Flat top one-hand cylindrical lipstick case

Abstract

A dispensing holder for cosmetic stick product and the like, comprising an outer casing which is completely cylindrical and has an opening at one end. A circular rim surrounds the opening and has an annular shoulder at its underside. Cooperable with the shoulder is a thin, curved wafer-like closure member disposed in the casing and movable from a retracted position closely underlying the cylindrical casing wall to an advanced position wherein it spans the open end of the casing so as to engage the shoulder and form a tight, dust-proof seal therewith. The circular rim lies in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the casing axis, such that the casing has the especially pleasing external appearance of a perfect cylinder. The closure member is carried by a flexible, push-pull actuator strap which is guided for movement along diametrically opposite longitudinal portions of the casing by a tubular internal guide member. A product-carrying cup is disposed in the guide member and is movable between advanced and retracted positions respectively, as the closure member is moved between its retracted and advanced positions. A finger piece extends through a longitudinal slot in the casing and is connected to the strap. The closure member is thin and yieldable such that in its retracted position it has a curved cross-sectional configuration which enables it to nest immediately inside the cylindrical casing wall. As the closure member is moved toward its advanced position, it undergoes tilting movement and at the same time flattens somewhat such that when it spans the open end of the casing it has a substantially planar configuration and sealingly engages the circular rim shoulder.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.