Solid product dispenser

#This disclosure relates to a dispenser for solid or semi-solid products.

#Items such as lipstick and deodorant are often dispensed in a tube or similar dispenser with a product advancing mechanism. One type of advancing mechanism is generally a screw thread including a male screw thread portion that is axially affixed but is rotatable relative to the outer package. A carrier portion is axially movable relative to the outer package but rotatably fixed to the outer package and has a complementary female screw thread. As the male screw thread is turned, the female screw thread travels in the axial direction to advance or retract the product to be dispensed from the outer package. One problem with this design is that the entire package, often much or most of which is a form of plastic or other non-biodegradable material, is designed to be disposed of once the product is consumed. Another disadvantage is that the packaging is made of inexpensive materials reducing the overall aesthetics of the package.

#The above type of dispenser does not allow for a quick advancement and retraction of the product. To advance or retract the product relative to the outer package, the threaded portion must be turned multiple times.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled package in the loaded and capped configuration.

#FIG. 2 is an opposite perspective view of FIG. 1 rotated 180° along an axis extending from top-left to bottom-right.

#FIGS. 3A-3F are back, left side, front, right side elevation views, top and bottom plan views of the of the component parts of the package.

#Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The terms upward and downward as used herein refer to the orientation of the drawings in the figures and should not be construed to limit the orientation of the dispenser when in use which could be any orientation.

#Referring generally to the Figures, a packaging system 10, or dispenser, is disclosed in which a consumable product 12 is contained and protected in a product cartridge 14 that is adapted to be received in a dispenser housing 16 by assembling the product cartridge 14 to the dispenser housing 16.

#FIGS. 1-3 show an assembled package system 10 with a protective cap 18. The consumable product 12 is not visible in FIGS. 1-3 as it is protected on all sides by the dispenser housing 16 made of plastic or metal. The dispenser housing 16 protects the consumable product 12, and reduces the possibility of transferring the consumable product 12 to the hands or otherwise unintended transfer of the consumable product 12.