Deodorant dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a deodorant dispenser with a container (10) and a rotary body (20) with a first coupling (21), and to a refill pack, filled with a deodorant composition, for such a deodorant dispenser with a refill container, a refill spindle (32) and a refill elevator (40) that is movable up and down on an outer thread of the refill spindle. The refill spindle has a second coupling (31) which, upon insertion of the refill container into the container of the deodorant dispenser, is connectable, with form-fit engagement and for conjoint rotation, to the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a deodorant dispenser, a refill pack for such a deodorant dispenser, a deodorant dispenser system comprising at least one such deodorant dispenser and at least one such refill pack, a method for filling such a deodorant dispenser with a deodorant mass and a method for refilling such a deodorant dispenser with a refill pack.

[0002] The deodorant dispensers considered here, which are filled with a firm but soft deodorant mass to be applied to the skin, are also called deodorant sticks or deodorant pens.

[0003] Due to their mechanical function, the deodorant dispensers currently on the market are complex mechanical systems, typically consisting of between four and eight components. Due to this large number of different components, relaunching a deodorant dispenser presents companies in the cosmetics industry with significant costs and logistical challenges. Accordingly, deodorant dispensers are redesigned less frequently than, for example, packaging that consists only of a container and a cap. Therefore, deodorant dispensers often remain geometrically unchanged on the market for ten or more years.

[0004] On the other hand, deodorant dispensers are mostly made of plastic. Plastic packaging is currently being strongly questioned in the public's perception due to environmental considerations. Therefore, there is a strong demand for multiple use of deodorant dispensers through refill options.

[0005] WO 2010 / 072668 A1 relates to an oval, non-refillable dispenser for a bar-shaped cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant dispenser, with a filling option from below through a closable opening in a rotating part and a spindle that can be locked to the rotating part and a skeletal platform that can be moved along the spindle.

[0006] US 2020 / 0054110 A1 describes a deodorant delivery system comprising a reusable housing with a body and a rotary knob rotatably connected to the body. The body is structured to contain a replaceable deodorant cartridge with a sleeve and a rod of deodorant mass inserted therein.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved refillable deodorant dispenser and an associated refill pack. This object is achieved by a deodorant dispenser according to claim 1, a refill pack for such a deodorant dispenser according to claim 7, a deodorant dispenser system according to claim 9, a method for filling such a deodorant dispenser with a deodorant mass according to claim 11, a method for filling such a refill pack with a deodorant mass according to claim 12, a use of a filling device for deodorant mass according to claim 13, and a method for refilling such a deodorant dispenser with a refill pack according to claim 14 or 15. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] Terms such as "bottom" and "top" always refer to a position of the deodorant dispenser or refill pack in which the deodorant mass can be dispensed from the top of the deodorant dispenser or refill pack. This position also typically corresponds to the storage and use position of the deodorant dispenser.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a deodorant dispenser with a container which has a wall enclosing an interior of the container, and a rotating body which is rotatably connected to the container and which has a first coupling for rotationally fixed, positive, detachable connection in the interior of the container to a second coupling, wherein at least one continuous, closable opening is formed in the deodorant dispenser from a lower outer side of the deodorant dispenser to an upper end of the interior of the container.

[0010] The deodorant mass preferably has a firm but soft consistency, which can be transferred to the skin by rubbing it on.

[0011] The deodorant dispenser can be filled with deodorant mass through the continuous, sealable opening. For this purpose, the deodorant mass is usually heated before filling, thereby liquefying it, and then poured into the deodorant dispenser in liquid form. After cooling, the deodorant mass then achieves its solid consistency. This filling preferably takes place as the initial filling during the deodorant dispenser manufacturing process in a filling plant. Production can also be split between different companies, with the deodorant dispenser itself being manufactured by a plastics processing company and the filling being carried out by a cosmetics manufacturer or by a subcontractor of one of these companies.

[0012] Preferably, the continuous, closable opening runs through the first coupling of the rotating body.

[0013] The first coupling allows the deodorant dispenser to be coupled to an elevator and a spindle, which can transport a deodorant mass upwards. The container of the deodorant dispenser is preferably open at the top. Furthermore, the container preferably has a removable closure, in particular a cap, which closes the upper, open end of the container and can be removed by the user to open the container at its upper end. In this way, the deodorant mass can be removed from the upper end of the container and further deodorant mass can be transported upwards.

[0014] The spindle and elevator can be removed after the deodorant mass has been completely used up and replaced with a refill pack after ejection. This allows the deodorant dispenser to be reused multiple times, saving material.

[0015] The option of both initial filling and refilling the deodorant dispenser allows the manufacturer to offer the deodorant dispenser either as a pre-filled deodorant dispenser (not intended for refilling), as a pre-filled and refillable deodorant dispenser, or as an empty and refillable deodorant dispenser, without having to develop different deodorant dispensers. This allows the manufacturer to respond flexibly to customer requests.

[0016] The initial refill option also allows the user to use the deodorant dispenser immediately after purchase, without having to worry about refilling. Only after the initial refill has been used up, when the user is already familiar with the deodorant dispenser's function through extended use, does the user need to purchase a refill pack and familiarize themselves with the steps required to insert the refill pack. This makes using the deodorant dispenser easier and more convenient for the user.

[0017] The described advantages for both the manufacturer and the user result in an improved deodorant dispenser and therefore solve the problem of the invention.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the deodorant dispenser are described below, which can be combined with each other as desired, unless this is expressly excluded or technically impossible.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the container has at least one first sealing element, in particular a cylindrical seal or an elastomer seal, in particular a rubber seal, which seals an area between the container and the rotating body. This ensures that the shelf life of the deodorant composition is increased, in particular by preventing it from drying out and / or evaporating substances, while the rotating body nevertheless remains rotatable relative to the container.

[0020] According to the invention, the first coupling has at least one first locking element for locking with a second locking element of the second coupling and thus for establishing a rotationally fixed, positive connection between the first coupling and the second coupling. Furthermore, according to the invention, the first coupling has at least one first separating element for interacting with a second separating element of the second coupling and thus for unlocking the first locking element and the second locking element and for releasing the rotationally fixed, positive connection between the first coupling and the second coupling.

[0021] This creates a stable, positive connection between the first coupling and the second coupling, which can easily be released again by moving the separating elements towards each other.

[0022] While the embodiments described so far can preferably be used to realize an empty deodorant dispenser, the embodiments described below correspond to a deodorant dispenser that has just been filled.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the deodorant dispenser further comprises a spindle with a second coupling, which is rotationally fixed and positively connected to the first coupling. The spindle has an external thread and is arranged within the container and substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the deodorant dispenser comprises an elevator, which extends within the container substantially in at least one direction orthogonal to the spindle and is non-rotatable relative to the container wall. This elevator has an internal thread in which the external thread of the spindle runs.

[0024] The above-mentioned at least one continuous opening in the deodorant dispenser extends from the lower outer side of the deodorant dispenser through the elevator or past the elevator to the upper end of the interior of the container. Thus, with the spindle and elevator inserted, the deodorant dispenser can be filled from below through this opening with the preferably liquefied deodorant mass. The deodorant mass then preferably hardens and adheres to the elevator. This preferably occurs through a combination of form and material bonding, with the deodorant mass penetrating into recesses in the elevator and adhering there.

[0025] Preferably, the continuous, closable opening extends through the first coupling of the rotating body and through the second coupling of the spindle.

[0026] The container, the rotating body, the spindle and the elevator are connected to one another in such a way that rotation of the rotating body leads to a common rotation of the first and the second coupling and thus also of the spindle in an ascending direction or in a descending direction, by means of which the elevator - and thus the entire deodorant mass - is moved upwards or downwards, and that rotation of the rotating body, preferably in the descending direction, more preferably in the ascending direction, when the elevator is in an end position at an upper end of the spindle, leads to the dissolution of the connection between the first coupling and the second coupling.

[0027] This embodiment is advantageous because, on the one hand, the deodorant dispenser can be filled with the deodorant mass in the assembled state through the opening which extends from the lower outer side of the deodorant dispenser through the elevator, and, on the other hand, after the deodorant mass has been used up, it allows the spindle, the second coupling and the elevator to be ejected, whereby the deodorant dispenser can be prepared to be refilled with a refill pack.

[0028] According to a preferred variant of this embodiment, the spindle has, preferably at its lower end, a first locking means and the elevator has, preferably at its lower end, a second locking means, wherein the elevator is designed such that rotation of the rotating body in the descending direction until the elevator is in an end position at a lower end of the spindle leads to the locking of the first locking element with the second locking element.

[0029] This has the advantage that the rotational position of the spindle and thus of the second coupling relative to the elevator can be determined. Furthermore, since the elevator cannot rotate relative to the container, this also determines the rotational position of the second coupling relative to the container. This facilitates the installation of the deodorant dispenser if the rotational position of the first coupling is also determined, as the first and second couplings can then be mounted in a precisely defined rotational position relative to each other.

[0030] The first locking means is preferably a recess in an upper surface of a flange-like widening at the lower end of the spindle. The second locking means is preferably a corresponding projection at the lower end of the elevator. In a certain rotational position of the elevator relative to the spindle, when the elevator is at the lower end of the spindle, the projection on the elevator can engage the recess in the spindle.

[0031] According to a further preferred variant of this embodiment, the spindle has a blocking area at its upper end, where the elevator can be blocked in the final position at the upper end of the spindle. "Blockable" here means that the elevator cannot rotate relative to the spindle.

[0032] The elevator is preferably blocked by hitting a stop in the spindle's blocking zone. However, the elevator can also be locked in the blocking zone. However, if the elevator simply hits a stop, it can be easily reversed upon reaching this stop without having to overcome any locking resistance.

[0033] By locking the elevator in its final position at the upper end of the spindle, further rotation of the rotating body cannot be directly converted into further rotation of the spindle. The resulting force can be used to release the positive connection between the first clutch and the second clutch.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the second coupling has at least one second locking element, which is locked to the first locking element of the first coupling, so that the first coupling is connected to the second coupling in a rotationally fixed and positively locking manner. Furthermore, the second coupling has at least one second separating element for interacting with the first separating element of the first coupling and, when the elevator is in the end position at the upper end of the spindle, for unlocking the first locking element and the second locking element and for releasing the rotationally fixed, positively locking connection of the first coupling to the second coupling.

[0035] According to a preferred variant of this embodiment, the at least one first separating element and the at least one second separating element together form a wedge mechanism. For this purpose, the first and second separating elements preferably each have an inclined surface that abuts one another and can be displaced relative to one another, in particular by a rotational movement. A wedge mechanism has the advantage that a rotary movement can be converted into a rotary and a linear movement of the second separating element away from the first separating element. This eliminates the positive connection and separates the second clutch from the first clutch.

[0036] According to a preferred variant of this embodiment, the at least one first separating element and the at least one second separating element each have at least six, preferably at least eight, more preferably at least twelve inclined surfaces. This has the advantage that the first and second separating elements do not need to be aligned with as much precision during assembly.

[0037] According to a further preferred variant, the at least one first separating element and the at least one second separating element together form a bayonet closure. A bayonet closure is typically understood to be a closure that is closed by a linear movement followed by a rotational movement, preferably locking at the end of the rotational movement, and that can be opened again by movements in the reverse order.

[0038] This has the advantage of preventing accidental straight-line removal of the spindle and elevator, and the connection can only be released by rotating the rotating body. Similarly, a bayonet lock can be designed so that the manufacturer can easily determine whether the connection can be released by rotating the rotating body in the ascending and / or descending direction.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the elevator and spindle are configured such that, upon reaching the upper end of the container, the elevator at least partially exits the container, and further rotation of the spindle results in rotation of the elevator relative to the container. This has the advantage that the spindle and elevator are easy to remove by the user grasping the elevator protruding above the container. In particular, this provides an additional option for removing the spindle and elevator if they have jammed or if the first coupling fails to release from the second coupling for any reason.

[0040] According to a preferred variant, the elevator, once it has at least partially emerged from the container, is configured such that after further rotation of the elevator relative to the container by a specific angle, the elevator is blocked relative to the container. Blocking is preferably achieved by appropriately shaping the elevator and / or the container, which form a positive connection after further rotation by a specific angle.

[0041] This has the advantage that the energy of a further rotation of the rotating body no longer results in a rotation of the elevator, but is used to release the connection between the first clutch and the second clutch.

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment, the deodorant dispenser further comprises a deodorant mass that at least partially fills the interior of the container. This corresponds to a deodorant dispenser with an initial fill. In this state, the deodorant dispenser can be sold as a ready-to-use product, regardless of whether it is intended for refilling or not.

[0043] A second aspect of the invention relates to a refill pack for a deodorant dispenser according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, comprising a refill container having a wall enclosing an interior of the refill container, a refill spindle having a second coupling which can be connected in a rotationally fixed and form-fitting manner to the first coupling of the container of the deodorant dispenser, wherein the refill spindle has an external thread and wherein the refill spindle is arranged within the refill container and substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis, and a refill elevator which extends within the refill container substantially in at least one direction orthogonal to the refill spindle and is not rotatable relative to the wall of the refill container and which has an internal thread in which the external thread of the refill spindle runs.

[0044] In the refill pack, at least one continuous, closable opening is formed from a lower outer side of the refill pack to an upper end of the interior of the refill container.

[0045] Preferably, the continuous, closable opening runs through the second coupling of the refill spindle.

[0046] The refill container can be inserted into the container of the deodorant dispenser by means of a rectilinear movement in such a way that the first coupling of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser is connected in a rotationally fixed and positive manner to the second coupling of the refill spindle, and that the container of the deodorant dispenser, the refill container, the rotating body, the refill spindle and the refill elevator are then connected to one another in such a way that rotation of the rotating body leads to a common rotation of the first coupling of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser and the second coupling of the refill spindle and thus also of the refill spindle in an ascending direction or in a descending direction, by means of which the refill elevator can be moved upwards or downwards.is moved downwards, and that a rotation of the rotating body, preferably in the descending direction, more preferably in the ascending direction, when the refill elevator is in an end position at an upper end of the refill spindle, leads to the dissolution of the connection of the first coupling of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser with the second coupling of the refill spindle.

[0047] Once the refill pack has been inserted into the deodorant dispenser, it behaves from the user's perspective like a fully filled deodorant dispenser according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. Such a refill pack allows one deodorant dispenser to be used for multiple fillings of the deodorant mass, thereby saving material and costs and meeting the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging concepts.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the second coupling has at least one second sealing element, in particular a lamellar seal or an elastomer seal, in particular a rubber seal, which seals an area between the second coupling and the refill container. The second sealing element is preferably formed integrally with the second coupling, in particular as a single injection-molded part made of plastic. However, the second sealing element particularly preferably forms a separate component from the second coupling. In the latter case, a monomaterial solution is preferred for recycling reasons, i.e. the second coupling and the separate second sealing element are made of the same material; however, a combination of different materials can also be used.The second sealing element ensures that the shelf life of the deodorant mass is increased, in particular by preventing it from drying out and / or evaporating substances from it as long as the refill pack has not yet been inserted into the container.

[0049] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second coupling is designed such that the first coupling of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser can be connected to the second coupling in a rotationally fixed and positively locking manner in any rotational position of the second coupling. This has the advantage that any necessary alignment of the second coupling and / or the first coupling is eliminated. It is preferred that the first and second couplings align themselves with each other upon entering the connection, preferably by "sliding into each other," in particular due to a force applied externally during connection.

[0050] According to a further preferred embodiment, the refill spindle has, preferably at its lower end, a first locking means and the refill elevator has, preferably at its lower end, a second locking means, wherein the refill elevator is designed such that rotation of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser in the descending direction until the refill elevator is in an end position at a lower end of the refill spindle leads to the locking of the first locking element with the second locking element.

[0051] The first locking means is preferably a recess in an upper surface of a flange-like widened portion at the lower end of the refill spindle. The second locking means is preferably a corresponding projection at the lower end of the refill elevator. In a specific rotational position of the refill elevator relative to the refill spindle, when the refill elevator is located at the lower end of the refill spindle, the projection on the refill elevator can engage the recess in the refill spindle.

[0052] According to a further preferred embodiment, the refill spindle has a blocking region at its upper end, at which the refill elevator can be blocked in the end position at the upper end of the spindle.

[0053] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second coupling has at least one second locking element, which can be locked to a first locking element of the first coupling of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser, so that the first coupling is connected to the second coupling in a rotationally fixed and positively locking manner. Furthermore, the second coupling has at least one second separating element for interacting with a first separating element of the first coupling of the deodorant dispenser and, when the refill elevator is in the end position at the upper end of the refill spindle, for unlocking the first locking element and the second locking element and for releasing the rotationally fixed, positively locking connection of the first coupling to the second coupling.

[0054] According to a preferred variant of this embodiment, the at least one second separating element is designed to form a wedge gear together with the at least one first separating element of the first coupling of the deodorant dispenser.

[0055] According to a preferred variant of this embodiment, the at least one second separating element has at least six, preferably at least eight, more preferably at least twelve inclined surfaces.

[0056] According to a further preferred variant, the at least one second separating element is designed to form a bayonet closure together with the at least one first separating element of the first coupling of the deodorant dispenser.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the refill elevator and the refill spindle are configured such that the refill elevator exits at least partially from the refill container after reaching the upper end of the refill container and a further rotation of the refill spindle leads to a rotation of the refill elevator relative to the refill container.

[0058] According to a preferred variant, the refill elevator, once it has at least partially emerged from the refill container, is configured such that, after a further rotation of the refill elevator relative to the refill container by a specific angle, the refill elevator is blocked relative to the refill container. Here, too, the blocking is preferably achieved by a corresponding shaping of the refill elevator and / or the refill container, which form a positive connection after the further rotation by a specific angle.

[0059] The last-mentioned embodiments of the refill pack and their variants result in identical or corresponding advantages to the corresponding embodiments of the deodorant dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention and its variants.

[0060] According to a further preferred embodiment, the refill pack further comprises a deodorant mass that at least partially fills the interior of the refill container. This corresponds to a refill pack with one filling. In this state, the refill pack can be sold as a product usable in conjunction with a deodorant dispenser according to the invention, either individually or in combination with such a deodorant dispenser.

[0061] A third aspect of the invention relates to a deodorant dispenser system consisting of at least one deodorant dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention and at least one refill pack according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment of the deodorant dispenser system, the deodorant dispenser is a deodorant dispenser comprising a spindle and an elevator, wherein the spindle of the deodorant dispenser and the refill spindle of the at least one refill pack are structurally identical, and / or the elevator of the deodorant dispenser and the refill elevator of the at least one refill pack are structurally identical, or identical except for slightly different external dimensions. The partially identical components save the costs of multiple development and multiple production of injection molds for different spindles or elevators.

[0063] A slight change in the external dimensions of the refill elevator compared to the elevator may be necessary, as the internal dimensions of the refill pack's refill container are slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the deodorant dispenser container, as the former must be able to be inserted into the latter. If the elevator and the refill elevator are constructed identically, particularly with slightly smaller external dimensions for the refill elevator, a gap will arise between the exterior of the elevator and the interior of the deodorant dispenser container, which could cause the deodorant mass to adhere to the interior of the container, particularly with low-viscosity deodorant masses. This can be prevented by slightly different external dimensions of the elevator and the refill elevator.

[0064] The last-described aspects of the invention and their embodiments, which technically correspond to the features of the deodorant dispenser described above, also result in the same advantages as already explained above.

[0065] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for filling a deodorant dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention, which already has a spindle and an elevator, but not yet a deodorant mass, with a deodorant mass, comprising the steps: Bringing the deodorant dispenser into a position in which the lower outer side of the deodorant dispenser points upwards; liquefying the deodorant mass; filling the container of the deodorant dispenser with the deodorant mass through the lower outer side of the deodorant dispenser into the at least one continuous, closable opening in the deodorant dispenser; closing the at least one continuous, closable opening in the deodorant dispenser; and allowing the deodorant mass to solidify.

[0066] This is therefore a method for the initial filling of a deodorant dispenser according to the invention.

[0067] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method for filling a refill pack according to the second aspect of the invention, which does not yet have a deodorant mass, with a deodorant mass, comprising the steps: Bringing the refill pack into a position in which the lower outer side of the refill pack faces upwards; liquefying the deodorant mass; filling the refill container of the refill pack with the deodorant mass through the lower outer side of the refill pack into the at least one continuous, sealable opening in the refill pack; closing the at least one continuous, sealable opening in the refill pack; and allowing the deodorant mass to solidify.

[0068] The method for filling the refill pack according to the invention is thus entirely analogous to the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention for filling a deodorant dispenser according to the invention (ie for the initial filling of the deodorant dispenser).

[0069] It is therefore also possible to fill a deodorant dispenser according to the invention and a refill pack according to the invention using the same filling device. The filling device can be a conventional filling device for deodorant mass.

[0070] A sixth aspect of the invention therefore relates to the use of a filling device for deodorant mass, wherein on the filling device, at least one deodorant dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention and at least one refill pack according to the second aspect of the invention, both of which are not yet filled with deodorant mass, are filled in any order in a method according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention.

[0071] Since the product to be filled, i.e. the deodorant dispenser or the refill pack, each has the same "interface" to the filling device, namely the continuous, closable opening from its lower outer side to an upper end of the interior of its container or refill container, the filling device can be used without significant changes both for filling a deodorant dispenser according to the invention and for filling a refill pack according to the invention, in any order.

[0072] In this way, enormous cost savings can be achieved, since no additional filling device needs to be developed and built for the refill packs according to the invention.

[0073] A seventh aspect of the invention relates to a method for refilling a deodorant dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention, which does not yet have a spindle, an elevator and a deodorant mass, by a refill pack according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising the step: Insert the refill pack into the container of the deodorant dispenser using a straight-line movement until the first coupling of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser is connected to the second coupling of the refill spindle of the refill pack in a rotationally fixed and positively locking manner.

[0074] A linear insertion motion makes refilling particularly user-friendly. This reduces the risk of incorrect insertion and material damage.

[0075] An eighth aspect of the invention relates to a method for refilling a deodorant dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention, which already has a spindle and an elevator, by a refill pack according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising the steps: Rotating the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser in the ascending direction until the elevator is in the end position at the upper end of the spindle; rotating the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser, preferably in the descending direction, more preferably in the ascending direction, and thereby disengaging the connection between the first coupling of the rotating body and the second coupling of the spindle; removing the spindle with the second coupling and the elevator from the container; and inserting the refill pack into the container of the deodorant dispenser by a rectilinear movement until the first coupling of the rotating body of the deodorant dispenser is connected in a rotationally fixed and positively locking manner to the second coupling of the refill spindle of the refill pack.

[0076] These steps are independent of whether there is still deodorant mass in the container of the deodorant dispenser and, if so, how much of it, since any remaining deodorant mass can be conveyed upwards together with the elevator in the first step and removed from the container together with the spindle and the elevator in the third step.

[0077] By disengaging the first coupling of the rotating body from the second coupling of the spindle in the same way as using the deodorant dispenser—i.e., by rotating the rotating body—this is particularly easy for the user. Accidental disengagement of the coupling while the deodorant dispenser is still in use is also prevented, as this only occurs when the elevator is at the top of the spindle. This makes preparing for refilling particularly easy for the user.

[0078] The described aspects of the invention lead to the desired flexibility of the manufacturer to be able to offer the deodorant dispenser according to the invention optionally as a first-filled and not intended for refilling, as a first-filled and refillable deodorant dispenser, or as an empty and refillable deodorant dispenser.

[0079] The latter could, for example, take the form of a "starter kit" consisting of an empty deodorant dispenser and a refill pack. This concept would result in a particularly pronounced learning effect for the user, as they would have to fill the empty deodorant dispenser with the refill pack themselves.

[0080] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures.

[0081] It shows: Fig. 1a schematically a cross-section of a filled deodorant dispenser according to the invention through a plane containing the vertical container axis; Fig. 1b schematically an oblique view of a filled deodorant dispenser according to the invention with the container bottom facing upwards; Fig. 2a schematically shows a cross-section of a filled refill pack according to the invention through a plane containing the vertical container axis; Fig. 2b schematically an oblique view of a filled refill pack according to the invention with the container bottom facing upwards; Fig. 3a-d schematically a cross-section of a filled deodorant dispenser according to the invention through a plane containing the vertical container axis, in different states, namely: Fig. 3a the deodorant dispenser in use, partially filled with a deodorant mass; Fig. 3b the deodorant dispenser after the deodorant mass has been used up and the elevator is at the top of the spindle; Fig. 3c the deodorant dispenser after the positive connection between the first coupling and the second coupling has been released; Fig. 3d the deodorant dispenser when inserting a refill pack; Fig. 4a-c a cross-section of the lower part of the deodorant dispenser, the rotating body and the two couplings through a plane containing the vertical container axis, when the positive locking of the two couplings is released; Fig. 5a-b a cross-section of the lower part of a further embodiment of the deodorant dispenser according to the invention, the rotating body and the two couplings through a plane containing the vertical container axis, when the positive locking of the two couplings is released; Fig. 6a-c a cross-section of the lower part of a further embodiment of the deodorant dispenser according to the invention, the rotating body and the two couplings through a plane containing the vertical container axis, during the engagement and disengagement of the two couplings; Fig. 7a an oblique view of a deodorant dispenser with a refill pack from above with a refill elevator partially protruding from the container and rotating against the container; Fig. 7b a cross-section of the deodorant dispenser with a refill pack with a refill elevator partially protruding from the container and rotating against the container; Fig. 8a-c an oblique view of a deodorant dispenser from above with a refill elevator partially protruding from the container as it rotates against the container and removes the refill elevator; and Fig. 8d an oblique view of the refill elevator Fig. 8a -c from underneath.

[0082] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0083] Fig. 1a und Fig. 1b show schematically a deodorant dispenser according to the invention, wherein Fig. 1a shows a deodorant dispenser filled with deodorant mass 50 and Fig. 1b a schematic view of an empty deodorant dispenser from below. Shown is a container 10 with a closure 11, to the underside of which a rotating body 20 is rotatably attached, wherein the connection area is sealed by a first sealing element 12, a cylinder seal. This prevents the deodorant mass 50 in the container 10 from drying out. On the rotating body 20 is the first coupling 21, which is integrally connected to the rotating body 20 and is connected to the second coupling 31 in a rotationally fixed and form-fitting manner. A spindle 32 with an external thread 33 is integrally attached to the second coupling 31. Orthogonal to the spindle 32 is an elevator 40, in whose internal thread 43 the external thread 33 of the spindle 32 engages. Above the elevator 40 is Fig. 1a the deodorant mass 50, which is carried by the elevator 40. Rotation of the rotating body 20 is transmitted to the spindle 32 via the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31. This results in an upward or downward movement of the elevator 40 and thus of the deodorant mass 50. A multi-piece design of the rotating body 20 and the first coupling 21, or of the spindle 32 and the second coupling 31, is of course also conceivable.

[0084] The deodorant dispenser in the figures comprises a container 10 and an elevator 40, each of which has a non-round, but for example oval or lens-shaped cross-section (cf. in particular Fig. 5a ), so that the elevator 40 cannot rotate relative to the container 10 due to this shape alone. However, this is not a limitation of the invention. The deodorant dispenser can also have a container 10 and an elevator 40 with a round cross-section. In this case, additional elements must be provided to prevent the elevator 40 from rotating within the container 10, such as radial projections on the outside of the elevator 40, which run in corresponding axial grooves in the inside of the container 10.

[0085] For the initial filling, the container 10 is turned over and a liquefied deodorant mass 50 flows through the coupling opening 22 in the first coupling 21 and the elevator opening 42 in the elevator 40 into the container 10 onto the deodorant cover, which is located at the upper end of the container 10 (in the Fig. 1b The container 10 is filled with the deodorant mass 50 until it reaches the elevator 40 and also passes through the elevator opening 42. The coupling opening 22 is then closed by a plug 23. The plug 23 can consist, in particular, of a rigid plastic element or of a film. After the deodorant mass 50 has hardened, in particular by cooling, the deodorant dispenser can be returned to its normal position and is ready for use.

[0086] Fig. 2a und Fig. 2b show schematically a refill pack according to the invention, wherein Fig. 2a shows a refill pack filled with deodorant mass 50 and Fig. 2b a schematic view of an empty deodorant dispenser from below. Shown is a refill container 10' with a deodorant cover 51 and a closure 11. The refill container 10' is preferably thin-walled (for example, with the wall thickness of a yogurt cup) and is therefore lightweight and material-saving. The deodorant cover 51 can in particular consist of a rigid plastic element or even of a film. At the lower end is the second coupling 31, which is rotatably connected to the refill container 10', wherein the connection area between the second coupling 31 and the refill container 10' is sealed by a second sealing element 13, a lamellar seal. This prevents the deodorant mass 50 in the refill container 10' from drying out.A refill spindle 32 with an external thread 33 is integrally mounted on the second coupling 31, and orthogonally to the refill spindle 32 is a refill elevator 40, which is connected to the external thread 33 of the refill spindle 32 via an internal thread 43. Due to the thin wall of the refill container 10', it is possible to design the refill elevator 40 with the same external diameter as an elevator 40 for a newly filled deodorant dispenser, in particular even to be structurally identical, since the internal diameter of the container 10 of the deodorant dispenser and the internal diameter of the refill container 10' differ only slightly.

[0087] Above the refill elevator 40 is Fig. 2a the deodorant mass 50, which is carried by the refill elevator 40. Rotation of the second clutch 31 is transmitted to the refill spindle 32. This results in an upward or downward movement of the refill elevator 40 and thus of the deodorant mass 50. Here, too, a multi-piece design of the refill spindle 32 and the second clutch 31 is of course conceivable.

[0088] For filling, the refill container 10' is turned over and a liquefied deodorant mass 50 flows through the coupling opening 22 and the elevator opening 42 into the refill container 10' onto the deodorant cover, which is located at the upper end of the refill container 10' (in the Fig. 2b The refill container 10' is filled with the deodorant mass 50 until it reaches the elevator 40 and also passes through the elevator opening 42. The coupling opening 22 is then closed by a plug 23'. The plug 23' can consist, in particular, of a rigid plastic element or of a film. After the deodorant mass 50 has hardened, the refill pack can be returned to its normal position and is ready for use.

[0089] Fig. 3a -d show schematically a cross-section of a filled deodorant dispenser according to the invention through a plane containing the vertical container axis, in different states.

[0090] Fig. 3a shows the deodorant dispenser in use, partially filled with a deodorant mass 50. Before use, the rotating body 20 is rotated in the upward direction, whereby the elevator 40 transports the deodorant mass 50 upwards.

[0091] Fig. 3b shows the deodorant dispenser after the deodorant mass 50 has been used up and the elevator 40 is blocked at the upper end of the spindle 32 at the blocking area 34. Because the elevator 40 is blocked, further rotation of the rotating body 20 does not result in an ascending or descending movement of the elevator 40, but rather exerts a force between the first clutch 21 and the second clutch 31, which is used to release the positive connection between the first clutch 21 and the second clutch 31. For this purpose, the spindle 32 and the elevator 40 should be designed such that they can withstand the aforementioned force, which in particular represents a torsional force, without significant deformation, since such deformation could lead to a malfunction when the positive connection between the first clutch 21 and the second clutch 31 is released.

[0092] Fig. 3c shows the deodorant dispenser after the positive connection between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31 has been released. The second coupling 31, the spindle 32, and the associated elevator 34 can be removed together from the container 10 and recycled.

[0093] Fig. 3d shows the deodorant dispenser after the second coupling 31, the spindle 32, and the associated elevator 34 have been removed from the container 10, and while a refill pack is subsequently inserted. The refill container 10' is inserted straight into the container 10 until the second coupling 31 of the refill pack positively engages the first coupling 21 of the deodorant dispenser. Depending on the design of the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31, it is advantageous to align the rotational position of the second coupling 31 with the rotational position of the first coupling 21 before inserting the refill pack in order to achieve an effective positive connection. The deodorant cover 51 is then removed, and the deodorant dispenser can be used in the same way as after the initial filling.

[0094] At the upper end of the refill container 10' there is a removal flange 14 which has a slightly larger diameter than the refill container 10' and which, when the positive connection between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31 is released, protrudes upwards so that it is within the user's grasp, which later makes it easier to remove the refill container 10' from the container 10.

[0095] Fig. 4a -c show a cross-section of the lower part of the deodorant dispenser, the rotating body 20 and the two couplings 21, 31 through a plane containing the vertical container axis, when releasing the positive locking of the two couplings 21, 31. Fig. 4a shows the first coupling 21 with an existing positive connection with the second coupling 31. The first coupling 21 has a first locking element 25, which is implemented by a window in the side wall of the first coupling. The second locking element 35, which is integrally connected to the second coupling 31, is seated in this window. Since the second locking element 35 almost fills the window, a rotationally fixed and positive connection exists. In order to release this positive connection, a force is required which deforms the material of the first coupling 21 in the area of the first locking element 25 such that the positive connection is released. Furthermore, the first coupling 21 has a first separating element 26 in the form of an inclined surface, which engages with a second separating element 36 of the second coupling, which is also an inclined surface. Together, the first separating element 26 and the second separating element 36 form a wedge gear.

[0096] Once the elevator 40 has reached the upper end of the spindle 32, the elevator 40 is blocked at this height at the blocking area 34 on the spindle 32. This prevents the spindle 32 from rotating further. Fig. 4b This situation shows that the spindle 32 is prevented from further rotation, but the rotating body 20 continues to rotate. Upon rotation of the first coupling 21 against the second coupling 31, the second locking element 35 is pushed out of the first locking element 25, whereby the material of the first coupling 21 in the region of the first locking element 25 is deformed by the outwardly conical shape of the second locking element 35 such that the second locking element 35 slides under the first coupling 21. Furthermore, the wedge gear 26, 36 converts the rotational movement into a linear movement of the second coupling 31 away from the first coupling 21, whereby the two couplings 21, 31, as in Fig. 4c represented, separated.

[0097] It is also advantageous to design the wedge gear with more teeth, which increases the force required to release the positive locking, but the rotational position of the second clutch 31 no longer has to be aligned with the rotational position of the first clutch 21, which makes inserting a refill pack easier.

[0098] Such a wedge gear is in Fig. 5a und Fig. 5b which show a cross-section of the lower part of a further embodiment of the deodorant dispenser according to the invention with a wedge gear having ten inclined surfaces, the rotating body 20 and the two couplings 21, 22 through a plane containing the vertical container axis, upon release of the positive locking of the two couplings 21, 22.

[0099] Fig. 5a shows the deodorant dispenser with an existing positive connection in which the second locking element 35 is in engagement with the first locking element 25.

[0100] As long as the second coupling 31 or the spindle 32 can rotate with the first coupling 21 and the rotating body 20, the positive connection is maintained.

[0101] Fig. 5b shows the deodorant dispenser with a released positive connection. As soon as the rotational movement of the spindle 32 is blocked, in particular by a blockage of the elevator 40, the rotational movement of the rotating body 20 is no longer transmitted to the spindle 32 and thus to the second clutch 31, causing the first clutch 21 to rotate relative to the second clutch 31 as the rotating body 20 rotates. Due to the wedge gear, which consists of the first separating elements 26 and the second separating elements 36, this results in a linear upward movement of the second clutch 31 away from the first clutch 21.

[0102] The Fig. 5a und Fig. 5b The wedge gear shown has symmetrical wedges (separating elements 26, 36), which is why, after the rotational blockade of the second clutch 31, both a rotation of the rotating body 20 in the ascending direction and in the descending direction leads to a dissolution of the positive connection between the first locking element 25 and the second locking element 35. By adjusting the pitch angles of the inclined surfaces of the separating elements 26, 36 (up to a vertical surface), it can be achieved that the positive connection is only dissolved upon rotation in one of the two directions, preferably in the ascending direction.

[0103] It is also advantageous to design the wedge gear with fewer teeth, which means that the rotational position of the second coupling 31 must be aligned more precisely with the rotational position of the first coupling 21 when inserting a refill pack, but the force required to release the positive locking is reduced. Furthermore, such a wedge gear is easier to manufacture.

[0104] It is also advantageous to realize the positive locking of the couplings 21, 31 by means of a bayonet lock, an embodiment which is described in the Fig. 6a -c is shown. Fig. 6a shows the first coupling 21 and a second coupling 31 aligned therewith, before they form a positive connection through a linear movement. The second locking element 35 engages with a first locking element 25 when pushed together in a straight line, in which it is connected in a positive and rotationally fixed manner with little rotational resistance, which is Fig. 6b shown. If the elevator 40 reaches the upper end of the spindle 32 and blocks there, the rotational movement can no longer be transmitted to the spindle 32 and results in a release of the positive connection, in that the second locking element 35 is guided through an initially horizontal and then upwardly curved guideway and is thereby pushed upwards out of the first coupling 21. As a result, the second locking element 35 and thus the second coupling 31 are moved upwards away from the first coupling 21 when the rotating body 20 rotates. This is shown in Fig. 6c shown. Instead of a bayonet closure with a straight insertion movement, a screw closure with a helical insertion movement can also be used (not shown).

[0105] Furthermore, the connection of the first clutch 21 to the second clutch 31 can also be released by a part of the first clutch 21 and / or the second clutch 31 breaking, tearing or otherwise being irreversibly separated when the torque exceeds a certain value (also not shown).

[0106] Fig. 7a shows an oblique view of a deodorant dispenser with a refill pack with a refill elevator 40 partially exiting the container 10 and rotating against the container 10. Fig. 7b shows a cross-section of the deodorant dispenser from Fig. 7a .When the refill elevator 40 is moved upwards by a rotation of the rotating body 20 in the ascending direction, so that the upper part of the refill elevator 40 protrudes from the container 10 (and thus also from the refill container 10') and the refill elevator 40 reaches the blocking area 34 of the refill spindle 32, the refill elevator 40 is no longer rotationally fixed relative to the refill container 10' and thus to the container 10 by the shape of the refill container 10'. A further rotation of the rotating body 20 therefore results in a rotation of the refill elevator 40 relative to the container 10. After a further rotation by a certain angle of rotation, which in Fig. 7a As shown, and there is approximately 30 degrees, the elevator blocking area 44, 44' abuts the inner wall of the refill container 10', which prevents further rotational movement of the refill elevator 40 relative to the refill container 10' and the container 10. In this position, the refill elevator 40 can be more easily grasped by the user and removed together with the refill container 10'.

[0107] The elevator blocking area 44, 44' consists of a rib arranged at the lower edge of the refill elevator 40, the angular position of which is offset from the outer wall of the refill elevator 40 by the above-mentioned angle (here approximately 30 degrees). The elevator blocking area 44, 44' can have individual sections arranged in the manner described, which can be connected and thus stabilized by additional sections.

[0108] Finally, the elevator blocking area 44, 44' can also have one or more wedge-shaped ribs that taper downwards and inwards (not shown). This causes the refill elevator 40, which is blocked relative to the refill spindle 32, to be pushed upwards by further rotation as a result of these wedge-shaped ribs as soon as its elevator blocking area 44, 44' hits the inner wall of the refill container 10' after rotation through the aforementioned angle of rotation. As a result, the refill spindle 32 pulls the second coupling 31 upwards and—if the two couplings 21, 31 are designed accordingly—releases the connection with the first coupling 21.

[0109] Also conceivable are elements that push the spindle or refill spindle 32, which is blocked relative to the elevator or refill elevator 40, and thus the second clutch 31, from bottom to top upon further rotation of the rotating body 20. In this way, too, the connection between the first clutch 21 and the second clutch 31 can be released—with appropriate design of the two clutches 21, 31.

[0110] The Fig. 7a und 7b The mechanism shown for the refill elevator 40 can be applied in the same way to the Fig. 1a und 1b shown elevator 40, whereby in this case only the elevator 40 together with the spindle 32 and the second coupling 31 are removed.

[0111] Furthermore, the Fig. 7b The refill spindle 32 shown has at its lower end a spindle base 37 in the form of a flange-like widening, which has a recess on its upper side (visible in cross-section as a vertical surface). A corresponding projection (not shown) is provided on the underside of the refill elevator 40, which can engage in the recess when the refill elevator 40 is located at the lower end of the refill spindle 32. This ensures a specific rotational position of the first coupling 21 relative to the refill container 10' and the container 10 in this position of the refill elevator 40.

[0112] The Fig. 8a -c show the process of removing the elevator 40 from the container 10 of a deodorant dispenser (without a refill pack inserted) at a glance.

[0113] Fig. 8a shows an oblique view of a deodorant dispenser from above with an elevator 40 partially exiting the container 10. After the elevator 40 reaches the upper end of the spindle 32, further rotation of the rotating body 20 leads to a rotation of the elevator 40. After a rotation through a certain angle, here approximately 60 degrees, the elevator blocking area 44 hits the inner wall of the container, thereby blocking further rotation. ( Fig. 8b ). A further rotation of the rotating body 20 in the ascent direction releases the connection between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31, since the elevator 40 and thus the spindle 32 can no longer rotate in this direction. Fig. 8c shows the spindle 32 and the elevator 40 in the container 10 after the connection between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31 has been released. By grasping the elevator 40, the user can remove it together with the spindle 32 and the second coupling 31. The deodorant dispenser can then be refilled, for example, with a refill pack.

[0114] Fig. 8d shows an oblique view of the elevator 40 with the elevator blocking areas 44, 44' again from below. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0115] 10 Container 10 Refill container 11 Closure 12 First sealing element 13 Second sealing element 14 Removal flange 20 Rotating body 21 First coupling 22 Coupling opening 23, 23 Plug 25 First locking element 26 First separating element 31 Second coupling 32 Spindle, refill spindle 33 Spindle external thread 34 Blocking area 35 Second locking element 36 Second separating element 37 Spindle base 40 Elevator, refill elevator 42 Elevator opening 43 Elevator internal thread 44, 44 Elevator blocking area 50 Deodorant mass 51 Deodorant cover

Claims

1. A deodorant dispenser comprising a container (10) having a wall enclosing an interior space of the container, and a rotary body (20) rotatably connected to the container (10) and comprising a first coupling (21) for the rotationally conjoint and form-fit separable connection in the interior space of the container (10) to a second coupling (31), wherein at least one continuous closable opening (22) is formed in the deodorant dispenser from a lower exterior side of the deodorant dispenser to an upper end of the interior space of the container (10), characterized in that the first coupling (21) comprises: at least one first latching element (25) for latching with a second latching element (35) of the second coupling (31) and thus producing a rotationally conjoint, form-fit connection of the first coupling (21) to the second coupling (31) and at least one first separator element (26) for interacting with a second separator element (36) of the second coupling (31) and thus uncoupling the first latching element (25) and the second latching element (35) and disconnecting the rotationally conjoint, form-fit connection of the first coupling (21) to the second coupling (31).

2. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 1 which further comprises: a spindle (32) having a second coupling (31) connected in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner to the first coupling (21), wherein the spindle (32) has an external thread (33) and wherein the spindle (32) is arranged within the container (10) and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof an elevator (40) which extends inside the container (10) substantially in at least one direction orthogonal to the spindle (32) and is not rotatable relative to the wall of the container (10) and has an internal thread (43) in which the external thread (33) of the spindle (32) runs, and wherein the at least one continuous opening (22) in the deodorant dispenser extends from the lower exterior side of the deodorant dispenser through the elevator (40) or past the elevator (40) to the upper end of the interior space of the container (10), and wherein the container (10), the rotary body (20), the spindle (32) and the elevator (40) are connected together such that rotating the rotary body (20) results in a joint rotation of the first and second coupling (21, 31) and thus also of the spindle (32) in an ascending direction or descending direction, via which the elevator (40) is moved upward or downward respectively, and when the elevator (40) is in an end position at an upper end of the spindle (32), rotating the rotary body (20), preferably in the descending direction, further preferably in the ascending direction, results in the disconnecting of the connection of the first coupling (21) to the second coupling (31).

3. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the spindle (32) has a first latching means, preferably at its lower end, and the elevator (40) has a second latching means, preferably at its lower end, wherein the elevator (40) is configured such that rotating the rotary body (20) in the descending direction, until the elevator (40) is situated in an end position at a lower end of the spindle (32), results in the first latching means latching with the second latching means.

4. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the spindle (32) exhibits a blocking region (34) at its upper end at which the elevator (40) is blockable in the end position at the upper end of the spindle (32).

5. The deodorant dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the second coupling (31) comprises: at least one second latching element (35) latched to the first latching element (25) of the first coupling (21) so that the first coupling (21) is connected to the second coupling (31) in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner, and at least one second separator element (36) for interacting with the first separator element (26) of the first coupling (21) and, when the elevator (40) is situated in the end position at the upper end of the spindle (32), for uncoupling the first latching element (25) and the second latching element (35) and for disconnecting the rotationally conjoint, form-fit connection of the first coupling (21) to the second coupling (31).

6. The deodorant dispenser according to one of the preceding claims which further comprises a deodorant mass (50) which at least partially fills the interior space of the container (10).

7. A refill pack for a deodorant dispenser according to one of the preceding claims comprising a refill container (10') having a wall enclosing an interior space of the refill container (10'), a refill spindle (32) with a second coupling (31) which is connectable to the first coupling (21) of the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner, wherein the refill spindle (32) has an external thread (33) and wherein the refill spindle (32) is arranged within the refill container (10') and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, a refill elevator (40) which extends inside the refill container (10') substantially in at least one direction orthogonal to the refill spindle (32) and is not rotatable relative to the wall of the refill container (10') and which exhibits an internal thread (43) in which the external thread (33) of the refill spindle (32) runs, wherein at least one continuous closable opening (22) is formed in the refill pack from a lower exterior side of the refill pack to an upper end of the interior space of the refill container (10'), wherein the refill container (10') is insertable into the container (10) of the deodorant dispenser by a rectilinear motion such that the first coupling (21) of the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser is thereby connected to the second coupling (31) of the refill spindle (32) in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner and that the container (10) of the deodorant dispenser, the refill container (10'), the rotary body (20), the refill spindle (32) and the refill elevator (40) are then connected together such that rotating the rotary body (20) results in a joint rotation of the first coupling (21) of the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser and the second coupling (31) of the refill spindle (32) and thus also of the refill spindle (32) in an ascending direction or in a descending direction, via which the refill elevator (40) is moved upward or downward respectively, and when the refill elevator (40) is in an end position at an upper end of the refill spindle (32), rotating the rotary body (20), preferably in the descending direction, further preferably in the ascending direction, results in the disconnecting of the connection of the first coupling (21) of the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser to the second coupling (31) of the refill spindle (32).

8. The refill pack according to claim 7, which further comprises a deodorant mass (50) which at least partially fills the interior space of the refill container (10').

9. A deodorant dispenser system consisting of at least one deodorant dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 6 and at least one refill pack according to claim 8.

10. The deodorant dispenser system according to claim 9, characterized in that the deodorant dispenser is a deodorant dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 6 and that the spindle (32) of the deodorant dispenser and the refill spindle (32) of the at least one refill pack are structurally identical and / or the elevator (40) of the deodorant dispenser and the refill elevator (40) of the at least one refill pack are structurally identical or are structurally identical except for slightly differing external dimensions.

11. A method for filling a deodorant mass (50) into a deodorant dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 5 comprising the steps: - bringing the deodorant dispenser into a position in which the lower exterior side of the deodorant dispenser faces upwards; - liquefying the deodorant mass (50); - filling the deodorant mass (50) into the container of the deodorant dispenser through the lower exterior side of the deodorant dispenser into the at least one continuous closable opening (22, 42) in the deodorant dispenser; - closing the at least one continuous closable opening (22, 42) in the deodorant dispenser; and - solidifying the deodorant mass (50).

12. A method for filling a deodorant mass (50) into a refill pack according to claim 7 comprising the steps: - bringing the refill pack into a position in which the lower exterior side of the refill pack faces upward; - liquefying the deodorant mass (50); - filling the deodorant mass (50) into the refill container (10') of the refill pack through the lower exterior side of the refill pack into the at least one continuous closable opening (22) in the refill pack; - closing the at least one continuous closable opening (22) in the refill pack; and - solidifying the deodorant mass (50).

13. The use of a filling device for deodorant mass (50), wherein at least one deodorant dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 5 is filled in a method according to claim 11 and at least one refill pack according to claim 7 is filled in a method according to claim 12 on the filling device in any order.

14. A method for refilling a deodorant dispenser according to claim 1 with a refill pack according to claim 8 comprising the step: - inserting the refill container into the container (10) of the deodorant dispenser by a rectilinear movement until the first coupling (21) of the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser is connected to the second coupling (31) of the refill spindle (32) of the refill pack in rotationally conjoint and form-fit engagement.

15. A method for refilling a deodorant dispenser according to one of claims 2 to 6 with a refill pack according to claim 8 comprising the steps: - rotating the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser in the ascending direction until the elevator (40) is in the end position at the upper end of the spindle (32), - rotating the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser, preferably in the descending direction, further preferably in the ascending direction, and thereby disengaging the connection of the first coupling (21) of the rotary body (20) to the second coupling (31) of the spindle (32); - removing the spindle (32) with the second coupling (31) and the elevator (40) from the container (10); and - inserting the refill pack into the container (10) of the deodorant dispenser by a rectilinear movement until the first coupling (21) of the rotary body (20) of the deodorant dispenser is connected to the second coupling (31) of the refill spindle (32) of the refill pack in rotationally conjoint and form-fit engagement.

Images