Patent Publication Number: US-6340258-B2

Title: Dispenser for dispensing a stick of product

Description:
The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a stick of product, for example, a lipstick, a stick of foundation, a stick of treatment composition, or a stick of moisturizing composition. The dispenser of the present invention is particularly suited for use with sticks of product containing highly volatile solvents (e.g., silicones). For example, such solvents are commonly used in lipsticks. 
     In conventional dispensers, sticks of product are packaged in a cylindrical tube containing a platform. The platform is generally configured to support a stick of product and to move axially within the tube in response to an actuating input, between a product storage position and a product application position. A mechanism is provided to control movement of the platform within the tube. For example, conventional dispensers sometimes use a mechanism including a threaded rod positioned under the platform and a wheel attached to the rod, wherein the wheel is rotated to move the rod and platform within the tube. Conventional dispensers also sometimes use a helical ramp formed in a wall of the tube to facilitate movement of the platform. A cover is generally provided on the cylindrical tube to seal the tube and thereby prevent the product from drying out. 
     Although some conventional product-stick dispensers are relatively reliable, they sometimes suffer from problems associated with pressure “build up” in the cylindrical tube. When the cover is positioned on the tube to seal off the tube from outside air, pressure in a portion of the tube above the platform sometimes increases above atmospheric pressure. The increased pressure is sometimes caused when the engagement of the cover on the tube compresses air in the tube. Increased pressure also results from increased temperature in the tube, for example, when the dispenser is left in direct sunlight. Regardless of the way in which increased pressure is generated in a dispenser, this phenomenon is hereinafter referred to as “excessive pressure.” 
     In conventional dispensers, excessive pressure in the tube occasionally reaches a level that can cause the cover to unseal from the tube. If a cover is left unsealed for even a short time, a product stick including a highly volatile solvent (such as lipstick) can dry out and become unusable. Dispensers having a cover that provides a very tight seal over the tube can limit the occurrence of cover unsealing, but consumers prefer a dispenser having a cover that can be easily removed from the tube. Conventional dispensers have failed to satisfy the need for a dispenser having a cover that is easy to remove, but that remains on the tube, even when the tube experiences an excessive pressure condition caused by replacing the cover on the tube or increasing the temperature inside the tube. 
     In light of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improved dispenser for dispensing a stick of product. 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to dispensers and methods of applying a stick of product using dispensers that obviate one or more of the short-comings of the related art. 
     A preferred object of the invention is to provide a dispenser for the sealed packaging and dispensing of a stick of product that is simple and inexpensive to produce, while still providing a reliable seal for the dispenser and stick of product. 
     It should be understood that the invention could still be practiced without performing one or more of the preferred objects and/or advantages set forth above. Still other objects will become apparent after reading the following description of the invention. 
     To achieve these and other advantages, and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention includes a dispenser for dispensing a stick of product including a holder configured to hold the stick of product and a housing containing the holder. The housing has a first end, a second end, and an opening in the first end. The housing is configured to move the holder in a first direction toward the opening to allow dispensing of the product and in a second direction away from the opening to allow storage of the product. The dispenser further includes a removable closure configured to sealably close the opening during storage of the product. A sealing member is provided for sealing at least a portion of the housing between the holder and the opening from at least a portion of the housing between the holder and the second end. The dispenser also includes an elastic member between the holder and the second end of the housing. The elastic member is configured to deform and thereby allow for movement of the holder in the second direction when excessive pressure is formed between the holder and the opening. 
     In another aspect, the housing includes a first section and a second section rotatable with respect to one another. The first and second sections are preferably configured so that rotation of the first section in one direction moves the holder in the first direction and rotation of the first section in an opposite direction moves the holder in the second direction. 
     The elastic member preferably allows the holder to move toward the second end of the housing to absorb at least a portion of excessive pressure between the holder and the opening. By limiting the amount of excessive pressure, the elastic member enables the closure to reliably seal the opening in the first end of the housing while permitting a user to easily remove the closure from the housing during use of the dispenser. 
     In one embodiment, the sealing member is a sealing lip on an edge of the holder. In another embodiment, the sealing member is an O-ring or any other type of structure that provides a seal between two elements that move with respect to one another. The sealing member preferably seals the stick of product from at least a portion of the housing between the holder and the second end that is not sealed from outside air. When the closure seals the opening on the housing, the stick of product is preferably sealed from outside air and contaminants that dry out the product. 
     Preferably, the elastic member includes a block of foam and/or an elastomeric material that is deformable. When the elastic member includes the block of foam, the block of foam preferably is chosen from at least one of polyvinyl chloride foam, polyurethane foam, polyether foam, synthetic rubber foam (e.g., SBR), and natural rubber foam (e.g., NBR). When the elastic member includes the elastomeric material, the elastomeric material is preferable chosen from at least one of silicone elastomers, nitrile elastomers and an elastomeric material sold under the brand name Polynorbordene®. In an alternate embodiment, the elastic member is a spring, for example, a helical spring. In still another embodiment, the elastic member has the shape of a bellows. Many other types of elastic members are also within the scope of the present invention. 
     The dispenser may include a sealing element configured to cooperate with the removable closure to sealably close the opening during storage of the product. Optionally, the closure may include a sealing element configured to sealably close the opening. Optionally, the closure includes a thermoplastic insert that seals the opening in the first end of the housing from outside air. 
     Preferably, the housing includes a sleeve configured to contain the holder and an actuating member coupled to the sleeve so that the actuating member is capable of rotating relative to the sleeve. 
     The dispenser preferably includes a threaded member coupled to the holder and a receiving member having threads configured to engage the threads of the threaded member. Preferably, the holder moves in the first direction and in the second direction when the receiving member is rotated relative to the threaded member. Preferably, the threaded member is a rod and the receiving member is a nut. In the alternative, the movement of the holder is achieved by a helical-ramp mechanism, like those included on conventional dispensers, such as lipstick dispensers. 
     Preferably, the receiving member is coupled to the actuating member to preclude relative rotation therebetween. The threaded member is preferably coupled to the sleeve to preclude relative rotation therebetween. In one embodiment, the threaded member has a non-circular cross-section (e.g., a threaded rod having two flat sides over at least part of its length) and is coupled to the sleeve by a guiding member of corresponding cross-section. In the alternative, when the sealing member is an O-ring, the sealing member may couple the threaded member to the sleeve by friction, thereby preventing relative rotation therebetween. 
     In yet another embodiment, the receiving member is a nut that is supported by the elastic member. A first end of the elastic member preferably supports the nut and a second end of the elastic member is preferably on a bottom portion of the actuating member. By way of example, the elastic member may contact a bottom portion of the actuating member or it may contact a stopping member on the actuating member. Preferably, the elastic member and the receiving member are integral, for example, they are a single-piece formed by thermoplastic molding. 
     Preferably, the holder includes a vent near a lower portion of the holder. The vent preferably allows air to flow out of the holder when a stick of product is positioned on the holder. 
     The dispenser is preferably used for the dispensing of a lipstick, a stick of foundation, and a stick of treatment and/or moisturizing composition. 
     In another aspect, the invention includes a dispenser for dispensing a stick of product including a housing having a first portion and a second portion coupled together so that the first and second portions are rotatable with respect to one another. A removable closure is configured to sealably close an opening in the second portion of the housing. A holder configured to hold a stick of product is also provided. The holder is in the housing and is coupled to the housing so that rotation of the first portion with respect to the second portion provides dispensing movement of the holder toward the opening and storage movement of the holder away from the opening. An elastic member positioned in the housing is coupled to the holder so that excessive pressure in the housing causes deformation of the elastic member to allow pressure absorption movement of the holder, with respect to the first and second portions, in a direction away from the opening. 
     In still another aspect, the invention includes a method of limiting excessive pressure in a dispenser similar to the dispensers described above. The method includes removing the closure from the housing. The product is then applied to a surface. After applying the product, the closure is replaced on the housing to sealably close the opening. As excessive pressure develops between the holder and the opening, the elastic member is deformed to thereby absorb at least a portion of the excessive pressure. 
     In a further aspect, the method includes moving the holder axially within the housing after the closure is removed to expose the stick of product from the housing and then moving the holder axially within the housing to store the stick of product after applying the product to the surface. 
     Besides the structural arrangements set forth above, the invention could include a number of other arrangements, such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings, 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first embodiment of a dispenser for dispensing a stick of product; 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second embodiment of the dispenser; and 
     FIGS. 3A-3B show a third embodiment of the dispenser; and 
     FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a dispenser with an elastic member having a bellows shape according to an aspect of the invention. 
    
    
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. In addition, alphabet suffixes on reference numerals are used to refer to similar parts. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a dispenser  1  comprises a holder  11  and a housing  60 . The holder  11  preferably holds a stick of product  12 . Preferably, the stick of product  12  is a lipstick. The housing  60  preferably includes a sleeve  2  configured to contain the holder  11  and stick of product  12 , and an actuating member  4  coupled to the sleeve  2  so that the actuating member  4  is capable of being rotated relative to the sleeve  2 . Preferably, the sleeve  2  has a cylindrical cross-section. A lower end  3  of the sleeve  2  is preferably on the actuating member  4 . An upper end  30  of the sleeve  2  defines a first end  64  of the housing  60 , including an opening  74 . The actuating member  4  defines a second end  62  of the housing  60 . A removable closure  27 , shown in FIG. 1B, is provided for selectively sealing the opening  74 . The sleeve  2  preferably includes a rib  26  on an outer surface of the sleeve  2  for engaging a corresponding groove  50  on an inner surface of the closure  27  to allow the closure  27  to be removably fastened to the sleeve  2 . The closure  27  preferably includes a thermoplastic insert  28  positioned inside of the closure  27 . In a preferred embodiment, the insert  28  is made of polyethylene. The insert  28  preferably has a rim  29  on an inner surface of the insert  28  configured to seal the opening  74  by contacting an outer surface of the sleeve  2  near the first end  64 , when the closure  27  is on the sleeve  2 . 
     The actuating member  4  preferably includes ribs  5  on a side wall  66  of the actuating member  4  to facilitate gripping of the actuating member  4 . In a preferred embodiment, the actuating member  4  has a cylindrical cross-section. A flange  72  preferably extends from a top surface  70  of the actuating member  4 , parallel to the side wall  66 . Preferably, an inner surface of the flange  72  includes a rim  9  configured to engage a corresponding slot  10  on the sleeve  2  near the lower end  3 . The rim  9  is preferably configured to snap-fit onto the slot  10 . When the rim  9  is on the slot  10 , the outer surface of the actuating member  4  is preferably aligned substantially with the outer surface of the sleeve  2  and the actuating member  4  is capable of rotating relative to the sleeve  2 . 
     A skirt  6  having an outside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of the sleeve  2  extends from the top surface  70  of the actuating member  4  into the sleeve  2 . The length of the skirt  6  is preferably selected so that the skirt  6  extends into the sleeve  2  by a length of approximately ⅓ of the axial length of the sleeve  2 . Preferably, the skirt  6  defines a receiving space within the actuating member  4 , configured to receive a threaded member  8 . An upper portion of the skirt  6  preferably includes a receiving member  7  having threads configured to engage the threads of the threaded member  8 . Preferably, the threaded member  8  is a threaded rod. The threaded member  8  allows for movement of the holder  11  within the sleeve  2  when the threads of the receiving member  7  are engaged to the threads of the threaded member  8  and the receiving member  7  is rotated relative to the threaded member  8 . In a preferred embodiment, the receiving member  7  is a threaded nut. 
     Preferably, the holder  11  is cup-shaped and has a lower portion  24  and at least one side wall  68 . The holder  11  preferably includes an orifice defining a vent  13  adjacent to the lower portion  24  of the holder  11  for expelling air trapped between the stick of product  12  and the holder  11  when the stick of product  12  is positioned on the holder  11 . A free edge  15  of the side wall  68  preferably includes a sealing member  14  flaring outwardly from the side wall  68 , for providing a seal between an outer surface of the side wall  68  and the inner surface of the sleeve  2 . Preferably, the sealing member  14  is a sealing lip. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing member  14  is an O-ring on at least one of the sleeve  2  and the holder  11 . Because the sealing member  14  contacts the inner surface of the sleeve  2 , the sealing member  14  preferably limits the holder  11  from rotating relative to the sleeve  2 . 
     A stem  16  having a catch  17  preferably extends from the lower portion  24  of the holder  11 . An end  19  of the threaded member  8  preferably has a cut-out  18  configured to receive the stem  16 . Preferably, the catch  17  is positioned in the cut-out  18  by elastically deforming fingers  20 ,  21  of the stem  16 . The profile of the catch  17  is preferably configured to allow the catch  17  to move axially between ends of the cut-out  18 , but not rotationally relative to the threaded member  8 . 
     Preferably, an end  22  of the threaded member  8  (substantially opposite to the end  19 ) extends nearly to a bottom portion of the actuating member  4  when the holder  11  is in the storage position. A transverse plate  23  is preferably provided on the end  19  of the threaded member  8 . An elastic member  25  is preferably positioned between the lower portion  24  of the holder  11  and the transverse plate  23 . Preferably, the elastic member  25  is a block of foam  25 , for example, a block of foam made of polyurethane. Alternatively, the elastic member may have a bellows configuration  25   b , as shown in FIG.  4 . In one embodiment, the elastic member  25  is a block of foam having an axial height of about 1 cm. A taller block of foam generally provides more gradual absorption of excessive pressure than a shorter block of foam. Alternatively, the elastic member  25  is a spring, for example, a helical spring. The elastic member  25  preferably includes an opening configured to allow the stem  16  to pass through the opening. Preferably, the elastic member  25  has an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of the sleeve  2  to allow clearance between the elastic member  25  and the inner surface of the sleeve  2 . The elastic member  25  is preferably configured to have a compression resistance that is less than a catching force between the groove  50  of the closure  27  and the rib  26  of the sleeve  2 , so that the elastic member  25  at least partially absorbs excessive pressure in the sleeve  2  caused by replacing the closure  27  on the sleeve  2 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the threaded member  8  is rotatably coupled to the sleeve  2  by a rib on the transverse plate  23  that slides inside a longitudinal slot on the inner surface of the sleeve  2 . This alternate configuration does not require rotational coupling of the threaded rod  8  to the holder  11 . 
     To use the dispenser  1 , the user first removes the closure  27 . Next, the user moves the stick of product  12  from the storage position to the dispensing position by rotating the actuating member  4  relative to the sleeve  2 . Rotating the actuating member  4  causes the threaded engagement between the receiving member  7  and threaded member  8  to move the threaded member  8  axially relative to the receiving member  7 . When the threaded member  8  is moved upwardly within the sleeve  2 , the transverse plate  23  of the threaded member  8 , in turn, moves the elastic member  25  and the holder  11  axially upwardly. The user continues to rotate the actuating member  4  until a free surface  31  of the stick of product  12  emerges from the opening  74 . Then, a user applies the product (e.g., lipstick) to a surface, such as the skin (e.g., lips) of the user. After applying the product, the user rotates the actuating member  4  in the opposite direction to return the stick of product  12  to its storage position within the sleeve  2 . Next, the user re-positions the closure  27  on the sleeve  2 . 
     Because of the seal created under the holder  11  by the sealing member  14  and the seal created above the holder  11  by the rim  29  of the insert  28 , air trapped within the sleeve  2  between the opening  64  and the sealing member  14  is compressed. This compression causes excessive pressure within the sleeve  2 . However, because the elastic member  25  has a compression resistance that is less than the catching force between the groove  50  of the closure  27  and the rib  26  of the sleeve  2  (i.e., the elastic member  25  compresses before the excessive pressure forces the closure  27  away from opening  64 ), the excessive pressure deforms the elastic member  25  (as shown in FIG. 1B) and moves the holder  11  back (i.e., away from the opening  64 ) slightly inside the sleeve  2 , thus reducing the excessive pressure in the sleeve  2 . The axial length of the cut-out  18  in the threaded member  8  is preferably designed to allow axial movement of the catch  17  over a distance approximately equal to the axial deformation of the elastic member  25 . Preferably, the elastic member  25  is capable of being axially deformed up to about a few millimeters. As the elastic member  25  is deformed downwardly, air under the elastic member  25  is correspondingly compressed. Preferably, the air compressed under the elastic member  25  is expelled via an unsealed region between the actuating member  4  and the sleeve  2 . In an alternate embodiment, a vent  43  (see FIGS. 2A-2B and  3 A- 3 B) is provided in a bottom portion of the actuating member  4 . 
     Preferably, almost all of the excessive pressure is absorbed by the elastic member  25 , thereby significantly reducing the excessive pressure force on the closure  27 . Because the excessive pressure is decreased somewhat automatically, the closure  27  can be designed for easy removal without the risk that the closure  27  will become accidentally disengaged from the sleeve  2 . Although the above discussion specifically refers to excessive pressure created by positioning the closure  27  on the sleeve  2 , excessive pressure can also result from temperature increases inside the dispenser  1 . Regardless of the cause of the excessive pressure, the elastic member  25  will preferably absorb at least part of the excessive pressure in the dispenser, as described above. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B show an embodiment of a dispenser  1   a  for a stick of product. The elastic member of the dispenser  1   a  is a helical spring  40  instead of the block of foam illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. A first end  42  of the spring  40  supports a receiving member  7   a  and a second end  41  of the spring  40  is on a bottom portion  47  of an actuating member  4   a . The receiving member  7   a  preferably sits freely on the first end  42  of the spring  40 . Preferably, the receiving member  7   a  is coupled to the actuating member  4   a  so that the receiving member  7   a  does not rotate relative to the actuating member  4   a . For example, a longitudinal slot  45  on the inner surface of the actuating member  4   a  receives a portion  46  of the receiving member  7   a  to rotatably couple the receiving member  7   a  to the actuating member  4   a.    
     Preferably, the spring  40  is made of metal and/or thermoplastic material. The compression resistance (i.e., elasticity) of the spring  40  is preferably configured to be less than the catching force of the groove  50  of the closure  27   a  and the rib  26   a  of the sleeve  2   a  so that the spring  40  absorbs at least some of the excessive pressure that may result from replacing the closure  27   a  on the sleeve  2   a . In one embodiment, the bottom portion  47  of the actuating member  4   a  includes an insert to facilitate molding and assembly of the dispenser; 
     Compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the axial height of the actuating member  4   a  is larger to allow placement of the spring  40  therein. In addition, the rim  26   a  of the cap  27   a  is on the actuating member  4   a  rather than on the sleeve  2   a , as in the first embodiment. As stated above, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a vent  43  on the bottom portion  47  of the actuating member  4   a  to allow air that is compressed during compression of the spring  40  to flow out of the dispenser. 
     A sealing member  44  is preferably positioned about the periphery of a transverse plate  23   a  (FIG. 2B) on an end  19   a  of a threaded member  8   a . The sealing member  44  is preferably an O-ring made of an elastomeric material. 
     A lower portion  24   a  of a holder  11   a  is preferably in direct contact with the transverse plate  23   a . Preferably, the holder  11   a  does not rotate or translate relative to the transverse plate  23   a . The holder  11   a  is preferably coupled to the sleeve  2   a  by a lug  101  provided on the outer surface of the holder  11   a  so that the holder  11   a  does not rotate relative to the sleeve  2   a . Preferably, the lug  101  slides in a longitudinal slot  102  on the inner surface of the sleeve  2   a . In an alternate embodiment, the threaded member  8   a  is coupled to the sleeve  2   a  by a friction force between the sealing member  44  and the inner surface of the sleeve  2   a  so that the threaded member  8   a  does not rotate relative to the sleeve  2   a . In another embodiment, the holder  11   a  and the threaded member  8   a  are a single piece. 
     The holder  11   a  preferably includes a positioning member  100  to position the stick of product on the holder  11   a . Preferably, the positioning member  100  includes a plurality of uniformly spaced fingers projecting radially inwardly from an outer portion of the holder  11   a  to hold the stick of product on the holder  11   a . In the alternative, the positioning member  100  may include only one finger. The positioning member  100  is preferably molded as a part of the holder  11   a . This configuration is particularly advantageous when the stick of product is cast directly on the holder  11   a.    
     The stick of product  12  is moved from the storage position to the application position in the same way as with the previous embodiment (i.e., by rotating the actuating member  4   a  relative to the sleeve  2   a  ). Any excessive pressure in a region between the sealing member  44  and the rim  29 , particularly after replacing the closure  27   a  on the sleeve  2   a , compresses the spring  40  (see FIG. 2B) to relieve at least a portion of the excessive pressure. When the spring  40  is compressed by excessive pressure, the holder  11   a , the threaded member  8   a , and the receiving member  7   a  move toward the bottom portion  47  of the actuating member  4   a . Air compressed by the movement of the seal  44  away from opening  64  is expelled via the vent  43  on the bottom portion of the actuating member  4   a.    
     FIGS. 3A-3B show an embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this embodiment, a fitting piece  104  is inserted into an actuating member  4   b . The fitting piece  104  is rotatably coupled to (i.e., coupled so that it does not rotate relative to) the actuating member  4   b . A stop  111  on the actuating member  4   b  facilitates positioning of the fitting piece  104  within the actuating member  4   b . An intermediate piece  105 , rotatably coupled to the fitting piece  104 , is preferably snap-fit onto the fitting piece  104 . The intermediate piece  105  defines a cylindrical space that receives a spring  40   a . A first end  42   a  of the spring  40   a  supports a receiving member  7   b  and a second end  41   a  of the spring  40   a  is on an annular portion  103  of the fitting piece  104 . The receiving member  7   b , similar to the receiving members  7 ,  7   a , has threads configured to engage a threaded member  8   b.    
     In the absence of excessive pressure, the spring  40   a  biases the receiving member  7   b  against a shoulder  106  on the intermediate piece  105 . The receiving member  7   b  is preferably rotatably coupled to the intermediate piece  105  (and therefore rotatably coupled to the actuating member  4   b  ). For example, a longitudinal slot  45   a  on an inner surface of the intermediate piece  105  receives a portion  46  of the receiving member  7   b  to rotatably couple the receiving member  7   b  to the intermediate piece  105 . 
     The threaded member  8   b  preferably has a non-circular (i.e., having a flattened portion or rectangular) cross-section over at least part of its length. The threaded member  8   b  is configured to engage the threads of the receiving member  7   b . An upper portion  107  preferably extends from the intermediate piece  105 . Preferably, the upper portion  107  has a diameter smaller than the remainder of the intermediate piece  105 . An annular rim  110  on an outer surface of the upper portion  107  is preferably configured to snap-fit onto an annular groove  109  on an inner surface of a guiding piece  108 . When the annular rim  110  is on the groove  109 , the guiding piece  108  is preferably free to rotate relative to the intermediate piece  105 . Preferably, a shoulder  112  (bent to approximately 90°) of the guiding piece  108  is positioned above a free edge  114  of the upper portion  107 . The shoulder  112  defines an opening  113  having a cross-section similar to the non-circular cross-section of the threaded member  8   b . The shape of the opening  113  preferably prevents the threaded member  8   b  from rotating relative to the guiding piece  108 , while allowing the threaded member  8   b  to move axially up and down relative to the receiving member  7   b.    
     A sleeve  2   b  is positioned on the guiding piece  108 . The threaded member  8   b  preferably includes a transverse plate  23   b . An outer periphery of the transverse plate  23   b  preferably carries the sealing member  44 . In a preferred embodiment, the sealing member  44  is an O-ring. A holder  11   b  is positioned on the plate  23   b . In one embodiment, the holder  11   b  is capable of rotating relative to the plate  23 , while in another embodiment, the holder  11   b  is not capable of rotating relative to the plate  23 . The holder  11   b  is similar to the holder  11   a  of the embodiment shown in FIGS.  2 A and  2 B. The remaining elements of the dispenser  1   b  are similar to corresponding elements of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. 
     To use this device, the user removes the closure  27   a  and rotates the actuating member  4   b  relative to the sleeve  2   b  to move the stick of product  12  from the storage position to the dispensing position. By rotating the actuating member  4   b , the receiving member  7   b  rotates relative to the threaded member  8   b , which is unable to rotate relative to the sleeve  2   b . Thus, the threaded member  8   b  rises axially in the sleeve  2   b , thereby pushing the holder  11   b  axially upwardly until the free surface  31  of the stick of product  12  emerges from the sleeve  2   b  via the opening  74 . After application of the product to a surface, the user rotates the operating member  4   b  in the opposite direction to return the stick of product  12  to the storage position within the sleeve  2   b . The user then replaces the closure  27   a  on the sleeve  2   b . Any excessive pressure in a region between the sealing member  44  and the rim  29 , particularly excessive pressure caused by replacing the closure  27   a  on the sleeve  2   b , compresses the spring  40   a  (see FIG. 3B) to relieve at least a portion of the excessive pressure. When the spring  40   a  is compressed by excessive pressure, the holder  11   b , the threaded member  8   b , and the receiving member  7   b  move toward the bottom portion  47  of the actuating member  4   b . Air compressed between sealing member  44  and bottom portion  47  is expelled via the vent  43  on the bottom portion  47  of the actuating member  4   b.    
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure and methodology of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention, provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.