Dispenser for dispensing flowable material

Abstract

In one aspect, a dispenser is provided herein for dispensing flowable material, such as sunscreen lotion, including a resiliently deformable body encompassing a closed volume with an optional flexible pouch disposed therein to accommodate the flowable material. A discharge element is also provided having at least one discharge opening, along with at least one valve regulating flow from the closed volume or the flexible pouch and through the discharge opening. The body is configured so that a threshold amount of deformation of the body causes the flowable material to urge from the closed body through the discharge opening or the pressure increase of the closed volume acting on the flexible pouch sufficiently so that flowable material accommodated in the flexible pouch is urged therefrom through the discharge opening. Advantageously, the dispenser of the subject invention allows for a generally isobaric environment to be created which acts evenly about the flexible pouch. This allows for a more even application of pressure acting against, and a more complete depletion, of the optional flexible pouch.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Sunscreen lotion dispensers are well known in the prior art. Typically, sunscreen lotion is provided in a squeezable tube or container having a simple construction of a deformable reservoir and a discharge opening. To dispense sunscreen lotion, portions of the tube or the container are squeezed to deform against contents of the reservoir, resulting in lotion being displaced therefrom. There are several drawbacks of this design. The resulting rate or amount of dispensed product may not be well controlled with prior art designs. In addition, maximum depletion of the reservoir may be difficult because of inability to fully urge contained contents out of the reservoir. Users also may inefficiently focus pressure on a portion of the tube or container without maximally exhausting the reservoir. Sunscreen lotion is typically applied to the skin by the hands and digits. After the sunscreen lotion is applied, an unwanted residue of sunscreen lotion typically ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a dispenser that can dispense flowable material, like sunscreen, by using a flexible body that can deform to reduce volume. The dispenser has a vent to bring in air and a valve to control the flow of material. The body has a certain amount of deformation that causes the material to be pushed out of the dispenser. The dispenser creates pressure evenly around the material, which results in a more complete depletion and even application of pressure. This invention allows for a more efficient and consistent dispensing of flowable material.

Problems solved by technology

To dispense sunscreen lotion, portions of the tube or the container are squeezed to deform against contents of the reservoir, resulting in lotion being displaced therefrom.

There are several drawbacks of this design.

The resulting rate or amount of dispensed product may not be well controlled with prior art designs.

In addition, maximum depletion of the reservoir may be difficult because of inability to fully urge contained contents out of the reservoir.

Users also may inefficiently focus pressure on a portion of the tube or container without maximally exhausting the reservoir.

After the sunscreen lotion is applied, an unwanted residue of sunscreen lotion typically remains on the hands and digits.

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