CASE FOR A STICK OF PASTY SUBSTANCE WITH MAGNETIC CLOSURE

Abstract

The case for a stick of pasty substance includes a base and a cap. The base and cap each include an inner body of longitudinal axis and an outer body. The base and cap each bear at least two permanently-magnetized members positioned between the inner body and the outer body, each permanently-magnetized member being held axially between axial stop element borne by the inner body and a cylindrical ring of longitudinal axis which includes a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance and which is arranged between the outer body and the inner body.

Description

The invention concerns cases for sticks of pasty substance and more particularly for tubes of lipstick.

A case for a stick of pasty substance generally comprises a base for receiving the stick of pasty substance and a cap. The case is able to be in an open position in which a user can deploy the stick of pasty substance, and a closed position in which the cap and base are connected so that the case encloses the stick of pasty substance. In this last position, the stick of pasty substance is inaccessible and protected.

To keep the case in the closed position, it is for example possible to fix first and second permanently-magnetized members respectively on the base and cap. The attraction force exerted between the permanently-magnetized members is sufficient to maintain the case in the closed position while being sufficiently moderate to allow the user to easily separate base and cap in order to transition the case from the closed position to the open position.

However, particularly in the case of a tube of lipstick, the case may comprise one or more ornamental patterns borne by one or more specific members. In this case, one among the member and cap bears the member, and the other comprises one or more cutouts to house the member when the case is in the closed position or shapes of non-circular cross-section where the base and cap meet. The number of cutouts therefore determines the number of relative positions that the base and cap can be in when the case is in the closed position. The permanently-magnetized members must therefore allow this limited number of relative positions.

Document EP-1 095 870 discloses a packaging device for a product, in particular a paste product, which comprises a base and a cap. The base has two magnetic means, as does the cap. The magnetic means borne by the base and cap are such that the base and cap can only be in a small number of positions when the case is in the closed position. To achieve this, the cap bears a magnetic means having two faces respectively of north and south polarity opposite a magnetic means, borne by the cap, having two faces respectively of north and south polarity. When the user closes the case, the faces of opposite polarity of the magnetic means will thus be attracted and the faces of identical polarity will be repelled so as to allow only a limited number of relative positions of the base and cap.

However, keeping the permanently-magnetized members in position requires complex shapes of the base and cap. Indeed, it is necessary that the complementary magnetic means be relatively close to each other when the case is in the closed position. Therefore bodies are provided in the base and cap, for housing the magnetic means which have relatively complex geometries.

An object of the invention is to provide a case that is simpler to manufacture.

To do this, the invention proposes a case for a stick of pasty substance, characterized in that it comprises a base for receiving the stick of pasty substance and a cap, the base and cap each comprising an inner body of longitudinal axis (X) and an outer body of the same longitudinal axis (X) of which the radial dimension is greater than the radial dimension of the first inner body, the base and cap each bearing at least two permanently-magnetized members positioned between the inner body and the outer body, each permanently-magnetized member being held axially between axial stop means borne by the inner body and a cylindrical ring of longitudinal axis (X) which comprises a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance and which is arranged between the outer body and the inner body, each permanently-magnetized member borne by the base being positioned so that it has a face of opposite polarity to a face of the consecutive permanently-magnetized member borne by the base, and of opposite polarity to a face facing towards the two permanently-magnetized members borne by the cap when the case is in a closed position, the inner body of at least one among the base and cap comprising at least one rib for holding the permanently-magnetized members in their radial position.

The rib for holding in the radial position and the ring for holding in the axial position are compact. Reliable retention of the permanently-magnetized members is thus ensured, with compact means. In addition, since the ring is intended only to form an axial stop preventing movement of the permanently-magnetized members in one direction, it can have a simple geometry. Separate means are used to ensure that the permanently-magnetized members are held in the radial position and in the axial position in both directions. These means can therefore have relatively simple geometries. The case is therefore easier to manufacture.

Preferably, the axial stop means comprise a flange.

The flange is compact.

Advantageously, the flange is in an axial end position on the inner body.

Thus, when the case is in the closed position, the permanently-magnetized members borne by the base and cap are relatively close. It is therefore possible to use permanently-magnetized members that generate a magnetic field of low intensity. The case is therefore less expensive to manufacture.

According to one embodiment, the rib extends axially from the flange.

This arrangement is compact.

Advantageously, the cylindrical ring of at least one among the base and cap is crimped onto the inner body. According to one embodiment, the cylindrical rings of the base and cap are crimped onto the respective inner bodies.

Preferably, the cylindrical ring of at least one among the base and cap is glued to the inner body. According to one embodiment, the cylindrical rings of the base and cap are glued to the respective inner bodies.

Such an arrangement is simple and firmly holds the ring around the inner body.

According to one embodiment, at least one among the base and cap has a generally cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the base and cap have a generally cylindrical shape.

The case therefore has a generally cylindrical shape.

Advantageously, the outer body of at least one among the base and cap has a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the inner body. Preferably, the outer bodies of the base and cap have a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the respective inner bodies.

The outer body therefore protects the inner body.

Preferably, the outer body of at least one among the base and cap is glued to the inner body. Advantageously, the outer bodies of the base and cap are glued to the respective inner bodies.

The outer body is thus firmly fixed to the inner body.

Preferably, the two permanently-magnetized members borne by at least one among the base and cap are in diametrically opposed positions relative to one another.

This maximizes the magnetic force that holds the case in the closed position.

According to one embodiment, the base and cap each comprise four permanently-magnetized members, preferably arranged regularly around the circumference.

The permanently-magnetized members therefore do not need to generate a strong magnetic field in order to hold the case in the closed position. In addition, this arrangement allows two diametrically opposed relative positions of the cap and base. Thus, if for example the base bears a specific member that bears an ornamental pattern, only two diametrically opposed cutouts need to be provided in the cap to house the member bearing the ornamental pattern. This configuration thus defines two alternative closed positions for the case.

Advantageously, the permanently-magnetized members are magnets.

This is a simple form of permanently-magnetized member.

Preferably, the diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance comprises iron.

Such a substance is abundant and inexpensive.

The case is therefore stronger because the outer sleeve or sleeves protect the inner body, the outer body, the permanently-magnetized members, and the cylindrical ring.

Advantageously, the stick of pasty substance is a stick of lipstick.

We will now describe an embodiment of the invention as a non-limiting example, with the aid of the following figures:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front views of a case according to the invention, respectively in the open position and closed position,

FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B are perspective views of a portion of a base and a cap detached from the case,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the assembled base and cap,

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the base and cap.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a case 10 of lipstick according to the invention. The case 10 is shown in the open position in FIG. 1A and in the closed position in FIG. 1B.

The case of lipstick 10 comprises a base 12 and a cap 14. The case 10 has a generally cylindrical shape and has a longitudinal axis (X). It extends between a distal end D and a proximal end P. The distal end D of the case 10 is the end furthest away from the lips of the user when the user is applying the stick to the lips. In the remainder of the description, reference will also be made to the proximal P and distal D ends when elements of the case 10 are described. When in the closed position, the case 10 contains a stick of pasty substance 16 which is presented here in the form of a stick of lipstick.

The base 12 has a generally cylindrical shape and also has a longitudinal axis (X). It comprises a transverse circular opening located at a proximal end, to enable the stick of pasty substance 16 to be deployed, and a transverse bottom at a distal end. The base 12 is intended to receive the stick of pasty substance 16. For this purpose, it is hollow and forms a housing for the stick of pasty substance 16. On a radially outer circumferential periphery of its proximal end P, the base 12 comprises an organ 18 which bears an ornamental pattern. Here, the ornamental pattern is in the form of a raised surface extending radially outwardly. Alternatively, the ornamental pattern is not raised or recessed and is in the form of a written pattern.

The cap 14 has a generally cylindrical shape and also has a longitudinal axis (X). As seen in FIG. 1B, when the case 10 is in the closed position, the cap 14 comprises a transverse circular opening located at a distal end D and a transverse bottom at a proximal end P. Thus, the cap 14 forms a protective housing for the stick of pasty substance 16 when the case 10 is in the closed position.

In addition, the case 10 comprises a hollow and cylindrical gripping member 17 having a longitudinal axis (X). The gripping member 17 is fixed to the base 12. By rotation about the longitudinal axis (X) of the base 12 relative to the gripping member 17, the user can deploy the stick of pasty substance 16 along the longitudinal axis (X) by means of a deployment mechanism. The stick of pasty substance 16 is deployed from the gripping member 17 when the user deploys the stick of pasty substance 16 as can be seen in FIG. 1A and is retracted so as to be completely surrounded radially by the gripping member 17 when the user wishes to close the case 10.

We will now describe the base 12 in more detail, in particular with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3B.

The base 12 comprises an inner body 22 and an outer body 24. The inner body 22 and outer body 24 have a generally cylindrical shape and have a longitudinal axis (X) coincident with that of the case 10 when assembled, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 1A. When the case 10 is assembled, the inner body 22 and outer body 24 both have a circular opening at a proximal end P and a transverse bottom at a distal end D. Radially, the diameter of the outer body 24 is greater than that of the inner body 22. Thus, the radial dimension of the outer body 24 is larger than the radial dimension of the inner body 22. In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the outer body 24 has a length, relative to the longitudinal axis (X), which is greater than the length of the inner body 22. Thus, the outer body 24 of the base 12 has a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the inner body 22.

The inner body 22 of the base 12 bears the member 18, which itself bears the ornamental pattern. The member 18 is borne by the circumferential periphery of the inner body 22 whose edge defines the opening located at the proximal end P.

On the circumferential edge which defines the opening located at the proximal end P, the inner body 22 comprises a flange 28 extending radially outwards. The flange 28 is thus in an axial end position on the inner body 22. The flange 28 further comprises four ribs 30, which extend axially towards the distal end D of the inner body 22. Each rib 30 has a “V” shape when viewed axially from the distal end D of the inner body 22.

The diameter of the flange 28 is such that, when the base 12 is assembled, the radially outer surface of the flange 28 is in contact with a radially inner surface of the outer body 24. Thus, the inner body 22 is fixed to the outer body 24 by gluing. To do this, the circumferential periphery of the inner body 22, whose edge defines the proximal opening P, comprises a bead of adhesive on the radially outer surface.

The base 12 also comprises a hollow cylindrical ring 32, comprising a circular opening at its proximal P and distal D ends. The cylindrical ring 32 comprises a longitudinal axis (X) and is fixed around the inner body 22. The cylindrical ring 32 is arranged on a radially outer wall of the inner body 22 such that the cylindrical ring 32 is arranged between a radially inner wall of the outer body 24 and the inner body 22.

The four ribs 30 form an axial stop for the cylindrical ring 32. In addition, the cylindrical ring 32 is crimped around and on the inner body 22. Alternatively, the cylindrical ring 32 is glued to the inner body 22. The cylindrical ring 32 essentially comprises diamagnetic iron. In some variants, the cylindrical ring 32 comprises ferromagnetic iron or more generally a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance. One will note that the cylindrical ring 32 has circumferentially regular proximal P and distal D ends.

The cap 14 will now be described in greater detail with the aid of FIGS. 2 and 3A. The cap 14 has members and an arrangement which are relatively similar to those of the base 12.

The cap 14 comprises an inner body 34 and an outer body 36. The inner body 34 and outer body 36 have a generally cylindrical shape and have a longitudinal axis (X) coincident with that of the case 10 when assembled. When the case 10 is assembled, both the inner body 34 and outer body 36 have a circular opening at a distal end D and a transverse bottom at a distal end P. Radially, the diameter of the outer body 36 is greater than that of the inner body 34. The radial dimension of the outer body 36 is therefore larger than the radial dimension of the inner body 34. In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the outer body 36 has a length, relative to the longitudinal axis (X), which is greater than the length of the inner body 34. The outer body 36 of the cap 14 therefore has a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the inner body 34.

On the circumferential edge which defines the opening located at the distal end D, the inner body 34 comprises a flange 38 extending radially outwards. The flange 38 thus is in an axial end position on the inner body 34. The flange 38 further comprises four ribs 40, which extend axially towards the distal end P of the inner body 34. Each rib 40 has a “V” shape when viewed axially from the proximal end P of the inner body 34.

The diameter of the flange 38 is such that, when the cap 14 is assembled, the radially outer surface of the flange 38 is in contact with a radially inner surface of the outer body 36. The inner body 34 is therefore fixed to the outer body 36 by gluing. To do this, the circumferential periphery of the inner body 34, whose edge defines the distal opening D, comprises a bead of adhesive on the radially outer surface.

The cap 14 also comprises a hollow cylindrical ring 42, comprising a circular opening at its proximal P and distal D ends. The cylindrical ring 42 has a longitudinal axis (X) and is fixed around the inner body 34. The four ribs 40 form an axial stop for the cylindrical ring 42.

In addition, the cylindrical ring 42 is crimped around on the inner body 34. Alternatively, the cylindrical ring 42 is glued to the inner body 34. The cylindrical ring 42 substantially comprises diamagnetic iron. In some variants, the cylindrical ring 42 comprises ferromagnetic iron or more generally a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance. One will note that the cylindrical ring 42 has circumferentially regular proximal P and distal D ends. The cylindrical ring 42 is arranged on a radially outer wall of the inner body 34 such that the cylindrical ring 42 is arranged between a radially inner wall of the outer body 36 and the inner body 34.

On the rim of the transverse circular opening located at the distal end D, the outer body 36 of the cap 14 comprises two diametrically opposed recesses 37 for receiving the member 18, which bears the ornamental pattern, of the inner body 22 of the base 12, when the case 10 is in the closed position.

Thus, the two recesses of the outer body 36 of the cap 14 allow two relative positions of the base 12 and cap 14 when the case 10 is in the closed position. These two positions are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (X). Alternatively, the outer body 36 of the cap 14 allows one or three relative positions of the base 12 and cap 14 when the case 10 is in the closed position. This number is equal to the number of recesses in the outer body 36 of the cap 14.

We will now describe the means for maintaining the relative position of the base 12 and cap 14 when the case 10 is in the closed position.

As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 4, the base 12 and cap 14 each comprise four permanently-magnetized members 44, which are here in the form of magnets. Note that in FIG. 4, the respective outer bodies 24, 36 of the base 12 and cap 14 are laterally offset along the longitudinal axis (X) so as to reveal the permanently-magnetized members 44. This configuration is not the configuration of the case 10 when the latter is assembled and is suitable for use. This is an illustration for better understanding the operation of the case 10.

The four permanently-magnetized members 44 of the base 12 are arranged regularly around the circumference, in spaces defined axially by the flange 28 and cylindrical ring 32 and radially by the ribs 30. Similarly, the four permanently-magnetized members 44 of the cap 14 are arranged regularly around the circumference, in spaces defined axially by the flange 38 and cylindrical ring 42 and radially by the ribs 40.

Thus, the permanently-magnetized members 44 are held axially between axial stop means borne by the inner body 22 of the base 12, here the flange 28 and the cylindrical ring 32. In addition, they are held radially by the ribs 30, and in the opposite direction by the inner body 22, which form means for holding the permanently-magnetized members in the radial position 44. The permanently-magnetized members 44 are applied radially inwards, against a radially outer surface of the inner body 22, located facing the ribs 30. Radially inner surfaces of the ribs 30 form stops for the permanently-magnetized members 44. Each of the two arms of the “V” shape of a rib 30 forms a stop for a permanently-magnetized member 44. Thus, a permanently-magnetized member 44 abuts against two circumferentially consecutive ribs 30. Similarly, a rib 30 is in direct contact with two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members 44.

The permanently-magnetized members 44 of the cap 14 are arranged in the same manner. They are thus held axially between axial stop means borne by the inner body 34 of the cap 14, here the flange 38 and the cylindrical ring 42. In addition, they are held radially by the ribs 40, and in the opposite direction by the inner body 34, which form means for holding the permanently-magnetized members in the radial position 44. The permanently-magnetized members 44 are applied radially inwards, against a radially outer surface of the inner body 22, located facing the ribs 40. Radially inner surfaces of the ribs 40 form stops for the permanently magnetized members 44. Each of the two arms of the “V” shape of a rib 40 forms a stop for a permanently-magnetized member 44. Thus, a permanently-magnetized member 44 abuts against two circumferentially consecutive ribs 40. Similarly, a rib 40 is in direct contact with two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members 44.

The permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the base 12 or cap 14 are in diametrically opposed pairs.

We will now schematically describe, with reference to FIG. 5, the interactions between permanently-magnetized members 44 which hold the base 12 and cap 14 in their relative position when the case 10 is in the closed position. Only the permanently-magnetized members 44 and cylindrical rings 32, 42 are shown.

Two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the base 12 are in phase opposition. This means that one of the two has a proximal face P whose pole is positive and a distal face D whose pole is negative, and the other has a proximal face P whose pole is negative and a distal face D whose pole is positive. Similarly, two circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the cap 14 are in phase opposition.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the base 12 and cap 14 can occupy two respective positions when the case 10 is in the closed position. These two positions correspond to configurations in which the negative poles of two permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the base 12 are facing the positive poles of two permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the cap 14, and in which the positive poles of two permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the base 12 are facing the negative poles of two permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the cap 14.

Thus, when the case 10 is in the closed position, each permanently-magnetized member 44 borne by the base 12 is positioned so that it has a face of opposite polarity to a face of the circumferentially consecutive permanently-magnetized member 44 borne by the base 12, and of opposite polarity to a face facing towards two permanently-magnetized members 44 borne by the cap 14.

Conversely, if the user positions the cap 14 so that the faces of the magnetized members 44 of the base 12 have the same polarity as the opposite faces borne by the cap 14, the repulsion forces between faces of the same polarity and the attraction forces between faces of opposite polarities will cause rotation of the base 12 relative to the cap 14 about the longitudinal axis (X) such that the base 12 and cap 14 are installed in a relative position as described above. This rotation is further guided by a radially outer surface of the gripping member 17 which engages with the radially inner surface of the inner body 34 of the cap 14.

In addition, the cylindrical rings 32, 42, of diamagnetic iron in this embodiment, of one among the base 12 and cap 14, are attracted by the permanently-magnetized members 44 of the other so that the retaining force is increased.

We will now describe a method for assembling the case 10.

The inner body 22 and outer body 24 of the base 12 are molded. The inner body 22 thus comprises the flange 28 and the ribs 30. The permanently-magnetized members 44 are then slid along the inner body 22 from the distal end D of the inner body 22, until they rest on the flange 28 and are held radially outward by the ribs 30. The cylindrical ring 32 is then slid from the distal end D of the inner body 22, until it comes to bear longitudinally against the permanently-magnetized members 44 and the ribs 30. Next, a bead of adhesive is applied to the radially outer surface of the circumferential periphery of the inner body 22 whose edge defines the proximal opening P. Then, the outer body 24 is slid from the distal end D of the inner body 22, so that the flange 28 is in contact with the radially inner surface of the outer body 24. The inner body 22 is thus glued to the outer body 24.

The same method applies to the assembly of the cap 14. The inner body 34 and outer body 36 are molded. Then the permanently-magnetized members 44 are slid along the inner body 34 from the proximal end P of the inner body 34, until they rest on the flange 38 and are held radially outward by the ribs 40. The cylindrical ring 42 is then slid from the proximal end P of the inner body 34, until it comes to bear longitudinally against the permanently-magnetized members 44 and the ribs 40. Next, a bead of adhesive is applied to the radially outer surface of the circumferential periphery of the inner body 34 whose edge defines the distal opening D. Then, the outer body 36 is slid from the proximal end P of the inner body 34, so that the flange 38 is in contact with the radially inner surface of the outer body 36. The inner body 34 is thus glued to the outer body 36.

Of course, many variations to the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The outer shapes of the inner bodies 22, 34 and respective outer bodies 24, 36 of the base 12 and cap 14 may be of any type, for example having a polygonal or elliptical cross-section. In addition, this cross-section may vary along the longitudinal axis (X). For example, the cross-section may be polygonal at the proximal end P and elliptical at the distal end D.

It is possible to use different types of permanently-magnetized members 44.

The shape and arrangement of the permanently-magnetized members 44 may be varied.

It is also possible to install only two permanently-magnetized members 44 on the base 12 and cap 14 so as to allow only one relative position of the base 12 and cap 14 when the case 10 is in the closed position. In this case, the two permanently-magnetized members 44 are preferably in diametrically opposed positions relative to one another.

The permanently-magnetized members 44 may be glued to the respective inner bodies 22, 34 or to the respective cylindrical rings 32, 42 of the base 12 and cap 14.

Claims

1. Case (10) for a stick of pasty substance (16), comprising a base (12) for receiving the stick of pasty substance (16) and a cap (14), the base (12) and cap (14) each comprising an inner body (22, 34) of longitudinal axis (X) and an outer body (24, 36) of the same longitudinal axis (X) of which the radial dimension is greater than the radial dimension of the inner body (22, 34), the base (12) and cap (14) each bearing at least two permanently-magnetized members (44) positioned between the inner body (22, 34) and the outer body (24, 36), each permanently-magnetized member (44) being held axially between axial stop means (28, 38) borne by the inner body (22, 34) and a cylindrical ring (32, 42) of longitudinal axis (X) which comprises a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance and which is arranged between the outer body (24, 36) and the inner body (22, 34), each permanently-magnetized member (44) borne by the base (12) being positioned so that it has a face of opposite polarity to a face of the consecutive permanently-magnetized member borne by the base (12), and of opposite polarity to a face facing towards the two permanently-magnetized members (44) borne by the cap (14) when the case (10) is in a closed position, the inner body (22, 34) of at least one among the base (12) and cap (14) comprising at least one rib (30, 40) for holding the permanently-magnetized members (44) in their radial position.

2. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the axial stop means (28, 38) comprise a flange (28, 38).

3. Case (10) according to claim 2, wherein the flange (28, 38) is in an axial end position on the inner body (22, 34).

4. Case (10) according to claim 2, wherein the rib (30, 40) extends axially from the flange (28, 38).

5. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical ring (32, 42) of at least one among the base (12) and cap (14) is crimped onto the inner body (22, 34).

6. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical ring (32, 42) of at least one among the base (12) and cap (14) is glued to the inner body (22, 34).

7. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one among the base (12) and cap (14) has a generally cylindrical shape.

8. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the outer body (24, 36) of at least one among the base (12) and cap (14) has a larger axial dimension than the axial dimension of the inner body (22, 34).

9. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the outer body (24, 36) of at least one among the base (12) and cap (14) is glued to the inner body (22, 34).

10. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the two permanently-magnetized members (44) borne by at least one among the base (12) and cap (14) are in diametrically opposed positions relative to one another.

11. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the base (12) and cap (14) each comprise four permanently-magnetized members (44.

12. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the permanently-magnetized members (44) are magnets.

13. Case (10) according to claim 1 y wherein the diamagnetic or ferromagnetic substance comprises iron.

14. Case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the stick of pasty substance (16) is a stick of lipstick.

15. Method for assembling a case (10) according to claim 1, comprising at least the following steps:

the respective inner bodies (22, 34) and outer bodies (24, 36) of the base (12) and cap (14) are molded,

the permanently magnetized members (44) are slid along the respective inner bodies (22, 34) of the until they rest on the respective flanges (28, 38) of the base (12) and cap (14), and

the cylindrical rings (32,42) are slid until they come to bear longitudinally against the respective permanently-magnetized members (44) and ribs (30, 40) of the base (12) and cap (14).

16. The case of claim 1, wherein the base and cap each comprise four permanently-magnetized members arranged regularly around the circumference.

17. according to claim 3, wherein the rib extends axially from the flange.

18. Case according to claim 2, wherein the cylindrical ring of at least one among the base and cap is crimped onto the inner body.

19. Case according to claim 3, wherein the cylindrical ring of at least one among the base and cap is crimped onto the inner body.

20. Case according to claim 4, wherein the cylindrical ring of at least one among the base and cap is crimped onto the inner body.