Patent Publication Number: US-2019183230-A1

Title: Case for a stick of pasty substance with magnetic closure

Description:
The invention concerns cases for sticks of pasty substance and more particularly for tubes of lipstick. 
     A case for a stick of pasty substance generally comprises a base for receiving the stick of pasty substance and a cap. The case is able to be in an open position in which a user can deploy the stick of pasty substance, and a closed position in which the cap and base are connected so that the case encloses the stick of pasty substance. In this last position, the stick of pasty substance is inaccessible and protected. 
     To keep the case in the closed position, it is for example possible to fix first and second permanently-magnetized members respectively on the base and cap. The attraction force exerted between the permanently-magnetized members is sufficient to maintain the case in the closed position while being sufficiently moderate to allow the user to easily separate base and cap in order to transition the case from the closed position to the open position. 
     However, particularly in the case of a tube of lipstick, the case may comprise one or more ornamental patterns borne by one or more specific members. In this case, one among the member and cap bears the member, and the other comprises one or more cutouts to house the member when the case is in the closed position or shapes of non-circular cross-section where the base and cap meet. The number of cutouts therefore determines the number of relative positions that the base and cap can be in when the case is in the closed position. The permanently-magnetized members must therefore allow this limited number of relative positions. 
     Document EP-1 095 870 discloses a packaging device for a product, in particular a paste product, which comprises a base and a cap. The base has two magnetic means, as does the cap. The magnetic means borne by the base and cap are such that the base and cap can only be in a small number of positions when the case is in the closed position. To achieve this, the cap bears a magnetic means having two faces respectively of north and south polarity opposite a magnetic means, borne by the cap, having two faces respectively of north and south polarity. When the user closes the case, the faces of opposite polarity of the magnetic means will thus be attracted and the faces of identical polarity will be repelled so as to allow only a limited number of relative positions of the base and cap. 
     However, keeping the permanently-magnetized members in position requires complex shapes of the base and cap. Indeed, it is necessary that the complementary magnetic means be relatively close to each other when the case is in the closed position. Therefore bodies are provided in the base and cap, for housing the magnetic means which have relatively complex geometries. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a case that is simpler to manufacture. 
     To do this, the invention proposes a case for a stick of pasty substance, characterized in that it comprises a base for receiving the stick of pasty substance and a cap, the base and cap each comprising an inner body of longitudinal axis (X) and an outer body of the same longitudinal axis (X) of which the radial dimension is greater than the radial dimension of the first inner body, the base and cap each bearing at least two permanently-magnetized members positioned between the inner body and the outer body, each permanently-magnetized member being held axially between axial stop means borne by the inner body and a cylindrical ring of longitudinal axis (X) which comprises a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance and which is arranged between the outer body and the inner body, each permanently-magnetized member borne by the base being positioned so that it has a face of opposite polarity to a face of the consecutive permanently-magnetized member borne by the base, and of opposite polarity to a face facing towards the two permanently-magnetized members borne by the cap when the case is in a closed position, the inner body of at least one among the base and cap comprising at least one rib for holding the permanently-magnetized members in their radial position. 
     The rib for holding in the radial position and the ring for holding in the axial position are compact. Reliable retention of the permanently-magnetized members is thus ensured, with compact means. In addition, since the ring is intended only to form an axial stop preventing movement of the permanently-magnetized members in one direction, it can have a simple geometry. Separate means are used to ensure that the permanently-magnetized members are held in the radial position and in the axial position in both directions. These means can therefore have relatively simple geometries. The case is therefore easier to manufacture. 
     Preferably, the axial stop means comprise a flange. 
     The flange is compact. 
     Advantageously, the flange is in an axial end position on the inner body. 
     Thus, when the case is in the closed position, the permanently-magnetized members borne by the base and cap are relatively close. It is therefore possible to use permanently-magnetized members that generate a magnetic field of low intensity. The case is therefore less expensive to manufacture. 
     According to one embodiment, the rib extends axially from the flange. 
     This arrangement is compact. 
     Advantageously, the cylindrical ring of at least one among the base and cap is crimped onto the inner body. According to one embodiment, the cylindrical rings of the base and cap are crimped onto the respective inner bodies. 
     Preferably, the cylindrical ring of at least one among the base and cap is glued to the inner body. According to one embodiment, the cylindrical rings of the base and cap are glued to the respective inner bodies. 
     Such an arrangement is simple and firmly holds the ring around the inner body. 
     According to one embodiment, at least one among the base and cap has a generally cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the base and cap have a generally cylindrical shape. 
     The case therefore has a generally cylindrical shape. 
     Advantageously, the outer body of at least one among the base and cap has a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the inner body. Preferably, the outer bodies of the base and cap have a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the respective inner bodies. 
     The outer body therefore protects the inner body. 
     Preferably, the outer body of at least one among the base and cap is glued to the inner body. Advantageously, the outer bodies of the base and cap are glued to the respective inner bodies. 
     The outer body is thus firmly fixed to the inner body. 
     Preferably, the two permanently-magnetized members borne by at least one among the base and cap are in diametrically opposed positions relative to one another. 
     This maximizes the magnetic force that holds the case in the closed position. 
     According to one embodiment, the base and cap each comprise four permanently-magnetized members, preferably arranged regularly around the circumference. 
     The permanently-magnetized members therefore do not need to generate a strong magnetic field in order to hold the case in the closed position. In addition, this arrangement allows two diametrically opposed relative positions of the cap and base. Thus, if for example the base bears a specific member that bears an ornamental pattern, only two diametrically opposed cutouts need to be provided in the cap to house the member bearing the ornamental pattern. This configuration thus defines two alternative closed positions for the case. 
     Advantageously, the permanently-magnetized members are magnets. 
     This is a simple form of permanently-magnetized member. 
     Preferably, the diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance comprises iron. 
     Such a substance is abundant and inexpensive. 
     The case is therefore stronger because the outer sleeve or sleeves protect the inner body, the outer body, the permanently-magnetized members, and the cylindrical ring. 
     Advantageously, the stick of pasty substance is a stick of lipstick. 
    
    
     
       We will now describe an embodiment of the invention as a non-limiting example, with the aid of the following figures: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front views of a case according to the invention, respectively in the open position and closed position, 
         FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B  are perspective views of a portion of a base and a cap detached from the case, 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the assembled base and cap, 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of the base and cap. 
     
    
    
     FIGS.  1 A and  1 B show a case  10  of lipstick according to the invention. The case  10  is shown in the open position in FIG.  1 A and in the closed position in FIG.  1 B. 
     The case of lipstick  10  comprises a base  12  and a cap  14 . The case  10  has a generally cylindrical shape and has a longitudinal axis (X). It extends between a distal end D and a proximal end P. The distal end D of the case  10  is the end furthest away from the lips of the user when the user is applying the stick to the lips. In the remainder of the description, reference will also be made to the proximal P and distal D ends when elements of the case  10  are described. When in the closed position, the case  10  contains a stick of pasty substance  16  which is presented here in the form of a stick of lipstick. 
     The base  12  has a generally cylindrical shape and also has a longitudinal axis (X). It comprises a transverse circular opening located at a proximal end, to enable the stick of pasty substance  16  to be deployed, and a transverse bottom at a distal end. The base  12  is intended to receive the stick of pasty substance  16 . For this purpose, it is hollow and forms a housing for the stick of pasty substance  16 . On a radially outer circumferential periphery of its proximal end P, the base  12  comprises an organ  18  which bears an ornamental pattern. Here, the ornamental pattern is in the form of a raised surface extending radially outwardly. Alternatively, the ornamental pattern is not raised or recessed and is in the form of a written pattern. 
     The cap  14  has a generally cylindrical shape and also has a longitudinal axis (X). As seen in  FIG. 1B , when the case  10  is in the closed position, the cap  14  comprises a transverse circular opening located at a distal end D and a transverse bottom at a proximal end P. Thus, the cap  14  forms a protective housing for the stick of pasty substance  16  when the case  10  is in the closed position. 
     In addition, the case  10  comprises a hollow and cylindrical gripping member  17  having a longitudinal axis (X). The gripping member  17  is fixed to the base  12 . By rotation about the longitudinal axis (X) of the base  12  relative to the gripping member  17 , the user can deploy the stick of pasty substance  16  along the longitudinal axis (X) by means of a deployment mechanism. The stick of pasty substance  16  is deployed from the gripping member  17  when the user deploys the stick of pasty substance  16  as can be seen in  FIG. 1A  and is retracted so as to be completely surrounded radially by the gripping member  17  when the user wishes to close the case  10 . 
     We will now describe the base  12  in more detail, in particular with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3B . 
     The base  12  comprises an inner body  22  and an outer body  24 . The inner body  22  and outer body  24  have a generally cylindrical shape and have a longitudinal axis (X) coincident with that of the case  10  when assembled, as can be seen in particular in  FIG. 1A . When the case  10  is assembled, the inner body  22  and outer body  24  both have a circular opening at a proximal end P and a transverse bottom at a distal end D. Radially, the diameter of the outer body  24  is greater than that of the inner body  22 . Thus, the radial dimension of the outer body  24  is larger than the radial dimension of the inner body  22 . In addition, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the outer body  24  has a length, relative to the longitudinal axis (X), which is greater than the length of the inner body  22 . Thus, the outer body  24  of the base  12  has a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the inner body  22 . 
     The inner body  22  of the base  12  bears the member  18 , which itself bears the ornamental pattern. The member  18  is borne by the circumferential periphery of the inner body  22  whose edge defines the opening located at the proximal end P. 
     On the circumferential edge which defines the opening located at the proximal end P, the inner body  22  comprises a flange  28  extending radially outwards. The flange  28  is thus in an axial end position on the inner body  22 . The flange  28  further comprises four ribs  30 , which extend axially towards the distal end D of the inner body  22 . Each rib  30  has a “V” shape when viewed axially from the distal end D of the inner body  22 . 
     The diameter of the flange  28  is such that, when the base  12  is assembled, the radially outer surface of the flange  28  is in contact with a radially inner surface of the outer body  24 . Thus, the inner body  22  is fixed to the outer body  24  by gluing. To do this, the circumferential periphery of the inner body  22 , whose edge defines the proximal opening P, comprises a bead of adhesive on the radially outer surface. 
     The base  12  also comprises a hollow cylindrical ring  32 , comprising a circular opening at its proximal P and distal D ends. The cylindrical ring  32  comprises a longitudinal axis (X) and is fixed around the inner body  22 . The cylindrical ring  32  is arranged on a radially outer wall of the inner body  22  such that the cylindrical ring  32  is arranged between a radially inner wall of the outer body  24  and the inner body  22 . 
     The four ribs  30  form an axial stop for the cylindrical ring  32 . In addition, the cylindrical ring  32  is crimped around and on the inner body  22 . Alternatively, the cylindrical ring  32  is glued to the inner body  22 . The cylindrical ring  32  essentially comprises diamagnetic iron. In some variants, the cylindrical ring  32  comprises ferromagnetic iron or more generally a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance. One will note that the cylindrical ring  32  has circumferentially regular proximal P and distal D ends. 
     The cap  14  will now be described in greater detail with the aid of  FIGS. 2 and 3A . The cap  14  has members and an arrangement which are relatively similar to those of the base  12 . 
     The cap  14  comprises an inner body  34  and an outer body  36 . The inner body  34  and outer body  36  have a generally cylindrical shape and have a longitudinal axis (X) coincident with that of the case  10  when assembled. When the case  10  is assembled, both the inner body  34  and outer body  36  have a circular opening at a distal end D and a transverse bottom at a distal end P. Radially, the diameter of the outer body  36  is greater than that of the inner body  34 . The radial dimension of the outer body  36  is therefore larger than the radial dimension of the inner body  34 . In addition, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the outer body  36  has a length, relative to the longitudinal axis (X), which is greater than the length of the inner body  34 . The outer body  36  of the cap  14  therefore has a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the inner body  34 . 
     On the circumferential edge which defines the opening located at the distal end D, the inner body  34  comprises a flange  38  extending radially outwards. The flange  38  thus is in an axial end position on the inner body  34 . The flange  38  further comprises four ribs  40 , which extend axially towards the distal end P of the inner body  34 . Each rib  40  has a “V” shape when viewed axially from the proximal end P of the inner body  34 . 
     The diameter of the flange  38  is such that, when the cap  14  is assembled, the radially outer surface of the flange  38  is in contact with a radially inner surface of the outer body  36 . The inner body  34  is therefore fixed to the outer body  36  by gluing. To do this, the circumferential periphery of the inner body  34 , whose edge defines the distal opening D, comprises a bead of adhesive on the radially outer surface. 
     The cap  14  also comprises a hollow cylindrical ring  42 , comprising a circular opening at its proximal P and distal D ends. The cylindrical ring  42  has a longitudinal axis (X) and is fixed around the inner body  34 . The four ribs  40  form an axial stop for the cylindrical ring  42 . 
     In addition, the cylindrical ring  42  is crimped around on the inner body  34 . Alternatively, the cylindrical ring  42  is glued to the inner body  34 . The cylindrical ring  42  substantially comprises diamagnetic iron. In some variants, the cylindrical ring  42  comprises ferromagnetic iron or more generally a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance. One will note that the cylindrical ring  42  has circumferentially regular proximal P and distal D ends. The cylindrical ring  42  is arranged on a radially outer wall of the inner body  34  such that the cylindrical ring  42  is arranged between a radially inner wall of the outer body  36  and the inner body  34 . 
     On the rim of the transverse circular opening located at the distal end D, the outer body  36  of the cap  14  comprises two diametrically opposed recesses  37  for receiving the member  18 , which bears the ornamental pattern, of the inner body  22  of the base  12 , when the case  10  is in the closed position. 
     Thus, the two recesses of the outer body  36  of the cap  14  allow two relative positions of the base  12  and cap  14  when the case  10  is in the closed position. These two positions are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (X). Alternatively, the outer body  36  of the cap  14  allows one or three relative positions of the base  12  and cap  14  when the case  10  is in the closed position. This number is equal to the number of recesses in the outer body  36  of the cap  14 . 
     We will now describe the means for maintaining the relative position of the base  12  and cap  14  when the case  10  is in the closed position. 
     As can be seen in particular in  FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 4 , the base  12  and cap  14  each comprise four permanently-magnetized members  44 , which are here in the form of magnets. Note that in  FIG. 4 , the respective outer bodies  24 ,  36  of the base  12  and cap  14  are laterally offset along the longitudinal axis (X) so as to reveal the permanently-magnetized members  44 . This configuration is not the configuration of the case  10  when the latter is assembled and is suitable for use. This is an illustration for better understanding the operation of the case  10 . 
     The four permanently-magnetized members  44  of the base  12  are arranged regularly around the circumference, in spaces defined axially by the flange  28  and cylindrical ring  32  and radially by the ribs  30 . Similarly, the four permanently-magnetized members  44  of the cap  14  are arranged regularly around the circumference, in spaces defined axially by the flange  38  and cylindrical ring  42  and radially by the ribs  40 . 
     Thus, the permanently-magnetized members  44  are held axially between axial stop means borne by the inner body  22  of the base  12 , here the flange  28  and the cylindrical ring  32 . In addition, they are held radially by the ribs  30 , and in the opposite direction by the inner body  22 , which form means for holding the permanently-magnetized members in the radial position  44 . The permanently-magnetized members  44  are applied radially inwards, against a radially outer surface of the inner body  22 , located facing the ribs  30 . Radially inner surfaces of the ribs  30  form stops for the permanently-magnetized members  44 . Each of the two arms of the “V” shape of a rib  30  forms a stop for a permanently-magnetized member  44 . Thus, a permanently-magnetized member  44  abuts against two circumferentially consecutive ribs  30 . Similarly, a rib  30  is in direct contact with two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members  44 . 
     The permanently-magnetized members  44  of the cap  14  are arranged in the same manner. They are thus held axially between axial stop means borne by the inner body  34  of the cap  14 , here the flange  38  and the cylindrical ring  42 . In addition, they are held radially by the ribs  40 , and in the opposite direction by the inner body  34 , which form means for holding the permanently-magnetized members in the radial position  44 . The permanently-magnetized members  44  are applied radially inwards, against a radially outer surface of the inner body  22 , located facing the ribs  40 . Radially inner surfaces of the ribs  40  form stops for the permanently magnetized members  44 . Each of the two arms of the “V” shape of a rib  40  forms a stop for a permanently-magnetized member  44 . Thus, a permanently-magnetized member  44  abuts against two circumferentially consecutive ribs  40 . Similarly, a rib  40  is in direct contact with two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members  44 . 
     The permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the base  12  or cap  14  are in diametrically opposed pairs. 
     We will now schematically describe, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the interactions between permanently-magnetized members  44  which hold the base  12  and cap  14  in their relative position when the case  10  is in the closed position. Only the permanently-magnetized members  44  and cylindrical rings  32 ,  42  are shown. 
     Two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the base  12  are in phase opposition. This means that one of the two has a proximal face P whose pole is positive and a distal face D whose pole is negative, and the other has a proximal face P whose pole is negative and a distal face D whose pole is positive. Similarly, two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the cap  14  are in phase opposition. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the base  12  and cap  14  can occupy two respective positions when the case  10  is in the closed position. These two positions correspond to configurations in which the negative poles of two permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the base  12  are facing the positive poles of two permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the cap  14 , and in which the positive poles of two permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the base  12  are facing the negative poles of two permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the cap  14 . 
     Thus, when the case  10  is in the closed position, each permanently-magnetized member  44  borne by the base  12  is positioned so that it has a face of opposite polarity to a face of the circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized member  44  borne by the base  12 , and of opposite polarity to a face facing towards two permanently-magnetized members  44  borne by the cap  14 . 
     Conversely, if the user positions the cap  14  so that the faces of the magnetized members  44  of the base  12  have the same polarity as the opposite faces borne by the cap  14 , the repulsion forces between faces of the same polarity and the attraction forces between faces of opposite polarities will cause rotation of the base  12  relative to the cap  14  about the longitudinal axis (X) such that the base  12  and cap  14  are installed in a relative position as described above. This rotation is further guided by a radially outer surface of the gripping member  17  which engages with the radially inner surface of the inner body  34  of the cap  14 . 
     In addition, the cylindrical rings  32 ,  42 , of diamagnetic iron in this embodiment, of one among the base  12  and cap  14 , are attracted by the permanently-magnetized members  44  of the other so that the retaining force is increased. 
     We will now describe a method for assembling the case  10 . 
     The inner body  22  and outer body  24  of the base  12  are molded. The inner body  22  thus comprises the flange  28  and the ribs  30 . The permanently-magnetized members  44  are then slid along the inner body  22  from the distal end D of the inner body  22 , until they rest on the flange  28  and are held radially outward by the ribs  30 . The cylindrical ring  32  is then slid from the distal end D of the inner body  22 , until it comes to bear longitudinally against the permanently-magnetized members  44  and the ribs  30 . Next, a bead of adhesive is applied to the radially outer surface of the circumferential periphery of the inner body  22  whose edge defines the proximal opening P. Then, the outer body  24  is slid from the distal end D of the inner body  22 , so that the flange  28  is in contact with the radially inner surface of the outer body  24 . The inner body  22  is thus glued to the outer body  24 . 
     The same method applies to the assembly of the cap  14 . The inner body  34  and outer body  36  are molded. Then the permanently-magnetized members  44  are slid along the inner body  34  from the proximal end P of the inner body  34 , until they rest on the flange  38  and are held radially outward by the ribs  40 . The cylindrical ring  42  is then slid from the proximal end P of the inner body  34 , until it comes to bear longitudinally against the permanently-magnetized members  44  and the ribs  40 . Next, a bead of adhesive is applied to the radially outer surface of the circumferential periphery of the inner body  34  whose edge defines the distal opening D. Then, the outer body  36  is slid from the proximal end P of the inner body  34 , so that the flange  38  is in contact with the radially inner surface of the outer body  36 . The inner body  34  is thus glued to the outer body  36 . 
     Of course, many variations to the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The outer shapes of the inner bodies  22 ,  34  and respective outer bodies  24 ,  36  of the base  12  and cap  14  may be of any type, for example having a polygonal or elliptical cross-section. In addition, this cross-section may vary along the longitudinal axis (X). For example, the cross-section may be polygonal at the proximal end P and elliptical at the distal end D. 
     It is possible to use different types of permanently-magnetized members  44 . 
     The shape and arrangement of the permanently-magnetized members  44  may be varied. 
     It is also possible to install only two permanently-magnetized members  44  on the base  12  and cap  14  so as to allow only one relative position of the base  12  and cap  14  when the case  10  is in the closed position. In this case, the two permanently-magnetized members  44  are preferably in diametrically opposed positions relative to one another. 
     The permanently-magnetized members  44  may be glued to the respective inner bodies  22 ,  34  or to the respective cylindrical rings  32 ,  42  of the base  12  and cap  14 .