peripheral wall (220). ) of the base (2).

The inner tubular portion (22) is here whole but it is obvious that each guide groove (21a, 21b) could be arranged independently on an individual portion of the tubular portion.

The figure 8 illustrates the tubular body (3) which is mounted in the rotating case.

As its name suggests, the tubular body (3) is in the form of a tube (30) of circular section. Annular outgrowth (31) extends radially to its outer surface, substantially halfway up. It delimits a lower portion (32) intended to receive the base (2) rotatably mounted, and an upper portion (33) for receiving a removable closure cap (100) substantially complementary shape

The inner surface (34) also comprises, at the level of the lower part (32) of the tubular body (3), at least one helical groove (36) which is able to cooperate in relative sliding with second guiding projections (46a). , 46b) integral with the slider (4). In the preferred embodiment the body comprises two helical grooves.

The cooperation between the second guiding projections (46a, 46b) and the helical grooves (36) makes it possible to drive the slider (4) simultaneously in rotation and in axial translation with respect to the tubular body (3), during axial rotation. the base (2) around said tubular body (3).

According to one feature, the tubular body (3) is transparent. In a particularly advantageous manner, the cursor (4) is also transparent.

The Figures 9, 10, 11, 12 illustrate the slider (4) which is mounted in the rotating case.

Said slider consists of a tube (42) whose circular section is substantially complementary to the internal section of the tubular body (3). Said tube (42) comprises in its central zone a bottom (45) constituted by a transverse wall. The space defined by the respective inner walls of the tube (42) and the bottom (45) is intended to serve as a support lipstick (100).

The slider comprises centering means (40), forming pads, which are able to cooperate by contact with the inner surface (34) of the tubular body (3).

In this particular embodiment, the centering means (40) comprise four centering protrusions (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) regularly distributed on the outer surface of the upper end of the slider (4), ie say square. It is obvious that the number of centering protrusions (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) can be different. It will be noted, however, that three centering projections positioned in a triangle constitute a minimum configuration to optimally guide the displacement of a cylindrical element inside a tubular element.

It should also be noted that the centering of the lower part of the slider (4) is achieved, on the one hand, by the cooperation between the first guide projections (41a, 41b) and the guide grooves (21a, 21b), and on the other hand, by the cooperation between the second guide projections (46a, 46b) and the helical grooves (36).

Advantageously, the centering projections (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) are also able to cooperate by contact with an internal rim, forming abutment means (37), integral with the upper end of the tubular body (3). The goal is to limit the upward movement of the cursor (4).

It should be added that the guide means (20) furthermore comprise longitudinal and rectilinear storage grooves (23a, 23b), which are able to receive the centering protrusions (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) when the cursor (4) is in the lowered position retracted inside the base (2).

According to a complementary feature, the centering protrusions (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) are able to be engaged in the guide grooves (21a, 21b) intended to guide the slider (4) in translation in the base (2). . This feature advantageously makes it possible to limit the number of storage grooves (23a, 23b).

But according to another characteristic of the invention, the first guide projections (41a, 41b) have dimensions greater than those of the storage grooves (23a, 23b) which are intended to receive the centering protrusions (43a, 43b, 43c , 43d). This feature allows advantageously to prevent the first guide projections (41a, 41b) from engaging in the storage grooves (23a, 23b), so as to ensure correct mounting of the rotating case during its manufacture or after any operation of disassembly. The storage grooves (23a, 23b) have a length substantially smaller than the guide grooves (21a, 21b). This means that the storage grooves (23a, 23b) are specialized, unlike the guide grooves (21a, 21b) which can receive both the first guide projections (41a, 41b) and the centering projections (43a). 43b, 43c, 43d).

The rotating case according to the invention is provided with a closure cap (100) which can be adapted to be fixed removably to the free end of the tubular body, for example by clipping.

Add that in the closed position of the lipstick tube as shown in particular in the figure 1 and 2 , the annular protrusion (31) is disposed between the lower rim of the hood (100) and the upper rim of the base, which allows the user to see the lipstick by transparency through the body, the cursor being completely retracted inside the base.

Furthermore according to an advantageous arrangement, the helical grooves (36) extend over a height (H4) which is equal to or less than the height of the base.

According to the object of the present invention, the rotating case (1) comprises a ballast integral with the slider, which is capable of substantially increasing its mass. The weighting thus obtained is then able to advantageously compensate for the intrinsic lightness of the rotating case (1) made of plastic. Comfort and accuracy of use, as well as perceived quality are therefore significantly improved.

The Figures 1 to 12 illustrates a first mode of execution of the cursor, while Figures 13, 14 and 15 , 16 respectively illustrate two embodiments of the cursor.

In all three cases, and according to one particularity of the invention, the ballast ((40, 40 ', 40 ") is integral with the body of the slider (4, 4', 4").

The slider (4, 4 ', 4 ") is the part of the rotating case (1) capable of receiving additional material without requiring any modification of its external dimensions and / or without calling into question the overall compactness of said case turning.

The term integral means that the ballast (40, 40 ', 40 ") is respectively linked to the cursor (4, 4', 4") in its movements, without defining the nature of the connection that connects them. In other words, this means that the ballast (40, 40 ', 40 ") and the slider (4, 4', 4") do not necessarily constitute one and the same piece, but that they can be elements individual assembled to each other, permanently or not, by any known fastening means.

It will be recalled that the slider is generally in the form of a tube having a transverse inner wall (45) defining, on the one hand, an upper portion (450) forming a housing, which is intended to receive the product to be protect (10), and secondly, a lower portion, forming a skirt, which is intended to ensure the guidance of said cursor in the tubular body.

According to another particularity of the invention, the ballast (40, 40 ', 40 ") is integral with the part of the slider (4, 4', 4") which is situated under the space intended to receive the product at protect. This means that the ballast (40, 40 ', 40 ") is integral with the lower part of the slider, that is to say the one essentially devoted to guiding.The vacuum existing inside the skirt is advantageously used here. to receive the ballast.

The Figures 1 to 12 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the ballast (40) is constituted by a high density material forming a single piece with the slider (4). Thus in this embodiment, the ballast (40) is an integral part of the structure of the slider (4). Said ballast (40) is in fact constituted by the lower part of the slider, part which presents here a massive structure in order to play the role of weighting means.

According to another particularity of the invention, the slider (4) comprises ventilation means (70) able to allow the introduction of the lipstick (10) in the upper part of said slider, these means being contituer by a conduit axial (71) which communicates, on the one hand, with the space for receiving the product to be protected, and on the other hand, with the space under the cursor. As a result, in this variant, the ballast (40) has a tubular shape of relatively large thickness.

The illustrated achievement Figures 13 and 14 differs from that of Figures 10, 11, 12 in that the ventilation means (70) here comprise a lateral duct (72) communicating, on the one hand, with the space intended to receive the product to be protected, and on the other hand, with the space located on the sides of the slider (40 '). The ballast (40 ') therefore has a purely cylindrical shape whose external lateral surface is continuous with respect to the tubular wall delimiting the space intended to receive the product to be protected.

Of course, it is possible to combine these two types of conduits (71, 72) on the same cursor, but also to change the number and / or distribution.

The Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a slider (4 ") according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the ballast (40") is constituted by an independent element which is secured to the slider; the independent element being made of a high density material. The independent element (40 ") is here structurally distinct from the slider (4"). There is only one insert which is simply secured to the slider, it being understood that this fixing can be carried out permanently or not. In this exemplary embodiment, the slider (4 ") comprises an open housing downwards, which is located under the space intended to receive the product to be protected and which is able to receive the independent element (40 ") forming ballast, of substantially complementary shape.

Also, and particularly advantageously, the slider (4 ") is provided with locking means able to maintain the ballast (40") in the corresponding housing.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown by way of example.

Claims (11)

1. A twist case (1) such as a lipstick tube, comprising a base (2) mounted to be capable of axial rotation relative to a tubular body (3) inside which is mounted to be capable of displacement a slide (4, 4', 4") designed to receive a product to be protected, the case comprising a ballast (40, 40', 40") capable of increasing the mass thereof, characterised in that the ballast (40, 40', 40") is firmly connected to the slide (4, 4', 4").
2. A twist case (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the ballast (40, 50, 60) is firmly connected with the part of the slide (4, 5, 6) which is situated below the space designed to receive the product to be protected.
3. A twist case (1) according to either one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the ballast (40, 40') consists of a high density material forming a single piece with the slide (4, 4').
4. A twist case according to either one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the ballast (40") consists of an independent element which is firmly connected with the slide (4"), the independent element consisting of a high density material.
5. A twist case (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the slide (4") comprises an open receptacle (62) which is situated below the space designed to receive the product to be protected (10) and which is capable of receiving said independent element forming the ballast (40") of substantially complementary shape.
6. A twist case (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the independent element is mounted removably with regard to the slide (4").
7. A twist case (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the slide (4") comprises locking means capable of holding the ballast (40") in the receptacle.
8. A twist case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the slide (4, 4', 4") comprises ventilation means (70) capable of ventilating the lower part of the product (10), when said product is positioned in said slide.
9. A twist case (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the ventilation means (70) comprise at least one axial duct (71) communicating on the one hand with the space designed to receive the product to be protected and on the other hand with the space situated below the slide (4).
10. A twist case (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the ventilation means (70) comprise at least one lateral duct (72) communicating on the one hand with the space designed to receive the product to be protected and on the other hand with the space situated at the sides of the slide (4').
11. A twist case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it comprises a closure cap capable of being fixed removably to the free end of the tubular body (3).

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