Substance dispenser and method of providing a substance dispenser

Abstract

A substance dispenser and method of providing a substance dispenser. The invention provides a substance dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of a substance such as a cream or gel, other viscous or non-viscous substance, the dispenser comprising: a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser; a cream containing chamber arranged to telescopically slide relative to the handle member, the cream containing chamber having a nozzle opening at a first end from which cream is dispensed in use; a bearing at a second axial end; and a shaft rod rotatably fixed relative to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing such that upon rotation of the handle relative to the cream containing chamber, the cream containing chamber and the handle telescopically move relative to each other such that the substance containing chamber moves axially within the handle to push cream through the nozzle opening, wherein movement of the handle relative to the cream containing chamber is scaled so as to dispense a predetermined volume of substance by rotation of the handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dispenser for creams or gels, other viscous or non-viscous substances, and a method for providing such a dispenser. In embodiments, the invention relates to apparatus and methods for dispensing controlled-measurement amounts of creams, gels, other viscous or non-viscous substances, or other substances (such as ointments or cosmetic creams). Background Technology

[0002] Medical or cosmetic cream compositions are typically provided in dispensers such as deformable tubes or cylindrical rigid tubes.

[0003] WO-A-2019 / 001,687 discloses a dispensing container for viscous products such as creams. The dispenser includes a cream container having an inner cylinder defining a storage volume configured to store viscous products such as creams. A lid is provided, configured to close the cream container and having a dispensing outlet. A screw is rotatably connected to the cream container. A piston with internal threads is provided and coupled to the screw, such that rotation of the screw causes the piston to move within the inner cylinder along the longitudinal axis of the screw to reduce the storage volume of the inner cylinder and thereby dispensing the product through the dispensing outlet. A scaling mechanism is provided, configured to lock the screw in multiple rotational positions relative to the cream container. The scaling mechanism includes various scaling spring elements located at the screw and a scaling section located at the bottom of the cream container. The scaling spring elements of the screw are configured to interact with the scaling section of the cream container to lock the screw relative to the cream container.

[0004] EP-A-2,123,188 discloses a container for a cream. The container is airtight and arranged to allow for rapid identification of how much of the contents of the container have been dispensed.

[0005] WO-A-2010 / 081,205 discloses an airtight connector for a disc-shaped device that rotates only in one direction and is fixed in the same plane relative to the body of the device. The system is arranged such that it can be configured to apply sufficient pressure to a product (such as a cream) within the container to open a protective metering valve and allow precise doses of product to be dispensed from the device.

[0006] WO-A-2007 / 005,883 discloses a dispenser for dispensing measured doses of cream (such as a medicine). The device includes a tube and a base having a threaded rod extending therefrom. A riser is provided with a flexible seal that engages the tube. An applicator cap is provided with an opening for distributing the dispensed cream onto the user's skin. The device provides tactile and auditory feedback, allowing the user to know how much cream has been dispensed and when it was dispensed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a cream dispenser is provided for dispensing a metered amount of cream, the dispenser comprising: a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser; a cream receiving cavity arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle member, the cream receiving cavity having a nozzle opening at a first end from which cream is dispensed in use; a bearing axially fixed at a second axial end relative to the cream receiving cavity; and a shaft rotatably fixed relative to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing such that, as the handle rotates relative to the cream receiving cavity, the cream receiving cavity and the handle telescopically move relative to each other, such that the material receiving cavity moves axially within the handle or the handle moves axially within the material receiving cavity to push cream through the nozzle opening, wherein the movement of the handle relative to the cream receiving cavity is scaled so that a predetermined volume of cream is dispensed by rotation of the handle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the bearing and the shaft are arranged to be threaded together.

[0009] In one embodiment, the threads on the shaft are discontinuous around the body of the shaft.

[0010] In one embodiment, the shaft has a generally tubular body, wherein the threads are arranged on approximately circumferential surfaces of the shaft, and wherein the discontinuity is formed by longitudinal grooves extending along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. In another example, although not shown in the figures, the discontinuity is formed by longitudinal protrusions or ridges that can also interact with the ends of the leaf spring as the handle and the bearing rotate relative to each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the shaft has at least two longitudinal grooves formed along its length on different sides of the shaft, such that each portion of the thread extends radially by less than 180 degrees.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bearing has a spring member biased to engage with the edge of one or more grooves. The grooves are preferably longitudinal grooves extending along the length of the shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the spring member is a radial leaf spring having an engaging end biased into one or more grooves and, when in one of the grooves, temporarily locking the shaft (and the plunger attached to the end of the shaft) relative to the bearing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the leaf spring has an engagement end with a shaped cam to engage the edge of one or more longitudinal grooves.

[0015] In one embodiment, an angle is selected for the cam to ensure that the handle and the cream container do not rotate accidentally.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bearing or scaling mechanism includes a spring member biased to engage with a groove or protrusion disposed on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle.

[0017] Therefore, in this embodiment, the scaling mechanism is disposed on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle, which is entirely different from what is provided by discontinuous threads provided on the shaft. This simplifies the manufacture of the shaft, as no groove is required on it. In this embodiment, the biasing mechanism will bias outward rather than inward because the interaction between the spring and the groove or protrusion points outward. Preferably, the component of the biasing mechanism configured to engage with the spring (i.e., the component on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle) is a protrusion, but similarly, as in the first embodiment, the groove can be disposed on the outer wall, and when in place, the end of the leaf spring will bias into the groove. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the scaling mechanism can be two separate parts, i.e., a threaded bearing and a separate leaf spring, or either part can be integrated into the handle design.

[0018] In one embodiment, the inner cylindrical surface of the handle has at least two longitudinal grooves or protrusions formed thereon. Combined with an outward-facing spring or biasing element configured as part of the bearing, this serves as a scaling mechanism when the handle and cavity 16 (and thus the bearing, since it is rotatably fixed relative to cavity 16) rotate relative to each other.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for providing a dispenser such as a cream dispenser, the method comprising providing: a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser; a substance receiving cavity arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle member, the substance receiving cavity having a nozzle opening at a first end from which substance is dispensed in use; a bearing axially fixed at a second axial end relative to the substance receiving cavity; and a shaft rotatably fixed relative to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing such that, as the handle rotates relative to the substance receiving cavity, the substance receiving cavity and the handle telescopically move relative to each other, such that the substance receiving cavity moves axially within the handle or the handle moves axially within the substance receiving cavity to push substance through the nozzle opening, wherein the movement of the handle relative to the substance receiving cavity is scaled so that a predetermined volume of substance is dispensed by rotation of the handle.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, a dispenser is provided for dispensing metered amounts of substance, the dispenser comprising: a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser; a substance receiving cavity arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle, the substance receiving cavity having a nozzle opening at a first axial end from which substance is dispensed in use; the substance receiving cavity including a bearing at a second axial end of the substance receiving cavity; and a shaft rotatably fixed relative to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing such that, as the handle rotates relative to the substance receiving cavity, the substance receiving cavity and the handle move telescopically relative to each other, such that the substance receiving cavity moves axially within the handle or the handle moves axially within the substance receiving cavity to push substance through the nozzle opening, wherein the movement of the handle relative to the substance receiving cavity is scaled so that a predetermined volume of substance is dispensed by rotation of the handle. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view through a material dispenser (such as a cream dispenser);

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal section passing through a material dispenser (such as a cream dispenser);

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded view of the components of a material dispenser (such as a cream dispenser);

[0025] Figure 4 It is a plan view of the shafts and bearings from a material dispenser (such as a cream dispenser);

[0026] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the shaft and bearings from a material dispenser (such as a cream dispenser); and

[0027] Figures 6a to 6c It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view through a material dispenser (such as a cream dispenser) at different stages of the dispenser's usage cycle. Detailed Implementation

[0028] A dispenser is provided for dispensing metered amounts of substances such as creams, gels, other viscous or non-viscous substances, or other substances such as ointments or cosmetic creams. For clarity and brevity, the dispenser will be described as a cream dispenser and its components accordingly, but it will be understood that the dispenser is also used for dispensing metered amounts of substances other than creams.

[0029] The dispenser includes a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser. A cream receiving cavity is also provided, and this cavity is arranged to move telescopically relative to the handle member. The cream receiving cavity has an opening, such as a nozzle, at a first end, and in use, when the handle is rotated relative to the cream receiving cavity, the volume of the cavity effectively decreases to dispense cream from the opening or nozzle. The nozzle is also preferably configured to prevent evaporation of the contents of the cavity (i.e., the cream). As will be explained below, a member is provided for controlling the amount of relative rotation, thereby ensuring precise control of the amount of cream forced out of the opening with each rotation. Thus, metered dispensing of the cream is achieved.

[0030] A bearing is provided, which is axially fixed relative to the cream container at a second axial end of the container, i.e., fixed at a longitudinal end opposite to the end of the opening or nozzle. A shaft is rotatably fixed relative to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing, such that when the handle rotates relative to the cream container, the cream container and the handle move telescopically relative to each other. Therefore, the cream container moves axially within the handle to push cream through the nozzle opening. As will be explained below, the movement of the handle relative to the cream container is scaled so that a predetermined volume of cream is dispensed by means of the rotation of the handle. In other examples, the relative telescopic movement causes the handle to move telescopically within the cream container, and in such examples, the relative dimensions of the various parts of the housing (i.e., the handle and the cream container) will need to be configured accordingly.

[0031] A simple and robust dispenser is provided that reliably and repeatably delivers a selected metering volume of cream. Because the cream receptacle is effectively pulled into the handle's housing during use, the overall length of the assembly is reduced during cream dispensing. In other words, the combined external envelope of the handle and cream receptacle is reduced, allowing a quick glance at the dispenser to immediately indicate how much cream remains. This is especially true because mechanisms are preferably provided to prevent the possibility of relative axial movement in opposite directions. In other words, the dispenser is preferably configured such that it is impossible to extend the envelope by relative rotation of the handle and cream receptacle. Therefore, this means that at any given time, regardless of what the combined external envelope of the handle and cream receptacle might look like, there is a clear indication of how much cream remains in the cream receptacle. In a preferred example, graduations are applied to the outer surface of the cream receptacle (or handle) to provide another means of indicating to the user the remaining volume or dose that has not yet been dispensed. In other words, in one example, it is preferred that the cream receptacle has graduations on its outer surface to provide a visual indicator of the volume of available material within the cavity. Users can quickly check the container to see how many days' worth of cream remains in the dispenser (or cream container).

[0032] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view through the cream dispenser 2. The dispenser includes a handle 4 for rotation and a cream receiving cavity 6. The handle 4 and the cream receiving cavity 6 are arranged to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis 8 of the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 includes a bearing 10, which is axially and rotatably fixed relative to the cream receiving cavity 6. The bearing 10 includes an internal circumferential thread 12, which is arranged to engage with a thread 14 provided on the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 16.

[0033] The operation of the cream dispenser will be described in detail below, but in general, it should be understood that when the rotating handle 4 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 8, the shaft 16, which is fixed to the rotation of the handle, interacts with the threaded rod 14 via the threaded rod 12. Figure 1 The middle was pulled to the right (in) Figure 2 (From center to left). A plunger 18 is provided, which is fixedly mounted to a first distal end 20 of the shaft 16. At a second proximal end 22, the shaft 16 is fixed to a handle. The shaft is preferably fixed to the handle by a press-fit engagement with a boss 24 formed as part of the handle 4. Other methods of fixing the shaft to the handle can be used. In one example, the shaft 16 and the handle are configured as an integrally molded part. In another example, riveting or fastening devices are used to fix the shaft 16 to the handle 4.

[0034] Bearing 10 is fixed relative to the cream container 6. This means that as the handle 4 rotates about the longitudinal axis 8 relative to the cream container 6, the cream container is effectively pulled into the handle 4 (or its outer housing). Therefore, the volume within the cream container decreases successively each time it moves into the handle 4. Fixed relative to the cream container (see example...) Figures 6a to 6c The bearing of the handle 4 will slide against the inner wall of the handle 4. The plunger 18, which is fixed to the end of the shaft 16, is in a sealed engagement with the inner wall of the material receiving cavity.

[0035] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the material receiving cavity 6 defines a volume 26 between the plunger 18 and the nozzle or seal 28 at the distal end of the cream receiving cavity 6. As the plunger moves relative to the seal 28, it pushes the cream away from the opening provided by the seal 28. Preferably, the nozzle or opening provided by the seal 28 is a pressure-actuated one-way valve that allows cream dispensing.

[0036] It can be seen that the shapes and structures of the seal 28 and the plunger 18 were chosen to provide a convex / concave correspondence. This ensures that there is virtually no ineffective space, or even none at all, between components 18 and 28. As the dispenser 2 approaches the end of its operation, when the cream receiving cavity has been effectively and completely engaged within the envelope of the handle 4, the plunger 18 and the seal 28 will be positioned in a tight fit that minimizes the volume between them.

[0037] A cover 30 is provided, the size of which is set to fit snugly around the cream cavity when it is in its maximum extended form (i.e., at its maximum volume before use). The cover is selected to have the same diameter (in cross section) as the rotating handle, such that when the cover and rotating handle are arranged in a closed configuration, the dispenser 2 is generally a circular cylinder.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 An example of a shaft 16 engaging with a bearing 10 is shown. The shaft 16 includes an external thread 14 extending substantially along its entire axial length. It can be seen that the thread is discontinuous around the body of the shaft 16 because the shaft has a longitudinal groove 32 that also extends substantially along its entire length. The bearing 10 has an internal thread (in... Figure 5 (Not visible in the image), the internal thread engages with the thread 14 on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 16. The bearing has a generally circular cross-section, wherein the size of the opening 34 is set to allow the shaft 16 to move axially through the opening as it rotates relative to the bearing 10. The bearing 10 includes a biasing member 36, which in this embodiment is in the form of a radial leaf spring. The leaf spring 36 is biased radially inward toward the center of the shaft 16.

[0039] refer to Figure 4 As can be seen, the end portion 38 of the biasing member 36 is shaped to engage with the groove 32, and under the force of the biasing spring, the shaft 16 is rotated and locked relative to the bearing 10. The end portion 38 of the leaf spring has a cam surface 40, which is angled and shaped to engage with the first surface 42 of the groove 32. Therefore, in order to force the relative rotation of the bearing and the shaft 16, a certain amount of pressure is required, which is driven by the user turning the handle 4, thereby causing the surface 40 of the end portion 38 and the first surface 42 of the groove 32 to slide relative to each other, so as to force the biasing member 36 away from the groove 32 and thereby allow the shaft 16 and the bearing 10 to rotate relative to each other.

[0040] Therefore, it can be seen that a relatively vertical radial second surface 44 is provided on the opposite longitudinal side of the groove 32, such that once the shaft 16 has rotated relative to the bearing 10 about the longitudinal axis 8, the offset member 36 will snap back into the groove 32. This means that the relative movement between the bearing 10 and the shaft 16 can be finely but simply adjusted to ensure that the shaft moves exactly one pitch of the thread 14 between audible clicks, and that additional force is required to induce rotation before further movement.

[0041] In one example, a number of longitudinal grooves, such as grooves 32, are provided along the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 16. For example, if two such grooves are provided diametrically opposite each other, this would mean that the system would snap twice as the end 38 of the bias member 36 falls back into the corresponding groove each time the shaft rotates completely relative to the bearing 10. By providing more than one longitudinal groove, the relative movement of the plunger relative to the cream chamber 6 can be finely controlled and adjusted. In one example, the grooves are spaced at different distances around the cylindrical surface of the shaft. In other words, the grooves are not diametrically opposite each other, but they can be located at other different chosen or defined angular positions. For example, they can be located at angular positions such as 0 degrees and 120 degrees. This would mean that the continuous dose would be half or twice the size of the previous dose. This flexibility is useful in cases where certain patients require multiple doses or where stronger or larger doses are needed every two days or every time period.

[0042] This mechanism provides a scale for the relative axial movement between the handle and the cream dispensing cavity, as there are defined numbers of positions when the biasing member is temporarily fixed in one of the longitudinal grooves in the length direction of the shaft 16.

[0043] The engagement of the shaft 16 with the housing of the handle 4 is arranged such that the shaft 16 cannot rotate relative to the handle 4. This achieves the technical effect that rotation of the handle causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft 16, and thus a corresponding relative axial movement between the handle 4 and the cream receiving cavity 6.

[0044] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one example, the biasing member is arranged as a radial leaf spring. In another embodiment, a radially arranged helical or other compressible spring member is configured to be radially positioned between the bearing 10 and the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 16. Similarly, a degree of cam drive is required to ensure tactile and auditory interaction between the shaft 16 and the bearing 10. The use of a radial leaf spring is preferred because it simply allows the bearing and the biasing member or spring to be configured as a single unit.

[0045] In another example (not shown), the scaling mechanism is disposed relative to the inner cylindrical surface of the handle, unlike the one disposed on the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 16. In this example, one or more grooves or longitudinal protrusions are disposed or formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle, and the biasing member is biased outward toward the inner cylindrical surface of the handle. In this case, the thread can be configured without longitudinal grooves because the scaling is provided by the engagement between the biasing member and the longitudinal line or protrusion, which is formed or disposed on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle and protrudes a small distance into the cavity of the handle.

[0046] Figures 6a to 6c Three views of the cream dispenser 2 at various stages of use are shown. Figure 6a In the middle, the cream receiving cavity 6 is at its maximum volume, which is how a pre-filled dispenser can typically be provided to the user first. Figure 6b In the process, the user will use about one-third of the cream in the container, and... Figure 6c In the middle, about three-quarters or four-fifths of the cream will be used.

[0047] As can be in all Figures 6a to 6c As can be seen, the cap 30 is positioned above the cream receiving cavity 6, so that the cream dispenser will appear identical externally and at first glance, regardless of the relative positions of the handle and the cream dispensing cavity. In one example, a longitudinal viewing window (not shown) may be provided in the cap 30 to provide a quick and simple visual indication of the amount of cream in the cream receiving cavity.

[0048] In a preferred example, the number of threaded pitches on the shaft 16 is selected to correspond to the number of administration windows for a particular drug. For example, in one example, it is preferred that the threads comprise thirty-two pitches, so that the dispenser can be easily used to deliver a predefined volume of cream, once a day for each day of any month. It is conceivable that at the end of the month, the cream dispenser can be discarded and the appropriate parts recycled.

[0049] For convenience and efficiency, the materials used to manufacture the various components of the dispenser can be selected. Typically, it is desirable that the shaft 16 be formed of plastic, as is the bearing 10. The handle and the housing of the cream receiving cavity can be formed of plastic or metal. The plunger and seal are preferably formed of relatively soft or compressible plastic. This ensures that the seal between the outer circular wall of the plunger and the inner cylindrical surface of the cream receiving cavity can be easily and conveniently guaranteed to be airtight. Furthermore, in one example, one of the plunger and seal is formed of a softer deformable plastic, and the other is formed of a hard plastic. This ensures that when both are placed together, the hard plastic of one of the components will define the final interaction shape between the components.

[0050] A typical size of dispenser can be selected to deliver the desired amount of cream. In a non-limiting example, the entire length of dispenser 2, including the handle, is expected (i.e., as shown in the image). Figure 6a The length of the system shown will be between 100mm and 150mm. Preferably, the length will be 125mm.

[0051] When fully in use, the length of the device (without the cover) will typically be between 60 mm and 80 mm, and preferably 70 mm.

[0052] Generally speaking, as a whole, the diameter of the cream cavity and the dispenser is preferably between 20 mm and 25 mm, and more preferably 23 mm.

[0053] Preferably, the cream that can be dispensed from the dispenser includes any and more of moisturizing cream, skin cream, medicated cream, skin composition, or any other suitable medicine or cream. Other applications may be for veterinary use and, as explained above, are not limited to creams but include other substances containing viscous or non-viscous materials.

[0054] The dispenser is arranged and configured to deliver a precise dose of cream daily or at other selected time intervals. In one example, the system may be sized or configured to deliver multiple doses daily or one dose every 2, 3, or any other number of days. Thus, turning the handle one revolution relative to the cream reservoir moves the bearing (attached to the cream reservoir) downward by one thread pitch, causing a dose of cream to be dispensed from the top of the cream reservoir. A snap-lock is provided at the end of the dose, at which point the end 38 of the spring falls back into the longitudinal groove, letting the user know that a dose has been delivered. Furthermore, the shape of the longitudinal edge surface of the groove 32 and / or the shape of the cam surface on the end 38 of the biasing member are configured such that it is impossible for the user to rotate the handle and the cream reservoir relative to each other in the wrong direction of rotation.

[0055] As described above, the thread pitch is chosen to provide a fixed number of doses until the dispenser has been used and is ready to be discarded, for example, for recycling or refilling (if appropriate). In a preferred example, the thread has exactly thirty-two thread pitches, meaning the package contains exactly thirty-two doses of cream. As the dispenser is used, the length changes as the dose is dispensed, thus showing the user the progress. The cream reservoir is actually integrated into the outer sleeve of the rotating handle. Preferably, graduations are marked on the cream reservoir, on its outer side, to show the user how much dose remains.

[0056] Embodiments of the invention have been described with specific reference to the examples shown. However, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the examples described within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of a viscous substance, the dispenser comprising: A first housing member defines a handle for the dispenser, the handle having a recessed engagement area; A viscous substance receiving cavity, the viscous substance receiving cavity being arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle, the viscous substance receiving cavity having a nozzle opening at a first axial end from which viscous substance is dispensed during use; The viscous material receiving cavity includes a bearing, which is axially fixed at the second axial end of the viscous material receiving cavity; A shaft, rotatably fixed relative to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing, such that as the handle rotates relative to the viscous material receiving cavity, the viscous material receiving cavity and the handle move telescopically relative to each other, causing the viscous material receiving cavity to move axially within the handle to push the viscous material through the nozzle opening, wherein the movement of the handle relative to the viscous material receiving cavity is scaled so that a predetermined volume of viscous material is dispensed by means of the rotation of the handle. The nozzle opening for dispensing viscous material at the first axial end has a seal in the form of a pressure-actuated valve to open and allow the viscous material to be dispensed onto a dispensing surface formed on the outside of the seal for user engagement with the dispensed viscous material. The seal has a convex engagement area protruding into the body of the dispenser. The handle and the seal are arranged in combination to provide a convex / concave correspondence to minimize ineffective space in the viscous material receiving cavity. The bearing and the shaft are threaded.

2. The distributor according to claim 1, wherein the bearing and the shaft are arranged to be threadedly engaged.

3. The distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the threads on the shaft are discontinuous around the body of the shaft.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the shaft has a generally tubular body, wherein the threads are arranged on the circumferential surface of the shaft, and wherein the discontinuity is formed by longitudinal grooves extending along at least a portion of the length of the shaft.

5. The distributor of claim 4, wherein the shaft has at least two grooves formed on different sides of the shaft along its length, such that each portion of the thread extends radially by less than 180 degrees.

6. The dispenser according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the bearing has a spring member biased to engage with the edge of one or more of the grooves.

7. The distributor of claim 6, wherein the spring member is a radial leaf spring having an engaging end biased into one or more grooves and temporarily locking the shaft relative to the bearing when in one of the one or more grooves.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the leaf spring has an engaging end having a shaped cam to engage the edge of the one or more grooves.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein an angle is selected for the cam to ensure that unintended rotation of the handle and the viscous material receiving cavity does not occur.

10. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement of the scale includes a scaling mechanism comprising a spring member biased to engage with a groove or protrusion disposed on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the spring member is integrally formed with the bearing or the scaling mechanism.

12. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the inner cylindrical surface of the handle has at least two longitudinal grooves or protrusions formed thereon.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, comprising a plunger fixed to an end of the shaft and sealingly engaged with the inner wall of the viscous material receiving cavity.

14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the seal is an airtight seal to limit or prevent evaporation from the viscous material containment cavity.

15. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the viscous material receiving cavity has a scale disposed on its outer surface to provide a visual indicator of the volume of available material within the cavity.

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