PRODUCT DISPENSER, METHOD OF FORMING A PRODUCT STICK CARRIER AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD

Abstract

There is provided herein a dispenser formed of card-based or paper-based material for a product in stick form. The dispenser includes a dispenser axis, a proximal end, a distal end, a product stick carrier, and a sleeve. The dispenser axis extends along a length of the dispenser. The product stick carrier is in the form of a cylindrical tube for receiving a product stick in use. The sleeve is in the form of a cylindrical tube, wherein the product stick carrier is located within the sleeve and wherein the product stick carrier and the sleeve are moveable axially relative to one another. The product stick carrier includes a cylindrical wall, a carrier proximal end, a carrier distal end and a plurality of tabs. The cylindrical wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The product stick extends from the carrier distal end in use. The plurality of tabs extend inwardly toward the dispenser axis from the inner surface of the product stick carrier. The plurality of tabs are configured to engage a product stick supported by the product stick carrier in use to assist in securing the product stick within the product stick carrier.

Claims

1. A dispenser formed of card-based or paper-based material for a product in stick form, the dispenser comprising: a dispenser axis extending along a length of the dispenser; a proximal end; a distal end; a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube for receiving a product stick in use; a sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube, wherein the product stick carrier is located within the sleeve and wherein the product stick carrier and the sleeve are moveable axially relative to one another; wherein the product stick carrier comprises: a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; a carrier proximal end; a carrier distal end, from which the product stick extends in use; and a plurality of tabs extending inwardly toward the dispenser axis from the inner surface of the product stick carrier, wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to engage a product stick supported by the product stick carrier in use to assist in securing the product stick within the product stick carrier.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is attached to the inner surface of the product stick carrier along a respective axially extending fold line.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is defined by a respective cut-out from the cylindrical product stick carrier tube, wherein a vent through the cylindrical wall of the product stick carrier tube is provided by the space left by the cut-out.

4. The dispenser of claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is trapezoidal in shape having a long base formed by the axially extending fold line.

5. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of tabs consists of three, four, or five tabs.

6. The dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of tabs are located toward the distal end of the product stick carrier.

7. The dispenser of any preceding claim, further comprising an outer sleeve fixed relative to the product stick carrier, wherein the sleeve is a product concealing sleeve located between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve, wherein the product concealing sleeve is retractable relative to the product stick carrier and outer sleeve to reveal a product stick received by the product stick carrier for use.

8. The dispenser of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve is an outer sleeve, and further comprising a mechanism for extending the product stick carrier axially relative to the outer sleeve to expose a product stick received by the product stick carrier for use.

9. The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising a product stick support disc within the product stick carrier and located proximal to the tabs, wherein the product stick support disc is free from openings extending therethrough.

10. The dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising the product stick mounted in the product stick carrier.

11. A method of forming the product stick carrier of the dispenser of any preceding claim, comprising: locating a precursor cylindrical tube of card-based or paper-based material around a mandrel, wherein the mandrel includes a plurality of recesses in the outer surface thereof, the recesses being spaced from one another around the circumference of the mandrel; and simultaneously driving each of a plurality of cutting pieces inwardly toward the mandrel such that each cutting piece cuts a respective one of the tabs in the wall of the cylindrical tube and folds the resulting tab inwardly to extend from the inner surface of the cylindrical tube as the cutting piece engages the wall of the cylindrical tube and moves into a respective one of the recesses in the outer surface of the mandrel.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: locating the mandrel in a mandrel housing; and locating each of the plurality of cutting pieces within the mandrel housing prior to simultaneously driving the cutting pieces inwardly toward the mandrel.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising: providing each of the cutting pieces with a cutting block having an outwardly facing sloping surface at a radially outward-most part, wherein the cutting piece is attached to a radially inward-most part of the cutting block; providing a punch block which is movable axially along the mandrel axis relative to the cutting blocks and includes a plurality of inwardly facing sloping surfaces corresponding to respective ones of each of the outwardly facing sloping surfaces of the cutting blocks; and mating the mandrel housing with the punch block, such that the punch block receives at least a portion of the mandrel housing in a space provided between the inwardly facing sloping surfaces of the punch block, wherein each of the corresponding inwardly facing surfaces of the punch block engages a respective one of the outwardly facing surfaces of the cutting blocks to simultaneously drive the cutting pieces inwardly toward the mandrel as a result of relative axial movement of the punch block relative to the cutting blocks and mandrel housing.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the mandrel housing includes a first piece and a second piece, wherein locating the cutting pieces within the mandrel housing includes fitting cutting blocks attached to each of the cutting pieces within respective tracks in the first piece of the mandrel housing such that the cutting blocks may move toward the mandrel along the tracks when the first and second piece are assembled.

15. The method of any of claims 11 to 14, comprising driving the cutting pieces inwards at an acute angle to the radial direction, as defined by the mandrel axis, to cut and fold the tabs in a manner such that each of the tabs rotates through more than 90 about a foldline connecting the tab to the inner surface of the tube.

16. A method of forming the dispenser of any of claims 1 to 10, comprising: forming the product stick carrier by a method in accordance with any of claims 11 to 15; removing the product stick carrier from the mandrel; and assembling the product stick carrier with the sleeve of the dispenser.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising inserting the product stick into the product stick carrier so that the tabs engage the product stick.

18. An apparatus for performing the method of any of claims 11 to 17, the apparatus comprising: a punch block; a mandrel configured to receive the precursor cylindrical tube of card-based or paper-based material for forming the product stick carrier, wherein the mandrel has recesses in the outer surface thereof, the recesses being spaced from one another around the circumference of the mandrel wherein the mandrel has a mandrel axis extending along the length of the mandrel; and a plurality of cutting blocks arranged around the mandrel and able to slide radially with respect to the mandrel backwards and forwards, wherein each of the cutting blocks includes: a sloping radially outward facing surface at a radially outward-most part thereof, as defined by the mandrel axis; and a cutting piece at a radially inward-most part thereof, as defined by the mandrel axis, wherein the punch block includes sloping surfaces on a radially inward facing surface thereof, each sloping surface being complementary to a respective one of the sloping radially outward facing surfaces of the cutting blocks, wherein the punch block is movable axially as defined by the mandrel axis relative to the cutting blocks to cause the sloping surfaces of the punch block to simultaneously engage the respective ones of the sloping radially outward facing surfaces of the cutting blocks and thereby drive the cutting pieces radially inwardly toward the mandrel as the punch block continues to move axially relative to the cutting blocks such that each cutting piece will engage the wall of the precursor cylindrical tube held on the mandrel and move into a respective one of the recesses in the outer surface of the mandrel to thereby cut a respective one of the tabs in the wall of the cylindrical tube and fold the resulting tab inwardly toward the mandrel to extend from the inner surface of the tube in use.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising a mandrel housing for housing the mandrel and the cutting blocks.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the mandrel housing includes tracks for receiving the cutting blocks such that the cutting blocks may move inwardly toward the mandrel.

21. The apparatus or method of any of claims 11 to 20, wherein each of the plurality of cutting blocks is substantially L-shaped and comprises: a stop surface facing inwardly toward the mandrel and configured to abut a complementary stop surface to limit a maximum inward stroke of the cutting pieces.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 as dependent directly, or indirectly, on claim 19, or the method of claim 21, wherein the complementary stop surface is provided by an outer surface of the mandrel housing.

23. The apparatus or method of any of claims 11 to 22, wherein the punch block includes punch block lugs extending axially, defined by the mandrel axis when the mandrel housing is within the punch block, from a platform of the punch block to slidably receive the mandrel housing, wherein the punch block lugs provide the radially inward facing surfaces and define a space for receiving the at least a portion of the mandrel housing between the radially inward facing surfaces.

24. The apparatus or method of any of claims 11 to 23, wherein the cutting piece is made of metal.

25. The apparatus or method of any of claims 11 to 24, wherein the radially inward facing surfaces of the punch block are each parallel to the respective radially outward facing surfaces of the cutting blocks, when the punch block has received the cutting blocks.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0210] Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0211] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the primary operational parts of a dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the dispenser (the C-type);

[0212] FIG. 2 is a close up view of part of the dispenser parts of FIG. 1;

[0213] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of a dispenser in accordance with one embodiment of dispenser (the C-type);

[0214] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the primary operational parts of the dispenser of FIG. 3;

[0215] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of a dispenser in accordance with another embodiment of dispenser (the Z-type);

[0216] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the primary operational parts of the dispenser of FIG. 5;

[0217] FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded view of a dispenser in accordance with another embodiment of dispenser (the T-type);

[0218] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the primary operational parts of the dispenser of FIG. 7;

[0219] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of a dispenser in accordance with another embodiment of dispenser (the L-type);

[0220] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the primary operational parts of the dispenser of FIG. 9;

[0221] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with the invention, with the product concealing sleeve in a retracted position;

[0222] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 11, with the product concealing sleeve in an extended position; and

[0223] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 11, with the cap in position.

[0224] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative example product stick support which may be used in the dispenser.

[0225] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a product stick carrier.

[0226] FIG. 16 is a schematic top view, along the proximal direction of the product stick carrier of FIG. 15.

[0227] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a blank for the product stick carrier of FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0228] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary apparatus for forming the product stick carrier of FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0229] FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of an exemplary cutting block from the apparatus of FIG. 18.

[0230] FIG. 20 shows a part of the apparatus of FIG. 18.

[0231] FIG. 21 shows the part of FIG. 20, with the cutting blocks in alternative respective positions and a precursor tube in situ.

[0232] FIG. 22 shows a schematic view of the part of FIG. 20, viewed in the proximal direction.

[0233] FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of another part of the apparatus of FIG. 18, viewed in the proximal direction.

[0234] FIG. 24 shows a schematic side view of the parts of FIGS. 22 and 23, with the cutting blocks omitted for illustration purposes.

[0235] FIG. 25 shows another part of the apparatus of FIG. 18.

[0236] FIG. 26 shows a distal view of the part of FIG. 25.

[0237] FIG. 27 shows a side view of the part of FIG. 25.

[0238] FIG. 28 shows a front view of the part of FIG. 25.

[0239] FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a method of producing the product stick carrier.

[0240] Like elements share the same reference numerals in each figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0241] The present invention relates to dispenser for products in stick form of the type in which a product concealing sleeve is retracted from an extended position in order to expose a product stick for application. This is in contrast to a dispenser in which a product stick is advanced relative to a base of the dispenser in order to expose product.

[0242] References are made herein to the proximal and distal end of the dispenser and its components i.e. outer tube, product stick carrier tube and product concealing tube. The distal end of the dispenser (or a component thereof) refers to the end closest to that from which product is dispensed in use i.e. at which the product stick is disposed. Thus the distal end refers to the dispensing end of the dispenser. The proximal end refers to the opposite end of the dispenser to that from which product is dispensed in use. This may be referred to as an operator end, being the end which is grasped by the user to hold the dispenser in use. The distal end and proximal ends of the dispenser (or a component thereof) respectively may correspond to the ends which will typically be lowermost and uppermost in use. Product is then dispensed from the upper end of the dispenser. Thus, the proximal and distal ends of the dispenser or a component (tube/sleeve) thereof may be interchangeably referred to as the lower and upper ends thereof. It will be appreciated that this does not confer any limitation on the orientation of the dispenser in use, but may facilitate identification of the ends of the dispenser. The proximal and distal ends of a component may also be referred to as the first and second ends thereof.

[0243] To facilitate understanding of the invention, the general construction and operation of the dispenser will first be described by reference to FIGS. 11-13. The dispenser of any of the embodiments of the invention may be of this construction, with the various embodiments described by reference to FIGS. 1-10 differing in relation to the construction of the internal mechanism used to control movement of the product concealing sleeve.

[0244] The dispenser 2 comprises an outer sleeve 4, a product concealing sleeve 6, and a product stick carrier 8. The embodiment illustrated also includes a cap 10, although the cap 10 is optional. The outer sleeve 4, product concealing sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 8 are all cylindrical tubes. Each is circular in cross-section in the embodiment shown. The product stick carrier 8 and the outer sleeve 4 are fixed in relation to one another, while the product concealing sleeve 6 is movable relative to the product stick carrier 8 and outer sleeve 4 between extended and retracted positions (shown in FIGS. 12 and 11 respectively).

[0245] The outer sleeve 4, product concealing sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 8 may together be considered to provide a base part 11 of the dispenser 2, over which the removable cap 10 may be placed. The base part 11 and cap 10 are tubular in shape. Each is circular in cross-section in the embodiment shown.

[0246] FIG. 11 illustrates a finally assembled dispenser 2 having a product stick 12 in situ, and with the product concealing sleeve 6 in a retracted position relative to the product stick carrier 8 and outer sleeve 4 to expose the product stick 12. As will be appreciated, mechanisms of this dispenser 2 enabling locking of the product concealing sleeve 6 in the first fully extended position relative to the product stick carrier 8 are hidden in this illustration, as indeed is the product stick carrier 8. These features will be described in detail subsequently.

[0247] FIG. 12 illustrates the dispenser 2 with the product concealing sleeve 6 in an extended position relative to the product stick carrier 6 and outer sleeve 4, in which the product stick 12 is exposed. The fully extended position is defined by interaction between edges associated with the interior of the product concealing sleeve 6 and the exterior of the product stick carrier 8 respectively, as described below.

[0248] FIG. 13 illustrates the dispenser 2 with the cap 10 in place. The cap 10 may be located over the base part 11 of the dispenser 2 even when the product concealing sleeve 6 is in the fully extended position as shown in FIG. 12. When in position, a proximal edge of the cap 10 abuts the distal edge of the outer sleeve 4. It has been found that locating the cap 10 over the product concealing sleeve 6 may undesirably unintentionally tend to cause the product concealing sleeve 6 to move toward its retracted position. In order to prevent this occurring, the dispenser 2 includes a locking arrangement preventing retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the outer sleeve 4 and product stick carrier 8 unless the product concealing sleeve 6 is in a particular rotational position or positions relative to the outer sleeve 4 and product stick carrier 8.

[0249] The cap 10 may be in the form of a cylindrical tube having one end closed by a top 46, such as a disc of cardboard or paperboard material. However it is formed, the cap 10 may be such that a lower, proximal end of the cap 10 abuts the distal edge of the outer sleeve 4 e.g. to provide a flush fit between the cap 10 and outer sleeve 4. The cap 10 is configured such that it will fit over the open end of the product concealing sleeve 6 and abut the distal end of the outer sleeve 4 with the product concealing sleeve 6 in either the lowered position of FIG. 11 or the raised position of FIG. 12.

[0250] An outer packaging (not shown) may be provided to house the dispenser 2. The outer packaging may be in the form of an outer carton made of cardboard or paperboard. Together, the outer packaging, dispenser 2 and product stick 12 then form a package.

[0251] 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 40 of the dispenser 2 and a distal end 38 of the dispenser 2 (from which product stick 12 is dispensed in use). As mentioned above, 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 10 is vertically above the outer sleeve 4. Transverse directions Y, Z may be defined perpendicular to the axial direction X. Transverse may correspond to radial.

[0252] The product stick carrier 8 is bonded to the outer sleeve 4. The bonding may be by adhesion, or any other suitable technique, such as heat sealing. The bonding of the carrier 8 to the outer sleeve 4 does not inhibit the ability for the product concealing sleeve 6 to slide relative to the outer sleeve 4 and product stick carrier 8. For example, in the product stick carrier 8 may be in the form of a tube having a bottom end bonded to a base disc 42 closing a bottom end of the outer sleeve 8.

[0253] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the product concealing sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 8, and the components of a locking arrangement (for defining the fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8, and selectively preventing retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick 8), of the dispenser 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The other components e.g. outer sleeve, are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for ease of reference. The mechanism illustrated is for an embodiment referred to as the C-type embodiment, but it will be appreciated, the relative movements of the components, and functionality of the mechanism, are similar for whichever embodiment is used. Other exemplary embodiments will be described below.

[0254] A product concealing sleeve 6 and a product stick carrier 8 are shown, each having the form of a cylindrical tube. The product concealing sleeve 6 is sized to fit round the product stick carrier 8 with space for collar pieces radially between the product concealing sleeve 6 and the product stick carrier 8. The collar pieces form part of the locking arrangement for controlling movement of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 (and hence outer sleeve 4).

[0255] Axial movement of the product concealing sleeve 6 is illustrated by arrow 16 and rotational, or angular, movement by arrow 18.

[0256] A product stick carrier collar piece 20 is affixed to the product stick carrier 8 at a distal end 22 and on an exterior thereof. The illustrated product stick carrier collar piece 20 extends over at least a majority of the circumference of the product stick carrier 8

[0257] A product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 is affixed to the interior of the product concealing sleeve 6 at a proximal end 26 thereof.

[0258] A secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 is affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier 8. The secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 is spaced axially from the product stick carrier collar piece 20, so as to be located proximally thereof. The secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 is spaced axially from the product stick carrier collar piece 20 by a distance D.sub.Cthat is at least as great as an axial width W.sub.C of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24. In this manner the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 is able to fit between the product stick carrier collar piece 20 and the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2.

[0259] The product stick carrier collar piece 20 provides a first proximal facing edge 30.

[0260] The secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 provides a first distal facing edge 32.

[0261] The concealing sleeve collar piece 24 provides a second proximal facing edge 34 and a second distal facing edge 36.

[0262] The first proximal facing edge 30 engages the second distal facing edge 36 when the product concealing sleeve 6 is moved axially relative to the product stick carrier 8 in a distal direction. In this way, the fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 is defined by the position in which the first proximal facing edge 30 and the second distal facing edge 36 engage one another. This prevents the product concealing sleeve 6 entirely extending beyond the distal end 22 of the product stick carrier and thus prevents the disattachment of the product concealing sleeve 6 from the dispenser 2 i.e. preventing the product concealing sleeve 6 from being fully removed from the space between the product stick carrier 8 and outer sleeve 4,

[0263] The first distal facing edge 32 engages the second proximal facing edge 34 when the product concealing sleeve 6 is in some rotational positions relative to the product stick carrier 8 when the product concealing sleeve 6 is in, or in proximity to the first, fully extended, axial position defined by cooperation of the second distal facing edge 36 and the first proximal facing edge 30, such that the concealing sleeve collar piece 24 is axially between the product stick carrier collar piece 20 the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 20. The distance D.sub.C is at least as great as the axial width W.sub.C of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24. This enables the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34 to selectively retain the product concealing sleeve 6 at, or in proximity to, the fully extended position. The distance D.sub.C may equal, or be slightly greater than the width W.sub.C, provided that rotation of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 is possible (to disengage the lock), while maintaining the product concealing sleeve 6 at, or close to the fully extended position. It will be appreciated that references to retaining the product concealing sleeve 6 at the fully extended position encompass retaining the product concealing sleeve 6 exactly or substantially at the first, fully extended position. A slight amount of axial play may exist between the product concealing sleeve and product stick carrier when the product concealing sleeve collar 24 is located between the product stick carrier collar piece 20 and the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28. This may facilitate sliding the product concealing sleeve collar 24 into the gap between the product stick collars

[0264] FIG. 2 illustrates the movement of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 (relative to the product stick carrier 8), which, because it is fixed to the product concealing sleeve 6, corresponds to the movement of the product concealing sleeve 6.

[0265] When located proximal to the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28, the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 may move axially along line 16A relative to the product stick carrier 8 (and may also move rotationally relative thereto). Then, once in the first fully extended position, the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 may move circumferentially along line 18A. When located axially between the product stick carrier collar piece 20 and the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28, the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 may move relative to the product stick carrier 8 along line 18A, which corresponds to rotation of the product concealing sleeve 6 in the direction of line 18 in FIG. 1. Engagement of the edge 36 of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 (i.e., the second distal facing edge 36) with the edge 30 of the product stick carrier collar piece 20 (i.e., the first proximal facing edge 30) defines the fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8. However, for a range of rotational positions of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 (and hence product concealing sleeve 6) relative to the product stick carrier 8, the opposite edge 34 of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 (i.e., the second proximal facing edge 34) will engage the edge 32 of the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 (i.e., the first distal facing edge 32) to prevent axial movement of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, and hence product concealing sleeve 6, out of the fully extended position toward a retracted position in the axial direction 16A.

[0266] In order to be able to retract the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, and hence product concealing sleeve 6, it is necessary to first move the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 out of a rotational position where it will engage with the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28. More specifically, this is the position where the first distal facing edge 32 will engage the second proximal facing edge 34. This position as illustrated includes a range of rotational positions, that is, wherever there is circumferential overlap of the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34. When the product concealing sleeve 6 (and hence product concealing sleeve collar piece 24) is rotated relative to the product stick carrier 8 so that there is no circumferential overlap of the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34, the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 (and the second proximal facing edge 34) is free to move axially past the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 and thereby allow the product concealing sleeve 6 to retract relative to the product stick carrier 8 in a proximal direction. There is at least one rotational position where there is no overlap of the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34. This engagement dependent on a rotational position can also be described as the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34 cooperating to selectively prevent or allow retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6 based on a rotational position of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8. In the illustrated embodiment, once the product concealing sleeve 6 has been rotated relative to the product stick carrier 8 to enable the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 to move axially past the secondary product stick carrier collar 28, and hence retract the product concealing sleeve 6, the product concealing sleeve 6 is free to move both rotationally and axially with respect to the product stick carrier 8. Rotational and axial relative movement between the product stick carrier 8 and product concealing sleeve 6 is unconstrained in this region. However, other embodiments may be envisaged in which only axial relative movement is permitted and/or in which the path of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 is in some way constrained.

[0267] As a result of the interactions of the edges 30, 32, 34, 36, the user is able to move the product concealing sleeve 6 to a fully extended position relative to the product stick carrier 8, and then rotate the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 (in either direction) in order to lock the product concealing sleeve 6 in the extended position, with the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34 circumferentially overlapping. The user may then rotate the product concealing sleeve 6, either in the opposite direction of rotation, or as a further rotation, to a location or range of locations where the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34 do not circumferentially overlap, thus allowing the user to retract the product concealing sleeve 6 axially and proximally to reveal the product stick 12.

[0268] As will be appreciated, the same edges engage each other in each embodiment (i.e., the first proximal facing edge engages the second distal facing edge and the second proximal facing edge engages the first distal facing edge), and the overall movement of the product concealing sleeve will be similar in each embodiment. The only difference in terms of overall movement is that, for the C-shape embodiment and the T-shape embodiment, the rotation to lock the product concealing sleeve can be in either (circumferential) direction, whereas the rotation to lock the product concealing tube in the Z-shape or L-shape embodiment is only in one direction.

[0269] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the dispenser 2, in accordance with the C-type embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0270] The dispenser 2 has a distal end 38 and a proximal end 40. The distal end 38 is the end from which the product stick 12 (not included in FIG. 3 for clarity) is dispensed.

[0271] Moving in a direction from the proximal end 40 to the distal end 38, the illustrated dispenser (in exploded view) includes a base 42, an outer sleeve 4, a product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, a product concealing sleeve 6, a product stick support 44, a product stick carrier 8, a secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28, a product stick carrier collar piece 20, a cap 10 and a top 46.

[0272] The pieces which are specific to this embodiment, to which corresponding features are included in the other embodiments, are the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 and the product stick carrier collar piece 20.

[0273] The outer sleeve 4 is in the form of a cylindrical tube and is sized to fit snugly, but so that movement is possible, around the product concealing sleeve 6. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the product concealing sleeve 6 is located around the product stick carrier 8, with space for collar pieces to fit radially therebetween, while still permitting movement of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8. The outer sleeve 4 and the product stick carrier 8 are affixed to the base 42, and thereby movement between the outer sleeve 4 and the product stick carrier 8 is prevented. The base 42 is in the form of a flat disc.

[0274] The arrangement of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 and the product stick carrier collar piece 20 is described above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0275] The product stick support 44 is fixed in the interior of the product stick carrier 8 and may be positioned at any point along the length of the product stick carrier 8. When the product stick support 44 is closer to the distal end of the product stick carrier, less product is needed (since the amount of product stick projecting from the distal tip of the product stick carrier is maximised); however, when the product stick support 44 is closer to the proximal end of the product stick carrier 8, the extension of the product stick 12 into the product stick carrier 8 provides better support for the product stick. The product stick support 44 is shown as being in the form of a disc. The disc may be a disc of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. Of course, the product stick may be supported by the product stick carrier in other ways, not necessarily using a product stick support as shown. For example, the product stick may extend through an aperture of an apertured product stick support. Alternatively, an additional product stick support may not be required. A product stick might be secured to the product stick carrier tube using an interference fit, or a mechanical interlocking arrangement or using a magnetic coupling, for example, or may be bonded directly to the walls of the product stick carrier tube, thus omitting a product stick support. Other forms of attachment may alternatively or additionally be used e.g. including cooperating mechanical formations, a magnetic connection etc. The product stick may be bonded to the product stick carrier directly or indirectly (e.g. via a product stick support), using any suitable bonding agent e.g. adhesive, or wax, or a layer of the unset product itself.

[0276] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the product stick support 144 is in the form of a cup. The product stick support 144, in the form of a cup includes a base 146 and a cylindrical sidewall 148 mounted to the base 146 at a proximal end of the cylindrical sidewall 148. Alternatively, the cylindrical sidewall 148 and base 146 may be formed as an integral piece. As illustrated, the base 146 may have a larger diameter than the cylindrical sidewall 148. The base 146 and the sidewall 148 are sealed together so as to not allow liquid product (during a filling process, before the product is solidified) to pass through the join between the cylindrical sidewall 148 and the base 146. The use of the cup is particularly useful when using a liquid filling process, or a liquid hot fill process, where the product is introduced to the dispenser in a liquid form and then allowed to solidify.

[0277] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, and described further below, the product stick support comprises tabs 260, or splines, which may be in addition to a base disc. The use of tabs 260 is particularly useful when the product is one to be inserted as a solid product stick, rather than being formed in situ, such as by a liquid hot fill process.

[0278] A cap 10 is illustrated, in the form of a cylindrical tube. The top 46 is in the form of a flat disc. The diameter of the cap 10 is the same as the diameter of the outer sleeve 4, and the cap 10 is sized to fit snugly over the product concealing sleeve 6.

[0279] FIG. 4 provides a close-up view of the product concealing sleeve 6 and the product stick carrier 8, from which the location of the edges 30, 32, 34, 36 can be more easily appreciated.

[0280] The sum of the circumferential lengths of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 and the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 is less than the total outer circumference of the product stick carrier 8. In this way, the product concealing sleeve 24 is able to move past the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28 in an axial direction, when it is in a particular rotational position (or range of positions).

[0281] In other words, a circumferential gap 27 is provided between circumferential ends 29 of the secondary product stick carrier collar piece 28. The product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 can fit within, so as to be able to pass through the gap 27.

[0282] The circumferential length L.sub.C of the gap 27 and the circumferential length of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, in conjunction with the outer circumference Co of the product stick carrier 8 define the range of rotational positions at which retraction is possible as follows:

Size of range at which retraction is possible=C.sub.O(L.sub.C+L.sub.2)

[0283] The dispenser 2 may be designed to vary the relative circumferential lengths to balance the security of the lock (by having a smaller range of rotational positions at which retraction is possible) and how easy it is to find a position where retraction is possible (by having a larger range).

[0284] The range of the retraction may be controlled in the other embodiments by controlling the circumferential lengths of the locking portions 48, 50, 52 and the product stick carrier collar piece 20 in a similar manner.

[0285] The product stick carrier collar piece 20 can extend circumferentially all the way round the product stick carrier 8, or it may have a split, provided the circumferential length of the split is less than the circumferential length L.sub.2 of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24. This is the case for all of the embodiments depicted herein.

[0286] The product stick carrier collar piece 20 and the product concealing sleeve collar 24 are at the distal and proximal ends of the product stick carrier 8 and product concealing sleeve 6 respectively. However, they do not need to be immediately adjacent (that is, flush with) their respective distal or proximal edges. Immediate adjacency may be preferred to maximise available travel of the product concealing sleeve 6 while minimising dispenser length, and thereby to maximise the amount of product stick 12 that may be dispensed. The axial widths of the product stick carrier collar piece 20 and the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 will in a similar manner limit the axial travel maximum stroke length) possible. This is the case for all of the embodiments depicted herein.

[0287] The embodiments described below have been described only so far as they differ from the embodiment described above. That is, the particular locking arrangements, and how each of the first proximal facing edge 30, first distal facing edge 32, second proximal facing edge 34 and second distal facing edge 36 are provided and the characteristics they have.

[0288] Illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 are an exploded view of the dispenser of a so-called Z-type embodiment, and a close-up view of the product concealing sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 8 thereof respectively.

[0289] The first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34 of the locking arrangement in this embodiment are helical. That is, they have both an axial, and a circumferential extent, in contrast to the edges 32, 34 of the other embodiments (of FIGS. 1-4 and 6-10), which only extend circumferentially. In other words, the first distal facing edge 32 and the second proximal facing edge 34 extend diagonally.

[0290] This is provided by including a first right trapezoid locking portion 48 extending proximally from the product stick carrier collar piece 20 and a second right trapezoid locking portion 50 extending distally from the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24. As will be appreciated from the first right trapezoid locking portion 48 is integrally formed with (that is, part of the same piece as) the product stick carrier collar piece 20 and the second right trapezoid locking portion 50 is integrally formed with (that is, part of the same piece as) the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24. The pieces may be cut from a suitable tube.

[0291] The second right trapezoid locking portion 50 and the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 are affixed to the interior of the product concealing sleeve 6, and thus would not be visible from the exterior thereof, but are shown in outline in FIG. 6 for illustration purposes.

[0292] The first right trapezoid locking portion 48 has a first axial lateral side 52, a first helical lateral side 32 and a proximal base side 30B. The proximal base side 30B extends (solely) in a circumferential direction. The first axial lateral side 52 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first proximal facing edge. The proximal base side 30B forms the first proximal facing edge of the locking arrangement in some examples.

[0293] Whether the proximal base side 30B or the edge 30A of the product stick carrier collar piece 20 provides the first proximal facing edge of the locking arrangement depends on the axial extent of the first and second right trapezoid locking portions 48, 50 relative to one another. If the first right trapezoid locking portion 48 is axially wider than the second right trapezoid locking portion 50, then the proximal base side 30B will provide the first proximal facing edge (engaging with the edge 36B of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 20). If the first right trapezoid locking portion 48 is axially narrower than the second right trapezoid locking portion 50, then the edge 30A of the product stick carrier collar piece 20 will provide the first proximal facing edge of the locking arrangement (engaging with the second distal facing edge provided in this case by the edge 36A of the second right trapezoid locking portion 50). If the first and second right trapezoid locking portions 48, 50 are of the same axial width, then proximal base side 30B may engage with edge 36B of the product concealing sleeve collar piece at the same time that the edge 30A of the product stick carrier collar piece engages with the edge 36A, such that either pair of opposed edges may be considered to provide the opposed pair of the first proximal facing edge and second distal facing edge. Two pairs of such edges are then provided.

[0294] The second right trapezoid locking portion 50 has a second axial lateral side 54, a second helical lateral side 34 and a distal base side 36A. The distal base side 36A extends (solely) in a circumferential direction. The second axial lateral side 54 extends in a direction perpendicular to the edge 36B of the collar 24. The distal base side 36A forms the second distal facing edge 36A in some examples.

[0295] Whether the distal base side 36A or the edge 36B of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 20 provides the second distal facing edge 36A, 36B depends on the axial extent of the first and second right trapezoid locking portions 48, 50 relative to one another. If the first right trapezoid locking portion 48 is axially wider than the second right trapezoid locking portion 50, then the edge 36B of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 20 will provide the second distal facing edge of the locking arrangement. If the first right trapezoid locking portion 48 is axially narrower than the second right trapezoid locking portion 50, then the distal base side 36A will provide the first second distal facing edge of the locking arrangement.

[0296] The helical edges 32, 34 engage one another in a range of rotational positions of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 to prevent retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8, when the first and second right trapezoid locking portions 48, 50 axially overlap with one another. In this way the product concealing sleeve 6 is prevented from axial retraction from a fully extended axial position, whether defined by the interaction of the proximal base side 30B with the edge 36B of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 20, or defined by the interaction of edge 30A of the product stick carrier collar piece 20 with the edge 36A of the second right trapezoid locking portion 50, or defined by both.

[0297] In other rotational positions, the helical edges 32, 34 do not engage one another, and the distal base side 36A is able to move past the proximal base side 30B and therefore the product concealing sleeve 6 is able to retract relative to the product stick carrier 8.

[0298] The sum of the circumferential lengths of the distal base side 36A and of the proximal base side 30B is less than the total outer circumference of the product stick carrier 8, such that the second right trapezoid locking portion 50 can move axially into a circumferentially extending gap 49, which is axially aligned with the first right trapezoid locking portion 48.

[0299] Once the distal base side 36A has moved axially past the proximal base side 30B in a proximal direction, that is, once the product concealing sleeve 6 is free to retract axially, the product concealing sleeve 6 can also rotate freely with respect to the product stick carrier 8. Thus the movement of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 is unconstrained both axially and rotationally.

[0300] When the user wants to re-extend the product concealing sleeve 6 to conceal the product stick 12, the product concealing sleeve 6 needs to be rotated into (or kept in) the rotational position where the distal base side 36A does not overlap circumferentially with the proximal base side 30B, so that the first right trapezoid locking portion 48 may move axially back past the second right trapezoid locking portion 50 in the distal direction, so the two portions 48, 50 axially overlap. At locations between the onset of axial overlap of the portions 48, 50 and the fully extended position (whether defined by engagement of edges 30A and/or 36A or 36B and 30B, depending on the axial extent of the trapezoidal locking portions 48, 50 relative to each other) the edges the edges 32, 34 may engage one another as the product concealing sleeve 6 is rotated and further axial movement of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8 in the distal direction may involve rotational movement, with edge 34 travelling over edge 32 until the fully extended position is reached. In order to then retract the product concealing sleeve 6, the user may either: rotate the product concealing sleeve 6 back to a position where the distal base side 36A does not overlap circumferentially with the proximal base side 30B without axial movement of the product concealing sleeve 6 and then retract the product concealing sleeve 6 in an axially proximal direction; or begin axial movement of the product concealing sleeve 6 simultaneously with a rotational movement, with edge 34 travelling (or sliding) over edge 32 (i.e., moving in a helical direction) until a position where distal base side 36A does not overlap circumferentially with the proximal base side 30B, and then freely move the product concealing sleeve 6 in an axially proximal direction (and if desired, once the trapezoid portions 48, 50 do not overlap axially, freely in a rotational direction).

[0301] In this arrangement, and particularly of use when the user is rotating the product concealing sleeve 6 without axial movement and then retracting the product concealing sleeve 6, the first axial lateral side 52 will engage the second axial lateral side 54 if the product concealing sleeve 6 continues to be rotated from the locking position while the right trapezoid portions 48, 50 axially overlap. This provides a mechanical feedback to the user that the distal base side 36A does not overlap circumferentially with the proximal base side 30B and thus that free axial retraction is possible.

[0302] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an exploded view of the dispenser 2, and a close-up view of the product concealing sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 8 thereof respectively, of an embodiment referred to as the T-type embodiment.

[0303] In contrast to the Z-type embodiment, the T-type replaces the two right trapezoid locking portions 48, 50, that engage with one another with a single T-shape locking portion 52 attached to the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, where the top (distal most edge) of the T (i.e. the circumferentially extending portion 56) is able to move past the product stick carrier collar piece 20 and, after rotation of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8, engage with the distal facing edge 32 thereof to prevent retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8.

[0304] The locking arrangement of this illustrated embodiment includes the product stick carrier collar piece 20, affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier 8 at the distal end 22 thereof and spaced from the distal edge of the product stick carrier 8 to provide an axial gap 58.

[0305] The product stick carrier collar piece 20 extends only partially round the circumference of the product stick carrier 8, to provide a circumferential gap 60 having a circumferential length C.sub.G.

[0306] The locking arrangement herein also includes a product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 affixed the interior of the product concealing sleeve 6 at a proximal end 26 thereof.

[0307] There is also included a T-shape locking portion 52 which, as shown, is integrally formed with the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24, and also affixed to the interior of the product concealing sleeve 6. That is, the T-shape locking portion 52 and the product-concealing sleeve collar piece 24 are a single part. These may be cut from a tube of suitable diameter.

[0308] As will be appreciated, although the T-shape locking portion 52 and product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 are on the interior of the product concealing sleeve 6, they have been shown as visible in FIG. 8 for illustration purposes.

[0309] The T-shape locking portion 52 includes an axially extending portion 54 and a circumferentially extending portion 56. The axially extending edges of portion 54 do not extend helically. The axially extending portion 54 extends axially from the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24. The axial length L of the axially extending portion 54 is equal to or greater than the axial width W of the product stick carrier collar piece 20. This ensures that the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 can slot into the space 58 between the circumferentially extending portion 56 and the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24. The circumferentially extending portion 56 extends circumferentially from the distal end of the axially extending portion 54. In the T-type embodiment, the circumferentially extending portion 56 extends in both directions from the axially extending portion 54, to thereby create the T-shape therewith. The circumferential length C.sub.T of the circumferentially extending portion is less than the circumferential length C.sub.G of the circumferential gap 60, so that the circumferentially extending portion 56 can move past the product stick carrier collar piece 20 when in an appropriate rotational position or in a range of appropriate rotational positions.

[0310] The product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 extends circumferentially round the product concealing sleeve 6 to an extent that the product stick carrier collar piece 20 cannot, at any rotational position, move past the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24 distally in the axial direction.

[0311] In this embodiment, the first proximal facing edge 30 is provided by the proximal edge of the product stick carrier collar piece 20.

[0312] The first proximal facing edge 30 engages the second distal facing edge 36 to prevent extension of the product concealing sleeve 6 past the fully extended position. In this embodiment, the second distal facing edge 36 is provided by the distal edge of the product concealing sleeve collar piece 24.

[0313] The second proximal facing edge 34 is provided by the proximal edge of the circumferentially extending portion 56. In this, T-type embodiment, the second proximal facing edge 34 is a discontinuous edge having a first part 34A and a second part 34B, either of which can engage the first distal facing edge 32 in different rotational positions to prevent retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6 in a range of appropriate rotational positions.

[0314] The first distal facing edge 32 is provided by a distal edge of the product stick carrier collar piece 20.

[0315] Each of the first proximal facing edge 30, first distal facing edge 32, second proximal facing edge 34 and second distal facing edge 36 extend only circumferentially in this embodiment, having no axial extent. Thus, each edge 30, 32, 34, 36 is non-helical.

[0316] As will be appreciated, in the T-type embodiment, the product concealing sleeve 6 can be locked into the first fully extended position by rotation in either direction, to engage one or other of the first and second parts 34A, 34B of the second proximal facing edge 34 with portions of the first distal facing edge 32 respectively. The product concealing sleeve 6 may then be rotated back to a middle rotational position, where the circumferentially extending portion 56 can move axially past the product stick carrier collar piece 20 in a proximal direction.

[0317] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a dispenser of the L-type embodiment.

[0318] The L-type embodiment is similar to the T-type embodiment, except that the circumferentially extending portion 56 of the L-type embodiment only extends in one direction from the axially extending portion 54. Accordingly, the second proximal facing edge 34 does not comprise two parts as in the T-type embodiment, but only has one part. This means that the product concealing sleeve 6 is locked only by rotation in a single direction, rather than in either direction as in the T-type embodiment. Usefully in the L-type embodiment, a circumferentially facing edge 62 of the axially extending portion 54 of the locking portion 52 is able to abut an opposite circumferentially facing edge 64 of the product stick carrier collar piece 20 when the product concealing sleeve 6 is rotated from the locked position to an unlocked position, where the circumferentially extending portion 56 is able to move axially past the product stick carrier collar piece 20 in a proximal direction. This abutment of the opposite circumferentially facing edges 62, 64 allows the user to easily and accurately locate the product concealing sleeve in the unlocked position.

[0319] FIG. 11 illustrates a finally assembled dispenser 2 having a product stick 12 in situ. As will be appreciated, the mechanisms of this dispenser 2 enabling locking of the product concealing sleeve 6 in the first fully extended position relative to the product stick carrier 8 are hidden in this illustration, as indeed is the product stick carrier 8.

[0320] FIG. 12 illustrates the finally assembled dispenser 2 of FIG. 11, but with the product concealing sleeve 6 in the fully extended position. The mechanisms are also hidden in FIG. 12.

[0321] As can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, visual marks 66, 68 (or indicia) are printed, or embossed on the product concealing sleeve 6 and the outer sleeve 4 respectively, to inform the user which rotational position the product concealing sleeve 6 is in relative to the product stick carrier 8 and outer sleeve 4. The product concealing sleeve 6 may also include further visual marks 70, presently hidden in FIG. 11 because the product concealing sleeve 6 is retracted, but visible in FIG. 12 such that the product concealing sleeve has a distal visual mark 66 and a proximal visual mark (not visible in FIG. 11). The visual marks 66, 68, 70 enable the user to identify when the product concealing sleeve 6 and product stick carrier 8 are in an appropriate rotational alignment that the locking arrangement of the dispenser 2 will permit retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6. In particular, the distal visual mark 66 is aligned with the visual mark 68 on the outer sleeve 4 when the product concealing sleeve 6 is in a rotational position where the first distal facing edge 32 can move past the second proximal facing edge 34 to permit retraction of the product concealing sleeve 6 relative to the product stick carrier 8, and the proximal visual mark 70 is aligned with the visual mark 68 on the outer sleeve 4 when the product concealing sleeve 6 is in a rotational position relative to the product stick carrier corresponding to the locked position, where the first distal facing edge 32 is positioned to engage the second proximal facing edge 34.

[0322] The dispenser in any of its embodiments may be operated by (when at or near a first fully extended position) simply twisting the product concealing sleeve relative to the outer sleeve, and hence the product stick carrier to lock or unlock the product concealing sleeve from retraction relative to the product stick carrier.

[0323] The dispenser and each of its components in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments described herein are made of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard. Thus, the product concealing sleeve, outer sleeve, product stick carrier, cap (where provided) and product support (where provided) are each made of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard. The components of the locking arrangement for defining the fully extended position of the product concealing sleeve and selectively preventing retraction of the product concealing sleeve are similarly made of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard e.g. collar pieces (including product concealing sleeve collar piece, product stick carrier collar piece, secondary product stick collar piece), extensions thereof etc.

[0324] The dispenser may further comprise a removable cap, optionally wherein the removable cap is made of paper-based or card-based material, such as paperboard or cardboard.

[0325] An outer package e.g. carton may be provided for the dispenser.

[0326] Turning to FIGS. 15 to 17, an alternative embodiment of product stick carrier 208, having an alternative form of product stick support including tabs 260, is described. The tabs 260 may be used in addition to a disc, similar to or the same as disc 44 described above.

[0327] As will be appreciated this product stick carrier 208 need not be used in combination with the rest of the features of the dispenser 2 described herein, but may also be used in any other dispenser for products in stick form. As per the embodiments of dispenser described above, the product stick carrier 208 is made of card-based or paper-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. The product stick carrier 208 may be used in a reveal-type dispenser, such as but not limited to the dispenser described above, or alternatively may be used in other types of dispenser, such as extending-retracting dispensers, where the product stick (and the corresponding product stick carrier) is advanced and retracted, by any mechanism, relative to an outer sleeve to present the product.

[0328] The product stick carrier 208 is in the form of a cylindrical tube having a proximal end 210 and a distal end 212. The proximal end 210 may be open or closed and the distal end 212 is open so as to be able to receive the product stick. The product stick carrier 208 in this manner has a cylindrical wall 214 which has an inner surface 216 and an outer surface 218

[0329] The product stick carrier 208 includes tabs 260, which form part of product stick support. The tabs 260 may also be called splines. The tabs 260 extend radially inwards from the inner surface 216, as can be appreciated from FIG. 16. As will be appreciated, while the illustrated tabs 260 extend generally radially (i.e., perpendicular to the cylindrical wall 214), tabs 260 extending at an angle skewed to the radial direction (i.e., also skewed to the perpendicular direction) could be used. This radial direction is defined with respect to the axis along which the product stick carrier 208 extends. When the tabs 260 extend closer to the radial direction, they are able to better grip and thus provide better support for the product stick.

[0330] The tabs 260 are located toward, but slightly spaced from the distal end 212 of the product stick carrier 208. In the particular embodiment illustrated, though other embodiments are envisaged, each tab 260 is spaced about 5% of the overall length of the product stick carrier away from the distal end 212 of the product stick carrier 208, and the axial length of each tab 260 is about 10-15% of the length of the product stick carrier 208. These dimensions are merely exemplary, and alternative lengths and distances from the distal end 212 are envisaged. The most suitable dimensions will depend upon factors such as the type of dispenser and/or product stick used.

[0331] Radially innermost ends of the tabs 260 are located at a radius R.sub.1 from the longitudinal axis of the product stick carrier that is equal to or less than a radius of the product stick, so as to ensure the tabs 260 engage with the product stick to thereby hold the product stick in place when inserted in use. The product stick is soft and/or malleable so the tabs 260 can press into the material of the product stick.

[0332] The size of the illustrated tabs 260 is illustrated schematically and is exemplary in nature and the actual size may be selected dependent on the application desired.

[0333] Each of the tabs 260 is attached to the inner surface 216 of the cylindrical wall 214 along a fold line 220 which extends substantially in an axial direction (i.e., in the proximal and distal directions). That is, the fold line 220 extends along the length of the product stick carrier 208. Each tab 260 is thereby partially released from, but remaining hingedly attached to, the cylindrical wall 214 of the product stick carrier 208. This ensures each tab 260 is able to fold away from the inner surface 216 of the cylindrical wall 214, which is a curved surface. As described below, this creates vents 248. The axial (i.e., proximal and distal) direction is defined with respect to the axis of the product stick carrier 208.

[0334] The tabs 260 are formed from part of the cylindrical wall 214 of the product stick carrier 208, as can be appreciated from the blank 208 of the product stick carrier 208 as illustrated in FIG. 17. While helpful for illustration purposes, it should be understood that the cylindrical wall may be formed in other methods, such as being a spiral wound tube, rather than being rolled up from a blank.

[0335] The illustrated tabs 260 are defined by cut-outs in the cylindrical wall 214 (or cut-outs in the cylindrical tube/product stick carrier), wherein the cut-outs include cut lines 222A, 222B, 222C and the fold line 220 discussed above. It will be appreciated that the cut lines 222A, 222B, 222C may take different forms and geometries to those illustrated in the figures. For example, a single, curved cut line could be used. Whichever cut line configuration is used, the set of cut lines will start at one end of the fold line 220 and end at the other end of the fold line 220 and will be on one circumferential side of the fold line 220. These cut lines 222A, 222B, 222C, together form a peripheral edge 222 of the tab 260.

[0336] By forming the tabs 260 as cut-outs in the cylindrical wall 214, vents 248 are included in the product stick carrier 208, having a shape equivalent to the negative of the shape of each respective tab 260, and being adjacent thereto. The vents have the other side of the cut-lines 222A, 222B, 222C and the fold line 220 as their periphery or edge.

[0337] The inclusion of vents 248 allows for the expulsion of air from the product stick carrier 208 when the product stick is being inserted. This is particularly important when the product stick carrier 208 does not include any openings therethrough and is closed proximal to the tabs. For example, where the product stick carrier 208 includes a base disc similar to base disc 44 which does not include any openings therethrough and is located proximal to the tabs. The base disc may be located at any axial position in the product stick carrier proximal to the tabs 244. The base disc is located as appropriate to support the base of the product stick in a particular arrangement. In using the tabs 260 with the inherent vents 248, alternative means of air egress do not need to be formed in the product stick carrier 208, which reduces the complexity of the product and of the manufacturing thereof. The size and number of the vents 248 can be chosen dependent on the amount of venting required for a particular dispenser.

[0338] As illustrated, each tab 260 has a trapezoidal shape, more particularly a right-trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal shape has: a long base, which corresponds to fold line 220; an angled side 222A, which provides a distal edge 246 of each tab 244, and corresponds to a distal-most cut line 222A; a short base 222B, which corresponds to another cut line 222B (or another part of a singular cut-line 222A, 222B, 222C); and a right-angled side 222C, which provides a proximal edge of each tab 244, corresponding to a proximal-most cut-line 222C (or another part of the singular cut-line 222A, 222B, 222C).

[0339] The distal edge 246 of each tab 260, which corresponds to the distal-most cut line 222A, extends at an angle to the proximal-most cut line 222C (or the right-angled edge 222C). When erected in the arrangement where the tabs 260 extend perfectly radially, that is perpendicular to the wall, the distal most-cut line 222A will therefore extend at the angle to the radial direction.

[0340] In other words, when in the blank 208, or not yet folded or released from the cylindrical wall 214 of the product stick carrier 208, the distal edge 246 of each tab 260 extends at the angle to the circumferential and/or tangential direction. The angle is an acute angle, in some embodiments between 15 and 60, in some embodiments between 20 and 45 and more narrowly about 30. The angled distal edge 246 allows the force from the insertion of the product stick into the product stick carrier to be spread locally to reduce the likelihood of distortion of the tab 260. Notably, the first action of the insertion force on the tab 246 is close to the fold line 260, where the tab 246 is more strongly supported by the cylindrical wall 214, and as the product stick is inserted further into the product stick carrier, engaging with more of each tab 260, the product stick itself acts to strengthen the location of the tabs 260.

[0341] While each of the tabs 260 are illustrated and described as being the same as one another, it will be appreciated that the tabs could have different geometries to one another.

[0342] The illustrated tabs 260 are spaced equally around the circumference of the product stick carrier 208, and at the same axial position as one another. Such an equidistant arrangement provides greater support for the product stick. However, in alternative embodiments, the tabs could be axially offset and unequally spaced around the product stick carrier.

[0343] The tabs 260 are illustrated as folding in a clockwise direction; however, one or more of the tabs 260 could be folded in an anti-clockwise direction, with the fold lines 220 (still being the long base of the trapezoidal shape) being on the opposite circumferential side of the tabs 260.

[0344] Presently, the product stick carrier 208 has been illustrated having exactly three tabs 260. However, it will be understood that a different number of tabs could be used in alternative embodiments, for example more than three tabs, or in some examples only two tabs or even one tab. Exactly three tabs 260 has been found to provide sufficient support while being less challenging to manufacture and maintaining sufficient rigidity of the product stick carrier than more tabs. However, more than three tabs, for example, four, five or more tabs would provide even greater support for the product stick. In a similar manner, the apparatus and method described below could be adapted accordingly to provide more or fewer than three tabs.

[0345] With reference to FIGS. 18 to 28 an apparatus 300 for forming the product stick carrier 208 illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17 is described.

[0346] In general terms, the apparatus 300 is adapted to simultaneously cut and fold the plurality of tabs 260 in the product stick carrier 208 and to reproducibly locate the tabs 260 in the same position on multiple product stick carriers 208 one after the other without requiring a user to perform detailed locating and orientating steps. This is achieved by providing a plurality of cutting features (such as the cutting blocks described below) that can be simultaneously driven to cut the tabs 260 (and thus create vents 248, which extend completely through the wall 214 of the product stick carrier 208) in the product stick carrier 208. In this manner, the tabs 208 are released from the wall 214 of product stick carrier 208. The number of cutting features corresponds to the number of tabs 260 in the resultant product stick carrier. As will be appreciated, the specific design and description of the illustrated embodiment is only one example of an apparatus, in this case for forming three tabs 260. Alternative sets of apparatus operating by the same principles, that is, having a corresponding number of cutting features to tabs that are arranged to operate simultaneously to cut and fold all the tabs at the same time, are envisaged for forming alternative arrangements of tabs 260 on the product stick carrier 208.

[0347] Shown as a single assembly in FIG. 18, the apparatus 300 includes a punch block 302 and a mandrel housing 304, which in turn includes a first piece 306 and a second piece 308.

[0348] While this is shown with punch block 302 at the bottom with the mandrel housing 304 sitting therein, above, it will be appreciated that this is for illustration purposes and the assembly could be the other way up, i.e., with the punch block 302 on top of the mandrel housing 304. Using the apparatus 300 with the punch block 302 on top may in some circumstances be preferred to allow the weight of the punch block 302 to provide more force for cutting the product stick carrier 208. The apparatus 300 also includes cutting features in the form of cutting blocks 310, 310A, 310B, 310C (only one cutting block 310A is visible in FIG. 18). The cutting blocks 310, 310A, 310B, 310C are the same as each other; however, in some embodiments it is envisaged that the cutting blocks may be different. The apparatus 300 also includes a mandrel 312 (only the end of which is visible in FIG. 18, but which can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 20 and 21), which is housed within the mandrel housing 304.

[0349] The cutting block 310 illustrated in FIG. 19 (which corresponds to each of the cutting blocks 310A, 310B, 310C) has a generally L-shape. The cutting block 310 has a cutting piece 314 attached to the top of the L, which is the radially inward-most part of the cutting block 310 when in situ. The cutting block 310 has a tapered surface 316 along the base of the L, opposite the cutting piece 314. When arranged in the apparatus 300 in use, the tapered surface 316 extends at an angle to the vertical, which is illustrated in FIG. 19 by line V-V. It will be appreciated that the term vertical is used for description purposes only and that the apparatus 300 could be used in alternative orientations. The vertical direction is parallel to the axial direction defined by the axis of the mandrel 312.

[0350] The tapered surface 316 being arranged at the angle causes the cutting block 310 (and thereby the cutting piece 314 to be driven in an inward (optionally radial) direction when it is moved or slid against a stationary piece in the vertical (or axial) direction. Similarly, if a secondary piece is moved or slid along the tapered surface 316 of the cutting block 310 in the vertical or axial direction, the cutting piece 314 is also thereby driven in the radial direction.

[0351] The cutting block 310 also includes a stop surface 318 on the base of the L and opposite the tapered surface 316. As will be described below, the stop surface 318 limits the extent of the radial movement of the cutting block 310 due to abutment with the mandrel housing 304.

[0352] As can be appreciated from FIGS. 20 to 24, the mandrel housing 304, as described above includes a top (or first) piece 306 and a bottom (or second) piece 308. Each of the top and bottom pieces 306, 308 have the same footprint shape (i.e., the shape when viewed in a vertical, or axial, direction). The illustrated shape is an irregular hexagon, corresponding to a square with two adjacent corners truncated at an angle of 30, but it will be appreciated that alternative shapes could be used. As will be appreciated, the terms top and bottom are used nominally, and both the mandrel housing 304 and apparatus 300 as a whole are not limited to such an orientation.

[0353] The bottom piece 308 includes tracks 320A, 320B, 320C, which may be called grooves and are shaped so as to fit respective cutting blocks 310A, 310B, 310C. These tracks 320A, 320B, 320C are equally spaced around a central recess 322, which is circular and sized to fit around the mandrel 312 with space for the product stick carrier 208 to sit around the mandrel inside the central recess 322. Sliding arms 324 of the cutting blocks 310A, 310B, 310C are slidably received within the tracks 320A, 320B, 320C such that the cutting blocks 310A, 310B, 310B can slide (radially) inwards and outwards so as to move the cutting pieces 314 toward and into and away from and out of the mandrel 312. As introduced above, the stop surfaces 318 provide a limit to the sliding movement when they abut outer surfaces 326 of the mandrel housing 304.

[0354] Either the depth of the tracks 320A, 320B, 320C in the bottom piece 308 may be such that the sliding arm 324 of each cutting block 310 sits flush with an upper surface 328 of the bottom piece 308 when in its respective track 320A, 320B, 320C, or the top piece 306 includes corresponding tracks to slidably receive the upper part of sliding arm 324 of the cutting blocks 310.

[0355] The illustrated tracks 320A, 320B, 320C extend in a radial direction relative to the mandrel axis; however, in some embodiments, tracks may be included that are at a slight angle to the radial direction, so that the cutting piece 314 protracts and retracts through the wall 214 of the product stick support 208 at an acute angle to the radial direction, for example, between 5 and 45, such as 30. That is, the centre line of the track 320A, 320B, 320C intersects a radius of the mandrel 312 at the point equal to the radius of the product stick support 208. As will be further understood after consideration of the operation of the apparatus described below, this embodiment allows the tabs 244 to be folded more than 90 and then to, by the resilience of the paper-based or card-based material spring back to a radial position, at 90.

[0356] The mandrel housing 304 includes fastening means to attach the bottom piece 308 and the top piece 306 together, and also to loosely hold the cutting blocks 310 in place, albeit with the cutting blocks 310 able to slide in the radial direction. Two such fastening means are illustrated; however, it will be appreciated that only one of the fastening means may be used, and/or alternative fastening means could be used.

[0357] One of the illustrated fastening means is a pair of toggle latch clips 330, 330A affixed to the outside of the mandrel housing 304 and arranged to hold the bottom piece 308 to the top piece 306 when closed. Each toggle latch clip includes a pair of mating parts 300, 330A, on of which is affixed to the bottom piece 308 and the other of which is affixed to the top piece 306.

[0358] Another of the illustrated fastening means is a pair of bolts 332 and threaded bores 334 with the bolts 332 extending through the top piece 306 into the threaded bores 334, which are integral with the bottom piece 308.

[0359] As can be appreciated from FIG. 24, in place of the bolts 332 and threaded bores 334, there may be dowels 332A and bores 334A (which need not be threaded). These dowels 332A and bores 334A will have a minor fastening effect, but more importantly provide a locating effect between the top and bottom mandrel housing pieces 306, 308.

[0360] The mandrel 312 has a generally cylindrical shape with cut-outs 336 therein associated with the locations of each of the tabs 260 to be formed. The cut-outs 336 may alternatively be called recesses or depressions and may be formed in the mandrel 312 by any suitable method, rather than necessarily being cut out of the mandrel 312. The cut-outs 336 illustrated are deeper than the length of the cutting pieces 314, such that at the maximum radial inward stroke of the cutting block 310 (i.e., when the stop surface 318 of the cutting block 310 abuts the outer surface 326 of the mandrel housing 304) the cutting pieces 314 do not contact the mandrel 312. This reduces wear and potential blunting of the cutting pieces 314 when in use. The cut-outs 336 may extend along the length of the mandrel 312, or only along a small portion of the mandrel 312, large enough to house the tabs 260 once cut.

[0361] The mandrel 312 has a length greater than or equal to a length of the product stick carrier 208

[0362] The mandrel can be affixed to either the bottom piece 308 or the top piece 306 of the mandrel housing 304 but either way is held stationary relative to the mandrel housing 304.

[0363] As can be seen in FIGS. 21 and 24, the product stick carrier can be placed over the mandrel 312 in preparation for the tabs 260 to be cut and folded. This cutting and folding is then achieved by movement of the cutting blocks 310 from the position shown in FIG. 21 to the position shown in FIG. 20. The product stick carrier 208 is not shown in FIG. 20 or 22 for illustration purposes.

[0364] The punch block 302 of the apparatus 300 is illustrated in FIG. 22 and includes a platform 338 and projections and/or lugs 340 (or punch block lugs) extending therefrom to provide support surfaces 342 for providing lateral support to the mandrel housing by abutment of the outer surfaces 326 of the mandrel housing therewith. The lugs 340 also include inward facing surfaces 344 (shown by the hashed areas), which are complementary to the tapered surfaces 316 of the cutting blocks 310. The inward facing surfaces 344 may be angled at the same angle of the tapered surfaces 316 so as to spread the load when the tapered surfaces 316 slide against the lugs 340. In some alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the inward facing surfaces 344 may be vertical and an edge 346 of each of those surfaces 344 will engage the tapered surface 316 as the mandrel housing 304 is moved vertically (i.e., toward the platform 338), and/or the punch block 302 is moved onto the mandrel housing 304.

[0365] With such an apparatus 300 as described above, the mandrel housing 304 can be assembled and secured or fastened with the product stick carrier 208 and cutting blocks 310 in place, and then the punch block 302 is pushed axially onto the mandrel housing 304 (or vice versa). This drives the cutting blocks 310 radially inward to cause the cutting pieces 314 to cut and fold all of the tabs 260 into the product stick carrier 208 simultaneously.

[0366] The cutting piece 314 is shaped appropriately to cut and fold a tab 244 as described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. For example, the cutting piece 314 will have a corresponding trapezoidal shape when viewed in a radial direction. Additionally, the cutting piece 314 may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the axial direction, as can be appreciated from FIG. 22, which enables cutting and folding of the tabs 244. Said radial and axial directions are defined relative to the mandrel axis.

[0367] Alternative geometries of cutting piece 314 are envisaged that are able to cut and fold the tabs 260.

[0368] The cutting piece 314 is typically formed of metal, for example stainless steel.

[0369] The mandrel 312 and fastening means 330, 332, 334 are also made of metal, for example, stainless steel.

[0370] The other parts of the apparatus 300 are typically made of wood.

[0371] However, other suitable materials could be used for any of these parts.

[0372] FIG. 29 illustrates a method 400 of forming the product stick carrier 208.

[0373] Step 401 involves locating a precursor tube on/around the mandrel 312, which is housed in (or supported by) a bottom piece 308 of a mandrel housing 304.

[0374] Step 402 involves locating cutting blocks 310 within tracks 322 disposed in the bottom piece 308 of the mandrel housing 304.

[0375] Step 403 involves assembling the bottom piece 308 (together with the mandrel 312 and the cutting blocks 310) of the mandrel housing 304 with the top piece 306 of the mandrel housing 304 and fastening the two pieces together using fastening means, such as toggle latch 330 or bolts 332 and threaded bores 334.

[0376] Step 404 involves placing the punch block 302 and the mandrel housing 304 together, which may involve either keeping the mandrel housing 304 stationary and placing the punch block 302 onto the mandrel housing 304, or keeping the punch block 302 stationary and inserting the mandrel housing 304 therein. The mandrel housing 304 and punch block 302 are then pushed further together. This action results in the tapered surfaces 316 of the cutting blocks 310 engaging with the inward facing surfaces 344 or upper edges 346 of the inward facing surfaces 344 to drive the cutting blocks 310 radially inwards as the punch block 302 is pushed axially against the mandrel housing 304, or vice versa, i.e., the mandrel housing is pushed axially into the apparatus base 302. The cutting blocks 310 being driven (radially) inwardly in this was causes the cutting pieces 314 to cut and fold the tabs 260 into the cylindrical wall 214 of the precursor tube to thereby create the tabs 260 and vents 248 and the product stick carrier 208. It is preferable for the punch block 302 to be placed over the mandrel housing 304 so that the weight of the punch block 302 can assist in the cutting action.

[0377] At step 405, the product stick carrier 208 is then extracted from the apparatus by retracting the cutting blocks, and disassembling the bottom and to pieces 308, 306 from one another.

[0378] As will be appreciated, each of the steps of the method may not necessarily be required to form a product stick carrier.

[0379] For example, the mandrel housing may be a single integrally formed part, such that there is no need for the step of joining the first and second pieces of the mandrel housing together.

[0380] In other examples, the step of locating the cutting blocks may not be required, such as when there are cutting features already present within the mandrel housing.

[0381] A method for forming a dispenser may include the method as described above as well as the step of assembling the product stick carrier with other component parts of the dispenser.

EXAMPLESSET A

Example 1

[0382] A dispenser formed of card-based or paper-based material for a product in stick form, the dispenser comprising: [0383] a proximal end; [0384] a distal end; [0385] a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube for supporting a product stick in use; [0386] 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; [0387] a product concealing sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed radially inwardly of the outer sleeve and radially outwardly of the product stick carrier, the product concealing sleeve being retractable from a first, fully extended axial position relative to the outer sleeve and product stick carrier for concealing a product stick supported by the product stick carrier in use in order to expose the product stick for use; and [0388] a locking arrangement, wherein the locking arrangement comprises: [0389] a first proximal facing edge; [0390] a second proximal facing edge; [0391] a first distal facing edge; and [0392] a second distal facing edge; [0393] wherein the first and second proximal facing edges and the first and second distal facing edges are disposed radially outwardly of the product stick carrier and radially inwardly of the product concealing sleeve; [0394] wherein the first proximal facing edge and the first distal facing edge are associated with the exterior of the product stick carrier; [0395] wherein the second proximal facing edge and the second distal facing edge are associated with the interior of the product concealing sleeve; [0396] wherein the first proximal facing edge and the second distal facing edge 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 of the product concealing sleeve, [0397] wherein a circumferential gap is defined adjacent an end of the first distal facing edge, such that in at least one rotational position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier, the second proximal facing edge is movable in a proximal direction axially past the first distal facing edge through the circumferential gap without engagement of the first distal facing edge with the second proximal facing edge to permit retraction of the product concealing sleeve from an extended, concealing position, and in at least one other rotational position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier, at least a portion of the first distal facing edge and at least a portion of the second proximal facing edge engage one another to prevent retraction of the product concealing sleeve from the extended, concealing position.

Example 2

[0398] The dispenser of example 1, comprising a cap sized to fit snugly over the product concealing sleeve when the product concealing sleeve is in the first, fully extended concealing position.

Example 3

[0399] The dispenser of example 1 or 2, wherein the locking arrangement comprises: [0400] a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at a distal end of the product stick carrier, a proximal end edge of the product stick carrier collar piece providing the first proximal facing edge; and [0401] a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to the interior of the product concealing sleeve at a proximal end of the product concealing sleeve, a distal end edge of the product concealing sleeve collar piece providing the second distal facing edge.

Example 4

[0402] The dispenser of example 3, wherein the locking arrangement further comprises a secondary product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier and axially spaced from and proximal to the product stick carrier collar piece to enable the product concealing sleeve collar piece to be located between the proximal edge of the product stick carrier collar piece and the distal edge of the secondary product stick carrier collar piece when the product concealing sleeve is in the extended, concealing position, [0403] wherein a distal end edge of the secondary product stick carrier collar piece provides the first distal facing edge, [0404] wherein the circumferential gap is provided between circumferential end edges of the first distal facing edge and extends between circumferential end edges of the secondary product stick carrier collar piece, and [0405] wherein the proximal end edge of the product concealing sleeve collar piece provides the second proximal facing edge.

Example 5

[0406] The dispenser of example 4, wherein the secondary product stick carrier collar piece is axially spaced from the product stick carrier collar piece by a first distance D.sub.C greater than an axial width W.sub.C of the product concealing sleeve collar piece.

Example 6

[0407] The dispenser of example 4 or 5, wherein the sum of the circumferential lengths of the secondary product stick carrier collar piece and the product stick carrier collar piece is less than the outer circumference of the product stick carrier.

Example 7

[0408] The dispenser of any of examples 4 to 6, wherein the product stick carrier collar piece is flush with a distal end edge of the product stick carrier.

Example 8

[0409] The dispenser of any of examples 4 to 7, wherein the difference between the outer circumference of the product stick carrier and the circumferential length of the product stick carrier collar piece is less than the circumferential length of the product concealing sleeve collar piece.

Example 9

[0410] The dispenser of example 1 or 2, wherein the first distal facing edge is helical and the second proximal facing edge is helical.

Example 10

[0411] The dispenser of example 1, 2 or 9, wherein the locking arrangement comprises: [0412] a product stick carrier collar piece affixed to the exterior of the product stick carrier at a distal end of the product stick carrier; [0413] a product concealing sleeve collar piece affixed to the interior of the product concealing sleeve at a proximal end of the product concealing sleeve; [0414] a first trapezoidal locking portion extending proximally from the product stick carrier collar piece and having a first helical lateral side and a proximal base side, wherein the first helical lateral side provides the first distal facing edge; and [0415] a second trapezoidal locking portion extending distally from the product concealing sleeve collar piece and having a second helical lateral side and a distal base side, wherein the second helical lateral side provides the second proximal facing edge.

Example 11

[0416] The dispenser of example 10, wherein the proximal base side of the first trapezoidal locking portion provides the first proximal facing edge of the locking arrangement and a distal end edge of the product concealing sleeve collar piece provides the second distal facing edge of the locking arrangement.

Example 12

[0417] The dispenser of example 10, wherein a proximal end of the product stick carrier collar piece provides the first proximal facing edge of the locking arrangement and the distal base side of the second trapezoidal locking portion provides the second distal facing edge of the locking arrangement.

Example 13

[0418] The dispenser of any one of examples 10 to 12, wherein the first and second trapezoidal locking portions are each in the form of a right trapezoid, wherein the first trapezoidal locking portion has a first axially extending lateral side opposite the first helical lateral side and the second trapezoidal locking portion has a second axially extending lateral side opposite the second helical lateral side.

Example 14

[0419] The dispenser of any one of examples 10 to 13, wherein the first trapezoidal locking portion is integrally formed with the product stick carrier collar piece and the second trapezoidal locking portion is integrally formed with the product concealing sleeve collar piece.

Example 15

[0420] The dispenser of example 3, wherein the distal end edge of the product stick carrier collar piece provides the first distal facing edge, and the locking arrangement comprises a locking portion extending distally from the product concealing sleeve collar piece, wherein the locking portion comprises an axially extending portion and a first circumferentially extending portion extending from the distal end of the axially extending portion, wherein the first circumferentially extending portion provides at least a portion of the second proximal facing edge, wherein: [0421] the circumferential gap is provided between the ends of the first distal facing edge and extends between the circumferential end edges of the product concealing sleeve collar piece; and [0422] the product stick carrier collar piece is spaced from the distal edge of the product stick carrier to enable the first circumferentially extending portion to be located between the product stick carrier collar piece and the distal edge of the product stick carrier when in the extended, concealing position

Example 16

[0423] The dispenser of example 15, wherein the locking portion is L-shaped.

Example 17

[0424] The dispenser of example 15 or 16, wherein the locking portion includes a second circumferentially extending portion extending from the distal end of the axially extending portion in the opposite circumferential direction to the extension of the first circumferentially extending portion, wherein the first circumferentially extending portion and the second circumferentially extending portion each provide parts of the second proximal facing edge.

Example 18

[0425] The dispenser of example 15 or example 17, wherein the locking portion is T-shaped.

Example 19

[0426] The dispenser of any preceding example, comprising visual marks on the exterior of the outer sleeve and the product concealing sleeve to represent the rotational position of the product concealing sleeve with respect to the product stick carrier.

Example 20

[0427] The dispenser of example 19, wherein the visual marks are aligned with one another when the product concealing sleeve is in a rotational position with respect to the product stick carrier which will enable retraction of the product stick carrier from the extended, concealing position.

Example 21

[0428] The dispenser of any preceding example, wherein, when retraction of the product concealing sleeve is enabled, the product concealing sleeve is retractable to a second, fully retracted position of the product concealing sleeve relative to the product stick carrier.

Example 22

[0429] The dispenser of any preceding example, comprising a base disc fixed to a proximal end edge of each of the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve.

Example 23

[0430] The dispenser of example 22 as dependent upon example 21, wherein the second, fully retracted position of the product concealing sleeve is a set position defined when a proximal end of the product concealing sleeve engages the base disc.

Example 24

[0431] The dispenser of any preceding example, wherein the extended, concealing position corresponds substantially to the first, fully extended position.

Example 25

[0432] The dispenser of any preceding example, wherein the product stick carrier comprises: [0433] a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; [0434] a carrier proximal end; [0435] a carrier distal end, from which the product stick extends in use; and [0436] a plurality of tabs extending inwardly toward the dispenser axis from the inner surface of the product stick carrier, wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to engage a product stick supported by the product stick carrier in use to assist in securing the product stick within the product stick carrier, wherein, optionally: [0437] each of the plurality of tabs is attached to the inner surface of the product stick carrier along a respective axially extending foldline, further optionally wherein each of the plurality of tabs is defined by a respective cut-out from the cylindrical product stick carrier tube, wherein a vent through the cylindrical wall of the product stick carrier tube is provided by the space left by the cut-out and/or wherein each of the plurality of tabs is trapezoidal in shape having a long base formed by the axially extending fold line; [0438] the plurality of tabs consists of three, four, or five tabs; [0439] each of the plurality of tabs are located toward the distal end of the product stick carrier; and/or [0440] the dispenser comprises a product stick support disc within the product stick carrier and located proximal to the tabs, wherein the product stick support disc is free from openings extending therethrough.

EXAMPLESSET B

Example 1

[0441] A dispenser formed of card-based or paper-based material for a product in stick form, the dispenser comprising: [0442] a dispenser axis extending along a length of the dispenser; [0443] a proximal end; [0444] a distal end; [0445] a product stick carrier in the form of a cylindrical tube for receiving a product stick in use; [0446] a sleeve in the form of a cylindrical tube, wherein the product stick carrier is located within the sleeve and wherein the product stick carrier and the sleeve are moveable axially relative to one another; [0447] wherein the product stick carrier comprises: [0448] a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; [0449] a carrier proximal end; [0450] a carrier distal end, from which the product stick extends in use; and [0451] a plurality of tabs extending inwardly toward the dispenser axis from the inner surface of the product stick carrier, wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to engage a product stick supported by the product stick carrier in use to assist in securing the product stick within the product stick carrier.

Example 2

[0452] The dispenser of example 1, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is attached to the inner surface of the product stick carrier along a respective axially extending fold line.

Example 3

[0453] The dispenser of example 2, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is defined by a respective cut-out from the cylindrical product stick carrier tube, wherein a vent through the cylindrical wall of the product stick carrier tube is provided by the space left by the cut-out.

Example 4

[0454] The dispenser of example 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is trapezoidal in shape having a long base formed by the axially extending fold line.

Example 5

[0455] The dispenser of any preceding example, wherein the plurality of tabs consists of three, four, or five tabs.

Example 6

[0456] The dispenser of any preceding example, wherein each of the plurality of tabs are located toward the distal end of the product stick carrier.

Example 7

[0457] The dispenser of any preceding example, further comprising an outer sleeve fixed relative to the product stick carrier, wherein the sleeve is a product concealing sleeve located between the product stick carrier and the outer sleeve, wherein the product concealing sleeve is retractable relative to the product stick carrier and outer sleeve to reveal a product stick received by the product stick carrier for use.

Example 8

[0458] The dispenser of any of examples 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve is an outer sleeve, and further comprising a mechanism for extending the product stick carrier axially relative to the outer sleeve to expose a product stick received by the product stick carrier for use.

Example 9

[0459] The dispenser of any preceding example, comprising a product stick support disc within the product stick carrier and located proximal to the tabs, wherein the product stick support disc is free from openings extending therethrough.

Example 10

[0460] The dispenser of any preceding example, comprising the product stick mounted in the product stick carrier.

Example 11

[0461] A method of forming the product stick carrier of the dispenser of any preceding example, comprising: [0462] locating a precursor cylindrical tube of card-based or paper-based material around a mandrel, wherein the mandrel includes a plurality of recesses in the outer surface thereof, the recesses being spaced from one another around the circumference of the mandrel; and [0463] simultaneously driving each of a plurality of cutting pieces inwardly toward the mandrel such that each cutting piece cuts a respective one of the tabs in the wall of the cylindrical tube and folds the resulting tab inwardly to extend from the inner surface of the cylindrical tube as the cutting piece engages the wall of the cylindrical tube and moves into a respective one of the recesses in the outer surface of the mandrel.

Example 12

[0464] The method of example 11, further comprising: [0465] locating the mandrel in a mandrel housing; and [0466] locating each of the plurality of cutting pieces within the mandrel housing prior to simultaneously driving the cutting pieces inwardly toward the mandrel.

Example 13

[0467] The method of example 12, comprising: [0468] providing each of the cutting pieces with a cutting block having an outwardly facing sloping surface at a radially outward-most part, wherein the cutting piece is attached to a radially inward-most part of the cutting block; [0469] providing a punch block which is movable axially along the mandrel axis relative to the cutting blocks and includes a plurality of inwardly facing sloping surfaces corresponding to respective ones of each of the outwardly facing sloping surfaces of the cutting blocks; and [0470] mating the mandrel housing with the punch block, such that the punch block receives at least a portion of the mandrel housing in a space provided between the inwardly facing sloping surfaces of the punch block, [0471] wherein each of the corresponding inwardly facing surfaces of the punch block engages a respective one of the outwardly facing surfaces of the cutting blocks to simultaneously drive the cutting pieces inwardly toward the mandrel as a result of relative axial movement of the punch block relative to the cutting blocks and mandrel housing.

Example 14

[0472] The method of example 12 or 13, wherein the mandrel housing includes a first piece and a second piece, wherein locating the cutting pieces within the mandrel housing includes fitting cutting blocks attached to each of the cutting pieces within respective tracks in the first piece of the mandrel housing such that the cutting blocks may move toward the mandrel along the tracks when the first and second piece are assembled.

Example 15

[0473] The method of any of examples 11 to 14, comprising driving the cutting pieces inwards at an acute angle to the radial direction, as defined by the mandrel axis, to cut and fold the tabs in a manner such that each of the tabs rotates through more than 90 about a foldline connecting the tab to the inner surface of the tube.

Example 16

[0474] A method of forming the dispenser of any of examples 1 to 10, comprising: [0475] forming the product stick carrier by a method in accordance with any of examples 11 to 15; [0476] removing the product stick carrier from the mandrel; and [0477] assembling the product stick carrier with the sleeve of the dispenser.

Example 17

[0478] The method of example 16, further comprising inserting the product stick into the product stick carrier so that the tabs engage the product stick.

Example 18

[0479] An apparatus for performing the method of any of examples 11 to 17, the apparatus comprising: [0480] a punch block; [0481] a mandrel configured to receive the precursor cylindrical tube of card-based or paper-based material for forming the product stick carrier, wherein the mandrel has recesses in the outer surface thereof, the recesses being spaced from one another around the circumference of the mandrel wherein the mandrel has a mandrel axis extending along the length of the mandrel; and [0482] a plurality of cutting blocks arranged around the mandrel and able to slide radially with respect to the mandrel backwards and forwards, wherein each of the cutting blocks includes: [0483] a sloping radially outward facing surface at a radially outward-most part thereof, as defined by the mandrel axis; and [0484] a cutting piece at a radially inward-most part thereof, as defined by the mandrel axis, [0485] wherein the punch block includes sloping surfaces on a radially inward facing surface thereof, each sloping surface being complementary to a respective one of the sloping radially outward facing surfaces of the cutting blocks, [0486] wherein the punch block is movable axially as defined by the mandrel axis relative to the cutting blocks to cause the sloping surfaces of the punch block to simultaneously engage the respective ones of the sloping radially outward facing surfaces of the cutting blocks and thereby drive the cutting pieces radially inwardly toward the mandrel as the punch block continues to move axially relative to the cutting blocks such that each cutting piece will engage the wall of the precursor cylindrical tube held on the mandrel and move into a respective one of the recesses in the outer surface of the mandrel to thereby cut a respective one of the tabs in the wall of the cylindrical tube and fold the resulting tab inwardly toward the mandrel to extend from the inner surface of the tube in use.

Example 19

[0487] The apparatus of example 18, comprising a mandrel housing for housing the mandrel and the cutting blocks.

Example 20

[0488] The apparatus of example 19, wherein the mandrel housing includes tracks for receiving the cutting blocks such that the cutting blocks may move inwardly toward the mandrel.

Example 21

[0489] The apparatus or method of any of examples 11 to 20, wherein each of the plurality of cutting blocks is substantially L-shaped and comprises: [0490] a stop surface facing inwardly toward the mandrel and configured to abut a complementary stop surface to limit a maximum inward stroke of the cutting pieces.

Example 22

[0491] The apparatus of example 21 as dependent directly, or indirectly, on example 19, or the method of example 21, wherein the complementary stop surface is provided by an outer surface of the mandrel housing.

Example 23

[0492] The apparatus or method of any of examples 11 to 22, wherein the punch block includes punch block lugs extending axially, defined by the mandrel axis when the mandrel housing is within the punch block, from a platform of the punch block to slidably receive the mandrel housing, wherein the punch block lugs provide the radially inward facing surfaces and define a space for receiving the at least a portion of the mandrel housing between the radially inward facing surfaces.

Example 24

[0493] The apparatus or method of any of examples 11 to 23, wherein the cutting piece is made of metal.

Example 25

[0494] The apparatus or method of any of examples 11 to 24, wherein the radially inward facing surfaces of the punch block are each parallel to the respective radially outward facing surfaces of the cutting blocks, when the punch block has received the cutting blocks.

[0495] The above description is exemplary in nature and should not be taken to limit the scope of the following claims.