Device for dispensing and applying emulsion

Abstract

The present application provides a device (1) for dispensing and applying an emulsion, such as a sunscreen. The device comprises a main body (3). The body (3) is elastically deformable and defines a reservoir (21) for storing an emulsion therein. The device further comprises a head (5) in which is defined one or more apertures (57) distributed over an area of the head (5) defining the rigid first surface. The body (3) and the head (5) are connected such that there is a fluid connection between the reservoir (21) and the one or more orifices (57) of the head (5). The device further comprises an absorbent applicator (7) covering the rigid first surface of the head (5). The absorbent applicator (7) is supported by the rigid first surface of the head (5) and may be used to apply a sunscreen cream to a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a device for dispensing and applying lotion, and in particular to a sunscreen applicator. Background Art

[0002] People who spend a lot of time outdoors are particularly susceptible to damage to the skin caused by solar radiation. It is well known that lotions such as sunscreen can provide valuable protection in this regard. However, the process of applying sunscreen often results in the lotion being squeezed out onto areas of the hands, such as the palms, where sunscreen is not needed, which can cause problems, for example, by making the hands slippery. This is particularly a problem for sports people, such as golfers, who need to maintain a good grip on their equipment to enjoy and succeed in their sport.

[0003] The present disclosure is made based on the above background. Summary of the invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present specification relates to a device for dispensing and applying lotion, the device comprising: a main body having deformable elasticity and defining a storage portion for storing lotion therein; a head having one or more orifices defined therein, the one or more orifices being distributed over an area of ​​the head defining a rigid first surface, wherein the main body is connected to the head so that a fluid connection exists between the storage portion and the one or more orifices of the head; and an absorbent applicator covering the rigid first surface of the head.

[0005] Thus, the lotion can be applied in the following manner: first, the body is squeezed to transfer a portion of the lotion stored in the storage portion to the head, and the lotion (e.g., sunscreen) is loaded into the absorbent applicator through one or more orifices. After the absorbent applicator is loaded with the lotion, it can be in contact with the user's skin. In this way, the lotion is transferred from the device, specifically from the absorbent applicator of the device, to the user's skin as needed. The absorbent applicator is tightly mounted on the head and covers the head of the device. The device allows the user to carry a lotion such as sunscreen with them and use it when needed. The lotion such as sunscreen stored in the storage portion of the device can be directly applied to the user's skin through the absorbent applicator, thereby minimizing the situation where the lotion spreads to areas where it is not needed to be applied. Importantly, the rigid first surface of the head ensures that the absorbent applicator does not deform significantly when rubbed on the skin, so that the lotion is not only applied on the skin, but also rubbed into the texture of the skin, which is very important for certain lotions such as sunscreen to provide sufficient and even coverage.

[0006] The size of the main body is generally designed to be comfortably held by an adult's hand. Therefore, the device can be comfortably held by an adult's hand.

[0007] The main body is generally in an elongated shape, with a longitudinal axis extending from the head end of the main body connected to one end of the head to the relative bottom end. The length of the main body from the head end to the relative bottom end can be greater than 30 mm, for example, greater than 50 mm, or even greater than 70 mm. The length of the main body from the head end to the relative bottom end can be less than 150 mm, for example, less than 130 mm, or even less than 110 mm. The length of the main body from the head end to the relative bottom end can be about 90 mm. The minimum width of the main body can be greater than 30 mm, for example, greater than 40 mm, or even greater than 50 mm. The maximum width of the main body can be less than 90 mm, for example, less than 80 mm, or even less than 70 mm. The width of the main body can be about 60 mm. The maximum depth of the main body can be less than 56 mm, for example, less than 51 mm, or even less than 44 mm. The minimum depth of the main body can be greater than 20 mm, for example, greater than 25 mm, or even greater than 32 mm. The width of the main body can be about 38 mm.

[0008] Therefore, the size of the device makes it easy for most people to carry and use.

[0009] It is understood that the deformable elasticity of the body means that the body can be compressed when subjected to an external force and can return to its original uncompressed shape after the external force is released. The force required to compress the body can be applied by the user's hand, such as by squeezing the body with a palm or fingers.

[0010] The storage capacity of the storage unit can be 500 ml or less, such as less than 500 ml, less than 400 ml, less than 300 ml, less than 250 ml, less than 200 ml, less than 100 ml, 75 ml or less. The storage capacity of the storage unit can be 50 ml, or greater than 50 ml, such as greater than 75 ml, greater than 100 ml, greater than 200 ml, greater than 250 ml.

[0011] The cross section of each orifice can be circular, but can also be other shapes, such as square, triangle, ellipse, ellipse, or polygon. The cross-sectional area of ​​the orifice can be less than 12 square millimeters, can be less than 6 square millimeters, even less than 3 square millimeters. The cross-sectional area of ​​the orifice can be greater than 0.1 square millimeter, can be greater than 0.4 square millimeter, even greater than 0.8 square millimeter. Therefore, emulsion can easily pass through each orifice, but there is still enough material formed thereon to fully support the rigid first surface of the head of the absorbing applicator.

[0012] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the one or more orifices may be greater than 10 square millimeters, and the total cross-sectional area of ​​the one or more orifices may be less than 5 square centimeters. Thus, the size of the one or more orifices may be such as to allow a suitable amount of lotion to pass therethrough for loading onto the absorbent applicator.

[0013] The depth of each aperture may be 5 mm or less, such as less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. The depth of each aperture may also be greater than 0.5 mm. The depth of the aperture may be the direct distance from the edge of the aperture on the rigid first surface of the head to the edge of the aperture on the opposite second surface of the head opposite to the first surface.

[0014] The fluid connection between the reservoir and the one or more orifices may be a fluid connection with a valve. In other words, the fluid connection may not always be in an open state. Whether the fluid connection is open may depend on the state of the valve. In other words, it is understood that as long as the valve can be used to put the reservoir in fluid communication with the one or more orifices, even if the reservoir and the one or more orifices are temporarily blocked from fluid communication due to the valve, a fluid connection is still provided between the reservoir of the body and the one or more orifices of the head.

[0015] The absorbent smear can be made of a foam material, which in the present application may also be referred to as foam. The absorbent smear can be porous. The absorbent smear can include a layer made of foam, which is formed to adapt to the first surface of the head. In this way, the absorbent smear covers the first part of the head by sitting on the first part of the head in a snug manner. The absorbent smear can be made of a polyester material, for example, it can be made of artificial fur.

[0016] The absorbing smear can include layers. The absorbing smear can include a foam layer. The absorbing smear has a certain thickness. When the absorbing smear includes a foam layer, the thickness of the absorbing smear is the thickness of the included foam layer. The thickness of the absorbing smear can be greater than 0.5 mm, for example greater than 1 mm, or even greater than 1.5 mm. The thickness of the absorbing smear can be less than 10 mm, for example less than 8 mm, or even less than 6 mm. The thickness of the absorbing smear can be about 1.5 mm. The absorbing smear with a thickness in the above range has a thickness sufficient to absorb a certain amount of emulsion such as sunscreen for the user to use, but will not absorb excessive emulsion to avoid waste and prevent the user's hands from becoming greasy.

[0017] The head of the device may define a cavity that facilitates a fluid connection between the reservoir and the one or more orifices. That is, the head of the device may be hollow, thereby forming a cavity inside the device that may constitute part of the fluid connection between the reservoir and the one or more orifices.

[0018] The cavity in the head of the device may have a cross-sectional area that decreases with increasing distance from the body, reaches a minimum area and then increases again. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may change with increasing distance from the body.

[0019] The rigid first surface of the head of the device has a shape that facilitates application of the lotion from the absorbent applicator to a person, and in particular to a person's face.

[0020] At least one area of ​​the first surface of the head may define a substantially concave profile in a first direction. Thus, the shape of the first surface can facilitate effective application of lotion to raised and protruding areas of the head or body. At least one area of ​​the first surface of the head may define a substantially convex profile in a second direction. Thus, the shape of the first surface can additionally or alternatively facilitate effective application of lotion into folds, pits, and depressions of the head and body. The second direction may intersect the first direction. Thus, a head shape including convex and concave profiles can be used to apply lotion to almost any part of the head and body.

[0021] The absorbent applicator covers the head of the device. The absorbent applicator generally forms an absorbent layer whose shape matches the shape of the head of the device. The form of the applicator surface is determined by the surface form or shape of the head. The surface form or shape of the head, i.e. the outer surface form or shape, enables enhanced contact between the absorbent applicator and the user's skin. In this way, the lotion can be applied to the user's skin, such as the skin on the user's face, in a manner that optimizes an even and complete distribution of the lotion.

[0022] The rigid first surface of the head may be convex. The rigid first surface of the head may include a peak. The rigid first surface of the head may include a plurality of peaks, such as a first peak and a second peak. The first peak and the second peak may together form a saddle-shaped first surface of the head. The first peak and the second peak may be substantially equal in size. The height of the first peak may be greater than the height of the second peak.

[0023] The rigid first surface of the head may include a central region having a concave cross-section in a first plane and a convex cross-section in a second orthogonal plane. In the first plane, the concave cross-section may be flanked on one or both sides by a convex cross-section.

[0024] The rigid first surface of the head may comprise a plurality of peaks, typically two peaks. The rigid first surface of the head may comprise two peaks and a connecting ridge.

[0025] The rigid first surface may define a saddle shape.

[0026] The one or more apertures of the device may be a plurality of apertures.

[0027] The orifice may be located at or near the apex of one or more of the peaks of the head. The orifice may be located around the apex of one or more of the peaks of the head in a concentric arrangement. One or more orifices may be distributed along a connecting ridge of the head. The orifice may be located at or near the center point of the connecting ridge of the head. The orifice may be located around the center point of the connecting ridge of the head in a concentric arrangement.

[0028] The one or more apertures may be distributed over the entire area of ​​the rigid first surface of the head.

[0029] The one or more orifices may include a single orifice, or two or more orifices, such as more than 4 orifices, or more than 12 orifices, or more than 24 orifices, or more than 48 orifices, or more than 96 orifices. The number of orifices may be less than 400 orifices, less than 350 orifices, or less than 300 orifices, or less than 200 orifices, or less than 150 orifices. For example, the number of orifices may be 106.

[0030] The device may also include a lotion valve located between the body and the head, wherein the lotion valve has a first configuration in which the flow of lotion from the body to the one or more orifices through the fluid connection is restricted or prevented, and a second configuration in which the lotion can flow from the body to the one or more orifices through the fluid connection.

[0031] The head of the device may be connected to the body by a rotatable mount, such that the head can rotate (or be rotated) relative to the body about the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0032] The head of the device may be connected to the body by a threaded connection or screw mount which generally moves about the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0033] The head can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the device between a first position relative to the body and a second position relative to the body. The rotation of the head relative to the body can be configured to cause a change in the configuration of the lotion valve. In the first position, the lotion valve can be in its first configuration. In the second position, the valve can be in its second configuration. The angle between the first and second positions can be 180° or less, or 10° or more. For example, the angle can be approximately 90°.

[0034] The head and the body may have cross-sections that may match each other in a first position but not match each other in a second position when the head is rotated relative to the body. For example, the head may have an elliptical cross-section and the body may have an elliptical cross-section. In the first position, the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the head may be parallel to the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the body. In the second position, the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the head may be perpendicular to the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the body. In this way, by comparing the position of the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the head with the position of the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the body, a user of the device may easily determine, for example, by just touching, whether the lotion valve is in its second (open) configuration or the first (restricted or closed) configuration. Therefore, the device is suitable for use by the user even in busy situations, in which the user may not have the ability or willingness to observe the device to determine whether the lotion valve is in the closed (first) configuration or the open (second) configuration.

[0035] The absorbent applicator may be made of a flexible material.The absorbent applicator may be porous.

[0036] If the device includes an absorbent applicator made of a flexible material, the applicator will easily conform to the smaller contours of the user's skin when applying the lotion, thereby enhancing the even application of a lotion such as sunscreen, thereby facilitating the desired skin protection.

[0037] If the device comprises an absorbent applicator made of a porous material, this enhances the ability of the absorbent applicator to be loaded with lotion prior to application.

[0038] The device may include fixing means for holding the absorbent applicator in place overlying the rigid first surface of the head. The fixing means may be used as a positioner when assembling the absorbent applicator to the rigid first surface of the head.

[0039] The head may include a fixing device, or the fixing device may be located on the head. For example, the fixing device may include one or more protrusions on the head, and the absorbent applicator may be formed around these protrusions. The one or more protrusions may be embedded in the absorbent applicator, or engage with the absorbent applicator through one or more fixing holes, such as through the absorbent applicator, to help fix the absorbent applicator in place.

[0040] The absorbent wipe may include the fixing means, or the fixing means may be present as part of the absorbent wipe. For example, the fixing means may include an adhesive.

[0041] The fixing device may be composed of a first element and a second element, the first element may be part of the head, and the second element may be part of the absorbent applicator, the first element and the second element interacting in a mutually related manner. For example, the first element of the fixing device may include protrusions protruding from the head, and the second element may include recesses in the absorbent applicator, which are configured to receive the protrusions of the head.

[0042] The fixing means may include a clamp. The clamp may be or may include one or more clamp elements. The clamp may be clamped to the head or formed around the head, for example, may be formed around the periphery of the head while clamping the edge of the absorbent applicator between the annular clamp and the head.

[0043] The fixture may include a first mating element group. The head may include a second mating element group. Each element in the second mating element group typically has a mating element in the first mating element group. Each element in the second mating element group typically has a mating element in the first mating element group that forms a mating element pair with it. When the fixture is clamped to the head or around the head, each first mating element can engage with the corresponding second mating element. When the absorbent smear is mounted on the head and the fixture is mounted to the head or around the head, each first mating element can engage with the corresponding second mating element in a manner that the mating element pair engaged passes through the fixing hole of the absorbent smear. Therefore, the absorbent smear can be more firmly fixed on the head by passing the fixing hole of the absorbent smear through the mating element. By firmly fixing at multiple points, even if the absorbent smear degrades slightly over time, it will remain firmly attached to the head, thereby allowing the device to continue to be used.

[0044] The first mating component group may include at least one mating component, such as a plurality of mating components. The first mating component group may include less than ten mating components, such as five or fewer mating components. Each mating component in the first mating component group may have substantially the same shape and size as each other mating component in the first mating component group.

[0045] The second mating component group may include at least one mating component, such as a plurality of mating components. The second mating component group may include less than ten mating components, such as five or less mating components. Each mating component of the second mating component group may have substantially the same shape and size as each other mating component in the second mating component group.

[0046] One of the first mating component group and the second mating component group can each define an opening therein for receiving a corresponding fixing protrusion of each mating component in the other mating component group. The opening can be defined in each component in the second mating component group, and the fixing protrusion can be provided on each component in the first mating component group.

[0047] The securing means may be a separate component relative to the head or the absorbent applicator, such as an adhesive attachment, for attaching the rigid first surface of the head and the absorbent applicator together.

[0048] The device may further comprise an air inlet member which allows air to enter the storage portion.

[0049] The air inlet typically includes a check valve, thereby allowing air from the surrounding environment to enter the reservoir, but preventing or impeding the escape of air or any other fluid within the reservoir. When the body is deformed, for example due to squeezing, pressure is generated within the reservoir. If the check valve prevents or impedes the escape of air through the air inlet, the primary pressure release mechanism may be pressure release through a fluid connection connected to the one or more orifices. Pressure release may be by movement of the emulsion through the fluid connection to the one or more orifices.

[0050] The device may be arranged so that air enters the reservoir when the body has undergone elastic deformation such that the reservoir is compressed and then allowed to return to its original shape by increasing the volume of the reservoir.

[0051] The presence of the air entry member enables the body to return to its original shape, thereby allowing the body to be compressed again, for example to facilitate reloading of the absorbent applicator.

[0052] The air inlet may be arranged such that air is directed to a distal end of the reservoir and away from a proximal end of the reservoir, wherein the proximal end is closer to the head than the distal end.

[0053] The air inlet may be arranged to allow air to enter the reservoir at a distal end and away from a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is closer to the head than the distal end.

[0054] The air intake member may include an air intake member inlet through which air typically enters the device. The air intake member may include an air intake member channel through which air flows after entering the device. The air intake member channel may be formed in the material of the body of the device. The air intake member channel may include a duct configured to extend to a location in the storage portion. The air intake member channel may include a duct configured to extend to a distal end of the storage portion.

[0055] The air inlet may be located at the bottom or distal end of the body of the device.

[0056] The air intake inlet may be located in the head of the device. The air intake inlet may be located in a surface of the head of the device. For example, the air intake inlet may be located in a surface of the head of the device that is visually hidden when the cross-sections of the head and the body match each other in the first position.

[0057] The device may include a carrying member by means of which the device can be carried. The carrying member may be a handle or a strap.

[0058] The carrier can be attached to the rest of the device at the bottom or distal end of the body. The bottom or distal end of the body, i.e., the end of the body opposite to the head end of the body, can include a through hole through which the carrier can pass.

[0059] If the device is carried in a suspended manner by a carrying member at the bottom or distal end of the body, the device will be suspended in a manner that the head end is lower than the bottom end. In this way, when the device is suspended through the through hole, the lotion present in the storage portion of the body will accumulate away from the distal or bottom end of the body.

[0060] The air inlet may be located within a through hole at the bottom end of the body of the device.

[0061] If a lotion valve is present and in the closed (second) configuration, lotion will accumulate in the area of ​​the reservoir facing the closed lotion valve when the device is suspended through the through hole. If the lotion valve is subsequently opened, lotion can enter the cavity of the head.

[0062] If the lotion valve is in the restricted (first) configuration, or if the lotion valve is not present in the device, lotion will accumulate in the cavity of the head when the device is oriented with its bottom end higher than the head end. The device will typically be oriented in this way when it is suspended by the through hole. The viscosity and / or surface tension of the lotion, combined with the physical characteristics of the one or more orifices, such as the size of the one or more orifices, and possibly the properties of the head material, can ensure that in a static state, under the action of gravity, any lotion accumulated in the cavity of the head remains in the cavity and does not seep out of the one or more orifices.

[0063] The device may further include a cap configured to be removably secured to the head such that the cap covers the absorbent applicator and protects it from the surrounding environment when the cap is installed.

[0064] The cap may be mounted to the head by a friction fit.

[0065] The cap may include one or more sealing elements. The sealing element may extend from the inner surface of the cap. The sealing element may extend from the inner surface of the cap. The sealing element may extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the storage portion. The sealing element may extend in such a manner that the sealing element engages with one or more orifices of the head, for example, by entering and thereby blocking one or more orifices in the head when the cap is mounted on the device. In this way, the sealing element may seal the storage portion to prevent the sunscreen from drying up when the cap is installed. This is particularly advantageous when the device is not used for a long time. The sealing element may exist in the shape of a projection, so that when the cap is mounted on the device, the sealing element enters and fills one or more orifices in the head.

[0066] The cap may provide a base to support the device.

[0067] The cap may be designed so that the device can stand on the cap on a support surface such as a tabletop. The cap may be designed so that the device can stand on the cap on a support surface with the distal end of the body held in an uppermost orientation. The cap may include a ridge on which the device can be supported while supported on the support surface. The ridge may surround a flat surface of the cap.

[0068] The device may include a mirror.

[0069] The mirror surface may be a flat mirror surface. The mirror surface may be detachable. In this way, the user can use the mirror surface to assist in applying the sunscreen when using the device to apply the sunscreen to the face. The mirror surface may be part of the cap. The cap may include a flat surface that is a mirror surface or includes a mirror surface. The cap may include a flat surface that is a mirror surface or includes a mirror surface, and the cap may also include a ridge around the flat surface, the cap may stand or be supported on the ridge, and when the device and the cap are attached together, the device may stand or be supported on the ridge.

[0070] The device may include a switch. The switch may take the form of a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured to detect whether the absorbent applicator is pressed against the user's skin during the process of using the applicator to cause the device to apply a lotion such as sunscreen to the user's skin. The pressure sensor may only work when enabled. In other examples, the switch may be enabled by rotating the head of the device by a predetermined angle (e.g., 180°) relative to the body. Unless the head of the device is rotated by a predetermined angle (e.g., 180°) relative to the body, the switch may not be enabled. The switch may also be disconnected by rotating the head of the device in the opposite direction relative to the body.

[0071] The switch may be functionally connected to an indicator, such as a light emitter and / or a sound generator. In this way, when a switch such as a pressure sensor is activated, the light emitter may emit light, and / or, if desired, a sound may be emitted by the sound generator. It is understood that when the switch is a pressure sensor, the emission of light and / or sound may be caused by the detection of contact between the absorbent applicator and the user's skin.

[0072] The light and / or sound can provide a distraction, making it easier to apply lotion to a child because the child will stop moving around too much. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings:

[0074] Figure 1 An exploded view of a device for dispensing and applying lotion according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] Figure 2 (a) shows a cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing and applying a lotion according to one aspect of the present disclosure in an exploded view; Figure 2 (b) shows the same cross-section in a non-exploded view.

[0076] Figure 3 An external view of a device for dispensing and applying lotion according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0077] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the device for dispensing and applying lotion is shown with the head rotated 90° relative to the body.

[0078] Figure 5 Shown is the head of another embodiment of the device for dispensing and applying lotion.Other parts of the applicator device are not shown in this figure.

[0079] Figure 6 Details of an embodiment of an apparatus including a pressure sensor and an indicator are shown.

[0080] Figure 7 A detail of an exploded view of an embodiment of the device is shown.

[0081] Figure 8 Views of a cap are shown: (a) shows the interior including the sealing protrusion; (b) shows the outer surface of the cap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1, an exploded view of a sunscreen applicator 1 according to the present application is shown. The elastically deformable body 3 is connected to the head 5 by a rotatable mounting 27. In this embodiment, a lotion valve is also provided at the interface between the body 3 and the head 5. The deformable body 3 is hollow and contains a storage portion 21 for storing sunscreen. The deformable body 3 is made of a material that can be compressed when squeezed by the user's hand and is easy to return to its uncompressed form after any pressure is released. Applicable materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar materials. The head is made of a rigid material that is easy to maintain its shape under pressure, such as a suitable rigid plastic. At least part of the material of the applicator device (if not all) is preferably recyclable.

[0083] The head 5 may define a plurality of orifices 57 therein, which are distributed over the area of ​​the head defining the rigid first surface. The orifices are fluidly connected to the reservoir 21 of the body 3 through the cavity 29 formed in the head 5. That is, there is a fluid connection between the reservoir and one or more orifices. In this embodiment, the lotion valve is located at the fluid interface between the reservoir 21 and the cavity 29.

[0084] The shape of the uppermost surface of the rigid head 5 facilitates the application of lotion from the absorbent applicator to a person, in particular to a person's face. In the present embodiment, the rigid first surface of the head has a saddle shape. It presents a basically concave profile in a first direction along the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the head, and a basically convex profile in a direction perpendicular to this direction. The concave profile along the first direction has peaks on both sides. When transferring lotions such as sunscreen from the rigid head of the applicator to the user's face, this surface shape shows good results in coping with facial contours and evenly applying the lotion. The rigid first surface includes a plurality of orifices 57. Covering the head and fitting closely therewith is the absorbent applicator 7. The absorbent applicator 7 is made of a porous foam material. In the present embodiment, the protrusions 55 distributed on the outer surface of the head engage with the matching recesses on the bottom surface of the absorbent applicator layer (see Figure 2 (a)), to serve as a fixing means to help maintain a close fit between the rigid head 5 and the absorbent applicator 7.

[0085] The cap 9 covers the absorbent applicator layer 7 and protects the absorbent applicator from the surrounding environment or contamination. In this embodiment, the cap 9 is fixed to the head 5 by a friction fitting 53 and is reinforced by ridges around the periphery of the rigid head 5. When contact with the absorbent applicator surface is required, such as when the user wishes to use the device to apply sunscreen to themselves, the cap 9 can be removed and reinstalled on the rigid head 5 at an appropriate subsequent time. Figure 1In the embodiment shown in , the cap also includes a mirror 11 or mirror surface. The user can use the mirror when applying sunscreen to his face using the device, for example to observe the application. The cap 9 can serve as a base on which the applicator can stand.

[0086] The body 3 of the applicator has a through hole 17 which passes through the body from one side of the applicator body to the other side of the body remote from the end of the head 5. A ring 31 passes through the through hole 17 to provide carrying means by which the device 1 can be carried.

[0087] The applicator of this embodiment has a substantially elliptical cross section perpendicular to its main longitudinal axis. The outer elliptical shape of the body 3 is identical to the outer elliptical shape of the head 5 at the junction of the two parts.

[0088] A cross-sectional view of the applicator is shown in Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 As shown in (b), Figure 2 (a) shows an exploded view; and Figure 2 (b) shows a non-exploded, undisassembled view. In this embodiment, a storage portion 21 for storing sunscreen is formed by providing a cavity in the deformable body 3. An air duct 23 connects the storage portion 21 to the outside atmosphere. The air inlet 15 of the air inlet member is located in the through hole 17 in this embodiment, providing an inlet for air to enter the storage portion 21. There is a check valve at the air inlet member inlet 15, which allows air to enter the storage portion but prevents the pressurized air in the storage portion from escaping through the air duct 23. Air enters through the air inlet member inlet 15, passes through the air duct 23, and enters the storage portion 21 at the air inlet 25. Air enters the storage portion 23 at the end away from the head 5.

[0089] exist Figure 2 In the non-exploded cross-sectional view of (b), the orientation of the head 5 towards the body 3 is such that the oval cross-sections of the two parts have the same orientation and match each other (see also Figure 3 ). In this orientation of the head and body, the lotion valve 27 is in a closed state, preventing the sunscreen from flowing freely between the reservoir 21 and the cavity 29 of the head 5. This corresponds to the first configuration of the lotion valve.

[0090] There is a rotational connection between the body 3 and the head 5, and the rotation axis of the rotational connection corresponds to the longitudinal center axis of the body. The head 5 can rotate relative to the body 3 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the elliptical connection cross sections of the head 5 and the body 3 are aligned (see Figure 2 (b) and Figure 3 ); In the second position, the major axis of the elliptical connecting cross section of the head 5 forms a right angle with the major axis of the elliptical connecting cross section of the body 3 (see Figure 4). In the first position, the lotion valve between the reservoir 21 and the cavity 29 is in a first configuration to be in a closed state. In the second position, the lotion valve between the reservoir 21 and the cavity 29 is in a second configuration to be in an open state. When the lotion valve between the reservoir 21 and the cavity 29 is opened, the sunscreen stored in the reservoir 21 can be transferred to the cavity 29. Such transfer can be accomplished, for example, by squeezing the elastically deformable body 3. From the cavity 29, the sunscreen can enter the absorbent applicator foam layer 7 through the orifice 57 in the head 5. Once the absorbent applicator foam layer is loaded with sunscreen, the user can rotate the head 5 to the first position to close the lotion valve between the reservoir 21 and the head cavity 29. The user can then rub the absorbent applicator on his skin to apply the sunscreen to the skin, using the shape of the applicator head to contact the contours of the body or face during the application process, and using the rigidity provided by the head to assist in rubbing the lotion into the skin to achieve maximum protection. This way, users can apply a protective sunscreen without getting any on their hands.

[0091] In this embodiment, the fluid connection from the reservoir 21 to the cavity 29 in the head 5 is through a theoretically circular hole that is divided into four areas. Two of the areas are open and the other two areas are closed. Similarly, the fluid connection into the cavity 29 of the head 5 is through a theoretically circular hole that is also divided into two open areas and two closed areas. When the head is in the first position, its elliptical cross section is aligned with the elliptical cross section of the body (see Figure 3 ), the closed area of ​​the body closes the fluid connection provided by the open area of ​​the head, and the closed area of ​​the head closes the fluid connection provided by the open area of ​​the body. In this way, the closed area of ​​the head together blocks the free fluid connection between the body reservoir 21 and the head cavity 29. When the head is in the second position, its elliptical cross section forms a right angle with the elliptical cross section of the body (see Figure 4 ), the closed area of ​​the body overlaps with the closed area of ​​the head, thereby opening a free fluid connection between the storage portion 21 and the head cavity 29 through the open areas of the body 3 and the head 5.

[0092] Figure 5A head 5 of another embodiment of an applicator is shown. In this embodiment, the air inlet 15 is located in the surface of the bottom of the head 5. An air duct 23 extends from the inlet 15 inside the head 5 through a hole providing a fluid connection with the reservoir 21 and continues along its longitudinal axis in the length direction of the reservoir 21 to the end of the reservoir 21 away from the head. Thus, air entering the reservoir 21, for example after the body has been deformed by squeezing, is directed to the distal end of the reservoir. Since the duct 23 extends along the long central axis of the body, it is not affected by the deformation of the body when squeezed, nor does it affect the deformation of the body. Figure 5 In the embodiment partially shown in , the head is attached to the body via a threaded connection.

[0093] Figure 6 Details of an embodiment of the device including a pressure sensor 61 are shown. The pressure sensor 61 is located on a rigid first surface of the head 5 and is used to sense the force applied to the absorbent applicator 7, for example when the device is used to apply sunscreen to a user. A light and a speaker 63 are mounted within the body 3 of the applicator, which emit light and sound respectively when the pressure sensor 61 detects the applied force. The electrical connections between the pressure sensor 61 and the light and speaker 63 are not shown in the figure. It will be appreciated that the device will typically also include a power source, such as a battery (not shown).

[0094] Figure 7 An exploded view showing details of another embodiment of the present application.

[0095] In this embodiment, the absorbent applicator 7 includes a series of holes 46 around the edge of its bottom. The head 5 includes two parts in this embodiment: a first head part 5a, which is connected to the body 3; and a second head part 5b, in which there is a dispensing hole 57. The second head part 5b also includes six protrusions 48 distributed around its periphery. When the absorbent applicator 7 is mounted on the head part 5b, each protrusion passes through a corresponding fixing hole 46 in the edge of the absorbent applicator 7. The attachment of the absorbent applicator 7 to the second head part 5b is further fixed by a ring clamp 40, which is composed of a first ring clamp part 40a and a second ring clamp part 40b, each of which contains three pins 44. These pins 44 are arranged to engage with the protrusions 48 distributed around the periphery of the second head part 5b. In this way, the absorbent smear 7 is fixed to the second head portion 5 b in the following manner: the protrusion 48 passes through the fixing hole 46 , the inner side of the absorbent smear 7 contacts the outer surface of the second head portion 5 b, and the outer side of the absorbent smear 7 contacts the body of the annular clamp 40 .

[0096] Figure 8FIG. 1 shows a cap 9 of a device according to one embodiment. The cap 9 in this embodiment comprises a series of sealing elements 19 extending from the inner surface of the cap inside the cap. Figure 8 As shown in (a), when the cap 9 is mounted on the device 1, these sealing elements engage with corresponding holes in the absorbent applicator 7 and corresponding apertures 49 in the head 5. This provides an effective seal when the cap is mounted, preventing the sunscreen in the device from drying up even if the device is not used for a long time.

[0097] In summary, the present application provides a device (1) for dispensing and applying a lotion such as sunscreen. The device includes a body (3). The body (3) is elastically deformable and defines a storage portion (21) for storing the lotion therein. The device also includes a head (5) in which one or more orifices (57) are defined, and these orifices are distributed on an area of ​​the head (5) that defines a rigid first surface. The body (3) and the head (5) are connected so that there is a fluid connection between the storage portion (21) and the one or more orifices (57) of the head (5). The device also includes an absorbent applicator (7) covering the rigid first surface of the head (5). The absorbent applicator (7) is supported by the rigid first surface of the head (5) and can be used to apply sunscreen to a user.

[0098] In the present specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and their variations mean "including but not limited to", and other components, ingredients or steps are not intended and will not be excluded. In the present specification and claims, the singular includes the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to cover both the singular and the plural, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0099] Features, components, characteristics or combinations described in association with a particular aspect, embodiment or example should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless the two are incompatible. All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process may be combined in any combination unless there is mutual exclusion between these features and / or steps. The present invention is not limited to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The present invention extends to any novel combination of any features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or any novel combination of any steps of any method or process.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing and applying lotion, the device comprising: a main body having deformable elasticity and defining a storage portion for storing the lotion therein; a head portion having one or more orifices defined therein, the one or more orifices distributed over an area of ​​the head portion defining a rigid first surface, wherein the body is coupled to the head portion such that a fluid connection exists between the reservoir portion and the one or more orifices of the head portion; as well as An absorbent applicator covers the rigid first surface of the head.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The head defines a cavity that is part of the fluid connection between the reservoir and the one or more orifices.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rigid first surface of the head has a shape configured to facilitate application of lotion from the absorbent applicator to a person's body, particularly a person's face.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: At least one area of ​​the first surface of the head defines a substantially concave profile in a first direction, and optionally, wherein the at least one area of ​​the first surface of the head defines a substantially convex profile in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The one or more holes are a plurality of holes.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lotion valve located between the body and the head, wherein The emulsion valve has a first configuration in which the flow of emulsion from the body to the one or more holes via the fluid connection is restricted or prevented, and a second configuration in which the emulsion can flow from the body to the one or more holes via the fluid connection.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The absorbent applicator is made of a flexible material.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The absorbent applicator is porous.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The device comprises fixing means for fixing in place the absorbent applicator covering the rigid first surface of the head.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The fixture includes a clamp having a first mating feature that engages a second mating feature of the head.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an air intake member which allows air to enter the reservoir.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The device is arranged so that air enters the reservoir when the body, which has been elastically deformed to compress the reservoir, is allowed to return to its original shape to increase the volume of the reservoir.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the air inlet is arranged to direct air towards a distal end of the reservoir and away from a proximal end of the reservoir, the proximal end being closer to the head than the distal end.

14. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a carrying member by means of which the device can be carried, optionally wherein: The carrying piece is a handle or a belt.

15. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a cap configured to be removably secured to the head.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The cap provides a base upon which the device may stand.

17. The device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The cap includes a sealing element for sealing the storage portion when the cap is secured to the head.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The device includes a mirror.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The device comprises a switch, such as a pressure sensor.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein The switch is functionally connected to the indicator, and wherein the device is configured to operate the indicator when the switch is activated.

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