DAVIS NIGEL (GB)
| WO2021030719A1 | 2021-02-18 |
| CLAIMS: 155723 1. A dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube and comprising a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use; an outer sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier, wherein the product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; a product concealing sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick, wherein the product concealing sleeve is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve; and inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve respectively, wherein the interengaging formations cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position; wherein the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product concealing sleeve is provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to an interior surface of the product concealing sleeve at a proximal end thereof, wherein the product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve, and wherein the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece are biased towards a radial centre of the dispenser so as to resiliently grip the product stick carrier as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; wherein each of the product stick carrier, outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and the product concealing sleeve collar piece are formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. 2. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier is provided by a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at a distal end thereof, wherein the product stick carrier collar piece is formed from card-based or paperbased material, such as cardboard or paperboard. 3. The dispenser of claim 1 or 2, wherein the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece is bonded, for example adhesively, to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve in a bonded area defined between the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece; optionally wherein the bonded area is in the form of a longitudinal strip. 4. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area, optionally wherein the bonded area extends over less than 50% of the surface area of the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece. 5. A dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube and comprising a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use; an outer sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier, wherein the product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; a product concealing sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick, wherein the product concealing sleeve is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve; and inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve respectively, wherein the inter-engaging formations cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position; wherein the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier is provided by a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at a distal end thereof, wherein the product stick carrier collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier, wherein the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece are biased away from a radial centre of the dispenser so as to press outwardly against the product concealing sleeve as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; and wherein each of the product stick carrier, outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier collar piece are formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. 6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product concealing sleeve is provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to an interior surface of the product concealing sleeve at a proximal end thereof, wherein the product concealing sleeve collar piece is formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. 7. The dispenser of claim 5 or 6, wherein the interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece is bonded, for example adhesively, to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier in a bonded area defined between the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece; optionally wherein the bonded area is in the form of a longitudinal strip. 8. The dispenser of any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece comprises a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area, optionally wherein the bonded area extends over less than 50% of the surface area of the interior surface of the product stick carrier sleeve collar piece. 9. A dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube and comprising a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use; an outer sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier, wherein the product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; a product concealing sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick, wherein the product concealing sleeve is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve; and inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve respectively, wherein the inter-engaging formations cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position, wherein: the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product concealing sleeve is provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to an interior surface of the product concealing sleeve at a proximal end thereof, wherein the product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve, and wherein the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece are biased towards a radial centre of the dispenser so as to resiliently grip the product stick carrier as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier is provided by a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at a distal end thereof, wherein the product stick carrier collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier, wherein the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece are biased away from a radial centre of the dispenser so as to press outwardly against the product concealing sleeve as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; and each of the product stick carrier, outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve, product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece are formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein: the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece is bonded, for example adhesively, to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve in a bonded area defined between the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece; optionally wherein the bonded area is in the form of a longitudinal strip; and the interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece is bonded, for example adhesively, to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier in a bonded area defined between the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece; optionally wherein the bonded area is in the form of a longitudinal strip. 11. The dispenser of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area, optionally wherein the bonded area extends over less than 50% of the surface area of the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece; and wherein the interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece comprises a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area, optionally wherein the bonded area extends over less than 50% of the surface area of the interior surface of the product stick carrier sleeve collar piece. 12. The dispenser of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece each have a dimension extending around the interior of the collar piece between the axially extending ends thereof in a circumferential direction that is equal to the inner circumference of the product stick carrier, and an inner radius that is greater than an inner radius of the product stick carrier. 13. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 4 or 9 to 11 , wherein the product concealing sleeve collar piece is formed from a precursor tube, wherein the precursor tube has an inner diameter that is less than an external diameter of the product stick carrier. 14. The dispenser of any one of claims 5 to 11 , wherein the product stick carrier collar piece is formed from a precursor tube, wherein the precursor tube has an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the product concealing sleeve. 15. The dispenser of any preceding claim in which a product stick carrier collar piece and a product concealing sleeve collar piece is provided, wherein the distal end edge of the product concealing sleeve collar piece engages a proximal end edge of the product stick carrier collar piece to define the first, fully extended position. 16. The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising a base disc fixed to a proximal end edge of each of the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve, wherein the base disc is formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard; optionally wherein a second, fully retracted position of the product concealing sleeve is defined when a proximal end of the product concealing sleeve engages the base disc. 17. The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising a cap sized to fit snugly over the product concealing sleeve when the product concealing sleeve is in the first, fully extended position, wherein the cap is formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. 18. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the product stick support comprises a product support disc at the distal end thereof, wherein the disc is fixed to the interior of the product stick carrier so as to be proximally spaced from an or the distal end edge of the product stick carrier, wherein the product support disc is formed from card-based or paperbased material, such as cardboard or paperboard. 19. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the product concealing sleeve is freely rotatable relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier in use. 20. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the product stick carrier, the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve and the or each collar piece are each made from spiral-wound tubes. 21. An assembly comprising the dispenser of any preceding claim and a product in stick form carried by the product stick carrier. 22. A method of providing a dispenser in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4 or 9 to 11 , or any claim directly or indirectly dependent upon any one of claims 1 to 4 or 9 to 11 , the method comprising forming the product concealing sleeve collar piece from a precursor tube, wherein the precursor tube has an inner diameter that is less than an external diameter of the product stick carrier. 23. The method of claim 22 comprising forming the product concealing sleeve collar piece and the product stick carrier from the same precursor tube. 24. A method of providing a dispenser in accordance with claim 2, or any claim directly or indirectly dependent upon claim 2, the method comprising forming the product concealing sleeve collar piece, product concealing sleeve collar piece and optionally the product stick carrier from the same precursor tube. 25. A method of providing a dispenser in accordance with any one of claims 5 to 11 , or any claim directly or indirectly dependent upon any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the method comprises forming the product stick carrier collar piece from a precursor tube, wherein the precursor tube has an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the product concealing sleeve. 26. The method of claim 25 comprising forming the product stick carrier collar piece and the product concealing sleeve from the same precursor tube. 27. A method of providing a dispenser in accordance with claim 6, or any claim directly or indirectly dependent upon claim 6, comprising providing the product concealing sleeve collar piece and the product stick carrier collar piece and optionally the product concealing sleeve from the same precursor tube. 28. A method of providing a dispenser in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4 or 9 to 11 , or any claim directly or indirectly dependent upon any one of claims 1 to 4 or 9 to 11 , or a method in accordance with claim 22, the method comprising: providing the product concealing sleeve; providing a tube piece and creating a split along the axial length of the tube piece to create the product concealing sleeve collar piece; and bonding the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve in a bonded area defined between the ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece on either side of the axial split, such that the ends are left unbonded to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve tube to provide the pair of free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece. 29. The method of claim 30, wherein the adhesive is applied only to a central axially extending strip between the axially extending edges of the product concealing sleeve collar piece. 30. The method of claim 28 or claim 29, comprising, before the step of bonding the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece to the interior of the product concealing sleeve tube, and placing the product concealing sleeve collar piece around the product stick carrier by separating the ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece on either side of the axial split, locating the product concealing sleeve collar piece around the product stick carrier, and then releasing the product concealing sleeve collar piece to resiliently grip the product stick carrier; optionally wherein the step of bonding the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece to the interior of the product concealing sleeve tube comprises applying adhesive to the interior of the product concealing sleeve and/or the exterior of the product concealing sleeve collar piece, and locating the product concealing sleeve tube around the product concealing sleeve collar piece once assembled with the product stick carrier. 31. A method of providing a dispenser in accordance with any one of claims with any one of claims 5 to 11, or any claim directly or indirectly dependent upon any one of claims 5 to 11 , the method comprising: providing the product stick carrier; providing a tube piece and creating a split along the axial length of the tube piece to create the product stick carrier collar piece wherein creating the split comprises removing a portion of the material of the tube piece; and bonding the interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier in a bonded area defined between the ends of the product stick carrier collar piece on either side of the axial split, such that the ends are left unbonded to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier tube to provide the pair of free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the adhesive is applied only to a central axially extending strip between the axially extending edges of the product stick carrier collar piece. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to dispensers for products in stick form, for example cosmetics, lipsticks, lip balms, deodorants, sunscreen, hair products, adhesives and other products for topical application to a surface, for example to a person’s skin, hair or lips. The product in stick form may be any consumer or personal care product, for example. The invention extends to an assembly comprising a dispenser in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments in combination with a product in stick form, and to a package comprising a dispenser or assembly in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments. The invention further extends to methods of providing a dispenser in accordance with the invention in its various aspects or embodiments.
BACKGROUND
Stick products such as lipsticks are supplied in a number of dispensers. The most common dispensers comprise components made of plastics.
It is desirable to reduce the amount of plastic material used in the dispenser, and provide a more sustainable dispenser.
The present invention relates to a dispenser for stick products which includes a product stick carrier, an outer sleeve and a product concealing sleeve, wherein the product concealing sleeve is retractable from an extended position in order to expose a product stick in use.
The present disclosure provides improvements to such dispensers which may enhance the stability and operation of the dispenser, and simplify the manufacturing process for making such a dispenser, in particular when the dispenser is of card-based or paper-based material.
SUMMARY
From a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube and comprising a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use; an outer sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier, wherein the product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; a product concealing sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick, wherein the product concealing sleeve is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve; and inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve respectively, wherein the interengaging formations cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position; wherein the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product concealing sleeve is provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to an interior surface of the product concealing sleeve at a proximal end thereof, wherein the product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve, and wherein the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece are biased towards a radial centre of the dispenser so as to resiliently grip the product stick carrier as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; wherein each of the product stick carrier, outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and the product concealing sleeve collar piece are formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard.
The present invention in accordance with the first aspect may include any or all of the features described in relation to any of the other aspects of the invention to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent therewith.
From a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube and comprising a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use; an outer sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier, wherein the product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; a product concealing sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick, wherein the product concealing sleeve is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve; and inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve respectively, wherein the inter-engaging formations cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position; wherein the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier is provided by a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at a distal end thereof, wherein the product stick carrier collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier, wherein the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece are biased away from a radial centre of the dispenser so as to press outwardly against the product concealing sleeve as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; and wherein each of the product stick carrier, outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier collar piece are formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard.
The present invention in accordance with the second aspect may include any or all of the features described in relation to any of the other aspects of the invention to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent therewith.
From a third aspect, which combines features from the first and second aspects, there is provided a dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube and comprising a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use; an outer sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier, wherein the product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; a product concealing sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick, wherein the product concealing sleeve is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve; and inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve respectively, wherein the inter-engaging formations cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position, wherein: the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product concealing sleeve is provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to an interior surface of the product concealing sleeve at a proximal end thereof, wherein the product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve, and wherein the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece are biased towards a radial centre of the dispenser so as to resiliently grip the product stick carrier as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; and wherein the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier is provided by a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at a distal end thereof, wherein the product stick carrier collar piece comprises an axially extending split and free ends on either side of the axially extending split, wherein the free ends are not fixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier, wherein the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece are biased away from a radial centre of the dispenser so as to press outwardly against the product concealing sleeve as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier in use; and wherein each of the product stick carrier, outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve, product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece are formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard.
The present invention in accordance with the third aspect may include any or all of the features described in relation to any of the other aspects of the invention to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent therewith.
These different aspects provide similar effects via corresponding mechanisms.
In the first and third aspects, the resilient grip of the product stick carrier by the product concealing sleeve collar piece means that, in addition to providing part of an “end stop” effect to prevent the product concealing sleeve from being removed from the remainder of the dispenser, the product concealing sleeve collar piece also cooperates with the product stick carrier to provide more stable and reliable operation of the dispenser as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier. The resilient gripping effect helps to ensure that the interior of the collar piece remains engaged with the exterior of the product stick carrier during relative movement therebetween.
In the second and third aspects, the outward pressing of the product stick carrier collar piece against the product concealing sleeve means that, in addition to providing part of an “end stop” effect in a similar way to the product concealing sleeve collar piece described above, the product stick carrier collar piece also cooperates with the product concealing sleeve to provide more stable and reliable operation of the dispenser as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier. The outward pressing effect helps to ensure that the exterior of the product stick carrier collar piece remains engaged with the interior of the product concealing sleeve during relative movement therebetween.
In the third aspect, as implied above, both of these effects apply together.
From another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a product dispenser in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention.
The resilient gripping of the product stick carrier by the product concealing sleeve collar piece and/or the outward pressing of the product stick carrier collar piece against the product concealing sleeve respectively may contribute to providing a desired amount of sliding resistance between the product concealing sleeve and the product stick carrier. The appropriate amount of sliding resistance allows a user to manually slide the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier. The sliding resistance may help to provide stable operation of the dispenser as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier, helping to maintain engagement between the product concealing sleeve collar piece and the product stick carrier or the product stick carrier collar piece with the product concealing sleeve as appropriate. The appropriate amount of sliding resistance may, for example, but not by limitation, enable the product concealing sleeve to hold its position at any length along its range of movement under the action of gravitational forces, or other small environmental forces, such as those arising from the dispenser being shaken in a user’s bag.
Factors including the amount of bias to the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece and/or product stick carrier collar piece(s) respectively, and/or the material of the cooperating surfaces used and/or the dimensions, for example an axial length, of the collar piece(s) can be chosen to tailor the threshold of the sliding force to be overcome in order to cause the product concealing sleeve to slide relative to the product stick carrier. The material choice affects the coefficient of friction and both the degree of bias and the material choice affect the normal reaction force between the product stick carrier and the product concealing sleeve collar piece and/or between the product concealing sleeve and the product stick carrier collar piece respectively.
In accordance with the invention, the product concealing sleeve may be rotatable and slidable relative to the product stick carrier (e.g. during movement between the first fully, extended position and a second fully retracted position). The product concealing sleeve does not move along a predefined path relative to the product stick carrier as it is moved relative thereto in either direction. The enhanced engagement between the cooperating surfaces of the product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier providing by the biasing of the free ends of the applicable collar piece(s) may help to ensure stable operation without needing to provide specific guide means e.g. lug and slot type arrangement to guide movement of the product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier. This may provide improved ease of use, enabling the user to advance or retract the product concealing sleeve in any manner they wish using a sliding motion or both sliding and rotating motion. The present invention in its various aspects and embodiments may provide a simpler mechanism, avoiding problems associated with disengagement of cooperating parts of a guide mechanism e.g. cooperating radially projecting and recessed portions, such as a lug and slot. The dispenser may also be manufactured in a simpler manner, without needing to provide precise alignment of cooperating features, or to incorporate additional steps to create such features.
In accordance with the first and third aspect of the invention, the inter-engaging formation associated with the product concealing sleeve is provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece having free ends which are biased toward the radial centre of the dispenser so as to grip the product stick carrier. The product concealing sleeve collar piece directly engages the exterior of the product stick carrier. The exterior of the product stick carrier refers to the radial exterior thereof.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier may then be provided in any suitable manner. In embodiments, the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier is provided by a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at the distal end thereof. The product stick carrier collar piece may be bonded e.g. adhesively to the exterior of the product stick carrier. The product stick carrier collar piece may or may not then define an axial split. Furthermore, where the collar piece does define an axial split, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, it need not provide the radially outward biasing effect described in relation to the product stick carrier collar piece of the second and third aspects of the invention (although it may do so). In contrast to the product stick carrier collar piece in accordance with the second or third aspect of the invention, the product stick carrier collar piece need not have free ends adjacent any axially extending split (since it does not need to provide the radially outward biasing effect). Thus, whether or not it defines an axial split, the product stick carrier collar piece may optionally be bonded to the product stick carrier over the entirety of the radially adjacent surfaces thereof. It is also envisaged that in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier may be provided in other manners by one or more components associated with the product stick carrier, and a product stick carrier collar piece need not necessarily be provided. Such components may or may not be separately formed from and attached to the product stick carrier. For example, the formation may be provided by a proximal edge of a flap at the distal end of the product stick carrier, or by one or more lugs, or any suitable arrangement.
In accordance with the second and third aspect of the invention, the one of the interengaging formations associated with the product stick carrier is provided by a product stick carrier collar piece having free ends which are biased outward so as to press against the interior of the product concealing sleeve. The product stick carrier collar piece directly engages the interior of the product concealing sleeve. The interior of the product concealing sleeve refers to the radial interior thereof.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the other one of the inter-engaging formations, which is associated with the product concealing sleeve, may be provided in any suitable manner. In embodiments, the inter-engaging formation associated with the product concealing sleeve is provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to the interior of the product concealing sleeve at the proximal end thereof. The product concealing sleeve collar piece may be bonded e.g. adhesively to the interior of the product concealing sleeve. The product concealing sleeve collar piece may or may not then define an axial split. Furthermore, where the collar piece does define an axial split, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention it need not provide the radially inward biasing effect described in relation to the product concealing sleeve collar piece of the first and third aspects of the invention (although it may do so). In contrast to the product concealing sleeve collar piece in accordance with the first or third aspect of the invention, the product concealing sleeve collar piece need not have free ends adjacent any axially extending split (since it does not need to provide the radially inward biasing effect). Thus, whether or not it defines an axial split, the product concealing sleeve collar piece may optionally be bonded to the product concealing sleeve over the entirety of the radially adjacent surfaces thereof.
It is also envisaged that in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the one of the inter-engaging formations associated with the product concealing sleeve may be provided in other manners by one or components associated with the product concealing sleeve, and a product concealing sleeve collar piece need not be provided. Such components may or may not be separately formed from and attached to the product concealing sleeve. For example, the formation may be provided by a distal edge of a flap at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve, or by one or more lugs, or any suitable arrangement.
The following features apply to any of the aspects of the invention, to the extent that they are not mutually incompatible. Thus, any feature described in relation to one of the collar pieces i.e. the product concealing sleeve collar piece or product stick carrier collar piece applies equally to any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention including such a collar piece, unless the context demands otherwise.
The radial biasing of the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece or product stick carrier collar piece in the applicable direction as required in relation to the invention in any of its first, second or third aspects, may be achieved in various manners.
Radially inward biasing of the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece so as to grip the product stick carrier (e.g. in accordance with embodiments of the first or third aspect) may be achieved by forming the collar piece from a tube which has an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter of the product stick carrier. The product concealing sleeve collar piece may be formed by cutting an axial split in a length of the (precursor) tube. Once the axially extending split has been cut in the collar piece, it will still tend to try to recover towards its natural original diameter. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention in those aspects and embodiments in which the product concealing sleeve collar piece has free ends biased toward the radial centre of the dispenser, the product concealing sleeve collar piece is formed from a (precursor) tube which has an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter of the product stick carrier. For example, in some embodiments for simplicity of manufacture, the product concealing sleeve collar piece is formed from the same (precursor) tube as the product stick carrier. However, this need not be the case. Any (precursor) tube may be used for providing the product concealing sleeve collar piece of appropriate internal diameter relative to the external diameter of the product stick carrier, including tubes of the same or smaller internal diameter as the external diameter of the product stick carrier.
In some exemplary embodiments in accordance with the first aspect of the invention in which a product stick carrier collar piece is additionally provided, which does not need to provide a radially outward biasing effect, the product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece, and optionally also the product stick carrier may be made from the same (precursor) tube. This may further simplify manufacture. The product stick carrier collar piece will be provided with an axial split to allow it to be located over the product stick carrier. This may reduce the need to provide precise tolerances for the product stick carrier collar piece. It is also envisaged that where the product stick carrier collar piece is required to provide a radially outward biasing effect, e.g. in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, it may still be possible to provide it using the same (precursor) tube as the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve collar piece. While the product stick carrier collar piece will not then inherently provide the biasing effect as a result of its natural diameter, it may be treated to provide it with a “memory”, such that it is biased outwardly, as described below, e.g. by pulling out the axial edges of the collar piece to radially expand the piece sufficiently. Such methods are discussed below.
Conversely, radially outward biasing of the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece so as to press radially outward against the inner surface of the product concealing sleeve (e.g. as in embodiments of the second or third aspect of the invention) may be achieved by forming the collar piece from a (precursor) tube which has an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the product concealing sleeve. The product stick carrier collar piece may be formed by cutting an axial split in a length of the (precursor) tube. Once the axially extending split has been cut in the collar piece, it will still tend to recover toward its natural original diameter. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention in those aspects and embodiments in which the product stick carrier collar piece has free ends biased radially outwardly, the product stick carrier collar piece is formed from a (precursor) tube which has an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the product concealing sleeve. The product stick carrier collar piece may be formed from a tube having the same internal and external diameter as the product concealing sleeve. For example, in some embodiments for simplicity of manufacture, the product stick carrier collar piece is formed the same tube as the product concealing sleeve. However, this need not be the case. Any (precursor) tube may be used for providing the product stick carrier collar piece of appropriate external diameter relative to the internal diameter of the product concealing sleeve, including tubes of the same or greater internal diameter as the external diameter of the product concealing sleeve.
In some exemplary embodiments in accordance with the second aspect of the invention in which a product concealing sleeve collar piece is additionally provided, which does not need to provide a radially inward biasing effect, the product concealing sleeve collar piece may be formed from a (precursor) tube having the same internal and external diameter as the product concealing sleeve tube, and optionally may be formed from the same (precursor) tube as the product concealing sleeve. The product concealing sleeve collar piece will then define an axial split to allow it to be located inside the product concealing sleeve. The use of an axially extending split may be useful in avoiding tolerance issues in these embodiments. The product stick concealing sleeve, product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece may be made from the same precursor tube. The product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece, and optionally also the product concealing sleeve may be made from the same (precursor) tube.
It is also envisaged that where the product concealing sleeve collar piece is required to provide a radially inward biasing effect, e.g. in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, it may still be possible to provide it using the same (precursor) tube as the product stick carrier collar piece and product concealing sleeve. While the product concealing sleeve collar piece will not then inherently provide the biasing effect as a result of its natural diameter, it may be treated to provide it with a “memory”, such that it is biased inwardly, as described below, e.g. by radially compressing the piece sufficiently. Such methods are discussed below.
While the selection of an appropriate external and/or internal diameter tube to provide the applicable collar piece has been described as a way of providing an appropriate bias to the free ends of the collar piece, it will be appreciated that other methods may be used. For example, the collar piece may be treated in some manner, to provide the appropriate biasing of the free ends. For example, a product concealing sleeve collar piece may, once an appropriate axial split has been defined therein, be compressed to provide the material with a “memory”, such that the collar piece will try to retract toward the compressed dimensions subsequently. Similarly, a product stick carrier collar piece may, once an appropriate axial split has been provided therein, be expanded to provide the material of the piece with a memory such that it will try to expand toward the original expanded dimensions.
In any of the aspects or embodiments in which the product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises free ends that are biased toward a radial centre of the dispenser (e.g. the first or third aspects), the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece are defined on either side of the axially extending split. The product concealing sleeve collar piece comprises a pair of axially extending edges on either side of the axially extending split. The axially extending split extends the full axial length of the product concealing sleeve collar piece. The product concealing sleeve collar piece (i.e. the body thereof) extends in a circumferential direction between the axially extending edges thereof. The free ends extend inboard from the axially extending edges of the product concealing sleeve collar piece on either side of the axial split. The free ends extend in the axial direction.
The product concealing sleeve collar piece may optionally have a dimension extending around the interior of the product concealing sleeve collar piece between axially extending edges thereof in a circumferential direction that is equal to the inner circumference of the product stick carrier. The product concealing sleeve collar piece may then have an internal radius that is greater than an inner radius of the product stick carrier. This may be a consequence of providing the collar piece from a tube of natural internal diameter that is equal to the internal diameter of the product stick support, and slitting the tube to provide an axial split allowing it to be located over the product stick carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the product stick carrier collar piece may optionally have a dimension extending around the interior of the product stick collar piece between axially extending edges thereof in a circumferential direction that is equal to an inner circumference of the product stick carrier, and an internal radius that is greater than an internal radius of the product stick carrier. This may result from providing the product stick carrier collar piece from the same tube as the product stick carrier. The product stick carrier collar piece will not then inherently provide any biasing effect as a result of the diameter of the tube from which it has been cut. This may be appropriate e.g. in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. If an outward biasing effect is required from the product stick carrier collar piece, it may still be possible to cut it from the same tube as the product stick carrier, provided that it is treated it to impart it with the ability to provide the biasing effect as described above.
In those aspects or embodiments in which the product concealing sleeve collar piece defines free ends on either side of an axially extending split that are biased radially inwardly (e.g. in embodiments of the first or third aspects), the collar piece is fixed to the product concealing sleeve in such a manner that the axially extending ends thereof are free from attachment to the product concealing sleeve. This enables the free ends to grip the product stick carrier. The free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece may extend by any desired amount inboard (circumferentially) from the axially extending edges thereof on either side of the axial split.
A bonded area may be defined on the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece between the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece. Thus the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece is bonded, for example adhesively, to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve in a bonded area defined between the free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece.
The bonded area may be confined to a central area between the axially extending edges of the collar piece. The central area is a circumferentially central area. The bonded area may be in the form of a longitudinal strip. This may facilitate assembly with glue being provided in a line over the length of the component. The bonded area may extend over the full axial height of the collar piece i.e. from a distal end edge to a proximal end edge thereof. The width of the bonded area, (in the circumferential direction), may be selected as desired, provided that it results in free ends which are able to provide the intended biasing effect. The free ends are able to flex on either side of the bonded area. The bonded area may provide a hinge connecting the collar piece to the product concealing sleeve, from which the free ends extend. The free ends may pivot about a respective axially extending edge of the bonded area.
The bonded area may be provided by an adhesive area. The adhesive may be continuous within the bonded area.
The exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece may comprise a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area. Each unbonded peripheral region may extend from a (circumferentially) outboard edge of the central bonded area. The unbonded peripheral regions extend over the full axial height of the collar piece. The unbonded peripheral regions may be of equal area. Thus, they may each extend by the same distance around the collar piece in a circumferential direction. The central bonded area and the unbonded peripheral regions are each axially extending.
In exemplary arrangements, the central bonded area may extend over less than 50%, or less than 30% of the surface area of exterior surface of the collar piece. Alternatively or additionally, the central bonded area may extend less than 50%, or less than 40% or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or even less than 10% of the distance around the collar piece between the axially extending edges thereof in a circumferential direction. This may be referred to as the width of the bonded area. The distance is measured between points on the axially extending edges of the collar piece at the axial distance from the proximal end edge thereof.
In any of the aspects or embodiments in which the product stick carrier collar piece comprises free ends that are biased away from the radial centre of the dispenser (e.g. in embodiments of the second or third aspects), the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece are defined on either side of an axially extending split. The product stick carrier collar piece comprises a pair of axially extending edges on either side of the axially extending split. The axially extending split extends the full axial length of the product stick carrier collar piece. The product stick carrier collar piece (i.e. the body thereof) extends in a circumferential direction between the axially extending edges thereof. The free ends extend inboard (in a circumferential direction) from the axially extending edges of the product stick carrier collar piece on either side of the axial split. The free ends extend in the axial direction.
In those aspects or embodiments in which the product stick carrier collar piece defines free ends on either side of an axially extending split that are biased radially outwardly (in embodiments of the second or third aspects), the collar piece is fixed to the product stick carrier in such a manner that the axially extending ends thereof are free from attachment to the product stick carrier. This enables the free ends to press outwardly against the product concealing sleeve. The free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece may extend by any desired amount inboard from the axially extending edges thereof on either side of the axial split.
A bonded area may be defined on the interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece between the free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece. The bonded area may be confined to a central area between the axially extending edges of the collar piece. The central area is a circumferentially central area. The bonded area may be in the form of a longitudinal strip. The bonded area may extend over the full axial height of the collar piece i.e. from a distal end edge to a proximal end edge thereof. The width of the bonded area, (in the circumferential direction), may be selected as desired, provided that it results in free ends which are able to provide the intended biasing effect. The free ends are able to flex on either side of the bonded area. The bonded area may provide a hinge connecting the collar piece to the product stick carrier, from which the free ends extend. The free ends may pivot about a respective axially extending edge of the bonded area.
The bonded area may be provided by an adhesive area. The adhesive may be continuous within the bonded area. For example, the bonded area may be provided by a strip of adhesive. However, this need not be the case. Where a discontinuous adhesive pattern is used, the bonded area may be defined by the outer perimeter of the region in which adhesive is present.
The interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece may comprise a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area. Each unbonded peripheral region may extend from a (circumferentially) outboard edge of the central bonded area. The unbonded peripheral regions extend over the full axial height of the collar piece. The unbonded peripheral regions may be of equal area. Thus, they may each extend by the same distance around the collar piece in a circumferential direction. The central bonded area and the unbonded peripheral regions are each axially extending.
In exemplary arrangements, the central bonded area may extend over less than 50%, or less than 30% of the surface area of interior surface of the collar piece. Alternatively or additionally, the central bonded area may extend less than 50%, or less than 40% or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or even less than 10% of the distance around the collar piece between the axially extending edges thereof in a circumferential direction. This may be referred to as the width of the bonded area. The distance is measured between points on the axially extending edges of the collar piece at the axial distance from the proximal end edge thereof.
The following features apply to a product stick carrier collar piece or product concealing sleeve collar piece as applicable, used in accordance with any of the aspects of the invention, whether or not it has an axial split defining free ends which are radially biased in the manner described. Thus these features apply in relation to the collar piece or pieces which have the biasing effect in relation to a given aspect of the invention, or a collar piece which cooperates with such a collar piece to provide the inter-engaging formations, whether or not the further collar piece also has a biasing effect.
Each collar piece may be of a card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard.
The product stick carrier collar piece may extend proximally from the distal end edge of the product stick carrier.
The product concealing sleeve collar piece may extend distally from the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve.
The distal end edge of the product concealing sleeve collar piece may engage a proximal end edge of the product stick carrier collar piece to define the first, fully extended position.
A collar piece as used herein refers to a tubular component. The collar piece may be of varying axial extent relative to the component to which it is fixed. The extent of the collar pieces in the axial direction will set the available amount of axial movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier in use. The collar piece defines an axial direction and a radial direction. The axial direction extends in the longitudinal direction of the collar piece e.g. in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the collar piece. The body of the collar piece extends in a circumferential direction. The collar piece may be an elongate collar piece.
The collar piece may extend any desired amount around the axis of the component to which it is fixed e.g. the product concealing sleeve or product stick carrier. For example, it may extend at least 270 degrees therearound, or suitable value. Consequently, where an axial split is provided in the collar, the split may be of varying dimensions in the circumferential direction.
The product concealing sleeve collar piece, where present, extends over only a portion of an axial length of the product concealing sleeve. The product stick carrier collar piece, where present, extends over only a portion of an axial length of the product stick carrier.
The product stick carrier collar piece may be fixed, e.g. bonded, at its interior surface, to the exterior of the product stick carrier, e.g. adhesively. The product stick carrier collar piece may be directly bonded to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier e.g. adhesively. The extent of the bonded area will depend upon whether the collar piece is required to have free ends providing a biasing effect, as described herein.
The product concealing sleeve collar piece may be fixed, e.g. bonded, at its exterior surface, to the interior of the product concealing sleeve, e.g. adhesively. The product concealing sleeve collar piece may be directly bonded to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve e.g. adhesively. The extent of the bonded area will depend upon whether the collar piece is required to have free ends providing a biasing effect, as described herein.
Each collar piece present is separately formed from and attached to its relevant component i.e. the product concealing sleeve and the product stick carrier for the product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier collar pieces respectively. The arrangement of the present invention provides a particularly effective way of implementing a dispenser of card-based or paper-based material.
The present invention extends to a method of providing a dispenser in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments described herein. As outlined above, the biasing of the free ends of the product concealing sleeve and/or product stick carrier collar piece respectively as required in the invention in its various aspects can be achieved by the choice of the size of tube from which the product concealing sleeve and/or product stick carrier collar pieces are made. For instance, by making the product concealing sleeve collar piece from a precursor tube with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the product stick carrier (for example, wherein the precursor tube is the same as the product stick carrier precursor tube), the natural biasing of the product concealing sleeve collar piece will be toward the centre of the dispenser. Similarly, by making the product stick carrier collar piece from a precursor tube with an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the product concealing sleeve (for example, the same precursor tube as the product concealing sleeve itself), the natural biasing of the product stick carrier collar piece will be outwards, toward the shape of the product concealing sleeve.
In those aspects or embodiments in which the dispenser comprises a product concealing sleeve collar piece which comprises free ends which are biased radially inwardly (e.g. in accordance with the first or third aspect of the invention), the method may comprise providing the product concealing sleeve collar piece from a precursor tube which has an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter of the product stick carrier. The method may comprise providing the product stick carrier and the product concealing sleeve collar piece from the same precursor tube. The method will comprise the step of providing an axial split in the piece of the precursor tube used to provide the product concealing sleeve collar piece. The axial split may, for example, be provided by cutting a slit in the tube piece without the removal of material.
In accordance with embodiments (e.g. in accordance with the first aspect of the invention) in which a product stick carrier collar piece is provided (and which does not need to provide the radially outward biasing effect (at least not by virtue of its “natural” diameter), the method may comprise providing the product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece and optionally also the product stick carrier from the same precursor tube. The method will comprise the step of providing an axial split in the piece of the precursor tube used to provide the product stick carrier collar piece to enable the product stick carrier collar piece to be located over the product stick carrier. The step of providing the axial split may optionally be achieved without removing material. This may be suitable for providing a product stick carrier collar piece that does not naturally provide a biasing effect by virtue of the diameter of the tube from which it is cut. This is appropriate where the product stick carrier collar piece is not required to provide an outward biasing effect. If such a biasing effect is required, additional processing may be carried out to provide the product stick carrier collar piece with the ability to provide the biasing effect e.g. by expanding it to provide it with a “memory” of a smaller diameter to which it will then try to recover, enabling the tubes to still all be cut from the same precursor tube.
In those aspects and embodiments in which the dispenser comprises a product concealing sleeve collar piece which comprises free ends which are biased radially inwardly (e.g. in accordance with the first or third aspect of the invention), the method may alternatively or additionally include: providing the product concealing sleeve tube; providing a tube piece and creating a split along the axial length of the tube piece to create the product concealing sleeve collar piece; and bonding the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve tube in a bonded area defined between the ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece on either side of the axial split, such that the ends are left unbonded to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve tube to provide the pair of free ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece. The step of creating the split may optionally be performed without removing material from the tube piece. As set out above, the method may comprise providing the product concealing sleeve collar piece from a precursor tube which has an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter of the product stick carrier.
The bonding may be adhesive bonding.
The adhesive may be applied in a longitudinal strip.
The adhesive may be applied only to a central axially extending strip between the (axially extending) edges of the product concealing sleeve collar piece.
The method may comprise bonding the product concealing sleeve collar piece to the product concealing sleeve so as to provide a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located respectively between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area, optionally wherein the bonded area extends over less than 50% of the surface area of the interior surface of the product stick carrier sleeve collar piece.
The bonding may generally be carried out so as to provide an arrangement in accordance with any of the embodiments described in relation to the dispenser earlier.
The method may also include, before the step of bonding the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece to the interior of the product concealing sleeve tube, placing the product concealing sleeve collar piece around the product stick carrier by separating the ends of the product concealing sleeve collar piece on either side of the axial split, locating the product concealing sleeve collar piece around the product stick carrier, and then releasing the product concealing sleeve collar piece to resiliently grip the product stick carrier. The step of bonding the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece to the interior of the product concealing sleeve tube may comprise applying adhesive to the interior of the product concealing sleeve and/or the exterior of the product concealing sleeve collar piece, and locating the product concealing sleeve tube around the product concealing sleeve collar piece once assembled with the product stick carrier. Adhesive may advantageously be provided on the exterior of the product concealing sleeve collar piece once located around the product stick carrier e.g. in a longitudinal strip. This may facilitate manufacture, but other options may be used.
In those aspects or embodiments in which the dispenser comprises a product stick carrier collar piece which comprises free ends which are biased radially outwardly (e.g. in accordance with the second or third aspect of the invention), the method may comprise providing the product stick carrier collar piece from a precursor tube which has an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the product concealing sleeve. The method may comprise providing the product concealing sleeve and the product stick carrier collar piece from the same precursor tube. The method will comprise the step of providing an axial split in the piece of the precursor tube used to provide the product stick carrier collar piece. The axial split may be provided by removing an axial strip of material from the product stick carrier collar piece.
In accordance with embodiments (e.g. in accordance with the second aspect of the invention in which a product concealing sleeve collar piece is provided (and which does not need to provide the radially inward biasing effect (at least by virtue of its “natural” diameter)), the method may comprise providing the product concealing sleeve collar piece and the product stick carrier collar piece and optionally the product concealing sleeve from the same precursor tube. The method will comprise the step of providing an axial split in the piece of the precursor tube used to provide the product concealing sleeve collar piece to enable the product concealing sleeve collar piece to be located within the product concealing sleeve. The step of providing the axial split involves removing a portion of the material of the tube piece i.e. an axial strip of the material. This may be suitable for providing a product concealing sleeve collar piece that does not naturally provide a biasing effect by virtue of the diameter of the tube from which it is cut. This is appropriate, for example, where the product concealing sleeve collar piece is not required to provide an inward biasing effect. If such a biasing effect is required, additional processing may be carried out to provide the product concealing sleeve collar piece with the ability to provide the biasing effect e.g. by compressing it to provide it with a “memory” of a smaller diameter to which it will then try to recover, enabling the tubes to still all be cut from the same precursor tube.
In addition to the advantages mentioned above with respect to the dispenser per se, the methods enable a simple construction of the dispenser, with a limited number of manufacturing steps. For example, using the same precursor tube for both the product stick carrier and the product concealing sleeve collar piece reduces the number of initial components needed to manufacture the dispenser. Similarly, using the same precursor tube for other multiple components also reduces the number of initial (or precursor) components needed to manufacture the dispenser.
In those aspects or embodiments in which the dispenser comprises a product stick carrier collar piece which comprises free ends which are biased radially outwardly (e.g. in accordance with the second or third aspect of the invention), the method may alternatively or additionally comprise : providing the product stick carrier; providing a tube piece and creating a split along the axial length of the tube piece to create the product stick carrier collar piece wherein creating the split comprises removing a portion of the material of the tube piece; and bonding the interior surface of the product stick carrier collar piece to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier in a bonded area defined between the ends of the product stick carrier collar piece on either side of the axial split, such that the ends are left unbonded to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier tube to provide the pair of free ends of the product stick carrier collar piece. As set out above, the method may comprise providing the product stick carrier collar piece from a precursor tube which has an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the product concealing sleeve.
The bonding may be adhesive bonding.
The adhesive may be applied in a longitudinal strip.
The adhesive may be applied only to a central axially extending strip between the (axially extending) edges of the product stick carrier collar piece.
The method may comprise bonding the product stick carrier collar piece to the product stick carrier so as to provide a central bonded area and a pair of unbonded peripheral regions located respectively between the central bonded area and the axially extending edge of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded area, optionally wherein the bonded area extends over less than 50% of the surface area of the interior surface of the product stick carrier sleeve collar piece. The bonding may generally be carried out so as to provide an arrangement in accordance with any of the embodiments described in relation to the dispenser earlier.
In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, the product concealing sleeve is slidable relative to the outer sleeve (and product stick carrier). The product concealing sleeve may also be rotatable relative to the outer sleeve (and product stick carrier) as it is moved relative to the outer sleeve (and product stick carrier). Any degree of rotation may be possible.
The dispenser may include a base disc fixed to a proximal end edge of each of the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve. The base disc is formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard.
A second, fully retracted position of the product concealing sleeve may be defined when a proximal end of the product concealing sleeve engages the base disc.
The presence of a fully retracted position aids the operation of the device.
At the second, fully retracted position of the product concealing sleeve, a distal end edge of the product concealing sleeve may be axially flush with a distal end edge of the product stick carrier. However, this need not be the case.
The dispenser may include a cap, wherein the cap is sized to fit snugly over the product concealing sleeve when the product concealing sleeve is in the first, fully extended position. The cap is formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard.
The product stick support may include a product support disc at the distal end thereof. The disc may be fixed to the interior of the product stick carrier so as to be proximally spaced from a (or the) distal end edge of the product stick carrier. The height of the product stick support disc from the proximal end of the product stick support may be used to control the degree to which the product stick projects from the product stick support, and may be selected having regard e.g. to the height of the product concealing sleeve. The product support disc is formed from card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard
Each of the product stick carrier, the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve and the or each collar piece may be made from spiral-wound tubes. However, this is only optional, and alternative tube forming technologies may be used. There is also provided an assembly which includes the dispenser as in any of the embodiments described above and a product in stick form carried by the product stick carrier.
The dispenser may be in the overall form of a cylindrical tube. The dispenser has a radial centre. The radial centre may correspond to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser. The outer sleeve, product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve may all be coaxial.
The inter-engagement of the formations prevents the product concealing sleeve from being detached from the dispenser. The inter-engagement of the formations prevents the product concealing sleeve from being fully removed from inside the outer sleeve. The first, fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve is defined in an axial direction relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier.
The outer sleeve is a (radially) outer sleeve relative to the product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier. It may define at least a part of an outermost surface of the dispenser. However, arrangements in which additional component(s) are present radially outward of the outer sleeve are not excluded.
The product stick is arranged radially inwardly of the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve in use, and projects beyond the distal end of the outer sleeve. Thus the product stick projects upwardly from the outer sleeve. The product concealing sleeve may be retracted or advanced (e.g. lowered or raised) within the outer sleeve to expose or cover the product stick. The product stick is supported by the product support (or product support disc) of the product stick carrier in use.
The product stick will project beyond the distal end of the outer sleeve and a distal end of the product stick carrier in all operative states of the dispenser. The product stick extends in the above mentioned manner at least when an assembly including the dispenser and product stick is produced and prior to depletion of the product stick. The length of the product stick which is exposed will depend upon the position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve. Retraction, e.g., lowering, or moving in the proximal direction, of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve will expose an increasingly greater portion of a length of the product stick while advancement e.g. raising, or moving in a distal direction, of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve will cover an increasingly greater portion of a length of the product stick.
The product stick remains static and is selectively exposed by movement of the product concealing sleeve of the dispenser. The outer sleeve also remains static with the product concealing sleeve moving between extended and retracted positions relative thereto. Where a product stick is present in the dispenser, the product stick may be arranged in the above described manner. In those aspects and embodiments of the invention relating to a dispenser not necessarily in combination with a product stick, the dispenser is configured such that, when located therein in use, a product stick may be arranged in any of the above described manners.
The dispenser defines a longitudinal axis. This defines an axial direction with respect to the dispenser and its components. The outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and, where provided, product stick each define a respective longitudinal axis. The outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and, where provided, product stick share the same longitudinal axis in the dispenser i.e. they are concentric. The product stick carrier may also share the same longitudinal axis. The dispenser (and the product stick carrier, outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and, where provided, product stick) each define a transverse direction. The product stick carrier (and, where provided, product stick) may be fixed to the outer sleeve so as to be centred in the transverse direction with respect to the outer sleeve. A collar piece which does not provide a biasing effect may be concentric with any of the above components of the dispenser.
The outer sleeve is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier. The product concealing sleeve is disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve.
The product concealing sleeve is freely movable between the first, fully extended and second, fully retracted positions for covering and exposing the product stick in use. Thus the concealing sleeve may be retracted and advanced to expose and cover the product stick respectively. The concealing sleeve is mounted for reciprocating movement between the first, fully extended and second, fully retracted positions relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier. The first, fully extended position is a predefined, set position determined by the action of the inter-engaging formations. The second, fully retracted position is also a predefined, set position. The product concealing sleeve may have a predetermined range of travel relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier defined between the set positions corresponding to the first, fully extended and second, fully retracted positions.
The product concealing sleeve is movable manually by a user. Thus, the product concealing sleeve is retracted or advanced by a user between the first, fully extended and second, fully retracted positons.
The product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve. The product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve so that neither rotational nor sliding movement of the product stick carrier relative to the outer sleeve is possible. Thus, movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve will correspond to movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier. The product concealing sleeve is thus retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and the product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in order to expose a product stick supported by the product stick support of the product stick carrier in use. The product concealing sleeve may be retractable from the first, fully extended position to a second fully retracted position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier in order to expose the product stick. The outer sleeve and product stick carrier may of course extend to different extents relative to a proximal end of the dispenser.
A distal end of the product concealing sleeve may extend beyond a distal end of the outer sleeve when the product concealing sleeve is in the second, fully retracted position. This may enable the user to more easily grasp the product concealing sleeve in order to advance the product concealing sleeve when it is desired to advance the product concealing sleeve toward the first, fully extended position once more. The distal end of the product concealing sleeve may or may not additionally extend beyond a distal end of the product stick carrier when the product concealing sleeve is in the second, fully retracted position.
The product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve. A distal end of the product stick carrier may or may not project beyond a distal end of the outer sleeve. The distal end of the product stick carrier will then project beyond the distal end of the outer sleeve in all operative conditions of the dispenser.
A proximal portion of the product concealing sleeve may slide within the outer sleeve as the product concealing sleeve is retracted and advanced relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier.
The product concealing sleeve may be slidably disposed between the outer sleeve and product stick carrier. A proximal portion of the product concealing sleeve may slide between the outer sleeve and product stick carrier as the product concealing sleeve is retracted and advanced relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier.
The outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier together define a base part of the dispenser. As stated above, the dispenser may further comprise a removable cap for closing an open end of the base part. The cap is preferably of paper-based or cardbased material e.g. paperboard or cardboard.
The removable cap is configured to be located over the product concealing sleeve, when the product concealing sleeve is in the first, fully extended position. The removable cap covers a portion of the product concealing sleeve which extends beyond a distal end of the outer sleeve when in the first, fully extended position. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the removable cap is configured to abut a distal end of the outer sleeve when the cap is located on the base part of the dispenser. The proximal end of the cap may be configured to abut the distal end of the outer sleeve with the product concealing sleeve in any operative position, including the first, fully extended position. The external surfaces of the outer sleeve and of the cap may be flush with one another when the cap is located on the base part of the dispenser. The surfaces may be flush when the product concealing sleeve is in any operative position including its fully extended position.
The cap may be of any suitable construction. The cap is preferably in the form of a cylindrical tube. The tube may be formed from a blank of paper-based or card-based material, preferably a single piece blank.
The cap may comprise an end plug e.g. disc closing one end of the cap tube. The end plug e.g. disc may be of paper-based or card-based material. The end plug e.g. disc may be bonded, such as adhesively bonded, in position. In some embodiments, the end of the cap tube is rolled inwardly to provide a lip for locating the end plug e.g. disc. However, such a construction need not necessarily be used.
The product stick may be a stick of any product that may be provided in stick form. The product stick is a stick of solid material. The product may be any consumer product. The product may be a personal care product, such as a cosmetic product, skin care product, hair care product, or toothcare product, but is not limited thereto. A personal care product includes any product used in grooming or dressing, as well as products used at other times, and may include products for providing a medicinal benefit. The product is not limited to personal care product, and may be any type of consumer product that is provided in stick form, such as a stick of adhesive, or paint. The product stick may be selected from any one of; a stick of cosmetic, lipstick, lip balm, hair product, sunscreen, body balm, deodorant, adhesive product or of any product for topical application to a surface, for example to a person’s skin, hair or lips.
There is also provided an assembly that includes the dispenser in accordance with the invention in any of the aspects or embodiments described herein and a product in stick form supported by the product support.
Where a product in stick form is provided in the dispenser, the product in stick form (product stick) may have a base that is sized and shaped to fit within or attach to a product support of the product carrier. In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments the product stick projects beyond the distal end of the outer sleeve, and the product stick carrier, in all operative states of the dispenser. The product stick does not project beyond the distal end of the product concealing sleeve, when the concealing sleeve is in the first, fully extended position. However, at least when the concealing sleeve is in the second, fully retracted position, the product stick extends beyond the distal end of the product concealing sleeve. The product stick extends in the above mentioned manner at least when the assembly is produced and prior to depletion of the product stick.
The product stick is fixed relative to the outer sleeve, and, where provided, product stick carrier.
The base of the product stick may be secured to the product support in any suitable manner. For example, the product stick may be bonded e.g. adhesively thereto, or secured thereto through mechanical interlocking, interference fit or magnetically. In some embodiments the product stick may extend through a central opening of a portion of the product stick support.
There is also provided a package comprising the dispenser or assembly in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments described herein and further comprising an outer packaging arranged to house the dispenser. For example, the outer packaging may be a carton. The outer packaging is preferably of card-based or paper-based material. The outer packaging may be formed from a blank of sheet material e.g. a single piece blank.
In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, the extent of the possible travel of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve may be selected as desired, depending e.g. upon a length of a product stick with which the dispenser is to be used. In some embodiments the product concealing sleeve is moveable relative to the outer sleeve over a distance corresponding to at least 5% or at least 40% or at least 50% of a length of the outer sleeve. Alternatively or additionally the product concealing sleeve may be moveable relative to the product stick carrier over a distance corresponding to at least 5%, or at least 30% or at least 35% of a length of the product stick carrier. In some embodiments at least 5%, or at least 30% or at least 40% or at least 45% or at least 50% of a length of the product concealing sleeve may extend beyond a distal end of the outer sleeve when in the first, fully extended position. Alternatively or additionally, no more than 95% or no more than 85% or no more than 60% of a length of the product concealing sleeve may extend beyond the distal end of the outer sleeve when in a first, fully extended position. In general, the range of travel of the product concealing sleeve may be selected within a broad range of values, depending upon the desired properties and intended use of the dispenser. For example, ranges of movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve might range from over 5% to over 95% of a length of the outer sleeve.
The dimensions of the dispenser may be selected as desired to house a given type of product stick. For example, the dispenser may have a width of less than 30cm, or less than 20cm, such as less than 10cm or less than 5cm, or less than 3cm, or less than 2cm, and/or the dispenser may have a length with the product concealing sleeve in the first, fully extended position, of less than 50cm, or less than 30cm or less than 20cm, or less than 15cm, or less than 10cm. The width of the dispenser is a maximum dimension thereof in the transverse direction. The above ranges are particularly suitable for use with a personal care type product. However, depending upon the type and configuration of product stick, whether for personal care products or otherwise, different dimensional ranges may be appropriate.
The product concealing sleeve, outer sleeve, and product stick carrier, and, where present, product stick carrier collar piece and product concealing sleeve collar piece, are each formed from a paper-based or card-based material. Any such paper based or card based material may be used, for example cardboard or paperboard. Any additional component of the dispenser e.g. a cap, or where provided, outer housing, first and second collars, is preferably also formed of a paper-based or card-based material. Each component of the dispenser may be made from a card or paper based material. Any reference to card-based or paperbased material herein may refer to a card-based or paper-based material such as cardboard or paperboard.
References to concealing a product stick refer to concealing the sides of the product stick. The distal end of the product stick may be visible through an open end of the base part of the dispenser when a cap is not provided over the base part of the dispenser. The product concealing sleeve may extend around the entire circumference of a product stick.
It will be appreciated that references to a “one of the inter-engaging formations” or the “interengaging formation” herein does not imply that a single formation is necessarily associated with the respective one of the product concealing sleeve or product stick carrier (unless the context demands otherwise), and may refer to a set of one or more inter-engaging formations associated therewith. Thus the inter-engaging formations comprise a set of one or more inter-engaging formations associated with the product stick carrier and a set of one or more inter-engaging formations associated with the product concealing sleeve. The product sick carrier or product concealing sleeve may include other formations forming part of the inter-engaging formations than those specified. However, in exemplary embodiments, the inter-engaging formations are provided by inter-engaging edges of collar pieces associated with the respective components. It will be appreciated that any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention may include any or all of the features of the invention described in relation to any other aspects and embodiments of the invention to the extent they are not mutually inconsistent therewith.
Various features of embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a product dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2A is a perspective view of the product dispenser of the embodiment of Figure 1 , with the cap removed and the product concealing sleeve in a retracted position.
Figure 2B is a side view of the product dispenser in the same position as Figure 2B.
Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the product dispenser, taken along the line A-A of Figure 2B.
Figure 3A is a perspective view of the product dispenser of the embodiment of Figure 1 , with the cap separate and the product concealing sleeve in an extended position.
Figure 3B is a side view of the product dispenser in the same configuration as Figure 3A.
Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the product dispenser, taken along the line A-A of Figure 3B.
Figure 4A is an end-on view from the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve of the dispenser with the first collar portion fixed thereto. Some features of this figure are exaggerated for illustration purposes.
Figure 4B is an end on view from the distal end of the product stick carrier of the dispenser with the second collar portion fixed thereto. Some features of this figure are exaggerated for illustration purposes.
Figure 5 is an illustration of one example of a step-by-step method of manufacturing the product dispenser of the invention.
Various features are illustrated and described below. However, these features are exemplary only and need not be in every embodiment of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the claims.
T1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to figures 1 to 4 a dispenser 2 for a product 4 in stick form is shown.
The dispenser 2 includes an outer sleeve 6, a product concealing sleeve 8, a product stick carrier 10 and a cap 12.
Each component of the dispenser 2, i.e., the outer sleeve 6, the product concealing sleeve 8, the product stick carrier 10, and the cap 12 is made of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard. For example, each component may be made from a spiral wound tube.
Each component of the dispenser 2, i.e., the outer sleeve 6, the product concealing sleeve 8, the product stick carrier 10, and the cap 12 is in the form of a cylindrical tube.
It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the cap 12 is longer than the outer sleeve 6; however, this need not necessarily be the case.
The product concealing sleeve 8 is disposed radially outward of the product stick carrier 10. The outer sleeve 6 is disposed radially outward of the product concealing sleeve 8. In other words, the product concealing sleeve is radially between the product stick carrier 10 and the outer sleeve 6. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the product stick carrier is smaller than the inner diameter of the product concealing sleeve, which is in turn smaller than the inner diameter of the outer sleeve.
The cap 12 has the same diameter as the outer sleeve 6 and is removably located at the distal end of the dispenser 2.
The outer sleeve 6 includes a base 14. The base 14 is in the form of a disc of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard, and is fixed, for example, adhesively bonded, to a proximal end 16 of the outer sleeve 6 and also to a proximal end 18 of the product stick carrier 10. In this manner, the outer sleeve 6 is fixed relative to the product stick carrier 10; however, the outer sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 10 may be fixed using alternative means. For example, an optional product stick carrier base plug 24A as shown in figure 1 , but omitted from the other figures, may be adhered to the proximal end 18 of the product stick carrier 10 and then the product stick carrier base plug 24A may be adhered to the base 14. The plug 24A is a disc of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard, and may be of the same diameter as the product support disc 24. The illustrated cap 12 includes a top 20 in the form of a disc of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. The top 20 is fixed, for example, adhesively bonded, to a distal end 22 of the cap 12.
The illustrated product stick carrier 10 includes a product support 24, which, as can be appreciated from figures 2C and 3C, is affixed near a distal end 26 of the product stick carrier 10. The product support 24 is in the form of a disc of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. The product support 24 is recessed from the distal end edge of the product stick carrier 10.
The dispenser 2 includes a pair of inter-engaging formations provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 and a product stick carrier collar piece 28. Each of the product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier collar pieces 30, 28 are arranged radially between the product stick carrier 10 and the product concealing sleeve 8.
The product stick carrier collar piece 28 is located around the exterior of the distal end 26 of the product stick carrier 10. The product stick carrier collar piece 28 is affixed, for example glued, around the distal end 26 of the product stick carrier 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a distal end 32 of the product stick carrier collar piece 28 and the distal end 26 product stick carrier 10 provide are flush with one another. However, this need not be the case.
The product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is disposed radially inside a proximal end 50 of the product concealing sleeve 8.
The illustrated product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 includes a pair of free ends 36, 38 opposed to one another and defined on either side of an axially extending split 43 that extends the full axial length of the collar piece 30. The free ends 36, 38 extend inboard (in the circumferential direction) of the axially extending edges 37, 39 of the collar defined at the split.
The product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is affixed to an interior surface 42 of the product concealing sleeve 8 over a bonded area that extends over only a portion of the area of the outer surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 defined between the axially extending edges 37, 39, for example over less than half of the area. The bonded area may terminate equidistant from each axially extending edges 37, 39 of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30, with an unbonded region being present on either side of the central bonded area and a respective one of the axially extending edges 37, 39.
This can be appreciated from figure 4A, which shows an exaggerated view with a bonded area in the form of glue strip 44 affixing the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 to the interior surface 42 of the product concealing sleeve 8. It will be appreciated that Figure 4A is schematic and the radially inner and outer surfaces of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 will be regularly spaced from one another by the wall thickness of the collar piece around the circumference of the collar piece, as a result of the collar piece having been cut from a tube having radially inner and outer surfaces of circular cross-section in this embodiment. The glue strip 44 provides a (circumferentially) central bonded area. An unbonded (circumferentially) peripheral region extends from the outboard edge of the bonded area on either side thereof to a respective one of the axially extending edges 37, 39 of the collar piece. In this way the free ends 36, 38 are provided, and are able to pivot about the hinge provided by the bonded area of glue strip 44. The glue strip 44 in this exemplary embodiment extends the full axial height of the collar piece, and thus the cross section will be as shown in Figure 4A over its full height. The unbonded peripheral areas also extend the full height of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded region.
The relative sizes of the unbonded portions and bonded area may be selected as desired, and may differ from the examples given. Thus the bonded area may be wider or narrower than shown in the circumferential direction i.e. extending a greater or lesser extent around an axis of the collar piece. The size of the bonded area should be chosen appropriately to result in the free ends 36, 38 being able to provide the desired biasing effect. In some exemplary embodiments, the bonded area extends a distance around the collar piece between the axially extending edges 37, 39 thereof in a circumferential direction that is less than 50%, or less than 30% of the distance between the axially extending edges 37, 39. The circumferential distance is defined between points at the same axial level on the axially extending edges 37, 39 from the proximal end thereof, and thus corresponds to the dimensions which may be seen in the view of Figure 4A. For example only, a glue strip 44 might have an extent in the circumferential direction of as little as 10% of the circumferential extent of the collar, although lesser extents may also be envisaged. The unbonded areas may be of equal shape and size, so as to provide a symmetrical arrangement, although this need not be the case. It is also envisaged that other bonding patterns may be used, and the adhesive may be continuous or intermittent in the bonded area, provided that free ends 36, 38 which function as required are provided.
It should be noted that the other components of the dispenser 2 are not shown in figure 4A for illustrative purposes.
The free circumferential ends 36 and 38 are biased toward the radial centre of the dispenser 2. This biasing can be achieved by the production method of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30. For example, the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 can be formed from a piece with a natural inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter which the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 has in the fully constructed dispenser 2, such as from a length of a cardboard or paperboard tube that is also used to form the product stick carrier 10. In this way, the natural inner diameter of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is the same as the inner diameter of the product stick carrier 10. Of course, the tube need not be the same as that used to provide the product stick carrier 10, and may have an inner diameter of any amount provided that it is less than the outer diameter of the product stick carrier. Alternatively, the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 can be bent after construction to force the axially extending edges 37, 39 on either side of an axial split closer to one another prior to the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 being attached to the remainder of the dispenser 2. This may provide the collar piece 30 with a “memory” of the smaller diameter, such that it will try to recover towards that subsequently.
The biasing of the free circumferential ends 36, 38 enables the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 to (resiliently) grip the product stick carrier 10 and thereby provide a degree of sliding resistance when the product dispenser 2 is in use. The degree of sliding resistance is advantageously high enough to prevent movement of the product concealing sleeve 8 relative to the other components of the dispenser 2 under the action of gravitational forces. However, the degree of sliding resistance is low enough to allow a user to manually slide the product concealing sleeve 8 with only a small amount of effort. For example, and not by limitation, the sliding resistance may withstand about 0.3 N, although the most suitable values will depend upon the intended use and application of the dispenser.
The illustrated product stick carrier collar piece 28 includes a pair of free ends 36A, 38A on either side of an axially extending split (or gap) 43A. The free ends 36A, 38A extend inboard (circumferentially) from the axially extending edges 37A, 39A of the collar on either side of the split 41 A. The product stick carrier collar piece 28 is affixed to an exterior (or external) surface 42A of the product stick carrier 10 over a bonded area that extends over only a portion of the area of the inner surface of the product stick carrier collar piece 28 defined between the axially extending edges 37, 39, for example over less than half of the area. The bonded area may terminate equidistant from each axially extending edges 37A, 39A of the product stick carrier collar piece 28, with an unbonded region being present on either side of the central bonded area and a respective one of the axially extending edges 37A, 39A.
This can be appreciated from figure 4B, which shows an exaggerated view with a glue strip 44A affixing the product stick carrier collar piece 28 to the exterior surface 42A of the product stick carrier 10. It should be noted that the other components of the dispenser 2 are not shown in figure 4B for illustrative purposes. It will be appreciated that Figure 4B is schematic and the radially inner and outer surfaces of the product stick carrier 10 will be regularly spaced from one another by the wall thickness of the carrier, each defining a circle when viewed in the cross section of Figure 4B, as a result of the product stick carrier having been cut from a tube having inner and outer diameters of circular cross-section in this embodiment.
The glue strip 44A provides a (circumferentially) central bonded area. An unbonded (circumferentially) peripheral region extends from the outboard edge of the bonded area on either side thereof to a respective one of the axially extending edges 37A, 39A of the collar piece. In this way the free ends 36A, 38A are provided, and are able to pivot about the hinge provided by the bonded area of glue strip 44A. The glue strip 44A in this exemplary embodiment extends the full axial height of the collar piece, and thus the cross section will be as shown in Figure 4B over its full height. The unbonded peripheral areas also extend the full height of the collar piece on either side of the central bonded region.
The relative sizes of the unbonded portions and bonded area may be selected as desired, and may differ from the examples given. Thus the bonded area may be wider or narrower than shown in the circumferential direction i.e. extending a greater or lesser extent around an axis of the collar piece. The size of the bonded area should be chosen appropriately to result in the free ends 36A, 38A being able to provide the desired biasing effect. It is also envisaged that other bonding patterns may be used, and the adhesive may be continuous or intermittent in the bonded area, provided that free ends 36A, 38A which function as required are provided.
In some exemplary embodiments, the bonded area extends a distance around the collar piece between the axially extending edges 37A, 39A thereof in a circumferential direction that is less than 50%, or less than 30% of the distance between the axially extending edges 37A, 39A. The circumferential distance is defined between points at the same axial level on the axially extending edges 37A, 39A from the proximal end thereof, and thus corresponds to the dimensions which may be seen in the view of Figure 4B. For example only, a glue strip 44A might have an extent in the circumferential direction of as little as 10% of the circumferential extent of the collar, although lesser extents may also be envisaged. The unbonded areas may be of equal shape and size, so as to provide a symmetrical arrangement, although this need not be the case. It is also envisaged that other bonding patterns may be used, and the adhesive may be continuous or intermittent in the bonded area, provided that free ends 36A, 38A which function as required are provided.
The free ends 36A and 38A are biased away from the radial centre of the dispenser 2. This biasing can be achieved by the production method of the product stick carrier collar piece 28. For example, the product stick carrier collar piece 28 can be formed from a piece with a natural diameter larger than the diameter which the product stick carrier collar piece 28 has in the fully constructed dispenser 2, such as from length of a cardboard or paperboard tube that is also used to form the product concealing sleeve 8. In this way, the natural diameter of the product stick carrier collar piece 28 is the same as the diameter of the product concealing sleeve 8. The product stick carrier collar piece 28 may be formed from a precursor tube having an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the product concealing sleeve.
Alternatively, the product stick carrier collar piece 28 can be bent after construction to force the edges 37A, 39A on either side of the axial split further from one another when the product stick carrier collar piece 30 is not attached to the remainder of the dispenser 2. This may provide the collar piece with a memory of a greater diameter towards which it tries to recover.
The biasing of the free circumferential ends 36A, 38A enables the product stick carrier collar piece 30 to (resiliently) press outwardly against the product concealing sleeve 8 and thereby provide a degree of sliding resistance when the product dispenser 2 is in use. The degree of sliding resistance is advantageously high enough to prevent movement of the product concealing sleeve 8 relative to the other components of the dispenser 2 under the action of gravitational forces. However, the degree of sliding resistance is low enough to allow a user to manually slide the product concealing sleeve 8 with only a small amount of effort. For example, but not by limitation, the sliding resistance may withstand about 0.3 N, although the most suitable value will depend upon factors such as the intended use and application of the dispenser.
The product stick carrier collar piece 28 and the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 are the same shape and axial dimensions as each other in the illustrated embodiment. However, this need not be the case. For example, the axial extent of the pieces may differ. While the illustrated product stick carrier collar piece 28 takes the same form as the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30, alternative arrangements may be used.
In the above described embodiment, which is in accordance with the third aspect of the invention described herein, both the product concealing sleeve collar piece and product stick carrier collar piece have free ends, which are biased inwardly or outwardly respectively.
Depending upon the intended application and requirements for a particular dispenser, it is not necessarily that both product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve collar pieces are present, or, if both are present, that they both provide the radially biasing effect. For example, only the product concealing sleeve collar piece providing the radially inward biasing effect may be used (in accordance with the first aspect), or only the product stick carrier collar piece providing radially outward biasing may be provided (in accordance with the second aspect).
Whichever collar piece is present, and required to provide a radial biasing effect, may be as above described.
For example, where the product concealing sleeve collar piece provides the inward biasing effect, the product stick carrier collar piece need not do so (e.g. in accordance with the first aspect). The product stick carrier collar piece may then be provided with or without an axially extending split. The entire inner surface of the product stick carrier collar piece may be bonded to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier. The product stick carrier collar piece may then cooperate with the product concealing sleeve collar piece to provide the inter-engaging formations and provide an end stop in the same manner as described in relation to the illustrated embodiment.
In other embodiments, the product concealing sleeve collar piece may cooperate with a different formation, not provided by a product stick carrier collar piece, to provide the end stop effect. For example, the product stick carrier may be provided with other types of formation to inter-engage with the product concealing sleeve collar piece. Such formations may be formed integrally with the product stick carrier 10 e.g. flap(s). Furthermore, instead of the product stick carrier collar piece 28, alternative features, such as a plurality, e.g., 2 or 3, lugs could be used to provide the interengaging formation associated with the product stick carrier 10.
Alternatively, when the product stick carrier collar piece 28 is as described above (having free ends 36A, 38A providing an outward biasing effect), the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 need not provide a radially inward biasing effect. This is in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. For example, the collar piece may be provided with or without an axially extending split. The entire exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece may be bonded to the interior surface of the product concealing sleeve. The product stick carrier collar piece may then cooperate with the product concealing sleeve collar piece to provide the inter-engaging formations and provide an end stop in the same manner as described in relation to the illustrated embodiment.
In other embodiments, the product stick carrier collar piece may cooperate with a different formation, not provided by a product concealing sleeve collar piece, to provide the end stop effect. For example, the product concealing sleeve may be provided with other types of formation to inter-engage with the product stick carrier collar piece. Such formations may be formed integrally with the product concealing sleeve e.g. flap(s). Furthermore, instead of the product concealing sleeve collar piece, alternative features, such as a plurality, e.g., 2 or 3, lugs could be used to provide the interengaging formation associated with the product concealing sleeve.
At least one of the first and product stick carrier collar pieces 30, 28 has a pair of free ends 36, 38, 36A, 38A biased as described above. In some embodiments, both the first and product stick carrier collar pieces 30, 28 have a pair of free ends 36, 38, 36A, 38A biased as described.
The product concealing sleeve 8 is rotatable relative to the product stick carrier 10 and the outer sleeve 6.
Each of the collar pieces 30, 28 extend only over a portion of the length of the tubes 8, 10 with which they are associated.
In use, the product concealing sleeve 8 may slide (under the action of an appropriately sized manual force, as described above) between a first, fully extended position as shown in figures 3A, 3B and 3C, wherein the product stick 4 is concealed, and a second, fully retracted position as shown in figures 2A, 2B and 2C, wherein the product stick 4 is exposed for use.
In the first, fully extended position, a proximal end 46 of the product stick carrier collar piece 28 abuts and thereby is engaged with a distal end 48 of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30. Due to the attachment of the first and product stick carrier collar pieces 30, 28 to the product stick support 10 and the product concealing sleeve 8 respectively, this prevents the product concealing sleeve 8 being slid off the end of the dispenser 2 and separated from the other dispenser components.
The thickness of the first and product stick carrier collar pieces 30, 28 also helps to maintain the product stick support 10 in the centre of the dispenser 2 radially.
In the second, fully retracted position a proximal end 50 of the outer product concealing sleeve 8 abuts the base 14 of the outer sleeve 6. In this position, a distal end 52 of the product concealing sleeve 8 is, in the illustrated embodiment, flush with the distal ends 26, 32 of the product stick support 10 and the product concealing sleeve collar piece 28 respectively.
The illustrated cap 12 is replaceably removable from the dispenser 2. When in place on the dispenser, a proximal end 54 of the cap abuts the distal end 34 of the outer sleeve 6, said distal end 34 of the outer sleeve 6 thereby acting as a shoulder on which the cap 12 sits. The cap 12 fits on the dispenser 2 regardless of the position of the product concealing sleeve 8, whether the product concealing sleeve 8 is in the retracted position, the extended position, or in a position between the two.
In use, the user removes the cap 12 and then can slide the product concealing sleeve 8 proximally and distally relative to the outer sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 10, between the first, fully extended position, and the second, fully retracted position. In the second, fully retracted position, the product 4 may be used, for example by application to the face or lips of the user. Then the product concealing sleeve 8 may be slid back to the first, fully extended position, and the cap 12 replaced.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary step-by-step method of manufacture of the dispenser 2. It will be appreciated that the sequence and detail of the steps may vary from the example illustrated.
Firstly, the product stick carrier 10 is provided along with two tube pieces 28A, 30A that are precursors to the product stick carrier collar piece 28 and the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 respectively.
Where the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is to provide a radially inward biasing effect (e.g. in accordance with the first or third aspects of the invention), the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 may be cut from any tube having an inner diameter that is less than an external diameter of the product stick carrier 10, such as the same tube as the product stick carrier 10 itself.
Where it is only necessary for the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 to provide a radial biasing effect, and not the product stick carrier collar piece 28 (e.g. in accordance with the first aspect of the invention), the tube pieces 28A, 30A may have the same internal and external diameter as the product stick carrier 10. The product stick carrier 10, and tube pieces 28A, 30A may all be cut from the same (precursor) tube. However, this need not be the case.
Where it is desired to provide a product stick carrier collar piece 28 which provides an outward biasing effect e.g. in accordance with the second or third aspect of the invention, the product stick carrier collar piece 28 may be made from a precursor tube having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the product concealing sleeve. For example, the same precursor tube may be used to provide both the product concealing sleeve and the product stick carrier tube. Where it is only necessary for the product stick carrier collar piece 28 to provide a biasing effect, the product concealing sleeve collar piece may be cut from the same tube as the product stick carrier collar piece, which may be the tube which also provides the product concealing sleeve. Of course, techniques other than the selection of appropriate precursor tube diameters may be used to provide desired biasing of the collar pieces as mentioned above. Thus, it is possible that where both collar pieces are required to have a biasing effect, they could still be cut from the same tube, which also provides either the product concealing tube or product stick carrier. However, some treatment of one of the collar pieces would then be required to provide it with the required biasing effect, e.g. by compressing or expanding the collar piece as appropriate.
A slit 58 along the length of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is created, for example, cut, at step A.
A slit 56 along the length of the product stick carrier collar piece 28 is created, for example, cut, at step B.
In the illustrated embodiment, the slits 56, 58 do not involve the removal of any material from the pieces 28A, 28B, although this need not be the case. In other embodiments, creating the slit 56, 58 may include removing a portion of the material from the tube pieces from which the product concealing sleeve and/or product stick carrier collar pieces are made, in order to form a gap. The resulting axial split as referred to herein may be in the form of a split, slot or gap. Material may need to be removed, for example, where the product stick carrier collar piece is provided using a portion of a precursor tube which also provides the product concealing sleeve.
At step C, The product stick carrier collar piece 28 is placed around the distal end 26 of the product stick carrier 10 and affixed thereto, for example by adhesive. When the product stick carrier collar piece 28 is placed around the distal end 26 of the product stick carrier 10, the axial slit 56 widens to provide an axial split 43, increasing the diameter of the product stick carrier collar piece 28 so that it can fit around the outside of the product stick carrier 10 (e.g. where it is formed from a tube that has an inner diameter less than that of the product stick support, such as the same precursor tube used to provide the product stick support). In embodiments in which the product stick carrier collar piece 28 is made from a precursor tube larger than the product stick carrier 10, the axial slit 56 need not be widened to fit around the product stick carrier 10. The product support 24 is also attached, for example using adhesive, near the distal end 26 of the product stick carrier 10.
The product stick carrier collar piece 28 may be bonded over the entire area of its inner surface to the product stick carrier 10 if desired, where it is not required to provide a radially outward biasing effect. Where the product stick carrier collar piece 28 is required to provide an outward biasing effect, an adhesive 44A is applied in a strip e.g. by being applied to the exterior of the product stick carrier 10 and then locating the product stick carrier collar piece 28 therearound. The strip of glue may be a glue line and extends in the axial direction i.e. in the vertical direction of Figure 5. Alternatively the adhesive could be applied to the collar piece.
The resulting arrangement is as shown in Figure 4B, resulting in the collar piece having free ends 36A, 38A. The adhesive then bonds the product stick carrier collar piece 28 to the product stick carrier at the central portion thereof. The strip of adhesive 44A may be narrower than the bonded portion in the finally assembled dispenser (shown in figure 4B), because the adhesive 44A may spread once the product stick carrier collar piece is located over the product stick carrier.
At step D, the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is then placed around the proximal end 18 of the product stick carrier 10 and bonded thereto. Where the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is to provide an inward biasing effect, an adhesive 44 is applied in a strip at the (circumferentially) central portion of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 on the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30. The strip of glue may be a glue line and extends in the axial direction i.e. in the vertical direction of Figure 5. The strip of adhesive 44 may be narrower than the bonded portion in the finally assembled dispenser (shown in figure 4A), because the adhesive 44 may spread once the product concealing sleeve 8 is located over the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30. In order to place the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 around the product stick carrier 10, the ends 37, 39 must be pulled apart.
Where the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 is not required to provide an inward biasing effect, adhesive may be provided over a greater area, as it is not required to have free ends for gripping the product stick.
At step E, the product concealing sleeve 8 is then attached to the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30, for example by being pushed over the product stick carrier 10 and the product stick carrier collar piece 28 in the proximal direction and over the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 to adhere to the adhesive 44. This could be performed against a surface at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 and product stick carrier 10 to ensure the product concealing sleeve 8 is placed in the correct position.
In embodiments where the product stick carrier collar piece 28 has ends 36A, 38A which are to be biased outwardly in the dispenser, said free ends 28, 30 are pushed toward one another at the point of placing the product concealing sleeve 8 around the product stick carrier collar piece 28. In embodiments where the product concealing sleeve collar piece 30 has ends 36, 38 which are to be biased inwardly in the dispenser, said ends may be pushed or pulled apart in order to assemble the product stick carrier 10 and the product concealing sleeve 8 together by inserting the product stick carrier 10 through the product concealing sleeve 8.
The next step, shown at step F is to attach the outer sleeve 6 to the product stick carrier 10. As shown in this embodiment, the product concealing sleeve 8 is slid to the first, fully extended position, which avoids inadvertent fixing of the product concealing sleeve 8 to the outer sleeve 6.
The base 14 is affixed, for example by adhesive, to the proximal ends 18, 16 of each of the product stick carrier 10 and the outer sleeve 6, or to a product stick carrier base plug 24A (where provided) and to the proximal end 16 of the outer sleeve 6.
At step G, the cap 12 is then assembled by affixing the top 20 to the cap tube 60 and then placed over the product concealing sleeve 8 to create the complete dispenser 2.
The product stick 4 may be inserted into the dispenser 2 either after the other manufacturing steps, or at any point during the manufacturing process, once the product support 24 has been affixed to the product stick carrier 10. This is not shown in figure 5.
As will be appreciated, the assembly steps of the method described above may be performed in alternative orders, in particular with respect to the order of adhering and placing particular components around other components.
As used herein, the term “distal” means the direction toward the end of the dispenser from which the product is dispensed. Alternatively, this could be referred to as the upward direction, or the top of the dispenser.
As used herein, the term “proximal” means the direction away from the end of the dispenser from which the product is dispensed. Alternatively, this could be referred to as the downward direction, or the bottom of the dispenser.
The term “bonded” as used herein means joined by adhesive, heat sealing or any suitable bonding method. In exemplary embodiments, adhesive is used. Any reference to bonding herein may refer to adhesive bonding.