Refillable dispenser for stick products

Abstract

The refillable dispenser for stick products according to the invention comprises a holder cup, an A-shell and an inner base. Preferably, the dispenser also comprises an outer base and a closure. The holder cup and the A-shell form a cartridge sub-assembly for the stick product that can be bottom filled and can be removed and replaced as required. The dispenser does not require any lubricant.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for stick products, such as lipstick, and more particularly to a refillable dispenser that utilises replaceable cartridges of the stick product. [Background technology]

[0002] Prior art containers for stick products may include a cylinder with a rotatable member disposed at its bottom end. The stick product is received in a holder cup, which is disposed in the cylinder. Rotation of the rotatable member relative to the cylinder causes a mechanism inside the cylinder to advance the stick product longitudinally away from the rotating member, so that a portion of the stick product is exposed above the cylinder. In this way, the exposed portion of the product is available for application. One type of design uses a threaded follower that runs on a threaded shaft. Examples of this type are US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0154852(A1) and UK Patent No. 1281886(A). Neither of these disclose a refillable dispenser and a bottom-fillable replacement cartridge. Also, in use, surfaces that slide over one another experience a significant degree of friction, whether during rotation or translation. For this reason, it is common to apply a lubricant to the surfaces that move over one another. Eliminating the need for lubricants makes manufacturing and assembly easier and less expensive. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for stick products which utilizes reusable parts of the stick products and replaceable cartridges.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable cartridge of a bottom filled stick product.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for a stick product that does not use a lubricant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The refillable dispenser for stick products according to the invention comprises a holder cup, an A-shell and an inner base. The holder cup and the A-shell form a cartridge sub-assembly for stick products that can be removed and replaced as required. Before the cartridge is assembled to the inner base, the holder cup and the A-shell cannot be moved relative to each other. After the cartridge is assembled to the inner base, the holder cup can be translated within the A-shell but cannot be rotated relative to the A-shell. Preferably, the dispenser also comprises an outer base and a closure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 depicts one embodiment of a holder cup for a stick product. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the holder cup of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the lower step of the holder cup of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the holder cup of FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 depicts one embodiment of an A shell. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge sub-assembly (the holder cup of FIG. 1 inside the A-shell of FIG. 5). [Figure 7] 5A is a cross-sectional view of the A shell of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom view of the cartridge subassembly of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 1 depicts one embodiment of an inner base. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the inner base of FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a refillable dispenser with the inner base not yet fully assembled. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 11 with the inner base fully assembled. [Figure 13] 1 depicts one embodiment of an outer base. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the outer base of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a refillable dispenser with the outer base and closure assembled. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a perspective bottom view of a second embodiment of a cartridge subassembly. [Figure 17] 1 depicts another embodiment of a holder cup for a stick product. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the holder cup of FIG. [Figure 19] 1 depicts another embodiment of the A shell. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the A-shell of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a top view of the cartridge subassembly (the holder cup of FIG. 17 inside the A-shell of FIG. 19). [Figure 22] 1 depicts a holder cup and a stick product having a non-circular cross section. [Figure 23] Depicts the A shell and molded cap. [Figure 24] 1 depicts a bottom-filling, refillable dispenser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The term "comprises" means that the list of elements may not be limited to the elements expressly listed.

[0009] A refillable dispenser (10) for a stick product (9) according to the invention comprises an exchangeable cartridge subassembly (8). The cartridge subassembly comprises an A-shell (2) and a holder cup (1) which is fully inserted into the A-shell, so that the holder cup and the A-shell cannot freely rotate or translate relative to each other. The refillable dispenser also comprises an inner base (3) which cooperates with the cartridge subassembly to allow the holder cup to translate up and down within the A-shell, but not to rotate freely. Preferably, the dispenser also comprises an outer base (4) and a closure (5).

[0010] Replaceable Cartridge Subassembly Holder Cup With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the holder cup (1) is formed as a hollow stepped tube. The upper step (1a) comprises a wall (1b). The lower step (1c) comprises a wall (1d). The lower step has a larger lateral dimension than the upper step such that there is a shoulder (1e) at the transition from the lower step to the upper step of the holder cup. The holder cup has a proximal end (1f) corresponding to the free end of the lower step and a distal end (1g) corresponding to the free end of the upper step.

[0011] The inside of the distal end (1g) of the holder cup (1) is formed as a cup (1h). The cup is defined by a cylindrical wall (1b) of a portion of the upper step and by a bottom (1i) extending radially inwards from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall. Preferably, the bottom of the cup has an opening (1j) for filling with the product (see below). The cup can support one end of the stick product (9) during normal intended use and hold the stick product. As is commonly done in the art, several vertical splines (1k) can be provided on the inner surface and bottom of the cup to ensure holding. Below the level of the cup (1h), the inner surface of the cylindrical wall (1b) of the upper step (1a) of the holder cup (1) is formed as a threaded shaft (1l) that extends down to the lower step (1c) but may not extend completely to the proximal end (1f) of the holder cup.

[0012] The wall (1d) of the lower step (1c) is provided with at least one notch (1m). Preferably there are two notches located opposite each other. In at least one notch a radially outwardly protruding tab (1n) is located. Each tab is connected to the wall of the lower step by a flexible strut (1o) which allows the tab to move radially inwards when pressure is applied to it and then move back again when pressure is removed. As shown, the edges (1p) of the tabs are preferably rounded. Preferably the radius of curvature of the rounded edges is greater than the wall thickness (2b) of the upper step (2a) of the A-shell (2) (see below).

[0013] A Shell With reference to Figures 5 to 8, the A-shell (2) is also formed as a hollow stepped tube. The upper step (2a) of the A-shell comprises a wall (2b). The lower step (2c) of the A-shell comprises a wall (2d). The lower step has a lateral dimension larger than the upper step such that there is a shoulder (2e) at the transition from the lower step to the upper step of the A-shell. The A-shell has a proximal end (2f) corresponding to the free end of the lower step and a distal end (2g) corresponding to the free end of the upper step. The wall of the lower step is provided with at least one aperture (2m). Preferably, there are two apertures located opposite each other.

[0014] The A-shell (2) is sized to allow the holder cup (1) to be fully inserted into the A-shell (see FIG. 6). For example, the total length of the A-shell from the proximal end (2f) to the distal end (2g) is longer than the total length of the holder cup. Also, the top step (2a) of the A-shell is large enough to accommodate the top step (1a) of the holder cup, and the bottom step (2c) of the A-shell is large enough to accommodate the bottom step (1c) of the holder cup. Thus, when the distal end (1g) of the holder cup is inserted through the proximal end (2f) of the A-shell, the top step (1a) of the holder cup fits into the top step (2a) of the A-shell, and the bottom step (1c) of the holder cup fits into the bottom step (2c) of the A-shell. However, the tabs (1n) of the holder cup (1) in their rest position prevent the holder cup from being fully inserted into the A-shell (2). Therefore, to fully assemble the holder cup into the A-shell, the tabs must be displaced radially inwards. As mentioned above, it is preferable that the edges (1p) of the tabs are rounded with a radius of curvature equal to or greater than the thickness of the lower cylindrical wall (2d) of the lower step (2c) of the A-shell. This makes it easier for the tabs (1n) to enter into the proximal end (2f) of the A-shell. Once the holder cup is fully assembled into the A-shell, the tabs of the holder cup then align with the apertures (2m) of the A-shell. This allows the tabs to return to their resting position and protrude through the apertures of the A-shell. The A-shell subassembly and the holder cup form the replaceable cartridge (8). The proximal and distal ends of the cartridge coincide with the proximal (2f) and distal (2g) ends of the A-shell. Moreover, in the arrangement shown in figures 6 and 8, the holder cup (1) and the A-shell (2) are locked, so that they cannot move relative to each other, either in rotation or translation (except possibly by a small amount). However, in use, in order to extend the stick product (9), it is necessary to allow the holder cup to translate relative to the A-shell, but still not rotate.As can be seen, translational movement is enabled by depressing the tabs (1n) on the holder cup, and as a result, a means must be provided to prevent rotation between the holder cup and the A-shell. The phrase "prevent rotation" means that slight rotation can occur due to small amounts of play in the components.

[0015] Anti-rotation means - first example One example of preventing rotation between the holder cup (1) and the A-shell (2) requires that the lower step (1c) of the holder cup and the lower step (2c) of the A-shell have different cross-sectional shapes such that the lower step of the holder cup can fit into the lower step of the A-shell in at least one relative orientation and cannot fit into the lower step of the A-shell in at least one other relative orientation. For example, the lower step of the holder cup may have a non-circular cross-section, such as an oval (as shown in Figures 1-4) with a major axis (M) and a minor axis (m) and two tabs (1n) located at either apex of the oval wall along the major axis (M). At the same time, the lower step (2c) of the A-shell is one into which the lower step of the holder cup can fit, but only when the tabs of the holder cup are aligned with the apertures of the A-shell. For example, if the A-shell lower step is cylindrical, the inner surface of the A-shell lower step may have at least one, preferably at least two, longitudinal splines (2q) that effectively reduce the inner dimension of the A-shell lower step so that it is smaller than the major axis (M) of the holder cup lower step. This can be best shown in FIG. 8. In this arrangement, the oval shaped lower step of the holder cup cannot rotate within the A-shell lower step. Additionally, the longitudinal splines stabilize the holder cup during translational movement relative to the A-shell.

[0016] Anti-rotation means - second example 16-21 depict a second embodiment of the holder cup (1') and the A-shell (2'). This embodiment demonstrates another means of preventing rotation between the holder cup and the A-shell. The upper step (1a') of the holder cup (1') comprises a wall (1b') with a non-circular cross section. Similarly, the upper step (2a') of the A-shell (2') comprises a wall (2b') with the same cross section, only slightly larger so that the upper step of the holder cup can fit therein. In this embodiment, even if the lower step (1c', 2c') of the holder cup and the A-shell comprise concentric cylindrical walls (1d', 2d'), the non-circular cross-sectional shapes of the holder cup and the upper step of the A-shell prevent relative rotation between these components. In general, there is a lot of freedom in the selection of the cross-sectional shapes of the holder cup (1') and the A-shell (2') that determine the shape of the stick product (9), which allows infinite design choices of the shape of the stick product (9).

[0017] Anti-rotation means - third example In some embodiments, other means may be provided to ensure that the holder cup (1') and the A-shell (2') cannot rotate relative to each other. For example, as shown in Figures 16, 17 and 20, the outer surface of the cylindrical wall (1d') of the lower step (1c') of the holder cup may be provided with one or more longitudinal grooves (1q') designed to receive an equal number of longitudinal flanges (2q') located on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall (2d') of the lower step (2c') of the A-shell. The holder cup can translate up and down in the grooves, but cannot rotate relative to the A-shell.

[0018] medial base With reference to Figures 9-12, the inner base (3) is formed as a cylindrical wall (3b) with a closed proximal end (3f). A threaded helix (3l) rises from the inner surface of the closed end. The threaded helix rises above the cylindrical wall of the inner base and is designed to cooperate with the threaded shaft (1l) of the holder cup (1). To assemble the cartridge (8) to the inner base, the threaded helix (3l) of the inner base is inserted into the proximal end (1f) of the holder cup and then screwed into the threaded shaft (1l) of the holder cup. This can be achieved by twisting the inner base while holding the A-shell (2) tightly, or vice versa. The threaded helix is ​​shorter than the threaded shaft. Preferably, when fully assembled, the distal end (3g) of the threaded helix (3l) is at least one thread turn below the bottom (1i) of the holder cup (1) (see FIG. 12). More preferably, when fully assembled, the distal end of the threaded helix is ​​at least two thread turns below the bottom of the holder cup. The extra space in the threaded shaft (1l) can be filled with product, as explained below.

[0019] The inner diameter of the inner base (3) is sized to receive the proximal end (2f) of the shell (2). When the cartridge (8) is threaded onto the inner base (3), the tab (1n) of the holder cup (1), which protrudes through the aperture (2m) of the A-shell (2), hits the cylindrical wall (3b) of the inner base. However, the rounded edge (1p) of the tab deflects the tab inward, allowing the cylindrical wall of the inner base to pass over it. The inner base is threaded onto the cartridge until the A-shell reaches the bottom of the closed end of the inner base. When fully assembled, the tab (1n) of the holder cup (1) is inside the inner base (3) and is biased inward by the cylindrical wall (3b) of the inner base. This configuration (shown in FIG. 12) allows the holder cup to translate up and down within the A-shell (2), but not rotate. The translational movement of the holder cup (1) is achieved by relative rotation of the A-shell (2) and the inner base (3).

[0020] During the ascent and descent of the holder cup, the A-shell reaches the bottom of the closed proximal end (3f) of the inner base. To reduce friction between the A-shell and the inner base, it may be preferable to provide an annular ridge (3r) at the closed end of the inner base. The A-shell slides on the annular ridge. Due to the limited contact, friction between the A-shell and the inner base is significantly reduced. This eliminates the need for any lubricant between the A-shell and the inner base. Optionally, an outer base (4, see below) may be included. In that case, the outer surface of the cylindrical wall (3b) of the inner base is provided with a number of longitudinal grooves (3s) cooperating with the outer base.

[0021] outer base Optionally, an outer base (4) may be included. The outer base streamlines the appearance of the dispenser (10) and provides a surface for mounting the closure (5). Referring to Figures 13-15, generally, the outer base is formed as another hollow stepped tube with an upper step (4a), a lower step (4c) and a shoulder (4e) therebetween. The upper step of the outer base includes an upper cylindrical wall (4b) having an outer diameter. The lower step of the outer base includes a lower cylindrical wall (4d) having an outer diameter. The lower step of the outer base is higher than the lower step (2c) of the A-shell (2). The outer base is open at its proximal end (4f) and distal end (4g). The proximal end is designed to slide over the distal end (2g) of the A-shell and slide downward until the outer base covers the lower step (2c) of the A-shell and the inner base (3). The length of the top step (4a) of the outer base is shorter than the top step (2) of the A-shell so that the distal end of the A-shell protrudes beyond the distal end of the outer base. This is necessary for operation of the dispenser since the user must grip the A-shell and the outer base.

[0022] When fully assembled, the inner surface of the shoulder (4e) of the outer base (4) may contact the shoulder (2e) of the A-shell (2). Relative rotation between these surfaces during ascent and descent of the holder cup (1) creates unwanted friction. To reduce this friction between the A-shell and the outer base, it may be preferable to provide one or more arcuate ridges (4r) on the inner surface of the shoulder of the outer base. This significantly reduces the contact, and therefore the friction, between the A-shell and the outer base. This eliminates the need for any lubricant between the A-shell and the outer base.

[0023] The inner surface of the cylindrical wall (4b) of the lower step (4c) of the outer base (4) is provided with a number of longitudinal projections (4s). These projections are designed to cooperate with a number of longitudinal grooves (3s) located on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall (3b) of the inner base (3). For example, when the outer base slides over the inner base, the longitudinal projections of the outer base rest within the longitudinal grooves of the inner base. When the inner and outer bases are joined in this manner, rotation of the inner base is achieved by rotating the outer base relative to the A-shell. Also, the fit between the inner and outer bases should be tight enough to create frictional forces that hold these components together during normal operation of the dispenser. This fit can be achieved by providing sufficient interference between the outer and inner bases near the proximal end (4f) of the outer base. However, the fit should not be so tight that it prevents a user from separating the outer base from the inner base, which is necessary to replace the cartridge (8). Optionally, a circular retaining ring (4t) may be provided at the proximal end of the outer base to prevent accidental withdrawal of the inner base and cartridge from the outer base.

[0024] closure Referring to FIG. 15, when the stick product (9) is not in use, the distal end of the dispenser (10) should be fitted with a closure (5). The closure comprises a lateral wall (5b) that is open at its proximal end (5f) and closed at its distal end (5g). The closure, when provided, fits over the top step (2a) of the A-shell (2) and over the top step (4a) of the outer base (4). The lateral wall (5b) of the closure can cooperate with the cylindrical wall (2b) of the top step (2a) of the A-shell and / or the cylindrical wall (4b) of the top step (4a) of the outer base. The closure can be held in place by any suitable means, including friction, snap devices, latches, and threaded engagement. For example, the closure can simply be an interference fit onto the top step (2a) of the A-shell (2). Alternatively, the inner surface of the lateral wall (5b) of the closure may be provided with an annular groove (5u) in which the retaining nib (4u) of the outer base rests when the closure is fully seated on the outer base. Or the closure and the outer base may be provided with cooperating threads. Ideally, the closure and the outer base will be able to form an airtight seal.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the refillable dispenser (10) comprises an outer base (4) and a closure (5) that attaches to the outer base. When the closure is seated on the outer base, the A-shell (2) is not accessible and unintentional lifting of the holder cup (1) is not possible.

[0026] Stick Products The cup (1h) of the holder cup (1) can support one end (9, see FIG. 22) of the stick product and hold the stick product during normal intended use. The refillable dispenser (10) according to the present invention can be useful for any kind of stick product (9) that is applied by drawing the product across a surface. Stick products include lipstick, lip balm, deodorant stick, antiperspirant stick, glue stick, etc. For the purposes of the present invention, a stick product is an elongated mass of solid or semi-solid product that is capable of supporting its own weight without breaking when the elongated mass is suspended by one end.

[0027] How to fill the cartridge The replaceable cartridge subassembly (8) according to the present invention can be bottom filled or top filled. Preferably, the cartridge is bottom filled. Referring to FIG. 24, bottom filling should be done with the holder cup (1) in a fully retracted position in the A-shell (2). The molded cap (20) is placed on the distal end (2g) of the A-shell (2). Preferably, the molded cap has a shape complementary to the distal end of the A-shell (see FIG. 23). With the cartridge in an inverted position, the product filling nozzle (21) is inserted through the proximal end (1f) of the holder cup. The softened product (9') flows into the cartridge. The volume in the cartridge between the molded cap and the cup of the holder cup is filled with the product. Preferably, the product filling continues until some product reaches the threaded shaft (1l) of the holder cup, but the threaded helix (3l) of the inner base (3) does not reach the product. Preferably, at least one screw turn of the threaded shaft is filled with product. More preferably, at least two screw turns of the threaded shaft are filled with product. This gives the final stick product good retention. Once the filled product has cooled, the cartridge can be rotated upwards. The moulded cap (20) can be removed from the A-shell or can be retained to protect the stick product during delivery. The filled cartridge (8) is ready to be assembled into the inner base (3) and outer base (4) and closed by the closure (5). Bottom filling of the cartridge is preferred when the stick product is relatively softer and can benefit from the support provided by the A-shell cylindrical wall (2b).

[0028] Alternatively, the replaceable cartridge (8) according to the invention can be top-filled. With the holder cup (1) in the fully raised position, a pre-prepared stick product (9) can be inserted into the holder cup up to its bottom (1i). When the holder cup is retracted into the A-shell (2), the sides of the stick product do not contact the walls of the A-shell. When the holder is fully retracted, a molded cap (20) can be placed on the distal end of the A-shell to protect the stick product during delivery. The filled cartridge (8) is ready to be assembled into the inner base (3) and outer base (4) and closed by the closure (5). This top-filling method is practical for relatively stiffer stick products (9) that do not require the support of the A-shell (2).

[0029] Dispenser Operation To operate the refillable dispenser (10), the closure (5) is removed from the A-shell (2) and outer base (4). If a molded cap (20) is present on the distal end (2g) of the A-shell, it is also removed. In the fully retracted configuration of the refillable dispenser, the tab (1n) of the holder cup (1) seats within the aperture (2m) of the A-shell, but the rounded edge (1p) of the tab allows translational movement between the holder cup and the A-shell because the radius of curvature of the rounded edge is greater than the thickness of the lower cylindrical wall (2d) of the A-shell. Thus, when an opposing torsional force is applied to the A-shell and inner base (or optional outer base), rotation of the holder cup is prevented by the means provided for that purpose (e.g., the oval wall (1d) of the lower step (1c) of the holder cup (1) hitting the longitudinal spline (2q) of the A-shell). As a result, the holder cup is forced upwards in the A-shell. When the tab (1n) hits the top of the aperture (2m), it is displaced radially inwards, pushing it out of the aperture of the A-shell. With additional torsion between the A-shell and the outer base, the holder cup is free to continue to rise in the A-shell until the shoulder (1e) of the holder cup hits the shoulder (2e) of the A-shell. At this point, the holder cup is fully extended. Reversing the torsional force retracts the holder cup until the tab of the holder cup returns to the aperture of the A-shell, at which point it is fully retracted again. The closure (5) is interchangeable in A-shell and outer base.

[0030] How to replace the cartridge When the user wishes to replace the cartridge, the closure (5) is removed from the refillable dispenser (10). The outer base (4), if provided, is then separated from the inner base (3) by pushing down on the distal end of the A-shell (2) while pulling up on the outer base to overcome the friction between the outer and inner bases. The cartridge (8) is then removed from the inner base by holding the A-shell tightly while unscrewing the inner base from the holder cup (1). The inner base, outer base and closure can be used multiple times with a new cartridge of a new stick product (9). The new cartridge is assembled to the inner base by holding the A-shell tightly while threading the inner base into the holder cup until the A-shell reaches the bottom of the closed end (3f) of the inner base. The proximal end (4f) of the outer base (4) slides over the distal end (2g) of the A-shell (2) and slides downward until the shoulder (4e) of the outer base contacts the shoulder (2e) of the A-shell. The closure (5) fits onto the distal end (2g) of the refillable dispenser (10).

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge subassembly for a stick product, comprising: A holder cup formed as a hollow stepped tube, said holder cup comprising: The upper step, a lower step having at least one notch; at least one tab located in each of the at least one notch and connected to the holder cup by a flexible post that allows the tab to move radially inward when pressure is applied to the tab and to return to its original position when pressure is removed; a distal end formed as a cup corresponding to the free end of the upper step of the holder cup and capable of supporting one end of a stick product; a proximal end corresponding to a free end of the lower step of the holder cup; a threaded shaft formed on an inner surface of the holder cup; An A-shell formed as a hollow stepped tube, said A-shell comprising: an upper step having a distal end corresponding to a free end of the upper step of the A-shell; a lower step having at least one aperture and a proximal end corresponding to a free end of the lower step of the A-shell; 1. A cartridge subassembly for a stick product, wherein the holder cup is located inside the A-shell and the at least one tab of the holder cup protrudes through the at least one aperture in the A-shell such that the holder cup and the A-shell cannot move relative to each other.

2. The lower step of the holder cup and the lower step of the A-shell have different cross-sectional shapes, so that the lower step of the holder cup can mate with the lower step of the A-shell in at least one relative orientation; 2. A cartridge subassembly for a stick product according to claim 1 which is unable to mate with said lower step of said A-shell in at least one other relative orientation.

3. 2. A cartridge subassembly for a stick product according to claim 1, wherein said upper step of said holder cup and said upper step of said A-shell have the same non-circular cross-sectional shape.

4. 1. A refillable dispenser for a stick product, comprising: A cartridge subassembly according to claim 1; An inner base, A cylindrical wall; a closed end having an inner surface; a threaded helix rising from the inner surface of the closed end and having a distal end that can be inserted into the proximal end of the holder cup; the threaded helix of the inner base screws onto the threaded shaft of the cartridge subassembly; the at least one tab of the holder cup is biased inwardly by the cylindrical wall of the inner base; A refillable dispenser, wherein the holder cup is prevented from rotating relative to the A-shell, but may translate up and down within the A-shell by relative rotation of the A-shell and the inner base.

5. 5. The refillable dispenser of claim 4, wherein the cup of the holder cup has a bottom with an opening for filling with product.

6. 6. The refillable dispenser of claim 5, wherein the distal end of the threaded helix is ​​at least one revolution below the holder cup when the proximal end of the A-shell reaches the bottom of the inner base.

7. 7. The refillable dispenser of claim 6, further comprising an outer base formed as a hollow stepped tube that slides over said A-shell and covers said lower step of said A-shell and said inner base.

8. a plurality of longitudinal grooves located on an outer surface of the cylindrical wall of the inner base; a plurality of longitudinal protrusions located on an inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the lower step of the outer base; 8. The refillable dispenser of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal projections of the outer base rest in the longitudinal grooves of the inner base.

9. 8. The refillable dispenser of claim 7, which does not use any lubricants.

10. 1. A method of filling a cartridge subassembly, comprising: Providing a cartridge subassembly according to claim 5; fully retracting the holder cup into the A-shell; placing a molded cap over the distal end of the A-shell; inverting the cartridge subassembly; inserting a product filling nozzle through the proximal end of the holder cup; and filling a volume of said cartridge subassembly between said molded cap and said bottom of said cup with product.

11. 11. The method of filling a cartridge subassembly of claim 10, further comprising the step of continuing to fill with product until at least one revolution of the threaded shaft has been filled with product.

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