Patent ID: 12220041

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Next, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and concretely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are described briefly above. The subject matter of the present disclosure is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors contemplate that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

While the present technology has been described in connection with the embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the present technology without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the present technology should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. In addition, all other embodiments obtained by one of ordinary skill in the art based on embodiments described in this document are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

In describing preferred embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present patent application is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a one-hand lipstick container according to an embodiment of the present patent application,FIG.2is an exploded perspective view of the one-hand lipstick container according to an embodiment of the present patent application,FIG.3is an exploded cross-sectional view of the one-hand lipstick container according to an embodiment of the present patent application,FIG.4is an assembly cross-sectional view of the one-hand lipstick container before it is used, according to an embodiment of the present patent application, andFIG.5is an assembly cross-sectional view of the one-hand lipstick container when it is being used, according to an embodiment of the present patent application.

As shown inFIGS.1to5, a one-hand lipstick container according, to an embodiment of the present patent application includes a container main body110, a container cover120, a cover holder130, a door140, a lipstick housing150, an anti-rotation mean160.

Hereafter, each part of the one-hand lipstick container of the present patent application is described in detail.

First, the container main body110is described with reference toFIGS.1to5. In the container main body110, a cylinder113is stood at the center of a body111and a center through-hole115is formed through the center of the cylinder113.

The body111has a rectangular shape, but the shape is not limited thereto and can be variously changed into a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

Further, the cylinder113, as shown inFIGS.2and3, has an outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114, in which the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114guides the cover holder130, which is combined by a spiral, to rotate upward/downward.

Further, the center through-hole115is connected to the bottom of the body111and has an inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116, in which the inner circumferential-spiral guide, groove116guides the lipstick housing150(described below) which is combined by a spiral, to rotate upward/downward.

In this configuration, the center through-hole115of the container main body110is an integral through-hole having the salve inner diameter from the upper end of the cylinder113to the bottom of the body111.

Next, the container cover120is described with reference toFIGS.1to5.

The container cover120is rotatably connected to the upper portion of the container main body110and has an open inlet121formed through the upper surface.

The inlet121allows a lipstick received in the lipstick housing150, which is combined with the container main body110and ascends/descends, to protrude outside, and as shown inFIGS.2and3, the inlet121is opened or closed by the cover holder130and the door140that are disposed in the container cover120and ascends/descends.

A door guide groove123that guides the upper end opening/closing-path of the door140in accordance with the ascent/descent of the cover holder130is formed on the inner side of the container cover120.

The container cover120has a rectangular shape, but the shape is not limited thereto and can be variously changed into a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

Next, the cover holder130is described with reference toFIGS.2to5. The cover holder130is disposed in the container cover120and ascends/descends, in which the cover holder130and the container cover120are combined only to vertically slide, without rotating with respect to each other.

For this configuration, a rail may be formed to guide the sliding movement with respect to each other, but, as shown inFIGS.2and3, it is possible to form the same inner shape (rectangular shape in the figures) while preventing rotation with respect to each other and allowing for free vertical movement.

Meanwhile, the cover holder130is combined by a spiral while covering the outer side of the cylinder113of the container main body110, and for this, an outer circumference rotational-combination protrusion131that is fitted in the outer circumference spiral guide groove114formed on the cylinder113protrudes inward from the inner side of the cover holder130.

As the container cover120rotates, the cover holder130is correspondingly rotated by the rotational force of the container cover120, and also vertically ascends/descends along the outer circumference spiral guide groove114, using the rotational force.

Next, the door140is described with reference toFIGS.3to5.

The door140is combined with the cover holder130to open/close the upper portion and of which one end is hinged to a side of the cover holder130and the opposite end is fitted in the door guide groove123formed on the inner side of the container cover120.

As the cover holder130descends, the end of the door140hinged to the cover holder130descends, and at the same time, the opposite end moves along the opening-path of the door guide groove123, such that the inlet121of the container cover120is opened.

Then the inlet121is fully opened, the door140is vertically stood and stops descending, which is the same as the last descent timing of the cover holder130.

On the contrary, as the cover holder130ascends, the door140moves along the closing-path of the door guide groove123, such that the inlet121of the container cover120is closed.

The ascent/descent of the cover holder130is performed by the rotational force of the container cover120.

FIGS.6to8are perspective view showing a modified embodiment of the cover holder and the door of the present patent application.

A door140of the present patent application shown in the figures is separated into one or more sections and the separate doors140are connected to the sides of a cover holder130, such that it is possible to simultaneously open or cover the inlet121of the container cover120.

That is, as shown inFIGS.6and7, it is possible to form the door140in a type of hinged door while simultaneously forming four doors separated diagonally.

Further, as shown inFIG.8, it is also possible to form the door140in a type of hinged door with two separate half doors. In these configurations, the door140separated in a plurality of doors can be formed in various shapes by straight or curved boundary lines, or combinations of them (a Taegeuk pattern is shown inFIG.8).

By separating the door140into a plurality of doors and operating it, as described above, the height of the door140is decreased, and accordingly, it is possible to reduce the movement distance for opening/closing of the door140, such that it is possible to design a compact product.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cover holder and a door integrally formed by injection molding according to the present patent application, and as shown in the figure, a cover holder130and a door140of the present patent application can be integrally manufactured by injection-molding the connecting portion using soft or thin plastic, without using a hinge pin.

Further, it is possible to form the cover holder130and the door140by double injection molding, which can provide a peculiar appearance by changing the material or the color of the door140protruding outside. The double injection molding allows for making the colors of the doors different, when simultaneously forming a plurality of doors140.

Further, as shown inFIG.2, a protrusion having the same shape of that of the inlet121of the container cover120may be formed on the upper surface of the door140, in which the protrusion may be thrilled on the same surface as the inlet121of the container cover120or may protrude upward further than the inlet121.

Alternatively, it is possible to forth a variety of patterns on the surface of the door140using raised or depressed patterns.

FIG.10is an assembly cross-sectional view showing an example of manufacturing the upper surfaces of the container cover and the door of the invention in dome shapes, and as shown in the figure, the upper surface of door140may be curved in a dome shape. In this configuration, it is possible to curve the upper surface of the container cover120to have a dome shape, which can emphasize a soft image of the product to users. In this example, the door140can be manufactured by both injection molding and hinge combination.

Next, the lipstick housing150is described in detail with reference toFIGS.2to5.

The lipstick housing150is combined with the container main body110by the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116formed on the center through-hole115of the container main body110to ascend/descend, and has a cylindrical housing body151where a lipstick is received and guide protrusions153that protrude on the outer side of the housing body151to be spirally fitted in the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116.

The lipstick housing150rotates with the cover holder130by the anti-rotation means160and vertically ascends/descends in accordance with the rotational direction.

In this configuration, it is important to form the spirals of the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116and the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114in the opposite directions.

This is for conversely operating the ascent/descent of the cover holder130and the ascent/descent of the lipstick housing150.

That is, in a one-hand lipstick container of the present patent application, as the cover holder130opens the door140while descending and the inlet121of the container cover120is opened, the lipstick housing150protrudes a lipstick outside through the inlet121of the container cover120while ascending.

Next, the anti-rotation means160is described in detail with reference toFIGS.2to5.

The anti-rotation means160transmits the rotational force of the cover holder130to the lipstick housing150disposed in the center through-hole115and guides the lipstick housing150to ascend/descend in the opposite directions to the cover holder130.

The anti-rotation means160is composed of a pipe body161that is disposed between the lipstick housing150and the center through-hole115, a fixed end163that is connected to the cover holder130at the upper end of the pipe body161, and slide grooves165that are vertically formed on the sides of the pipe body161.

The fixed end163can be manufactured in a rectangular shape.

Meanwhile, the slide grooves165allows the guide protrusions153of the lipstick housing150to be spirally fitted in the inner circumference spiral guide groove116through it such that rotational force is transmitted to the lipstick housing150by the guide protrusions153, when the anti-rotation means160is rotated by the rotational force of the cover holder130.

The lipstick housing150is guided to ascend/descend along the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116in the opposite direction to the cover holder130and vertically along the slide grooves165of the anti-rotation means160.

Hereafter, the operation of a one-hand lipstick container according to an embodiment of the present patent application is described with reference toFIGS.4and5.

InFIG.4, the inlet121of the container cover120is closed by the door140and the lipstick housing150has descended to the bottom of the container main body110.

First, as shown inFIG.4, a user rotates the container cover120with fingers, with the container body110in one hand.

In this operation, the cover holder130is rotated with the container main body110and the cover holder130descends while rotating along the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114formed on the cylinder113.

As shown inFIG.5, as the cover holder130vertically descends along the inner side of the container cover120, one end of the door140hinged to the cover holder130descends, and at the same time, the opposite end moves along the opening-path of the door guide groove123, such that the inlet121of the container cover120is opened.

When the inlet121is hilly opened, the door140is vertically stood and stops descending, which is the same as the last descent timing of the cover holder130.

In this operation, the cover holder130descends, while the lipstick housing150ascends, in which since the lipstick housing150is rotated with the cover holder130by the anti-rotation means160, they ascend/descend along the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116.

In this operation, the anti-rotation means160and the cover holder130cannot rotate with respect to each other, whereas they are combined to freely vertically slide.

That is, the cover holder130can transmit rotational force to the anti-rotation means160and descend.

The lipstick housing150that is received the rotational force from the anti-rotation means160ascends along, the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116in the opposite direction to the cover holder130and vertically along the slide grooves165of the anti-rotation means160such that the lipstick protrudes through the inlet121of the container cover120.

The present patent application described above is characterized in that the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114spiraling opposite to the direction of the screw on the inner side of the container main body110is formed on the outer side of the cylinder113.

This configuration is provided in order that when the lipstick housing150ascends along the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116, the cover holder130descends along the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114of the cylinder113, and at the same time, the door140is opened and the lipstick protrudes through the inlet121of the container cover120.

For this operation, in the present patent application, it is possible to ununiformly form the pitch of the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114on the outer side of the cylinder113of the container rain body110, as shown inFIG.11, and for example, it is possible to make wide the pitch of the upper section in the entire section and relatively narrow the pitch of the lower section.

FIG.11is a front view showing an example of forming different pitches of an outer circumferential-spiral guide groove of the container main body of the present patent application.

As shown in the figure, the reason that the pitch of the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114is ununiform is because the descent section of the cover holder130is relatively shorter than the ascent section of the lipstick housing150. Further, the uniform pitch is provided in order to first open the inlet121of the container cover120by rapidly moving down cover holder130in the upper section of the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114, and then maintain the rotation while the lipstick housing150ascends to the highest level by reducing the pitch gap such that the cover holder130descends slow in the lower section.

Further, according to the present patent application, in contrast to the above description, it is also possible to ununiformly form the pitch of the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116, in which the pitch is set small at the lower section such that the lipstick housing ascends slow while waiting for the opening tuning of the door140, and the pitch is set large after the door140is opened such that it can rapidly ascend.

Further, though not shown in the figures of the present patent application, it is possible to taper the lower portion or the upper portion of the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114, instead of ununiformly forming the pitch of the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114.

As described above, when the lower portion or the ripper portion of the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114is tapered, when the cover holder130is locked and cannot further rotate in rotating in any one direction of the left and right, the guide protrusions spirally fitted in the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114are separated from the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114in the tapered direction and slip on the outer surface of the cylinder113.

That is, a kind of idling condition is provided such that the cover holder130idles until the lipstick housing150reaches the highest position.

In this configuration, when the cover holder130is reversely rotated, the guide protrusions are inserted in the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114, and then are guided to the opposite side, which is not tapered, and ascend or descend.

Further, it is also possible to make the cover holder130idle until the lipstick housing150reaches the maximum descent position, by separating the guide protrusions from the outer circumferential-spiral guide groove114in the rotational direction when the cover holder130reaches the maximum ascent position.

Hereafter, a one-hand lipstick container according to another embodiment of the present patent application is provided With reference toFIGS.12to16.

FIG.12is a perspective view showing the structure of a one-hand lipstick container according to another embodiment of the present patent application, and as shown in the figure, in the one-hand lipstick container according to another embodiment of the present patent application, a center through-hole115of a container main body110is formed of a two-coupled center through-hole115composed of a portion having a large inner diameter at a cylinder113and a portion having a small inner diameter at the body111. Further, an inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116is formed on the inner side of the lower portion of the center through-hole115in the body111.

FIG.13is an exploded view showing when the container main body is combined with a lipstick housing according to another embodiment of the present patent application, and as shown in this figure, the lipstick housing150ascends/descends with a lipstick therein is disposed in the center through-hole150.

In this configuration, the lipstick housing150has a cylindrical housing body151that is inserted in the upper portion of the center through-hole115of the cylinder113and a slide column152that extends down from the housing body151and is inserted in the lower portion of the center through-hole115in the body111, and a guide protrusion153that is fitted in an inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116protrudes around the end of the slide column152.

The configuration of the container cover120, the cover holder130, and the door140of the lipstick container according to the embodiment of the present patent application shown inFIGS.1to11can be applied in the same way to the lipstick container according to another embodiment of the present patent application, shown inFIGS.12and13.

Accordingly, the description for the configuration and operation of them is not provided, and the configuration and relationship of the container main body110, the lipstick housing150, the cover holder130, and the anti-rotation means160are described in detail.

Another embodiment of the present patent application described above can be changed in various ways in accordance with the configuration of the anti-rotation means160.

The anti-rotation means160transmits the rotational force of the cover holder130to the lipstick housing150disposed in the center through-hole115of the container main body110and guides the lipstick housing150to ascend/descend in the opposite directions to the cover holder130.

First, as shown inFIG.13, it is possible to form the anti-rotation means160around the upper end of the lipstick housing150, and the anti-rotation means160can be formed by horizontally extending a protrusion or the edge around the upper end of the lipstick housing150.

FIG.14is an exploded perspective view showing an example of forming a slide protrusion at the upper end of the lipstick housing and a protrusion guide groove, which is fitted on the slide protrusion, on the inner side of the cover holder to prevent rotation, according to another embodiment of the present patent application.

As shown in the figure, the anti-rotation means160can be implemented by forming side protrusions155protruding from the edge of the upper end of a pipe body161of the lipstick housing150and protrusion guide grooves133, in which the slide protrusions155are fitted, on the inner side of the cover holder130, and then fitting the slide protrusions155in the protrusion guide grooves133.

FIG.15is an exploded perspective view showing an example of forming a rectangular edge at the upper end of the lipstick housing to prevent rotation when being combined with the cover holder.

As shown in the figure, the anti-rotation means160can have a configuration in which a rectangular plate-shaped edge part is formed around the upper end of the pipe body161of the lipstick housing150and the edge part is fitted inside the cover holder130to prevent rotation.

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view showing an example when the lipstick housing is inserted in the anti-rotation means according to the present patent application.

As shown in the figure, the anti-rotation means160is formed of a pipe body161that is inserted in the center through-hole115, a fixed end163that is fitted inside the cover holder130and receives rotational force is formed at the upper end of the pipe body161, and slide grooves165are vertically formed on the inner side of the pipe body161.

In this configuration, the lipstick housing150is received in the pipe body161and rail-shaped slide protrusions155that are fitted in the slide grooves165are formed on the sides of the housing body151of the lipstick housing150.

The slide column152of the lipstick housing150passes through the bottom of the pipe body161, and as shown inFIG.13, the slide column152is spirally fitted in the inner circumferential-spiral guide groove116at the lower portion.

In this configuration, a guide protrusion153for spiral fitting is formed at the lower end of the slide column152.

FIG.17is an exploded perspective view showing an example of forming screw protrusions on the outer side of the container main body and a screw guide groove on the inner side of the cover holder.

According to the present patent application shown in the figure, holder inner circumferential protrusions117are formed on the outer side of the cylinder113of the container main body110and a holder inner circumferential guide groove135in which the holder inner circumferential screw protrusions117are spirally fitted is formed on the inner side of the cover holder130.

This combination structure can be applied to the embodiments of the present patent application shown inFIGS.1to16or other embodiments.

The present patent application described above provides convenience for users and makes it possible to use the lipstick container with one hand by forming the container main body110and the container cover120at a similar height or forming the container main body110at a slightly large height.

That is, according to the present patent application, a user can easily grip the container main body110with the palm, and in this position, the user can easily make up by rotating the container cover120with the thumb etc. to protrude the lipstick housing150and the lipstick.

FIG.18is an assembly cross-sectional view showing an example of disposing a cylinder member between the container main body and the lipstick housing.

The lipstick container according to the present patent application shown in the figure can be configured such that a spiral guide groove is formed on the inner side of the upper portion of the center through-hole115, a cylinder member170that ascends/descends along the spiral guide groove is disposed between the container main body and the lipstick housing150, and the lipstick housing150that vertically ascends/descends is disposed inside the cylinder member170.

In this configuration, the cylinder member170is formed in a pipe shape and ascends first to the uppermost portion of the center through-hole115to protrude through the inlet121of the container cover120before the lipstick housing150ascends, and then the lipstick housing150ascends second over the cylinder member170such that the lipstick protrudes.

This is for preventing a problem that the door140interferes with the lipstick.

Further, according to the present patent application described above, it is possible to form a spiral guide groove (not shown) on the inner side of the upper portion of the center through-hole115of the container main body110such that the cover holder130ascends/descends while being spirally fitted in the spiral guide groove. Accordingly, the cover holder130moves inside the center through-hole115, such that it is possible to lower the lowermost position and the uppermost position in the movement section, and accordingly, it is possible to maximally use the upper space of the container cover120.

FIGS.19A to19Dare perspective views showing modified embodiments of the container cover of a one-hand lipstick container according to the present patent application, and in the figures, although only the shape of the container cover120is shown, the shape of the container main body110is also applied.

It is possible to form the outer shape of the container cover120using N straight or curved surfaces. The N is a number from 3 to the infinity and the shape corresponding to the infinity may be a circle. Further, it is preferable to form the inside of the container main body110and the container cover120in a rectangular shape.

Further, it is possible to form the inlet121at the upper portion of the container cover120in a different shape from the cross-sectional shape of the lipstick. That is, when the cross section of the lipstick is a circle, the inlet121can be manufactured in a polygonal shape etc.

Although it is possible to manufacture the container main body110and the container cover120of the lipstick container of the present patent application described above with synthetic resin, metal, or ceramic, when they are made of metal, such as aluminum, it is possible to improve the quality of a product due to the peculiar luster and the feel of metal.

In particular, using metal can decease the thickness of a product, such that it is possible to decrease the entire size of the product, which contributes to refine the image of the product. The present patent application having the configurations described above makes it possible to use the lipstick container with one hand, such that the use is simple and a good appearance is provided.

Further, since all the parts are assembled in the container cover and the container main body and the parts are hot exposed to the outside, elegant design can be accomplished even if the lipstick container is manufactured to have the same external appearance as existing lipstick containers. In addition, since the lipstick container is used by rotating the container main body, similar to existing lipstick containers, users can familiarly use it, without strangeness.

Further, according to the present patent application, by optimizing the height of the container main body such that a user can take all action with the lipstick container in one hand, it is possible to easily rotate the container cover with fingers while gripping the container main body with the palm, such that the use is convenient.

Referring now toFIG.20, a one hand lipstick container1according to further embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

The one-hand lipstick container1comprises an internal assembly A including a cylindrical main body210defining an opening (or center through-hole)215therethrough; a cover holder230arranged radially outside the cylindrical main body210; a cover (or door)240attached to the cover holder240; a lipstick housing250arranged radially inside the cylindrical main body210; an intermediate member (or anti-rotation means)260interposed radially between the cylindrical main body210and the lipstick housing250. The internal assembly A further includes a cover guide280attached to the intermediate member260. A cylinder member270may also be arranged radially inside the cylindrical many body210. The internal assembly A is accommodated in a space defined by an upper case (or container cover)220and a bottom case200disposed in a rotatable relationship with each other at upper and lower ends, respectively, of the one-hand lipstick container1.

Components of the one-hand lipstick container1depicted inFIG.20and subsequent drawings are amenable to variations and may incorporate features of related components in one or more embodiments described above With reference toFIGS.1to19D. Except where noted otherwise, similar or analogous features may be shared by corresponding structures in different examples, such as, for example, the cylindrical main body210and the container main body110; the upper case220and the container cover120; the cover holder230and the cover holder130; the cover240and the door140; the lipstick housing250and the lipstick housing150; the intermediate member260and the anti-rotation means160; and the cylinder member270and the cylinder member170.

In the one-hand lipstick container1, the cylindrical main body210extends in an axial direction. The cover holder230is rotatable received on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210via a first screw mechanism S1therebetween. The cover240is hinged to the cover holder230to open and close an opening221at an upper end of the one-hand lipstick container1. The lipstick housing250is rotatably received on an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210via a second screw mechanism S2therebetween. The first screw mechanism S1and the second screw mechanism S2have opposite rotational directionalities to each other.

The intermediate member260is interposed radially between the cylindrical main body210and the lipstick housing250, and includes a head263and a guide sleeve261extending from the head263. The head263slidably engages with the cover holder230to limit rotation of the cover holder230relative to the intermediate member260while allowing the cover holder230to move in the axial direction relative to the intermediate member260. The guide sleeve261slidably engages with the lipstick housing250to limit rotation of the lipstick housing250relative to the intermediate member260while allowing the lipstick housing250to move in the axial direction relative to the intermediate member260.

The upper case220is affixed to the intermediate member260. The bottom case200is affixed to the cylindrical main body210.

The cover guide280is attached to the head263of the intermediate member260. The cover guide280includes a cover guide groove281along which the cover240is guided. The cover guide280is provided separately from the upper case220and the head263of the intermediate member260.

With additional reference toFIGS.21A through32E, respective components of the one-hand lipstick container1are depicted in further detail.

FIGS.21A,21B,21C,21D, and21Eare a top plan view, a side elevational view, a bottom plan view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the cover holder230.

In some embodiments, the cover holder230may include an annular base232; a first sliding part233extending from the annular base232; and a second sliding part234extending from the annular base232, disposed radially opposite the first sliding part233. A first protrusion231may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the cover holder230.

The annular base232may have a diameter larger than that of an upper portion of the cylindrical main body210where a threaded surface T is provided. Each of the first sliding part233and the second sliding part234may be curved along a corresponding section of the circumference of the annular base232. Each of the first sliding part233and the second sliding part234may define a pair of parallel edges along the axial direction. The first sliding part233may be longer in the axial direction, and wider in the circumferential direction, than the second sliding part234. A pair of hinge pins230amay be provided on an upper end of the first sliding part233.

FIGS.22A,22B,22C,22D, and22Eare a top plan view, a side elevational view, a bottom plan view, a top perspective view, and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of the cover240.

In some embodiments, the cover240may include a lid241with a pair of legs242extending from opposite sides of the lid241. The lid241may be in any suitable shape, such as a circle or a polygon, that conforms to the perimeter of the opening221. A pair of holes242amay be provided in the pair of legs242, so as to accommodate the pair of hinge pins230aprovided on the cover holder230. A pair of cover protrusions242bmay be provided on the pair of legs242, so as to slidably engage with a pair of cover guide grooves281provided on the cover guide280.

FIGS.23A,23B,23C,23D,23E and23Fare a top plan view, a side elevational view, a bottom plan view, a cross-sectional view, a top perspective view, and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of the cover guide280.

In some embodiments, the cover guide280may comprises a curved, open-ended ring defining a U-shaped configuration having a pair of parallel inner surfaces opposite each other, on which a pair of cover guide grooves281are provided. A distance between the cover guide grooves281may be determined based on a distance between opposite sides of the cover240where the pair of cover protrusions242bare provided, such that the pair of cover protrusions242bslidably engage with the pair of cover guide grooves281in the assembled container1. Different configurations of the cover guide280are possible than those depicted the figures. For example, the cover guide280may have a closed ring configuration without discontinuation in the circumference, or a rectangular ring or U-shaped configuration.

In some embodiments, attachment of the cover guide280to the head263of the intermediate member260may be accomplished, for example, by a combination of complementary recess and projection provided on the cover guide280and the head263, respectively. For example, one or more recesses263cmay be provided on the head263, and one or more projections280amay be provided on the cover guide280, such that fitting the recesses263cand the projections280asecures the cover guide280in place relative to the head263of the intermediate member260. A dimension of the cover guide280may be equal to or slightly smaller than a gap between opposing surfaces of the upper case220and the head263of the intermediate member260, such that the cover guide280is fixed in place between the upper case220and the head263once the one-hand lipstick container1is assembled.

Compared to embodiments where a cover guide groove is provided on an inner surface of the upper case or the intermediate member, provision of the cover guide280separate from the upper case220and the intermediate member260may facilitate assembly of the one-hand lipstick container1, wherein attachment of the cover240to the cover holder230and positioning of the cover240relative to the cover guide280may be performed in separate production steps without interfering with the surrounding structures, which ultimately results in improved precision in the assembly, and consequently, high production yield and reliable performance of the resulting container1.

FIGS.24A,24B,24C,24D, and24Eare a top plan view, a front elevational view, a side elevational view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the intermediate member260.

In some embodiments, the head263and the guide sleeve261of the intermediate member260may be formed of an integral piece of material, such as molded plastic. Alternatively, instead, the head263and the guide sleeve261of the intermediate member260may be formed of separate pieces of material fastened together to restrict movement with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the head263of the intermediate member260and the cover holder230may have mutually complementary shapes configured to together define a continuous circumferential surface in direct contact with an inner circumferential surface of the upper case220. The continuous circumferential surface may be any suitable shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a curved polygon, a polygon with rounded corners, or any combination thereof, in cross section. For example, the continuous circumferential surface may have a horizontal cross section shaped as a curved square or a square with rounded corners.

In some embodiments, the head263of the intermediate member260may include a first vertical guide portion263aconfigured to receive the first sliding part233of the cover holder230slidably therealong in the axial direction; and a second vertical guide portion263b, disposed opposite the first vertical guide portion263a, configured to receive the second vertical guide portion263bof the cover holder230slidably therealong in the axial direction.

Specifically, the first vertical guide portion263amay be provided as a cut having a width similar to that of the first sliding part233of the cover holder230. The second vertical guide portion263bmay be provided as a recessed surface having a width similar to that of the second sliding part234of the cover holder230. For example, the head263may have a U-shaped cross section wherein the gap in letter U corresponds to the vertical guide portion263into which the first sliding part233of the cover holder230slidably fits, whereas the side opposite the gap in letter U corresponds to the second vertical guide portion263balong which the second sliding part234of the cover holder230slidably fits.

In some embodiments, the head263of the intermediate member260may have an outer circumferential surface thereof configured to interlock with an inner circumferential surface of the upper case220. For example, a pair of horizontal grooves263dmay be provided on opposite sides of the outer circumferential surface of the head263, and a pair of projections220a(seeFIGS.31A-31E) may be provided on opposite sides of the inner circumferential surface of the upper case220, such that fitting the projections220ain the horizontal grooves263dfastens the intermediate member260onto the upper case270.

In some embodiments, the guide sleeve261of the intermediate member260may comprise an elongated cylinder with a first guide slot265defined therein. The outermost diameter of the guide sleeve261may be determined based on the respective sizes of the surrounding structures including the cylindrical main body210, the cover holder230, the lipstick housing250, and the cylinder member270.

In some embodiments, the guide sleeve261may include a first horizontal slot266continuous with an upper end of the first guide slot265and offset from the first guide slot265in the axial direction, and a second horizontal slot267continuous with a lower end of the first guide slot265and offset from the first guide slot265in the axial direction. The second horizontal slot267extends horizontally in a direction opposite to the first horizontal slot266.

Unlike embodiments where a fixed end163at the upper end of the pipe body161is fitted inside the cover holder130and receives rotational force therefrom, the head263of the intermediate member260is disposed outside of the cover holder230, and is directly connected to the upper case220so as to receive rotational force therefrom. Compared to embodiments where the anti-rotation means is disposed inside the cover holder, the intermediate member260allowing direct connection between the head263and the upper case220may contribute to size reduction and increased design flexibility of the one-hand lipstick container1, where, for example, the overall thickness of the one-hand lipstick container1is reduced by reducing the number of overlapping layers of material, and exposing the head263to the upper case220allows for diverse configurations of anti-rotation and cover guide functionalities in the one-hand lipstick container1.

FIGS.25A,25B,25C,25D, and25Eare a top plan view, a side devotional view, a bottom plan view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the lipstick housing250.

In some embodiments, the lipstick housing250may include an upper, housing portion254configured to accommodate a lipstick therein, and a lower, base portion255divided from the housing portion254by an internal partition256. A plurality of ridges254amay be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the housing portion254, so as to secure a lipstick in place in an assembled product. Ventilation holes256amay be provided in the partition256, so as to allow for air communication between the housing portion254and the base portion255. The lipstick housing250may further include a pair of second protrusions253provided on an outer circumferential surface thereof adjacent to a lower end of the base portion255.

FIGS.26A,26B,26C,26D,26E, and26Fare a top plan view, a front elevational view, a bottom plan view, a side elevational view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the cylindrical main body210.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical main body210may comprise a bottomed tabular member sized to accommodate the inner structures, such as the lipstick housing250, the cylinder member270, and the intermediate member260, therein. Outer and/or inner circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical main body210may be threaded to serve as guide grooves in the screw mechanisms S1and S2, as detailed below.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical main body210may have an outer circumferential surface thereof configured to interlock with an inner circumferential surface of the bottom case200. For example, circumferential grooves212may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210, and corresponding projections201may be provided on the inner circumferential surface, of the bottom case200, such that fitting the projections201in the circumferential grooves212fastens the cylindrical main body210onto the bottom case200.

The circumferential grooves212may include a plurality of vertical grooves212intermittently disposed along the circumference of the cylindrical main body210, as depicted inFIG.20. Alternatively, instead, the circumferential grooves212may include a combination of an annular groove212aand one or more vertical grooves212bintermittently disposed along the circumference of the cylindrical main body210, as depicted inFIGS.26A through26F.

With further reference toFIG.20andFIGS.21A to21E,25A to25E, and26A to26F, the first and second screw mechanisms S1and S2are described.

In some embodiments, the first screw mechanism S1may include a first helical guide groove214provided on a threaded surface T being one of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210and an inner circumferential surface of the cover holder230, and a first protrusion231provided on the other one of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210and the inner circumferential surface of the cover holder230to slidably engage with the first helical guide groove214.

For example, in the example depicted inFIG.20, the first helical guide groove214is provided on a threaded surface T which is the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210, and the first protrusion231is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cover holder230.

The second screw mechanism S2may include a second helical guide groove216provided on the inner circumferential surface of die cylindrical main body210, and a second protrusion253provided on an outer circumferential surface of the lipstick housing250to slidably engage with the second helical guide groove216. The guide sleeve261of the intermediate member260may include a first guide slot265extending in the axial direction, through which the second protrusion253protrudes outward to slidably engage with the second helical guide groove216.

The first screw mechanism S1may include a pair of said first helical guide grooves214, and a pair of said first protrusions231. Likewise, the second screw mechanism S2may include a pair of said second helical guide grooves216, and a pair of said second protrusions253. Each pair of guide grooves may be radially symmetrical to each other, and each pair of protrusions may be radially symmetrical to each other.

The first helical guide groove214and the second helical guide groove216spiral in opposite directions, such that sliding the first protrusion231along the first helical guide groove214causes the cover holder230to move in a first vertical direction along the axial direction while rotating relative to the cylindrical main body210, and sliding the second protrusion253along the second helical guide groove216causes the lipstick housing250to move in a second vertical direction, opposite the first vertical direction, along the axial direction while rotating relative to the cylindrical main body210.

The terms “first vertical direction” and “second vertical direction” as used herein refer to directions in which the cover holder230and the lipstick housing250, respectively, are movable along the axial direction as the first protrusion231and the second protrusion253slide along the first helical guide groove214and the second helical guide groove216, respectively, in response to a torque or rotational force applied by a user twisting the upper case220relative to the bottom case200. The term “axial direction” as used herein corresponds to a direction in which the cylindrical main body210extends. The term “upward movement” or “ascent” as used herein generally indicates a movement toward an upper end of the one-hand lipstick container1where the opening221may be located, and the term “downward movement” or “descent” as used herein generally indicates a movement toward a lower end of the one-hand lipstick container1where the bottom of the bottom case200may be located. For example, twisting the upper case220clockwise relative to the bottom case200may cause the cover holder230to move downward (i.e., descend) and the lipstick housing250to move upward (i.e., ascend) along the axial direction, whereas twisting the upper case220counterclockwise relative to the bottom case200may cause the cover holder230to move upward (i.e., ascend) and the lipstick housing250to move downward (i.e., descend) along the axial direction.

With continued reference toFIGS.26A through26F, variations of the first screw mechanism S1according to the present disclosure are described.

In some embodiments, the first screw mechanism S1may further include an auxiliary guide groove217disposed adjacent to an upper end214aof the first helical guide groove214. The auxiliary guide groove217is separate from the first helical guide groove214, and is configured to receive the first protrusion231therein. The upper end214aof the first helical guide groove214may be located inward from an upper perimeter of the threaded surface T.

During operation of the one-hand lipstick container1, after the first protrusion231reaches the upper end214aof the first helical guide groove214, an additional torque applied in a direction to open the one-hand lipstick container1causes the first protrusion231to disengage from the upper end214aof the first helical guide groove214and glide over the threaded surface T into the auxiliary guide groove217.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary guide groove217may be wider than the first protrusion231along a circumferential direction of the threaded surface T. Also, the auxiliary guide groove217may be wider than the first protrusion231along the axial direction. Further, the auxiliary guide groove217may extend diagonally to the axial direction, so as to generally follow the contour of the first helical guide groove214.

In some embodiments, an upper end217aof the auxiliary guide groove217may taper to a pointed tip, so as to restrict further movement of the first protrusion231away from the upper end217aof the auxiliary guide groove217in response to a torque applied in a direction to open the one-hand lipstick container1.

In some embodiments, a lower end217bof the auxiliary guide groove217may have a gradually reduced depth to be level with the threaded surface T, so as to allow the first protrusion231to exit the auxiliary guide groove217to reengage with the first helical guide groove214in response to a torque applied in a direction to close the one-hand lipstick container1.

Providing the auxiliary guide groove217separate from the first helical guide groove214may allow for reliable operation of the one-hand lipstick container1, reducing a risk of misalignment or damage where the first screw mechanism S1undergoes idle rotation so as to absorb a difference in circumferential length between the first helical guide groove214and the second helical guide groove216. The pointed tip at the upper end217aof the auxiliary guide groove217securely limits further rotation of the cover holder230once it reaches a predetermined height to establish a closed state of the container1, and the gradually reduced depth at the lower end217bof the auxiliary guide groove217enables smooth reengagement of the first protrusion231with the first helical guide groove214in response to reverse rotation to open the one-hand lipstick container1.

FIGS.27A,27B,27C,27D, and27Eare a top plan view, a front elevational view, a bottom plan view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the cylinder member270.

In some embodiments, the cylinder member270may telescopically surround the lipstick housing250. The guide sleeve261may slidably engage with the cylinder member270to limit rotation of the cylinder member270relative to the intermediate member260while allowing the cylinder member270to move in the axial direction relative to the intermediate member260. Twisting the upper case220relative to the bottom case210transmits a torque to the cylinder member270via the intermediate member260, causing the cylinder member270to move in the second vertical direction (i.e., the same direction in which the lipstick housing250moves), while rotating relative to the cylindrical main body210.

In some embodiments, a third protrusion273may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder member270to slidably engage with the second helical guide groove216. The third protrusion273protrudes outward through the first guide slot265provided in the guide sleeve261of the intermediate member260, so as to slidably engage with the second helical guide groove216. The cylinder member270may include a pair of said third protrusions273.

Sliding the third protrusion273along the second helical guide groove216causes the cylinder member270to move in the second vertical direction (i.e., the same direction in which the lipstick housing250moves) while rotating relative to the cylindrical main body210. In response to a torque applied in a direction to open the one-hand lipstick container1, the opening221is reached first by the cylinder member270and subsequently by the lipstick housing250as the cylinder member270and the lipstick housing250move upward in the axial direction.

In some embodiments, the cylinder member270may have a notch274adjacent to a bottom end270aof the cylinder member270, through which the second protrusion253protrudes outward to slidably engage with the second helical guide groove216. In the example depicted inFIG.20andFIGS.27A through27E, the notch274has an upper end thereof located below the third protrusion273in the axial direction.

FIG.28is a perspective view of another example of the cylinder member270.

As depicted inFIG.28, in some embodiments, the cylinder member270may include a second guide slot275extending upward from a bottom end270aof the cylinder member270in the axial direction, through which the second protrusion253protrudes outward to slidably engage with the second helical guide groove216. An upper end275aof the second guide slot275may be located at the same level as the third protrusion273in the axial direction. The third protrusion273may be spaced apart from the bottom end270aof the cylinder member270in the axial direction. A distance from the upper end275aof the second guide slot275to the bottom end270aof the cylinder member270in the axial direction may be more than 10% of the length of the cylinder member270and may be from 20% to 90%, and preferably from 30% to 50%, of the length of the cylinder member270.

In some embodiments, the second guide slot275may include a positioning portion275blocated adjacent to the bottom end270aof the cylinder member270and aligned with the third protrusion273in the axial direction. The second guide slot275may also include a guide portion275cextending from the positioning portion275band terminating in the upper end275aof the second guide slot275. The guide portion275cmay be offset from the third protrusion273in the axial direction.

FIGS.29A through29Cschematically illustrate the cylinder member270ofFIG.28, shown with the lipstick housing250during operation of the one-hand lipstick container1.FIGS.30A through30Dschematically illustrate movement of the second protrusion253and the third protrusion273with respect to the guide sleeve261of the intermediate member260during operation of the one-hand lipstick container1, with surrounding structures omitted for clarity.

In some embodiments, the third protrusion273may be located higher (i.e., closer to the opening221) than the second protrusion253is in the axial direction, where the one-hand lipstick container1is in a fully closed state. The third protrusion273may be located at the same level as the second protrusion253is in the axial direction, where the one-hand lipstick container1is in a fully open state. A distance between the second protrusion253and the third protrusion273in the axial direction may diminish as the one-hand lipstick container1is operated from the fully closed state to the fully open state.

Specifically, as depicted inFIG.29A, where the one-hand lipstick container1is in a fully closed state, the second protrusion253may be accommodated in the positioning portion275bof the second guide slot275so as to align with the third protrusion273in the axial direction. Meanwhile, as depicted inFIG.30A, both the second protrusion253and the third protrusion273may protrude outward via the first guide slot265of the guide sleeve261. At this point, the first guide slot265aligns with the positioning portion275bof the second guide slot275in the axial direction.

In response to a torque applied in a direction to open the one-hand lipstick container1in the fully closed state, the lipstick housing250and the cylinder member270move upward synchronously with each other, as their respective protrusions253and273are simultaneously guided along the first guide slot265.

After the third protrusion273reaches the upper end of the first guide slot265, a further toque applied in a direction to open the one-hand lipstick container1causes the third protrusion273to enter the first horizontal slot266of the guide sleeve261as depicted inFIG.30B, whereas the second protrusion253, still in the first guide slot265, enters the guide portion275cof the second guide slot275as depicted inFIG.29B. At this point, the first guide slot265aligns with the guide portion275cof the second guide slot275in the axial direction.

With the third protrusion273reaching the upper end of the first guide slot265, the cylinder member270ceases upward movement, whereas the lipstick housing250may continue upward movement with the second protrusion253guided along first guide slot265. Where the cylinder member270is at its highest operational position, an upper end of the cylinder member270may be located above the opening221.

As the second protrusion253reaches the upper end275aof the second guide slot275, the second protrusion253and the third protrusion273may align with each other in the horizontal direction, so as to be located at the same level as each other in the axial direction, as depicted inFIG.29CandFIG.30C. With the second protrusion253reaching the upper end275aof the second guide slot275, the lipstick housing250ceases upward movement. Where the lipstick housing250is at its highest operational position, an upper end of the lipstick housing250may be located above the upper end of the cylinder member270.

Further, in response to a torque applied in a direction to close the one-hand lipstick container1in a fully closed state, the second protrusion253enters the second horizontal slot267of the guide sleeve261via a lower end of the guide portion275cof the second guide slot275, whereas the third protrusion273remains within the first guide slot265of the guide sleeve261, as depicted inFIG.30D. At this point, the first guide slot265aligns with the positioning portion275bof the second guide slot275in the axial direction. Where the lipstick housing250is at its lowest operational position, a lower end of the lipstick housing250may be located above a lower end of the cylinder member270.

Provision of the cylinder member270ensures that the cover240properly opens to allow exposure of a lipstick to the outside via the opening210without interfering with the surrounding structures during operation of the one-hand lipstick container1. Further, provision of the second guide slot275in the cylinder member270may increase a range of mobility of the lipstick housing250while inside the cylinder member270, which in turn allows for a reduced length of the lipstick housing250, leading to overall compact design and light weight of the one-hand lipstick container1.

FIGS.31A,31B,31C,31D, and31Eare a top plan view, a bottom plan view, a first cross-sectional view, a second cross-sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the upper case220.

In some embodiments, the upper case220may comprise an open-ended cylindrical tube defining an opening221at an upper end thereof. The upper case220may include a pair of projections220aon opposite sides of an inner circumferential surface thereof, so as to interlock with an outer circumferential surface of the head263of the intermediate member260.

FIGS.32A,32B,32C,32D, and32Eare a top plan view, a side elevational view, a bottom plan view, a cross-sectional view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the bottom case200.

In some embodiments, the bottom case200may comprise a bottomed cylinder. The bottom case200may include projections201on an inner circumferential surface thereof, so as to interlock with an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210. The projections201may include a plurality of vertical projections201intermittently disposed along the circumference of the bottom case200. Alternatively, instead, the projections201may include a combination of horizontally aligned projections201aand a plurality of vertical projections201bintermittently disposed along the circumference of the bottom case200, as depicted inFIGS.32A through32E.

FIGS.33A,33B, and33Care a top plan view, a side elevational view, and a perspective view, respectively, of the one-hand lipstick container1in a fully closed state.FIG.34is a side elevational view of the one-hand lipstick container1in a fully open state.FIGS.35A and35Bare a side elevational view and a perspective view, respectively, of the one-hand lipstick container1in a fully open state, shown with a lipstick received therein.

Where the one-hand lipstick container1is in a fully closed state, the cover holder230is at its highest operational position whereas the lipstick housing250is at its lowest operational position. Applying a torque in a direction to open the one-hand lipstick container1(e.g., twisting the upper case220clockwise relative to the bottom case2001causes the cover holder230to move downward (i.e., descend) as the first protrusion231slides along the first helical guide groove214, such that the cover240hinged to the cover holder230moves away from the opening221while guided along the cover guide groove281provided on the cover guide280. Meanwhile, the same torque causes the lipstick housing250and the cylinder member270to move upward (i.e., ascend) as the second protrusion253and the third protrusion270slide along the second helical guide groove216.

As the cover240is retracted from the opening221thereby exposing the inside of the one-hand lipstick container1, the cylinder member270initially reaches the opening221whereas the lipstick housing250has its upper end still below the opening221. Upward movement of the cylinder member270ceases once the cylinder member270reaches a predetermined height beyond the opening221. Thereafter, the lipstick housing250continues upward movement until it reaches a predetermined height beyond the opening221. The lipstick housing250may protrude beyond the cylinder member270.

Where the one-hand lipstick container1is in a fully open state, the cover holder230is at its lowest operational position whereas the lipstick housing250is at its highest operational position. Applying a torque in a direction to close the one-hand lipstick container1(e.g., twisting the upper case220counterclockwise relative to the bottom case200) causes the cover holder230to move upward (i.e., ascend) as the first protrusion231slides along the first helical guide groove214, such that the cover240hinged to the cover holder230moves toward the opening221while guided along the cover guide groove281provided on the cover guide280. Meanwhile, the same torque causes the lipstick housing250to move downward (i.e., descend) as the second protrusion253slides along the second helical guide groove216, followed by the cylinder member270to move downward as the third protrusion270slides along the second helical guide groove216.

As the cover240occupies the opening221thereby concealing the inside of the one-hand lipstick container1, downward movement of the cylinder member270ceases once it reaches a predetermined height below the opening221. Thereafter, the lipstick housing250continues downward movement until it reaches a predetermined height below the opening221.

FIGS.36A through36Hare diagrams schematically illustrating a method of producing a one-hand lipstick container1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.36A, in step S101, the cylinder member270and the lipstick housing250are combined by inserting the cylinder member270into the lipstick housing250, so as to obtain a first subassembly A101in which the cylinder member270telescopically surrounds the lipstick housing250. In the first subassembly A101, the second pro Fusion253and the third pro Fusion273align with each other in the axial direction.

As shown inFIG.36B, in step S102, the intermediate member260including the head263and the guide sleeve261is combined with the first subassembly A101by inserting the first subassembly A101into the intermediate member260, so as to obtain a second subassembly A102in which the intermediate member260is located radially outward from the cylinder member270and the lipstick housing250. In the second subassembly A102, the second protrusion253and the third protrusion273protrude outward through the first guide slot265provided in the guide sleeve261.

As shown inFIG.36C, in step S103, the cover holder230and the cylindrical main body210are combined by fitting the cylindrical main body210into a bottom end of the cover holder230, so as to obtain a third subassembly A103. In the third subassembly A103, the first protrusion231provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cover holder230slidably engages with the first helical guide groove214on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210.

As shown inFIG.36D, in step S104, the second subassembly A102and the third subassembly A103are combined by inserting the second subassembly A102into the third subassembly A103, so as to obtain a fourth subassembly A104. In the fourth subassembly A104, the second protrusion253and the third protrusion273slidably engage with the second helical guide groove216provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210. The head263of the intermediate member260is exposed outside while fitting with the cover holder230.

As shown inFIG.36E, in step S105, the cover240is combined with the fourth subassembly A104so as to obtain a fifth subassembly A105. In the fifth subassembly A105, the cover240is attached to the cover holder230, e.g., by fitting the pins230aprovided on the cover holder230into the holes242aof the cover240.

As shown inFIG.36F, in step S106, the cover guide280is combined with the fifth subassembly A105, so as to obtain a sixth subassembly A106. In the sixth subassembly A106, the cover guide280is attached to the head263of the intermediate member260, e.g., by fitting the recesses263con the outer circumference of the head263with the complementary projections280aon the cover guide280.

As shown inFIG.36G, in step S107, the upper case220is combined with the sixth subassembly A106by inserting an upper portion of the sixth subassembly A106into the upper case220, so as to obtain a seventh subassembly A107. In the seventh subassembly A107, the upper case220is affixed to the intermediate member260, e.g., by fitting the horizontal grooves263dprovided on opposite sides of the outer circumferential surface of the head263with the projections220aprovided on opposite sides of the inner circumferential surface of the upper case220.

As shown inFIG.36H, in step S108, the bottom case200is combined with the seventh subassembly A107by inserting a lower portion of the seventh subassembly A107into the bottom case200, so as to obtain an eighth subassembly A108. In the eight subassembly A108, the bottom case200is affixed to the cylindrical main body210, e.g., by fitting grooves provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body210with projections provided on the inner circumferential surface of the bottom case200. Depending on particular applications, the eight Subassembly A108may constitute a complete container1where no further process is performed.

In the method of producing the one-hand lipstick container1according to the present disclosure, the step of providing the cover guide280may be performed independently of the step of providing the upper case220and the step of providing the intermediate member260. Further, the step of providing the cover guide280may be performed after the step of providing the cover240.

Specifically, in the example depicted inFIGS.36AtoFIG.36H, the step S106of providing the cover guide280is performed independently of the step S107of providing the upper case220and the step S102of providing the intermediate member260. Further, the step S106of providing the cover guide280is performed after the step S105of providing the cover240.

Separating the step of providing the cover guide280from the steps of providing the upper case220and the intermediate member260as described herein may facilitate assembly of the one-hand lipstick container1, wherein attachment of the cover240to the cover holder230and positioning of the cover240relative to the cover guide280may be performed without interfering with the surrounding structures, which ultimately results in unproved precision in the assembly, and consequently, high production yield and reliable performance of the resulting container1.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, manufacturing methods include injection molding, 3D printing, and using various materials including metal. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses any and all embodiments derived from any such modifications and combinations of features within the scope of the appended claims.