Tubular applicator for solid toiletry product with an inner tubular member having notched helical grooves

A mineral stick applicator comprising:

• an elongated outer tubular member having a first open end and a second open end;
• a holder configured to hold the mineral stick in said elongated outer tubular member and allow said mineral stick to extend outwardly from the first open end of the elongated outer tubular member, said holder being movable relative to the elongated outer tubular member, said holder having at least one holder tab extending radially outwardly;
• an elongated inner tubular member, having a first open end and a second end, held within the outer tubular member such that the inner tubular member may be rotated relative to the outer tubular member and wherein the second end of the inner tubular member extends outwardly from the second end of the outer tubular member in order to provide a surface that allows the inner tubular member to be gripped and rotated relative to the outer tubular member, said inner tubular member having a notched helical groove, and said outer tubular member having an elongated slot operatively associated with the helical groove, said notched helical groove comprising a notched lower edge and a smooth upper edge, said notched lower edge comprising a plurality of adjacent inclined sections, with each one of said plurality of adjacent inclined sections being set off from another adjacent inclined section by a step, said step forming a backstop which prevents the holder tab from retreating downwardly past the backstop and defining an increment of advancement;
• and
• said tab of the holder being configured for projection through the helical groove and into the elongated slot and the holder being movable relative to the inner and outer tubular members as the inner tubular member is rotated relative to the outer tubular member, and said tab of the holder being adapted to glide along the notched lower edge.