HK1164071B - Container for propelling cosmetic pencils, process for assembling such container and propelling cosmetic pencil - Google Patents

Description

Container for a push-on cosmetic pencil, method of assembling such a container and a push-on cosmetic pencil

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a container for a push-on cosmetic pencil, as well as to a method for assembling such a container and to a push-on cosmetic pencil comprising such a container.

Background

Push-on cosmetic pens are used for applying cosmetics to the human body, usually the face, for example for highlighting eye contours, eyebrows, lip contours, etc.

It is known to include an outer body made of wood or plastic material, and a core (refill) comprising a decorative cosmetic product rigidly and fixedly introduced into the outer body and extending over substantially the entire length of the outer body. When using the cartridge tip, the cosmetic pencil must be sharpened to remove a portion of the wood or plastic material and expose a new cartridge portion. Pens of the type described become shorter and shorter with use, and are often thrown away until they reach lengths that are difficult to use, making full use impossible. Furthermore, the cartridge is only protected by the cap which is removed and replaced. Accidental interference between the cap and the tip of the cartridge during both operations can damage said tip and/or dirty the cap.

Also known are propelling pens like the one disclosed in document GB516,189. The propelling pen of this document comprises an outer housing provided at one end thereof, the housing having a conical mouth through which a refill of cosmetic material is pushed out. The cartridge is held by the cartridge holder, preventing the cartridge holder from rotating within the outer housing. The cartridge holder may be moved forward and backward within the outer casing by a threaded rod connected to a rotary head provided on an end of the casing opposite to the tapered nozzle. The threaded rod is fitted in a threaded housing of the cartridge holder at the opposite end of the cartridge. The ejector allows the cartridge tip to be withdrawn from the outer housing only when the pen is in use.

The applicant has found that the production costs of a push pen of the above type are significantly affected by the complexity of manufacture of the various parts (generally made by moulding of a plastic material) and by the complexity of the operations of assembling said components. In fact, to assemble each component, much time and use of expensive machinery and/or a lot of manpower are required.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a container for push-on cosmetic pens which is simple in structure and can be assembled easily and quickly to form its various components.

Another object of the invention is to propose a method for assembling such a container which enables the use of simple and inexpensive machines and/or non-specialized labour.

Another object of the invention is to propose a push-on cosmetic pencil which ensures that the refill is correctly stored until it is completely used up.

The above and other objects are achieved by a container for a push-on cosmetic pen, a method for assembling a push-on cosmetic pen container and a push-on pen according to the present invention.

More specifically, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a container for a push-on cosmetic pen as claimed in claim 1.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of assembling a container for a push-on cosmetic pencil as claimed in claim 12.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a push-on cosmetic pen according to claim 11.

The invention in at least one of the above aspects may also have one or more of the preferred features claimed in the appended claims.

Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a push-on cosmetic pen, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a push-on cosmetic pencil according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a first member of the pen of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of the first member taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 3b shows a part of FIG. 3 on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 shows a second member of the pen of FIGS. 1 and 2, partially broken away;

FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the second member taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 shows a third member of the pen of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5a shows a longitudinal cross section of an enlarged portion of the third member shown in FIG. 5; and

fig. 5b shows another enlarged portion of fig. 5.

Detailed Description

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a push-on cosmetic pen according to the invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1.

The cosmetic pencil 1 includes a container 2 and a pen core 3 mounted in the container 2 in an axially movable manner.

In the present description and claims, a "cartridge" means a cylindrical rod of cosmetic material.

The container 2 shown in fig. 1 in the assembled condition comprises a retaining body 4 of tubular shape and circular section, which extends along a longitudinal axis X-X and has a first opening 4a provided at a first preferably conical axial end and a second opening 4b provided at a second axial end opposite to the first end 4 a.

On the inner surface of the holder, there are ribs 5 (shown in fig. 3 a) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X and preferably arranged angularly spaced around said axis X-X. In the embodiment given by way of example and not for limiting purposes, the number of axial ribs 5 is three. The radially inner end of the axial rib 5 is tangent to a circle of substantially equal diameter to the cartridge 3. Each axial rib 5 preferably extends from the middle of the holding body 4 to the first opening 4a (fig. 3).

A first annular ridge 6 (fig. 3b) delimiting an annular groove is formed on the inner surface of the retaining body 4 in the region close to the second opening 4 b. In the embodiment given by way of example, there are three first annular ridges 6.

The inner surface of the holding body 4 has a tapered shape (not shown in the schematic drawing) that narrows from the second end 4b toward the first end 4a to perform the following function.

Preferably, the taper is limited to the portion extending from the second end 4b to the beginning of the rib 5. More preferably, the taper is limited to only the portion C that is not very far from the ribs 5.

The reservoir 2 comprises a cartridge holder 7 (fig. 4 and 4a) which in turn comprises a cylindrical wall 8 defining a seat 9 for the cartridge 3. An axial ridge 10 adapted to interfere with the soft material of the cartridge 3 is formed on the radially inner surface of the cylindrical wall 8, so as to hold the cartridge 3 in position (without translation and rotation with respect to the cartridge holder 7) once the cartridge 3 is axially inserted into said seat 9. Preferably, each axial ridge extends from the closed bottom of the base 9 to half way along the wall 8. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the cylindrical wall 8 is formed with three arc-shaped walls arranged laterally side by side with respect to each other. The side-by-side walls define three grooves or axial cuts 11 between each other. The cartridge holder 7 further includes a screw body 12. Preferably, the threaded body 12 is in the shape of a rod provided with an external thread extending along an axis Y-Y coinciding with the longitudinal axis X-X once the cartridge holder 7 is mounted in the holding body 4. Said axis Y-Y also coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 8. The screw body 12 extends from a portion of the cartridge holder 7 near the closed bottom of the base 9.

The container 2 further comprises a drive member 13, preferably of tubular type, extending along the longitudinal axis Z-Z (figures 5, 5a and 5 b). The driver 13 comprises at its first end 13a first or operating portion 14 having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the holding body 4. The driver 13 comprises a second part 15, the outer diameter of which second part 15 is adapted to enable it to be inserted into the holding body 4 and the inner diameter of which enables the threaded body 12 to be inserted into said second part 15. At the second end 13b of the driver 13, on the wall of the second portion 15, a tab 16 is formed, which is preferably resiliently flexible in the radial direction. Each tab 16 is delimited by a U-shaped notch (partially shown in figure 2) formed through the wall of the second portion 15 and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Z-Z from the junction area with the remaining part of said wall towards the second end 13b of the driver 13. In the embodiment shown, the driver 13 comprises two opposite tabs 16. Each tab 16 has on its radially inner surface a threaded portion 17 adapted to cooperate with the thread of the threaded body 12 belonging to the cartridge holder 7 (fig. 5 a).

Preferably, each tab 16 is also provided, on its radially external surface, with a projection 18 (fig. 5a) which interacts with the internal wall of retaining body 4. A second annular ridge 19 (fig. 5b) defining an annular groove is provided on the outer wall of the second portion 15, adjacent to the first portion 14. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, there are three second annular ridges 19. Preferably, an annular seat 20 is also formed between the second annular ridge 19 and the first portion 14 to house a seal 21 (shown in figure 2).

The mounting of the container 2 is carried out by first inserting the free end of the threaded body 12 into the second end 13b of the driver 13 and sliding said threaded body 12 axially in the second portion 15 until the edge of the second end 13b abuts against an annular surface 22 (fig. 2 and 4) transversal to the axis Y-Y and belonging to the cylindrical wall 8 of the cartridge holder 7. During this relative sliding, the threaded portion 17 of the flexible tab 16 slides with slight interference on the thread of the threaded body 12, which interference does not in any case hinder the sliding due to the radially elastic deformability of said tab 16.

Therefore, the screw body 12 is mounted in the holding body 4 together with the driver 13 by inserting the tubular body 8 through the second opening 4b with the seat 9 facing the first opening 4 a.

Due to the conical shape of the inner surface of the retaining body 4, when the tabs 16 approach a given axial portion C of the retaining body 4, they come into contact with the inner surface which radially forces them towards the threaded body 12, thus ensuring the mutual engagement of the threads.

The ribs 5 enter the axial cut-outs 11 of the tubular body 8, thereby preventing mutual rotation between the cartridge holder 7 and the holding body 4.

This insertion is carried out until an annular surface 23 (figures 2 and 5) transversal to axis Z-Z and belonging to operating portion 14 abuts against the edge of second opening 4 b.

The second annular ridge 19 snap-fits over the first annular ridge 6 until the annular ridge of one of the two components is aligned with the annular groove of the other component and they axially lock the drive member 13 within the retaining body 4. The drive element 13 is in each case freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis X-X in the retaining body 4.

A seal 21 is retained between the inner surface of the retaining body 4 and the annular seat 20 of the driver 13.

In the installed configuration, each tab 16 is held in contact with the threaded body 12 by the inner wall of the retaining body 4, thereby ensuring the interengagement of the threads. Then, by turning the operating part 14, the cartridge nut-screw coupling between the cartridge holder 7 and the driver 13 translates the cartridge holder 7 and the cartridge 3 mounted thereon along the axis X-X.

The cartridge 3 is preferably mounted after the assembly of the container 2 is completed and it is inserted from the first opening 4a and is locked in the seat 9 by interference with the axial ridge 10 and also by the radial elasticity of the three arc-shaped walls of the cylindrical wall 8.

The members are dimensioned so as to move the seat 9 for the cartridge 3 as far as the first opening 4a, so that the cartridge 3 can be pulled out smoothly in a very short time.

According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the male-threaded rod is integral with the operating portion 14 and is therefore part of the driving member 13, while the flexible tab 16 is provided on a tubular body integral with the seat 9 and is therefore part of the cartridge holder 7. The operating principle is unchanged.

The container 2 is also provided with accessories. For example, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, a small sponge 24 and a sharpener adapted to sharpen only the pen core 3 are inserted into a housing 26 formed in the operating portion 14. The sharpener 25 is protected by a cap 27.

In embodiments where a small sponge and pencil sharpener are not present, the housing 26 is closed by a suitable plug (not shown).

Preferably, regardless of the specific embodiment, the container 2 includes a cap 28 disposed on the first end of the holder 4 to protect the cartridge tip or, if the cartridge tip is fully retracted, to prevent dust or other matter from passing through the first opening 4 a.

The invention achieves the intended objects and important advantages.

First, the present invention allows the container to be assembled easily and quickly because all coupling is achieved by relative linear movement between the parts and by a snap or friction fit. Furthermore, all components of the container are inserted only from one end of the holding body. Thus, assembly time may be reduced and the use of simpler machinery and/or a smaller amount of labor may be provided, thus reducing assembly costs.

The mounting of the cartridge is also simple, since the cartridge holder, which consists of an arc-shaped wall provided with axial ridges, enables the cartridge to be locked by axial movement only.

The present invention enables the end user to remove the container to clean the interior of the cartridge before replacing it with a new cartridge.

The cap is removable and replaceable when the cartridge tip is within the holder, and thus the cap is not damaged.

Furthermore, the seal, together with the cap, ensures that the user does not emit volatile substances of the cosmetic material and helps to maintain cosmetic quality for a long period of time.

The axial ribs not only prevent the cartridge holder from rotating, but also prevent the cartridge from jolting in the container, so that it is not damaged during handling or transport, for example when carried in a handbag.

Claims (15)

1. A container for a push-on cosmetic pencil, comprising:

-a tubular holding body (4), said tubular holding body (4) having a first opening (4a) and a second opening (4b) opposite to said first opening (4a), and having an inner surface;

-a cartridge holder (7), said cartridge holder (7) being axially movable within said tubular holder (4) and having a seat (9) facing said first opening (4a) and having a cartridge (3) designed to receive a cosmetic material, the rotation of said cartridge holder (7) within said tubular holder (4) being locked;

-a driver (13), said driver (13) being rotatable within said tubular holding body (4) and having an operating portion (14) protruding from said second opening (4 b);

-conversion means for converting the rotation of the operating portion (14) into an axial movement of the cartridge holder (7);

wherein the conversion device comprises: a screw body (12) which is part of the cartridge holder (7) or the drive member (13); and a tab (16), said tab (16) being radially flexible in a resilient manner and integral with said driving member (13) or with said cartridge holder (7) and having a threaded portion (17) cooperating with said threaded body (12);

characterized in that the inner surface of the tubular retaining body (4) has an axial portion (C) of reduced internal diameter arranged close to the lug (16) to retain the threaded portion (17) of the lug (16) against the threaded body (12) and ensure the mutual engagement of the threads.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving member (13) has a tubular shape and includes the lug (16), and the screw body (12) is an externally threaded rod as a part of the cartridge holder (7) and is inserted into the driving member (13).

3. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the axial portion (C) of the inner surface of the tubular retaining body (4) has a conical shape diverging towards the second opening (4 b).

4. The container according to claim 1, characterized by comprising an axial rib (5), said axial rib (5) being inside said tubular holder (4) and fitting in a groove (11) formed on said cartridge holder (7) to prevent rotation of said cartridge holder (7) within said tubular holder (4).

5. The container according to claim 4, characterized in that the axial rib (5) extends substantially up to the first opening (4a) to axially guide the cartridge (3) and prevent radial displacement of the cartridge (3).

6. Container as in claim 5, characterized in that said seat (9) for said cartridge (3) is delimited by a cylindrical wall (8), said groove (11) being an axial cut made on said cylindrical wall (8), and said axial rib (5) being inserted in said groove (11) and facing the inside of said seat (9).

7. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises snap-engagement means interposed between said driving element (13) and said tubular retaining body (4) and arranged close to said second opening (4b) so as to axially lock said driving element (13) with respect to said tubular retaining body (4).

8. Container as in claim 7, characterized in that said snap-engagement means comprise a first annular ridge (6) provided on the inner surface of said tubular retaining body (4) and a second annular ridge (19) provided on the outer surface of said driving element (13).

9. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an annular seal (21), said annular seal (21) being interposed between said drive element (13) and said tubular retaining body (4) and being arranged at said second opening (4 b).

10. A push-on cosmetic pencil, characterized by comprising a container according to one of claims 1 to 9, and a cosmetic material pencil (3) mounted in the pencil holder (7).

11. A method of assembling a container for a push-on cosmetic pencil, comprising the steps of:

i) providing a tubular holding body (4), said tubular holding body (4) having a first opening (4a) and a second opening (4b) opposite to said first opening (4a) and having an inner surface;

ii) providing a cartridge holder (7), said cartridge holder (7) having a seat (9) designed to accommodate a cartridge (3) of cosmetic material;

iii) providing a drive member (13) having an operative portion (14);

iv) axially sliding a threaded body (12) integral with the cartridge holder or the driver (13) on a threaded portion (17) of a radially flexible lug (16) integral with the driver (13) or the cartridge holder (7);

v) inserting the driver (13) and the cartridge holder (7) axially through the second opening (4b) of the tubular holder (4), the seat (9) of the cartridge holder (7) facing the first opening (4a) and the operating portion (14) of the driver (13) remaining in a position protruding from the second opening (4 b);

vi) locking the rotation of the cartridge holder (7) within the tubular holder (4);

vii) axially locking the drive member (13) within the tubular holding body (4).

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising in step v) step v') of: -radially approaching said radially flexible tabs (16) on said threaded body (12) so as to ensure the mutual engagement of the threads.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that step v') is carried out by approaching said tab (16) to a portion of reduced internal diameter of said tubular retaining body (4).

14. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that step vi) is carried out by an axial rib (5) axially running in the tubular holding body (4) fitting in an axial groove (11) formed on the cartridge holder (7).

15. Method according to claim 11, wherein step vii) is carried out by a first annular ridge (6) moving axially in the tubular retaining body (4) snap-fitting with a second annular ridge (19) of the driving member (13).