Abstract:
A case for containing a stick such as a lipstick includes: a cup forming a cavity for the stick; a tubular sheath, extending along the longitudinal axis, in which the cup is held, the sheath including a transverse bottom and an upper transverse opening oriented in a so-called “front” direction, the sheath including an element, for translatably guiding the sheath along the longitudinal axis of the cup, and a mechanism for actuating the translation of the cup along the longitudinal axis within the sheath; and a push member translatably mounted along the longitudinal axis relative to the cup and including a head, capable of being placed in the cavity of the cup, and at least one arm, extending along the longitudinal axis. The arm has at least one transverse catch.

Description:
[0001]    The invention relates to the field of packaging for sticks of material to be applied by friction, especially a stick of lipstick or the like. More particularly, it relates to sticks of material that are solid or semi-solid, in other words which retain their general stick-like shape and their volume under normal conditions of use. It relates in particular to a case for such a stick of material to be applied, and to a product comprising a stick of material contained in such a case. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In general, a lipstick case comprises a cup housed in a sheath. The cup is guided in translational movement within the sheath. Actuating elements are accessible on the outside of the sheath to cause translational movement of the cup. In a known manner, the actuating elements comprise a part that rotates on the sheath, manipulatable by a user and imparting translational movement to the cup via a helical type of connection. 
         [0003]    The cup is in the form of a bowl forming a housing for the stick. The stick is intended to be introduced into the housing of the cup, to remain there for the duration of the case&#39;s service life. The stick can therefore be forced into the cup, where friction between the stick and the cup prevents the stick from leaving the housing. The cup may also include specific elements such as grooves to retain the stick in the cup. A portion of the stick is thus lodged in the cup, where it remains inaccessible to the user. The larger this lodged portion, the better the retention of the stick in the cup but the larger the inaccessible portion in the cup will be. This results in waste, perceptible to the user. 
         [0004]    Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,886 proposes a lipstick case comprising elements for recovering a portion of the product lodged in the cup. For this purpose, a push member that is movable relative to the cup is provided, which allows pushing the stick out of the cup. More specifically, translational movement of the cup in a first direction is actuated in the manner described above, by means of a helical connection, to expose the stick from the sheath. When the accessible portion of the stick exposed outside the sheath has been used up, translational movement of the cup is actuated in the other direction, returning it into the sheath. The push member comprises two arms projecting out of the cup, which are supported on the bottom of the sheath. The force of the push member pushing against the bottom moves the push member relative to the cup. The previously inaccessible portion of the stick is thus partially pushed out of the cup by the push member. Catches on the push member arms prevent the push member from returning to its initial position. The cup can then be reactuated in the first direction, so that the rest of the stick is now accessible to the user. 
         [0005]    Although this system allows recovering some of the previously inaccessible portion of the stick, it requires returning the cup and the push member to the bottom of the sheath in order to push the arms against the bottom. This can be a chore for the user, who will not necessarily have the reflex to return the cup all the way into the sheath; this is even more true when the sheath is long. 
         [0006]    Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,886 also proposes setting up a breakable bridge on the path of the cup, which prevents contact between the arms of the push member and the sheath bottom and which must be broken to place the push member arms in contact with the bottom of the sheath. Here again, the user does not necessarily have the reflex to force the movement of the cup once it has been fully returned into the sheath, and displacement of the push member within the cup is not obtained. 
         [0007]    There is therefore a need for a novel case for a stick of solid or semi-solid material that limits waste while providing a solution to the above disadvantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a case specifically designed to contain a stick of solid or semi-solid product of material to be applied by friction, in particular a stick of lipstick, the case comprising:
       a cup, forming a housing for the stick,   a tubular sheath extending along the longitudinal axis, in which the cup is housed, and comprising at a distal end a transverse bottom and at a proximal end a transverse opening, the sheath comprising elements for guiding the cup, in translational movement within the sheath along the longitudinal axis, in a so-called “forward” direction along the longitudinal axis from the distal end toward the proximal end of the sheath and in a so-called “rearward” direction along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end toward the distal end of the sheath,   a push member mounted to enable translational movement along the longitudinal axis relative to the cup, and comprising a head adapted to be placed in the housing of the cup and at least one arm extending along the longitudinal axis, the arm bearing at least one sheath-arresting catch,   elements for actuating the translational movement of the cup along the longitudinal axis relative to the sheath, alternately in the forward direction and in the rearward direction.       
 
         [0013]    The sheath further comprises stop elements for engaging with the at least one sheath-arresting catch, the sheath-arresting catches extending transversely so as to engage with the stop elements, allowing forward translational movement of the push member relative to the sheath along the longitudinal axis and serving to block rearward translational movement of the push member relative to the sheath along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0014]    Rearward translational movement of the cup along the longitudinal axis when the push member is in abutment against the stop elements then causes forward translational movement of the push member relative to the cup along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0015]    Thus, as it imparts a rearward movement to the cup, the push member abuts against the stop elements by means of its sheath-arresting catch, at a distance from the bottom, pushing on the stick and causing it to leave the cup without needing to return the cup to an initial position at the bottom of the sheath. 
         [0016]    According to one embodiment, the push member comprises a plurality of sheath-arresting catches distributed along the longitudinal axis which allow forward translational movement of the push member relative to the sheath along the longitudinal axis and which successively engage with the hooking elements by forward translational movement of the cup relative to the sheath along the longitudinal axis to block rearward translational movement of the push member relative to the sheath along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0017]    The stick can then be gradually expelled from the cup as it is used up, by successive use of the sheath-arresting catches. 
         [0018]    According to one embodiment, the cup comprises a transverse base in which an opening is provided. The head of the push member extends forward from the base of the cup and the arm traversing the opening in the cup. The arm further comprises a cup-arresting catch, extending transversely and engaging with the edge of the hole of the cup to permit forward translational movement of the push member relative to the cup along the longitudinal axis and to block rearward translational movement of the push member relative to the cup along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0019]    For example, the arm comprises, starting from the head of the push member, a first catch serving as a cup-arresting catch and a last catch serving as a sheath-arresting catch. The arm further comprises at least one second catch arranged on the arm between the first catch and the last catch, the second catch being dimensioned to serve as a sheath-arresting catch and as a cup-arresting catch. 
         [0020]    The catch or catches may be elastically deformable. 
         [0021]    According to one embodiment, the stop elements comprise at least one arresting finger projecting from the sheath bottom and extended by a hook intended to engage with the at least one sheath-arresting catch. 
         [0022]    For example, the push member comprises two arms extending along the longitudinal axis, each catch of one arm being transversely aligned with a catch of the other arm. The sheath then comprises two arresting fingers, each arresting finger being adapted to engage with the catch or catches of a corresponding arm. 
         [0023]    According to one embodiment, the sheath comprises a tubular outer shell and a tubular inner shell that is mounted so as to rotate about the longitudinal axis within the outer shell and is blocked from translational movement within the outer shell along the longitudinal axis. The elements for actuating translational movement of the cup within the sheath along the longitudinal axis then comprise elements for actuating rotation of the inner shell relative to the outer shell, for example in the form of a sleeve assembled so as to rotate on the outer shell and rigidly fixed on the inner shell. 
         [0024]    For example, the inner shell is in a helical connection with the cup and the outer shell is in a sliding connection with the cup. Alternatively, it is the outer shell which is in a helical connection with the cup and it is the inner shell which is in a sliding connection with the cup. 
         [0025]    According to one embodiment, the case further comprises a removable cap for sealing the opening of the sheath. 
         [0026]    According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a packaged product, particularly a cosmetic product, comprising a stick of material to be applied by friction, the stick being contained in a case as presented above. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The figures in the drawings will now be briefly described. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a diagram corresponding to a cross-section of a case for a stick, such as a case for lipstick, comprising a cup and a push member in a first position corresponding to the initial position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  represents the case of  FIG. 1  in a second position where the cup supporting a stick of lipstick has been moved in a first direction relative to  FIG. 1 , driving the push member so that the stick is exposed. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  represents the case of  FIG. 1  in a third position where the cup has been moved further in the first direction than in  FIG. 2 , so that the entire accessible stick portion outside of the cup has been exposed outside the sheath, the stick portion outside of the cup having been completely used up. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  represents the case of  FIG. 1  in a fourth position where the cup has been moved in a second direction, the push member not having been moved, revealing a new portion of the stick. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  represents the case of  FIG. 1  in a fifth position where the cup has again been moved in the first direction, driving the push member, so that the new portion of the stick is exposed outside the sheath. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  represents the case of  FIG. 1  in the same position as in  FIG. 5 , where the new portion of the stick has been used up. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  represents the case of  FIG. 1  in a sixth position where the cup has been moved in the second direction relative to  FIG. 5 , partially driving the push member in order to uncover the rest of the stick. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  represents the case of  FIG. 1  in a seventh position where the cup has been moved in the first direction relative to  FIG. 7 , driving the push member so that the rest of the stick is exposed outside the sheath. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, with accompanying examples and with reference to the drawings. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 1 to 8  illustrate a case  1 , and more particularly a lipstick case for a solid or semi-solid stick of a product of material to be applied by friction, in particular a stick of lipstick. The case  1  comprises a tubular sheath  2  which is in the form of a substantially cylindrical hollow body extending along a longitudinal axis X. 
         [0038]    In the following, the word “longitudinal” refers to any direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The word “transverse” therefore refers to any direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. 
         [0039]    The sheath  2  extends between a proximal end  3  and a distal end  4 . The proximal end  3  of the sheath  2  has a transverse opening  5 , while the distal end  4  is closed off by a transverse bottom  6 . 
         [0040]    In the following, “forward” refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis X from the distal end  4  toward the proximal end  3  of the sheath  3 . “Rearward” refers to the direction opposite to the forward direction along the longitudinal axis X, in other words from the proximal end  3  toward the distal end  4 . 
         [0041]    According to one embodiment, the sheath  2  comprises an outer shell  7  and an inner shell  8  that is fitted into the outer shell  3 . The two shells  7 ,  8  are substantially cylindrical hollow bodies, of longitudinal axis X, that are open at both ends. The outer body  7  has a side wall defined between an outer surface  7   a  and an inner surface  7   b . Similarly, the inner shell  8  has a side wall defined between an outer surface  8   a  and an inner surface  8   b . The outer shell  7  and inner shell  8  are dimensioned so that the inner shell  8  fits into the outer shell  7  with a minimal clearance between the outer surface  8   a  of the inner shell  8  and the inner surface  7   b  of the outer shell  7  that is just sufficient to allow the inner shell  8  to pivot within the outer shell  7  about the longitudinal axis X in a guided manner. For this purpose, the outer surface  8   a  of the inner shell  8  and the inner surface  7   b  of the outer shell  7  have a substantially circular cross-section. 
         [0042]    Towards its proximal end  9 , the inner shell  8  comprises a first transverse flange  10  around the opening  5  of the sheath  2 , forming an abutment preventing longitudinal movement, which the proximal end  11  of the outer shell  7  presses against to block its forward translational movement along the longitudinal axis X. It is then understood that the proximal end  9  of the inner shell  8  is coincident with the proximal end  4  of the sheath  2 . A second transverse flange  12  is also provided on the inner shell  8 , at a distance from the first flange  10 , towards the distal end  9 ′ of the inner shell  8 . The second flange  12  forms an abutment preventing longitudinal movement, which the distal end  13  of the outer shell  7  presses against to block its rearward translational movement along the longitudinal axis X. The outer shell  7  is then lodged between the two flanges  12 ,  13 . The length of the inner shell  8 , meaning its dimension along the longitudinal axis X, is greater than the length of the outer shell  7 , such that the distal end  9 ′ of the inner shell  8  lies beyond the distal end  13  of the outer shell  7 , the outer shell  8  having a distal portion protruding beyond the distal end  13  of the outer shell  7 . 
         [0043]    The inner shell  8  further comprises a lip  14  projecting transversely, pressing against the inner surface  7   b  of the outer shell  7  so as to control the torque between the outer shell  7  and the inner shell  8 . 
         [0044]    The case  1  comprises a cup  15  in the form of a bowl, forming a housing for the stick which is, for example, a stick  16  of lipstick. The cup comprises a transverse base  17 , from which a side wall  18  rises. The dimensions of the cup  15 , and in particular its transverse dimensions, enable it to be inserted into the sheath  2  with minimal clearance between the side wall  18  of the cup  15  and the inner surface  8   b  of the inner shell  8  that is just sufficient to allow longitudinal translational movement of the cup  15  relative to the sheath  2 . 
         [0045]    The cup  15  is mounted to allow longitudinal translational movement in the sheath  2 , the sheath  2  being provided with elements for actuating translational movement along the longitudinal axis X of the cup  15 . For this purpose, the sheath  2  is provided with a mechanism  19  for actuating the cup  15 . For example, the actuating mechanism  19  comprises elements for actuating rotation of the inner shell  8 , in the form of a sleeve  20  fitting over the outer shell  7  and inner shell  8 . More specifically, the sleeve  20  is assembled so as to cover the outer surface  7   b  of the outer shell  7  for a given length from its distal end  13 , with minimal play that is just sufficient to allow rotation of the sleeve  20  about the longitudinal axis X relative to the outer shell  7 . The sleeve  20  is further prevented from both rotational and translational movement on the distal portion of the inner shell  8 . For example, the sleeve  20  may be glued or snap-fitted onto the inner shell  8 . 
         [0046]    The sleeve  20  therefore leaves a portion of the outer shell  7  uncovered, at its proximal end  11 . The proximal end  9  and the first flange  10  of the inner shell  8  are also uncovered. As a result, according to one embodiment, a cover shell  20 ′ may cover the assembly formed by the outer shell  7  and the inner shell  8 , from the proximal end  9  of the outer shell  8  and extending at least to the sleeve  20 . For example, the cover shell  20 ′ may be glued to the outer surface  7   a  of the outer shell  7 . The cover shell  20 ′ may also have a longitudinal dimension such that it is interposed between the sleeve  20  and the outer shell  7 . In this case, the sleeve  20  is guided in rotation on the cover sheath  20 ′ about the longitudinal axis X. The proximal end of the cover shell  20 ′ may be folded over the proximal end  9  of the inner shell  8 , so that the assembly formed by the outer shell  7  and the inner shell  8 , covered by the sleeve  20  and the cover shell  20 ′, is not visible from the outside of the case  1 . 
         [0047]    A removable cap, not shown in the figures, may be provided to fit over the sheath  2  and close the opening  5 . The removable cap fits for example over the cover shell  20 ′. 
         [0048]    The sleeve  20  closes off the sheath  2  at its distal end, and thereby forms the transverse bottom  6  of the sheath  2 . The sleeve  20  is thus accessible to a user on the outside of the case  1 . The case  1  further comprises elements for guiding the cup  15 , which comprise for example a longitudinal piercing groove  21  formed on the side wall of the inner shell  8 , and a helical groove  22  formed on the side wall of the outer shell  7 . The cup  15  then comprises a transversely projecting pin  23 , dimensioned so as to extend into the longitudinal groove  21  and beyond it into the helical groove  22 . In practice, the cup  15  comprises two diametrically opposite pins  23 , each engaging with both a longitudinal groove  21  of the inner shell  8  and a helical groove  22  of the outer shell  7 . Alternatively, the longitudinal groove or grooves  21  may be provided in the outer shell  7 , and the helical groove or grooves  22  may be provided in the inner shell  8 . 
         [0049]    Thus, rotation of the sleeve  20  in a first direction causes rotation of the inner shell  8  relative to the outer shell  7 , about the longitudinal axis X. The helical grooves  21  force the pins of the cup  15  to slide in the longitudinal grooves  22 . The cup  15  is thus guided in forward longitudinal translation. The stick  16  can then exit through the opening  5  of the sheath  2  and be applied. When the sleeve  20  is rotated in the other direction, the cup  15  is guided in translation in the other direction so that the cup  15  moves rearward, causing the stick  16  to retract into the sheath  2 . The cup  15  can then be moved between an initial position where its rearward travel is maximal, and a final position where its forward travel is maximal. 
         [0050]    A push member  24  is associated with the cup  15 . Specifically, the push member  24  is mounted so as to move in longitudinal translation relative to the cup  15 . For this purpose, the push member  24  comprises a head  25 , for example in the form of a disk, having transverse dimensions substantially corresponding to the transverse dimensions of the housing formed by the cup  15 , such that the head  25  can be placed in the cup  15 , while allowing longitudinal translational movement of the head  25  relative to the cup  15 . The push member  24  further comprises at least one arm  26  (two arms  26  in the figures), extending longitudinally rearward from the head  25  to a free end  26 ′. At least one catch  27 , referred to as a sheath-arresting catch  2  and extending transversely, is provided on each arm  26 . Preferably, the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  of the arms  26  are transversely aligned in pairs. As will be seen below, the sheath  2 -arresting catch or catches  27  may be elastically deformable. When the stick  16  is housed in the cup  15 , its bottom is in contact with the head  25  of the push member  24 . The sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  are at a distance from the free end  26 ′ of the arms  26 . 
         [0051]    “Elastically deformable” is understood here to mean the ability of an object to deform under a given stress and to return to its initial shape in the absence of stress. 
         [0052]    In the following description, and for the purpose of simplification, the transverse dimensions to which reference is made and which are compared are those measured in the same longitudinal plane. Thus, a transverse dimension of one element is compared here with a transverse dimension of another element in the same longitudinal plane. 
         [0053]    The transverse base  17  of the cup  15  comprises a hole  28  traversed by the arms  26  of the push member  24 , but having smaller transverse dimensions than those of the head  25  of the push member  24 . Thus, the head  25  of the push member  24  lies from one side, in this case the forward side, of the transverse base  17  of the cup  15 , without being able to pass through the hole  18  to the other side, while the arms  26  can slide into the hole  28 . The stick  16  is in contact with the head  25  of the push member  23 . 
         [0054]    The sheath  2  further comprises at least stop elements, intended to engage with the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27 . For example, the stop elements comprises an arresting finger  29 , in practice two arresting fingers  29  corresponding to the number of arms  26  of the push member  24 . The arresting fingers  29  project longitudinally from the transverse bottom  6  of the sheath, and are intended to engage with the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27 . For this purpose, the arresting fingers  29  are extended at their free end by a hook  30  at a distance from the bottom  6 , to engage with the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  of the push member  24 . The two hooks  30  are preferably facing one another, meaning that they are aligned along the same transverse direction, and have their ends  31  towards one another. 
         [0055]    For example, the transverse distance between the two arresting fingers  29  is greater than the transverse distance between the two arms  26 , taking into account the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  of the push member  24 , while the transverse distance between the ends  31  of the hooks  30  is substantially equal to the transverse distance between the two arms  26  excluding the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  of the push member  24 . 
         [0056]    The sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  are then dimensioned so that the transverse dimension measured between the end of two transversely aligned sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  is greater than the transverse distance between the ends  31  of the hooks  30 . In this case, the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  are formed so as to incline rearwardly from their supporting arm  26 , relative to the longitudinal axis X. The sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  thus form a ramp, allowing the forward longitudinal translational movement of the arms  26  relative to the arresting fingers  29 , and thus the forward longitudinal translational movement of the push member  24  relative to the inner shell  8 . 
         [0057]    However, the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  form a stop for the hooks  30 , blocking translational movement of the push member  24  when the push member  24  is moved longitudinally rearward relative to the sheath  2 . For example, the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  deform elastically to press transversely against the arms  26  and allow forward translational movement of the push member  24 . When the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  have moved longitudinally beyond the hooks  30 , they resume their initial shape, forming a stop for the hooks  30  and blocking the rearward longitudinal translational movement of the arms  26  of the push member  24 . Alternatively, it is the arresting fingers  29  which are elastically deformable, moving transversely apart from one another when the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  pass between the ends  31  of the hooks  30 . 
         [0058]    We will now describe the different steps during an exemplary operation of the case  1 . 
         [0059]    The case  1  is first in an initial position, where the stick  16  is completely retracted within the case  1 . More specifically, in this initial position the head  25  of the push member  24  is as close as possible to, possibly in contact with, the base  17  of the cup  15 . The arms  26  and the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  lie between the arresting fingers  29 . The free end  26 ′ of the arms  26  is as close as possible to, possibly in contact with, the bottom  6 . 
         [0060]    When a user wants to use the case  1 , he or she grasps it by the outer shell  7  or cover shell  20 ′, and rotates the sleeve  20  of the cup  15 -actuating mechanism  19  about the longitudinal axis X, obtaining the rotation of the inner shell  8  relative to the outer shell  7  and the forward longitudinal translational movement of the cup  15  relative to the sheath  2 . The push member  24  is driven by the cup  15  to move in longitudinal translation relative to the sheath  2 , the transverse base  17  of the cup  15  pushing the head  25  of the push member  23  forward, which causes the stick  16  to protrude through the upper opening  5  to outside the sheath  2 . The stick  16  can then be used by rubbing the portion that has protruded from the case. The forward translational movement of the cup  15  and of the push member  24  relative to the sheath  2  is not hindered by the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27 , which form a ramp and elastically deform to allow translational movement in that direction. 
         [0061]    The maximum forward travel of the cup  15  within the sheath  2  is determined such that the side wall  18  of the cup  15  does not exit the sheath  2 , but lies flush with the proximal end  4  of the sheath  2 . When all of the accessible portion of the stick  16  protruding from the cup  15 , and therefore beyond the sheath  2 , has been used up, the inaccessible portion of the stick  16  remaining in the cup  15  may be significant, particularly when the longitudinal dimension of the side wall  18  of the cup  15  is large. 
         [0062]    At this stage, the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  have moved longitudinally beyond the hooks  30 , and are now forward of the hooks  30 . In other words, the length of the arms  26  of the push member  24 , and more precisely the longitudinal distance between the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  and the head  25  of the push member  24 , is chosen so that when the cup  15  is in the initial position, the distance between the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  and the hooks  30  is greater than the total travel of the cup  15  from its initial position to its final position within the sheath  2 . 
         [0063]    In order to retrieve the rest of the stick  16  lodged in the cup  15 , the user can actuate the sleeve  20  of the cup  15 -actuating mechanism  19  so as to move the cup  15  longitudinally rearward relative to the sheath  2 . The friction between the cup  15  and the stick  16 , and between the stick  16  and the head  25  of the push member, drives the push member  24  with the cup  15  rearward relative to the sheath  2 . After a predefined rearward travel of the cup  15  and push member  23  relative to the sheath  2 , which is less than the total travel of the cup  15 , meaning its travel between the initial position and the final position, the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27  of the push member  24  abut against the hooks  30 , preventing any further rearward longitudinal translational movement of the push member  24  relative to the sheath  2 . The free end  26 ′ of the arms is then at a longitudinal distance from the bottom  6  of the sheath that is greater than in the initial position. As the user continues to actuate the actuating mechanism  19 , the cup  15  continues to move rearward relative to the sheath  2 , so that the transverse base  17  of the cup  15  moves away from the head  25  of the push member  24 . Thus, the remainder of the stick  16  which was previously lodged within the housing of the cup  15  is pushed longitudinally by the push member  24  relative to the cup  15  and protrudes longitudinally beyond the side wall  18  of the cup  15 . 
         [0064]    When the user again actuates the cup  15 -actuating mechanism  19  in order to expose the stick  16 , the cup  15  is moved longitudinally forward relative to the sheath  2 . Here again, friction between the cup  15  and the stick  16 , and between the stick  16  and the head  25  of the push member, drive the push member  24  with the cup  15  forward relative to the sheath. A portion of the stick  16  that was previously inaccessible is now accessible by the upper opening  5  of the sheath  2 , and can be used. 
         [0065]    According to one embodiment, the push member  24  further comprises at least one catch  27   a  called a cup  15 -arresting catch. The cup  15 -arresting catch  27   a  is substantially similar to the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27 , meaning that it extends transversely from the arm  26  and inclines towards the distal end  4  of the sheath  2 . In addition, similarly to the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27 , the cup  15 -arresting catch  27   a  of one arm  26  is transversely aligned with a cup  15 -arresting catch  27   a  of the other arm  26 . The cup  15 -arresting catches  27   a  make it possible, as will be explained below, to prevent rearward longitudinal translational movement of the push member  24  relative to the cup  15 , integrally securing the cup  15  and the push member  24  in the forward longitudinal translational movement of the cup  15  relative to the sheath  2 . The cup  15 -arresting catches  27   a  are, for example, closer to the head  25  of the push member  24  than the sheath  2 -arresting catches  27 . 
         [0066]    According to another embodiment, the push member  24  comprises combination catches  27   b  which can first serve as sheath  2 -arresting catches and then as cup  15 -arresting catches. 
         [0067]    An embodiment and an operation of the case  1  will now be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8 , where the arms  26  each comprise three catches  27   a ,  27   b ,  27   c , successively from the head  25  of the push member  24 : a first cup  15 -arresting catch  27   a , a second combination catch  27   b , and a last sheath  2 -arresting catch  27   c.    
         [0068]    Each catch  27   a ,  27   b ,  27   c  of an arm  26  is transversely aligned with a catch  27   a ,  27   b ,  27   c  of the other arm  26 . As a result, the ends  31  of the hooks  30  of the arresting fingers  29  are transversely aligned so as to engage with the catches as a pair. Advantageously, the cup  15 -arresting catch  27   a  of each arm  26  may have a transverse dimension that is smaller than that of the other catches  27   b ,  27   c , so that it does not interact with the hooks  30  during translational movement within the sheath  2 . The transverse distance between the free ends of the cup  15 -arresting catches  27   a  is therefore smaller than the transverse distance between the end  31  of the hooks  30 . However, the transverse distance between the free ends of the cup  15 -arresting catches  27   a  is greater here than the transverse dimension of the hole  28  of the cup  15 . It may be arranged to have cup  15 -arresting catches  27   a  with the same dimensional characteristics as the other catches  27   b ,  27   c , without conflicting with the principle described here. 
         [0069]    The initial position is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The free end  26 ′ of the arms  26  is as close as possible to the transverse bottom  6  of the sheath  2 . The head  25  of the push member  23  is in contact with the transverse base  17  of the cup  15 . The stick  16  is in complete contact with the head  25  of the push member, and is completely retracted inside the sheath  2 . In this position, the combination catch  27   b , further from the head  25  of the push member  24  than the first cup  15 -arresting catch  27   a  of each arm  26 , is at a longitudinal distance from the hooks  30  that is substantially equal or slightly greater than the total travel of the cup  15 , the last catches  27   c  being even further away from the hooks  30  in this first position. 
         [0070]    The user actuates the sleeve  20  of the cup  15 -actuating mechanism  19 , to move said mechanism longitudinally forward and cause a portion of the stick  16  to protrude from the sheath  2 . The stick  16  can then be used. The push member  24  is driven by the cup  15  in this forward movement relative to the sheath  2 . The case  1  is then in a second position, where the cup  15  is not yet the end of its travel and where none of the catches  27   a ,  27   b ,  27   c  have passed beyond the hooks  30  ( FIG. 2 ), the catches  27   a ,  27   b ,  27   c  remaining between the arresting fingers  29 . 
         [0071]    When the user continues to actuate the sleeve  20  to move the cup  15  longitudinally forward relative to the sheath  2 , as the stick  16  is used over time, the first catches  27   a  pass beyond the hooks  30  without producing resistance, due to their smaller transverse extension. Again, the first catches  27   a  may need to be deformed to pass beyond the hooks  30 . It is advantageous, however, for the first catches  27   a  not to be deformed, so that the longitudinal translational movement of the cup  15  within the sheath  2  occurs smoothly, because the user manipulating the sleeve  20  then does not feel any variation in the force required to rotate the sleeve  20  and advance the cup  15 . Then, just before the cup  15  reaches the end of its travel, the second catches  27   b  deform to pass longitudinally beyond the hooks  30 . Once the second catches  27   b  have passed beyond the hooks  30 , they return to their initial position. The user can feel that additional force must be exerted to move the second catches  27   b  forward. It may even be arranged that the return of the second catches  27   b  to their original shape while rubbing against the hooks  30  produces a sound, such as a click. The user can then feel or hear a signal indicating that the cup  15  has reached the end of its travel. The case  1  thus reaches a third position ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0072]    So informed, the user then actuates the sleeve  20  in the other direction, to move the cup  15  longitudinally rearward within the sheath  2 . The second catches  27   b  of the push member  24  abut against the hooks  30 , blocking the push member  24  longitudinally against the sheath  2  so that the push member  24  does not follow the rearward translational movement of the cup  15  within the sheath  2 . The head  25  of the push member  24  is thus moved away from the transverse base  17  of the cup  15 , and the portion of the stick  16  still in the cup  15  emerges beyond the side wall  18  of the cup  15 . The cup  15  is moved rearward in the sheath  2  until the edges of its hole  28  slide over the first inclined catches  27   a , forming a ramp for the cup  15 . The first catches  27   a  deform elastically to allow the cup  15  to move rearward relative to the sheath  2 , until the transverse base  17  has moved beyond them. The first catches  27   a  are then positioned forward of the transverse base  17  of the cup  15 , in the space newly formed between the head  25  of the push member  24  and the transverse base  17  of the cup  15 . The user may again feel the extra force required to rotate the sleeve  20  to move beyond the first catches  27   a , or may even hear a click. The user is thus informed that the case is in a fourth position where the cup  15  has reached a position uncovering a portion of the stick  16  lodged in the cup  15  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0073]    The base  17  of the cup  15  is then blocked longitudinally by the first catches  27   a . The push member  24 , thus longitudinally blocking the cup  15  via the first catches  27   a , cannot move rearward relative to the cup  15 , meaning that any forward longitudinal translational movement of the cup  15  relative to the sheath  2  causes a forward thrust of the base  17  of the cup  15  against the first catches  27   a  of the push member  24 . In other words, the push member  24  is integral with the cup  15  in any forward longitudinal translational movement of the cup  15  relative to the sheath  2 , due to the first catches  27   a  in longitudinal abutment with the cup  15 . Thus, when the user again actuates the sleeve  20  to move the cup  15  forward in the sheath  2 , the push member  24  is moved longitudinally forward relative to the sheath  2  along with the cup  15 , the head  25  of the push member  24  having moved the stick  16  relative to the cup  15  so that the previously inaccessible portion now outside of the cup  15  is available to the user outside the sheath  2 , via the upper opening  5  ( FIG. 5 ). The user can then use the portion of the stick  16  that is now accessible, until only the inaccessible material inside the cup  15  is once again all that remains ( FIG. 6 ). The last catch  27   c  has moved beyond the hooks  30 , such that the entire push member has advanced to the forward side of the hooks  30 . The case  1  is then in a fifth position. 
         [0074]    From the fifth position, the user actuates the sleeve  20  so that the cup  15  is moved rearward relative to the sheath  2 , the friction of the stick  16  on the push member  24  and on the cup  15  being sufficient for the push member  24  to be driven rearward with the cup  15  relative to the sheath. The last catches  27   c  then abut longitudinally against the hooks  30 , forming a stop for the push member  24  on the sheath  2 , preventing the push member  24  from moving further rearward relative to the sheath  2 . However, the cup  15  can continue moving rearward relative to the sheath  2 , the edges of its hole  28  sliding over the second catches  27   b  which here form a ramp. Once the second catches  27   b  have been advanced forward of the head  25  of the push member, the user is informed of this either by the extra force needed to move beyond the second catches  27   b  or by hearing a click. The push member  24  is thus moved further forward relative to the cup  15 , so that the head  25  of the push member  24  is further distanced from the base  17  of the cup  15  and allows the remainder of the stick  16  to exit the cup ( FIG. 7 ). Actuating the sleeve  19  once again, to move the cup  15  longitudinally forward within the sheath  2 , causes a forward longitudinal translational movement of the push member  24  relative to the sheath  2  by pushing against the second catches  27   b . The rest of the stick  16  then protrudes the sheath and can be used ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0075]    Alternatively, the push member  24  may comprise a plurality of combination catches  27   b , distributed longitudinally along each arm  26  between the first catch  27   a  and the last catch  27   c . The combination catch  27   b  has two successive functions, as it first abuts against the hooks  30  to prevent rearward longitudinal translational movement of the push member  24  relative to the sheath  2 , and then it abuts against the base  17  of the cup  15  to prevent rearward longitudinal translational movement of the push member  24  relative to the cup  15 . By thus making use of a plurality of combination catches  27   b , the operations to expose the stick  16  as it is used up can be repeated gradually, preventing exposure of too long of a stick  16  outside the housing of the cup  15 , which could cause the stick  16  to break. 
         [0076]    The described case  1  advantageously allows exposing substantially all of the stick  16 . The push member  24  allows gradually exposing the portion of the stick  16  that is lodged in the cup, by pushing it out of the cup  15  in multiple actuations. Thus, the stick  16  remains retained in the cup  15  in a satisfactory manner throughout its use, the length of the side wall  18  of the cup  15  in contact with the stick  16  decreasing with the length of the stick  16 . The length of the side wall  18  of the cup  15  can thus be chosen to be greater than in the prior art, ensuring optimal retention of the stick  16  in the cup  15  before the push member  24  comes into play.