GB2446394A

GB2446394A - Dispensing container for lipstick and the like

Info

Publication number: GB2446394A
Application number: GB0702546A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reginald Breese
Original assignee: TOLY PRODUCTS
Current assignee: TOLY PRODUCTS
Priority date: 2007-02-09
Filing date: 2007-02-09
Publication date: 2008-08-13
Also published as: GB0702546D0; GB0716251D0; GB2446476A; WO2008096148A1

Abstract

The container comprises a drive sleeve 26 rotatable on a substantially tubular guide body 12, and a product carrier 14 received within the guide body. The product carrier engages the guide body and the drive sleeve via grooves formed so that rotation of the drive sleeve on the guide body causes the carrier to move along the guide body. At least one of the guide body, drive sleeve or carrier (the guide body as illustrated) is provided with a friction enhancing feature, comprising a resiliently flexible part 50 extending away from the component concerned in a direction along the axis of the guide body and flaring radially for resilient engagement with another component. The part 50 may be a skirt comprising axially extending fingers or leaves 54 overlying the guide body 12 and tapering from root (54a, Fig. 2) to tip (54c, Fig, 2).

Description

I

DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR LIPSTICK AND THE LIKE

Field of the Invention

This invention concerns containers for lipstick and similar products, in which a carrier for the product is movable from a retracted storage position, to a position in which at least a part of the product is exposed for dispensing (for example by rubbing it onto a surface). The product may be substantially solid or a thick paste, such as lipstick, lip gloss, solid deodorants or adhesives, formed into a stick or block attached to the carrier. Alternatively it may be a more mobile liquid, such as shoe polish or touch-up paint, impregnated into an absorbent carrier. More particularly, the invention concerns such dispensing containers in which an outer drive sleeve is rotatable on a substantially tubular guide body within which the carrier is received, to cause linear movement of the carrier.

Background of the Invention

In known propelling mechanisms for lipstick containers, the carrier is provided with one or more lugs that extend into respective slots in the guide body. The ends of these lugs, or one or more further lugs on the carrier, engage within slots in the drive sleeve. The guide body slots and drive sleeve slots are disposed at an angle to each other, i.e. if the guide body and drive sleeve are each notionally "unrolled" without changing their relative axial orientation and so that their meeting surfaces form a flat plane, then no part of the drive sleeve slot instantaneously engaged by a lug runs parallel to that part of the guide body slot engaged by the corresponding lug at that instant. When this condition is met, rotation of the drive sleeve relative to the guide body in one direction will cause the carrier to move progressively from one end of the guide body towards the other. (For practical purposes a minimum angle between the slots, and between at least one of the slots and the guide body axis, is required, to overcome friction and elasticity effects). A main part of the guide body slot is usually straight and arranged to run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide body, with the drive sleeve slot usually in the form of a helix of constant angle. Then as the drive sleeve is turned at a constant speed, the carrier moves along the guide body at a constant speed without rotation relative to the guide body. However, other useful slot configurations can readily be devised. For example, if the positions of the helix and straight section are exchanged, the carrier will move along the guide body without rotating relative to the drive sleeve.

The main part of each guide body slot running parallel to the guide body axis is usually provided with lateral (circumferential) extensions at one or both ends, These allow the carrier to "lock" in a fully extended and/or a fully retracted position, by preventing movement in response to forces applied to it axially of the guide body. The product on the carrier may then be pressed or rubbed against a surface, without causing the carrier to retract into the guide body. Similarly, longitudinal shaking of the container will not dislodge the carrier from its fully retracted position. To further assist such locking, as well as providing resistance against the carrier being pressed into the guide body when at an intermediate extension, frictionally interengaging features are sometimes provided on the guide body, drive sleeve and/or carrier. These provide a controlled resistance to axial movement of the carrier. Lipstick containers having propelling mechanisms as described above, in some cases including friction enhancing features, are shown in GB1261975, U3l24245, US3539266, US5 186560 and US7I 12002, for example.

Advantageously such propelling mechanisms should move smoothly and at a moderate and substantially constant operating torque, so that the user experiences a "quality feel".

Providing friction enhancing features as described above can assist in this. However, although several different friction enhancing arrangements have been tried and used, there is still room for further improvement. The features concerned are often of a shape that is awkward to mould and/or assemble with co-operating parts. Variations in the shapes and sizes of the parts, resulting from production tolerances, mean that the desired smoothness of operation and constant torque feel is sometimes lacking.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a container for dispensing a product, the container comprising relatively movable components, including: a drive sleeve rotatable on a substantially tubular guide body, and a product carrier received within the guide body; the product carrier engaging the guide body and the drive sleeve via grooves formed so that rotation of the drive sleeve on the guide body causes the carrier to move along the guide body, at least one of the relatively movable components being provided with a friction enhancing feature, in which the friction enhancing feature comprises a resiliently flexible part extending away from its movable component in a direction along the axis of the guide body and flaring radially for resilient engagement with another of the relatively movable components.

Because the flexible part extends in an axial direction, it is relatively easy to mould as one piece with the movable component from which it extends. I0

The resiliently flexible part may extend in a direction facing axially away from that end of its movable component which is first telescopically interfitted with the other movable component on assembly, so that the resiliently flexible parts automatically become deflected and the guide body and drive sleeve or the product carrier and drive sleeve are therefore easy to assemble, as the case may be.

The resiliently flexible part may comprise a leaf or finger. A plurality of such leaves or fingers may be provided, circumferentially distributed about the movable component. This assists in centring one relatively movable component within another. It also assists in providing a smooth frictional resistance to such relative movement. The variations in frictional force arising at one leaf or finger as a result of variations in the diameter of the other relatively movable component will tend to cancel out those arising similarly at other leaves or fingers.

The leaves or fingers may taper from root to tip. The leaves or fingers attached to the guide body or drive sleeve may protrude from a part of the guide body or drive sleeve. They may be positioned around the outside of the guide body or around the inside of the drive sleeve, an end of the guide body extending beyond the leaves or fingers, by which end a user grasps the guide body when operating the drive sleeve. This end may be provided with longitudinal ridges that optionally extend between the leaves or fingers. Alternatively, the roots of the leaves or fingers may be recessed into the guide body or drive sleeve. However, protruding leaves or fingers are easier to mould.

A root of the resiliently flexible part may form a radial extension of the relatively movable component to which it is attached, so further helping to centre that component in the other component. Where the root is attached to the guide body, the radial extension may form a shoulder for restraining axial movement of the drive sleeve.

Additionally or alternatively, the resiliently flexible part may comprise a circumferential skirt.

to Further preferred features and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to an illustrative embodiment shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a side view of a guide body for a dispensing container embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-section on line 11 -II in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the guide body of Figure 1; Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views and Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a product carrier for use in the guide body of the preceding Figures; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative product carrier; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a drive sleeve for use with the guide body and product carrier of the preceding Figures; Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive sleeve of Figure 8, and Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing the guide body of Figures 1 -3 assembled together with the product carrier of Figures 4 -6 and the drive sleeve of Figures 8 and 9; with the product carrier shown in retracted and extended positions respectively.

Detailed Description

The dispensing container 10 shown in the drawings has an elongate, generally tubular guide body 12 within which a carrier 14 for a lipstick is propelled between retracted and extended positions, as is well known per Se. The carrier 14 is generally cup-shaped and receives an end of the lipstick. As indicated in broken lines in Figure 10, when the carrier is in the fully retracted position, the lipstick 16 is completely withdrawn into the guide body 12, for protection and storage. With the guide body extended, for example as shown in Figure 11, the lipstick 16 is exposed and available for application.

As best shown in Figures 1 -3, the guide body 12 has a pair of longitudinal slots 18, 20. At its ends slot 18 has lateral/circumferential extensions I 8a, I 8b, to form an overall cranked configuration. Similarly, slot 20 has lateral/circumferential end extensions 20a and 20b.

Diametrically opposed lugs 22 on the carrier 14 (only one visible, see Figures 4, 5, and 7) engage one in each slot. The carrier therefore moves between retracted and extended positions for the most part without rotating relative to the guide body 12. However it can be to locked into the fully extended position by limited rotation in the guide body, as the tugs 22 pass out of the main, straight, longitudinal part of the slots 18, 20, and into the lateral extensions I 8a, 20a. Similarly, the carrier locks into the fully retracted position by rotation as the lugs 22 are brought into the lateral extensions 1 8b, 20b. The interior of the carrier 14 has eight circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending teeth 24, which bite into and retain an end of the lipstick (this end not shown in Figures 4-7 and 11).

To propel the carrier between its retracted and extended positions, a drive sleeve 26 is provided. This has a main section 28 of a first internal diameter, and an inner end section 30 of enlarged internal diameter. A step or shoulder 32 is therefore formed on the inner surface of the drive sleeve 26. A pair of helical grooves 34, 36 extends along the inside of the drive sleeve main section 28, each groove spaced 180 degrees apart. One end of each groove 34, 36 runs into and terminates at the shoulder 32. The other end of each grove terminates just short of the free end of the drive sleeve main section 28 (only one such groove end 36a being visible in Figure 9). The exterior surface of the drive sleeve 26 is also stepped at 38. An outer shell 40 can therefore be fitted over the main section 28, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The outer shell may be used to provide a high-quality decorative finish and may be a metal pressing, for example.

The drive sleeve 26 is telescopically fitted to and retained over the guide body 12 as shown in Figures 10 and 11. As best seen in Figures 1 to 3, the exterior surface of the guide body 12 has confronting, axially facing shoulders 42, 44 which abut the shoulder 32 and distal end 33 of the drive sleeve 26 respectively, to retain the drive sleeve 26 on the guide body 12.

The shoulder 44 is formed by a radially outwardly enlarged rim 46 at the end of the guide body 12 lying adjacent to the slot extensions I 8a, 20a. The other guide body shoulder 42 lies adjacent to the slot extensions 18b, 20b and is formed by a radially outwardly projecting, resiliently flexible skirt 50 and longitudinally extending finger grip ridges 52, further described later.

For assembly of the drive sleeve 26 over the guide body 12, the slot 18 is extended to form a gap 18c through the rim 46. This allows the rim 46 to he radially compressed for passage through the interior of the drive sleeve 26, after which it elastically expands, to trap the drive sleeve 26 between the shoulders 42, 44. For easy compression, the shoulder 46 is provided with a lead-in chamfer 48. The gap I 8c also permits elastic expansion of the rim 46, for fitmeni of the carrier 14 within the guide body 12 prior to fitment of the drive sleeve. When the lugs 22 have passed through the expanded rim 46, they snap into their respective grooves 18, 20 or groove extensions 18a, 20a. The resulting assembly is shown in Figures 10 and IS 11. The Jugs 22 pass through the slots and slot extensions 18, ISa, 18b, 20, 20a, 20b, so as to stand proud of the exterior surface portion of the guide body 12 delimited by the shoulders 42, 44. The protruding ends of the lugs 22 are picked up by and remain engaged in the spiral grooves 34, 36. It may therefore be necessary to rotate the drive sleeve 26 as it is being fitted to the guide body 12, so that the projecting ends of the lugs 22 rub against the step or shoulder 32 until they find and enter their respective grooves 34, 36. (In Figures 10 and lithe Jugs 22 are not visible. The section plane in these figures lies at right angles to that of Figure 2, passing through the slots 18, 20, to show one edge of these slots. In Figure 10, the lugs are "parked" in the slot extensions 18b, 20b (not shown), to lock the carrier 14 in its retracted position. In Figure 11, the lugs are parked in the slot extensions I 8a, 20b (not shown), to lock the carrier 14 in its extended position).

To provide for smooth rotation of the drive sleeve 26 with relatively constant frictional resistance, and accurate, positive centring on the guide body 12, the skirt SO on the guide body 12 is flared so as to press against and frictionally engage the inside surface of the drive sleeve inner end section 30. The skirt is made up of a large number (12 in the illustrated embodiment) of resiliently flexible fingers or leaves 54. Longitudinal ridges 52 which form a finger grip on a portion of the guide body that extends beyond the drive sleeve 26 also extend between the flexible fingers 54. A root portion 54a of each finger is formed as a solid radial extension of the guide body 12, which helps to centre the guide body in the drive sleeve. The remaining part 54b of each finger overlies an adjacent outer surface of the guide body 12 and tapers from the root portion towards a free tip 54c. The radially outer surfaces of the fingers are shaped to conform to the inner surface of the drive sleeve end section 30.

The fingers and the skirt which they form flare outwardly from root to tip, with the tip pointing in the direction in which the drive sleeve is fitted over the guide body. The skirt/fingers are therefore automatically compressed during such assembly, so that the drive sleeve can be simply slipped over the skirt 50. The fingers are also able to take up variations in the diameter of the end section 30 inner surface, so as to provide smooth, relatively constant frictional resistance to turning of the drive sleeve. Because the helical grooves 34, 36 are usually configured to provide a mechanical advantage in operating the carrier 14 (typically the outer surface speed of the drive sleeve 26 will be about twice the speed that the carrier 14 moves along the guide body 12) the braking effect on the carrier of this friction between the drive sleeve and guide body is correspondingly multiplied.

Other configurations are readily possible. For example, more or fewer fingers can be used.

Rather than comprising fingers, the skirt can be substantially Continuous or include relatively few circumferential breaks. The ridges 52 may then be absent, at least in the region of the skirt. Alternatively, the fingers may be provided in recesses or apertures formed in the wall of the guide body, at any suitable point along its length. A separate retaining shoulder, replacing the shoulder 42, or other retaining means for the drive sleeve, must then be provided. However, the illustrated external fingers are preferred, as they are easier to mould in one piece with the guide body 12. The skirt/fingers can instead be provided on the drive sleeve 26, for cooperation with a suitable friction surface on the outside of the guide body 12. Additionally or alternatively, a skirt/fingers of this kind can be provided on the carrier 14, for frictional engagement with the interior of the guide body 14.

(In Figures 4 -6, 10 and 11, the carrier is provided with a different form of skirt, knownper Se, having two circumferentially extending resilient leaves or fingers 58, each having a friction pad 60 near their free end. Figure 7 shows a variant in which the carrier has no friction enhancing features at all).

S

The outer surfaces of the guide body 12 and carrier 14 both include an opposed pair of longitudinal flats 62 (only one flat visible in Figures 1 and 4) which accommodate mould parting lines 64, so that any extraneous material (flash) does not extend above the line of the adjacent smooth curved surface. The drive sleeve 26 can therefore turn smoothly upon the s guide body 12, and the carrier can slide smoothly within the guide body 12.

Claims

1. A container for dispensing a product, the container comprising relatively movable components, including: S a drive sleeve rotatable on a substantially tubular guide body, and a product carrier received within the guide body; the product carrier engaging the guide body and the drive sleeve via grooves formed so that rotation of the drive sleeve on the guide body causes the carrier to move along the guide body, at least one of the relatively movable components being provided with a friction enhancing feature, in which the friction enhancing feature comprises a resiliently flexible part extending away from its movable component in a direction along the axis of the guide body and flaring radially for resilient engagement with another of the relatively movable components.

2. A dispensing container as defined in claim 1, in which the resiliently flexible part extends in a direction facing axially away from that end of its movable component which is first telescopically interfitted with the other movable component on assembly.

3. A dispensing container as defined in claim I or 2, in which the resiliently flexible part comprises a leaf or finger.

4. A dispensing container as defined in claim 3, in which a plurality of such leaves or fingers are provided, circumferentially distributed about the movable component.

5. A dispensing container as defined in claim 3 or 4, in which the leaves or fingers taper from root to tip.

6. A dispensing container as defined in claim 3 or 4, in which the leaves or fingers are attached to the guide body or drive sleeve and protrude from a part of the guide body or drive sleeve.

7. A dispensing container as defined in claim 6, in which the leaves or fingers are positioned around the outside of the guide body.

8. A dispensing container as defined in claim 6, in which the leaves or fingers are positioned around the inside of the drive sleeve.

9. A dispensing container as defined in claim 6, in which the roots of the leaves or fingers may be recessed into the guide body or drive sleeve.

Jo

10. A dispensing container as defined in any of claims 3 to 9, in which an end of the guide body extends beyond the leaves or fingers, by which end a user grasps the guide body when operating the drive sleeve.

11. A dispensing container as defined in any preceding claim, in which a root of the is resiliently flexible part forms a radial extension of the relatively movable component to which it is attached.

12. A dispensing container as defined in claim 11, in which the root is attached to the guide body, the radial extension forming a shoulder for restraining axial movement of the drive sleeve.

13. A dispensing container as defined in any preceding claim, in which the resiliently flexible part comprises a circumferential skirt.

14. A container for dispensing a product, substantially as described with reference to or as shown in the drawings.