Patent Publication Number: US-11641925-B2

Title: Refillable assembly for dispensing cosmetic product

Description:
This application claims priority to FR Patent Application No. 2007998 filed 29 Jul. 2020, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This relates to the field of containers for cosmetic product. More specifically, this relates to devices for dispensing cosmetic product which comprise a base and a cartridge that are configured to be removably coupled to each other. This relates in particular to lipstick dispensing devices. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A device for dispensing cosmetic product may include a base and a cartridge coupled to the base. This is the case in particular for lipstick dispensing devices. The cartridge contains a stick of lipstick and the base allows gripping the lipstick dispensing device. 
     The cartridge and the base are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the dispensing device. When mated, the base can be rotated relative to the cartridge in order to dispense lipstick. Thus, by imparting a rotation of the base relative to the cartridge via a cartridge control socket, it is possible to move the receptacle for the stick of lipstick (also called the cup) along the longitudinal axis of the dispensing device. 
     Usually, the base and the cartridge are permanently coupled. Because of this, when the stick of lipstick is consumed it is necessary to purchase an entire new dispensing device. 
     To overcome the aforementioned disadvantage, dispensing devices have therefore been produced in which the base and the cartridge are removably coupled. Thus, when the stick of lipstick is consumed, it is possible to separate the base and the cartridge and only replace the cartridge, which is more environmentally friendly. With this system, a user can have a single base and several cartridges corresponding to lipsticks of different colors. 
     The connection between the cartridge and the base can be of several kinds. For example the coupling can be magnetic. The cartridge can have an element composed of a ferromagnetic material, and the base a magnet capable of cooperating with the ferromagnetic element. This type of coupling can have the disadvantage of the cartridge detaching from the base during use due to incorrect handling by the user. 
     Another type of connection between the cartridge and the base involves an elastic interlocking of one to the other (snap-fitting). Over time, this connection can become loose and cause an untimely disconnection of the cartridge and the base. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A refillable assembly for dispensing cosmetic product, in particular lipstick, is proposed, defining a longitudinal axis, the assembly comprising: 
     a base, and 
     a cartridge selectively connectable with the base, the cartridge having an outer sheath and a control socket internal to the sheath and arranged in a lower portion of the cartridge, the control socket allowing the extraction of cosmetic product from the cartridge, the cartridge having an opening in the control socket, the base comprising: 
     a cartridge receiving element, the receiving element having a sleeve suitable for receiving within its interior the lower portion of the cartridge; and 
     a cartridge locking element, the locking element being movable relative to the receiving element at least in rotation about the longitudinal axis in a first direction towards an open position and in a second direction towards a closed position; in the open position the cartridge is movable relative to the base along the longitudinal axis, in the closed position when the cartridge is inserted into the base the cartridge is integral with the base along the longitudinal axis, a connection between the locking element and the receiving element comprising a closure abutment in the closed position such that when the locking element is in the closed position and the base is rotated in the second direction, the receiving element and the locking element are integral in rotation and the control socket of the cartridge is driven by a transmission element of the base that is engageable with the control socket of the cartridge. 
     The refillable assembly for dispensing cosmetic product forms an intuitive, easily finger-accessible, and mechanically reliable system for locking and unlocking the cartridge. 
     The features set forth in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another: 
     the transmission element is arranged in the receiving element. 
     the base comprises a locking member which is engageable in the control socket of the cartridge according to the position of the locking element. 
     the locking member is in the locking element, the receiving element includes a bottom portion in contact with the locking element which partially closes off a lower portion of the sleeve, the bottom portion having an opening, the opening receiving the locking member. 
     the locking member is arranged on a bottom portion of the receiving element, the bottom portion partially closing off a lower portion of the sleeve. 
     the connection between the locking element and the receiving element comprises an opening abutment in the open position when the base is rotated in the first direction. 
     the connection between the locking element and the receiving element further comprises a closure catch at the closure abutment so as to create resistance when the locking element is in the closed position and the base is rotated in the first direction. The closure catch helps prevent unwanted rotation of the locking element in the direction opposite to the closing direction. 
     the connection between the locking element and the receiving element comprises a slot in one among the locking element and the receiving element, and a finger in the other among the locking element and the receiving element, the finger being engaged with and movable within the slot. 
     the slot has the general shape of an arc of a circle which extends in a fixed longitudinal position. The circular slot allows rotational movement similar to that performed to activate a lipstick dispensing mechanism. 
     the slot has the general shape of an arc of a circle which extends in a variable longitudinal position such that, when the locking element is moved relative to the receiving element in the first or second direction, the locking element follows a helical motion. 
     the rotation between the locking element and the receiving element occurs over an angle of less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees, and even more preferably about 75 degrees around the longitudinal axis. 
     the transmission element includes a plurality of lugs arranged on the bottom portion around the locking member at an equal distance from each other, the lugs being engageable with corresponding recesses of the control socket of the cartridge. 
     the locking member comprises a rod extending into the opening of the cartridge through the opening of the bottom portion of the receiving element, the rod having a free end, the free end comprising a radial projection which is not symmetrical in revolution relative to the longitudinal axis, and the opening of the cartridge has a shape complementary to the projection. 
     the locking member comprises two flexible tabs extending along the longitudinal axis into the opening of the cartridge through the opening of the bottom portion of the receiving element, said at least two flexible tabs being in abutment against a wall of the opening of the bottom portion, and the opening of the bottom portion having a shape which is not symmetrical in revolution relative to the longitudinal axis such that the relative position of the flexible tabs with respect to the opening defines a variable distance between the flexible tabs, in the open position of the locking element the two flexible tabs being radially closer to each other than in the closed position of the locking element. 
     the locking member comprises a stud extending along the longitudinal axis through the opening of the bottom portion of the receiving element, the receiving element comprises a plurality of flexible tabs extending along the longitudinal axis into the opening of the cartridge, the plurality of flexible tabs being arranged around and in contact with the stud so as to define the opening through which the stud extends, a connection between the locking element and the receiving element being such that the rotation between the locking element and the receiving element causes movement of the stud along the longitudinal axis, the movement of the stud along the longitudinal axis effecting an increasing distance of the plurality of flexible tabs relative to each other between the open position and the closed position. 
     the projection and the opening of the cartridge each have an oval shape. 
     the opening of the bottom portion of the receiving element is generally oval in shape, comprising a major axis and a minor axis; in the open position each of the two flexible tabs is positioned at an end of the major axis and in the closed position each of the two flexible tabs is positioned at an end of the minor axis. 
     each of the two flexible tabs comprises a projection capable of engaging with a corresponding rim of the cartridge. 
     the plurality of flexible tabs comprises three flexible tabs and the plurality of lugs comprises three lugs. 
     the locking member and the transmission element are the same element. 
     According to another aspect, a refillable base for lipstick is provided, suitable for being associated with a removable cartridge for lipstick, the base defining a longitudinal axis, the base comprising: 
     a cartridge receiving element, the receiving element having a sleeve suitable for receiving within its interior a lower portion of the cartridge, the receiving element having a transmission element suitable for engaging with a control socket of the cartridge; and 
     a locking element for locking the cartridge in the base, the locking element being movable at least in rotation with respect to the receiving element about the longitudinal axis, in a first direction towards an open position where the cartridge is detachable from the base along the longitudinal axis, and in a second direction towards a closed position where the cartridge is integral with the base along the longitudinal axis, a connection between the locking element and the receiving element comprising a closure abutment suitable for driving the control socket of the cartridge when the locking element is in the closed position and the base is rotated in the second direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from an analysis of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a front view of a lipstick comprising a lipstick assembly according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a lipstick receptacle and a separate unattached removable lipstick cartridge according to one embodiment of the invention and compatible with the lipstick, the receptacle being shown with dotted lines indicating a lipstick cartridge inside it; 
         FIG.  2    shows a cross-section of a lipstick according to a first embodiment, the lipstick having inside it a removable lipstick cartridge according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    shows a perspective view from above of a base according to one embodiment of the invention for the lipstick of  FIG.  2   , with a portion of a lipstick cartridge indicated by dotted lines and an outer shell of the base omitted in order to reveal various elements of the base; 
         FIG.  4    shows a perspective view from below of the removable cartridge of the lipstick of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view from above of a portion of the base of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    shows a perspective view from above of a locking element according to one embodiment of the base of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    shows a cross-section at line  6 - 6  of the lipstick of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  8    shows a cross-section of a lipstick according to a second embodiment, the lipstick having inside itself a removable lipstick cartridge according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    shows a perspective view from below of a receiving element according to one embodiment of a base of the lipstick of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    shows a perspective view from above of a locking element according to one embodiment of the base of the lipstick of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  11    shows a perspective view from above of a portion of the base according to one embodiment of the lipstick of  FIG.  8   , the portion of the base illustrated comprising the receiving element of  FIG.  9    and the locking element of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    shows a perspective view from below of a lipstick cartridge according to one embodiment of the lipstick of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  13    shows a cross-section of a lipstick according to a third embodiment, the lipstick having inside itself a removable lipstick cartridge according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  14    shows a side view of a lipstick base of  FIG.  13    comprising a locking element and a receiving element, the view being when the locking element of the base is in a closed position; 
         FIG.  15    shows a side view of the lipstick base of  FIG.  13    when the locking element is in an open position; 
         FIG.  16    shows a perspective view from above of the locking element of the lipstick base of  FIG.  13   ; and 
         FIG.  17    shows a perspective view from above of a portion of the lipstick base of  FIG.  13   , the portion illustrated comprising the locking element and the receiving element of the base. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The drawings and the description below for the most part contain elements that are certain in nature. Therefore not only can they serve to provide a better understanding of the invention, but they can also contribute to its definition, where appropriate. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a refillable dispenser  8  for cosmetic product, in particular for lipstick, is shown according to one embodiment. The dispenser, or lipstick  8 , comprises a lipstick receptacle  11  and a separate removable cartridge  14 . The receptacle  11  is an outer shell of the dispenser  8  and comprises a base  12  suitable for receiving the cartridge  14 , and a cap  16  which cooperates with the base to create an outer protective shell around the cartridge  14 . When the cap  16  is connected to the base  12 , for example by a magnetic or mechanical device, the cartridge  14  is not accessible. To make it accessible, the cap  16  is disengaged from the base  12 . 
     The cartridge  14  is selectively connectable to the base  12  (i.e. removable) in order to be able to reuse the base  12  when so desired (for example when the cartridge  14  is empty or another color of lipstick is desired) by inserting a replacement cartridge. The base  12  and the cap  16  are thus reusable. The refillable lipstick  8  then makes it possible to use an outer shell (i.e. receptacle  11 ) of superior quality, but also to reduce the consumption of packaging and therefore of plastic. 
     In the example of the figures, the receptacle  11  is of circular cross-section. It is possible, however, for the assembly  10  to have a different cross-section, for example square, oval, or hexagonal. 
     The coupling between the base  12  and the cartridge  14  can be achieved in several ways. As a non-exhaustive list, the coupling can be carried out by magnetic connection or by elastic interlocking. Preferably, the base  12  and the cartridge  14  have a coupling configured so that only the cartridges  14  of a given brand or model can engage with a predetermined base. A keying system can thus be put into place between the cartridge  14  and the base  12 . 
     The cartridge  14  and the base  12  form an assembly  10  which, when the cartridge  14  is assembled to the base  12 , defines a longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L is also a longitudinal axis of the cartridge  14 . 
     The cartridge  14  has a protective sheath  18  which, in the embodiment shown in the figures, extends over the entire height of the cartridge  14  so as to protect the internal elements of the cartridge such as a stick of lipstick  20  or a control socket (not illustrated in  FIG.  1   ). According to one embodiment, the control socket is accessible only through the bottom of the cartridge  14 , so the protective sheath  18  prevents an untimely triggering of the lipstick dispensing system. The dispensing system is a system known in the field of lipsticks where the stick of lipstick  20  is arranged in a cup, movable along the longitudinal axis L during rotation of the control socket. 
     The base  12  comprises a locking system (described below in various embodiments) which prevents any decoupling of the base  12  and cartridge  14 . The locking system essentially comprises two elements: a receiving element which receives a lower portion of the cartridge  14 , and a locking element which is rotatable relative to the receiving element. This locking system can be a second coupling between the base and the cartridge, to prevent unintentional separation of the cartridge from the base. Various locking systems will be described in relation to  FIGS.  2  to  17   . 
     By a simple rotational manipulation, similar to what the user would perform to activate the lipstick dispensing system, the user can secure the refill cartridge  14  to the base  12 . Once the cartridge  14  has been inserted into the base  12 , the user uses two fingers to hold a locking ring  30  integral with the receiving element of the base  12  and with the fingers of the opposite hand rotates an outer shell  33  of the base  12 , the latter being integral with the base  12 , until actual locking between the base  12  and the cartridge  14  is obtained. In each embodiment described below, the locking takes place while the cartridge  14  remains rotationally fixed in the base  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  7   , a first embodiment of a refillable assembly  100  for dispensing cosmetic product, in particular lipstick, is presented. 
       FIG.  2    shows a cross-section of a lipstick  108  according to a first embodiment, having a removable lipstick cartridge  114  within its interior. As explained above with reference to  FIG.  1   , the lipstick  108  comprises a receptacle  111  which is an outer shell of the lipstick  108 . The receptacle  111  comprises a base  112  suitable for receiving the cartridge  114 , and a cap  116  which cooperates with the base  112  so as to create an external protective shell around the cartridge  114 . When the cap  116  is connected to the base  112 , for example by a magnetic and/or mechanical device  117 , the cartridge  114  is not accessible. To make it accessible, the cap  116  is disengaged from the base  112 . In the example in the figures, the device  117  is mechanical and consists of studs distributed uniformly around the base  112  and which create friction with the cap  116  in order to hold it in place on the base  112  (more visible in  FIG.  3   ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the assembly  100  for dispensing comprises the base  112  of the lipstick  108  and the removable cartridge  114 . The cartridge  114  has an outer sheath  118  (similar to the protective sheath  18 ) and a control socket  122  internal to the sheath  118  and provided in a lower portion  123  of the cartridge  114 . The control socket  122  allows the extraction of cosmetic product from the cartridge  114  by activating a lipstick dispensing system  126  (visible in  FIG.  2   ). The dispensing system  126  is a conventional system for extracting a stick of lipstick in a tube of lipstick and will not be described in detail here. The cartridge  114  has an opening  130  in the control socket  122  to allow connection with the base  112 . This opening can also serve as a keying system between the base  112  and the cartridge  114 , as only a base  112  adapted to engage with this opening and secure the cartridge  114  will allow the coupling between the base  112  and the cartridge  114 . 
     The base  112  comprises a receiving element  132  for the cartridge  114  which cooperates with the cartridge  114  when the latter is arranged in the base  112 , and a locking element  148  to secure the cartridge  114  in the base  112 . The receiving element  132  is integral with the ring  130  (for example glued), and the locking element  148  is integral with the outer shell  133  of the base  112  (for example glued). Thus a relative rotation of the ring  130  with respect to the outer shell  133  about the longitudinal axis L creates a relative rotation between the receiving element  132  and the locking element  148  in order to secure or disengage the cartridge  114  from the base  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , the receiving element  132  has a sleeve  134  suitable for receiving within its interior  136  the lower portion  123  of the cartridge  114 . According to the embodiment of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the receiving element  132  includes a bottom portion  140  which partially closes off a lower portion  142  of the sleeve  134 . The bottom portion  140  could be omitted, however. The bottom portion  140  includes an opening  172 . 
     The receiving element  132  has a transmission element  138  that can be engaged with the control socket  122  of the cartridge  114 . According to the embodiment of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the transmission element  138  is arranged on the bottom portion  140 . However, it is possible for the transmission element  138  to be arranged elsewhere in the base  112  than on the bottom portion  140 , for example such as on the sleeve  134  or on the locking element  148 . According to the embodiment of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the transmission element  138  comprises a plurality of lugs  144  arranged on the bottom portion  140  at an equal distance from each other. The lugs  144  can be engaged with corresponding recesses  146  of the control socket  122  of the cartridge  114 . In the example of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the assembly  100  comprises two lugs  144 . However, it is possible for the assembly  100  to have just one or more than two lugs. The lugs may be of square, circular, or other cross-section. The lugs could alternatively be arranged on the cartridge  114 , and the receiving element  132  would then have corresponding recesses. The transmission element  138  could also be a male-female system that is different than lugs-recesses. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  3   , the locking element  148  is movable relative to the receiving member  132  at least in rotation about the longitudinal axis L in a first direction D 1  (or opening direction) to an open position and in a second direction D 2  (or closing direction) to a closed position. According to the embodiment in the figures, the second direction D 2  is in the opposite direction to the first direction D 1 . In the open position, the cartridge  114  is movable relative to the base  112  along the longitudinal axis L. The open position therefore makes it possible to change the cartridge  114 . In the closed position when the cartridge  114  is inserted into the base  112 , the cartridge  114  is integral with the base  112  along the longitudinal axis L. The closed position makes it possible to secure the cartridge  114  in the base  112 , and therefore to use the lipstick. 
     A connection  150  between the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132  which makes it possible to change from the open position to the closed position and vice versa comprises a closure abutment  152  in the closed position such that when the locking element  148  is in the closed position and the base  112  is rotated in the closing direction D 2  (i.e. in the same direction as is used to move to the closed position), the receiving element  132  and the locking element  148  are integral in rotation and the control socket  122  of the cartridge  114  is driven by the transmission element  138 . The connection  150  between the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132  may also comprise an opening abutment  154  in the open position when the base  112  is rotated in the opening direction D 1 . The opening abutment  154  serves to indicate to the user that the locking element  148  is in the open position, and therefore that the cartridge  114  can be engaged/disengaged from the base  112 . 
     The connection  150  between the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132  may further comprise a closure catch  156  at the closure abutment  152  (i.e. just before the closure abutment  152 ) so as to create resistance when the locking element  148  is in the closed position and the base  114  is rotated in the first direction D 1 . The connection  150  between the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132  may further comprise an opening catch  158  at the opening abutment  154  (i.e. just before the opening abutment  154 ) so as to create resistance when the locking element  148  is in the open position and the base  114  is rotated in the closing direction D 2 . The catches  156 ,  158  can provide resistance to unwanted locking and unlocking. The connection  150  could contain more than two catches, for example a plurality of catches, some of them of less resistance to give the sensation of various clicks when the user transitions it from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. 
     More specifically, the connection  150  between the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132  comprises, according to one embodiment, a slot  160 , and a finger  162  engaged with and movable within the slot  160 . In this embodiment of the assembly  100 , the base  112  is equipped with two slots  160  each with a finger  162 , the slots being arranged opposite one another. However, for simplicity, a single slot  160  and finger  162  will be described below. It is understood that the connection  150  could comprise a single slot-finger system or more than two slot-finger systems. The connection  150  could also be achieved by means other than a slot-finger system. For example, the connection  150  could be formed by a groove and a pin engaged in the groove. 
     The slot  160  may be located in one among the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132 , and the finger  162  in the other among the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132 . In the embodiment of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the slot  160  is located in the receiving element  132 , and the finger  162  in the locking element  148 . The slot  160  has the general shape of an arc of a circle which extends in a fixed longitudinal position. The length of the slot  160  defines an amplitude of rotation between the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132 . In one embodiment, the slot  160  extends over a semicircle or less of the circumference (for example a quarter of a circle or a third of a circle or six-eighths of a circle) of the receiving element  132  or locking element  148  on which it is located. Thus, according to one embodiment, the rotation between the locking element  148  and the receiving element  132  takes place over an angle that is less than or equal to 180 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees, and even more preferably about 75 degrees about the longitudinal axis L. The angle could just as well be any angle between 180 degrees and 30 degrees, for example 40 degrees or 50 degrees. 
     The slot  160  may be open or closed. In the example of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the slot  160  is open at one of its two long sides, the open side being closed by a rim  161  of the locking element  148 . 
     The opening and closure abutments  152 ,  154  are ends of the slot  160 . According to one embodiment, the distance between the catch  156  or  158  and the corresponding closest abutment  152 ,  154  is approximately the size of the finger  162 . 
     Referring more particularly to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the locking element  148  comprises a locking member  164  that can be engaged in the opening  130  of the cartridge  114  in order to lock the cartridge  114  to the base  112 . The locking member  164  is received in the opening  172  of the bottom portion  140 , and the lugs  144  are arranged on the bottom portion  140  around the locking member  164  and the opening  172 , at an equal distance from each other. 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the locking member  164  comprises a rod  166  having a free end  168 . The free end  168  comprises a radial projection  170  that is not symmetrical in revolution (meaning not circular) relative to the longitudinal axis L, and the opening  130  of the cartridge  114  has a shape complementary to the projection  170 . In the example of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the projection  170  and the opening  130  have an oval shape. 
     When the non-symmetrical shapes are aligned (i.e. the open position), the locking member  164  can be inserted into the opening  130 , and when the non-symmetrical shapes are not aligned (i.e. the closed position and as can be seen in  FIG.  7   ), the locking member  164  can no longer be inserted into or disengaged from the opening  130 . The complementarity of the shapes of the opening  130  and of the projection  170  allows a keying system between the cartridge  114  and the base  112 , so that only cartridges  114  compatible with the base  112  can be inserted. 
     The shape of the projection  170  and of the corresponding opening  130  allows locking according to the angle of rotation defining the open and closed positions. An angle and a shape are chosen such that, in the open position, the locking member  164  is in a different position than in the closed position. In the example of  FIGS.  2  to  7   , the shape is oval and the angle of rotation is strictly less than 180 degrees so that the same position of the shape is not reached in the open and closed positions. 
     According to one embodiment, the transmission element  138  and the locking member  164  are one and the same element. To achieve this, the locking member  164  may have a portion which engages for example in a slot of the control socket  122 , so that when the locking element  148  is rotated, the control socket  122  is as well. According to this embodiment, the transmission element  138  would be located on the locking element  148  and not on the receiving element  132 . 
     According to one embodiment, the receiving  132  and locking elements  148  are each made of a single molded piece of plastic, the two being assembled by friction. However, it is possible that the receiving  132  and locking elements  148  are made of several pieces of plastic or other material. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  8  to  12   , a second embodiment of a refillable assembly  200  for dispensing cosmetic product, in particular lipstick, is presented. Assembly  200  is similar to assembly  100  except for the connection between the receiving element and the locking element, the locking member, the opening of the bottom portion of the receiving element, and the opening in the control socket of the cartridge. Therefore, for brevity, the common elements between assembly  100  and assembly  200  will not be described again in detail in this section, and will have the same reference numbers but in the two hundreds. 
     The connection  250  between the receiving element  232  and the locking element  248  is made by a variant of the slot-finger system described above. However, it is conceivable that the connection  250  is provided by a slot-finger system as well. The connection  250  is formed of two elements nested together. The first element  260  is arranged on the receiving element  232  (on the face  241  of the bottom portion  240  that is opposite to the face which receives the cartridge  214 ) and the second element (not shown) is arranged on the locking element  248  facing the face  241  of the bottom portion  240 . According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first element  260  is of a generally L-shaped cross-section, and extends in the shape of an arc of a circle. The second element engages the first element  260 , so that the receiving element  232  and the locking element  248  can slide in rotation relative to each other, guided by the arc of a circle formed by the first element  260 . 
     The connection  250  is shown here as formed of two first element-second element assemblies arranged opposite each other. However, it is possible that the connection  250  has only one or more than two first element-second element assemblies. 
     The connection  250  further comprises a closure abutment  252 . The connection could further comprise an opening abutment similar to what has been described above. 
     Instead of the rod  166  and the projection  170 , the locking member  264  of the base  212  of the assembly  200  comprises two flexible tabs  266 , each having a projection  270  at their free end  275 . The tabs  266  are adapted to extend along the longitudinal axis L into the opening  230  of the cartridge  214 , so that the projections  270  can engage with a corresponding rim  215  of the cartridge  214  in order to solidify the cartridge  214  to the base  212 . The rim  215  is internal to the cartridge  214 . It is accessible from the opening  230  in the control socket  222  of the cartridge  214 . The rim  215  may be an unhindered rim or else form part of a slot. It may be a single rim or slot, or the control socket  322  may have as many rims or slots as there are flexible tabs  266 . The rim  215  may be of a size and shape corresponding to the projection  270  of each flexible tab  266 . 
     The flexible tabs  266  further extend through the opening  272  of the bottom portion  240  of the receiving element  232 . The locking member  264  could have more than two flexible tabs, for example three. In the embodiment of the figures, the opening  230  is circular. However, it is conceivable for the opening  230  to have a non-circular shape, such as oval or square. 
     The flexible tabs  266  are in abutment at their lower end  267  against a wall  271  of the opening  272  of the bottom portion  240  of the receiving element  232 . The opening  272  has a shape that is not symmetrical in revolution relative to the longitudinal axis L, such that the relative position of the flexible tabs  266  with respect to the opening  272  defines a variable distance G between the flexible tabs  266 . In the open position of the locking element  248 , the flexible tabs  266  are radially closer to each other than in the closed position of the locking element  248 . In the open position of the locking element  248  the flexible tabs  266  are at a distance G 1 , and in the closed position of the locking element  248  the flexible tabs  266  are at a distance G 2  greater than G 1 . The distance G 2  is greater than the size of the opening  230  of the control socket  222 , so as to ensure the coupling between the cartridge  214  and the base  212 . The distance G 1  is less than the size of the opening  230  of the control socket  222 , so as to be able to place and remove the cartridge  214  from the base  212 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  8  to  12   , the opening  272  of the bottom portion  240  of the receiving element  232  is generally oval in shape with rectilinear sides  273  and comprising a major axis A 1  and a minor axis A 2 . In the open position, each of the flexible tabs  266  is positioned at an end E 1  of the major axis A 1 , and in the closed position each of the flexible tabs  266  is positioned at an end E 2  of the minor axis A 2 . Thus, when the flexible tabs  266  are in abutment against the short side A 1 , they are at distance G 1 , and when the flexible tabs  266  are in abutment against the large side A 2 , they are at distance G 2  from one another. By moving the flexible tabs from abutment against the small side A 1  to abutment against the large side A 2  and vice versa, the distance G can be varied and therefore the projection  270  of the flexible tabs  266  engages or does not engage the rim  215  internal to the control socket  222  in order to secure the cartridge  214  to the base  212 . 
     As the flexible tabs  266  are fixedly connected to the locking element  248 , and the opening  272  is part of the receiving element  232 , rotation of the receiving element  232  relative to the locking element  248  makes it possible to move the abutment of the flexible tabs  266  between the small side A 1  and large side A 2  and thus bring the flexible tabs  266  closer together or further apart to engage or not engage the internal rim  215  of the cartridge  214 , using gestures similar to those explained above. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  8  to  12   , the transmission element  238  (i.e. the lugs  244 ) for driving the rotation of the control socket  222  of the cartridge  214  are located on the bottom portion  240 , aligned with the major axis A 1 . However, the transmission element  238  could be located elsewhere on the receiving element  232 . 
     According to one embodiment, the transmission element  238  and the flexible tabs  266  are one and the same element. By engaging with a corresponding recess in the control socket  222 , the flexible tabs  266  can act as the transmission element  238 , so that when the locking element  248  is rotated, the control socket  222  is as well. According to this embodiment, the transmission element  238  would be located on the locking element  248  and not on the receiving element  232 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  13  to  17   , a third embodiment of a refillable assembly  300  for dispensing cosmetic product, in particular lipstick, is presented. Assembly  300  is similar to assembly  100  except for the locking member, the opening of the bottom portion of the receiving member, and the opening in the control socket of the cartridge. Therefore, for brevity, the common elements between assembly  100  and assembly  300  will not be described again in detail in this section, and will have the same reference numbers but in the three hundreds. 
     The dispensing assembly  300  comprises a base  312  and a cartridge  314  that is selectively connectable with the base. The cartridge  314  has an outer sheath  318  (similar to the protective sheath  18 ) and a control socket  322  internal to the sheath  318  and arranged in a lower portion  323  of the cartridge  314 . The control socket  322  allows extracting cosmetic product from the cartridge  314  by actuating a lipstick dispensing system  326 . The cartridge  314  has an opening  330  in the control socket  322  to allow connection with the base  312 . 
     The base  312  comprises a receiving element  332  for the cartridge  314 . The receiving element  332  has a sleeve  334  suitable for receiving within its interior  336  the lower portion  323  of the cartridge  314 . According to the embodiment of  FIGS.  13  to  17   , the receiving element  332  includes a bottom portion  340  which partially closes off a lower portion  342  of the sleeve  334 . The bottom portion  340  could be omitted, however. The receiving element  332  has a transmission element  338  which can be engaged with the control socket  322  of the cartridge  314 . According to the embodiment of  FIGS.  13  to  17   , the transmission element  338  is arranged on the bottom portion  340 . However, it is possible for the transmission element  338  to be arranged elsewhere in the base  312  than on the bottom portion  340 . According to the embodiment of  FIGS.  13  to  17   , the transmission element  338  comprises a plurality of lugs  344  arranged on the bottom portion  340  at an equal distance from one another. The lugs  344  are engageable with corresponding recesses (not shown) of the control socket  322  of the cartridge  314 . In the example of  FIGS.  13  to  17   , the assembly  300  comprises three lugs  344 . However, it is possible that the assembly  300  has just one, two, or more than three lugs. The lugs  344  may be of square, circular, or other cross-section. The lugs  344  could alternatively be arranged on the cartridge  314 , and the receiving element  332  would then have corresponding recesses. The transmission element  338  could also be a different male-female system than lugs-recesses. 
     The base  312  further comprises a locking element  348  which cooperates with the cartridge  314  when the latter is arranged in the base, in order to secure the cartridge  314  in the base  312 . The locking element  348  is movable relative to the receiving element  332  at least in rotation about the longitudinal axis L in a first direction D 1  towards an open position and in a second direction D 2  towards a closed position. According to the embodiment in the figures, the second direction D 2  is in the opposite direction to the first direction D 1 . In the open position, the cartridge  314  is movable relative to the base  312  along the longitudinal axis L. In the closed position, when the cartridge  314  is inserted into the base  312 , the cartridge  314  is integral with the base  312  along the longitudinal axis L. 
     A connection  350  between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  comprises a closure abutment  352  in the closed position such that when the locking element  348  is in the closed position and the base  312  is rotated in the second direction D 2  (meaning in the same direction as that used to change to the closed position), the receiving element  332  and the locking element  348  are integral in rotation and the control socket  322  of the cartridge  314  is driven by the transmission element  338 . The connection  350  between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  may comprise an opening abutment  354  in the open position when the base  312  is rotated in the opening direction D 1 . The opening abutment makes it possible to indicate to the user that the locking element  348  is in the open position. The connection  350  between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  may further comprise a closure catch  356  at the closure abutment  352  (i.e. just before the closure abutment  352 ) so as to create resistance when the locking element  348  is in the closed position and the base  314  is rotated in the opening direction D 1 . The connection  350  between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  may further comprise an opening catch  358  at the opening abutment  354  (i.e. just before the opening abutment  354 ) so as to create resistance when the locking element  348  is in the open position and the base  314  is rotated in the second direction D 2 . The catches  356 ,  358  can offer resistance to unwanted locking and unlocking. The connection  350  could contain more than two catches, for example a plurality of catches, some of them of less resistance to give the sensation of various clicks when the user moves from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. 
     More specifically, the connection  350  between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  comprises a slot  360  and a finger  362  engaged with and movable within the slot  360 . In this embodiment of the assembly  300 , the base  312  is equipped with two slots  360  each with a finger  362 , the slots being arranged opposite one another. For simplicity, a single slot  360  and finger  362  will be described. It is understood that the connection  350  could comprise only one slot-finger system or more than two slot-finger systems. The connection  350  could also be made by means other than a slot-finger system. For example, the connection  350  could be formed by a groove and a pin engaged in the groove, or by a system of grooves or snap-fitting grooves (elastic interlocking) as presented above. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIGS.  14  and  15   , the slot  360  may be located in one among the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332 , and the finger  362  in the other among the locking element  348  and receiving element  332 . In the embodiment of  FIGS.  13  to  17   , the slot  360  is in the receiving element  332 , and the finger  362  in the locking element  348 . The slot  360  has the general shape of an arc of a circle which extends in a variable longitudinal position such that, when the locking element  348  is moved relative to the receiving element  332  in the first D 1  or the second D 2  direction, the locking element  348  follows a helical motion. The helical motion enables the user to know instinctively in which position (open or closed) the locking element  348  is located. For example, when the helical motion is performed in the opening direction D 1 , and the helical motion is tending to move the receiving element  332  away from the locking element  348  (arrow F 1  in  FIG.  15   ), an intuitive feeling that the rotation is towards the position of releasing the cartridge  314  from the base  312  is obtained. Similarly, when the helical motion is performed in the closing direction D 2 , and the helical motion is tending to move the receiving element  332  closer to the locking element  348  (arrow F 2  in  FIG.  14   ), an intuitive feeling that the rotation is towards the position of securing the cartridge  314  in the base  312  is obtained. 
     The length of the slot  360  defines an amplitude of rotation between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332 . According to one embodiment, the slot  360  extends over a semicircle or less of the circumference (for example a quarter of a circle or a third of a circle) of the receiving element  332  or of the locking element  348  on which it is located. Thus, according to one embodiment, the rotation between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  takes place over an angle of less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees, and even more preferably about 75 degrees about the longitudinal axis L. The angle could just as well be any angle between 180 degrees and 30 degrees, for example 40 degrees or 50 degrees. 
     The slot  360  is closed along its two long sides. 
     The opening and closure abutments  352 ,  354  are ends of the slot  360 . According to one embodiment, the distance between the catch  356  or  358  and the closest corresponding abutment  352 ,  354  is substantially the size of the finger  362 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the locking element  348  comprises a locking member  364  which assists in engaging a plurality of flexible tabs of the receiving element  332  in the opening  330  of the cartridge  314  in order to lock the cartridge  314  to the base  312 . According to one embodiment, the locking member  364  comprises a stud  366  extending along the longitudinal axis L through an opening  372  of the bottom portion  340  of the receiving element  332 . 
     The plurality of flexible tabs  373  are arranged around and in contact with the stud  366  so as to define the opening  372  through which the stud  366  extends. A connection  350  between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  is such that the rotation between the locking element  348  and the receiving element  332  causes movement of the stud  366  along the longitudinal axis L (following the helical motion). The movement of the stud  366  along the longitudinal axis L influences the distance of the plurality of flexible tabs  373  (the advancing stud  366  tending to push them outwards, and vice versa) relative to one another between the open position and the closed position. 
     The flexible tabs  373  comprise a projection  377  at their free end, which, when the cartridge  314  is arranged in the receiving element  312 , can engage a rim  315  of the cartridge  314  accessible from the opening  330  in the control socket. The action of engaging the projections  377  with the rim  315  secures the cartridge  314  to the base  312 . The rim  315  may be an unhindered rim or may be part of a slot. It may be a single rim or slot, or the control socket  322  may have as many rims or slots as there are flexible tabs  373 . 
     According to one embodiment, each of the receiving  332  and locking elements  348  is made of a single molded piece of plastic, the two being assembled by friction. However, it is possible that the receiving  332  and locking elements  348  are made of several pieces of plastic or other material. 
     In all of the embodiments described above, although a lipstick dispensing assembly is described, it can be adapted to any type of cosmetic product, whether liquid (e.g. perfume), paste (for example eyeliner), or solid (for example blush stick).