WO2009009849A1

WO2009009849A1 - Improved package for products in the form of a stick

Info

Publication number: WO2009009849A1
Application number: PCT/BR2008/000204
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcos Antonio Quimenton; Eduardo Martins De Oliveira
Original assignee: Packaging Solutions Ltda.
Priority date: 2007-07-17
Filing date: 2008-07-15
Publication date: 2009-01-22
Also published as: BRPI0702985A2

Abstract

Improved package for products in the form of a stick, comprising a barrel (1) whose superior part is open, with coherent constructive details (2) to receive a simple cap (3), the inferior part of such barrel is completely closed (4), centralizing a suitable female point of reception and a tight coupling (5) for a rotatable base, which centralizes the male point (7) of the rotatable coupling with the point (5) of the barrel (1) and, in the superior part of this male point (7) a threaded shaft (8) emerges preferably in an integrated form, and besides rotating together with the base (6), it also extends vertically throughout the inner height of the barrel (1), where such threaded shaft (8) passes through and moves an elevator component (9) upwards and downwards with central means in the form of threads (10) to slide in the turns of the threads of the threaded shaft (8) when it is rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions to move the elevator component (9) upwards or downwards, formed by two superposed platforms, an inferior platform (13) and a superior platform (14).

Description

IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF A STICK

Field of the Invention

More particularly this present Invention relates to technical and functional improvements especially created and applied in a mechanism used in different packages for products in the form of stick, which use requires that this mentioned product be telescopically moved within the interior of the package so as to expose or to retire its distal extremity, which confers means for such product to be applied. This product in the form of stick can be: glues, cosmetics, foods, medicines and/or others that eventually may be transformed into a stick with any transversal geometry and with a substantially solid mass, however, with the power to be gradually transferred by means of rubbing onto any surface.

State of the Art. Currently there are countless packages with the above mentioned ends, i.e. for solid products in the form of sticks with different transversal geometries. This packages use a mechanism defined by a base rotatable in two directions and together with it there is a threaded shaft that also rotates, where there is an elevator component. This component is also generically known as platform, which constitutes the mobile part that goes up and down along the threaded shaft, and also upon this platform, the inferior part of the product in the form of stick is supported and fixed, consequently, this product, in the moment of its application or consumption, is moved by this referred mechanism and, after its use, it is also retracted to the interior of the package in the same way, so that its cap can be re-put in its place.

This type of mechanism is applied in different packages, such as: in solid deodorants also known as sticks; stick glues for industrial or home use; lipsticks and others.

There is no doubt that the above mentioned mechanism summarily presents an advantadgeous working concept, however, it is affected by some restrictions, one of them brings an important disadvantadge, because, due to the working concept, there is a waste of a significative quantity of the product.

This disadvantadge is provoked by the fact that the platforms used in such mechanisms comprise the fixation point of the product in the form of stick, i.e. in general, such mechanisms require the product that is dispensed to be fixed to the platforms so that such product can be pushed or backed inside the main container.

These retentions, i.e. the coupling or fixation between the product in the form of stick and the platform are made in several ways, such as: prominent claws, holes, borders, grooves and every kind of geometry that permits the product to be kept fixed to the platforms during its movements.

What happens is that these details responsible for the retention, in the end, hide or make useless a large quantity of the product. Pursuant to the legislation, the manufacturer of the product is obliged to make the package larger in order to compensate this acknowledged loss.

Despite this compensation, the consumer, once he gets to the end of the product, has the feeling that he was damaged, since he is losing a large quantity of the product he paid for.

The suppliers are obliged to absorb these losses within their cost spreadsheets and they cannot avoid the dissatisfaction of the most demanding consumers.

Objectives of the Invention Modifications in the mechanism, either in the threaded element or in the component defined as platform, which works as an elevator, moving the product in the form of stick outside or inside the container.

Therefore, the first and main objective of the invention consists in making real a new kind of platform, which constructive characteristics make possible a considerable improvement in its functioning, overcoming the traditional mechanisms used for the same purposes.

Another objective of the invention is a modified platform for a better adherence of the product to its geometry, obviously in order to offer a higher nominal retention area. Another objective of the invention is to predict means to definitively eliminate the waste of the product and, consequently, also eliminate that sensation that the consumer is being damaged.

Another objective of the invention is a new technical solution to produce the above mentioned advantageous effects. This new technology introduces a new concept during the functioning of the mechanism, i.e. a platform of two driving stages was created, so there is an inferior platform and a superior platform on top of the first.

The double-stage platform does not interfere in the assembly of the set, as well as it does not implicate in alterations in the conventional process of packing, moreover, the final use of the consumer is carried out in the same way, consequently, the improvement herein does not require alterations of the manufacturing concepts, let alone a re-education of use on part of the final consumer, what is extremely advantageous for this kind of product. The differencial provided by the present improvement is that both platforms, inferior and superior, remain closely superposed and when the threaded element is rotated, both are moved, and together with them the product in the form of stick is also moved. This situation remains unchanged until a certain height of the threaded shaft, i.e. close enough to its superior extremity; such threaded shaft comprises a detail that automatically impels both platforms to work in a different way. This detail is placed at a height that consists of the final phase of consumption of the product in the form of stick. From this point on, the inferior platform, which is responsible for the retention (claw) of the product, remains still, i.e. that constructive detail associated with other existent constructive details in the inferior platform, makes this mentioned inferior platform to be retained, while the superior platform comes off the inferior one and continues the movement upwards, consequently producing different effects, which the first one is to separate or neutralize the claw effect between the inferior platform and the product. This separation leaves no residue behind, since the superior platform constitutes a real scraper. The separation of the product from the inferior platform in this phase does not imply in its release, since its quantity is considerably small and thus this claw effect is performed by the superior platform, which, as previously mentioned, is a real scraper, since it presents an ordinary shape of a board with a reduced thickness, as well as its superior part is flat, thus allowing the product to be pushed outside until it is completely consumed. Also in this phase the user can see a visual indication that the product was completely consumed, which is the superior platform itself, thus eliminating that unpleasant sensation present in the conventional mechanisms.

Another advantadge of the improved mechanism, according to this present invention, is the fact that the above actuation can be reversed with the same purpose and precision, i.e. if eventually the threaded shaft is rotated in the opposite direction (retraction) the superior platform returns until it meets the inferior platform and both are driven together until the end of the threaded shaft's course.

In the mechanism herein, the details of the retention of the product are inserted in the inferior platform. These details of the retention pass through the superior platform, consequently, when the second stage of the actuation occurs, all the details of the retention remain built and hidden below the superior platform.

These types of solid products can be barreled in several geometric shapes and with the most different processes of mechanization, however these and other details do not depend on the improvement itself, since it adapts itself to any of them, it permits changes to suit different processes of barreling, without modifying them.

In this case the set is totally assembled and the barreling of the product is made from the bottom part through the base that has communicating passages with other ones present in the platforms, however the barreling can also be achieved in the opposite sense, i.e. from the top, only by neutralizing those passages. Therefore, the same improved constructive concept suits different processes of barreling, as well as it suits different ways of packing.

Description of the drawings For a better understanding of this present invention there is a detailed description of it, with reference to the enclosed drawings, as follows:

FIGURE 1 represents a perspective in anterior superior angle exemplifying one of several packages suitable to receive this present improvement;

FIGURE 2 shows another view in perspective, like the previous one, but with the cap of the package displaced;

FIGURE 3 ilustrates art exploded perspective in an inferior angle, emphasizing the driving mechanism of the exemplified package with this present improvement;

FIGURE 4 is another exploded perspective, but in superior angle, emphasizing the driving mechanism of the package with this present improvement;

FIGURE 5 exposes a perspective in half transversal cutaway view showing the mechanism partially driven just emphasizing the first stage of movement of the platform of the product in the form of stick;

FIGURE 6 reproduces a view like the previous one, but in frontal elevation;

FIGURE 7 is a lateral cutaway view, also showing the mechanism partially driven in the first stage; FIGURE 8 shows a perspective in transversal cutaway emphasizing the driving of the second stage;

FIGURE 9 shows a set of perspectives all in superior angle, one exploded in cutaway view and several details also in cutaway views, particularizing the construction of this present improved mechanism;

FIGURE 10 shows an exploded perspective in inferior angle and two details in cutaway view of the platforms that define their actuation in two stages;

FIGURE 11 shows an exploded perspective in superior angle of the improved mechanism according to this present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a detail in an enlarged cutaway view showing the superior platform passing through the detail of retention of the inferior platform which has still not been retained.

FIGURE 13 is a detail like the previous figure, however, in this case, it shows the inferior platform retained in the point where the second stage of the driving begins;

FIGURE 14 shows a lateral cutaway view with the assembly before being actuated;

FIGURE 15 shows a lateral cutaway view with the mechanism actuated only in the first stage;

FIGURE 16 shows a lateral cutaway view emphasizing the point where the constructive details automatically act on both platforms so that they actuate according to the second stage of actuation;

FIGURE 17 shows a lateral cutaway view emphasizing the actuated mechanism according to the second stage;

FIGURE 18 shows a perspective view of the package without the cap, emphasizing the fact that the actuation of the second stage allows the platform to be apparent until the product is totally consumed; and

FIGURE 19 is a view like the previous one, but with the barrel in transparency, emphasizing the final position of both platforms in the actuation of the second stage.

Detailed description of the invention

According to these illustrations and to its details, this present Invention, IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF STICK, comprises, as shown in figures 1 and 2, a barrel (1) which constitutes the main body of a usual package, which transversal section presents any kind of geometry that remains equal throughout all the height of its inner part, as well as this barrel (1) presents its superior part completely open, however, with constructive consistent details (2) for receiving a simple cap (3), whereas in the inferior part, as illustrated by figures 3 and 4, such barrel is completely closed (4), however, it centralizes a suitable female point of reception and tight coupling (5) for a rotatable base in both directions (6) which, in its turn, centralizes the male point of coupling (7) rotatable with the point (5) of the barrel (1), and in the superior portion of this male part (7) a threaded shaft emerges preferably in an integrated way (8) which, besides rotating together with the base (6), it also extends vertically throughout the inner height of the barrel (1), where such threaded shaft (8) passes through and moves an elevator component (9) upwards and downwards with central means in the form of threads (10), also seen in figures 5 and 6, to slide in the turns of the threaded shaft (8) when it is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to move such elevator component (9) upwards or downwards which, in its turn, has claw resources (11) in order to fix the product in the shape of stick indented inside the barrel (1) and onto the mentioned elevator component (9), so that such product is barreled from top to bottom or from bottom to top and, in the first case, the correspondent parts of the base (6) and of the elevator component (9) have several passages (12) for filling, however, if they are on the top, this openings are sealed or do not exist.

As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, this present improvement is characterized by the fact that the mentioned elevator component (9) has two stages, so it is formed by two surposed platforms, an inferior platform (13) and a superior platform (14), both with those cooperative means (10) so that they are simultaneously moved up and down with the rotation of the base (6), in such a way that the inferior platform (13) adds other means (15) to those cooperative ones (10) so that, when moving upwards, its course be limited before reaching the superior end of the threaded shaft (8) which, in its turn, includes a retainer detail (16) which combines with other means (15) in order to retain such inferior platform when moving upwards. As ilustrated in figures 9, 10 and 11, the retainer means

(15) of the inferior platform (13) are configured within the interior of a cylindric cube (17), vertically projected downwards, in which inner diameter the thread (10) is medially formed, and below this one, the inferior edge of the aforesaid cube (17) is revolved into the inside and develops in the form of a lace of flexible blades (18), equidistant, all of them with the same and sufficient inclination so that their free extremities can slide on the turns of the threads of the threaded element (8), where there are also opposite lateral flattenings (19) cooperative with the slidding of the assembly.

The retaining means (15) are defined by at least two diametrically opposite blades (18), however, the use of a higher or lower number of blades is possible.

The retainer detail (16) is preferably formed in the beginning of the superior third of the threaded shaft (8).

The retainer detail (16) constitutes a kind of top or cooperative step to automatically retain the blades (18) during the upward movement of the inferior platform (13), and in order to do so in a preferred construction, such retainer (16) is formed by a diametral reduction of the threaded shaft (8) to configure two flat and adjacent diameters, a smaller inferior one (20a) and a larger superior one (20b), where such reduction forms a kind of circular chute (20c) which splays in its inferior part in an inclinated form (21), whereas in the superior part, this detail is presented in straight angle (22), in such a way that the first one favors the entering of the blades (18) in the interior of such chute (20c), whereas the second one is the retentor itself of such blades (18). Still with reference to figures 9, 10 and 11, the superior platform (14) is preferably configured in a way to be presented in the form of a plate with reduced thickness and with a number of cooperative openings (23) for the claws resources (11) of the inferior platform (13) to pass through, as well as the means in the form of threads (10) are configured in an inferior cylindric cube (24) with a cooperative external diameter to penetrate within the internal cube diameter (17) and above the means (10) of the inferior platform (13), this penetration is sufficient for the superior platform (14) to occupy a superposed position in relation to the inferior platform (13).

When observing figure 12, the retainer detail (16) configures, initially, an interruption in the thread of the shaft (8) with a height (h) sufficient to include the retainer detail (16), so that this height (h) is lower than the length (height) of the inner threaded region (10-24) of the superior platform (14) and sufficient to overcome such retention area (16) of the threaded shaft (8). The thread (10) of the inferior platform (13) guarantees its upward or downward hauling until the retention area (16) of the threaded shaft (8). The blades (18) of the inferior platform (13) are kept flexed when they are outside the retention area (16) of the threaded shaft (8).

With reference to figure 13, the diametral reduction (20b) configures a short flat space with no sufficient threads for the thread (10) of the inferior platform of the first stage (13) to lose the latch effect and slips in the rotation movement of the threaded shaft (8) and, consequently, the traction and the upward movement of said inferior platform (13) are interrupted.

This condition is maintained only while such threaded shaft (8) is being rotated in the direction of moving the platform upwards (9), so that together with this condition, another peculiar condition also occurs, which is the inner flexion of the blades (18) in direction to the smaller diameter (20a), this flexion being sufficient for them to be positioned against that straight angle (22) for the retention of the inferior platform (13). The latch effect of the inferior platform (13) is reestablished (pushed) by the superior platform (14) when the actuation is inverted.

As one may realize, after what has been herein exposed and ilustrated, this improvement, as illustrated in figure 14, adds as main novelty, several modifications and improvements applied to the elevator component (9), in such a way that it can define a new concept of functioning in the moment the product is moved along the interior of the barrel (1), i.e. the main novelty is the fact that the aforesaid elevator component has two stages, which are defined by two platforms, the inferior platform (13) and the superior platform (14), where the functioning is automatic, such as illustrated by figure 14, where one can verify that the exemplified condition in this figure shows the package in a transversal cutaway view, emphasizing the state of the assembly in the moment that it is acquired by the consumer. In this condition, the barrel (1) is closed by its cap (3) and all the inner compartment (C) is filled with the product in the form of stick (not ilustrated), which retention is accomplished by the claws (11) that emerge from the inferior platform (13) and pass through the superior platform (14). This retention also occurs in the upper face of the superior platform (14). In this initial condition both inferior and superior platforms (13-14) remain closely superposed. Tehrefore, considering figure 14, one realizes that the use of the assembly requires the remotion of the cap (3), as shown in figure 15. In this figure, the first condition of functioning is illustrated, i.e. when the threaded element (8) is rotated through the base (6), both platforms (13-14) are moved upwards and together with them the product in the form of stick is also moved (B). This situation remains unaffected until a certain height (point) of such threaded shaft (8), since there is that retainer detail (16) next to its superior extremity. When both platforms reach this detail (16), as shown in figure 16, there is a "start" in order to automatically act on both inferior and superior platforms (13-14) to work in a different way. This detail, as previously mentioned, is positioned at a height that consists of the final phase of the consumption of the product in the form of stick (Bl). Thus, by observing figure 16, (Bl) indicates a final quantity of the product in the form of stick which is totally withdrawn, whereas in figure 17, this final part of the product (Bl) is moved outside, however; this actuation is carried out together with the second stage. From this point on, the inferior platform (13), which is responsible for the retention (claw) of the product, remains still, i.e. that constructive detail (16) associated to the blades (18) causes such inferior platform (13) to be retained (sliding), while the superior platform (14) looses from the inferior one and continues its movement upwards, consequently, it produces different effects, being the first one the separation or neutralization of the claw effect (11) between the inferior platform (13) and the product (B 1 ). This separation leaves no residues behind, since the superior platform constitutes a real scraper. The separation of the product from the inferior platform in this phase does not imply its release, since its quantity is considerably small and thus, this claw effect is taken over by the superior platform which, as previously mentioned, is a real scraper, as it presents an ordinary shape of a plate with reduced thickness, as well as its superior part is flat, thus allowing the product to be pushed outside until it is completely consumed, as shown in figures 18 and 19, and in this phase the user can see the superior platform as a visual indicator (14), a fact that really demonstrates that the product has been totally consumed, thus eliminating that unpleasant sensation present in the conventional means (that the product has not been completely consumed).

In this present improvement, another considerable aspect, although it is a very remote tendency, is the fact that it allows the use of an economic refill, since it keeps the same functional concept, a refill could be foreseen considering both platforms or only the superior one, because as mentioned before, every construction allows reversion of actuation and in order to do so, all it takes is the threaded shaft (8) to be rotated in the opposite direction (retraction) and the superior platform of the second stage returns until it meets the inferior platform of the first stage and both move together until the end of the threaded shaft's course. This condition is perfectly suitable for the condition of use of an economic refill, obviously with some changes in small details, but keeping the same constructive concept. It will be understood that some characteristics and combinations of the platform (9) in relation to the barrel (1) may considerably vary keeping the same functional concept for the assembly, consequently, one can realize that the construction herein described in details, as an example, is clearly subject to constructive variations, but always within the scope of the inventive concept of a double stage, hereby revealed, and as many modifications can be made in the detailed configuration herein detailed pursuant to the descriptive requirements by the laws. It is understood that these present details must be construed as an illustrative, but not limitative form.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS EV THE FORM OF

STICK, comprising a barrel (1) which constitutes the main body of a usual package, which transversal section presents any kind of geometry which remains equal throughout the height of its inner part, as well as this barrel (1) presents its superior part completely open, however, with coherent constructive details (2) to receive a simple cap (3), while the inferior part of such barrel is completely closed (4), however, it centralizes a suitalbe female point of reception and a tight coupling (5) for a rotatable base in both directions (6) which, in its turn, centralizes the male point (7) of the rotatable coupling with the point (5) of the barrel (1), and also in the superior part of this male point (7) a threaded shaft (8) emerges preferably in an integrated way that, besides rotating together with the base (6), it also extends vertically throughout the inner height of the barrel (1), where such threaded shaft (8) passes through and moves an elevator component (9) upwards and downwards with central means in the form of threads (10) to slide in the turns of the threads of the threaded shaft (8) when it is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to move such elevator component (9) upwards or downwards which, in its turn, has claw resources (1 1) to fix the product in the form of stick which, in its turn, indents in the interior of the barrel (1) and onto the elevator component (9), so that such product is barreled from bottom to top or from top to bottom and, in the first case, the correspondent parts of the base (6) and the elevator component (9) have several filling passages (12), however, if it occurs through the top, these openings are sealed or inexist; characterized by the fact that such elevator component (9) has two stages, so it is formed by two superposed platforms, an inferior platform (13) and a superior platform (14), both with those cooperative means (10) in order to be simultaneously moved upwards and downwards with the rotation of the base (6), so that the inferior platform (13) adds other means (15) to those (10) cooperative ones so that, in the upward movement, its course is limited before reaching the superior end of the threaded shaft (8) which, in its turn, includes a retaining detail (16) which combines with the means (15) in order to retain such inferior platform in its movement upwards.

2) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF STICK, according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means (15) of the inferior platform (13) are configured in the interior of a cylindric cube (17), vertically projected downwards, which inner diameter the thread is medially formed and below it (10) the inferior edge of such cube (17) is revolved into the inside and it develops in the form of a lace of flexible blades (18), equidistant, all of them with the same and sufficient inclination so that their free extremities can slide over the turns of the thread of the threaded element (8), where there are also opposite lateral flattenings (19) cooperative with the sliding of the assembly.

3) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF STICK, according to claim 2, wherein the retaining means (15) are defined by at least two blades (18) diametrically opposite, but the use of a higher or smaller number of blades is possible.

4) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF STICK, according to claim 1, wherein the retaining detail (16) is formed preferably in the beginning of the superior third of the threaded shaft (8).

5) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF STICK, according to claim 1, wherein the retaining detail (16) constitutes a kind of cooperative top or step to automatically retain the blades (18) during the upward movement of the inferior platform (13), so that in a preferable constuction, such retainer (16) is formed by a diametral reduction of the threaded shaft (8) to configure two flat and adjacent diameters, a smaller inferior one (20a) and a larger superior one (20b), where such reduction forms a kind of circular chute (20c) which slays in its inferior part in an inclinated form (21 ), whereas in its superior part this detail is presented in straight angle (22), in such a way that the first one favors the entering of the blades (18) in the interior of such chute (20c), while the second one is the retainer of such blades itself (18).

6) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF A

STICK, according to claim 1, wherein the superior platform (14) is configured preferably in such a way to be presented in the form of a plate with reduced thickness and with a number of cooperative openings (23) for the claw resources (11) of the inferior platform (13) to pass through, as well as the means in the form of threads (10) are configured in an inferior cylindric cube (24) with an cooperative external diameter to penetrate in the internal diameter of the cube (17) and above the means (10) of the inferior platform

(13), this penetration being sufficient for such superior platform (14) to occupy a superposed position in relation to the inferior platform (13).

7) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF STICK, according to claim 6, wherein the retaining detail (16) initially configures an interruption in the threads of the shaft (8) with a height (h) smaller than the length (height) of the inner threaded region (10-24) of the superior platform (14) and sufficient to overcome this retaining area (16) of the threaded shaft (8) when it is rotated in both clockwise or counterclockwise directons. 8) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF STICK, according to claim 6, wherein the diametral reduction (20b) presents a flat and dimensioned diameter so that the thread (10) of the inferior platform

(13) loses the coupling effect and slides in the rotation movement of the threaded shaft (8) in the upward direction of the elevator component (9), so that this coupling effect is re-established (pushed) by the superior platform

(14) when the driving is inverted.

9) IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR PRODUCTS IN THE FORM OF

STICK, according to claim 2, wherein in the retaining area (16), the blades

(18) are flexioned towards the inside in direction to the smaller diameter (20a), this flexion being sufficient for them to be positioned against that straight angle (22) for the retention of such inferior platform (13).