Technical Field

The present invention is related to a mass carrier, in particular the carrier for cosmetic or medical preparation and an applicator, in particular the applicator for cosmetic or medical preparation, where the applicator comprises a mass carrier according to the present invention. A typical, but not limiting, example of an applicator is a lipstick or lip balm.

Background Art

Referring to Fig. 3, which shows the most commonly used type of applicator, this type of applicator a, e.g. a lipstick or lip balm, is based on the principle of extending the carrier b of the mass c in the applicator a from a retracted position (Fig. 3a) to an extended position (Fig. 3b).

The carrier b is usually formed by a simple "cup", i.e. a hollow cylinder, one base of which is closed and the other open, which usually contains two cylindrical projections bl on its outer surface. A considerable amount of mass c is located in the "cup". It is usually about one third of the mass of the preparation, but it can be even more, see Fig. 3. The "cup" may contain elements inside, to help the mass c placed in the "cup" not to get loose and not to fall out.

The applicator a comprises an actuator al with a base a2 and an inner tube a.3, which usually forms an integral part of the base, and a cylindrical housing (not shown), the actuator al being adapted for rotatable connection with the housing and the housing being adapted to be mounted on the inner tube a3 of the actuator al and for rotatable connection with the actuator al .

The inner tube a3 usually comprises two links a4 for guiding two cylindrical projections bl located on the carrier b. Both links a4 have a first transverse groove a41 for locking, i. e. securing, the carrier b in the extended position, the first transverse groove a41 being positioned at the first end of the link, remote from the base a2 of the actuator al, and a second transverse groove a42 for locking the carrier b in the retracted position, the second transverse groove a42 being positioned at the second end of the link, closer to the base a2, wherein the second transverse groove a42 is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the first transverse groove a41 .

The housing usually comprises two helical grooves (not shown) which are arranged in the inner wall of the housing for guiding the cylindrical projections bl of the carrier b.

The cylindrical projections bl of the carrier b are in contact with the links a4 as well as with the helical grooves, and when the actuator al and the housing a3 are rotated relative to each other, the cylindrical projections bl, and with them the carrier b, are guided by the links and the helical grooves from the retracted position to the extended position.

However, when the mass protruding above the edge of the cup and/or the housing runs out, a problem arises with the arrangement described above. The additional mass contained within the "cup" can no longer be used, because the above described type of carrier and the extension mechanism do not allow the mass to be further pushed out of the cup. Thus, in applicators with this type of carrier and the extension mechanism, approximately one third of the mass, often very expensive mass, is not used at all.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,915,664 B2 discloses a lipstick in which the mass is contained in a cup which is formed by an outer wall with a first guiding cylindrical projection and a longitudinal recess and a base that is located inside the outer wall and comprises a second guiding cylindrical projection which fits into the longitudinal recess of the outer wall for movement along the longitudinal recess. The first and second guiding cylindrical projections are located just above one another.

The outer surface of the lipstick is divided into a lower and an upper part. The lower part comprises a lower helical groove, the width of which is adapted so that the first and second guiding cylindrical projections move together along this groove. The upper part comprises an upper helical groove, which is adapted so that only one guiding cylindrical projection, in particular the second one, can move along the groove. Thus, the vertical movement of the cup as a whole stops between the lower and the upper part of the surface. By further rotation, only the base moves vertically, guided by a second guiding cylindrical projection, which is guided along the upper helical groove and the longitudinal recess in the outer wall of the cup.

Although the solution according to U.S. Pat. No. 8,915,664 B2 describes a two-phase mass extension, it has a number of disadvantages. The disadvantage is that the mass, when inserted into the cup, fills the longitudinal recess in the outer wall, which prevents or at least considerably impairs the operation of the mechanism. Furthermore, such a solution does not allow usage of two opposite guiding cylindrical projections (or more projections), because two different helices and operating of two guiding projections one above the other would lead to crossing at some point, which would prevent or at least significantly impair the operation of the mechanism. This has, among other things, negative effect on the strength of the mechanism and on the smoothness of the operation, which in turn affects the failure rate of the mechanism.

Said solution also has other disadvantages, for example the unstable storage of the mass in the cup, because when the mass is inserted into the cup, air remains in the lower part, as it has no way to escape.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention solves the problem of unused mass remaining below the edge of the cup or the carrier of the applicatior, respectively, and at the same time, it eliminates the other above- mentioned disadvantages of known solutions.

The object of the invention is a mass carrier according to claim 1. The mass can be, for example, cosmetic or medical preparation. The mass carrier comprises an extension element having a substantially cylindrical shape with a first base, a second base and a surface and at least one cylindrical projection arranged on the surface. The carrier further comprises a hollow sleeve arranged around the circumference of the surface of the extension element, the sleeve having at least a first portion at the first edge and a second portion at the second edge, and mass securing means arranged on the first base of the extension element and/or on at least part of the inner wall of the first portion of the sleeve. The sleeve comprises at least one recess adapted for contact with at least one cylindrical projection for connection of the extension element with the sleeve. The at least one recess comprises means for locking the at least one cylindrical projection in the first locking position and in the second locking position, wherein the second locking position is shifted with respect to the first locking position towards the first edge of the sleeve, and for passing of the at least one cylindrical projection under the application of a force towards the first edge of the sleeve from the first locking position to the second locking position. The at least one cylindrical projection and the at least one recess are arranged such that when the extension element is connected with the sleeve by means of the at least one cylindrical projection and the at least one recess in the first locking position, the sleeve protrudes over the first base of the extension element by at least its first portion.

Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator according to claim 9, which comprises a cylindrical actuator and a cylindrical housing, wherein the actuator comprises a base and an inner tube that forms an integral part of the base, and which further comprises at least one link for guiding the at least one cylindrical projection. The at least one link has a first transverse groove at a first end of the link, remote from the base of the actuator, for locking the carrier in the extended position when the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension element of the carrier is in the first locking position. The actuator is adapted for rotatable connection with the housing. The housing has a first edge, remote from the base of the actuator, and is adapted to be mounted in the inner tube of the actuator and for rotatable connection with the actuator and comprises at least one helical groove arranged on the inner wall of the housing for guiding the at least one cylindrical projection. The applicator further comprises the carrier according to the present invention and a stop arranged on the first edge of the housing, the stop being adapted to contact the sleeve of the carrier to provide counterpressure for the at least one cylindrical projection to pass from the first locking position to the second locking position. The first transverse groove at the first end of the inner tube link comprises an extension for locking the carrier in the extended position when the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension element of the carrier is in the second locking position.

The dependent claims define further preferred embodiments of the invention.

The mass carrier according to the present invention provides a connection of the extension element with the sleeve, which allows the extension element to be extended with respect to the sleeve from the first locking position to the second locking position. This will allow more mass to be pushed out of the carrier and reduce the amount of unused mass that remains in the conventional cup usually used in applicators at the end of use.

The applicator with the carrier of the present invention reduces the amount of unused mass remaining in the carrier at the end of its use by up to 33% by a two-phase extension mechanism, where in the final stage of use, when the mass is consumed to the level of the edge of the carrier and/or housing, and thus, when it becomes difficult to apply it or it is not applicable at all, the carrier according to the present invention allows the extension element to be extended with respect to the sleeve from the first locking position to the second locking position, in which a substantial part of the otherwise unusable mass is pushed above the edge of the carrier and/or the housing for further use.

The basic element of the carrier is a substantially cylindrical extension element having a first base, a second base and a surface, and a hollow sleeve arranged around the circumference of the surface of the extension element. The sleeve has at least a first edge and a first portion at the first edge and a second edge and a second portion at the second edge. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion may form less than a half of the height of the sleeve, where the height of the sleeve is the distance between the first and the second edge of the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the sleeve may form the remaining part of the height of the sleeve. The first edge of the sleeve and the first base of the extension element are oriented in the same direction.

The connection of the extension element and the sleeve for forming the carrier is provided by means of the at least one cylindrical projection arranged on the surface of the extension element and which fits into the at least one recess arranged in the sleeve. The at least one cylindrical projection and the at least one recess are arranged such that when the extension element is connected with the sleeve by the at least one cylindrical projection and the recess in the first locking position, the sleeve protrudes over the first base of the extension element by at least its first portion in order to ensure appropriate securing of the mass in the carrier during use.

The at least one recess comprises means for locking the at least one cylindrical projection in the first locking position and in the second locking position and for passing of the at least one cylindrical projection under the application of a force in the direction of the first edge of the sleeve from the first locking position to the second locking position. In a preferred embodiment, these means comprise at least one pair of opposite protrusions arranged to separate the first locking position from the second locking position, said protrusions being adapted so that the at least one cylindrical projection passes between them from the first locking position to the second locking position when a force is applied.

The two opposite protrusions may be arranged on the longitudinal sides of the recess to divide the recess substantially into two parts; a part of the recess in which the cylindrical projection is locked in the first locking position and a part of the recess in which the cylindrical projection is locked in the second locking position, the two parts being separated by the pair of opposite protrusions and a narrowed space between them. The cylindrical projection may thus be locked by the edge of the recess and by the opposite protrusions which serve as a barrier when the force is not applied and prevent the movement of the cylindrical projection. The cylindrical projection passes between the opposite protrusions in the final phase of use, when the mass is consumed to the level of the edge of the carrier and the extension element needs to be extended from the first locking position to the second locking position.

In a preferred embodiment, the shapes of the cylindrical projection and of the recess may correspond to each other so that the cylindrical projection in the recess is partially secured directly by the edge of the recess. For example, the recess may have shape the width of which corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical projection, and the height of which corresponds to approximately twice the diameter of the cylindrical projection. It will be apparent for the one skilled in the art how the shapes may correspond so that the cylindrical projection is in contact with the edge of the recess to secure the cylindrical projection in the recess, but still allow the cylindrical projection to pass from the first locking position to the second locking position. It will also be apparent to the one skilled in the art that the direct contact of the cylindrical projection with the edge of the recess is not necessary, and that securing of the cylindrical projection in said recess may be provided by other suitable means, such as other contact elements.

For example, the recess may be arranged in the second edge of the sleeve in a preferred embodiment. The means for locking the at least one cylindrical projection in the first position and in the second position may comprise at least two pairs of opposite protrusions. While in the second locking position the cylindrical projection may still be locked by the opposite protrusions and by the edge of the recess, in the first locking position it may be locked by four protrusions arranged in two pairs. The advantage of arranging the recess in the second edge of the sleeve is that the production is simpler and less expensive.

Alternatively, the recess may be arranged in the wall of the sleeve so that the edges of the recess are formed by the wall of the sleeve from all sides. In this embodiment, the recess may comprise only one pair of opposite protrusions which are located approximately halfway up the height of the recess so that the cylindrical projection is secured by the edge of the recess from below and by the opposite protrusions from above in the first locking position and by the opposite protrusions from below and by the edge of the recess from above in the second locking position. In the described orientation, "below" means closer to the second edge of the sleeve and "above" means closer to the first edge of the sleeve. Preferably, the extension element can be manufactured together with the sleeve so that the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension element is made directly in the desired contact with the recess of the sleeve, e.g. by means of 3D printing.

Also, the opposite protrusions are adapted so that the cylindrical projection passes between said protrusions from the first locking position to the second locking position under the application of a force. For example, they may be made of a suitable material and/or be of a suitable size to form a barrier for securing the cylindrical projection in the first or second locking position when the force is not applied, but to allow the cylindrical projection to pass between them under the application of a force. A suitable material may be, for example, a softer plastic or any material that allows a temporary deformation of the protrusions for the cylindrical projection to pass between them.

In a preferred embodiment, in which the recess is located in the second edge of the sleeve, the cylindrical projection may pass between two pairs of opposite protrusions. The first pair may be located near the second edge of the sleeve so that the cylindrical projection passes through the first pair of protrusions to the first locking position immediately during manufacture in order to form the connection of the extension element and the sleeve. The cylindrical projection then passes through the second pair of protrusions in the final phase of use, when the mass is consumed to the level of the edge of the carrier and the extension element needs to be extended from the first locking position to the second locking position.

In a preferred embodiment, the extension element comprises at least two, preferably opposite, cylindrical projections arranged on the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve comprises at least two, preferably opposite, recesses which are adapted to contact the at least two cylindrical projections for connection of the extension element with the sleeve.

The carrier further comprises means for securing the mass against loosening and subsequent falling out of the carrier. These means may be arranged on the first base of the extension element and/or on the inner wall of the first portion of the sleeve.

In a preferred embodiment, the mass securing means are arranged on the first base of the extension element and may comprise one or more elements of different shapes and forms which secure the mass inside the carrier and minimize the possibility of its loosening and subsequent falling out of the carrier. In a preferred embodiment, these means comprise a transition region which is arranged on the first base of the extension element and a head connected to it, preferably of a convex shape. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the head is smaller than the diameter of the extension element and larger than the diameter of the transition region. The advantage of said arrangement is that the mass wraps around the convex head evenly when the mass is inserted and fastens around the narrowed neck formed by said transition region between the extension element and the head, thus providing a more stable grip of the mass. In addition, the head and the transition region fill a relatively large part of the space of the carrier to be filled with the mass, which further reduces the amount of mass that remains unused.

Alternatively or in addition, the mass securing means may be arranged on at least part of the inner wall of the first portion of the sleeve, the first portion being located at the first edge of the sleeve, and may comprise, for example, protrusions or a structured surface. It will be apparent to the one skilled in the art that the placement of the means on the inner wall of the sleeve is designed so as not to prevent the extension element from extending from the first locking position to the second locking position.

In a preferred embodiment, the extension element may further comprise at least one opening passing through the extension element between its two bases for discharging the air pressed by the mass when inserted. The at least one opening is preferably located in the head of the extension element. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one opening may be located near the circumference of the surface or directly formed in the circumference of the surface of the extension element. The extension element preferably comprises one opening arranged in the head and several openings arranged around the circumference of the surface of the extension element, these being preferably distributed evenly. The advantage of the presence of the at least one opening is that the air may be discharged when the mass is inserted into the carrier, which further strengthens the securing of the mass.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve may further comprise a first region of first diameter oriented in the direction of the first edge of the sleeve and the first base of the extension element, and a second region of second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, thereby creating an extension between the first region and second region. The first portion of the sleeve and the first region of the sleeve need not be identical. In a preferred embodiment, in which the mass securing means comprise a transition region and the head connected to it, the height of the first region of the sleeve may be substantially the same as or smaller than the height given by the common height of the two elements, i.e. the transition region and the head.

The carrier according to the present invention is primarily intended for application in an applicator, in particular for cosmetic or medical preparation.

The applicator of the present invention comprises a cylindrical actuator and a cylindrical housing, the actuator comprising a base and an inner tube that forms an integral part of the base, and further comprising at least one link for guiding the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension element of the carrier. The at least one link has a first transverse groove at a first end of the link, remote from the base of the actuator, which serves to lock the carrier in the extended position when the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension element of the carrier is in the first locking position.

The actuator is adapted for rotatable connection with the housing. The housing has a first edge, remote from the base of the actuator, and is adapted to be mounted on the inner tube of the actuator and for rotatable connection with the actuator. The housing comprises at least one helical groove arranged in the inner wall of the housing for guiding the at least one cylindrical projection of the mass carrier.

The applicator comprises the carrier according to the present invention and a stop arranged on the first edge of the housing. The stop is adapted to contact the sleeve of the carrier to provide counterpressure for the at least one cylindrical projection to pass from the first locking position to the second locking position. The first transverse groove at the first end of the link of the inner tube comprises an extension for locking the carrier in the extended position when the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension element of the carrier is in the second locking position.

The applicator according to the present invention operates on the principle of two links, which, when the actuator and the housing are rotated with respect to each other, guide the carrier by means of the cylindrical projection from the retracted position, when the carrier and the mass inserted therein are retracted in the housing, to the extended position, or to a position for use, respectively, in which the carrier and the mass inserted therein are extended out of the housing for use. This is achieved by means of the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension element of the carrier being in contact, in addition to the at least one recess of the sleeve, also with the at least one substantially longitudinal link arranged in the inner tube of the actuator and also with the at least one helix or a helical groove, respectively, arranged in the inner side of the housing. When the actuator and the housing are rotated with respect to each other, the at least one cylindrical projection is guided simultaneously by the at least one substantially longitudinal link and at the same time by the at least one helix so that the carrier is extended from the retracted position to the extended position, or to the position for use, respectively.

In the extended position, the cylindrical projection, and thus the carrier, is locked in the first transverse groove at the first end of the link and cannot be retracted into the housing. This is a position for normal use where the at least one cylindrical projection is in the first locking position.

The first transverse groove at the first end of the link of the inner tube comprises the extension for locking the carrier in the extended position in the final phase of use, i.e. in which the at least one cylindrical projection of the extension elementof the carrier is in the second locking position.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one substantially longitudinal link may further comprise a second transverse groove at the second end of the link which is closer to the base. The second transverse groove is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the first transverse groove and serves to lock the cylindrical projection, and thus the carrier, in the retracted position.

As mentioned above, the actuator is adapted for rotatable connection with the housing. Complementarily, the housing is adapted for rotatable connection with the actuator. The rotatable connection may be provided by complementary elements arranged on the housing and on the actuator, for example by a groove and a complementary protrusion. Said elements may also secure the housing after being mounted on the inner tube of the actuator.

The applicator of the present invention further comprises a stop arranged on the first edge of the housing. The stop is adapted to contact the sleeve of the carrier to provide counterpressure for the at least one cylindrical projection to pass from the first locking position to the second locking position.

As already described for the mass carrier, the at least one recess in the sleeve of the carrier is adapted to contact the at least one cylindrical projection for connection of the extension element with the sleeve. The at least one recess comprises means for locking the at least one cylindrical projection in a first position and in a second position, the second position being shifted with respect to the first position towards the first edge of the sleeve, and for passing of the at least one cylindrical projection under the applicaton of a force towards the first edge of the sleeve from the first position to the second position. When applied in the applicator, the application of a force is ensured by the counterpressure created by the contact of the sleeve with the stop. The stop acts as a barrier to the sleeve, thereby providing counterpressure when the housing and the extension element further rotate relative to each other, thereby providing the force required to move the at least one cylindrical projection from the first locking position to the second locking position and so allows the extension element to be extended, relative to the sleeve, from the first locking position to the second locking position. Due to the contact with the stop, the sleeve remains stationary and in this second extension phase, the extension element is extended to the second locking position, thus allowing another considerable part of the mass to be pushed out, which would otherwise remain unused in the carrier.

In a preferred embodiment, the stop may be provided as part of the housing. In this embodiment, the stop will be formed by the end of the first edge of the housing, i.e. the edge remote from the base, which will have a diameter smaller than the housing itself. It will be apparent to the one skilled in the art that the diameter may only be reduced to a certain extent so as not to damage the mass inserted in the carrier.

Alternatively, the stop may be a separate element.

The stop may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. Advantageously, it may be made of metal for greater durability and/or as a decorative element.

In a preferred embodiment, the stop may be adapted to contact the first edge of the sleeve. In this embodiment, the diameter of the stop will correspond to the diameter of the first portion of the sleeve so that the stop forms a barrier to the first edge of the sleeve.

In a preferred embodiment, where the carrier comprises the extension between the first and second region of the sleeve, the stop may be adapted to contact the extension of the sleeve. In this embodiment, the diameter of the stop will substantially correspond to the first diameter of the first region of the sleeve so that the stop forms a barrier by means of the contact with the extension of the sleeve.

After the at least one cylindrical projection has been moved to the second locking position, said projection no longer moves back to the first locking position. Further mutual rotation of the housing and the actuator retracts the carrier into the retracted position and extends the carrier into the extended position, while the at least one cylindrical projection remains in the second locking position. In a preferred embodiment, the inner tube may comprise at least two substantially longitudinal links, preferably opposite, and the housing may comprise at least two helical grooves arranged in the inner wall of the housing, the at least two links and the at least two helical grooves being arranged so that their location corresponds with the at least two cylindrical projections for guiding said at least two cylindrical projections, and thus also the mass carrier, from the retracted position to the extended position.

In a preferred embodiment, the applicator may further comprise a top part, for example in the form of a lid, or as a separate element, which is removably connected to the housing.

The individual parts of the carrier and/or the applicator are preferably made of plastic. In other preferred embodiments, they may be made of metal or other suitable material. Different parts may be made of different materials.

The carrier according to the present invention and the applicator containing said carrier, respectively, may be used for any material, in particular a material of a cosmetic preparation, e.g. lipstick, concealer, or a medical preparation, e.g. a lip balm, or another medical preparation. However, it is not excluded that it may also be used for example in connection with industrial materials.

Brief description of figures

A preferred embodiment of the mass carrier and the applicator according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following figures:

Fig. 1 schematically shows the mass carrier according to the present invention composed of a extension element and a hollow sleeve, and the applicator according to the present invention comprising such carrier.

Fig. 2a schematically shows an applicator with the mass carrier according to the present invention in the retracted position. Fig. 2b schematically shows the applicator with the mass carrier according to the present invention in the first locking position, i.e. in the position for normal use.

Fig. 2c schematically shows the applicator with the mass carrier according to the present invention in a second locking position, i.e. in a position in which a considerable part of the otherwise unusable mass is extended above the edge of the carrier and/or the housing for further use.

Fig. 3 does not relate to an embodiment according to the present invention, but schematically illustrates the prior art applicator in the retracted position (Fig. 3a) and in the extended position (Fig. 3b).

Detailed description of the invention

In the following, a lipstick will be described as an example of an embodiment of the present invention, but it may also be applied in applicators for cosmetics in general, applicators for medical preparations, but also, for example, applicators for industrial preparations.

Referring to Fig. 1, the carrier 10 of the mass 9 according to the present invention comprises an extension element 11 having a substantially cylindrical shape with a first base 111, a second base 111' and a surface 112, and two opposite cylindrical projections 113 arranged on the surface 112. The carrier 10 further comprises a hollow sleeve 12 arranged around the circumference of the surface 112 of the extension element 11, which has a first portion 121 at the first edge 121a and a second portion 122 at the second edge 122a. The first portion 121 forms less than a half of the height of the sleeve 12, where the height of the sleeve 12 is the distance between the first edge 121a and the second edge 122a of the sleeve 12 and the second portion 122 of the sleeve 12 forms the remainder of the height of the sleeve 12. The first edge 121a of the sleeve 12 and the first base 111 of the extension element 11 are oriented in the same direction.

The sleeve 12 further comprises means 114 for securing the mass 9, which are arranged on the first base 111 of the extension element 11. These means may also be present on a part of the inner wall of the first portion 121 of the sleeve 12 (not shown). The sleeve 12 further comprises two opposite recesses 123 adapted to contact two cylindrical projections 113 for connecting the extension element 11 with the sleeve 12 by engaging the two opposite cylindrical projections 113 into two opposite recesses 123 arranged in the sleeve 12.

The cylindrical projections 113 and the recesses 123 are arranged so that when the extension element 11 is connected with the sleeve 12 via these protrusions 113 and the recesses 123 in the first locking position 13, the sleeve 12 protrudes over the first base 111 of the extension element 11 with its first portion 121 to secure the mass 9 in carrier 10 during use.

In an exemplary embodiment, the recesses 123 are arranged in the second edge 122a of the sleeve 12. The recesses 123 comprise means 124 for locking the cylindrical projections 113 in the first locking position 13 and in the second locking position 14 and for passing, under the application of a force, the cylindrical projections 113 towards the first edge 121a of the sleeve 12 from the first locking position 13 to the second locking position 14.

In an exemplary embodiment, these means 124 comprise two pairs of opposite protrusions 125a, 125b arranged to separate the first locking position 13 from the second locking position 14, said protrusions 125a, 125b being adapted so that the cylindrical projections 113 pass between the protrusions 125a, 125b from the first locking position 13 to the second locking position 14 under the application of a force.

In an exemplary embodiment, the two opposite protrusions 125a, 125b are arranged on the longitudinal sides of each recess 123, thereby substantially dividing the recess 123 into two parts; a part of the recess in which the cylindrical projection 113 is locked in the first locking position 13 and a part of the recess in which the cylindrical projection 113 is locked in the second locking position 14, the two parts being separated by the pair of opposite protrusions 125a, 125b and a narrowed space between them. Thus, the opposite protrusions 125a, 125b serve as a barrier and prevent the movement of the cylindrical projection 113 when the force is not applied.

In the example, the shapes of the cylindrical projection 113 and the recess 123 correspond to each other so that the cylindrical projection 113 is in the recess 123 partially secured directly by the edge of the recess 123, in particular in the second locking position. Thus, the recess 123 has shape the width of which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical projection 113, and the height of which corresponds to approximately twice the diameter of the cylindrical projection 113 and the height of the protrusions.

In the first locking position 13, each cylindrical projection is locked by four protrusions which are arranged in two pairs. The first pair is located near the second edge 122a of the sleeve 12 so that the cylindrical projection 113 passes through the first pair of protrusions to the first locking position 13 immediately during manufacture in order to connect the extension element 11 and the sleeve 12. The cylindrical projection 113 passes through the second pair of protrusions in the final phase of use, when the mass 9 is consumed to the level of the edge of the carrier 10 and the extension element 11 needs to be extended from the first locking position 13 to the second locking position 14.

Alternatively, the recess 123 may be arranged in the wall of the sleeve 12 such that the edges of the recess 123 are formed by the wall of the sleeve 12 from all sides (not shown). Advantageously, the extension element 11 can be manufactured simultaneously with the sleeve 12, so that the at least one cylindrical projection 113 of the extension element 11 is made directly in the desired contact with the recess 123 of the sleeve 12.

The opposite protrusions 125a, 125b are also adapted so that the cylindrical projection 113 passes between the protrusions 125a, 125b from the first locking position 13 to the second locking position 14 under the application of a force. In the example shown, the protrusions 125a, 125b are of a suitable size and are made of plastic which is temporarily deformable to allow the cylindrical projection 113 to pass. Without the application of a force, the protrusions form a barrier for securing the cylindrical projection 113 in the first locking position 13 or in the second locking position 14, but under the application of a force, they will allow the cylindrical projection 113 to pass between them.

The carrier further comprises means 114 for securing the mass 9 against loosening and subsequent falling out of the carrier 10, these being arranged on the first base 111 of the extension element 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the means 114 comprise a transition region 115 arranged on the first base 111 of the extension element 11 and a convex-shaped head 116 connected to it, the diameter of the head 116 being smaller than the diameter of the extension element 11 and larger than the diameter of the transition region 115. The advantage of said arrangement is that when the mass 9 is inserted, it evenly wraps around the convex head 116 and fastens around the narrowed neck formed by said transition region 115 between the extension element 11 and the head 116, thus providing a more stable grip of the mass 9. In addition, the head 116 and the transition region 115 fill a relatively large part of the carrier 10 to be filled with the mass 9, thus further reducing the amount of mass 9 that remains unused. The means 114 located on the first base 111 of the extension element 11 can have other shapes and forms.

Alternatively or in addition, the means 114 for securing the mass 9 against loosening from the carrier 10 may be arranged on at least part of the inner wall of the first portion 121 of the sleeve 12, which is located at the first edge 121a of the sleeve 12 and may comprise e.g. protrusions or structured surface (not shown). It will be apparent to the one skilled in the art that the placement of these means on the inner wall of the sleeve is designed so as not to prevent the extension element from extending from the first locking position to the second locking position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the extension element 11 further comprises openings 117 passing through the extension element 11 between its two bases 111, 111' for discharging of the air pressed by the mass 9 when inserted, thereby further securing the mass 9 in the carrier 10. In the embodiment according to the described example, the extension element 11 has one opening 117 arranged in the head 116 and several openings 117 arranged around the circumference of the surface 112 of the extension element 11, these being spaced evenly. However, the openings 117 may be located only in the head 116 or only around the circumference of the surface 112 of the extension element 11.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 12 further includes a first region 126 of first diameter oriented in the direction of the first edge 121a of the sleeve 12 and the first base 111 of the extension element 11, and a second region 127 of second diameter, where the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, to form an extension 128 between the first region 126 and the second region 127. The height of the first region 126 of the sleeve 12 is substantially the same as the height given by the common height of the transition region 115 and the head 116. The first portion 121 of the sleeve 12 and the first region 126 of the sleeve 12 need not be identical.

The mass carrier 10 according to the present invention in said exemplary embodiment provides a connection of the extension element 11 with the sleeve 12, which allows the extension element 11 to be extended, relative to the sleeve 12, from the first locking position 13 to the second locking position 14, thereby pushing more mass 9 out of the carrier 10 above the edge of the carrier for further use and the amount of unused mass remaining in the carrier at the end of its use is reduced.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the applicator 1, or the lipstick, in the exemplary embodiment, respectively, comprises a cylindrical actuator 2 and a cylindrical housing 3. The actuator 2 comprises a base 201 and an inner tube 202 which forms an integral part of the base 201 and which further comprises two links 4 for guiding two cylindrical projections 113. Each link comprises a first a transverse groove 401 at the first end of the link 4, remote from the base 201 of the actuator 2, for locking the carrier 10 in the extended position, in which the cylindrical projections 113 of the extension element 11 of the carrier 10 are in the first locking position 13. In the exemplary embodiment, the substantially longitudinal links also comprise a second transverse groove 402 at the second end of the link 4, which is closer to the base 201. The second transverse groove 402 is oriented in the opposite direction to the first transverse groove 401 and serves for locking the cylindrical projection 113, and thus the carrier 10, in the retracted position.

The actuator 2 is adapted to be rotatably connected to the housing 3. The housing 3 has a first edge 301, remote from the base 201 of the actuator 2, and is adapted to be mounted on the inner tube 202 of the actuator 2 and to be rotatably connected to the actuator 2. The housing 3 further comprises two helical grooves 5 arranged in the inner wall of the housing 3 for guiding the two cylindrical projections 113.

The two links 4 and the two helical grooves 5 are arranged so that their location corresponds with the at least two cylindrical projections 113 for guiding said at least two cylindrical projections 113 from the retracted position to the extended position.

The applicator 1 further comprises the carrier 10 according to the present invention and a stop 6 arranged on the first edge 301 of the housing 3. In this embodiment, the stop 6 is adapted to contact the extension 128 of the sleeve 12 of the carrier 10 to provide counterpressure for the cylindrical projections 113 to pass from the first locking position 13 to the second locking position 14. The application of a force in the applicator 1 is ensured by the contact of the sleeve 12 with the stop 6, the stop 6 forming a barrier for the sleeve 12 when the housing 3 and the extension element 11 are further rotated relative to each other and thus providing a counterpressure, allowing the extension element 11 to be extended relative to the sleeve 12 from the first locking position 13 to the second locking position 14. Due to the contact with the stop 6, the sleeve 12 remains stationary and the extension element 11 is extended to the second locking position 14 in this second extension phase, thus allowing another substantial part of the mass 9 to be pushed out, which would otherwise remained unused in carrier 10 (Fig. 2c).

The first transverse groove 401 at the first end of the link 4 of the inner tube 202 comprises an extension 403 for locking the carrier 10 in the extended position, in which the cylindrical projections 113 of the extension element 11 of the carrier 10 are in the second locking position 14.

The operation of the applicator 1 is based on the principle of two links 4 and 5, which, when the actuator 2 and the housing 3 are rotated relative to each other, guide the carrier 10 by means of cylindrical projections 113 from the retracted position, where the carrier 10 and the mass 9 inserted therein are retracted in the housing 3 (Fig. 2a) to the extended position, or position for use, repectively, where the mass 9 inserted in the carrier 10 is extended out of the housing 3 for use (Fig. 2b).

Thus, in addition to the recesses 123 of the sleeve 12, the cylindrical projections 113 of the extension element 11 of the carrier 10 are in contact with the links 4 arranged in the inner tube 202 of the actuator 2 and also with the helices 5 arranged in the inner side of the housing 3. When the actuator 2 and the housing 3 are rotated relative to each other, the cylindrical projections 113 are guided simultaneously by the links 4 and at the same time by the helices 5 for extending the carrier 10 from the retracted position to the extended position or to the position for use, respectively.

In the extended position, the cylindrical projections 113, and thus the carrier 10, are locked against being retracted into the housing 3 in the first transverse groove 401 at the first end of the link 4, remote from the base 201 of the actuator 2. This is a position for normal use in which the cylindrical projections 113 are in the first locking position 13.

The actuator 2 is adapted to be rotatably connected to the housing 3. Complementarily, the housing 3 is adapted to be rotatably connected to the actuator 2. In the example described, the rotatable connection is provided by complementary elements arranged on the housing 3 and the actuator 2, in this embodiment in particular by a groove 7 and a complementary protrusion 8. Said elements 7, 8 also ensure the securing of the housing 3 after mounting on the inner tube The stop 6 is formed by a separate element.

The stop 6 may be provided as part of the housing 3 (not shown). In such an embodiment, the stop 6 will be formed by the end of the first edge 301 of the housing 3, which is remote from the base 201, and will have a diameter smaller than the housing 3 itself. It will be apparent to the one skilled in the art that the diameter may only be reduced to the extent so that no damage is made to the mass inserted into the carrier.

In the exemplary embodiment where the carrier 10 comprises the extension 128, the stop 6 is adapted to contact the extension 128 of the sleeve 12. In this embodiment, the diameter of the stop 6 will substantially correspond to the first diameter of the first region 126 of the sleeve 12 to form a barrier by means of the contact with the extension 128 of the sleeve 12. In another preferred embodiment, the stop 6 may be adapted to contact the first edge 121a of the sleeve 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the applicator 1 further comprises an upper part (not shown), for example in the form of a lid, or as a separate element which is removably connected to the housing.

The individual parts of the carrier 10 and/or the applicator 1 are in the exemplary embodiment made of plastic. The stop may be made of metal.

Industrial applicability

The carrier of the present invention and the applicator comprising said carrier may be used for any material, in particular a material of a cosmetic preparation, e.g. a lipstick, a concealer, or a medical preparation, e.g. a lip balm, or another medical preparation. However, i tis not excluded that it may also be used for example in connection with industrial materials.