PRODUCT DISPENSERS

Abstract

A dispenser for a product in stick form includes a product stick carrier (210), an outer sleeve (206) and a product concealing sleeve (208). The product stick carrier (210) includes a product stick support (225). The outer sleeve (206) is a cylindrical tube disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier (210). The product stick carrier (210) is fixed relative to the outer sleeve (206). The product concealing sleeve (208) is a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve (206) and is retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve (206) and product stick carrier (210) for concealing a product stick (204) supported by the product stick support (225) in use in order to expose the product stick (204). The product concealing sleeve (208) is disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier (210) between the product stick carrier (210) and the outer sleeve (206). Inter-engaging formations are associated with either the product concealing sleeve (208) and the outer sleeve (206) or the product stick carrier (210) and product concealing sleeve (208). The inter-engaging formations cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve (208) relative to the outer sleeve (206) and product stick carrier (210) beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position. The outer sleeve (206), product concealing sleeve (208) and product stick carrier (210) are each formed of a paper-based or card-based material.

Claims

1. A dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier 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; and 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; wherein inter-engaging formations are associated with either the product concealing sleeve and the outer sleeve or the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve, 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; and wherein the outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier are each formed of a paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the product stick carrier is in the form of a cylindrical tube.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein the product stick carrier cylindrical tube is formed from a blank of paper-based or card-based material, optionally wherein the blank is a single piece blank.

4. The dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve cylindrical tubes are each formed from a respective blank of paper-based or card-based material, optionally wherein the blank is a single piece blank.

5. The dispenser of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the interior surface of the outer sleeve tube and/or product concealing sleeve tube comprises a helically extending seam provided by an edge of the blank from which the tube is formed.

6. The dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the inter-engaging formations are inter-engaging flaps.

7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the inter-engaging flaps are associated with the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve.

8. The dispenser of claim 7 wherein the inter-engaging flaps comprise a set of one or more locking flaps at the distal end of the outer sleeve and a set of one or more engagement flaps at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve, wherein: each locking flap is folded inwardly at the distal end of the outer sleeve so as to extend along the interior surface of the outer sleeve toward the proximal end of the outer sleeve; and each engagement flap is folded outwardly at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve so as to extend along the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve toward the distal end of the product concealing sleeve.

9. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein each locking flap is connected along a foldline to the sidewall of the outer sleeve at the distal end of the outer sleeve, and each engagement flap is connected along a foldline to the sidewall of the product concealing sleeve at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve.

10. The dispenser of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the inter-engaging flaps are defined by a single pair of inter-engaging flaps, wherein a single locking flap is provided at the distal end of the outer sleeve and a single engagement flap is provided at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve.

11. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein the locking flap extends substantially fully around the longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve and the engagement flap extends substantially fully around the longitudinal axis of the product concealing sleeve.

12. The dispenser of claim 10 or 11 wherein axially extending edges of the locking flap abut one another, and wherein axially extending edges of the engagement flap abut one another.

13. The dispenser of any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein axially extending edges of the locking flap are substantially aligned with an axially extending seam on the interior surface of the outer sleeve along which the flap extends, the seam optionally being provided by an edge of a blank from which the outer sleeve tube is formed; and/or wherein axially extending edges of the engagement flap are substantially aligned with an axially extending seam on the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve along which the flap extends, the seam optionally being provided by an edge of a blank from which the product concealing sleeve tube is formed.

14. The dispenser of any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein the outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve cylindrical tubes are each formed from a respective blank of paper-based or card-based material; and wherein the or each locking flap is provided by a respective tab connected along a foldline to an axial end edge of the blank from which the outer sleeve is formed and the or each engagement flap is provided by a respective tab connected along a foldline to an axial end edge of the blank from which the product concealing sleeve is formed.

15. The dispenser of any one of claims 8 to 14 wherein axially extending edges of the or each locking flap associated with the outer sleeve extend in the same direction edge relative to the distal end edge of the outer sleeve as an axially extending seam on the interior surface of outer sleeve, the seam optionally being provided by an edge of a blank from which the outer sleeve tube is formed; and/or wherein axially extending edges of the or each engagement flap associated with the product concealing sleeve extend in the same direction relative to the proximal end of the product concealing tube as an axially extending seam on the exterior surface of product concealing sleeve, the seam optionally being provided by an edge of a blank from which the product concealing sleeve tube is formed.

16. The dispenser of any one of claims 8 to 15 wherein axially extending edges of the or each locking flap associated with the outer sleeve extend along a helical path; and wherein the interior surface of the outer sleeve comprises a helically extending seam, the seam optionally being provided by an edge of the blank from which the outer sleeve tube is formed.

17. The dispenser of any one of claims 8 to 16 wherein opposed end edges of ones of the set of one or more locking flaps and the set of one or more engagement flaps are configured to engage one another to prevent further movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end of the outer sleeve to define the first, fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier.

18. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the inter-engaging formations are provided by a first component separate from and joined to the product concealing sleeve and a second component separate from and joined to either the outer sleeve or the product stick carrier, wherein a distal end edge of the first component engages a proximal end edge of the second component to define the first, fully extended position, and wherein the first and second components are each formed of a paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard.

19. The dispenser of claim 18 wherein the first component extends distally from the proximal end edge of the product concealing sleeve and the second component extends proximally from the distal end edge of the outer sleeve or product stick carrier.

20. The dispenser of claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the second component is joined to the product stick carrier, the first component being joined to the interior of the product concealing sleeve and the second component being joined to the exterior of the product stick carrier.

21. The dispenser claim 20 wherein the first and second components are tubular components, wherein the first component extends over only a portion of a length of the product concealing sleeve and the second component extends over only a portion of a length of the product stick carrier; optionally wherein one or both of the first and second components is formed from a spiral wound tube.

22. The dispenser of claim 20 or 21 wherein the second component is a collar.

23. The dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the product concealing sleeve is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier.

24. The dispenser of claim 23 wherein a helical element is associated with the product concealing sleeve which is received in a helical recess associated with the interior of the outer sleeve or the exterior of the product stick carrier for guiding movement of the product concealing sleeve as it moves relative to the product stick carrier and outer sleeve, wherein the helical element moves within the helical recess as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier and outer sleeve.

25. A dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube 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; and 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 an 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; wherein the outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier are each formed of a paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard; wherein the product concealing sleeve is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier; and wherein a helical element is associated with the product concealing sleeve which cooperates with a helical recess associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier or the interior of the outer sleeve for guiding movement of the product concealing sleeve as it moves relative to the product stick carrier and outer sleeve, wherein the helical element moves within the helical recess as the product concealing sleeve moves relative to the product stick carrier and outer sleeve.

26. The dispenser of claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the helical element is associated with the interior of the product concealing sleeve and the helical recess is associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier.

27. The dispenser of claim 26 wherein the helical recess associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier is defined between turns of a helical element associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier.

28. The dispenser of claim 27 wherein the helical element associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier is bonded to and projects from the exterior surface of the product stick carrier; optionally wherein the product stick carrier is a spiral wound tube.

29. The dispenser of claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the helical recess associated with the product stick carrier extends from the proximal end edge of the product stick carrier.

30. The dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein the helical element associated with the interior of the product concealing sleeve is bonded to and projects from the inner surface of the product concealing sleeve tube; optionally wherein the product concealing sleeve is a spiral wound tube.

31. The dispenser of claim 25 wherein the extended position of the product concealing sleeve is a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier, the dispenser further comprising a first component separate from and joined to the interior of the product concealing sleeve and a second component separate from and joined to the exterior of the product stick carrier, wherein a distal end edge of the first component engages a proximal end edge of the second component 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 first and second components are each formed of a paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard, wherein the first component is a first tubular component and the second component is a second tubular component, such as a collar, and wherein the first component extends over only a portion of a length of the product concealing sleeve and the second component extends over only a portion of a length of the product stick carrier; optionally wherein one or both of the first and second components is formed from a spiral wound tube.

32. The dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 29 as dependent directly or indirectly on any one of claims 20-22, or the dispenser of claim 31, wherein the helical element associated with the interior of the product concealing sleeve is bonded to and projects from the inner surface of the first component; optionally wherein the first component is a spiral wound tube.

33. The dispenser of claim 32 wherein the helical element associated with the interior of the product concealing sleeve extends over the full length of the first component.

34. The dispenser of any one of claims 32 or 33 wherein the helical recess associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier extends at least to the proximal end edge of the second component.

35. The dispenser of any one of claims 24 to 34 wherein the or each helical element is of a paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard.

36. The dispenser of claim 35 wherein each helical element is defined by a strip of such material.

37. The dispenser of claim 36 wherein the or each helical element is bonded to and projects from the surface of a component of the dispenser formed from a spiral wound tube; optionally wherein the helical element has been formed as part of the process of winding the spiral wound tube.

38. The dispenser of any one of claims 18 to 37 wherein the product concealing sleeve, outer sleeve and product stick carrier are each in the form of spiral wound tubes.

39. A method of forming the dispenser of claim 37, the method comprising providing the or each helical element by spirally winding the strip of card-based or paper-based material forming the helical element around the same mandrel used to provide a spiral wound tube for providing the spiral wound tube component, wherein the helical element and spiral wound tube are formed around one another, optionally wherein the helical element and spiral wound tube are formed simultaneously.

40. The dispenser of claim 23 as dependent upon any one of claims 6 to 17 wherein the locking flaps of the set of one or more locking flaps and the engagement flaps of the set of one or more engagement flaps are arranged such that at least one of the set of one or more engagement flaps will engage at least one of the set of one or more locking flaps irrespective of the rotational position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier beyond the set point so as to define the first, fully extended position.

41. The dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the product stick carrier has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal portion comprising the product stick support; optionally wherein the product stick support comprises an end disc at the distal end of the product stick carrier, the end disc being recessed from the distal end edge of the product stick carrier; and/or the dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the product stick carrier is bonded to a base of the outer sleeve to fix the product stick carrier relative to the outer sleeve; optionally wherein the outer sleeve comprises a base disc closing a proximal end of the outer sleeve, and the product stick carrier is bonded to the base disc.

42. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the product stick carrier, outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve together define a base part of the dispenser, wherein the dispenser further comprises a removable cap for closing an open end of the base part.

43. A method of providing the dispenser in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the inter-engaging formations are inter-engaging flaps, the method comprising; providing a first blank of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard, and wrapping the first blank around a mandrel to provide the outer sleeve tube; providing a second blank of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard, and wrapping the second blank around a mandrel to provide the product concealing sleeve tube; and optionally, where the product stick carrier is in the form of a tube, providing a third blank of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard, and wrapping the second blank around a mandrel to provide the product stick carrier tube.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein the first and second blanks each comprise first and second opposed edges for providing proximal and distal end edges of the outer sleeve tube or product concealing sleeve tube respectively, the first and second edges being connected at their respective ends by opposed third and fourth edges, wherein the third edge provides a leading edge of the blank as it is wrapped around the mandrel to provide the resulting tube, and the fourth edge a trailing edge of the blank; wherein the first blank comprises one or more tab connected along a foldline to the second edge thereof and extending over a portion of the length of the second edge for providing a set of one or more of the inter-engaging flaps associated with the outer sleeve; and wherein the second blank comprises one or more tab connected along a foldline to the first edge thereof and extending over a portion of the length of the first edge for providing a set of one or more of the inter-engaging flaps associated with the product concealing sleeve.

45. The method of claim 44 further comprising deflecting the or each tab of the first blank such that the tab extends along the surface of the blank that forms an interior surface of the outer sleeve in the formed outer sleeve tube, and optionally bonding the tab to that surface of the blank; and deflecting the or each tab of the second blank such that the tab extends along the surface of the blank that forms an exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve in the formed product concealing sleeve tube, and optionally bonding the tab to that surface of the blank.

46. The method of claim 44 or claim 45 wherein the third edge is connected to the first edge so as to define an angle other than 90 degrees with the first edge and is connected to the second edge so as to define an angle other than 90 degrees with the second edge so as to provide a sloping leading edge of the blank.

47. An assembly comprising the dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 42 further comprising a product in stick form supported by the product support; and/or the assembly, method or dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the product stick is a stick of personal care product, such as lipstick.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0389] Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0390] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0391] FIG. 1A is an exploded view of the product dispenser of FIG. 1;

[0392] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the product dispenser of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with a cap removed and a product concealing sleeve in a fully extended position;

[0393] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the product dispenser of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1A and 2, with the concealing sleeve in a fully retracted position and the product shown in dotted lines;

[0394] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the product dispenser, taken along line A-A of FIG. 2, and additionally showing a product located in the product stick carrier;

[0395] FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the product dispenser, taken along line B-B of FIG. 3 and additionally showing a product located in the product stick carrier;

[0396] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the product stick carrier erected;

[0397] FIG. 5B is a partially erected product stick carrier of FIG. 5A;

[0398] FIG. 5C is a blank for the product stick carrier of FIG. 5A;

[0399] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the product concealing sleeve erected;

[0400] FIG. 6B is a partially erected product concealing sleeve of FIG. 6A;

[0401] FIG. 6C is a blank for the product concealing sleeve of FIG. 6A;

[0402] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the outer sleeve erected;

[0403] FIG. 7B is a partially erected outer sleeve of FIG. 7A;

[0404] FIG. 7C is a blank for the outer sleeve of FIG. 7A;

[0405] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the cap erected;

[0406] FIG. 8B is a partially erected cap of FIG. 7A;

[0407] FIG. 8C is a blank for the cap of FIG. 7A.

[0408] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an outer packaging which may be used in a package including the dispenser of the present invention.

[0409] FIG. 10 shows a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention with a removable cap in place;

[0410] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the dispenser of FIG. 10 with the product concealing sleeve in a fully extended position covering the product stick;

[0411] FIG. 12 is a further vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser of the embodiment of FIG. 10 similar to that of FIG. 11 and showing the product concealing sleeve in the fully extended position but with the cap removed from the base part;

[0412] FIG. 13 is a perspective view and shows the dispenser of FIG. 10 with its cap removed and the product concealing sleeve in a fully retracted position exposing the product stick;

[0413] FIG. 14 is a vertical cross sectional view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 13 with the product concealing sleeve in the fully retracted position;

[0414] FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing the components of the dispenser of the embodiment of FIG. 10;

[0415] FIG. 16A illustrates a blank for providing the product stick carrier of the embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with FIGS. 10-15;

[0416] FIG. 16B illustrates a blank for providing the product concealing sleeve of the embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with FIGS. 10-15;

[0417] FIG. 16C illustrates a blank for providing the outer sleeve of the embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with FIGS. 10-15;FIG. 16D illustrates a blank for providing the cap of the embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with FIGS. 10-15;

[0418] FIG. 17A illustrates a first step in an exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving wrapping the blank of FIG. 16A around a mandrel to provide the product stick carrier;

[0419] FIG. 17B illustrates the product stick carrier tube resulting from the step shown in FIG. 17A;

[0420] FIG. 17C illustrates a further step in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving wrapping the blank of FIG. 16B around a mandrel to provide the product concealing sleeve;

[0421] FIG. 17D illustrates the product concealing sleeve resulting from the step shown in FIG. 17C;

[0422] FIG. 17E illustrates a further step in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving feeding the blank of FIG. 16C onto a mandrel for providing the outer sleeve and showing the deflection of the tab for providing the locking flap as the blank is fed onto the mandrel;

[0423] FIG. 17F illustrates the subsequent wrapping of the blank of FIG. 16C around the mandrel to provide the outer sleeve;

[0424] FIG. 17G illustrates the outer sleeve resulting from the step shown in FIG. 17F;

[0425] FIG. 17H illustrates a further step in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving wrapping the blank of FIG. 16D around a mandrel to provide the cap;

[0426] FIG. 17I illustrates the cap resulting from the step shown in FIG. 17H;

[0427] FIG. 18A illustrates a further step in the assembly of the dispenser in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving inserting a base disc into the product stick carrier;

[0428] FIG. 18B illustrates a further step in the assembly of the dispenser in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving inserting the product stick carrier into the product concealing sleeve;

[0429] FIG. 18C illustrates a further step in the assembly of the dispenser in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving inserting a base disc into the outer sleeve and rolling the end of the outer sleeve inwardly;

[0430] FIG. 18D illustrates a further step in the assembly of the dispenser in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving inserting the assembly of the product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve into the outer sleeve;

[0431] FIG. 18E illustrates a further step in the assembly of the dispenser in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving rolling the end of the cap inwardly;

[0432] FIG. 18F illustrates a further step in the assembly of the dispenser in the exemplary process of manufacturing the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 involving inserting an end disc into the cap;

[0433] FIG. 18G illustrates the resulting cap;

[0434] FIG. 19 illustrates a yet further embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with the invention that is tubular in form, showing a base part with the product concealing tube in a fully extended position, and with any removable cap removed;

[0435] FIG. 20 illustrates the dispenser of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with the product concealing tube in a fully retracted position;, and with any removable cap absent;

[0436] FIG. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the dispenser of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with the product concealing tube in the fully extended position;

[0437] FIG. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the dispenser of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with the product concealing tube in the fully retracted position;

[0438] FIG. 23 is an exploded view showing the components of the dispenser of the FIG. 19 embodiment;

[0439] FIG. 24 is a further exploded view of the dispenser of the FIG. 19 embodiment with the first and second tubular components assembled to the product concealing tube and product stick carrier respectively;

[0440] FIG. 25 illustrates the product concealing tube and the first tubular component located therein;

[0441] FIG. 26 illustrates the product stick carrier with the second tubular component bonded thereto;

[0442] FIG. 27 illustrates the product concealing tube and its first tubular component mounted to the product stick carrier with its second tubular component, showing the product concealing tube in its fully extended position, and illustrating the interaction of the first and second tubular components to provide a stop mechanism defining the fully extended position;

[0443] and FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principles of spiral winding of tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0444] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 a dispenser 2 for a product 4 in stick form in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0445] The dispenser 2 comprises an outer sleeve 6, a product concealing sleeve 8, a product stick carrier 10 and may comprise a cap 12.

[0446] Each component of the dispenser 2, i.e. the outer sleeve 6, product concealing sleeve 8, product stick carrier 10, and, where provided cap 12, is made of paper-based or card-based material. In the illustrated embodiment, each component is constructed from a respective single piece blank of such material. However, it is not necessary that each need be a single piece blank, or, indeed, that any component need be folded from a blank at all.

[0447] An outer packaging 14 (shown in FIG. 9) may be provided to house the dispenser 2. The outer packaging 14 may be in the form of an outer carton made of cardboard or paperboard. Together, the outer packaging 14, dispenser 2 and product stick 4 then form a package.

[0448] For ease of illustration, the product 4 is shown only in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0449] The dispenser 2 defines an axial direction X which extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the dispenser 2 between a proximal end 16 of the dispenser 2 and a distal end 18 of the dispenser 2. The terms distal and proximal may, in some arrangements, correspond to upper and lower, or top and bottom, when the dispenser 2 is arranged in a vertical position, such that, when assembled, the cap 12 is vertically above the outer sleeve 6. Transverse directions Y, Z may be defined perpendicular to the axial direction X. Transverse may correspond to radial.

[0450] The concealing sleeve 8 is dimensioned to fit snugly (i.e., so that it touches, but can still slide) within the outer sleeve 6 in the transverse directions Y, Z. The carrier 10 (product stick carrier) is dimensioned to fit snugly within the concealing sleeve 8. The carrier 10 is bonded to the outer sleeve 6. The bonding may be by adhesion, or any other suitable technique, such as heat sealing. The bonding of the carrier 10 to the outer sleeve 6 does not inhibit the ability for the product concealing sleeve 8 to slide. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the end panel (base flap) 40A of the product stick carrier 10 is bonded to the end wall panel (base panel) 100 of the outer sleeve 6.

[0451] The cap 12 is dimensioned such that the concealing sleeve 8 fits snugly within the cap 12 in the transverse directions Y, Z. A proximal end 20 of the cap 12 is configured to abut a distal end 22 of the outer sleeve 6 as shown in the arrangement of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 24 of the cap 12 is flush with the exterior surface 26 of the outer sleeve 6. The cap 12 has a length so as to fit over the concealing sleeve 8 and abut the distal end 22 of the outer sleeve 6 when the concealing sleeve 8 is in a first, fully extended position relative to the product stick carrier 6 (and outer sleeve 10).

[0452] The concealing sleeve 8 may move (e.g., slide) between a first, fully extended position 11, as shown in FIG. 2, and a second, fully retracted position 13 relative to the outer sleeve 6 and product carrier 10, as shown in FIG. 3. The movement is a linear movement which occurs without relative rotation between the components. This movement may be driven by a force applied by a user to the concealing sleeve 8. The interaction of the concealing sleeve 8 and the outer sleeve 6 which leads to the limits at the fully extended and fully retracted positions can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and is described in more detail further below.

[0453] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the carrier 10, as assembled (or erected), as partially erected and as a blank 28 respectively.

[0454] The carrier 10 is a product stick carrier 10.

[0455] The carrier 10 is constructed from a single piece blank 28, as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0456] The carrier 10 comprises a product support 30 to hold the product 4 in stick form at a distal end 32 of the carrier 10 such that the product 4 extends beyond the distal end 32. The position of the product 4 is illustrated with respect to FIGS. 4A and B below.

[0457] The carrier 10 comprises a plurality of carrier sidewalls 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, for example, first, second, third and fourth carrier sidewalls 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, connected to one another along axial side edges (i.e. that extend axially) along foldlines 36A, 36B, 36C. The carrier 10 also comprises an assembly flap 38 e.g. glue flap 38 attached to an axial side edge (i.e., that extends axially) of the first carrier sidewall 34A along a foldline 36D. The assembly flap 38 is trapezoidal, which may provide for easier assembly. When erected, as shown in FIG. 5A, the assembly flap 38 is bonded to a surface, e.g., the exterior surface, of the fourth carrier sidewall 34D. The assembly flap 38 may be bonded to either the interior surface or the exterior surface of the fourth carrier sidewall 34D. If the assembly flap 38 is bonded to the exterior surface of the fourth carrier sidewall 34D then the presence of a visible cut edge at the distal edge of the assembly flap in the fully erected dispenser may be avoided.

[0458] The carrier 10 also includes a plurality of base flaps 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, each attached to a proximal end 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D of a respective one of the carrier walls 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D along a foldline 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D. The base flaps 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D form a closed base 46 of the carrier 10. The proximal i.e. outer side of the lowermost base flap 40C is bonded to the outer sleeve 6 in the assembled dispenser 2. It will be appreciated that the shape and number of the base flaps may differ from that illustrated. At least one of the flaps 40A and C will typically close the open area at the base of the carrier, with the other flaps not needing to provide full area coverage.

[0459] The carrier 10 thereby forms a square cross section. The cross section is the transverse cross section. It will be appreciated that the carrier 10 may in other embodiments be of another multi-sided shape, such as a hexagon, or any other shape. The outer sleeve 6, product concealing sleeve 8, and cap 12, where provided, will then be of corresponding cross sectional shape.

[0460] The product support 30 of the product carrier 10 includes a cradle portion at the distal end 32 of the product carrier 10 that forms a platform for supporting the product stick 4 in use. The cradle portion includes a first pair of opposed flaps 50A, 50C (or cradle flaps) attached along foldlines 52A, 52C, at a proximal end of the first pair of opposed flaps 50A, 50C, to the distal end 54A, 54C of a first pair of opposed carrier sidewalls 34A, 34C, such as the first and third carrier sidewalls 54A, 54C. Each flap 50A, 50C of the first pair of opposed flaps 50A, 50C includes a proximal portion 56A, 56C and a distal portion 58A, 58C. The proximal portion 56A, 56C extends inwardly from the distal end 54A, 54C of the carrier sidewall 34A, 34C with which it is associated along the interior surface thereof, being bonded to the interior surface of the carrier sidewall 34A, 34C. The distal portion 58A, 58C is connected along a foldline 60A, 60C to the proximal portion 56A, 56C of the flap 50A, 50C. The distal portion 58A, 58C of the flap 50A, 50C extends across the interior of the product stick carrier 10 toward the opposed carrier sidewall 34C, 34A. The distal portions 58A, 58C of the opposed pair of flaps 50A, 50C are bonded to each other in a face-to-face (surface-to-surface) relationship to create a cradle for the product in stick form 4.

[0461] The product carrier 10 also includes a second opposed pair of flaps 50B, 50D attached to the distal end 54B, 54D of a second pair of opposed carrier sidewalls 34B, 34D, such as the second and fourth carrier sidewalls 34B, 34D, wherein the second opposed pair of flaps 50B, 50D are folded inwardly from the distal ends 54B, 54D of the carrier sidewalls 34B, 34D and bonded to the interior surface of the second pair of opposed carrier sidewalls 34B, 34D.

[0462] The proximal portions 56A,56C of the first pair of opposed flaps 50A, 50C and the second pair of opposed flaps 50B, 50D reinforce the distal end of the product carrier 10, providing the region which will extend along the sides of a product stick in use with a multi- ply thickness. The sidewall 34D will be located between the flap 50D and the assembly flap 38 in the erected product carrier 10 in the embodiment illustrated. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the flap 50D is located between the sidewall 34D and the assembly flap 38 in the erected product carrier 10. However, it is envisaged that the flaps 50B, 50D could be omitted in other embodiments.

[0463] The product stick 4 is sized to fit snugly between the proximal portions 56A, 56C of the first pair of opposed flaps 50A, 50C and the second pair of opposed flaps 50B, 50D and is affixed to the distal portions 58A, 58C of the first pair of opposed flaps 50A, 50C which are bonded to one another and provide a cradle portion including a platform supporting the base 62 of the product 4. The proximal portions 56A, 56C of the first pair of opposed flaps 58A, 58C space the product supporting platform from the distal end 32 of the product carrier 10. By recessing the platform in this way, some support is additionally provided to the sides of the product 4 at the base 62 thereof.

[0464] In other words, the product carrier 10 includes a product support 30 that includes a platform (the distal portions 58A, 58C of the first opposed pair of flaps 50A, 50C) for supporting the base 62 of the product 4 and also extending up the sides (the proximal portions 56A, 56C of the first opposed pair of flaps 50A, 50C, and the second opposed pair of flaps 50B, 50D) of the product carrier 10.

[0465] Alternatively or additionally, the product support for holding the product 4 may include any other suitable features for holding the product 4 at the distal end 32 of the carrier 10, for example, the product support may include one or more spikes enabled to secure the product 4 in place. The product support may be arranged to provide an interference fit with a product.

[0466] Other types of product support may be used to those illustrated. For example, a cradle portion constructed as described above need not necessarily be used. Furthermore, the assembly of the product stick carrier may be performed in a different manner to that described. The configuration and/or shape of any assembly flap or set of flaps for providing a closed base may differ from that described.

[0467] With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the concealing sleeve 8 (or product concealing sleeve 8) and the blank 64 thereof will be described below.

[0468] The concealing sleeve 8 includes first, second, third and fourth concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D. However, other numbers of sidewalls may be used as previously discussed with respect to the product carrier sidewalls 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D. The concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D are attached along axial sides thereof along foldlines 68A, 68B, 68C. The concealing sleeve 8 includes an assembly flap 70, e.g., glue flap 70, attached to the first concealing sleeve sidewall 66A along a foldline 68D. The assembly flap 70 may be trapezoidal. In the erected concealing sleeve 8, the assembly flap 70 is bonded face-to-face (surface-to-surface) to the inner side of the fourth concealing sleeve sidewall 66D. Alternatively, the assembly flap 70 may be bonded face-to-face (surface-to-surface) to the outer side of the fourth concealing sleeve sidewall 66D. However, bonding the assembly flap 70 to the inner side of the fourth concealing sleeve sidewall 66D reduces the length of visible cut edge of the assembly flap 70 as compared to an arrangement with the assembly flap 70 bonded to the outer side.

[0469] In the embodiment illustrated, the concealing sleeve 8 also includes a plurality of end flaps 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D attached to the distal ends 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D of the concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D and a side flap 72E attached to the axial side edge 75 of the fourth concealing sleeve sidewall 66D respectively along foldlines 76A, 76B, 76C, 76D, 76E. The end flaps 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D and side flap 72E are folded inwardly (i.e., towards the side of the blank 64 for the concealing sleeve 8 that faces inwards in the erected concealing sleeve 8) and are bonded to the inner face of the respective concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D. In the embodiment illustrated the end flaps 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D attached to the distal ends 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D are at least as long as the length of the concealing sleeve 8 that extends beyond the distal end 32 of the carrier 10 in the first, fully extended position 11 (as shown in FIG. 2). The end flaps 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D thereby make the concealing sleeve 8 multi-ply at a distal end 78 thereof (and over a distal portion thereof below the distal end 78) and acts to reinforce the sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D. Imparting the regions in which the end flaps 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D are present with an additional layer avoids the presence of a visible cut edge at the edge of the sidewall.

[0470] As may be seen in FIG. 6B, the end flap 72D and side flap 72E have complimentary shapes, such that when the end flap 72D and side flap 72E are folded inwardly, they do not overlap. This may help avoid creating areas of the wall 66D which are excessively thick, supporting obtaining a snug fit between the concealing sleeve 8, product carrier 10 and outer sleeve 6. This may be particularly useful in the context of the relatively small dispenser 2 required for use with at least some types of product stick 4 e.g. lipsticks.

[0471] The assembly flap 70 is bonded to the interior of the side flap 72E (which in turn is on the interior of the sidewall 66D) in the erected product concealing sleeve 8. The assembly flap 70 underlies the inner surface of the side flap 72E. The shape of the side flap 72E corresponds to that of the assembly flap 70, again helping to avoid excessive thickness of the wall 66D of the product concealing sleeve 8 i.e. such that the assembly flap 70 does not overlap the end flap 72D.

[0472] As described above, the assembly flap 70 may, in alternative embodiments, be bonded to the exterior side of the sidewall 66D.

[0473] It will be appreciated that the arrangement illustrated is merely exemplary, and a lesser number of end flaps may be used. Furthermore, the details of the assembly flap and the shapes of the various flaps may differ from that shown.

[0474] The concealing sleeve 8 includes engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C at its proximal end 122, which each form part of a pair of inter-engaging flaps with locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D of the outer sleeve 6, described below. In the embodiment illustrated, the concealing sleeve 8 includes one fewer engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C than the number of concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D (this also applies to the other sidewalls, e.g., the product carrier sidewalls 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D).

[0475] It will be appreciated that while three engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C are shown, a greater or lesser number of engagement flaps may be provided. For example, for a four sided concealing sleeve, one, two, three or four such locking flaps may be provided. In general, the concealing sleeve 8 includes at least one such locking flap 80A, 80B, 80C. Each inter-engaging flap provided will form a pair of inter-engaging flaps with a locking flap 110B, 110C, 110D of the outer sleeve 6. Thus, for each engagment flap 80A, 80B, 80C of the concealing sleeve, an inter-engaging locking flap 110B, 110C, 110D is provided associated with the outer sleeve 6.

[0476] There may be any number of pairs of inter-engaging flaps. For example, there may be one fewer pairs of inter-engaging flaps than outer sleeve sidewalls. Alternatively, there may be more than one fewer pairs of inter-engaging flaps than outer sleeve sidewalls. In the context of a four sided outer sleeve, there may, for example, be 2 or 3 pairs of inter-engaging flaps provided. Including fewer pair of inter-engaging flaps than sidewalls may help facilitate sliding of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve. However, the number of pairs of flaps may be selected depending upon various factors, such as the intended properties of the dispenser and the materials forming it etc.. For example, including the same number of pairs of inter-engaging flaps as sidewalls may help to support more secure inter-engagement between the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve being obtained,.

[0477] Each engagement flap 80A, 80B, 80C is connected to a proximal end 82A, 82B, 82C of a respective concealing sleeve sidewall 66A, 66B, 66C along a foldline 84A, 84B, 84C.

[0478] In the erected concealing sleeve 8, each engagement flap 80A, 80B, 80C is folded outwardly (i.e., in a direction away from the centre of the erected concealing sleeve 8) such that it is flat against the outer surface of the respective concealing sleeve sidewall 66A, 66B, 66C to which it is attached.

[0479] The concealing sleeve 8 in the erected dispenser is retractable from the first, extended position to the second, fully retracted position. The concealing sleeve 8 is freely movable between the first and second positions. The concealing sleeve 8 is mounted for reciprocating movement between the first and second positions between the carrier 10 and the outer sleeve 6.

[0480] As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a greater portion of the concealing sleeve 8 extends beyond a distal end 32 of the product carrier 10 when in the first, extended position 11 than when in the second, fully retracted position 13. The concealing sleeve 8 includes a distal portion 86 that extends beyond the distal end 32 of the product carrier 10 when in the second, fully retracted position (and also, in the first, extended position). The concealing sleeve 8 includes a proximal portion 88 that does not extend beyond the distal end 32 of the product carrier 10 when in the first, extended position 11 (and also in the second, fully retracted position 13). The concealing sleeve 8 includes an intermediate portion 90 that extends beyond the distal end 32 of the product carrier 10 in the first, extended position, but that does not extend beyond the distal end 32 of the product carrier 10 in the second, fully retracted position.

[0481] The end flaps 72A-D have a length such that they reinforce a portion (the distal and the intermediate portions 86, 90) of the product concealing sleeve 8 that extends beyond the distal end of the product carrier 10 when in the first, fully extended position 11.

[0482] With reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, an exemplary outer sleeve 6 and an exemplary blank 92 thereof will be described below.

[0483] In the embodiment illustrated the outer sleeve 6 includes first, second, third and fourth outer sleeve sidewalls 94A, 94B, 94C, 94D. However, other numbers of sidewalls may be used as previously discussed with respect to the product carrier and concealing sleeve sidewalls 34A-D, 66A-D. The outer sleeve sidewalls 94A, 94B, 94C, 94D are connected to one another along foldlines 96A, 96B, 96C along the side edges thereof.

[0484] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sleeve 6 includes an assembly flap 98, e.g., glue flap 98 attached to the fourth outer sleeve sidewall 94D along a foldline 96D at a side edge of the fourth outer sleeve sidewall 94D. When the outer sleeve 6 is erected, the assembly flap 98 is bonded face-to-face to one of the outer sleeve sidewalls 94A, being the first outer sleeve sidewall 94A as illustrated. The assembly flap 98 is bonded to the interior of said outer sleeve sidewall 94A. Of course, the assembly flap 98 may in alternative arrangements be bonded to the exterior of said outer sleeve sidewall 94A; however, the arrangement with the assembly flap 98 bonded to the interior of said outer sleeve sidewall 94A may avoid visible cut edges of the assembly flap 98 in the fully erected dispenser 2.

[0485] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sleeve 6 includes a base panel 100 to a proximal end 102 of the assembly flap 98 along a foldline 104. The outer sleeve 6 also includes a plurality of base flaps 106A, 106B, 106C attached to the base panel 100 along foldlines 108A, 108B, 108C at side edges of the base panel 100. The base flaps 106A, 106B, 106C are configured such that, when the outer sleeve 6 is erected, the base flaps 106A, 106B, 106C are each in face-to-face contact with (and each flap 106A, 106B, 106C optionally bonded to) to a respective one of the outer sleeve sidewalls 94D, 94C, 94B on interior surfaces of the outer sleeve sidewalls 94D, 94C, 94B. In some embodiments, some or all of the base flaps 106A, 106B, 106C are bonded to exterior surfaces of respective carrier sidewalls 34A, 34B, 34C. In other embodiments the base flaps 106A, 106B, 106C are not bonded to the carrier sidewalls 34A, 34B, 34C. The most appropriate arrangement will depend upon factors such as the packing line assembly, product stick carrier arrangement and security of closure required. The assembly flap 98 is bonded face-to-face to the interior of the outer sleeve sidewall 94A. As described above, in other arrangements the assembly flap may be bonded to the exterior of the outer sleeve sidewall 94A.

[0486] The base panel 100, in the erected dispenser 2 is bonded to the lowermost base flap 40 of the product carrier 10, such that the product carrier 10 is centred in the transverse directions Y, Z with respect to the outer sleeve 6.

[0487] The outer sleeve 6 includes locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D, each being attached to the distal end 112B, 112C, 112D of a respective one of the outer sleeve sidewalls 94B, 94C, 94D along a foldline 114B, 114C, 114D. In the embodiment illustrated, the outer sleeve 6 includes three locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D, for example one fewer than the number of outer sleeve sidewalls 94A, 94B, 94C, 94D. It will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D may be provided. For example, for a four sided outer sleeve 6, one, two, three or four such locking flaps may be provided. In general, the outer sleeve 6 includes at least one such locking flap. An additional flap 110A is provided attached to the distal end 112A of the first outer sleeve sidewall 94A along a foldline 114A. The additional flap 110A reinforces the distal end 112A of the first outer sleeve sidewall 94A, so it is also multi-ply, similarly to the distal ends 112b, 112C, 112D of the other outer sleeve sidewalls 94B, 94C, 94D.

[0488] In the erected dispenser 2, the locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D, together with the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C of the concealing sleeve 8, provide pairs of inter-engaging flaps 80A, 110B, 80B, 110C, 80C, 110D configured to prevent further movement of the concealing sleeve 8 relative to the outer sleeve axially in a direction away from the proximal end and toward the distal end of the concealing sleeve 6.. This is illustrated in FIG. 4A.

[0489] While FIG. 2 does not show a product located in the product stick carrier, the product is shown in FIG. 4A.

[0490] The inter-engaging flaps 80A, 110B, 80B, 110C, 80C, 110D cooperate with one another to prevent the travel of the concealing sleeve 8 as it is extended relative to the outer sleeve 6 and product carrier 10 further beyond the first, fully extended position and thereby retain the product concealing sleeve 8 between the product carrier 10 and the outer sleeve 6.

[0491] In the embodiment illustrated, the ends 81A, 118B, 81B, 118C, 81C, 118D of the interengaging flaps 80A, 110B, 80B, 110C, 80C, 110D engage one another to provide a locking effect.

[0492] The locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D are folded inwardly (i.e., towards the centre of the dispenser 2), and each locking flap 110B, 110C, 110D is bonded to the interior surface of the respective outer sleeve sidewall 94B, 94C, 94D to which it attached along a foldline 114B, 114C, 114D. This may improve engagement with the ends of the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C and provide a slimmer dispenser 2.

[0493] Alternatively, it is envisaged that in other embodiments the locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D might slide underneath the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C between the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C and the outer surface of the concealing sleeve 8 so the ends 118B, 118C, 118D of the locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D may engage with the foldlines 84A, 84B, 84C that connect the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C to the concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C. In these embodiments, the locking flaps 110B, C, D would not be bonded to the interior surfaces of the respective outer sleeve sidewalls 94B, 94C, 94D.

[0494] In other embodiments only one set of the locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D and the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C may be bonded to the interior surfaces of the respective outer sleeve sidewalls 94B, 94C, 94D or the outer surface of the concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C respectively.

[0495] The choice of which of the locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D and engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C ae bonded to the respective sidewall surfaces and which are not bonded will depend on a variety of factors, such as manufacturing and cost considerations and the rigidity requirements of the various components of the dispenser for various different uses. Bonding down the engagement flaps may, for example, facilitate manufacture where the product concealing sleeve is pushed into the distal end of the outer sleeve. It may then be less important to bond down the locking flaps, since the product concealing sleeve will be pushed past them in the direction of folding. However, the reverse may be the case. In general, one or both of the engagement flaps and locking flaps may be either bonded down or unbonded. Thus, combinations of bonded and unbonded flaps are envisaged.

[0496] In the erected dispenser 2, the locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D are located between the product concealing sleeve 8 and the outer sleeve sidewalls 94B, 94C, 94D.

[0497] The outer sleeve 6 also includes stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D attached to the proximal end 120 of the outer sleeve 6 along foldlines 117B, 117C, 117D. Each stopper flap 116B, 116C, 116D is folded about the respective foldline 117B, 117C, 117D into the interior of the outer sleeve 6 and is bonded to the interior surface thereof. In the embodiment illustrated, an edge 115B, 115C, 115B of each stopper flap 116B, 116C, 116D closer to the distal end 22 of the outer sleeve 6 is configured to engage with the base 122 of the concealing sleeve 8 along one of the foldlines 84A, 84B, 84C connecting the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C to the concealing sleeve sidewalls 66A, 66B, 66C. As with the engagement and locking flaps, it will be appreciated that the stopper flaps need not be bonded down.

[0498] In the erected dispenser 2, the stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D are located between the product concealing sleeve 8 and the outer sleeve sidewalls 94B, 94C, 94D.

[0499] The stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D are thereby configured to restrict the axial movement of the concealing sleeve 8 relative to the outer sleeve 6 in the direction toward the proximal end 16 of the outer sleeve 6 so as to define the second, fully retracted position 13 of the concealing sleeve 8. This is shown in FIG. 4B. It will be appreciated that such stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D need not necessarily be used. For example, the proximal end 16 of the concealing sleeve 6 may simply engage a base of the dispenser 2 to define a fully retracted position. However, the use of stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D which cooperate with the base of the engagement flaps 80A, B, C may provide a space efficient arrangement to define the fully retracted position 13.

[0500] The extent of travel of the product concealing sleeve 8 between the fully retracted and fully extended positions 13, 11 may be controlled in the embodiments illustrated by selecting the extent of the inter-engaging flaps 80A, 80B, 80C, 110B, 110C, 110D, and, where provided, stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D, appropriately. The extent of the travel may correspond to a distance separating the opposed ends of the stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D and locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D of the outer sleeve 6 minus the length of the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C of the product concealing sleeve 8 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0501] While FIG. 3 only shows the product 4 located in the product stick carrier 10 with dotted lines, the product 4 is shown in FIG. 4B with solid lines and hatched shading.

[0502] It will be appreciated that FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic drawings that are not drawn to scale, but are included for ease of understanding the functioning of certain features of the dispenser 2. For example, the space between the outer sleeve 6 and the product carrier 10 has been exaggerated. Similarly, the thickness of the paperboard or cardboard of the components has been exaggerated. The product may have a greater length than illustrated, and a greater portion of the product may be exposed when the product concealing sleeve is retracted. The product concealing sleeve may have a greater length than illustrated. More accurate illustrations are shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0503] The outer sleeve 6 in the illustrated embodiment also includes a side flap 124 attached to an axial edge of the first outer sleeve sidewall 94A along a foldline 96E. The side flap 124 is optional. In the illustrated embodiment, the side flap 124 is folded back along foldline 96E and bonded to the interior of the sidewall 94A. In the erected outer sleeve 6, the side flap 124 is sandwiched between the sidewall 94A and the assembly flap 98. The side flap 124 avoids the presence of a visible cut edge at the edge of the sidewall 94A and acts to reinforce the sidewall 94A, imparting the region in which it is present with an additional layer.

[0504] With reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, an exemplary cap 12 and an exemplary blank 126 thereof will be described below.

[0505] As suggested above, it is envisaged that the dispenser 2, though described herein as comprising a cap 12, may in some embodiments not include a cap 12.

[0506] The cap 12 is replaceably removable from the base part (i.e., the outer sleeve 6, product concealing sleeve 8 and product carrier 10) of the dispenser 2.

[0507] For some products in stick form 4, a cap 12 may be beneficial, for example, by keeping the end of the product 4 from being exposed to air and thereby drying out.

[0508] In the embodiment illustrated, the cap 12 includes first, second, third and fourth cap sidewalls 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D. However, as described above for the components of the base part, the cap 12 may include any number of sidewalls. The cap sidewalls 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D are attached along axial sides thereof along foldlines 130A, 130B, 130C.

[0509] The cap 12 includes an assembly flap 132, e.g., a glue flap 132 attached to the fourth cap sidewall 128D along a foldline 130D at a side edge of the fourth cap sidewall 128D. When the cap 12 is erected, the assembly flap 128 may be bonded face-to-face to one of the cap sidewalls 128A, for example, the first cap sidewall 128A. The assembly flap 132 may be bonded to the interior side of said cap sidewall 128A.

[0510] The cap includes a lid panel 134 attached to the assembly flap 132 attached to a distal end 136 of the assembly flap 132 along a foldline 138. The cap 12 also includes a plurality of lid flaps 140A, 140B, 140C attached to the lid panel 134 along foldlines 142A, 142B, 142C at side edges of the lid panel 134. The lid flaps 140A, 140B, 140C are configured, such that when the cap 12 is erected, the lid flaps 140A, 140B, 140C are bonded face-to-face (surface-to-surface) to each of the cap sidewalls 128D, 128C, 128B on interior surfaces of the cap sidewalls 128D, 128C, 128B. The assembly flap 132 is bonded face-to-face (surface-to-surface) to the cap sidewall 128A. The assembly flap 132 may be bonded to the interior surface of the cap sidewall 128A to avoid visible cut edges on the fully erected dispenser 2; however, in alternative arrangements it is feasible that the assembly flap 138 could be bonded to the exterior surface of the cap sidewall 128A.

[0511] The cap 12 includes a plurality of distal end flaps 144A, 144B, 144C, 144D, each attached to the distal end 146A, 146B, 146C, 146D of a respective one of the cap sidewalls 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D along a respective foldline 148A, 148B, 148C, 148D. The cap 12 also includes a plurality of proximal end flaps 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D, each attached to the proximal end 152A, 152B, 152C, 152D of a respective one of the cap sidewalls 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D along a respective foldline 154A, 154B, 154C, 154D. In the erected cap 12, the proximal and distal end flaps 144A-D, 150A-D are folded inwardly (i.e., toward the centre of the cap 12) and bonded to the interior surfaces of the cap sidewalls 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D. The presence of the proximal and distal end flaps 144A-D, 150A-D avoids the presence of a visible cut edge at the edge of the cap sidewalls 128A-D and acts to reinforce the cap sidewalls 128A-D, imparting the region in which it is present with an additional layer.

[0512] The cap 12 also includes a side flap 156 attached to a side edge of the first cap sidewall 128A along a foldline 130E. The side flap 156, in the erected cap 12 is folded inwardly (i.e., toward the centre of the cap 12) and bonded to the interior surface of the first cap sidewall 128A. The side flap 156 avoids the presence of a visible cut edge at the edge of the first cap sidewall 128A and acts to reinforce the first cap sidewall 128A, imparting the region in which it is present with an additional layer.

[0513] It will be seen that the shapes of end flaps 144A, 150A and side flap 156 are complimentary in the illustrated embodiment to avoid creating excessive thickness in the sidewall 128A of the cap 12 to which they are bonded.

[0514] The form of the cap 12 shown in FIGS. 8A-C is merely exemplary, and other types of cap may be used.

[0515] The external surfaces of the outer sleeve 6 and the cap 12 are flush in the arrangement described. The cap 12 is sized to fit over the product concealing sleeve 8 when the sleeve 8 is in the fully extended position 11, with the proximal end 20 of the cap 12 abutting the distal end 22 of the outer sleeve 6.

[0516] The dispenser 2 is used in the following manner. Firstly, the dispenser is removed from housing 14, in embodiments where housing 14 is present. Then the cap 12 is removed from the dispenser 2. The concealing sleeve 8 is then manually retracted to reveal the product 4. The concealing sleeve 8 is, in some embodiments, prevented from traveling more further than the second, fully retracted position 13 (as shown in FIG. 3) by the engagement of the base of the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C and the stopper flaps 116B, 116C, 116D. The product may then be used, for example by being applied to a surface (e.g., lips, or face). Then the concealing sleeve 8 is manually slid to the first, fully extended position 11 (as shown in FIG. 2), thereby concealing the product 4. The concealing sleeve 8 is prevented from further travel in an axial direction by the engagement of the locking flaps 110B, 110C, 110D and the engagement flaps 80A, 80B, 80C.

[0517] The dimensions of the dispenser 2 may be selected as desired. For example, in one exemplary embodiment of a lipstick dispenser, the dispenser 2 may be less than 15 cm long with the product concealing sleeve 8 in the fully extended position, and less than 3 cm wide.

[0518] These dimensions are only exemplary, and similar dimensions and sizes may be used for the dispenser 2 and the components thereof.

[0519] In exemplary embodiments, the product stick carrier 10 may have a length greater than that of both the outer sleeve 6 and the product concealing sleeve 8. The outer sleeve 6 and product concealing sleeve 8 may be of similar lengths.

[0520] The range of travel of the product concealing sleeve 8 between the first, fully extended, position and the second, fully retracted, position may vary widely depending upon the desired properties of the dispenser 2, such as the desired strength and stability properties thereof, the nature and configuration of product stick 4 with which it is to be used etc. A greater range of travel may be useful in providing greater product exposure and ease of use.

[0521] The embodiment illustrated by reference to FIGS. 1-9 is merely exemplary of one form of a dispenser 2 including a product concealing sleeve 8, product stick carrier 10 and outer sleeve 6 cooperating in the manner of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the dispenser 2, and the components thereof, may differ in construction from the exemplary embodiment shown. For example, while the components are each shown as being folded from a single piece blank of material, this need not be the case. While each component is shown as being four sided in the illustrated embodiment, other polygonal shapes in cross section having a greater or lesser number of sides, may be envisaged. These include, for example, a six sided shape. The sides of the shape defined in cross section need not be of equal length. For example, a rectangular rather than square cross section might be used.

[0522] While the product concealing sleeve has been shown as extending around the full circumference of the product stick, this need not be the case.

[0523] It will be appreciated that the number of sidewalls of each component of the dispenser may differ from the illustrated embodiment and from each other. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the product concealing sleeve may have fewer sidewalls than the outer sleeve, such as one less sidewall than the outer sleeve. In this regard, where the outer sleeve has four sidewalls, the product concealing sleeve might, in exemplary embodiments, have 3 or 4 sidewalls.

[0524] Each component may, for example, have 3, 4, 5, or 6 sidewalls in some exemplary embodiments.

[0525] The product stick carrier could be of a different form to the product stick carrier illustrated. The product stick carrier could take the form of anything that can support the product in stick form, for example at the base thereof. For example, the product stick carrier could be a planar member, or any other element confined to the base of the dispenser. Alternatively, it is envisaged that the dispenser might not comprise a product stick carrier at all with the product in stick form instead being secured directly to the base of the outer sleeve. The other components of the dispenser may then be as described herein. The outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve will have inter-engaging flaps as described in relation to the illustrated embodiment.

[0526] While, in the illustrated embodiments, the components include various end flaps (which do not form part of any of the pairs of inter-engaging flaps contributing to the cooperation between the various components) and side flaps which may avoid the presence of a cut edge and can increase strength of the components, such additional end flaps and side flaps are only optional. For example, where the visibility of cut edges is of less concern, and where other factors e.g. quantity of material used, is of greater concern, some or all of the flaps may be omitted.

[0527] With reference to FIGS. 10-15 a dispenser 200 for a product in stick form in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0528] This further embodiment functions in a similar manner to that previously described, but utilises tubular components.

[0529] The dispenser 200 comprises an outer sleeve in the form of an outer tube 206, a product concealing sleeve in the form of a tube 208, and a product stick carrier 210. The embodiment illustrated also includes a cap 212, although the cap is optional. In this embodiment, the product stick carrier 210 is also in the form of a tube. The outer tube 206, product concealing tube 208 and product stick carrier tubes 210 are all cylindrical tubes.

[0530] The outer tube 206, product concealing tube 208 and product stick carrier 210 may be considered to provide a base part 209 of the dispenser 200, over which the removable cap 212 may be placed. The base part 209 and cap 212 are tubular in shape. In the embodiment illustrated they are circular in cross section, although other cross sectional shapes e.g. oval, may be possible.

[0531] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the dispenser 200 with the cap 212 in place. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross sectional view of the dispenser 200 of FIG. 10, showing that the product concealing tube 208 is in its fully extended position relative to the product stick carrier 210 and outer tube 206. FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view similar to that of FIG. 11, but with the cap 212 removed to more clearly show the position of the product concealing tube 208.

[0532] FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the dispenser 200 with the product concealing tube 208 in a fully retracted position relative to the product stick carrier 210 and outer tube 206. FIG. 14 is a vertical cross sectional view of the dispenser 200 in the state shown in FIG. 13.

[0533] Each component of the dispenser 200, i.e. the outer tube 206, product concealing tube 208, product stick carrier 210, and, where provided cap 212, is made of paper-based or card-based material. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tube 206, product concealing tube 208, product stick carrier tube 210 and cap tube 212 are each constructed from a blank of such material, more specifically, a single piece blank of such material. However, it is not necessary that each need be formed from a single piece blank, or, indeed, that any component need be folded from a blank at all.

[0534] An outer packaging (not shown) may be provided to house the dispenser 200. The outer packaging may be in the form of an outer carton made of cardboard or paperboard. Together, the outer packaging, dispenser 200 and product stick 204 then form a package.

[0535] The dispenser 200 defines an axial direction X which extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the dispenser 200 between a proximal end 216 of the dispenser 200 and a distal end 218 of the dispenser 200. The terms distal and proximal may, in some arrangements, correspond to upper and lower, or top and bottom, when the dispenser 200 is arranged in a vertical position, such that, when assembled, the cap 212 is vertically above the outer tube 206. Transverse directions Y, Z may be defined perpendicular to the axial direction X. Transverse may correspond to radial.

[0536] The product concealing tube 208 is dimensioned to fit snugly (i.e., so that it touches, but can still slide) within the outer tube 206. The product stick carrier 210 is dimensioned to fit snugly within the product concealing tube 208. The product stick carrier 210 is bonded to the outer tube 206. The bonding may be by adhesion, or any other suitable technique, such as heat sealing. The bonding of the carrier 210 to the outer tube 206 does not inhibit the ability for the product concealing tube 208 to slide relative to the outer tube 206 and product stick carrier 210. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the product stick carrier 210 is in the form of a tube having a bottom end bonded to a base disc 223 closing a bottom end of the outer tube 206.

[0537] The cap 212 is dimensioned such that the product concealing tube 208 fits snugly within the cap 212 when the product concealing tube 208 is in its first, fully extended position relative to the product stick carrier 210 and outer tube 206. A proximal end 220 of the cap 212 is configured to abut a distal end 222 of the outer tube 206 when located over the product concealing tube 208, whether the product concealing tube 208 is in either its extended position as shown in the arrangements of FIGS. 11-12, or the retracted position as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 224 of the cap 212 is flush with the exterior surface 226 of the outer tube 206. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cap 212 has a length so as to fit over the product concealing tube 208 and abut the distal end 222 of the outer tube 206 when the product concealing tube 208 is in a first, fully extended position relative to the product stick carrier 210 (and outer tube 206).

[0538] The product concealing tube 208 may move between a first, fully extended position, as shown in FIGS. 10-12 and a second, fully retracted position relative to the outer tube 206 and product stick carrier 210, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In contrast to the earlier embodiment, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10 onward, the product concealing tube 208 is able to both slide and rotate relative to the product stick carrier 210 and outer tube 206. This provides the user with the ability to twist the product concealing tube 208 as they extend or retract it relative to the outer tube 206, facilitating ease of operation. However, it is envisaged that in other embodiments, the movement of the product concealing tube 208 might be constrained such that only slidable i.e. linear and not rotational movement relative to the outer tube 206 and product stick carrier 210 is possible. This movement may be driven by a force applied by a user to the product concealing tube 208. The interaction of the product concealing tube 208 and the outer tube 206 which leads to the limits at the fully extended and fully retracted positions can be seen in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14, and is described in more detail further below.

[0539] The dispenser 200 is shown in exploded form in FIG. 15, which better illustrates the components of the base part 209.

[0540] References to the proximal and distal end of the outer tube 206, product concealing tube 208 and product stick carrier 210 respectively may correspond to the ends which will typically be lowermost and uppermost in use. Thus, the proximal and distal ends of the tube/carrier may be interchangeably referred to as the lower and upper ends thereof. However, this does not necessarily confer any limitation on the orientation of the dispenser in use. The proximal and distal ends of a component may also be referred to as the first and second ends thereof.

[0541] The cap 212 is made from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard. Its upper (or distal) end may be closed by a disc 213 of such a material in a conventional manner which locates against a rolled over lip 211 formed at the upper end of the cap 212. The disc 213 may be a laminated structure, for example comprising a plurality of layers of card material bonded together, or a unitary, one piece construction. The disc 213 could of course be located in some other manner. In another embodiment, for example, the upper end of the cap 212 need not be rolled and an end closure in the form of a plug e.g. disc may be inserted into the upper end of the cap 212 and bonded into position.

[0542] The outer tube 206 is made from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard. The outer tube 206 is of a wrapped tube construction formed in a manner later described, and is not spiral wound.

[0543] The cap 212 is, similar to the outer tube 206, formed of a wrapped tube construction, rather than being spiral wound.

[0544] The base part 209 further includes the product concealing tube 208 which is rotatably and slidably received within the outer tube 206. The product concealing tube 208 is also made from a paper-based or card-based material such as paperboard or cardboard, and is of a wrapped tube construction, rather than being spiral wound.

[0545] The base part 209 further comprises the product stick carrier 210 which is in the form of a tube of a paper-based or card-based material and which supports a product stick 50. The product stick carrier tube 210 is fixed at its base to the outer tube 206. This may be achieved using an adhesive attachment.

[0546] The product stick carrier 210 is formed of a wrapped tube construction, rather than being spiral wound.

[0547] As may be seen in more detail in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14, the bottom (proximal) end of the outer tube 206 is rolled inwardly to provide a lip 221 for locating a base closure disc 223. This is a similar construction to the closed end of the cap 212, described above. The base disc 223 could of course be located in some other manner. In another embodiment, for example the lower end of the outer tube 206 need not be rolled and the base disc 223 may simply be bonded in position. The base disc 223 may be formed of a paper-based or card-based material. The base disc 223 may be of a laminated structure, for example comprising a plurality of layers of card material bonded together, or a unitary, one piece construction.

[0548] In the illustrated embodiment, the base closure disc 223 is bonded to a bottom (proximal) end of the product stick carrier 210 to thereby fix the outer tube 206 in relation to product stick carrier 210. However, in particular where the end of the outer tube 206 is not inwardly rolled, any suitable arrangement may be used to close the end of the outer tube 206 and to fix the outer tube 206 relative to the inner tube (product stick carrier 210). For example, a closure plug may achieve this effect without inward rolling, or another arrangement may be used. The outer tube 206 is advantageously fixed to the product stick carrier 210 at the base of the tubes 206, 210 to avoid interfering with movement of the product concealing tube 208.

[0549] The product concealing tube 208 is able to move in the space defined between the product stick carrier 210 tube and outer tube 206 between its fully extended and fully retracted positions relative to the product stick carrier 210 and outer tube 206, and also the product stick 204.

[0550] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 10-12, it may be seen that the product concealing tube 208 covers the product stick 204 i.e. the sides thereof. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the product concealing tube 208 exposes the product stick 204.

[0551] In the fully retracted position as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the product concealing tube 208 still projects upwardly from the upper i.e. distal end 222 of the outer tube 206 and also from the upper i.e. distal end of the product stick carrier 210, but to a lesser degree than when in the fully extended position of FIGS. 10-12. In this way, the product 204 is exposed for use.

[0552] The product stick 204 is arranged radially inwardly of the product stick carrier 210 and, in the embodiment shown, projects upwardly from the outer tube 206 in all operational states of the dispenser 200, as can be seen for example in FIGS. 11 and 14. As the product stick carrier 210 is rotationally fixed to the outer tube 206, both it and the product stick 204 remain static during use of the dispenser 200. As will be described further below, raising or lowering of the product concealing tube 208 relative to the outer tube 206 will therefore expose or cover the product stick 204.

[0553] The product stick 204 may be secured to the product stick carrier tube 210 in any suitable manner. This may or may not involve the use of additional components. For example the product stick 204 may be bonded to a carrier disc or plug formed of a paper-based or card-based material and bonded to a distal (upper) end of the product stick carrier tube 210. Such a carrier disc or plug may be located at the distal tip of the product stick carrier tube 210 or may be recessed therefrom to enable the distal end portion of the product stick carrier tube 210 to support the sides of the product stick 204 at its base. In other embodiments, the product stick 204 might be secured to the product stick carrier tube 210 using an interference fit, or a mechanical interlocking arrangement or using a magnetic coupling, for example. Any arrangement may be used which fixes the product stick 204 relative to the product stick carrier tube 210, with the distal end of the product stick 204 extending beyond the distal tip of the product stick carrier tube 210 for access by the user when the product concealing tube 208 is in a retracted position. It is envisaged that the product stick 204 could even be secured to a proximal end of the product stick carrier 210 e.g. using an end closure such as a carrier disc or plug as described above in relation to the distal end. However, the further the product stick 204 extends into the product stick carrier tube 210, the greater the extent of the product stick 204 which will not be available for use, and hence the greater the portion of the product stick 204 which may be wasted. The product stick 204 may be bonded to the product stick carrier tube 210 directly or indirectly (e.g. via a carrier, such as an end closure), using any suitable bonding agent e.g. adhesive, or wax, or a layer of the unset product itself.

[0554] In the illustrated embodiment, the product stick 204 is retained relative to the product stick carrier 210 by being inserted through an apertured disc inserted into the distal end of the product stick carrier tube 210 and bonded thereto, so as to be recessed from the distal tip of the tube 210. In other embodiments, the product stick 204 could be mounted to a non-apertured disc. Various forms of attachment may be envisaged between the product stick and product stick carrier. For example, to facilitate attachment the disc to which the product stick is mounted may be provided with some surface features to enhance gripping etc. It is also envisaged that multiple end discs might be inserted into the distal end of the product stick carrier tube e.g. one to close the end of the tube and a second one distal thereto for receiving the product stick.

[0555] The product concealing tube 208 is rotatably and slidably received over the product stick carrier 210. Thus, the product concealing tube 208 is radially sandwiched between the outer tube 206 and the product stick carrier 210. The product stick carrier 210 is arranged radially inwardly of the product concealing tube 208.

[0556] Having described the overall construction of the dispenser 200, the features which define the fully extended position of the product concealing tube 208 relative to the outer tube 206 and product stick carrier 210 will now be described.

[0557] Referring in particular to FIG. 15, it may be seen that at the proximal end of the product concealing tube 208 an engagement flap 240 is provided. The engagement flap 240 is connected at a first end 242 to a portion of a blank from which the product concealing tube 208 is wound defining an outermost winding of the product concealing tube 208 along a foldline at the bottom end of the tube 208 (the multiple windings are not shown in schematic FIG. 15). The engagement flap 240 is folded outwardly and extends along the exterior surface of the product concealing tube 208 toward the distal end thereof. The engagement flap 240 defines an edge 244 at the second end of the flap 240 (closer to the distal end of the product concealing tube). The engagement flap 240 may be bonded to the exterior of the product concealing tube 208, but this is optional. The flap may be suitably held in position by its location between the product concealing tube 208 and outer sleeve. The engagement flap 240 extends around substantially the full circumference of the product concealing tube 208 in the embodiment illustrated. However, this need not necessarily be the case. It is also envisaged that rather than providing a single outwardly folded engagement flap 240 at the proximal end of the product concealing tube 208, a plurality of such flaps might be provided. However, the arrangement illustrated, in which a single flap 240 is provided, may facilitate manufacture of the product concealing tube part of the dispenser 200.

[0558] The outer tube 206 includes an inwardly folded locking flap 250 at its distal end. The locking flap 250 is connected to a portion of a blank from which the outer tube 206 is wound and defining an innermost winding of the outer tube 206 along a foldline 254 at the distal or top end of the tube 206 (the multiple windings are not shown in schematic FIG. 15). The locking flap 250 is folded inwardly and extends along the interior surface of the outer tube 206 toward the proximal end thereof. The locking flap 250 is optionally bonded to the interior of the outer tube 206. It has been found that the locking flap 250, may like the engagement flap 240 may be retained in position by being trapped between the product concealing tube and outer sleeve such that the flaps may engage one another end to end. The locking flap 250 defines an edge 252 at the second end of the flap 250 corresponding to the end closer to the proximal end of the outer tube 206. The locking flap 250 extends around substantially the full circumference of the outer tube 206 in the embodiment illustrated. However, this need not necessarily be the case. It is also envisaged that rather than providing a single inwardly folded locking flap 250 at the distal end of the outer tube 206, a plurality of such flaps might be provided. However, the arrangement illustrated, in which a single flap 250 is provided may facilitate manufacture of the outer tube part of the dispenser. The use of inter-engaging flaps 244, 250 which extend substantially the entire distance around the longitudinal axis of the respective tubes 206, 208 is also advantageous in that this enables the mechanism to operate more reliably regardless of the relative rotational positions of the product concealing tube 208 and outer tube 206.

[0559] The engagement flap 240 and locking flap 250 provide a pair of inter-engaging flaps 240, 250 which cooperate with one another to define a fully extended position of the product concealing tube 208 relative to the outer tube 206 (and hence product stick carrier 210). As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the product concealing tube 208 can be extended relative to the outer tube 206 and product stick carrier 210 until the edge 244 defined by the second end of the engagement flap 240 of the product concealing tube 208 engages the edge 252 defined by the second end of the locking flap 250 of the outer tube 206. Thus, the flaps 240, 250 provide a stop mechanism limiting the travel of the product concealing tube 208 and preventing it from being fully removed from the outer tube 206.

[0560] In the illustrated embodiment, the product concealing tube 208 may be retracted relative to the outer tube 206 (and product stick carrier 210) until the bottom edge of the product concealing tube 208 engages the base disc 223 at the base of the outer tube 206. Thus, engagement between the bottom of the product concealing tube 208 and the base disc 223 defines the fully retracted position of the product concealing tube 208 relative to the outer tube 206.

[0561] The mode of operation of the dispenser 200 will now be described.

[0562] Prior to first use, the dispenser 200 is in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 10.

[0563] To use the dispenser 200, the cap 212 is first removed, as shown in FIG. 12. It will be seen from this Figure that the product concealing tube 208 is in a fully extended position, and projects from the outer tube 206 and covers the product stick 204.

[0564] The user then manually pushes the product concealing tube 208 downwardly into the outer tube 206. The user may grip the exposed section of the product concealing tube 208 and the outer tube 206 and simply push the product concealing tube 208 into the outer tube 206. However, they may twist the product concealing tube 208 relative to the outer tube 206 as the product concealing tube 208 is able to rotate relative to the outer tube 206.

[0565] The product concealing tube 208 is retractable relative to the outer tube 206 until the bottom edge of the product concealing tube 208 engages the base of the outer tube 206 (in the illustrated embodiment defined by the base disc 223). This corresponds to the fully retracted position shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0566] It will be appreciated that, for ease of illustration, the detail of the construction of the engagement 240 and locking flaps 250 is not shown in the schematic sectional views of FIGS. 11, 12, and 14.

[0567] Once the user has finished applying product, they may grasp the product concealing tube 208 and extend it relative to the outer tube 206 once more until the edge 244 associated with the engagement flap 240 of the product concealing tube 208 engages the edge 252 defined by the locking flap 250 associated with the outer tube 206 to define the fully extended position shown in FIGS. 10-12 once more. The product concealing tube 208 covers the product stick 204 once more. The inter-engagement of the edges 252, 244 provided by the locking and engagement flaps 250, 240 prevents the product concealing tube 208 from being fully removed from the base part 209 of the dispenser. The user may then locate the cap 212 back over the open end of the product concealing tube 208 to provide a closed dispenser 200 as shown in FIG. 10 once more.

[0568] It should be noted that as shown in FIG. 14, a portion of the product concealing tube 208 still projects from the outer tube 206 even when the product concealing tube 208 is fully retracted. This means that the cap 212 may still be replaced on the dispenser 200 in that condition, and provide a portion of the product concealing tube 208 which can be grasped when it is desired to extend the product concealing tube 208 once more.

[0569] The dispenser 200 may initially be provided to the user in the configuration of FIGS. 10 or 13, i.e. with the product concealing tube 208 fully extended or retracted, as in both cases, the cap 212 may fit over the product concealing tube 208 and abut the upper or distal end of the outer tube 206.

[0570] It will be seen from the above description that a dispenser 200 in accordance with the invention operates in a manner such that rather than extending and retracting a product stick 204, the product stick 204 is selectively exposed by the extension and retraction of a tubular shield 208 relative to an outer tube 206. This may make the product easier to handle, provide greater stability to the product stick 204 and allow the exposure of the product stick 204 to be more finely controlled.

[0571] The dispenser 200 as described above is advantageous in that apart from the product stick 204, it may be and preferably is made entirely from a paper-based or card-based material. It will therefore be fully recyclable. At least the tubular elements and the guide element of the dispenser are preferably made from a paper-based or card-based material. It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiment disclosed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0572] The use of a removable cap 212 is optional.

[0573] A preferred embodiment of one method for forming the dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15 will now be described.

[0574] First the blanks for the various components will be illustrated by reference to FIGS. 16A-D. It will be appreciated that the blanks shown in FIGS. 16A-D are merely exemplary.

[0575] Each of the blanks shown in FIGS. 16A-D is provided by a single piece of card or paper based material e.g. paperboard or cardboard.

[0576] FIG. 16A illustrates a blank 360 in the flat for providing the product stick carrier 210 with the surface that will define an outer surface of the product stick carrier 210 uppermost. The blank includes a first edge 362 which will provide the proximal end edge of the product stick carrier 210 and a second edge 364 which will provide the distal end edge of the product stick carrier 210. The blank 360 also includes a third edge 366 which provides a leading edge of the blank 360 as it is wrapped around a mandrel, and a fourth edge 368 which provides a trailing edge.

[0577] The blank 360 is generally in the shape of a parallelogram, having first and second edges 362, 364 which are parallel, and third and fourth edges 366, 368 which are parallel. The leading corner of the blank 360 is rounded. This may facilitate feeding of the blank around the mandrel in the process described without buckling. It will be seen that the leading third edge 366 is a sloping edge, which defines an angle other than 90 degrees with both the first and second edges 362, 364. The trailing fourth edge 368 is likewise a sloping edge which defines an angle other than 90 degrees with both the first and second edges 362, 364.

[0578] FIG. 16B illustrates a blank 370 in the flat for providing the product concealing tube 208 with the surface that will define an inner surface of the product concealing tube 208 uppermost. The blank 370 includes a first edge 372 which will provide the proximal end edge of the product concealing tube 308 and a second edge 374 which will provide the distal or upper end edge of the product concealing tube. The blank also includes a third edge 376 which provides a leading edge of the blank 370 as it is wrapped around a mandrel to provide the tube, and a fourth edge 378 which provides a trailing edge.

[0579] The first and second edges 372,374 of the blank 370 are generally parallel. The first edge 372 includes a tab 382 attached thereto along a foldline 380 for providing the engagement flap 240 of the product concealing tube 208. The tab 382 extends along the first edge 372 from the fourth, trailing edge 378 of the blank 370. The tab 382 has a first edge 387 connected to the first edge 372 of the blank 270 along the foldline 380 and an opposite second edge 389. The tab 382 also has third and fourth shorter edges 383, 385, the third edge 383 being closest to the fourth edge 378 of the blank 370 and providing a continuation thereof. The tab 382 extends around half way along the edge 372, although the extent may vary from that illustrated. The tab 382 extends along a portion of the blank 370 which will form an outermost winding of the product concealing tube 208. The tab 382 as shown is rectangular in shape, although it is envisaged that other shapes may be used.

[0580] The leading corner of the blank 370 is rounded. This may facilitate feeding of the blank 370 around the mandrel in the process described without buckling. It will be seen that the leading third edge 376 is a sloping edge, which defines an angle other than 90 degrees with both the first and second edges 372, 374.

[0581] The blank 390 for providing the outer tube 206 is shown in FIG. 16C in the flat with the surface that will define an outer surface of the outer tube 206 uppermost. The blank 390 includes a first edge 392 which will provide the proximal end edge of the outer tube 206 and a second edge 394 which will provide the distal or upper end edge of the outer tube 206. The blank 390 also includes a third edge 396 which provides a leading edge of the blank 390 as it is wrapped around a mandrel to provide the tube, and a fourth edge 398 which provides a trailing edge.

[0582] A tab 402 is attached to the second edge 394 along a foldline 400 for providing the locking flap 250 of the outer tube 206. The tab 402 has a first edge 397 extending along the second edge 394 of the blank 390 and a second edge 399 extending parallel thereto. The tab 402 has third and fourth edges 393, 395 connecting the first and second edges 397, 399, the third edge 393 being closest to the trailing fourth edge 398 of the blank. The tab 402 is in the shape of a parallelogram, having two pairs of parallel sides. Its shorter side edges 393, 395 each define an angle of less than 90 degrees with the second edge 394 of the blank. The tab extends along the second edge 394 from the third, leading edge 396 of the blank 390. The tab 402 extends around half way along the edge 394, although the extent may vary from that illustrated. The tab 402 extends along a portion of the blank 390 which will form an outermost winding of the outer tube 206.

[0583] The first and second edges 392, 394 of the blank 390 are generally parallel. However, the first edge 392 includes a step around half way along its length. This feature is optional, but is useful in the context of the illustrated embodiment in which the lower end of the outer tube 206 is rolled inwardly. The recessed portion of the first edge 392 adjacent the third edge 396 means that the thickness of material to be rolled in at the end of the tube 206 is reduced e.g. to one layer of material, corresponding to the outer winding of the blank 390.

[0584] The first edge 392 may also include a chamfered edge adjacent the fourth edge 398, meeting the fourth edge 398 at an angle other than 90 degrees. The presence of a chamfered edge is optional, and, where present, the degree of chamfer and extent of the chamfer may differ from that illustrated depending upon factors such as the extent of the area of the blank 390 to be printed and/or visible. A chamfer might alternatively or additionally be provided at the other end of the trailing edge adjacent the second edge 394. Chamfering may be helpful in reducing the amount of material present where this is not detrimental to the appearance of the resulting tube 206 or the bonding of the blank 390 to provide the tube 206, and may facilitate in bonding of the blank 390 in tubular form. Chamfering may similarly be provided in the region of the join between edges 374 and 378 of the blank 370 for providing the product concealing tube 206. A skived edge region of lower thickness may be provided in the vicinity of the trailing edge 398 to reduce the overall thickness of the tube 208 in the region where the wound layers overlap.

[0585] The leading corner of the blank 390 is rounded. This may facilitate feeding of the blank 390 around the mandrel in the process described without buckling. It will be seen that the leading third edge 396 is a sloping edge, which defines an angle other than 90 degrees with both the first and second edges 392, 394.

[0586] The blank 500 for providing the tubular cap 212 is shown in FIG. 16D in the flat with the surface that will define an inner surface of the cap 212 uppermost. The blank 500 is of the same general shape as the blank 390 for providing the outer tube 206, but is a mirror image about the edge 394 of the blank 390, and does not include the tab 402. The blank 500 includes a first edge 502 which will provide the lower end edge of the cap 212 and a second edge 504 which will provide the upper end edge of the cap 212. The blank 500 also includes a third edge 506 which provides a leading edge of the blank 500 as it is wrapped around a mandrel to provide the cap 212, and a fourth edge 508 which provides a trailing edge.

[0587] The first and second edges 502, 504 of the blank 500 are generally parallel. However, the second edge 504 includes a step around half way along its length. This feature is optional, but is useful in the context of the illustrated embodiment in which the upper end of the cap 212 is rolled inwardly. The recessed portion adjacent the third edge 506 means that the thickness of material to be rolled in at the end of the cap 212 is reduced e.g. to one layer of material, corresponding to the outer winding of the blank 500.

[0588] The second edge 504 also includes a chamfered edge adjacent the fourth edge 508, meeting the fourth edge 508 at an angle other than 90 degrees. As with the outer tube 206 and product concealing tube 208, the presence or absence of a chamfer, the configuration of the chamfer and/or whether any additional chamfered edge is provided may be selected as desired depending on factors such as the visibility of the edge, the importance of reducing the amount of material etc. A skived edge region of lower thickness may be provided in the vicinity of the trailing edge 508 to reduce the overall thickness of the cap 212 in the region where the wound layers overlap.

[0589] The leading corner of the blank 500 is rounded. This may facilitate feeding of the blank 500 around the mandrel in the process described without buckling. It will be seen that the leading third edge 506 is a sloping edge, which defines an angle other than 90 degrees with both the first and second edges 502, 504.

[0590] It will be appreciated that which of the first and second edges 362, 364 of the blank 360 shown in FIG. 16A provides the proximal or distal edge of the resulting product stick carrier 210 in use may vary from that illustrated. However, the stepped edges of the blanks 390, 500 in FIGS. 16C and 16D should be located at the edge of the blank 390, 500 which is intended to be rolled inwardly if rolling is to be performed. If rolled edges are not used, the stepped edges may be omitted.

[0591] One method of forming the components of the dispenser 200 using the set of blanks 360, 370, 390, 500 shown in FIGS. 16A-D will now be described by reference to FIGS. 17A-I. This method is merely exemplary, and various modifications may be made e.g. to the order of the steps performed.

[0592] In a first step shown in FIG. 17A, the product stick carrier tube blank 360 is wrapped around a first mandrel 600 rotating in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17A with the third edge 366 leading in order to provide the product stick carrier 210. The blank 360 may be guided onto and retained on the mandrel 600 using any suitable technique e.g. one or more guide rollers. The wrapping process is performed such that the first and second edges 362, 364 of the product stick carrier tube blank 360 are perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel 600. A bonding agent e.g. adhesive is applied to the region 369 adjacent the fourth, trailing edge 368 on the surface which will form the interior of the inner tube or product stick carrier 210 prior to the blank 360 being wound around the mandrel 600. In this way, the inner surface of the region 368 will become adhered to an adjacent inner winding of the product stick carrier 210 to retain the tube in its wound configuration. The region 368 may be skived to reduce the overall thickness of the tube where the wound layers overlap.

[0593] The resulting product stick carrier 210 is then removed from the mandrel 600, and is shown in FIG. 17B.

[0594] The sloping leading edge 366 of the product stick carrier tube blank 360 shown in FIG. 16A results in the lap seam to the interior of the wound product stick carrier 210 extending along a helical path. In this way, the seam is spread over a greater distance than would be the case with a straight leading edge to the blank. This has been found to provide an improved tube with a rounder cross section than would be the case with a straight leading edge, which may result in a tube of tear drop shaped cross section. Similarly, the trailing edge 368 slopes, and provides a helical seam extending around the exterior of the product stick carrier 210.

[0595] In the next step shown in FIG. 17C, the product concealing tube blank 370 is wrapped around a second mandrel 620. The blank 370 may be guided onto and retained on the mandrel 620 using any suitable technique e.g. one or more guide rollers. The product concealing tube blank 370 is wrapped around the mandrel 620 while the mandrel is rotating in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17C, with the third edge 376 leading in order to provide the product concealing tube 208. The wrapping process is performed such that the first and second edges 372, 374 of the product concealing tube blank 370 are perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel 620.

[0596] A bonding agent e.g. adhesive is applied to the region 379 adjacent the fourth, trailing edge 378 on the surface which will form the interior of the product concealing tube 208 prior to the blank 370 being wound around the mandrel 620. In this way, the inner surface of the region 379 will become adhered to an adjacent inner winding of the product concealing tube 208 to retain the tube in its wound configuration. The region 369 may be skived to reduce the overall thickness of the tube where the wound layers overlap.

[0597] A bonding agent e.g. adhesive is also optionally applied to the region 383 of the blank 370 on the surface which will form part of the exterior of the product concealing tube 208. The region 383 is adjacent the portion of the first edge 372 along which the tab 382 is connected along foldline 380. During the second step, the tab 382 is folded back along the foldline 380 toward the surface of the blank 370 which will define the outer surface of the product concealing tube 208, and is bonded to the region 383 to provide the bonded down engagement flap 240 of the product concealing tube 208. This may be seen in FIG. 17D, which illustrates the product concealing tube 208 once removed from the mandrel 620. The step of folding back and bonding down the tab 382 may be performed at any stage, before, during or even after wrapping the blank 370 around the mandrel 620 to provide the product concealing tube 208. However, for ease of wrapping of the blank 370, this step is advantageously performed before or during wrapping of the blank around the mandrel 620. The tab 382 may be folded back, for example, using a suitable tool (not shown) as the blank 370 approaches the mandrel 620. The flap 382 may alternatively be folded back without being bonded down. It may be seen that the third and fourth edges 383, 385 of the tab 382 which extend axially in the formed product concealing tube 208 abut one another in the formed tube. The edges extended parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube (and perpendicular to the proximal end edge of the product concealing tube) and are substantially aligned with the seam provided by the trailing edge 378 of the blank on the exterior surface of the product concealing tube 208.

[0598] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 17D, the flap 382 of the blank 370 for forming the flap 240 of the product concealing tube 208 extends along the edge 372 of the blank 370 a distance chosen such that, following winding of the blank to product the product concealing tube 208, the flap will extend 360 degrees around the outside of the resulting product concealing tube 208. The extent of the flap 382 along the edge 372 is such that it is present only in the outermost winding of the product concealing tube 208 i.e. the side edges of the flap 382 do not overlap one another in the resulting tube 208. This avoids excessive thickness of the product concealing tube 208 in the region of the flap 240.

[0599] FIG. 17D shows the helical lap seam obtained on the interior of the product concealing tube by virtue of the sloping leading edge 376. The seam extends at a given angle with respect to the proximal end of the tube. In contrast, the exterior lap seam extends parallel to the axis of the tube and perpendicular to the proximal end thereof, due to the straight trailing edge 378. This may maximise the available area for printing or other finishing, since this surface of the product concealing tube may be visible to the user, and it may be desirable to provide some aesthetic finish. Such concerns are less in the context of the product stick carrier 210, which is not generally visible to the user. The side edges of the tab 382 adjacent the trailing edge 378 of the blank 370 are parallel to or substantially aligned with the lap seam provided by the trailing edge 378.

[0600] In alternative embodiments, a sloping trailing edge of the blank 370 (and of the flap 382) may alternatively be provided for the product concealing tube 208 where the functional benefit of the resulting lap seam shape is of greater importance than aesthetic considerations. In such cases, the shape of the tab 382 might then be modified, e.g. to correspond to the shape of tab 402 so that the third and fourth edges 383, 385 extend parallel to or so as to be aligned with the resulting helical seam provided on the exterior of the product concealing tube 208.

[0601] In the next step shown in FIG. 17E, adhesive is applied to the surface of the outer tube blank 390 which will form part of the interior surface of the blank 390 during winding of the blank 390 to product the outer tube 206. The bonding agent e.g. adhesive is applied to the region 399 adjacent the fourth edge 398 of the outer tube blank 390, and optionally to the region 403 adjacent the foldline 400 connecting the tab 402 to the second edge 394 of the blank 390. The region 398 may be skived to reduce the overall thickness of the tube 206 where the wound layers overlap.

[0602] The outer tube 206 is produced by wrapping the blank 390 around a third mandrel 630 with the third edge 396 leading. The blank 390 may be guided and retained on the mandrel 630 using any suitable technique e.g. one or more guide rollers. As the blank 390 is fed onto the mandrel 630 in the direction of arrow A, as shown in FIG. 17E, the tab 402 is caused to be folded in the direction of the arrow B shown about the foldline 400 so as to contact and become bonded to the area 403 to which bonding agent e.g. adhesive has been applied. The tab 402 may be folded back, for example, using a suitable tool (not shown) as the blank 390 approaches the mandrel 630. Alternatively the tab 402 may be folded back without being bonded down. As shown in FIG. 17F, the blank 390 then continues to be wrapped about the third mandrel 630 in the direction of the arrow. The wrapping process is performed such that the first and second edges 392, 394 of the outer tube blank 390 are perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel 630. The inner surface of the region 98 will become adhered to an adjacent inner winding of the outer tube 206 to retain the tube 206 in its wound configuration. The resulting outer tube 206 is shown in FIG. 17G. The bonded down tab 402 provides the inwardly folded flap 250 at the distal end of the outer tube 206.

[0603] In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 402 of the blank 390 for forming the flap 250 of the outer tube 206 extends along the edge 394 of the blank 390 a distance chosen such that, following winding of the blank 390 to product the outer tube 206, the flap 250 will extend 360 degrees around the outside of the resulting outer tube 206. The extent of the tab 402 along the edge 394 is such that it is present only in the outermost winding of the outer tube 206 i.e. the side edges of the tab 402 do not overlap one another in the resulting tube. This avoids excessive thickness of the outer tube 206 in the region of the flap 250. As with the product concealing tube 210, it may be seen that the third and fourth edges 393, 395 of the tab 402 abut one another, and in the formed outer tube 206, extend along a helical path. In this illustrated embodiment the edges 393, 395 extend in the same direction relative to the distal end of the outer tube 206 as the helical seam provided by leading edge 396 on the interior of the outer tube 206. The edges 393, 395 are parallel to or substantially aligned with the helical seam provided by the edge 396.

[0604] FIG. 17G shows the helical lap seam obtained on the interior of the outer tube 206 by virtue of the sloping leading edge 396. In contrast, the exterior lap seam extends parallel to the axis of the tube (and perpendicular to the distal end of the outer tube), due to the straight trailing edge 398. This may maximise the available area for printing or other finishing, since this surface of the outer tube may be visible to the user, and it may be desirable to provide some aesthetic finish.

[0605] In alternative embodiments, a sloping trailing edge of the blank 390 may alternatively be provided for the outer tube 206 where the functional benefit of the resulting lap seam shape is of greater importance than aesthetic considerations.

[0606] In the next step, shown in FIG. 17H, the cap 212 is produced from the cap blank 500. The blank 500 is wrapped around a fourth mandrel 640 while the mandrel 640 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17H, with the third edge 506 leading. The blank 500 may be guided and retained on the mandrel 640 using any suitable technique e.g. one or more guide rollers. A bonding agent e.g. adhesive is applied to the region 509 adjacent the fourth, trailing edge 508 on the surface which will form the interior of the cap 212 prior to the blank 500 being wound around the mandrel 640. In this way, the inner surface of the region 509 will become adhered to an adjacent inner winding of the cap 212 to retain the tube in its wound configuration. The region 509 may be skived to reduce the overall thickness of the tube where the wound layers overlap. The cap 212 once removed from the mandrel 640 is shown in FIG. 17I.

[0607] It will be appreciated that the third and fourth mandrels 630, 640, in the illustrated embodiment, have the same diameter. The same mandrel 630 used to produce the outer tube 206 could be used to produce the cap 212 once the outer tube 206 has been removed therefrom following step 17F. The first, second and third mandrels 600, 620, 630 used to produce the product stick carrier 210, product concealing tube 208 and outer tube 206 have progressively greater diameters.

[0608] The sloping leading edges of the outer tube and cap blanks 390, 500 provide improved shape properties to the resulting outer tube 206 and cap 212 in the same manner described in relation to the product stick carrier 210 and product concealing tube 208. Again, for these components, the trailing edge 398, 508 is shown as straight, to maximise area for printing etc., but this need not be the case.

[0609] It will be appreciated that the steps of forming the cap 212 need not be carried out after forming the outer tube 206, and these steps may be carried out before, or at the same time (as one another). Likewise, it is not necessary that the product stick carrier 210 and product concealing tube 208 necessarily be produced before the outer tube 206 and/or the cap 212. The product stick carrier 210 and product concealing tube 208 may be produced subsequently or at the same time as the outer tube 206 and/or cap 212.

[0610] The method may be performed so as to result in no more than two plies of material being present at any point in any of the formed tubes i.e. the product stick carrier 210, outer tube 206, product concealing tube 208, cap 212.

[0611] The finishing steps involved in producing the components of the dispenser 200 and the assembly thereof in accordance with one exemplary embodiment will now be described by reference to FIGS. 18A-G.

[0612] As shown in FIG. 18A, a disc of paper or card-based material is inserted through the distal end of the product stick carrier 210 and bonded at a position recessed from the distal edge thereof to provide the product stick support 225 (see for example FIG. 12). The support provides a surface for supporting the base of a product stick. The disc providing the product stick support 225 is shown schematically in FIG. 18A, and does not include the aperture shown in FIG. 12. It will be appreciated that the disc may or may not be apertured, depending upon the way in which mounting of the product stick is to be achieved. Similarly it may be envisaged that multiple discs might be provided at the distal end of the product stick carrier 210 e.g. one to close the end of the tube and a further disc distal thereto for providing the product stick support, especially if the product stick support itself it non apertured. The product stick support disc may in any embodiment be provided with features to facilitate mounting of the product stick e.g. to enhance gripping thereof. Other forms of product stick support may be envisaged e.g. a small cup or tube provided at the distal end of the product stick carrier.

[0613] The product stick carrier 210 is then inserted into the open distal end of the product concealing tube 208 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 18B to provide a sub-assembly of the product stick carrier 210 and product concealing tube 208. The product stick carrier 210 is inserted into the product concealing tube 208 until its upper end is approximately aligned with the upper end of the product concealing tube 208. The product concealing tube 208 is thus in its fully retracted position relative to the product stick carrier 210. The product concealing tube 208 remains in this position relative to the product stick carrier 210 during assembly by virtue of frictional engagement between the tubes.

[0614] The proximal end of the outer tube 206 is then rolled inwardly as indicated by the arrows C in FIG. 18C. Any suitable technique may be used. Due to the shape of the edge 392 of the blank 390, only a single ply of material need be rolled inwardly to create the lip, as the inner winding of the outer tube 206 will be recessed from the proximal end due to the recessed portion of the edge 392. A base disc 223 of paper or card-based material is then inserted into the outer tube 206 in the direction of the arrow D illustrated so as to be located on the lip 221 created by the inward rolling of the base. The base disc 223 is secured in position using a bonding agent e.g. adhesive.

[0615] The sub-assembly of the product stick carrier 210 and product concealing tube 208 shown in FIG. 18B is then inserted into the outer tube 206 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 18D. The proximal end of the product stick carrier 210 is bonded to the base disc 223 at the base of the outer tube 206. This is carried out in a manner which does not impede the ability of the product concealing tube 208 to slide or rotate relative to both the product stick carrier 210 and the outer tube 206. For example, the type of adhesive and the way in which it is applied may be chosen to result in the adhesive being applied only to a specific area. A combination of local adhesive application and a fast drying adhesive may assist in achieving this. The base disc may if desired by treated e.g. by providing surface texture or cutouts etc. to promote adhesive penetration. This provides a base part 209 of the dispenser as shown e.g. in FIG. 14 (with the product concealing tube 208 being in a retracted position).

[0616] The end of the cap 212 is then closed as shown in FIGS. 18E-G. The end of the cap 212 is rolled inwardly as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 18E to create a lip 211 as shown in FIG. 18E. Any suitable technique may be used. Due to the shape of the edge 504 of the blank 500, only a single ply of material need be rolled inwardly to create the lip, as the inner winding of the cap 212 will be recessed from the upper end due to the recessed portion of the edge 504. A disc of paper or card-based material 213 is then inserted through the opposite end of the cap 212 so as to become located on the lip 211, closing the end of the cap 212 as shown in FIG. 18F. The disc 213 is bonded in position e.g. using adhesive. The resulting closed ended cap 212 is shown in FIG. 18G. The cap 212 may then be located over the distal end of the base part 209 sub-assembly resulting from step 18D to close the upper end of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 13.

[0617] A product stick 204 is disposed within the assembly of the product concealing tube 208, product stick carrier 210 and outer tube 206 such that it extends from the distal end of the product stick carrier 210 and beyond the distal end of the product concealing tube 208 when in the fully retracted position. The product stick 204 may be affixed to the product stick carrier 210 e.g. the distal end thereof in any suitable manner as described above. The product stick 204 may be inserted into the distal end of the product stick carrier 210 through the open end of the product concealing tube 208 prior to or preferably after insertion of the product concealing tube 208 and product stick carrier 210 sub-assembly into the end of the outer tube 206 in the step shown in FIG. 18D. However a product stick 204 may be inserted at any stage, and this may be performed even after the cap 212 has been located over the base part 209 of the dispenser 200, with the cap 212 then being removed to permit insertion of the product stick 204.

[0618] The range of travel available between the product concealing tube 208 and outer tube 206 may be set as desired by selecting the length of the inter-engaging flaps 240, 250, and hence the position of the cooperating edges 244, 252, appropriately.

[0619] The embodiment of the dispenser 200 illustrated is merely exemplary of one form of a dispenser 200 including a product concealing sleeve 208, product stick carrier 210 and outer tube 206 in the form of tubes and cooperating in the manner of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the dispenser 200, and the components thereof, may differ in construction from the exemplary embodiment shown. For example, while the components are each shown as being folded or wound from a single piece blank of material, this need not be the case.

[0620] While a single engagement flap 240 and single locking flap 250 are shown as being present on the product concealing tube 208 and outer tube 206 respectively, with each flap 240, 250 extending substantially 360 degrees around the respective tube 208, 206, this need not be the case. For example a plurality of such flaps might be present and/or the flaps may extend through less than 360 degrees around the axis of the respective tube 208, 206. In order to enable the flaps 240, 250 to appropriate inter-engage to provide the stop mechanism even when the product concealing tube 208 is rotated as it is advanced, it is advantageous for the flaps 240, 250 to extend through greater angles around the axes, and optionally completely around the axes as shown. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of engagement flaps and a plurality of locking flaps might be provided, which are configured such that at least one engagement flap will engage a locking flap to define the first, fully extended position of the product concealing tube irrespective of the rotational position of the product concealing tube relative to the outer tube. For example, this may be ensured by consideration of the width (in the circumferential direction) and spacing of the flaps in the sets of engagement and locking flaps.

[0621] Any suitable arrangement may be used in which a set of one or more locking flaps and a set of one or more engagement flaps are provided which may interact with one another in the manner described to define the first, fully extended position. It is envisaged that different ones of the locking and engagement flaps might interact with one another on different occasions depending upon the relative rotational positions of the outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve. It is also envisaged that a single locking flap might be provided with a plurality of engagement flaps or vice versa. A single locking flap or a single engagement flap might engage a plurality of engagement or locking flaps to define the first, fully extended position, or might engage different ones of the engagement or locking flaps depending upon rotational position etc. Where a plurality of locking and engagement flaps are provided, they may include different numbers of the flaps.

[0622] While in the embodiments described, the product concealing tube is rotatable, this need not be the case. Where rotation is not possible, the position of the locking and engagement flaps, and the extent thereof, may be adapted accordingly. For example, the flaps need not extend to the same extent around the axis of the sleeves provided that flaps are located such that they will engage in use to define the fully extended position.

[0623] Where multiple locking and/or engagement flaps are provided, these may be provided by multiple tabs associated with the blanks used to form the outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve in a similar manner to the single flap embodiments described above.

[0624] It is to be understood that the locking and engagement flaps need not be bonded down as described but may be retained in their position by virtue of being sandwiched between the outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve so as to engage end to end in the manner described. As in the earlier aspects, an engagement flap might slide under a locking flap, such that an edge of the engagement flap abuts a foldline at the base of the locking flap to define the first, fully extended position. Any combination of bonded down and unbonded engagement and locking flaps may be used.

[0625] While for ease of assembly the product stick carrier 210 of the dispenser 200 is a tube as illustrated herein, the product stick carrier 210 could be of a different form to the product stick carrier 210 illustrated. The product stick carrier 210 could take the form of anything that can support the product in stick form, for example at the base thereof. For example, the product stick carrier could be a planar member, or any other element confined to the base of the dispenser 200. A dispenser 700 in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention will now be described by reference to FIGS. 19-28. The dispenser is of a similar configuration to that of the embodiment of FIG. 10-18G, including an outer sleeve tube 706, product stick carrier tube 710 and product concealing sleeve tube 708 movable between fully extended and fully retracted positions to respectively cover and reveal a product stick 704 supported by the product stick carrier tube 710 in use. In this embodiment the product concealing tube 708 is rotatable, following a helical path as it moves between the extended and retracted positions.

[0626] The outer tube 706, product stick carrier tube 710, and product concealing tube 708 are each made of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. Each component of the dispenser is made of such material in the embodiment described.

[0627] FIG. 19 shows schematically the dispenser 700 with the product concealing tube 708 in a raised position for concealing a product stick.

[0628] FIG. 20 shows schematically the dispenser with the product concealing tube 708 in a lowered position for revealing the product stick.

[0629] FIGS. 21 and 22 are vertical sectional views through the dispenser in the states shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 respectively.

[0630] The product stick 704 is not shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, but may be seen in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0631] The part of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 19-22 may be considered to form a base part thereof. A removable cap may also be provided, although this is optional. The removable cap may be located over the open, distal end of the base part of the dispenser 700 in a similar manner to the earlier embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-13. The cap is of card-based or paper-based material e.g. cardboard or paperboard, and may be of the construction shown in the earlier embodiment. For example the cap may be in the form of a cylindrical tube having one end closed by a disc of cardboard or paperboard material. Any suitable construction may be used. Thus, rather than being a wrapped tube construction, the cap tube may be provided by a spiral wound tube. Any suitable end plug may be used to close the open end of the cap, and it is not necessary that a disc is used, or that the distal end is rolled inwardly in the manner shown in the earlier embodiment.

[0632] However it is formed, the cap may be such that a lower, proximal end of the cap abuts the distal edge of the outer tube 706 e.g. to provide a flush fit between the cap and outer tube, as in the earlier embodiment. The cap may be configured such that it will fit over the open end of the product concealing tube 708 and abut the distal end of the outer tube 706 with the product concealing tube 708 in either the raised position of FIG. 21 or the lowered position of FIG. 22.

[0633] This further embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 1-18G in relation to the manner in which the inter-engagement between components of the dispenser to prevent the product concealing tube 708 being moved beyond the most fully extended position (shown in FIGS. 19 and 21) is achieved, and so preventing complete removal of the product concealing tube 708 from the remainder of the base part of the dispenser from occurring.

[0634] Rather than having inter-engaging flaps associated with the outer tube and product concealing tube as in the earlier embodiment, in this further embodiment, the inter-engagement is provided between tubular components associated with the product stick carrier 710 and the product concealing tube 708. The tubular components are separately formed from and attached to the respective product stick carrier and product concealing sleeve tubes.

[0635] In addition, in this further embodiment, the movement of the product concealing tube 708 relative to the product stick carrier 710 and outer tube 706 follows a helical path, guided by the cooperation of a helical element provided on the interior of the product concealing tube 708 with a helical recess provided on the exterior of the product stick carrier 710.

[0636] While a wrapped tube construction may be used for the tubular components e.g. outer tube 706, product stick carrier tube 710 and product concealing tube 708, in this further embodiment other tube constructions may be used. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the outer tube, product stick carrier tube and product concealing tube are each spiral wound tubes. Tubes of this general type are known in the art and are manufactured for example by Westrock® Chicago facility, USA.

[0637] The details of the construction of the embodiment will be described with particular reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, which are exploded views showing the components of the dispenser at first and second stages of assembly respectively.

[0638] The outer sleeve tube 706 provides the radially outer most part of the dispenser as shown. The outer sleeve tube 706 is in the form of a spiral wound tube with a rolled proximal end. A base disc 723 of card-based or paper-based material, for example cardboard or paperboard, is located on the rolled end and bonded thereto e.g. adhesively.

[0639] With reference to FIG. 23, the next radially inward component is the product concealing tube 708. The product concealing tube 708 is in the form of a spiral wound tube. In this embodiment a first tubular component 750 is bonded e.g. adhesively to the interior of the product concealing tube 708 at its proximal end. The position of the first tubular component 750 after such bonding is shown in FIG. 24. The first tubular component 750 extends distally from the proximal end edge 718 of the product concealing tube 708. The first tubular component 750 is of paper-based or card-based material e.g. paperboard or cardboard. The first tubular component may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, it may be of a wrapped or spiral tube construction, but in some advantageous embodiments described below is of a spiral wound tube construction. The first tubular component may be inserted into the product concealing tube 708 and bonded in position (e.g. first being first cut from a longer tube of any suitable construction e.g. a spiral wound tube).

[0640] However it is formed, the first tubular component 750 defines a distal end edge 752 and a proximal end edge 753. The proximal edge 753 is aligned with the proximal end edge 718 of the product concealing tube 708. The product concealing tube 708 also has a distal end edge 716. The first tubular component 750 extends over only a portion of the length of the product concealing tube 708 (in the axial direction).

[0641] The inner surface of the first tubular component 750 comprises a first helical element 770 bonded thereto, which in the illustrated embodiment extends the entire length of the first tubular component 750. The helical element cooperates with a second helical element 760 and corresponding helical recess on the exterior of the product stick carrier tube 710 as described in more detail below. The first helical element 770 is in the form of a helical strip of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard bonded e.g. adhesively to the interior surface of the first tubular component 750 such that it projects from the interior surface of the first tubular component 750. In this way a threaded portion is provided associated with the interior of the product concealing tube 708, providing a threaded connection to a corresponding threaded portion associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier 710.

[0642] The radially innermost component of the dispenser is the product stick carrier tube 710. This has a proximal end 714 and a distal end 712 and is in the form of a spiral wound tube, although other forms of tube may be used. As seen in FIGS. 23 and 24, a threaded portion is provided associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier tube 710. The threaded portion is defined by a second helical element 760 in the form of a helical strip of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard bonded e.g. adhesively to the exterior surface of the product stick carrier tube 710 such that it projects from the exterior surface of the tube 710. In the illustrated embodiment the second helical element 760, and hence the threaded portion, extends the full length of the product stick carrier tube 710, being covered by the second tubular component 740 at the distal end in the assembled dispenser. The threaded portion extends to the proximal edge 742 of the second tubular component 740, but in alternative embodiments could terminate at the proximal edge 742 rather than continuing to the distal end 712 of the product stick carrier tube 710 as shown. In this way, a threaded portion is provided associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier tube 710. A helical recess 762 is defined between the turns of the second helical element 760. The helical recess is defined by the exterior surface of the product stick carrier tube 710.

[0643] The helical elements 760, 770 are advantageously formed by winding helical strips of card-based or paper-based material around the same mandrel used to form the spiral wound tube forming the product stick carrier 710 and the first tubular component 750 respectively.

[0644] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary spiral winding process used to form a spiral wound tube. In this case strips of material defining a first, inner ply 810, second middle ply 820 and third outer ply 830 are wound diagonally around a mandrel 800 and the plies are laminated together e.g. by adhesive applied to two or more of the plies. The mandrel is fixed in this process and its diameter defines the resulting tube diameter. The number of plies may differ from that shown. A spiral wound tube may be produced from one or plies, although typically a plurality of plies i.e. strips of material are used. For example, at least 3, or optionally 3 or 4 plies may be used. The strips of material may be wrapped around the mandrel using a belt system. Typically a longer tube is produced and tubes of a desired length cut therefrom.

[0645] The second helical element 760 on the exterior of a spiral wound product stick carrier tube may be provided as part of the process of forming the spiral wound product stick carrier tube by an outermost ply of a plurality of plies wound around a mandrel and laminated together to provide the tube. The outermost ply will then provide the second helical element 760 and the inner plies the spiral wound tube. The product stick carrier tube with the second helical element 760 bonded to the exterior thereof may then be provided by cutting a tube of appropriate length from the spiral wound tube with its helical element thereon. It will be seen that it is therefore simpler to manufacture the product stick carrier tube with the helical element running the whole length thereof. The second helical element 760 is formed in a manner such that gaps are defined between its turns to provide the recess for receiving the helical element associated with the interior of the first component 750. In exemplary embodiments, the strip/ply used to provide the second helical element 760 has a width in the direction perpendicular to its axial length that is less than that of the plies used to form the spiral wound tube. The strip forming the second helical element 760 may be fed at the same rate as the other plies around the mandrel to result in such gaps being present between its turns. In these embodiments, the second helical element 760 is formed at the same time as the spiral wound tube providing the product stick carrier tube. For example, this may be achieved using an apparatus as shown in FIG. 28, with the outermost ply 830 being narrower than the innermost and middle plies. Of course, the number of plies used to form the product stick carrier tube may differ from those illustrated in FIG. 28. In other embodiments, the spiral wound tube could first be formed by wrapping one or more plies around the mandrel, with the second helical element 760 being formed by wrapping a further strip around the thus formed spiral wound tube while the tube is still on the mandrel.

[0646] The first helical element 770 may similarly be provided by on the interior of a spiral wound tube from which the first tubular component 750 is cut. The first helical element 770 may be provided by an innermost one of a plurality of card-based or paper-based material strips which are wrapped around a mandrel and laminated together, with the remaining strips then providing the spiral wound tube. Adhesive may be applied to at last some of the strips to form the spiral wound tube with the helical element bonded thereto. The first tubular component 750 with the first helical element 770 bonded to the interior thereof may then be provided by cutting a tube of appropriate length from the spiral wound tube with its helical element thereon. The mandrel used to provide the first tubular component 750 will be of greater diameter than that used to provide the product stick carrier 710. In exemplary embodiments, the strip used to provide the first helical element 770 has a width in the direction perpendicular to its axial length that is less than that of the plies used to form the spiral wound tube. For example, this may be achieved using an apparatus as in FIG. 28 with the innermost ply 810 being narrower than the other plies 820, 830. The number of plies used may differ from that shown in FIG. 28. The strip forming the first helical element 770 may be fed at the same rate as the other plies around the mandrel to result in such gaps being present between its turns.

[0647] In alternative embodiments, the strip providing the first helical element 770 may be wound around the mandrel first, with the plies forming the spiral wound tube then being wound therearound.

[0648] The number of turns defined by the second helical element 760 may differ from that shown. The angle defined by the first helical element 770 around the axis of the product concealing sleeve may also differ from that shown. For example, the helical element 770 may extend less than one full turn around the product concealing sleeve

[0649] The second helical element 760 associated with the product stick carrier defines a helical recess in which the first helical element 770 of the product concealing sleeve is received. It is envisaged that the helical element may be snugly received in the recess such that both of the axially extending edges of the first helical element 770 may engage axially extending edges of the second helical element 760 defining adjacent turns thereof around the product stick carrier. However, it may be desirable at least in some cases that the recess is wider than the width of the helical element (measured perpendicular to the axial edges of the helical element or recess) to provide some latitude in the position of the helical element within the recess. This may make it easier to rotate the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier with the recess still acting to locate the helical element. All such arrangements are referred to herein as a threaded connection.

[0650] At the distal end of the product stick carrier tube 710 a second tubular component 740 in the form of a collar is provided. The second tubular component 740 is bonded e.g. adhesively such that the distal end edge 743 of the component 740 is aligned with the distal end edge 712 of the product stick carrier tube 710. The second tubular component 740 is shown as being formed by a section of a spiral wound tube. In general, for both the first and second tubular components 740, 750, any suitable form of tube may be used, and the tubular components may be formed in situ, or provided as a tube which is then bonded to the product stick carrier tube 710 or product concealing sleeve tube 708 as appropriate (e.g. being cut from a longer tube). Typically the first and second tubular components 740, 750 are each cut from appropriate spiral wound tubes and then bonded to the product stick carrier tube and product concealing sleeve. While the second tubular component 740 is shown as a collar extending all the way around the longitudinal axis of the product stick carrier, it may extend only partially around the axis e.g. such that an axial split is defined between axially extending end edges thereof.

[0651] FIG. 24 illustrates the components of the dispenser showing the product stick carrier tube 710 once the second tubular component 740 has been bonded thereto.

[0652] FIG. 25 illustrates the product concealing tube 708 with the first tubular component 750 joined to the interior thereof.

[0653] In one exemplary method, in order to assemble the dispenser, the proximal end of the product stick carrier 710 with the second tubular component 740 attached thereto is inserted into the distal end of the product concealing tube 708 with the first tubular component 750 bonded therein. The threaded portion of the product stick carrier 710 is then screwed onto the threaded portion of the first tubular component 750 until the proximal ends of the product stick carrier 710 and product concealing tube 708 are nearly aligned. The proximal end of the product stick carrier 710 is bonded to the base 723 of the outer tube 706. This results in a configuration as shown in FIG. 22, although with the product stick 704 not yet present. The product stick may be attached to the product stick support disc 725 e.g. adhesively at any stage, before or after assembly of the remainder of the dispenser. The above mentioned sequence of steps is merely exemplary, and alternative methods may be used.

[0654] Although not illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, an end disc 725 in the form of a disc of paper-based or card-based material e.g. paperboard or cardboard is bonded to the distal end of the product stick carrier 710 to provide a support for the product stick 704. However, other forms of product stick support may be used as in the earlier embodiments described e.g. depending upon the type of product stick, and the way in which it is to be retained.

[0655] The distal end 743 of the second tubular component 740 may be aligned with the distal end 712 of the product stick carrier 710, or may extend distally slightly beyond that end e.g. as shown in FIGS. 21, 22 and 24. The end disc 724 may be flush with the distal end of the second tubular component 740, or may be recessed therefrom e.g. as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 (which may be particularly, although not exclusively applicable where the second tubular component 740 extends distally beyond the distal end 712 of the product stick carrier 712).

[0656] FIG. 26 illustrates the product stick carrier 710 with the second helical element 760 and second tubular component 740 bonded thereto in more detail.

[0657] In the illustrated embodiment, the second tubular component 740 covers the distal end of the threaded portion. This may simplify manufacture, although in other embodiments the threaded portion could terminate at the proximal end edge 742 of the second tubular component 740. The threaded portion extends at least as far as the proximal end edge 742 of the second tubular component 740.

[0658] Once assembled, the threaded portions associated with the product stick carrier 710 and the product concealing tube 708 are matingly engaged. The first helical element 770 associated with the first tubular element 750 is received in the helical recess defined between adjacent turns of the second helical element 760 associated with the product stick carrier 710. The first helical element 770 may be snugly received in the recess, or there may be some axial play in the position of the first helical element 770 in the recess between the turns of the second helical element 760. In either case at least one of the axially extending edges of the first helical element 770 may engage an axially extending edge of the second helical element 760 to guide movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier in each axial direction i.e. during extension and retraction.

[0659] The helical elements 760, 750 defining the threaded portions may extend along any suitable path, and may extend any suitable angle around the axis of applicable tube, depending upon the distance of relative travel desired between the product concealing tube and product stick carrier.

[0660] FIG. 27 illustrates the interaction between the product stick carrier 710 and the product concealing tube 708 in more detail, showing the product concealing tube in its most fully extended position.

[0661] As may be more clearly seen by reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the product concealing tube 708 is freely movable between the extended position of FIG. 21 and the retracted position of FIG. 22 (relative to the outer tube 706 and product stick carrier 710). The product stick carrier 710 and the outer tube 706 are both fixed to the base 723 of the outer tube 706. Movement of the product concealing tube 708 is obtained by twisting the product concealing tube 708 relative to the outer tube 706. The first helical element 770 associated with the product concealing tube 708 cooperates with the second helical element 760 associated with the product stick carrier 710 and the helical recess defined between the turns of the second helical element 760 to guide movement of the product concealing tube 708 relative to the product stick carrier 710 (and hence outer tube 706). In particular, the product concealing tube 708 is constrained to follow a helical path.

[0662] The general profiles of the helical elements 770, 760 associated with the tubular component 750 and product stick carrier 710 are shown schematically in one arrangement in FIGS. 21 and 22. However, it will be appreciated that the detail of the construction of the helical elements, and hence of the threaded portions associated with the components 750, 710 are not shown in these Figures. It will also be recognised that the location and dimensions of the helical elements, and hence the configuration of the threaded portions, may differ from the arrangement exemplified in the Figures.

[0663] Starting from the retracted position shown in FIG. 22, as the product concealing tube 708 is twisted relative to the outer tube 706, the first helical element 770 defined in the interior of the first tubular component 750 moves up the helical recess defined between turns of the second helical element 760 defined on the exterior of the product stick carrier 710. The adjacent axially extending edges of the helical elements 760, 770 may cooperate with one another to guide the movement of the product concealing sleeve tube. In this way the product concealing tube 708 is advanced relative to the outer tube 706 and product stick carrier 710. This movement continues until the distal end edge 752 of the first tubular component 750 abuts the proximal end edge 742 of the second tubular component 740. This position is shown in FIG. 21 and also illustrated in FIG. 27. Thus, inter-engagement of the edges 752, 742 of the first and second tubular components 750, 740 provides the stop mechanism preventing movement of the product concealing tube 708 beyond the fully extended position shown in FIG. 2

[0664] The available axial travel between the product concealing tube 708 and the product stick carrier 710 is defined by the distance between the distal end edge 752 of the first tubular component 750 and the proximal end edge 742 of the second tubular component 740 with the product concealing tube 708 in its most fully retracted position shown in FIG. 22. It will be appreciated that in the most fully retracted position shown in FIG. 22 a small gap is shown between the proximal ends of the product concealing tube 708 and the first tubular component 750 and the base 723. The most fully retracted position may be defined by the point at which the proximal ends of the product concealing tube 708 and first tubular component 750 engage adhesive present on the distal surface of the base if adhesive has reached this side during bonding of the base to the outer tube 706, or where they can move no further proximally due to any convergence of the walls of the outer tube in this region toward the rolled end or for any other reason. In other embodiments, the proximal ends of the product concealing tube 708 and first tubular component 750 may engage the distal end face of the base 723 to define the most fully retracted position.

[0665] In use, to access the product stick, the user first removes any removable end cap (and any additional external packaging) to obtain the dispenser in the state shown in FIG. 21, with the product concealing tube 708 in its fully extended position. The user then twists the product concealing tube 708 relative to the outer tube 706. The product concealing tube 708 moves downward from the position shown in FIG. 21 toward the retracted position of FIG. 22, with the first helical element 770 associated with the product concealing tube moving within the helical recess defined by the second helical element 760 associated with the product stick carrier. Movement continues until the product concealing tube 708 reaches the fully retracted position of FIG. 22.

[0666] The product stick 704 is then exposed for use.

[0667] After use the user twists the product concealing tube 708 in the reverse direction relative to the product stick carrier and outer tube back toward the position shown in FIG. 21. The product concealing tube 708 advances relative to the product stick carrier and outer tube with the first helical element 770 moving along the helical recess defined by the second helical element 760. Movement continues until the distal end edge 752 of the first tubular component 750 abuts the proximal end edge 742 of the second tubular component 740, defining the fully extended position as shown in FIG. 21. The cap may then be replaced. It is also envisaged that the cap could initially (or subsequently) be located over the distal end of the base part of the dispenser with the product concealing tube 708 in its retracted position.

[0668] In other embodiments it is envisaged that a stop mechanism defining the fully extended position of the product concealing tube 708 could be provided in a similar manner to that described by reference to FIGS. 19-28, but without necessarily providing the cooperating helical elements i.e. threaded portions. Thus, the use of separate tubular components joined to the product stick carrier and product concealing tube to provide the stop mechanism could be used without providing the threaded portions i.e. the helical elements associated with the surfaces of the first tubular component and the product stick carrier. However, the presence of a threaded connection is advantageous in providing more intuitive and reliable operation of the dispenser using the familiar “twist” action known with conventional lipstick dispensers. The use of a tubular component associated with the product concealing tube to provide both a threaded portion and an edge which forms part of the stop mechanism is particularly advantageous, providing a cardboard or paperboard based dispenser which may be readily assembled with minimal components. The use of the first tubular component facilitates providing a threaded connection associated with the interior of the product concealing tube.

[0669] In yet further embodiments, rather than providing the first helical element 770 on a separate tubular component joined to the interior of the product concealing sleeve tube, it could be provided directly on the interior of the product concealing sleeve tube, eliminating a component. In such embodiments the helical element could be provided thereon by providing a product concealing sleeve tube in the form of a spiral wound tube, and winding the plies of the spiral wound tube around the strip used to form the helical element on the same mandrel, in the same manner described in relation to forming the first tubular component above. For ease of manufacture, the first helical element 770 may then extend the full length of the product concealing sleeve tube. In the absence of the first tubular component, the second tubular component could also be omitted and, if desired, an alternative end stop arrangement provided.

[0670] In yet further alternative embodiments, a threaded connection could be associated with the dispenser of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-18G to guide rotational movement of the product concealing tube relative to the outer tube and product stick carrier. For example, this may be achieved by bonding helical elements to the product stick carrier and product concealing tube in a similar manner to that described by reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 19-28, or alternatively a threaded connection could be provided between the product concealing tube and the outer tube.

[0671] Rather than providing inter-engaging flaps to define a fully extended position of the product concealing tube as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-18G, it is envisaged that a stop mechanism might alternatively be provided using separate components e.g. tubular components associated with radially adjacent ones of the product stick carrier, product concealing tube and outer tube. However, the use of flaps is particularly advantageous in the context of the embodiment illustrated in which the tubes are formed from respective blanks wrapped around mandrel(s).

[0672] It is also envisaged that inter-engaging flaps could be associated with the product concealing tube and product stick carrier rather than the outer tube and product concealing tube as illustrated in FIGS. 10-18G. In the embodiment of FIGS. 19-28 it is envisaged that a stop mechanism could alternatively be provided using tubular components associated with the outer tube and product concealing tube respectively.

[0673] It is recognised that the use of a threaded type connection may be advantageous in general in embodiments in which a product concealing tube is movable between extended and retracted positions between a product stick carrier and outer tube, without necessarily including a stop mechanism for defining the fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve as described herein. It may be particularly advantageous where the threaded portions are provided on tubular components which are of a spiral wound tube construction, as the threaded portions may be provided as part of the spiral winding process, as described above.

LIST OF CLAUSES

[0674] 1. A dispenser for a product in stick form comprising: [0675] a product stick carrier comprising a product stick support for supporting a product stick in use; [0676] an outer sleeve disposed outwardly of the product stick carrier, wherein the product stick carrier is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; and [0677] a product concealing sleeve disposed inwardly of the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick support in use in order to expose the product stick; [0678] wherein the product concealing sleeve and the outer sleeve comprise inter-engaging flaps which cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position; [0679] and wherein the outer sleeve, product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier are each formed of a paper-based or card-based material.

[0680] 2. The dispenser of clause 1 wherein the product stick carrier has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal portion comprising the product stick support.

[0681] 3. The dispenser of clause 1 or clause 2 wherein the product concealing sleeve is disposed outwardly of the product stick carrier between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve.

[0682] 4. The dispenser of any preceding clause wherein the product stick carrier comprises a proximal end and a distal end connected by one or more sidewalls.

[0683] 5. The dispenser as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the product stick carrier comprises a plurality of sidewalls, and the product stick support comprises a cradle portion, wherein the cradle portion comprises: [0684] a first opposed pair of flaps, each one of the opposed flaps being attached, at a proximal end of the flap, to a distal end of a respective one of a first pair of opposed sidewalls of the product stick carrier along a foldline; [0685] wherein each flap of the first opposed pair of flaps includes a proximal portion extending from the distal end of the product stick carrier sidewall with which it is associated along the interior surface thereof toward the proximal end of the product stick carrier sidewall, the proximal portion of the flap optionally being bonded to the interior surface of the product stick carrier sidewall; [0686] each flap of the first opposed pair of flaps further comprising a distal portion connected along a foldline to the proximal portion of the flap, the distal portion of the flap extending across the interior of the product stick carrier from the product stick carrier sidewall to which the flap is attached along a foldline toward the opposed carrier sidewall; [0687] wherein the distal portions of the opposed pair of flaps are bonded to each other in a surface-to-surface relationship to create a support for the product in stick form.

[0688] 6. The dispenser as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve, and optionally the product stick carrier, each comprise three or more sidewalls, such as four sidewalls.

[0689] 7. The dispenser of clause 6 wherein the product stick carrier, product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve each have the same number of sidewalls; optionally wherein each of the product stick carrier, product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve has a square or rectangular cross section.

[0690] 8. The dispenser as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve, and optionally the product stick carrier, are each formed from a respective blank of sheet material, optionally a single piece blank of sheet material.

[0691] 9. The dispenser of any preceding clause wherein the product stick carrier is bonded to a base of the outer sleeve to fix the product stick carrier relative to the outer sleeve.

[0692] 10. The dispenser of any preceding clause wherein the product stick carrier has a length of at least 50% of a length of the outer sleeve, optionally of at least 75% of the length of the outer sleeve, and optionally greater than a length of the outer sleeve.

[0693] 11. An assembly comprising a dispenser for a product in stick form and a product in stick form located therein; [0694] wherein the dispenser comprises; [0695] an outer sleeve disposed outwardly of the product stick, wherein the product stick is fixed relative to the outer sleeve; and [0696] a product concealing sleeve disposed outwardly of the product stick between the product stick and the outer sleeve, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended position relative to the outer sleeve for concealing the product stick in use in order to expose the product stick; [0697] wherein the product concealing sleeve and the outer sleeve comprise inter-engaging flaps which cooperate with one another to prevent advancement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve beyond a set point so as to define the first, fully extended position; [0698] and wherein the outer sleeve and product concealing sleeve are each formed of a paper-based or card-based material.

[0699] 12. The assembly as recited in clause 11, wherein the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve each comprise three or more sidewalls, such as four sidewalls.

[0700] 13. The assembly of clause 11 or clause 12 wherein the product concealing sleeve has the same number of sidewalls as the outer sleeve; optionally wherein each of the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve has a square or rectangular cross section.

[0701] 14. The assembly as recited in any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the product concealing sleeve and outer sleeve are each formed from a respective blank of sheet material, optionally a single piece blank of sheet material.

[0702] 15. The dispenser or assembly as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the inter-engaging flaps of the product concealing sleeve and the outer sleeve comprise at least one pair of inter-engaging flaps, each pair of inter-engaging flaps comprising a locking flap at the distal end of the outer sleeve and an engagement flap at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve, wherein: [0703] the locking flap is folded inwardly at the distal end of the outer sleeve so as to extend along the interior surface of the outer sleeve toward the proximal end of the outer sleeve; and [0704] the engagement flap is folded outwardly at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve so as to extend along the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve toward the distal end of the concealing sleeve.

[0705] 16. The dispenser or assembly as recited in clause 15, wherein, in each pair of inter-engaging flaps, an end edge of the locking flap is configured to engage an end edge of the engagement flap to prevent further movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end of the outer sleeve to define the first, fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve.

[0706] 17. The dispenser or assembly as recited in clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the engagement flap is bonded to the exterior surface of the product concealing sleeve and/or wherein the locking flap is bonded to the interior surface of the outer sleeve.

[0707] 18. The dispenser or assembly as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the outer sleeve comprises one or more stopper flaps at the proximal end of the outer sleeve, each stopper flap being folded inwardly so as to extend along the interior surface of the outer sleeve from the proximal end of the outer sleeve toward the distal end of the outer sleeve, wherein each stopper flap is configured to engage a proximal end of the product concealing sleeve to prevent further movement of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve beyond a second set point in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end of the outer sleeve so as to define a second, fully retracted position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve.

[0708] 19. The dispenser or assembly as recited in clause 18 as dependent directly or indirectly upon clause 15, wherein each engagement flap is connected along a foldline to a proximal end of a sidewall of the product concealing sleeve, and wherein the stopper flap engages the foldline at the proximal end of the product concealing sleeve connecting a respective one of said one or more engagement flaps to the sidewall.

[0709] 20. The dispenser or assembly as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the product stick carrier, outer sleeve and, where provided, product concealing sleeve together define a base part of the dispenser, wherein the dispenser further comprises a removable cap for closing an open end of the base part.

[0710] 21. The dispenser or assembly of clause 20, wherein a proximal end of the removable cap is configured to abut a distal end of the outer sleeve when located over the base part with the product concealing sleeve is in the first, fully extended position.

[0711] 22. The dispenser or assembly of any preceding clause, wherein:

[0712] the dispenser has a width of less than 30 cm, or less than 20 cm, such as less than 10 cm or less than 5 cm, or less than 3 cm, or less than 2 cm, and/or the dispenser has a length with the product concealing sleeve in the first, fully extended position, of less than 50 cm, or less than 30 cm or less than 20 cm, or less than 15 cm.

[0713] 23. An assembly comprising the dispenser of any one of clauses 1-10, or any one of clauses 15 to 22 as dependent directly or indirectly on any one of clauses 1-10, further comprising a product in stick form supported by the product support.

[0714] 24. The dispenser or assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising an outer packaging arranged to house the dispenser.

[0715] 25. The dispenser or assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the product stick is a stick of personal care product, such as lipstick.