Substance dispenser and method for providing a substance dispenser - Patent application

Abstract

Substance dispenser and method of providing a substance dispenser. The present invention provides a substance dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of a substance such as a cream or gel or other viscous or non-viscous substance, the dispenser comprising a first housing member defining a handle of the dispenser, a cream-containing chamber arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle member, the cream-containing chamber having at a first end a nozzle opening through which the cream is dispensed in use, a bearing at a second axial end, and a shaft rotatably fixed to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing so that upon rotation of the handle relative to the cream-containing chamber, the cream-containing chamber and the handle move telescopically relative to each other, such movement resulting in axial movement of the substance-containing chamber within the handle to force the cream through the nozzle opening, and movement of the handle relative to the cream-containing chamber indexed to dispense a predetermined amount of cream in response to rotation of the shaft.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for creams or gels, other mucilages or non-mucilages, and a method for providing such a dispenser. In embodiments, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing controlled, metered amounts of creams, gels, other mucilages or non-mucilages, or other substances such as medicinal ointments or cosmetic creams. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical or cosmetic cream compositions are usually provided in dispensers such as deformable tubes or cylindrical rigid tubes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] WO-A-2019 / 001,687 discloses a dispensing container for a viscous product, such as a cream. The dispenser includes a cream pot having an inner cylinder defining a storage volume configured to store a viscous product, such as a cream. A cap is provided that closes the cream pot and has a dispensing outlet. A threaded rod is rotatably connected to the cream pot. A piston is provided that has an internal thread and is coupled to the threaded rod, such that rotation of the threaded rod results in movement of the piston within the inner cylinder along the longitudinal axis of the threaded rod, reducing the storage volume of the inner cylinder and thereby dispensing the product through the dispensing outlet. An indexing mechanism is provided that is configured to lock the threaded rod into multiple rotational positions relative to the cream pot. The indexing mechanism includes various indexing spring elements located on the threaded rod and an indexing section located at the bottom of the cream pot. The indexing spring element of the threaded rod is configured to interact with the indexing section of the cream pot to lock the threaded rod relative to the cream pot.

[0004] EP-A-2,123,188 discloses a container for a cream, which is airtight and arranged to allow quick recognition of how much of the contents of the pod has been extruded.

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

[0006] WO-A-2007 / 005,883 discloses a dispenser for dispensing metered doses of cream, such as medicine. The device includes a barrel and a base having a threaded rod extending therefrom. A riser is provided having a flexible seal that engages the barrel. An applicator cap is provided having an opening for spreading the dispensed cream therein onto the user's skin. The device provides tactile and audible feedback so the user knows how much cream has been dispensed and when. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cream dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of cream, the dispenser comprising a first housing member defining a handle of the dispenser; a cream containing chamber arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle member, the cream containing chamber having at a first end a nozzle opening through which cream is dispensed in use; a bearing axially fixed to the cream containing chamber at a second axial end; and a shaft rotatably fixed 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 move telescopically relative to each other, such that either the substance containing chamber moves axially within the handle or the handle moves axially within the substance containing chamber to force the cream through the nozzle opening, and such movement of the handle relative to the cream containing chamber is indexed in response to rotation of the shaft to dispense a predetermined amount of cream.

[0008] In one embodiment, the bearing and shaft are arranged in a threaded engagement.

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

[0010] In one embodiment, the shaft has a generally tubular body with threads disposed on substantially its circumferential surface, and the discontinuity is formed by a longitudinal groove extending along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. In another example, not shown in the accompanying figures, the discontinuity is formed by a longitudinal protrusion or ridge that can again interact with the end of the leaf spring as the handle and bearing are rotated relative to one another.

[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 section of the thread extends radially for less than 180 degrees.

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

[0013] In one embodiment, the spring member is a radial leaf spring that is biased into one or more grooves and has an engaging end that, when in place in one of the one or more grooves, temporarily rotationally locks the shaft (and a plunger secured to the end of the shaft) relative to the bearing.

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

[0015] In one embodiment, the angle of the cam is selected to ensure that accidental rotation of the handle and cream container does not occur.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bearing or indexing mechanism includes a spring member biased into engagement with a groove or protrusion on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle.

[0017] Thus, in this embodiment, the indexing mechanism is provided on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle, as opposed to being provided by a discontinuous thread on the shaft. This can simplify shaft manufacturing, as no grooves are required on the shaft. The biasing mechanism in this embodiment is biased outward instead of inward, since the interaction between the spring and the groove or protrusion is directed outward. Again, as in the first embodiment, a groove is provided on the outer wall into which the end of the leaf spring is biased when in position, but the component of the biasing mechanism that engages the spring, i.e., the component on the inner cylindrical surface of the handle, is preferably a protrusion. In further non-limiting embodiments, the indexing mechanism could be two separate parts: a threaded bearing and a separate leaf spring, or either part could be incorporated 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, which, in combination with an outward spring or biasing element provided as part of the bearing, will act as an indexing mechanism as the handle and chamber 16 (and thus the bearing, as it is rotationally fixed relative to chamber 16) rotate relative to one another.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a dispenser such as a cream dispenser, the method comprising providing a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser, a substance containing chamber arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle member, the substance containing chamber having at a first end a nozzle opening through which substance is dispensed in use, a bearing axially fixed relative to the substance containing chamber at a second axial end, and a shaft rotatably fixed relative to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing so that upon rotation of the handle relative to the cream containing chamber, the cream containing chamber and the handle move telescopically relative to each other, wherein the movement results in either axial movement of the substance containing chamber within the handle or axial movement of the handle within the substance containing chamber to force substance through the nozzle opening, and wherein movement of the handle relative to the substance containing chamber is indexed so as to dispense a predetermined amount of substance in response to rotation of the shaft.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of a substance comprising a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser; a substance-containing chamber arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle, the substance-containing chamber having a nozzle opening at a first axial end from which the substance is dispensed in use and including a bearing at a second axial end of the substance-containing chamber; and a shaft rotatably fixed to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing so that upon rotation of the handle relative to the cream-containing chamber, the cream-containing chamber and the handle move telescopically relative to each other, such that as a result of the movement the substance-containing chamber moves axially within the handle to force the substance through the nozzle opening, and movement of the handle relative to the substance-containing chamber is indexed so as to dispense a predetermined amount of substance in response to rotation of the shaft.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic longitudinal section through a substance dispenser, such as a cream dispenser; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal section through a substance dispenser, such as a cream dispenser. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic exploded view of the component parts of a substance dispenser, such as a cream dispenser; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a shaft and bearing from a substance dispenser such as a cream dispenser. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shaft and bearing from a substance dispenser such as a cream dispenser. [Figures 6A-6C] 1A-1D are schematic longitudinal sections through a substance dispenser, such as a cream dispenser, at different stages in the dispenser's life cycle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A dispenser is provided for dispensing a metered amount of a substance such as a cream, gel, other mucilage or non-mucilage, or other substance such as a medicinal ointment or cosmetic cream. For clarity and brevity, the dispenser will be described herein as a cream dispenser and the components of the dispenser will be described accordingly. However, it will be understood that the dispenser is also suitable for dispensing metered amounts of substances other than creams.

[0024] The dispenser includes a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser. A cream-containing chamber is provided and arranged for telescopic movement relative to the handle member. The cream-containing chamber has an opening, such as a nozzle, at a first end, and in use, when the handle is rotated relative to the cream-containing chamber, the volume of the cream-containing chamber is substantially reduced so as to dispense cream from the opening or nozzle. The nozzle is also preferably configured to prevent the contents of the chamber, i.e., the cream, from leaking out. As explained below, means are provided for controlling the amount of relative rotation, thereby ensuring careful control of the amount of cream extruded from the opening due to a single rotation. In this manner, metered dispensing of the cream is achieved.

[0025] A bearing is provided at the second axial end of the chamber, i.e., the end longitudinally opposite from the end of the opening or nozzle, and is axially fixed relative to the cream-containing chamber. The shaft is rotatably fixed relative to the handle and is arranged to pass through the bearing, so that when the handle rotates relative to the cream-containing chamber, the cream-containing chamber and the handle move telescopically relative to each other. The cream-containing chamber thus moves axially within the handle to force the cream through the nozzle opening. As explained below, the movement of the handle relative to the cream-containing chamber is indexed to dispense a predetermined amount of cream in response to the rotation. In other examples, the relative telescopic movement is due to the handle moving telescopically within the cream-containing chamber, and in such examples the relative dimensions of the parts of the housing, i.e., the handle and the cream-containing chamber, must be configured accordingly.

[0026] A simple and robust dispenser is provided that can reliably and repeatably deliver a selected, metered amount of cream. Due to the fact that the cream-containing chamber is essentially retracted into the housing of the handle during use, the length of the entire assembly decreases as cream is dispensed. In other words, the combined outer envelope of the handle and cream-containing chamber decreases, so that a quick glance at the dispenser provides an immediate indication of how much cream remains in the dispenser. This is particularly true since a mechanism is provided that preferably precludes the possibility of relative axial movement in opposite directions. In other words, the dispenser is preferably configured such that relative rotation of the handle and cream-containing chamber does not allow the envelope to lengthen. This therefore means that, at any given time, no matter what the combined outer envelope of the handle and cream-containing chamber looks like, there is a clear indication of how much cream is left in the cream-containing chamber. In a preferred example, graduations are applied to the outer surface of the cream-containing chamber (or to the handle) to provide an alternative means for indicating to the user the remaining amount or number of doses that have not yet been dispensed. In other words, in one example, the cream-containing chamber preferably has graduations on its exterior to provide a visual indicator of the amount of substance available in the chamber, allowing a user to quickly glance at the container and determine, for example, how many days' worth of cream remains in the dispenser (or cream-containing chamber).

[0027] 1 and 2 are schematic longitudinal cross-sections through a cream dispenser 2. The dispenser comprises a rotating handle 4, and a cream-containing chamber 6. The handle 4 and the cream-containing chamber 6 are arranged to rotate relative to each other about a longitudinal axis 8 of the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 comprises a bearing 10 that is fixed both axially and rotationally relative to the cream-containing chamber 6. The bearing 10 comprises an internal circumferential thread 12 arranged to engage with a thread 14 provided on the external cylindrical surface of a shaft 16.

[0028] Operation of the cream dispenser is described in detail below, but in general, it should be understood that rotation of the rotatable handle 4 about its longitudinal axis 8 pulls the shaft 16, which is rotationally secured to the handle via interaction between the threads 12 and 14, to the right in FIG. 1 (to the left in FIG. 2). A plunger 18 is provided fixedly attached to a first distal end 20 of the shaft 16. At a second proximal end 22, the shaft 16 is secured to the handle. Securement of the shaft to the handle is achieved by press-fit engagement with a boss 24 formed as part of the handle 4. Other methods of securing the shaft to the handle may be used. In one example, the shaft 16 and handle are provided as a single molded part. In another example, a rivet or fastener is used to securely couple the shaft 16 to the handle 4.

[0029] The bearing 10 is in a fixed position relative to the substance-containing chamber 6. That is, as the handle 4 rotates about the longitudinal axis 8 relative to the cream-containing chamber 6, the cream-containing chamber is substantially retracted into the handle 4 (or its outer housing). The volume in the cream chamber therefore continuously decreases with each movement of the cream chamber into the handle 4. The bearing (see, for example, Figures 6A to 6C) which is fixed relative to the substance-containing chamber slides against the inner wall of the handle 4. A plunger 18 fixed to the end of the shaft 16 is in sealing engagement with the inner wall of the substance-containing chamber.

[0030] 1 and 2, it can be seen that the substance-containing chamber 6 defines a volume 26 between the plunger 18 and a nozzle or seal 28 at the distal end of the cream-containing chamber 6. As the plunger moves relative to the seal 28, the cream is forced out of an opening provided by the seal 28. Preferably, the nozzle or opening provided by the seal 28 is a one-way valve that is pressure actuated to open and allow dispensing of the cream.

[0031] As can be seen, the molding and construction of the seal 28 and plunger 18 are selected to provide a male / female correspondence. This ensures that there is substantially little or no dead space between the components 18 and 28. As the dispenser 2 nears the end of its operation, when the ice cream containing chamber is substantially completely recessed within the envelope of the handle 4, the plunger 18 and seal 28 are in a snug position with a minimum of volume between the two.

[0032] A lid 30 is provided that is sized to fit snugly around the ice cream chamber when the cream chamber is in its most expanded shape, i.e., when it has its maximum volume before use. The lid is chosen to have the same diameter (in cross section) as the rotating handle, so that when the lid and rotating handle are placed in the closed configuration, the dispenser 2 appears as a generally circular cylinder.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a shaft 16 engaged with a bearing 10 is shown. The shaft 16 includes external threads 14 extending along substantially the entire length of its axis. As can be seen, the threads are not continuous around the body of the shaft 16, in that the threads also have longitudinal grooves 32 extending along substantially the entire length of the shaft 16. The bearing 10 has internal threads (not shown in FIG. 5) that engage the threads 14 on the outer periphery of the shaft 16. The bearing 10 has a generally circular cross-section with an opening 34 sized to allow the shaft 16 to move axially therethrough as it rotates relative to the bearing 10. The bearing 10 includes a biasing member 36, in the form of a radial leaf spring, in this embodiment. The leaf spring 36 biases radially inward toward the center of the shaft 16.

[0034] 4, it can be seen that the end 38 of the biasing member 36 is shaped to engage the groove 32 and, under the force of the biasing spring, rotationally lock the shaft 16 relative to the bearing 10. The end 38 of the leaf spring has a cam surface 40 that is curved and shaped to engage the first surface of the groove 32. Thus, to force relative rotation of the bearing and shaft 16, a certain amount of pressure is required, driven in use by a user rotating the handle 4, thereby causing the surface 40 of the end 38 and the first surface of the groove 32 to slide relative to each other, pushing the biasing member 36 out of the groove 32 and thereby allowing relative rotation of the shaft 16 and the bearing 10.

[0035] It can thus be seen that a relatively vertical radial second surface 44 is provided on the opposite longitudinal side of groove 32 so that biasing member 36 clicks into groove 32 as shaft 16 rotates about longitudinal axis 8 relative to bearing 10. That is, the relative movement between bearing 10 and shaft 16 is carefully yet simply adjusted to ensure that it travels exactly one pitch of thread 14 between the audible clicks and before additional force is again required to cause rotation.

[0036] In one example, several longitudinal grooves, such as groove 32, are provided along the outer cylindrical surface of shaft 16. For example, if two such grooves are provided diametrically opposite each other, this means that each time the shaft makes a full rotation relative to bearing 10, the system clicks twice as end 38 of biasing member 36 returns to the corresponding groove. By providing multiple longitudinal grooves, the relative movement of the plunger with respect to cream chamber 6 can be carefully controlled and adjusted. In one example, the grooves are spaced different distances around the cylindrical surface of the shaft. In other words, instead of being diametrically opposed, they would be at other variably selected or determined angular positions. For example, they would be at angular positions of 0 degrees and 120 degrees, for example. That is, successive doses would be half or double the size of the previous dose. Such flexibility is useful when multiple doses are needed for some particular patients, or when stronger or larger doses are needed every other day or every two hours.

[0037] The mechanism provides indexing of relative axial movement between the handle and the cream dispensing chamber in that there are a defined number of positions when the deflection member is temporarily fixed in one of the longitudinal grooves along the length of the shaft 16.

[0038] The engagement of the shaft 16 with the housing of the handle 4 is arranged so as not to allow rotation of the shaft 16 relative to the handle 4. This achieves the technical effect that rotation of the handle causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft 16 and therefore a corresponding relative axial movement between the handle 4 and the cream-containing chamber 6.

[0039] 4 and 5, the biasing member is arranged as a radial leaf spring. In another embodiment, a radially arranged helical or other compressible spring member is provided radially disposed between the bearing 10 and the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft 16. Again, some degree of camming is required to ensure tactile and audible interaction between the shaft 16 and the bearing 10. The use of a radial leaf spring is preferred as it allows the bearing and biasing member or spring to be provided as an integral component.

[0040] In another example (not shown), the indexing mechanism is provided relative to the interior cylindrical surface of the handle, as opposed to being provided on the exterior cylindrical surface of the shaft 16. In this example, one or more grooves or longitudinal protrusions are provided or formed in the interior cylindrical surface of the handle, and the biasing member is biased outward toward the interior cylindrical surface of the handle. The threads in this situation can be provided without longitudinal grooves, since the indexing is provided by engagement between the biasing member and a longitudinal line or protrusion on the interior cylindrical surface of the handle that projects a small distance into the handle cavity.

[0041] Figures 6a to 6c show three views of the cream dispenser 2 at various stages of use. In Figure 6a, the cream-receiving chamber 6 is at its maximum capacity, which is how a pre-filled dispenser is usually initially provided to a user. In Figure 6b, the user has used about one-third of the cream in the container, and in Figure 6c, about three-quarters or four-fifths of the cream has been used.

[0042] As can be seen in all of Figures 6a to 6c, the lid 30 is positioned over the cream-containing chamber 6 so that externally and at first impression the cream dispenser looks the same regardless of the relative positions of the handle and the cream-containing chamber. In one example, a longitudinal viewing window (not shown) may be provided in the lid 30 to provide a quick and easy visual indication of the amount of cream in the cream-containing chamber.

[0043] In a preferred example, the number of pitch threads on shaft 16 is selected to correspond to the dosing window for a particular medication. For example, in one example, the threads preferably include 32 pitches so that the dispenser can be used to simply dispense a predetermined amount of cream once a day on each day of any given month. At the end of the month, it is assumed that the cream dispenser can be discarded and the appropriate components recycled.

[0044] The materials from which the various components of the dispenser are manufactured may be selected for convenience and efficiency. Typically, the shaft 16 is expected to be formed from plastic, as is the bearing 10. The handle and the housing of the cream-containing chamber may be formed from plastic or metal. The plunger and seal are preferably formed from a 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-containing chamber can be easily and conveniently secured. Furthermore, in one example, one of the plunger and seal is formed from a softer, deformable plastic, while the other is formed from a hard plastic. This ensures that when the two are combined, the hard plastic of one of the components defines the final shape of the interaction between the components.

[0045] Typical dimensions of the dispenser can be selected to deliver the desired amount of cream. In one non-limiting example, the overall length of the dispenser 2, including the handle, i.e., the length of the system shown in Figure 6a, is expected to be between 100 and 150 mm. Preferably, the length will be 125 mm.

[0046] The length of the device (without lid) when fully used will typically be between 60 and 80 mm, preferably 70 mm.

[0047] Generally, the diameter of the cream chamber and dispenser as a whole is preferably between 20 and 25 mm, more preferably 23 mm.

[0048] Preferably, creams containing any one or more of moisturizers, skin care creams, medicinal creams, dermatological compositions, or any other suitable medications or creams can be dispensed from the dispenser. Other applications may be veterinary and, as noted above, are not limited to creams, but rather include other substances, including mucilages or non-mucilages.

[0049] The dispenser is positioned and configured so that it can deliver a precise dose of cream daily or at any other selected time interval. In one example, the system can be dimensioned or configured to provide multiple doses per day or a single dose every two, three, or other days. Thus, one rotation of the handle relative to the cream-containing chamber moves the bearing (mounted on the cream-containing chamber) down one thread pitch, thereby dispensing one dose of cream from the top of the cream-containing chamber. When the end 38 of the spring drops back down into the longitudinal groove, a click is provided at the end of the dose, signaling to the user that the dose has been delivered. Furthermore, the shaping of the longitudinal edge surfaces of the groove 32 and / or the shape of the cam surface at the end 38 of the biasing member are provided to prevent the user from rotating the handle and cream-containing chamber in the wrong rotational direction relative to each other.

[0050] As mentioned above, the pitch of the thread is selected to give a certain number of doses until the dispenser is ready to be used and disposed of, for example for recycling or refilling, as appropriate. In a preferred example, the thread has exactly 32 thread pitches thereon, meaning that the package contains exactly 32 doses of cream. When the dispenser is used, the length changes as doses come out, thus indicating progress to the user. The cream-containing chamber is actually integrated into the outer envelope of the rotating handle. Preferably, graduations are written on the cream-containing chamber, on its outside, thereby indicating to the user how many doses are remaining.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to particular illustrated examples, however, it will be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the described examples within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of a substance, said dispenser comprising: a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser; a substance containing chamber arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle, the substance containing chamber having a nozzle opening at a first axial end from which a substance is dispensed in use, the substance containing chamber including a bearing axially fixed at a second axial end of the substance containing chamber; a shaft rotatably fixed to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing so that upon rotation of the handle relative to the substance receiving chamber, the substance receiving chamber and the handle move telescopically relative to one another, such that the substance receiving chamber moves axially within the handle to force substance through the nozzle opening, the movement of the handle relative to the substance receiving chamber being indexed by an indexing mechanism to dispense a predetermined amount of substance in response to rotation of the handle, the indexing mechanism comprising a spring member biased to engage a groove or protrusion on an inner cylindrical surface of the handle; A distributor comprising:

2. The distributor of claim 1 , wherein the bearing and the shaft are disposed in a threaded engagement.

3. The distributor of claim 2 , wherein the threads of the shaft are discontinuous around the body of the shaft.

4. 4. The distributor of claim 3, wherein the shaft has a generally tubular body with the threads disposed on a substantially circumferential surface thereof, the discontinuity being formed by a longitudinal groove extending along at least a portion of the length of the shaft.

5. 5. The distributor of claim 4, wherein 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 through less than 180 degrees.

6. 6. A distributor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the bearing comprises a spring member biased into engagement with an edge of the one or more grooves.

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

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

9. 9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the angle of the cam is selected to ensure that accidental rotation of the handle and substance container does not occur.

10. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the spring member is integrally formed with the bearing or the indexing mechanism.

11. 11. The dispenser of claim 1 or 10, wherein the inner cylindrical surface of the handle has at least two longitudinal grooves or protrusions formed thereon.

12. 12. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of a cream, a gel, another mucilage or non-mucilage, and other substances such as medicinal ointments or cosmetic creams.

13. 13. A dispenser according to any preceding claim, comprising a plunger fixed to the end of the shaft and in sealing engagement with the inner wall of the substance-receiving chamber.

14. 14. A dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the cream-containing chamber has a scale provided on its external surface to provide a visual indicator of the amount of substance available in the chamber.

15. 1. A method of providing a dispenser, said method comprising: a first housing member defining a handle for the dispenser; a substance containing chamber arranged to slide telescopically relative to the handle, the substance containing chamber having a nozzle opening at a first end through which a substance is dispensed in use; a bearing axially fixed relative to the substance-containing chamber at a second axial end; a shaft rotatably fixed to the handle and arranged to pass through the bearing or indexing mechanism so that upon rotation of the handle relative to the substance containing chamber, the substance containing chamber and the handle move telescopically relative to one another, such that the substance containing chamber moves axially within the handle to force substance through the nozzle opening, and movement of the handle relative to the substance containing chamber is indexed by the indexing mechanism to dispense a predetermined amount of cream in response to rotation of the handle, the indexing mechanism comprising a spring member biased to engage a groove or protrusion on an inner cylindrical surface of the handle; A method comprising:

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