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.

Claims

1. A deodorant dispenser comprising, a container having a wall enclosing an interior space of the container; and a rotary body rotatably connected to the container and comprising a first couplings for a rotationally conjoint and form-fit separable connection in the interior space of the container to a second coupling, wherein at least one continuous closable opening 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.

2. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the container has at least one first sealing element, particularly a cylindrical seal or an elastomer seal, in particular a rubber seal, which seals an area between the container and the rotary body.

3. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling comprises: at least one first latching element for latching with a second latching element of the second coupling and thus producing a rotationally conjoint, form-fit connection of the first coupling to the second coupling; and at least one first separator element for interacting with a second separator element of the second coupling and thus uncoupling the first latching element and the second latching element and disconnecting the rotationally conjoint, form-fit connection of the first coupling to the second coupling.

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

5. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the spindle has a first latching means, preferably at its lower end, and the elevator has a second latching means, preferably at its lower end, wherein the elevator is configured such that rotating the rotary body in the descending direction, until the elevator is situated in an end position at a lower end of the spindle, results in the first latching element latching with the second latching element.

6. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the spindle exhibits a blocking region at its upper end at which the elevator is blockable in the end position at the upper end of the spindle.

7. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the second coupling comprises: at least one second latching element latched to the first latching element of the first coupling so that the first coupling is connected to the second coupling in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner; and at least one second separator element for interacting with the first separator element of the first coupling and, when the elevator is situated in the end position at the upper end of the spindle, for uncoupling the first latching element and the second latching element and for disconnecting the rotationally conjoint, form-fit connection of the first coupling to the second coupling.

8. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the at least one first separator element and the at least one second separator element together form a wedge mechanism.

9. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the at least one first separator element and the at least one second separator element each exhibit at least six, preferably at least eight, further preferably at least twelve inclined surfaces.

10. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the at least one first separator element and the at least one second separator element together form a bayonet catch.

11. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 4, the elevator and the spindle are configured such that the elevator at least partially emerges from the container after reaching the upper end of the container a further rotation of the spindle results in rotation of the elevator relative to the container.

12. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the elevator, when having at least partially emerged from the container, is configured such that after the elevator is further rotated about a specific angle relative to the container, the elevator is blocked relative to the container.

13. The deodorant dispenser according to claim 1 which further comprises a deodorant mass which at least partially fills the interior space of the container.

14. A refill pack for a deodorant dispenser, the refill pack comprising a refill container having a wall enclosing an interior space of the refill container; a refill spindle which is connectable to the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner, 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 inside the refill container substantially in at least a direction orthogonal to the refill spindle and is not rotatable relative to the wall of the refill container and which exhibits an internal thread in which the external thread of the refill spindle runs, wherein at least one continuous closable opening 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, wherein the refill container is insertable into the container of the deodorant dispenser by a rectilinear motion such that the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser is connected to the second coupling of the refill spindle in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner, and wherein the container of the deodorant dispenser, the refill container, the rotary body, the refill spindle and the refill elevator are then connected together such that: rotating the rotary body results in a joint rotation of the first coupling of the rotary 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, via which the refill elevator is moved upward or downward respectively, and when the refill elevator is in an end position at an upper end of the refill spindle, rotating the rotary body, preferably in the descending direction, further preferably in the ascending direction, results in the disconnecting of the connection of the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser to the second coupling of the refill spindle.

15. The refill pack according to claim 14, wherein the second coupling has at least one second sealing element, in particular a lamellar seal or an elastomer seal, particularly a rubber seal, which seals a region between the second coupling and the refill container.

16. The refill pack according to claim 14, wherein the second coupling is designed such that the first coupling the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser is connectable to the second coupling in a rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner in any rotational position of the second coupling.

17. The refill pack according to claim 14, wherein the refill spindle has a first latching means, preferably at its lower end, and the refill elevator has a second latching means, preferably at its lower end, wherein the refill elevator is configured such that rotating the rotary 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, results in the first latching element latching with the second latching element.

18. The refill pack according to claim 14, wherein the refill spindle exhibits a blocking region at its upper end at which the refill elevator is blockable in the end position at the upper end of the spindle.

19. The refill pack according to claim 14, wherein the second coupling comprises: at least one second latching element able to be latched to a first latching element of the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser so that the first coupling is connected to the second coupling in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner; and at least one second separator element for interacting with a first separator element of the first coupling of the deodorant dispenser and, when the refill elevator is situated in the end position at the upper end of the refill spindle, for disengaging the first latching element and the second latching element and for disconnecting the rotationally conjoint, form-fit connection of the first coupling to the second coupling.

20. The refill pack according to claim 19, wherein the at least one second separator element is designed to form a wedge mechanism together with the at least one first separator element of the first coupling of the deodorant dispenser.

21. The refill pack according to claim 20, wherein the at least one second separator element exhibits at least six inclined surfaces.

22. The refill pack according to claim 19, wherein the at least one second separator element is designed to form a bayonet catch together with the at least one first separator element of the first coupling of the deodorant dispenser.

23. The refill pack according to claim 14, wherein the refill elevator and the refill spindle are configured such that the refill elevator at least partially emerges from the refill container after reaching the upper end of the refill container and a further rotation of the refill spindle results in a rotation of the refill elevator relative to the refill container.

24. The refill pack according to claim 23, wherein the refill elevator, when having at least partially emerged from the refill container, is configured such that after the refill elevator is further rotated about a specific angle relative to the refill container, the refill elevator is blocked relative to the refill container.

25. The refill pack according to claim 14, which further comprises a deodorant mass which at least partially fills the interior space of the refill container.

26. A deodorant dispenser system comprising: a deodorant dispenser comprising: a container having a wall enclosing an interior space of the container; and a rotary body rotatably connected to the container and comprising a first coupling for a rotationally conjoint and form-fit separable connection in the interior space of the container to a second coupling, wherein at least one continuous closable opening 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; a refill pack comprising: a refill container having a wall enclosing an interior space of the refill container, a refill spindle with a second coupling which is connectable to the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner, 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 inside the refill container substantially in at least a direction orthogonal to the refill spindle and is not rotatable relative to the wall of the refill container and which exhibits an internal thread in which the external thread of the refill spindle runs, wherein at least one continuous closable opening 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, wherein the refill container is insertable into the container of the deodorant dispenser by a rectilinear motion such that the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser is connected to the second coupling of the refill spindle in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner, and wherein the container of the deodorant dispenser, the refill container, the rotary body, the refill spindle and the refill elevator are then connected together such that: rotating the rotary body results in a joint rotation of the first coupling of the rotary 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, via which the refill elevator is moved upward or downward respectively, and when the refill elevator is in an end position at an upper end of the refill spindle, rotating the rotary body, preferable in the descending direction, further preferably in the ascending direction, results in the disconnecting of the connection of the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser to the second coupling of the refill spindle; and a deodorant mass which at least partially fills the interior space of the refill container.

27. The deodorant dispenser system according to claim 26, wherein the deodorant dispenser further comprises: a spindle having a second coupling connected in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner to the first coupling, wherein the spindle has an external thread and wherein the spindle is arranged within the container and substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis, and an elevator which extends inside the container substantially in at least a direction orthogonal to the spindle and is not rotatable relative to the wall of the container and has an internal thread in which the external thread of the spindle runs, wherein the at least on continuous opening in the deodorant dispenser extends from the lower exterior side of the deodorant dispenser through the elevator or past the elevator to the upper end of the interior space of the container, and wherein the container, the rotary body, the spindle and the elevator are connected together such that: rotating the rotary body results in a joint rotation of the first and second coupling and thus also the spindle in an ascending direction or descending direction, via which the elevator is moved upward or downward respectively, and when the elevator is in an end position at an upper end of the spindle, rotating the rotary body, preferably in the descending direction, further preferably in the ascending direction, results in the disconnecting of the connection of the first coupling to the second coupling, and 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 are structurally identical save for slightly differing external dimensions.

28. A method for filling a deodorant mass into a deodorant dispenser according to claim 4 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; filling the deodorant mass into the container of the deodorant dispenser through the lower exterior 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 solidifying the deodorant mass.

29. A method for filling a deodorant mass into a refill pack according to claim 14 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; filling the deodorant mass into the refill container of the refill pack through the lower exterior side of the refill pack into the at least one continuous closable opening in the refill pack; closing the at least one continuous closable opening in the refill pack; and solidifying the deodorant mass.

30. (canceled)

31. A method for refilling a deodorant dispenser system according to claim 26, the method comprising: inserting the refill container into the container of the deodorant dispenser by a rectilinear movement until the first coupling of the rotary body of the deodorant dispenser is connected to the second coupling of the refill spindle of the refill pack in rotationally conjoint and form-fit engagement.

32. A method for refilling a deodorant dispenser system according to claim 27, the method comprising: rotating the rotary 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 rotary body of the deodorant dispenser, preferably in the descending direction, further preferably in the ascending direction, and thereby disengaging the connection of the first coupling of the rotary body to 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 rotary body of the deodorant dispenser is connected to the second coupling of the refill spindle of the refill pack in rotationally conjoint and form-fit engagement.

Description

[0095] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention derive from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures.

[0096] Shown are:

[0097] FIG. 1a a schematic cross section through a plane containing the vertical axis of the container of a filled deodorant dispenser according to the invention;

[0098] FIG. 1b a schematic oblique view of a filled deodorant dispenser according to the invention with the underside of the container facing upward;

[0099] FIG. 2a a schematic cross section through a plane containing the vertical axis of the container of a filled refill pack according to the invention;

[0100] FIG. 2b a schematic oblique view of a filled refill pack according to the invention with the underside of the container facing upward;

[0101] FIG. 3a-d respective schematic cross sections through a plane containing the vertical axis of the container of an inventive filled deodorant dispenser in different states, namely:

[0102] FIG. 3a the deodorant dispenser partially filled with a deodorant mass in the state of use;

[0103] FIG. 3b the deodorant dispenser after the deodorant mass has been used up and the elevator is situated at the upper end of the spindle;

[0104] FIG. 3c the deodorant dispenser after the form fit of the first coupling to the second coupling has been disengaged;

[0105] FIG. 3d the deodorant dispenser upon insertion of a refill pack;

[0106] FIG. 4a-c a cross section through a plane containing the vertical container axis of the lower part of the deodorant dispenser, the rotary body and the two couplings upon disengagement of the form-fit engagement of the two couplings;

[0107] FIG. 5a-b a cross section through a plane containing the vertical container axis of the lower part of a further inventive embodiment of the deodorant dispenser, the rotary body and the two couplings upon disengagement of the form-fit engagement of the two couplings;

[0108] FIG. 6a-c a cross section through a plane containing the vertical container axis of the lower part of a further inventive embodiment of the deodorant dispenser, the rotary body and the two couplings upon the engaging into and disengaging of the form-fit engagement of the two couplings;

[0109] FIG. 7a an oblique view from above of a deodorant dispenser having a refill pack, with a refill elevator partially emerged from the container and rotated against the container;

[0110] FIG. 7b a cross section of the deodorant dispenser having a refill pack, with a refill elevator partially emerged from the container and rotated against the container;

[0111] FIG. 8a-c an oblique view from above of a deodorant dispenser with a refill elevator partially emerged from the container upon rotating against the container and removing the refill elevator; and

[0112] FIG. 8d an oblique view from below of the refill elevator from FIGS. 8a-c.

[0113] The same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0114] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b show a schematic view of an inventive deodorant dispenser, whereby FIG. 1a shows a deodorant dispenser filled with deodorant mass 50 and FIG. 1b shows a schematic view of an empty deodorant dispenser diagonally from below. Pictured is a container 10 with a closure 11, with a rotary body 20 rotatably affixed on the underside, wherein the connecting 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. The first coupling 21, which is connected to the second coupling 31 in rotationally conjoint and form-fit manner, is located on and integrally connected to the rotary body 20. A spindle 32 with an external thread 33 is integrally fixed to the second coupling 31. An elevator 40 is situated orthogonal to the spindle 32; the external thread 33 of the spindle 32 engaging in its internal thread 43. The deodorant mass 50 conveyed by the elevator 40 is situated above the elevator 40 in FIG. 1a. Rotation of the rotary 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 the deodorant mass 50. A multi-piece implementation of the rotary body 20 and the first coupling 21, or the spindle 32 and the second coupling 31 respectively, is of course also conceivable.

[0115] The deodorant dispenser in the figures comprises a container 10 and an elevator 40, each exhibiting not a round cross section but rather an e.g. oval or lenticular cross section (see in particular FIG. 5a) so that already by virtue of this shaping, the elevator 40 is not rotatable within the container 10 relative to same. This does not, however, constitute a limitation of the invention. The deodorant dispenser can also comprise a container 10 and an elevator 40 with a round cross section. Additional elements must then be provided in order to prevent the concurrent rotating of the elevator 40 within the container 10, for instance radial projections on the external side of the elevator 40 to run in corresponding axial grooves in the internal side of the container 10.

[0116] For the initial filling, the container 10 is inverted and a liquefied deodorant mass 50 flows into the container 10 through the coupling opening 22 in the first coupling 21 and the elevator opening 42 in the elevator 40 onto the deodorant cover cap situated at the upper end of the container 10 (thus downward in the position shown in FIG. 1b). The container 10 is filled with the deodorant mass 50 until it reaches the elevator 40 and also pushes through the elevator opening 42. The coupling opening 22 is then closed by a plug 23. The plug 23 can in particular consist of a rigid plastic element or even a film. After the deodorant mass 50 has hardened, in particular by cooling, the deodorant dispenser can be returned to its normal position again and is ready for use.

[0117] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b show a schematic view of an inventive refill pack, whereby FIG. 2a shows a refill pack filled with deodorant mass 50 and FIG. 2b shows a schematic view of an empty deodorant dispenser diagonally from below. Pictured is a refill container 10 with a deodorant cover cap 51 and a closure 11. The refill container 10 is preferably thin-walled (for example having the wall thickness of a yogurt cup) and thus lightweight and material-saving. The deodorant cover cap 51 can in particular consist of a rigid plastic element or even a film. The second coupling 31 rotatably connected to the refill container 10 is situated at the lower end, whereby the connecting 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 fixed to the second coupling 31 and a refill elevator 40 connected to the external thread 33 of the refill spindle 32 via an internal thread 43 is located orthogonal to the refill spindle 32. The thin walls of the refill container 10 enable realizing the refill elevator 40 with the same outer diameter as with an elevator 40 for a initially-filled deodorant dispenser, particularly even structurally identical to it, since the inner diameter of the container 10 of the deodorant dispenser and the inner diameter of the refill container 10 differ only slightly.

[0118] The deodorant mass 50 conveyed by the refill elevator 40 is situated above the refill elevator 40 in FIG. 2a. Rotation of the second coupling 31 is transmitted to the refill spindle 32. This results in an upward or downward movement of the refill elevator 40 and thus the deodorant mass 50. Here as well, a multi-piece implementation of the refill spindle 32 and the second coupling 31 is of course also conceivable.

[0119] For filling, the refill container 10 is inverted and a liquefied deodorant mass 50 flows into the refill container 10 through the coupling opening 22 and the elevator opening 42 in the refill container 10 onto the deodorant cover cap situated at the upper end of the refill container 10 (thus downward in the position shown in FIG. 2b). The refill container 10 is filled with the deodorant mass 50 until it reaches the elevator 40 and also pushes through the elevator opening 42. The coupling opening 22 is then closed by a plug 23. The plug 23 can in particular consist of a rigid plastic element or even a film. After the deodorant mass 50 has hardened, the refill pack can be returned to its normal position again and is ready for use.

[0120] FIGS. 3a-d show schematic cross sections through a plane containing the vertical axis of the container of an inventive filled deodorant dispenser in different states.

[0121] FIG. 3a shows the deodorant dispenser partially filled with a deodorant mass 50 in the state of use. Before use, the rotary body 20 is rotated in the ascending direction, whereby the elevator 40 conveys the deodorant mass 50 upward.

[0122] FIG. 3b shows the deodorant dispenser after the deodorant mass 50 has been used up and the elevator 40 is situated at the upper end of the spindle 32 at the blocking region 34. Because the elevator 40 is blocked, a further rotation of the rotary body 20 does not result in an ascending or descending movement of the elevator 40 but rather exerts a force between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31 which is used to disconnect the form-fit engagement of the first coupling 21 to the second coupling 31. To that end, the spindle 32 and the elevator 40 are to be designed such that they withstand the cited force, which in particular constitutes a torsional force, without significant deformation since such a deformation could lead to a malfunction when the form-fit engagement between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31 is released.

[0123] FIG. 3c shows the deodorant dispenser after the disengaging of the form fit between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31. The second coupling 31, the spindle 32 and the respectively associated elevator 34 can be removed from the container 10 together and recycled.

[0124] 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 being inserted. The refill container 10 is inserted rectilinearly into the container 10 until the second coupling 31 of the refill pack engages with the first coupling 21 of the deodorant dispenser in form-fit manner. Depending on how the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31 are designed, it is advantageous for the rotational position of the second coupling 31 to be aligned with the rotational position of the first coupling 21 prior to the insertion of the refill pack in order to ensure an effective form fit. The deodorant cover cap 51 is thereafter removed and the deodorant dispenser can continue to be used in the same way as after the initial filling.

[0125] Located at the upper end of the refill container 10 is a removal flange 14 which exhibits a slightly larger diameter than the refill container 10 and which protrudes upward for the user to grasp when the form fit between the first coupling 21 and the second coupling 31 is disengaged, thereby facilitating a later removal of the refill container 10 from the container 10.

[0126] FIGS. 4a-c show a cross section through a plane containing the vertical container axis of the lower part of the deodorant dispenser, the rotary body 20 and the two couplings 21, 31 upon release of the form-fit engagement of the two couplings 21, 31. FIG. 4a shows the first coupling 21 in form-fit engagement with the second coupling 31. The first coupling 21 comprises a first latching element 25 which is realized by way of a window in the side wall of the first coupling. The second latching element 35, which is integrally connected to the second coupling 31, is seated in this window. Since the second latching element 35 nearly fills the window, a rotationally conjoint and form-fit connection exists at this point. A force which is able to deform the material of the first coupling 21 in the area of the first latching element 25 so as to uncouple the form fit is needed in order to disengage said form fit. The first coupling 21 further comprises a first separator element 26 in the form of an inclined surface which engages with a second separator element 36 of the second coupling, likewise an inclined surface. The first separator element 26 and the second separator element 36 together form a wedge mechanism.

[0127] When the elevator 40 reaches the upper end of the spindle 32, the elevator 40 is then blocked at this height at the blocking region 34 on the spindle 32. This results in the spindle 32 being prevented from further rotation. FIG. 4b shows this situation of the spindle 32 prevented from further rotation but the rotary body 20 being further rotated. When the first coupling 21 rotates against the second coupling 31, the second latching element 35 is pushed out of the first latching element 25, whereby the material of the first coupling 21 is deformed in the area of the first latching element 25 by the outwardly conically tapering shape of the second latching element 35 to the extent that the second latching element 35 slips under the first coupling 21. The wedge mechanism 26, 36 further 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 are separated as depicted in FIG. 4c.

[0128] Configuring the wedge mechanism with more teeth is likewise advantageous, whereby although the force exerted in disengaging the form-fit engagement increases, the rotational position of the second coupling 31 no longer needs to be aligned with the rotational position of the first coupling 21, thereby making the insertion of a refill pack easier.

[0129] Such a wedge mechanism is depicted in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b which show a cross section through a plane containing the vertical container axis of the lower part of a further inventive embodiment of the deodorant dispenser having a wedge mechanism with ten inclined surfaces, the rotary body 20 and the two couplings 21, 22 upon disengagement of the form-fit engagement of the two couplings 21, 22.

[0130] FIG. 5a shows the deodorant dispenser in form-fit engagement in which the second latching element 35 is engaged with the first latching element 25. As long as the second coupling 31 or spindle 32 respectively can rotate together with the first coupling 21 and the rotary body 20, the form-fit engagement is maintained.

[0131] FIG. 5b shows the deodorant dispenser with disengaged form fit. As soon as the rotational movement of the spindle 32 is blocked, in particular by a blocking of the elevator 40, the rotational movement of the rotary body 20 is no longer transmitted to the spindle 32 and thus to the second coupling 31, whereby the first coupling 21 rotates relative to the second coupling 31 upon rotation of the rotary body 20. Due to the wedge mechanism, consisting of the first separator elements 26 and the second separator elements 36, this results in a rectilinear upward movement of the second coupling 31 away from the first coupling 21.

[0132] The wedge mechanism depicted in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b has symmetrical wedges (separator elements 26, 36), which is why after rotation of the second coupling 31 has been blocked as has rotation of the rotary body 20, both in the ascending direction as well as the descending direction, a releasing of the form-fit engagement of the first latching element 25 and the second locking element 35 results. Adapting the lead angle of the inclined surfaces of the separator elements 26, 36 (up to a vertical surface) enables achieving a disengaging of the form-fit engagement only upon rotation in one of the two directions, preferably the ascending direction.

[0133] It is likewise advantageous to configure the wedge mechanism with fewer teeth, whereby although the rotational position of the second coupling 31 needs to be aligned more precisely with the rotational position of the first coupling 21 when inserting a refill pack, the force required to disengage the form fit is reduced. Furthermore, such a wedge mechanism is easier to manufacture.

[0134] It is likewise advantageous to realize the form-fit engagement of the couplings 21, 31 using a bayonet catch, an embodiment which is shown FIGS. 6a-c. FIG. 6a shows the first coupling 21 and a second coupling 31 aligned thereon before they enter into form-fit engagement via a rectilinear movement. When pushed together rectilinearly, the second latching element 35 thereby latches into a first latching element 25 in which it is connected in form-fit and rotationally conjoint engagement with little rotational resistance, which is shown in FIG. 6b. When the elevator 40 reaches the upper end of the spindle 32 and is blocked there, the rotational movement can no longer be transmitted to the spindle 32 and results in a disengaging of the form-fit engagement in that the second latching element 35 is directed through an initially horizontal and then upwardly curved guideway and thereby pushed upward out of the first coupling 21. This results in the second latching element 35 and thus the second coupling 31 being moved upward away from the first coupling 21 upon the rotary body 20 being rotated. This is shown in FIG. 6c. Instead of a bayonet catch with a rectilinear insertion movement, a screw coupling with a helical insertion movement can also be used (not depicted).

[0135] Furthermore, the connection of the first coupling 21 to the second coupling 31 can also be disengaged when a part of the first coupling 21 and/or the second coupling 31 breaks, snaps or otherwise irreversibly separates upon the torque exceeding a specific value (likewise not depicted).

[0136] FIG. 7a shows an oblique view of a deodorant dispenser with a refill pack having a refill elevator 40 partially emerged from the container 10 and rotated against the container 100. FIG. 7b shows a cross section of the deodorant dispenser from FIG. 7a. When the refill elevator 40 is moved upward in the ascending direction by rotating the rotary body 20 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 region 34 of the refill spindle 32, the refill elevator 40 is no longer rotationally fixed relative to the refill container 10, and thus the container 10, by the shape of the refill container 10. A further rotation of the rotary body 20 therefore results in a rotation of the refill elevator 40 relative to the container 10. After a further rotation about a specific angle of rotation, which is depicted in FIG. 7a and therein being approximately 30 degrees, the elevator blocking region 44, 44 abuts against the inner wall of the refill container 10 which prevents a 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 grasped more easily by the user and removed together with the refill container 10.

[0137] The elevator blocking region 44, 44 consists of a rib arranged at the lower edge of the refill elevator 40, the angular position of which is offset relative to the outer wall of the refill elevator 40 by the above-cited angle (here approximately 30 degrees). The elevator blocking region 44, 44 can comprise individual sections arranged in the manner described which can be connected and thereby stabilized by further sections.

[0138] Lastly, the elevator blocking region 44, 44 can also exhibit one or more wedged ribs which taper inwardly downward (not depicted). This causes the refill elevator 40 which is blocked relative to the refill spindle 32 to be pushed upward by a further rotation due to said wedged ribs as soon as its elevator blocking region 44, 44 abuts against the inner wall of the refill container 10 subsequent rotation about the above-cited angle of rotation. As a result, the refill spindle 32 pulls the second coupling 31 upward andgiven the appropriate design of the two couplings 21, 31disengages the connection to the first coupling 21.

[0139] Also conceivable are elements which upwardly press the spindle or refill spindle 32 blocked relative to the elevator or refill elevator 40, and thereby the second coupling 31, from below upon a further rotation of the rotary body 20. This approach can alsowith the appropriate design to the two couplings 21, 31disengage the connection of the first coupling 21 to the second coupling 31.

[0140] The mechanism for the refill elevator 40 depicted in FIGS. 7a and 7b can equally be applied to the elevator 40 depicted in FIGS. 1a and 1b, wherein only the elevator 40 together with the spindle 32 and the second coupling 31 are removed in that case.

[0141] The refill spindle 32 depicted in FIG. 7b further comprises a spindle base 37 in the form of a flange-like widening at its lower end which has a notch on its upper side (identifiable as a vertical surface in cross section). A corresponding projection is provided on the underside of the refill elevator 40 (not depicted) which can latch into the notch when the refill elevator 40 is situated at the lower end of the refill spindle 32. A specific rotational position of the first coupling 21 relative to the refill container 10 and the container 10 is thereby ensured In this position of the refill elevator 40.

[0142] FIGS. 8a-c again show an overview of the procedure for removing the elevator 40 from the container 10 of a deodorant dispenser (without inserted refill pack).

[0143] FIG. 8a shows an oblique view from above of a deodorant dispenser with an elevator 40 partially emerging from the container 10. After the elevator 40 reaches the upper end of the spindle 32, a further rotation of the rotary body 20 results in rotating the elevator 40. After rotation about a specific angle, here approximately 60 degrees, the elevator blocking region 44 abuts against the inner wall of the container, whereby further rotation is blocked (FIG. 8b). A further rotation of the rotary body 20 in the ascending direction disengages the connection of the first coupling 21 to the second coupling 31 since the elevator 40 and thus the spindle 32 cannot rotate any further in that direction. FIG. 8c shows the spindle 32 and the elevator 40 in the container 10 after the connection of the first coupling 21 to the second coupling 31 has been disengaged. By the user grasping the elevator 40, it can be removed together with the spindle 32 and the second coupling 31. The deodorant dispenser can thereafter, as an example, be refilled with a refill pack.

[0144] FIG. 8d again shows an oblique view from below of the elevator 40 with the elevator blocking regions 44, 44.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0145] 10 container [0146] 10 refill container [0147] 11 closure [0148] 12 first sealing element [0149] 13 second sealing element [0150] 14 removal flange [0151] 20 rotary body [0152] 21 first coupling [0153] 22 coupling opening [0154] 23, 23 plug [0155] 25 first latching element [0156] 26 first separator element [0157] 32 spindle, refill spindle [0158] 33 spindle external thread [0159] 34 blocking region [0160] 35 second latching element [0161] 36 second separator element [0162] 37 spindle base [0163] 40 elevator, refill elevator [0164] 42 elevator opening [0165] 43 elevator internal thread [0166] 44, 44 elevator blocking region [0167] 50 deodorant mass [0168] 51 deodorant cover cap