Stable propel/repel mechanism

Abstract

A case for a stick product which comprises an inner sleeve having a wall and two longitudinal tracks within the wall, each longitudinal track is positioned approximately circumferentially opposite with respect to the other. An outer sleeve is fitted about the inner sleeve so as to be able to rotate with respect to the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an inner wall, an outer wall, and four helical grooves along the inner wall. A holder cup for the stick product is fitted into the inner sleeve. The holder cup comprises a shell having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first set of lugs, and a second set of lugs, wherein one lug from each set extends through the same longitudinal track to engage one of the four helical grooves. By providing two set of lugs, as opposed to the traditional one set, skewing of the holder cup is dramatically reduced. When the holder cup travels along its axial path between the advanced and retracted positions, the torque experienced by the first set of lugs is equal and opposite to the torque experienced by the second set of lugs. The two opposing forces cancel each other and keep the holder cup steady during travel within the case, thus reducing the possibility of damaging the stick product.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.