GB2553500A

GB2553500A - A wearable band device

Info

Publication number: GB2553500A
Application number: GB1613604.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mohammad Latif Liaque; Alharbi Hamed
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-09
Filing date: 2016-08-09
Publication date: 2018-03-14

Abstract

A wearable band suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid comprises a band (22, fig.3), a container for containing a liquid 24, a spray outlet (26, fig.4), a liquid communication means (84, fig.9) enabling liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet, and an actuating means (30, fig.2). Upon actuation of the actuating means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray. The device preferably comprises a pump suitable for pumping liquid out of the spray outlet, wherein the pump comprises a pump reservoir. Actuation is preferably effected by application of pressure to the container in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band. The actuation of the actuating means may cause a portion of the container to move in a direction tangential to the band. The band may take a substantially helical form. The container for containing a liquid may be removeably attached to the band. The spray head may be positioned generally tangentially with respect to the band. The invention also provides a spray device and a method of sanitizing body parts.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A wearable band device

Abstract Title: A wearable band device for dispensing liquids (57) A wearable band suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid comprises a band (22, fig.3), a container for containing a liquid 24, a spray outlet (26, fig.4), a liquid communication means (84, fig.9) enabling liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet, and an actuating means (30, fig.2). Upon actuation of the actuating means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray. The device preferably comprises a pump suitable for pumping liquid out of the spray outlet, wherein the pump comprises a pump reservoir. Actuation is preferably effected by application of pressure to the container in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band. The actuation of the actuating means may cause a portion of the container to move in a direction tangential to the band. The band may take a substantially helical form. The container for containing a liquid may be removeably attached to the band. The spray head may be positioned generally tangentially with respect to the band. The invention also provides a spray device and a method of sanitizing body parts.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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A wearable band device

Field

The present invention relates to wearable band device, typically a band device capable of being worn by a human, such as being or comprising a wristband or waistband. The present invention in particular relates to a wearable band device (e.g. being or comprising a wristband or waistband) suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid.

Prior Art

US 2014/0158793 A1 (M.L. Sims, SR.) discloses a misting device/accessory to provide a misting fluid to a user, comprising: an atomizer to atomize a fluid for the misting device/accessory; a wrist sleeve or head sleeve to connect the misting device/accessory to the user; a lower reservoir housing to connect to the wrist sleeve or head sleeve to provide a reservoir of the fluid for the atomizer; and an upper reservoir housing to connect to the lower reservoir housing to cooperate with the atomizer. In US 2014/0158793 A1, the atomiser can be or include a flexible sphere, and/or the upper reservoir housing can be detachably connected to the lower reservoir housing. The Figure 6 embodiment of US 2014/0158793 A1 has an atomiser, misting valve and upper housing reservoir which project outwardly from the wrist sleeve, in a direction which (when attached to a wrist) projects radially away from the user’s wrist, hand and arm. The purpose of the misting device/accessory of US 2014/0158793 A1 is to reduce the effect of overheating in warm climates by providing a mist of cooling water.

Utility model DE 20 2006 009 161 U1 (egate international GmbH) discloses a bracelet having two bracelet parts that are connected with each other by a movable connection, wherein one part has a retaining holder. A liquid case (e.g. perfume case) (12) with an actuatable pump sprayer (13) is arranged in the retaining holder in such a manner that the liquid is outwardly delivered from the case during the actuation of the outlet. The parts can be made of plastic material and/or wood material and/or metallic material.

DE 199 45 ITT A1 (K. Laurien) discloses an arm band or arm ring having a liquid reservoir container, e.g. for perfume, that can be attached to it or integrated into it, whereby the container can be replaced or refilled. The container can have a spray head and can form part of a wrist watch worn with an armband or arm ring.

DE 102 23 600 A1 (J. Hakenholt) discloses jewelry (1) for wearing on the arm, comprising an annular body (2) for fitting on the lower arm, and a holder (4) for a container (3) filled with perfume. Preferably, the jewelry is a bangle (9) or a chain and is made of metal or plastic.

-2Preferably, the holder is arranged on the surface (5) of the annular body. Preferably, a snapin connection is provided between the container and the holder. In the specific embodiment of DE 102 23 600 A1, the container (3) is configured as a bottle (18) for holding a fragrance, and the bottle has a sprayer (16) at the end where the bottle (18) protrudes from the holder (4); when actuated, perfume is dispensed from a nozzle (20).

WO 99/32007 A1 and EP 1 024 723 A1 (Ayhan Orhan) discloses a bangle serving as a container for liquids with an atomizer and a hinge, comprising at least 2 parts (TE1) and (TE2), wherein part of the bangle (TE1) has a hollow space (HO1). The corresponding European patent EP 1 024 723 B1 (Ayhan Orhan) claims a bracelet with a container for liquids, an atomizer (ZS1) and a hinge mechanism, whereby the bracelet exhibits at least a first bracelet part (TE1) and a second bracelet part (TE2), characterized in that, at one of the bracelet parts (TE1, TE2), a cavity (HO1) is formed for the admission of the liquid and the atomizer (ZS1) intended at a final section of the cavity (HO1) of the exhibiting bracelet part, whereby by squeezing the two bracelet parts (TE1, TE2) together, the liquid from the cavity (HO1) is delivered and sputtered.

JP3038738(U) discloses a portable hand finger sanitizer, having a band, a spraying section (3), a spraying mouth (4) and a liquid medicine absorption tube (5).

CN104770949A (Luo Fuzhong) discloses a sports wristband containing liquid soap. The sports wristband comprises a sports wristband body. The sports wristband body is a closed hollow cavity formed by an outer ring and an inner ring. The liquid soap is arranged in the hollow cavity. A liquid soap discharging nozzle is arranged at the outer ring. The center of the liquid soap discharging nozzle is provided with a through hole communicating with the hollow cavity. The outer portion of the liquid soap discharging nozzle is provided with an outer thread connected with a cover with an inner thread. For the wristband of CN104770949A, when exercise is completed, a user can unscrew the cover and slightly squeeze the sports wristband body, so that the user washes the hands with the liquid soap in the hollow cavity.

Currently, the public and medical staff are concerned about preventing transmission of bacterial and/or viral infections. There are outbreaks (or continuing infections) of infectious diseases (e.g. pathogenic infectious diseases) of various types in various countries, in particular: viral diseases such as influenza (e.g. H1N1 influenza such as “Swine flu”, H3N2 influenza, H7N9 influenza and/or avian influenza, and/or B influenza), or diseases caused by rhinovirus (the cold virus), parainfluenza virus, norovirus, SARS virus, MERS virus or Ebola virus; and/or bacterial diseases such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus (e.g.

-3methicillin-resistant S. aureus, MRSA), Clostridium such as Clostridium difficile, pathogenic Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae such as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) or non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Certain antibiotic and antiviral compounds are available to successfully treat some cases of bacterial or viral infectious (e.g. pathogenic) diseases. However, due to increasing antibiotic resistance, the trend in modern medicine is to minimize antibiotic use; and antiviral drugs are only available against certain viruses. In any case, doctors are often unaware of whether a bacteria or virus ails the patient, or if they are aware of this then they are usually unaware of which species of pathogenic bacteria or virus has infected the patient, all of which complicates and/or delays treatment options with antibiotic and/or antiviral drugs.

There is therefore a public need to inhibit the spread of infectious (e.g. pathogenic) microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and/or viruses and/or fungi, e.g. pathogenic ones) from the outset, e.g. by inhibiting their spread from patient to patient. The use of hand sanitizing solutions is a good method of achieving this, and immobile hand-sanitizing-liquid dispensers are installed in many hospitals and medical centres. However, these are usually fixed to the wall, so the doctor, nurse or carer has to divert to the dispenser to clean their hands before handling a patient. Also, fixed hand-sanitizing-liquid dispensers are less practical in nonhospital, non-care-home situations.

There is a need for a device capable of dispensing a liquid, e.g. a hand-sanitizing and/or antimicrobial liquid, which is capable of inhibiting the spread of infectious (e.g. pathogenic) diseases in many different situations, in particular for medical use e.g. in hospitals or medical centres, for use in care homes, for use in homes (households), for use in non-medical workplaces, for use outdoors, and/or for use in portable survival or medical kits. Preferably, the device should be portable, lightweight, easy to wear, to handle and/or to actuate, and/or be ergonomically designed.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a wearable band device suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid, the device comprising:

- a band wearable by a human user (preferably wearable by a human adult user),

- a container for containing a liquid,

- a spray outlet,

-4- a liquid communication means enabling liquid communication (typically liquid flow) from the container to the spray outlet (preferably a liquid communication means formed and/or arranged so as to enable liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet), and

- an actuating means, wherein the wearable band device and/or the actuating means (preferably the actuating means) is arranged such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means, and upon actuation of the actuating means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

In all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, preferably, the wearable band device additionally comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more of the preferred features (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and/or (F), as defined herein, e.g. as described in the description hereinafter and/or in the claims.

In the present specification, any or all preferred and/or advantageous features (including more preferred or most preferred features or similar), any or all particular or suitable or typical or usual features, and/or any or all optional or alternative or embodiment features, can be combined with any other preferred and/or advantageous features, any other particular or suitable or typical or usual features, and/or any other optional or alternative or embodiment features, in any or all possible combinations. Also, in the present specification, each aspect of the invention can be combined with any preferred and/or advantageous feature(s) (including more preferred or most preferred features or similar), any particular or suitable or typical or usual feature(s), and/or any optional or alternative or embodiment feature(s), which apply to or are disclosed in respect of different aspect(s) of the invention, mutatis mutandis (i.e. with any necessary changes made). Each and all such combinations of features are explicitly disclosed herein, and it is intended that any or all of these combinations may be the subject of future protection.

Throughout this specification, the noun “means” can be freely replaced by “mechanism” or “member” or “part” or similar, and/or vice versa. In particular, the actuating means can be an actuating mechanism, actuating member or actuating part; and/or the liquid communication means can be a liquid communication mechanism, or a part or member suitable for liquid communication.

In the present invention, and throughout this specification, “band” means any wearable item preferably wearable by a human e.g. a human adult - which is generally annular, generally toroidal, generally elliptical, or part-annular or part-elliptical (e.g. strongly arcuate and/or C-5shaped), or which can be formed or fastened into any such shape for example when worn by a human e.g. a human adult. Therefore, a “band” can be: a wristband, an armband, a strap such as a wriststrap or bodystrap, a wristwatch or a strap therefor, a wrist or arm sleeve, a wrap or cord or rope or string e.g. for fastening to and/or for wrapping around the wrist, arm, waist or torso, a sweatband e.g. for the wrist, arm or head, a bracelet (which may for example be annular, elliptical, or part-annular or part-elliptical (e.g. strongly arcuate e.g. Cshaped), or otherwise formed), a bangle for the wrist or arm, an annular or toroidal chain, a waistband, a belt (in particular for wearing on the waist, hip, torso and/or abdomen), a sash or an equivalent thereof (in particular for wearing on the waist, hip, torso and/or abdomen), or an elogate flexible strip (e.g. plastic strip) which upon manipulation forms into (e.g. snaps into) a part-annular (preferably C-shaped) item which is wearable on the wrist or arm.

In the present invention, and throughout this specification, “wristband” means any band (as defined above) which can be worn on the wrist and/or arm - particularly on the human wrist or arm. “Wristband” therefore encompasses “armband” within its scope. In the present invention, and throughout this specification, “waistband” means any band (as defined above) which can be worn on the waist, hips and/or lower abdomen, in particular those of a human.

Preferably, in the first, second, third, fourth and/or other aspects of the invention, the band is not a finger-ring, thumb-ring, toe-ring, ear-ring, nose-ring or any other similar-sized ring. Therefore, preferably, the band has (or when the band is formed into a generally annular, generally toroidal, generally elliptical or part-annular form it has) an internal diameter or (e.g. for a general ellipse or part-ellipse) a minor internal diameter, of 30 mm or more, preferably 35 mm or more, more preferably 40 mm or more; or (e.g. for wrist or arm use) preferably from 30 to 130 mm, preferably from 35 mm to 110 mm, more preferably from 40 mm to 100 mm or from 45 mm to 100 mm; or (e.g. for wrist use) preferably from 30 to 85 mm, preferably from 35 mm to 80 mm, more preferably from 40 mm to 75 mm or from 45 mm to 70 mm; or (e.g. for waist, hip, lower abdomen or torso use) preferably from 100 to 600 mm, preferably from 120 mm to 500 mm, or more preferably (e.g. for waist, hip, or lower abdomen use) from 100 mm to 450 mm or from 120 mm to 400 mm or from 150 mm to 350 mm.

Preferably, in the first, second, third, fourth and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the wearable band device is a wristband device and/or the band is a wristband, or the wearable band device is a waistband device and/or the band is a waistband. More preferably, the wearable band device is a wristband device and/or the the band is a wristband.

-6Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the band (e.g. wristband or waistband) is formed from an elastomeric and/or resiliently-flexible material, such as a silicone-containing polymer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the container of the device contains no liquid (e.g. an empty wearable band device before being provided with liquid). In an alternative, preferred embodiment, the container contains liquid, and more preferably contains liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed.

In all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, preferably, the container contains a sanitizing liquid, in particular a hand-sanitizing liquid. More preferably, the container contains a sanitizing liquid, preferably a hand-sanitizing liquid, in an amount capable of being dispensed. See the “Hand-sanitizing liquid” section below for particular embodiments and/or further preferred embodiments of the hand-sanitizing liquid.

Preferably, the container is attached directly or indirectly to, is adjacent to, is within, and/or is an integral part of, the band and/or a cover or housing for the device and/or for the container.

According to a second aspect of the present invention provides a sanitizing liquid for use in a method of sanitizing a body part or parts (preferably the hands) of a human recipient (in particular a human adult recipient), in particular to inhibit and/or kill microorganisms (more particularly bacteria, viruses and/or fungi) on the body part(s) (e.g. hands), wherein the method comprises:

- providing (preferably on, in particular worn on, a human user) a wearable band device as defined in the first aspect of the invention and/or as defined in any of the wearable band device claims herein, or a spray device as defined in the third or fourth aspects of the invention and/or as defined in any of the spray device claims herein; wherein sanitizing liquid (preferably hand- sanitizing liquid) in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in a or the container of the wearable band device or of the spray device;

- actuating the wearable band device or the spray device in such a way that a portion of the sanitizing liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet onto the human body part(s) (preferably onto the human hands); and

- rubbing the sanitizing liquid onto the human body part(s) (preferably onto the human hands).

The second aspect of the present invention also provides a method of sanitizing a body part or parts (preferably the hands) of a human recipient (in particular a human adult recipient), in

-7particular to inhibit and/or kill microorganisms (more particularly bacteria, viruses and/or fungi) on the body part(s) (e.g. hands), wherein the method comprises:

The second aspect of the present invention also provides the use of a sanitizing liquid in the manufacture of a medicament (in particular a medicament-containing device, more particularly a medicament-containing device comprising a wearable band device as defined in the first aspect of the invention and/or as defined in any of the wearable band device claims herein, or comprising a spray device as defined in the third or fourth aspects of the invention and/or as defined in any of the spray device claims herein), for use in a method of sanitizing a body part or parts (preferably the hands) of a human recipient (in particular a human adult recipient), in particular to inhibit and/or kill microorganisms (more particularly bacteria, viruses and/or fungi) on the body part(s) (e.g. the hands), wherein the method comprises:

Preferably, in the second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the wearable band device, and/or the spray device (all necessary changes being

-8made), additionally comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more of the preferred features (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and/or (F), as defined herein, e.g. as described in the description hereinafter or hereinabove and/or as described in the claims herein.

Preferably, in the second aspect of the invention and/or in embodiments thereof, in the method of sanitizing, the human user wearing and/or actuating the wearable band device (preferably wearing the device on the wrist, arm or waist, more preferably on the wrist or waist, most preferably on the wrist) or carrying, wearing and/or actuating the spray device, is also the human recipient who receives the sanitizing liquid onto the human body part(s) (in particular onto the hand(s)).

Preferably, in the second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the device is worn (preferably on the wrist, arm or waist, more preferably on the wrist or waist, most preferably on the wrist) by a human user, in particular by a human adult user.

Preferably, in the second aspect of the invention and/or in embodiments thereof, the human body part(s) is or are the hand or hands of the human recipient, and the sanitizing liquid is hand-sanitizing liquid.

Preferably, in the second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention:

the sanitizing liquid or the hand-sanitizing liquid contains an antimicrobially active ingredient capable of killling, or inhibiting the growth and/or activity of, microorganisms (in particular bacteria, viruses and/or fungi), and wherein the antimicrobially active ingredient comprises: one or more Ci_₄alcohols, an antimicrobial nitrogenous cationic surface-acting agent, triclosan, povidoneiodine, and/or an antimicrobial soap or detergent. See the “Hand-sanitizing liquid” section below for particular or more preferred embodiments of the hand-sanitizing liquid.

(A) Preferred pump feature

Particularly preferably, in the first, second, third and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a pump suitable for pumping liquid (preferably hand-sanitizing liquid) out of the spray outlet upon actuation of the actuating means. Preferably, the pump is comprised in or is part of a or the liquid communication means formed and/or arranged so as to enable liquid communication (typically the flow of liquid) from the container to the spray outlet; more preferably, the pump is located in a liquid

-9path (e.g. liquid-flow path) from the container to the spray outlet. (See the “Liquid communication means” section below for particular or preferred embodiments of the liquid communication means.)

Preferably, the pump comprises a pump reservoir (most preferably comprising e.g. being a pump cylinder), the pump and/or pump reservoir being arranged such that, when liquid (preferably hand-sanitizing liquid) is present in the pump reservoir (which preferably comprises e.g. is a pump cylinder), actuation of the actuating means leads to pump reservoir liquid being pumped out of the pump reservoir and leads to liquid being pumped out of the spray outlet, preferably in the form of a spray. In this preferred embodiment, more preferably: the pump reservoir comprises e.g. is a pump cylinder; the pump comprises a pump piston which is sized and shaped so as to cooperate with (typically to fit moveably within and/or slideably within and/or snugly within) the pump cylinder (with or without a slideable sealing means, such as a gasket orO-ring, being between the pump piston and the pump cylinder); wherein the pump piston and/or the pump cylinder contains an outlet allowing liquid communication (typically liquid flow) from the pump cylinder to the spray outlet; and wherein actuation of the actuating means causes the pump piston to become disposed within or further within the pump cylinder, so that, when liquid is present in the pump cylinder, at least some (e.g. a substantial amount or most) of the liquid in the pump cylinder is pumped out of the pump cylinder, such that at least some (e.g. a substantial amount or most) of the liquid present in a liquid flow path between the pump cylinder and the spray outlet is pumped out of the spray outlet.

In this preferred embodiment, most preferably: the pump reservoir comprises e.g. is a pump cylinder; the pump comprises a hollow pump piston which is sized and shaped so as to cooperate with (typically to fit moveably within and/or slideably within and/or snugly within) the pump cylinder (with or without a slideable sealing means, such as a gasket or O-ring, being between the pump piston and the pump cylinder); wherein the hollow pump piston contains a through tunnel which allows liquid communication (typically liquid flow) from the pump cylinder through the tunnel of the hollow pump piston and to the spray outlet; and wherein actuation of the actuating means causes the hollow pump piston to become disposed within or further within the pump cylinder, so that, when liquid is present in the pump cylinder, at least some (e.g. most or substantially all) of the liquid in the pump cylinder is pumped out of the pump cylinder through the tunnel of the hollow pump piston, such that at least some (e.g. most or substantially all) of the liquid present in a liquid flow path between the pump cylinder and the spray outlet is pumped out of the spray outlet.

- 10In the present specification, “pump cylinder” means a pump reservoir, and/or a pump housing having a cavity, and/or a functional and/or pumping part of the pump reservoir or pump housing, that can cooperate with (typically that can fit outside, e.g. that can fit snugly outside (with or without an intervening slideable sealing means)) a correspondingly-sized and -shaped pump piston to enable liquid to be pumped out of the pump cylinder, e.g. as described herein. The cavity of the “pump cyclinder” does not have to be a substantially cylindrical in shape (though in one embodiment it can be); it merely has to be capable of performing or taking part in the above-stated pumping function(s).

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the pump (preferably by virtue of comprising a pump cylinder, e.g. as disclosed herein, and a pump piston, e.g. as disclosed herein) is suitable for pumping a predetermined volume (e.g. an adjustable or substantially fixed volume) of liquid (preferably hand-sanitizing liquid) out of the spray outlet, upon actuation of the actuating means.

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the pump contains a resilient means (e.g. a spring, preferably a helical spring such as a helical metal spring) wherein, after a or the pump piston has become disposed within or further within the pump cylinder (i.e. after a pumping stroke of the pump), the resilient means causes the pump piston (e.g. as described herein) to withdraw at least in part from the pump cylinder (e.g. as described herein). Preferably, the resilient means e.g. helical spring is within (i.e. partly or substantially wholly within) the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder. More preferably, the resilient means e.g. helical spring is within (i.e. partly or substantially wholly within) the pump cylinder, positioned between (and preferably abutting) a resilient-means-abutment portion (in particular a laterally-projecting, resilient-means-abutment portion) of the pump cylinder and a resilient-means-abutment portion (in particular a laterally-projecting, resilient-meansabutment portion) of the pump piston.

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the liquid communication means, and/or a or the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder, contains a one-way valve which, during use, inhibits (e.g. substantially prevents) the flow of liquid from the liquid communication means to the container and/or from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container. More preferably, the one-way valve, during use, inhibits (e.g. substantially prevents) the flow of liquid from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container. Particularly preferably, the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder contains, at or near one end, an opening in liquid communication with the container, wherein the opening is narrower than the internal width of the pump reservoir and/or is narrower than the internal diameter of the pump cylinder; and the pump reservoir and/or the pump cylinder

- 11 contains a moveable ball wider than the opening and adapted to cover the opening, such that, during use, the flow of liquid from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container is inhibited (e.g. substantially prevented).

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the liquid communication means, the pump and/or the one-way valve is arranged so that, during or after actuation of the actuating means, and when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container, the pump draws a volume (preferably predetermined volume such as a substantially fixed volume) of liquid from the container (preferably from the container and into the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder).

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the pump is positioned in a liquid-flow path between the container and the spray outlet. More preferably, the pump is positioned in a liquid-flow path between the container and a or the spray head. Still more preferably, the pump is positioned in a liquid-flow path from (a) the container to (b) a tunnel or tube within a spray head, or a pipe or pipe-containing member within or being a spray head. (See the “Liquid communication means” section below for more embodiments of this.)

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the pump (preferably the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder, more preferably a container-communicating opening thereof) is connected to a container-disposed tube (e.g. a flexible tube, e.g. a flexible plastic tube) at least part of which is disposed in the container to enable liquid to be drawn from the container when it contains liquid.

Particularly preferably, in the first, second, third, fourth or other aspects of the invention (especially in the first or second aspect) and/or in embodiments thereof, the pump reservoir (preferably the pump cyclinder) is in a substantially stationary relationship with respect to the container (and more preferably is partly or substantially wholly within it); and the pump piston (which cooperates with the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder) is in a moveable relationship with respect to the container. Alternatively, and also preferably, the pump piston (which cooperates with the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder) is in a substantially stationary relationship with respect to the container, and the pump reservoir (preferably the pump cyclinder) is in a moveable relationship with respect to the container.

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the pump comprises:

- a hollow pump housing (e.g. pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder);

- a first opening, e.g. in the pump housing or reservoir or cylinder or in a pump piston, communicating directly or indirectly with the spray outlet;

- 12- a second opening in the pump housing (e.g. reservoir and/or cylinder), disposed generally distant from the first opening, and communicating directly or indirectly with the container; and

- a or the pump piston cooperating with the pump housing or reservoir or cylinder;

- wherein the pump housing has an internal passage allowing liquid communication (typically the flow of liquid) between the first opening and the second opening;

- wherein the internal passage comprises: (i) a generally cylindrical major chamber (e.g. pump cylinder) having an outer end near or at the first opening; (ii) a minor chamber narrower than the major chamber, an inner end of the minor chamber communicating with the major chamber (e.g. with the pump cylinder), and the second opening being near or at the outer end of the minor chamber; and (iii) an inwardly-projecting shoulder or rim (preferably an inwardly-projecting generally-circumferential shoulder or rim) at the inner end of the major chamber (e.g. pump cylinder), wherein the opening and/or the major-chamberinner-end defined by and/or encompassed within the inwardly-projecting (e.g. generallycircumferential) shoulder or rim connects to the inner end of the minor chamber. More preferably, in this preferred embodiment, a moveable ball or moveable block is present in the major chamber (e.g. in the pump reservoir or pump cylinder), said ball or block cooperating with the inwardly-projecting shoulder or rim (preferably an inwardly-projecting generallycircumferential shoulder or rim) at the inner end of the major chamber (e.g. at the inner end of the pump reservoir or pump cylinder) so as to inhibit the flow of liquid from the major chamber (e.g. pump reservoir or pump cylinder) to the container. This moveable ball I block and inwardly-projecting shoulder or rim arrangement provides a form of “one-way valve” (e.g. as mentioned above) whose liquid-flow-inhibiting efficiency depends on the configuration. A moveable ball and a cooperating inwardly-projecting generally-circumferential shoulder or rim is preferable, as this one-way valve arrangement is particularly efficient for inhibiting the flow of liquid from the major chamber (e.g. pump reservoir or pump cylinder) to the container.

(B) Preferred actuating means - conversion of generally radially inward actuating movement, e.g. to generally tangential and/or generally central axial movement

In the first, second, third and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the following actuating means is preferable.

One particularly preferred actuating means within the invention (illustrated e.g. in Example 1) converts generally radially inward movement or pressure on the container particularly on the side-wall of the container (said movement / pressure being used to actuate the device’s actuating means), into generally tangential and/or generally central axial movement (preferably generally tangential movement) of the container relative to a portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to, and preferably at least partly outside, the container.

- 13This arrangement, which allows the container, the liquid communication means and the spray outlet to be constructed flush to I close to the human body part (e.g. arm, wrist, abdomen, lower abdomen, waist or hip) wearing the device, rather than projecting outwardly from the human wrist or head as shown in US 2014/0158793 A1, is convenient, easy to actuate, interferes less with clothes, and is ergonomically superior to the outwardly projecting wrist-sleeve & head-sleeve arrangement (actuated by radially inward movement) disclosed in US 2014/0158793 A1. Details follow.

Therefore, preferably, in the first, second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure to the container (preferably to a side-wall of the container) in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band;

wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes (i) a portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container (and, preferably, at least partly outside the container), and (ii) that portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to (and preferably at least partly outside) the container, to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably to move generally towards each other), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a pump preferably as described herein in particular in feature (A) - which pump is comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

More preferably, in the first, second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure to the container (preferably to a side-wall of the container) in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band;

wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes (i) a portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container (and, preferably, at least partly outside the container), and (ii) that portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to (and, preferably, at least partly outside) the container, to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably to move generally towards each other), (a) in a direction which is, or which has a

- 14component which is, generally tangential to that portion of the band which carries and/or which is connected directly or indirectly to the container and/or the liquid communication means, and/or (b) in a direction which is, or which has a component which is, generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the band (i.e. generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the attached human body part, e.g. arm, wrist, abdomen, lower abdomen or waist, when the band device is worn by a human), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a pump - preferably as described herein in particular in feature (A) - which pump is comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

Even more preferably, in the first, second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure to the container (preferably to a side-wall of the container) in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band;

wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes (i) a portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container (and, preferably, at least partly outside the container), and (ii) that portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to (and, preferably, at least partly outside) the container, to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably to move generally towards each other), in a direction which is, or which has a component which is, generally tangential to that portion of the band which carries and/or which is connected directly or indirectly to the container and/or the liquid communication means, this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a pump - preferably as described herein in particular in feature (A) - which pump is comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

Most preferably, in the first, second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure to the container (preferably to a side-wall of the container) in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band;

- 15wherein, upon actuation of the actuating means, the said portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to (and preferably at least partly outside) the container, moves down one or more ramps in a direction which has a first component which is generally radially inward with respect to the band, and which has a second component which is generally tangential to the band, such that the said portion of the container, and a or the portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to (and preferably at least partly outside) the container, move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably move generally towards each other), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a pump preferably as described herein - which pump is comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

In this most preferred embodiment, preferably, the said portion of the container moves down one or more ramps (preferably two ramps) by means of one or more projections (preferably two projections) from the container cooperating with the one or more ramps.

Throughout the present specification, the term “generally tangential to”, usually used with respect to a generally annular, generally toroidal, generally ellipsical, part-annular or partelliptical object, in particular the band e.g. wrist band or waistband, means at an angle of 44° or less with respect to the relevant tangent to/from and/or the closest-located and/or closestpassing tangent to/from said object (e.g. band), preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to the relevant and/or closest-located and/or closest-passing tangent, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to the relevant and/or closestlocated and/or closest-passing tangent. Therefore, for example, “generally tangential to that portion of the band which carries and/or which is connected directly or indirectly to the container and/or the liquid communication means” means at an angle of 44° or less with respect to a tangent to/from the specified portion of the band, preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to a tangent to/from the specified portion of the band, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to a tangent to/from the specified portion of the band.

Throughout the present specification, the term “generally parallel to” (an object e.g. an axis) means at an angle of 44° or less with respect to, preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to (the object e.g. an axis).

- 16Throughout the present specification, the term “in a direction generally radially”, with respect to an object (typically a generally annular, generally toroidal, generally elliptical, or partannular or part-elliptical object; preferably a band e.g. a wristband or waistband), means in a direction which is generally parallel to the relevant and/or closest-located and/or closestpassing radius of the object (i.e. generally parallel to that radius (of the object) which is located or passes closest to the item, e.g. the container or other part of the device, which is subject to the direction e.g. direction of movement or of pressure), wherein typically the object is a generally annular, generally toroidal, generally elliptical, or part-annular or partelliptical object. “Generally parallel to” is defined above. Similarly, the term “in a direction generally radially inwardly” means in an inward direction which is generally parallel to the relevant and/or closest-located and/or closest-passing radius of the object, e.g. of the generally annular, generally toroidal, generally elliptical, or part-annular or part-elliptical object.

Preferably, in all aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the container (in particular the said portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to, and preferably at least partly outside, the container) is biased generally radially outwardly (preferably by means of a spring, in particular a leaf spring - e.g. as shown in Example 1 - or a helical spring), such that, when the generally radially inward actuation pressure on the container (preferably on a side-wall of the container) is released, the container (in particular the said portion of the container), and/or said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to (and preferably at least partly outside) the container, return to its or their original unactuated position(s).

This preferred actuating means, feature (B) as described herein, also is a feature of a further, third aspect of the invention, relating to a spray device, as follows.

The third aspect of the invention - a spray device, with or without a band, comprising the preferred actuating means [feature (B)] as described herein

According to a third aspect of the present invention provides a spray device suitable for dispensing a liquid (preferably a hand-sanitizing liquid) in spray form, the spray device comprising:

- a container for containing a liquid (preferably a hand-sanitizing liquid);

- a spray outlet;

- a liquid communication means enabling liquid communication (typically liquid flow) from the container to the spray outlet (preferably a liquid communication means formed and/or

- 17arranged so as to enable liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet); wherein the liquid communication means communicates directly or indirectly with, and/or is connected directly or indirectly to, the container by means of a container opening in the container; and

- an actuating means;

wherein the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure which is directed inwardly in a direction generally transverse to (i.e. which is at an angle of from 45° to 135° with respect to, preferably at an angle of from 60° to 120° with respect to, or more preferably at an angle of from 75° to 105° or from 80° to 100° with respect to) an axis passing perpendicularly through (a) the centre of the container opening and/or (b) that part or wall of the container which has the container opening;

and/or wherein the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of inwardly-directed pressure onto a side-wall of the container; wherein a sidewall of the container is defined as (c) a wall of the container which is generally parallel to (i.e. which is at an angle of 44° or less with respect to, preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to) an axis passing perpendicularly through the centre of the container opening; and/or (d) a wall of the container which is generally transverse to (i.e. which is at an angle of from 45° to 135° with respect to, preferably at an angle of from 60° to 120° with respect to, or more preferably at an angle of from 75° to 105° or from 80° to 100° with respect to) that part or wall of the container which has the container opening;

and wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes:

(i) a connecting portion of the liquid communication means, wherein the connecting portion is at or adjacent to and/or is connected directly or indirectly to the container opening (and, preferably, wherein the connecting portion is at least partly outside the container), and (ii) that part or wall of the container which has the container opening (and/or that part or wall of the container which is at or adjacent to, and/or is connected directly or indirectly to, the connecting portion of the liquid communication means), to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably to move generally towards each other), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or in the liquid communication means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

In it to be recalled that, throughout the present specification, the term “generally parallel to” (an object e.g. an axis) means at an angle of 44° or less with respect to, preferably at an

- 18angle of 30° or less with respect to, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to (the object e.g. an axis). Throughout the present specification, the term “generally transverse to” (an object) means at an angle of from 45° to 135° with respect to, preferably at an angle of from 60° to 120° with respect to, or more preferably at an angle of from 75° to 105° or from 80° to 100° with respect to (the object).

In the first, second, third, fourth or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention (especially in the third aspect of the invention and/or embodiments thereof), preferably, the movement, caused by the actuation of the actuating means, is such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in a pump comprised in the liquid communication means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet. Preferably, the pump is as described herein, in particular is as described in feature (A) hereinabove and/or hereinbelow.

Particularly preferably, in the first, second, third, fourth or other aspects of the invention (especially in the third or fourth aspect) and/or in embodiments thereof, the liquid communication means comprises a pump, and a or the pump reservoir (preferably a or the pump cyclinder) is in a substantially stationary relationship with respect to the container (and more preferably is partly or substantially wholly within it); and a or the pump piston (which cooperates with the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder) is in a moveable relationship with respect to the container. Alternatively, and also particular preferably, the liquid communication means comprises a pump, and a or the pump reservoir (preferably a or the pump cyclinder) is in a moveable relationship with respect to the container, and a or the pump piston (which cooperates with the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder) is in a substantially stationary relationship with respect to the container.

In the first, second, third, fourth or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention (especially in the third or fourth aspects of the invention relating to a spray device, and/or embodiments thereof), particularly preferably:

the liquid communication means comprises a pump, wherein the pump comprises:

- a pump reservoir (preferably a pump cyclinder), which is in a substantially stationary relationship with respect to the container, and

- a pump piston, which is in a moveable relationship with respect to the container, wherein the pump piston cooperates with the pump reservoir (preferably cooperates with the pump cylinder), and wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes the pump cyclinder and the pump piston to move generally towards each other, this movement being such that, when

- 19liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the pump reservoir (preferably is present in the container and/or in the pump cyclinder), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

In preferred and/or particularly preferred embodiments of the invention comprising a pump piston, more preferably, the pump piston fits moveably and/or slideably within, e.g. fits snugly within, the pump reservoir and/or the pump cylinder. The preferred fit between the pump piston and the pump reservoir I pump cylinder is in particular as described herein, e.g. as described within that part of the present description and/or claims relating to the pump feature (A). A slideable sealing means, e.g. gasket or O-ring, is preferably provided between the pump piston and the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder, in particular to help the pump piston to slide within the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder while retaining a seal between them, but this sealing means is not essential.

In preferred and/or particularly preferred embodiments of the invention comprising a pump, preferably: the liquid communication means and/or the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder contains a one-way valve which, during use, inhibits (e.g. substantially prevents) the flow of liquid from the liquid communication means to the container and/or from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container. More preferably, the one-way valve, during use, inhibits (e.g. substantially prevents) the flow of liquid from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container. Particularly preferably, the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder contains, at or near one end, an opening in liquid communication with the container, wherein the opening is narrower than the internal width of the pump reservoir and/or is narrower than the internal diameter of the pump cylinder; and the pump reservoir and/or the pump cylinder contains a moveable ball wider than the opening and adapted to cover the opening, such that, during use, the flow of liquid from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container is inhibited (e.g. substantially prevented).

Particularly preferably, in the third aspect of the invention and/or in embodiments thereof, actuation of the actuating means causes the said portion of the container (which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to, and preferably at least partly outside, the container) to move down one or more ramps in a direction:

- which has a first component which is inwardly in a direction generally transverse to (i.e. which is at an angle of from 45° to 135° with respect to, preferably at an angle of from 60° to 120° with respect to, or more preferably at an angle of from 75° to 105° or from 80° to 100°

-20with respect to) an axis passing perpendicularly through (a) the centre of the container opening and/or (b) that part or wall of the container which has the container opening; and - which has a second component which is generally parallel to (i.e. which is at an angle of 44° or less with respect to, preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to) the axis passing perpendicularly through (a) the centre of the container opening and/or (b) that part or wall of the container which has the container opening;

such that the said portion of the container, and a or the portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to (and preferably at least partly outside) the container, move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably move generally towards each other), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a pump preferably as described herein e.g. in feature (A) - which pump is comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

In this particularly preferred embodiment, preferably, the said portion of the container moves down one or more ramps (preferably two ramps) by means of one or more projections (preferably two projections) from the container cooperating with the one or more ramps.

(C) Preferred substantially helical form of the device

In the first, second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the following is preferable.

Preferably, the band wearable by a human user (preferably wearable by a human adult user), in particular a or the wristband or a or the waistband, is in a substantially helical form, comprising at least one turn (preferably 1.5 or more turns, or 2 or more turns, preferably 2.5 or more turns, preferably 2 to 5 turns or 2.5 to 4 turns) of a substantial helix. See for example Example 3 for one illustration.

Preferably, the wearable band device is a wristband device, and/or the band is a wristband.

Preferably, the band in substantially helical form is formed from a resiliently flexible material (e.g. flexible plastic) so that its length and/or diameter can expand and/or contract to fit a or the body part (e.g. wrist, arm and/or waist) of a particular human user (e.g. human adult user).

-21 Preferably, the band in substantially helical form is hollow and is in liquid communication with the liquid communication means, such that the container for containing a liquid is formed from outer wall(s) of the band and/or is integral with the band. More preferably, the band in substantially helical form contains at or near one end a capped or plaugged opening or a valve allowing the container to be refilled with liquid.

Preferably, the spray outlet and/or a or the spray head and/or a or the pump is located at or near one end of the band in substantially helical form.

Preferably, for convenience during wearing and use, and for ergonomic design, a or the central longitudinal axis of the spray head:

(a) is disposed in a direction generally parallel to (i.e. at an angle of 44° or less with respect to, preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to) the central longitudinal axis of the band (i.e. generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the attached human body part, e.g. arm, wrist, abdomen, lower abdomen or waist, when the band device is worn by a human); or (b) is disposed in a direction generally tangential to the band (i.e. at an angle of 44° or less with respect to, preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to, the relevant tangent to/from and/or the closest-located and/or closest-passing tangent to/from the band).

(D) Preferred removeable container

Preferably, in the first, second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band, e.g. so that it can be removed, re-filled and reattached to the band. More preferably, the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band and is outside the band. This generally allows easy access to and/or removal of the container.

Embodiment D1

More preferably, In the first, second and/or other aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band by means of a flexible and resilient receptacle (e.g. pouch) attached to (and preferably outside) the band, wherein the recepticle contains a plurality of holes (e.g. it can be formed from a flexible and resilient webbing) including at least one major hole (preferably one major hole) through which the container can pass to fit into the recepticle. See e.g. Example 2 herein for one example of Embodiment D1.

-22Embodiment D2 and the fourth aspect of the invention - the container is removeably attached (or removeably attachable) to a or the band by means of one or more malefemale-type fasteners

Alternatively and also preferably, in the first, second and/or fourth aspects of the invention and/or in embodiments of the invention, the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band (e.g. a wristband containing spaced-apart holes) by means of one or more (preferably two or more) male-female-type fasteners. The female fastener parts preferably comprise 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more) wings projecting from distal parts of the container, wherein each wing has a through hole. The male fastener parts preferably comprise a fastener body (e.g. base plate or strip; and/or e.g. made of flexible plastic) having 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably two) spaced-apart male projections or lugs, wherein the head of each projection or lug is bulbous or broadened compared to its stem; the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more) male projections or lugs being spaced apart by such a distance so as to fit into and reversibly fasten to the holes of the 1, 2 or more wings of the container for liquids. Preferably, spaced-apart holes in the band, e.g. wristband, are also able to encompass the male projections or lugs. In use, (for an embodiment having two holed wings and two male projections I lugs), the 2 projections I lugs of the fastener body are passed through 2 suitable holes in the wriststrap and are fitted into and reversibly pushfastened to the 2 holes of the 2 wings of the container for liquids.

See Example 4 herein for one example of embodiment D2.

In this way, the container for liquids is removeable. In use, one can carry the winged container and the fastener body (e.g. base plate) to an event, such as a festival, and the container and fastener body I base plate can be fitted to a wristband containing spaced-apart holes, wherein said wriststrap may optionally be provided separately at the event e.g. festival.

A spray device comprising a container for containing a liquid, having 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, preferably 2) wings projecting from distal parts of the container, wherein each wing has a through hole, with or without the fastener body / base plate having 1, 2 or more male projections or lugs, (i.e. without the need for the wriststrap/wristband), is also another aspect of the present invention.

-23According to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a spray device comprising a container for containing a liquid and for dispensing a liquid (e.g. a hand-sanitizing liquid) in spray form, wherein the container has 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, preferably 2) wings projecting from distal parts of the container, wherein each wing has a through hole, wherein the container is attached directly or indirectly to a spray outlet, wherein the spray device comprises a liquid communication means enabling liquid communication (typically liquid flow) from the container to the spray outlet (preferably a liquid communication means formed and/or arranged so as to enable liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet), and wherein the spray device comprises an actuating means, wherein the spray device and/or the actuating means (preferably the actuating means) is arranged such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means, and upon actuation of the actuating means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

Preferably, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the spray device also comprises 1, 2 or more flexible (preferably elongate) fastener bodies (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) which are removeably fastenable to the wing(s) of the container, each fastener body having a male projection or lug at one position on the fastener body (preferably at a first end of an elongate fastener body), and a female fastener at another position on the fastener body (preferably at a second end of an elongate fastener body distal from the first end);

wherein the head of the projection or lug is adapted to fasten into the female fastener; and wherein the male projection or lug is adapted to pass through the holes of the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) wings of the container for containing a liquid.

In use, the above-mentioned preferred spray device of the fourth aspect of the invention (having the winged container and the preferred fastener body(ies) (e.g. flexible, preferably elongate, fastener body(ies))), can be carried or worn to an event, such as a festival, and the container and 1, 2 or more fastener bodies (e.g. flexible, preferably elongate, fastener bodies) can be fitted to a wristband e.g. wriststrap containing spaced-apart holes, by the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2) male projections or lugs being passed through 1, 2 or more (preferably 2) of the spaced-apart holes in the wristband, and also being passed through the holes of the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) wings of the container. Where 1, 2 or

-24more flexible, preferably elongate, fastener bodies are provided, each of which has a female fastener and a male projection or lug, each flexible, preferably elongate, fastener body (after passing through the wristband and the container wing hole) can be folded up so that the male projection or lug fastens into the female fastener; in this way, 1, 2 or more flexible fastener bodies can be used to removeably attach the spray device and container to the wristband. In one particular embodiment, the wristband e.g. wriststrap is provided separately at the event e.g. festival.

In one particular embodiment, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the spray device also comprises a fastener body (e.g. base plate or strip; and/or e.g. made of flexible plastic) having 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably two) spaced-apart male projections or lugs, wherein the head of each projection or lug is bulbous or broadened compared to its stem; the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more) male projections or lugs being spaced apart by such a distance so as to fit into and reversibly fasten to the holes of the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more) wings of the container for containing a liquid. In use, the spray device of the fourth aspect of the invention (having the winged container and the fastener body (e.g. base plate)), especially of this embodiment thereof, can be carried or worn to an event, such as a festival, and the container and fastener body (e.g. base plate) can be fitted to a wristband e.g. wriststrap containing spaced-apart holes, by the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more) male projections or lugs being passed through 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more) of the spaced-arart holes in the wristband. In one particular embodiment, the wristband e.g. wriststrap is provided separately at the event e.g. festival.

(E) Preferred generally tangential spray head configuration

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the wearable band device (in particular a wristband) comprises a spray head containing the spray outlet, wherein the spray head is positioned generally tangentially with respect to the band (e.g. wristband). This is ergonomically superior, e.g. because it does not project radially outwardly in an inconvenient fashion, and because the spray head is in the correct orientation to spray liquid eg handsanitizing liquid onto the hand attached to the wrist bearing the wristband.

Liquid communication means

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a liquid communication means, wherein the liquid communication means is formed and/or arranged so as to enable liquid communication (typically the flow of liquid) from the container to the

-25spray outlet. More preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the liquid communication means comprises (e.g. is): a tube (e.g. a flexible tube), a pipe or pipecontaining member (optionally including a bend suitable to enable the liquid communication and/or suitable to enable its connection to the spray outlet), a tunnel (optionally including a bend suitable to enable the liquid communication and/or suitable to enable its connection to the spray outlet), and/or an equivalent of any of these, whose form and/or arrangement enables liquid communication (typically the flow of liquid) from the container to the spray outlet. Preferably, the liquid communication means is disposed between the container and the spray outlet, and/or forms a liquid-flow path from the container to the spray outlet.

Particularly preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the liquid communication means comprises (e.g. is): a container-disposed tube (e.g. a flexible tube, e.g. a flexible plastic tube) at least part of which is disposed in the container to enable liquid to be drawn from the container when containing liquid; and/or a tunnel or tube within a spray head, or a pipe or pipe-containing member within or being a spray head, wherein a liquidflow path from the container to the spray outlet passes through the spray head.

More particularly preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the liquid communication means comprises (e.g. is): a container-disposed tube (e.g. a flexible tube, e.g. a flexible plastic tube) at least part of which is disposed in the container to enable liquid to be drawn from the container when containing liquid; and a tunnel or tube within a spray head, or a pipe or pipe-containing member within or being a spray head, wherein a liquidflow path from the container to the spray outlet passes through the spray head. In this embodiment, preferably, the tunnel, the tube within the spray head, the pipe or the pipecontaining member includes a bend suitable to enable liquid communication (typically the flow of liquid) from the container to the spray outlet and/or suitable to enable the liquid communication means (in particular the tunnel, the tube within the spray head, the pipe or the pipe-containing member) to be connected to the spray outlet.

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the liquid communication means comprises: a tunnel or tube within a spray head, or a pipe or pipe-containing member within or being a spray head; wherein the tunnel, tube, pipe or pipe-containing member includes a bend suitable to enable liquid communication (typically the flow of liquid) from the container to the spray outlet and/or suitable to enable the liquid communication means (in particular the tunnel, a or the tube (e.g. within a or the spray head), the pipe or the pipecontaining member) to be connected to the spray outlet.

-26In all aspects of the invention, in one preferable embodiment, the spray head, or a cover for the spray head which is fixed to the spray head and which is in a substantially stationary relationship with the spray head, is exposed on the outside of the device (in which case, preferably, the actuating means is actuated by applying pressure to, and preferably by depressing, the spray head or its cover). Alternatively, in an alternative preferable embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the spray head is enclosed partly or substantially wholly within a spray head housing. In this alternative preferable embodiment, preferably, when the actuating means is actuated, the spray head housing remains substantially stationary with respect to the device or to the band (in which case, in one embodiment, when the actuating means is actuated, the spray head may move or may be substantially stationary, with respect to the device or to the band)).

Therefore, preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention:

either (i) the spray head, or a cover for the spray head which is fixed to the spray head and which is in a substantially stationary relationship with the spray head, is exposed on the outside of the device; and wherein the actuating means is actuated by applying pressure to, and preferably by depressing, the spray head or its cover; or (ii) the spray head is enclosed partly or substantially wholly within a spray head housing; wherein, when the actuating means is actuated, the spray head housing remains substantially stationary with respect to the device or to the band (in which case, in one embodiment, when the actuating means is actuated, the spray head may move or may be substantially stationary, with respect to the device or to the band).

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the liquid communication means also comprises a pump (preferably as described herein, e.g. in section (A) hereinabove), wherein the pump is positioned in a liquid-flow path from the container to the spray head and/or spray outlet, and/or (preferably) is positioned in a liquid-flow path from (a) the container to (b) a tunnel or tube within a spray head, or a pipe or pipe-containing member within or being a spray head.

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the spray outlet and/or an adjacent section of the liquid communication means comprises an atomizer capable of converting liquid drawn from the container into a spray (in particular into an aerosol or mist).

(F) Hand-sanitizing liquid

Preferably, in all aspects and/or embodiments of the invention, the container contains a hand-sanitizing liquid, more preferably a hand-sanitizing liquid in an amount capable of being

-27dispensed. The hand-sanitizing liquid can be a non-gel liquid (e.g. a non-gel liquid solution) or a gel (e.g. a viscous and/or aqueous gel). Preferably, in use, from 0.1 to 10ml, or from 0.3 to 5 ml, or from 0.5 to 3 ml, of the hand-sanitizing liquid is dispensed into the hand(s) of the user.

The hand-sanitizing liquid preferably contains an antimicrobially active ingredient capable of killling, or inhibiting the growth and/or activity of, microorganisms, e.g. bacteria and/or viruses and/or fungi, and/or especially pathogenic microorganisms.

Preferably, the antimicrobially active ingredient comprises: one or more (^.4 alcohols (preferably isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol), ethanol and/or n-propanol); and/or a non-alcohol antimicrobially active ingredient (preferably rinse-free) such as: an antimicrobial nitrogenous cationic surface-acting agent (preferably benzalkonium chloride), triclosan (a chlorinated aromatic compound), and/or povidone-iodine (povidone = polyvinylpyrrolidone). Alternatively or additionally, the active ingredient can comprise an antimicrobial soap or detergent.

More preferably, the antimicrobially active ingredient comprises one or more Ci_₄ alcohols, typically one or more water-miscible Ci_₄ alcohols, preferably isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol), ethanol and/or n-propanol. Preferably, the one or more Ci_₄ alcohols are present in from 40% to 100% or from 40% to 99.99%, more preferably from 55% to 99.99% or from 55% to 95%, even more preferably from 60% to 99.99% or from 60% to 95%, yet more preferably from 65% to 99.99% or or from 65% to 95%, most preferably from 70% to 95%, by weight or by volume of the hand-sanitizing liquid. If one or more Ci_₄ alcohols are present, then in one particular embodiment of the invention, a non-alcohol antimicrobially active ingredient, e.g. as listed above (preferably benzalkonium chloride), is present as well.

The hand-sanitizing liquid preferably contains one or more inactive ingredients, e.g. in addition to the antimicrobially active ingredient. The one or more inactive ingredients (especially in a (^.4 alcohol-containing liquid e.g. gel) preferably include a thickening agent (such as polyacrylic acid, especially in a C1.4 alcohol-containing liquid e.g. gel), and/or a humectant (such as glycerin e.g. for liquid rubs), and/or propylene glycol, and/or an essential plant oil. Water might be present, with or without the presence of one or more (^.4 alcohols.

0^4 alcohol-based, e.g. isopropanol or ethanol or n-propanol based, hand sanitizing liquids are generally more effective at killing microorganisms than most soaps I detergents, and generally do not dry out hands as much (probably due to reduced loss of skin lipids compared to antimicrobial soaps or detergents).

-28EXAMPLES

The present invention is further described and/or illustrated, by way of example only, in the following non-limiting examples and/or non-limiting embodiments, and/or with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view from below of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1;

Figure 2 is a plan view from above of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from below of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1, showing a second side of the device not having a spray outlet;

Figure 4 is a side view of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1, showing a first side of the device including a spray outlet 26;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1, showing a first side and the underneath surfaces of the device, and showing a spray outlet 26 set into I co-located with a bevelled sunken outlet opening 56 in a silicone cover 48 on the first side of the device 20;

Figure 6 is an end view of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1;

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view from below of a wearable wristband device (excluding the wristband and the external silicone layers) according to Example 1, which is also a spray device, showing the base plate 32 and the internal parts;

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view from above of a wearable wristband device (excluding the wristband and the external silicone layers) according to Example 1, which is also a spray device, showing the base plate 32 and the internal parts;

Figure 8A is a perspective view of a second side and the upper surface of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1, showing an inlet opening 50 comminucating with a refill inlet (duckbill valve 7) towards the end of the upper surface;

-29Figure 8B is a perspective view of a first side and the upper surface of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1, showing a spray outlet 26 set into bevelled sunken outlet opening 56 in the first side of a silicone cover 48, and an inlet opening 50 comminucating with a refill inlet (duckbill valve 7) towards the end of the upper surface;

Figure 8C is a plan view from above of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1;

Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the middle of a wearable wristband device 20 according to Example 1;

Figure 10 is a side view of a first side of a wearable wristband device (excluding the wristband) or spray device according to Example 1, showing a base plate 32 with ramp(s), a container 24 for a liquid, an L-shaped spray head 28 and a spray outlet 26, with an upper housing (actuator cap) removed;

Figure 11 is a side view of a first side of a wearable wristband device (excluding the wristband) or spray device according to Example 1, showing a base plate 32 with ramp(s), a container 24 for a liquid, part of a spray head 28, a spray outlet 26, including an upper housing (actuator cap) 34 fitted onto the base plate 32 and fitted via a side/outlet opening 46 onto the spray outlet 26;

Figure 12 is a plan view from above of a container 24 for containing a liquid and an attached L-shaped spray head 28 at the outer end of which is a spray outlet 26, which is part of or taken from a wearable wristband device 20 or spray device according to Example 1;

Figure 13 is a perpective view of a wearable wristband device 100 according to Example 2;

Figures 14 and 15 are respectively an end view and a plan view from above of a wearable wristband 102 (excluding the removeably-attached container) according to Example 2;

Figure 16 is a side view of a container 104 used in the wearable wristband device according to Example 2, removed from the wristband;

Figure 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the middle of a pump 112 used within the wearable wristband device 100 of Example 2, and also showing the spray head 108;

- 30Figure 18 is a perspective view from above of the helical wearable wristband device 150 according to Example 3;

Figure 19 is a side view of the helical wearable wristband device 150 according to Example 3;

Figure 20 is a side view of a liquid communication means taken from the helical wearable wristband device 150 according to Example 3, showing the spray head 158, the pump 160, and the long helically-shaped flexible plastic capillary tube 168 allowing communication between a liquid container and the pump 160;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a friction-fitting end cap 162 for fitting onto one end of the wristband body 152 of the device 150;

Figure 22 is a partial side view of the helical wearable wristband device 150 according to Example 3, showing the spray plume, and rotation of the spray head;

Figure 23 is a side view of the helical wearable wristband device 150 according to Example 3, showing its flexibility and extendability;

Figure 24 is a perspective view from above of the wearable wristband device 180 according to Example 4, showing the wristrap 182 and the detachable spray device 184;

Figures 25, 26, 27 and 28 are respectively a plan view of, a perspective view of the convex surface of, an end view of, and a perspective view of the concave surface of, a spray device 184 as described in Example 4; and

Figure 29 is a perspective view of a fastener 198, two of which are used to fasten (to a wristband, not shown in Fig. 29) the two wings 192, 193 of the container 185 of the spray device 184 (not shown in Fig. 29) which device 184 is described in Example 4.

Example 1 - A smooth-surfaced wristband which converts generally radially inward actuating movement on the side wall of the container into a generally tangential movement of the liquid container so as to actuate the pump (Figures 1 to 12)

- 31 The embodiment of Example 1 is a wearable band device being a wristband device 20 suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid, and is illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 9 to 12. The wristband device 20 comprises: a wristband 22 formed from a flexible silicone polymer and wearable by a human user, a slightly-elongated and slightly-flattened container 24 (typically blow-moulded) for containing a liquid (e.g. a hand-sanitizing liquid), a spray outlet 26 (preferably an insertable mist-generating outlet 26), an L-shaped (bent) hollow spray head 28 (preferably a plastic spray head 28, in particular a flexible, e.g. resiliently-flexible, plastic spray head 28) which acts as a pipe or tube and which enables liquid communication from the container 24 to the spray outlet 26, and an actuating means 30.

As shown in Figures 1 to 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 9 to 12, an elongate injection-moulded plastic base plate 32 (also numbered as 13) is provided as a base and support for the functioning parts of the device 20. One end of an elongate curved leaf spring 58 (also numbered as 9) is fastened to the upper (inner) surface of the base plate 32; the other end of curved leaf spring 58 rests on the base plate’s 32 upper (inner) surface. The elongate curved leaf spring 58 is positioned approximately in the middle of the base plate 32, with the longitudinal axes of the leaf spring 58 and of the base plate 32 being parallel, and with the curve of the leaf spring 58 projecting out from the base plate 32. One end of the slightly-elongated container 24 (that end adjacent or proximal to the spray head 28) rests on the leaf spring 58; the other end of the slightly elongated container 24 (that end distal to the spray head 28) rests on the base plate 32 at one end thereof. The longitudinal axes of the container 24 and of the base plate 32 are generally parallel.

An upper housing (actuator cap) 34 (also numbered as 2) is fastened to approximately one half of the base plate 32. Specifically, the upper housing (actuator cap) 34 is fastened to approximately one half of the base plate 32 (i) by means of adhesive bonding and/or (ii) by means of a curved (generally U-shaped) projection or tongue 36 at a rim 38 of a lower edge of the upper housing (actuator cap) 34, wherein the curved projection or tongue 36 fits and/or fastens into part of a cooperating channel 40 around a rim 42 of the base plate 32. The base plate 32 is also provided with two upstanding narrow triangular ramps 60, 62, whose sloping faces face away from the container 24 and towards the spray head 28; wherein one ramp 60 or 62 is present on each side of the base plate 32. In use, these ramps 60, 62 cooperate with two projections 96 (described hereinafter) attached indirectly to the sides of the container 24 and enable the container 24 to cooperate with and travel forward and down the two ramps 60, 62 when the device 20 is actuated (as described hereinafter).

-32A first side 44 of the upper housing (actuator cap) 34 contains a side opening (outlet opening) 46 which is connected securely to the spray outlet 26 (preferably an insertable mistgenerating outlet 26). The spray outlet 26 is also connected the outer open end of the Lshaped (bent) hollow spray head 28.

Therefore, the container 24 for containing a liquid and the L-shaped (bent) hollow spray head 28 are partly enclosed (i) (from above) by the upper housing (actuator cap) 34, which lies above the spray outlet 26 and at least part of the L-shaped hollow spray head 28, and (ii) (from below) by the base plate 32 which lies below the container 24, spray outlet 26 and the L-shaped hollow spray head 28. The upper housing 34 helps to maintain the device’s shape.

As shown in Figures 1 to 6, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 9, the enclosure of the container 24 and the Lshaped hollow spray head 28 is completed by the provision of a cover 48, formed from a flexible silicone polymer (preferably moulded), the silicone cover 48 being outside the upper housing (actuator cap) 34 and the container 24. An edge of the silicone cover 48 is bonded to the rim 42 of the base plate 32; specifically, the edge of the silicone cover 48 is bonded to the channel 40 around the rim 42 of the base plate 32. Therefore, an outer, lower surface of the base plate 32 is exposed to the external environment and, when the device 20 is worn on a wrist, is in contact with the wrist. The silicone cover 48 can optionally also be bonded to the upper housing (actuator cap) 34 and/or to the container 24. [In an alternative embodiment, not shown herein, the silicone cover is not bonded to the rim 42 of the base plate 32; instead, the silicone cover is a silicone capsule (not shown) which is outside of, and substantially completely encapsulates (except for openings), the upper housing (actuator cap) 34, the container 24, and the base plate 32.]

As shown in Figs. 2, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 8B, and 9, an inlet opening 50 is provided near one end of the upper surface of the silicone cover 48, which inlet opening 50 is positioned in the same place as (is co-located with) an inlet opening 52 in the “outward”-facing (upper-facing) side wall 54 of the container 24, distal to the spray head 28 (see e.g. Figs. 8 and 9). A one-way duckbill valve 7 (preferably ca. 3.1 mm diameter) passes through and is bonded to the silicone cover inlet opening 50, and is fixed to the inlet opening 52 of the container 24. The one-way duckbill valve 7 allows liquid access into the covered container 24, so that the container 24 can be refilled with liquid, e.g. hand-sanitizing liquid, while the container 24 is still within the wearable wristband device 20. This allows refilling of the covered container 24, without the need for a complex arrangement allowing its removal from the wristband device 20.

- 33As shown in Figs. 4, 5, 7, 8, 8B, and 11, a bevelled sunken outlet opening 56 is provided in a first side of the silicone cover 48. The sunken outlet opening 56 is co-located with the side/outlet opening 46 in the first side wall 44 of the upper housing (actuator cap) 34. Because the side/outlet opening 46 in the upper housing 34 is attached to the spray outlet 26, the bevelled sunken outlet opening 56 is also co-located with the spray outlet 26. This arrangement allows spray from the spry outlet 26 to spray out of the device 20 and onto the user’s body part(s), typically onto the user’s hands, during use of the device 20.

The silicone cover 48 comprises on its upper suface a screen-printed central area 98, which indicates to a user which part of the silicone cover 48 should be pressed to actuate the actuating means 30.

The silicone cover 48 and the silicone wristband 22 are integrally formed as one piece. Silicone polymer material is used for the cover 48 and for the wristband 22, because it enables the formation of a smooth surface (which minimizes the number of crevices where microorganisms could attach themselves and live), and because of silicone’s antimicrobial (in particular antibacterial) properties.

With reference to Figs. 7, 8, and 9, the internal parts of the device 20 and their operation is now described. The device 20 comprises a pump 64 suitable for pumping liquid out of the spray outlet 26 upon actuation of the actuating means 30. The pump 64 is located in a liquid-flow path from the container 24 to the spray outlet 26.

The pump 64 comprises a hollow pump housing 66 (also numbered 5), the major part of which comprises a pump cylinder 68, wherein the pump cyclinder 68 acts in part as a secondary reservoir for liquid entering from the container 24. The pump 64 and/or the pump cylinder/reservoir 68 is arranged such that, when liquid is present in the pump cylinder/reservoir 68, actuation of the actuating means 30 during use leads to liquid being pumped out of the pump cylinder/reservoir 68, and this in turn leads to liquid being pumped out of the spray outlet 26 in the form of a spray. It is noted that the cavity of the “pump cyclinder” 68 does not have to be substantially cylindrical in shape; it merely has to be capable of performing or taking part in the pumping function(s) described herein. In fact, Fig. 9 shows that the pump cylinder 68 of Example 1 is not exactly cyclindrical, but rather has two inwardly-projecting circumferential shoulders or ledges 70, 90 spaced apart along its length, so that the inner end 74 of the pump cylinder 68 (which is deep within the container 24 and which receives liquid from the container 24 during use) has a smaller diameter than the middle of the pump cylinder 68, which in turn has a smaller diameter than the outer end 76 of

- 34the pump cylinder 68 (which is proximal to the spray head 28, and which cooperates with a pump piston 78, for which see below).

As shown e.g. in Fig. 9, the pump 64 also comprises an elongate hollow pump piston 78 which is sized and shaped so as to cooperate with the pump cylinder 68. The outer surface of the pump piston 78 has a circumerential groove in which is mounted an O-ring 10. This Oring 10 acts as a seal, and enables or helps the pump piston 78 to fit moveably, slideably and snugly within the pump cylinder 68. The hollow pump piston 78 contains a longitudinallyoriented through tunnel 80. An outer male end 8 of the pump piston 78 (wherein the male end 8 is distal from the container and opens into the through tunnel 80), is connected, via a push-on connection, to an inner female end of the L-shaped hollow spray head 28, such that the hollow spray head 28 is in liquid communication with the through tunnel 80 of the pump piston 78. By this arrangement, when the pump piston 78 moves into the pump cylinder 68, liquid can flow from the pump cylinder 68, through the tunnel 80 of the hollow pump piston 78, then through the L-shaped hollow spray head 28, and finally to and out of the spray outlet 26. The end of the pump piston 78 projecting into the pump cyclinder 68 comprises a snout 88 (which opens into the through tunnel 80), wherein the relatively-thin snout 88 projects into the pump cyclinder 68 from the relatively-wider main body of the pump piston 78.

A helical spring 11 (preferably a metal helical spring) is positioned longitudinally within the pump cylinder 68, between and abutting (i) a laterally-projecting, circumferential, resilientmeans-abutment portion 90 (shoulder or ledge 90) of the pump cylinder 68 and (ii) a laterallyprojecting, circumferential, resilient-means-abutment portion 86 of the pump piston. Upon actuation of the device 20, the pump piston 78 moves further within the pump cylinder 68 (in an inward-pumping stroke of the pump 64 and pump piston 78), thereby compressing the helical spring 11. After the inward-pumping stroke of the pump 64 I pump piston 78 has finished, the compressed spring 11 then causes the pump piston 78 to withdraw in part from the pump cylinder 68 back to its original unactuated position (this is the return outward stroke of the pump 64 and pump piston 78). The original unactuated position is that shown in Fig. 9.

The end 92 of the pump cylinder 68 distal from the piston 78 is quite narrow in diameter, and is formed as a concave, generally-bowl-shaped end 92, in the middle of which is a narrow opening 82. [“Concave” in this context means concave when viewed from inside the pump cylinder 68.] The narrow opening 82 is in liquid communication with the container 24 via a short hollow stem 84 at one end of the pump 64. Within this hollow stem 84 is a flexible plastic capillary tube (not shown in Fig. 9, but present) which extends to the distal (inner) end of the container 24 so that it can draw liquid from the container 24. A moveable ball 6 (preferably a metal ball bearing or a plastic or glass ball), whose diameter is wider than that

- 35of the narrow opening 82, is present in the pump cylinder 68, positioned adjacent to the concave, generally-bowl-shaped end 92 of the cylinder 68. The moveable ball 6 cooperates with and fits into the concave, generally-bowl-shaped end 92 of the cylinder 68, and thus acts so as to inhibit liquid flow from the pump cylinder 68 to the container 24 through the narrow opening 82, especially when the pressure within the pump cylinder 68 is higher than that in the container 24 (e.g. during the inward-pumping stroke of the pump piston 78). This moveable ball 6, and the cooperating concave, generally-bowl-shaped end 92 of the cylinder 68, together provide a form of “one-way valve”, though its liquid-flow-inhibiting efficiency may not be 100%.

As shown in Fig. 9, the pump 64 is positioned mostly, but not wholly, within the container 24, with the pump cylinder 68 being within the container 24, with the moveable ball 6 and the narrow stem 84 furthest into the container 24, and with the outer male end 8 of the pump piston 78 and the L-shaped hollow spray head 28 outside the container 24. As shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9 to 12, a generally arch-shaped frame or mount 4 is provided, which has a hole 94 within the arch which is sized so as to allow through-passage of the L-shaped hollow spray head 28 and the outer male end 8 of the pump piston 78. The generally arch-shaped frame or mount 4 is mounted onto and clamped onto the open end of the container 24; and the pump housing 66 and pump cylinder 68 are themselves mounted and fixed rigidly into the hole 94 of the frame or mount 4; such that the pump housing 66 and pump cylinder 68 are within and do not move relative to the container 24. Two projections or lugs 96 project laterally outwards from ther sides of the frame or mount 4 (one projection or lug 96 per side), and these enable the frame/mount 4 and the attached container 24 to cooperate with and travel forward and down the two ramps 60, 62 on the sides of the base plate 32.

During use, the user wears the wristband device 20 on his or her wrist, and the container 24 of the device 20 contains hand-sanitizing liquid, for example as disclosed herein, preferably a hand-sanitizing liquid comprising isopropanol, ethanol, n-propanol, benzalkonium chloride, triclosan and/or povidone-iodine, most preferably a hand-sanitizing liquid comprising (i) isopropanol, ethanol and/or n-propanol, and in addition (ii) benzalkonium chloride.

When the user wishes to dispense some hand-sanitizing liquid from the device 20, the user applies finger- or hand- pressure to the screen-printed central area 98, 30 of the upper surface of the silicone cover 48, in a direction inwards and generally perpendicular to the central area 98 (i.e. in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the wristband 22). This leads to one end of the slightly-elongated container 24 (that end adjacent or proximal to the spray head 28 and pump 64, and resting on the elongate curved leaf spring 58) to move inwardly, depressing the leaf spring 58, and causing the projections or lugs 96,

- 36attached to the container 24 via the frame/mount 4, to move down the ramps 60, 62. Due to the ramps 60, 62 sloping downwardly (inwardly) and away from the container 24, the lugs 96 follow this ramp path; and so the pump-end of the container 24, and the attached pump cylinder 68, move downwardly (inwardly) and forwardly towards the spray head 28. In this way the pump piston 78 is driven further into the pump cylinder 68 (it is actually the pump cylinder 68 which moves), against the bias of the helical spring 11, until the circumferential shoulder 86 of the pump piston 78 abuts the first inwardly-projecting circumferential shoulder or ledge 70 within the pump cylinder 68.

At this point, the pump piston 78 and/or pump cyclinder 68 can move no further towards each other - the first ledge 70 within the pump cylinder 68 acts as a stop; the helical spring 11 within the pump cylinder 68 is compressed at this point. During this inward-pumping stroke of the pump 64 and the pump piston 78, the pressure within the cylinder 68 liquid is relatively high, which keeps the moveable ball 6 within and abutting the bowl-shaped end 92 of the pump cylinder 68, so liquid is inhibited e.g. prevented from exiting the cylinder 68 via opening 82 back into the container 24. Instead, liquid within the pump cylinder 68 exits the cylinder 68 via the through tunnel 80 of the pump piston 78. Liquid therefore travels outwardly along the L-shaped spray head 28, and a first volume (dose) of liquid exits the device 20 via the spray outlet (mist-generating outlet) 26. The spray outlet 26 has an internal arrangement and structure (not shown) which causes the exiting liquid to exit from the spray outlet 26 in the form of a spray, typically in the form of a fine mist or aerosol. Generally, during use, from 0.1 to 10ml, preferably from 0.3 to 5 ml, such as from 0.5 to 3 ml, of the hand-sanitizing liquid is dispensed from the hollow spray head 28 and/or from the pump cylinder 68 into the hand(s) of the user.

When the user removes the finger- or hand- pressure on the screen-printed central area 98, 30 of the upper surface of the silicone cover 48, the compressed leaf spring 58 forces the pump-end of the container 24 and its indirectly-attached lugs 96 back up the ramps 60, 62, in a direction which has a first component which is radially outward with respect to the wristband 22 and which has a second component which is generally tangential to the wristband 22. The container 24 thereby returns to its original unactuated position (shown in Fig. 9), and so the pump cylinder 68 partly withdraws from the pump piston 78 back to its original unactuated position. This outward return movement of the pump 64 and pump cylinder 68 is also driven by decompression of the compressed helical spring 11 within the pump cylinder 68. This outward return pump movement decreases the pressure within the pump cylinder 68, which releases the ball 6 from the bowl-shaped end 92, opens the opening 82, and causes liquid from the container 24 to be drawn into the pump cylinder 68 via the tube (not shown) fitted into the pump stem 84. Further, later actuation of the central area 98,

- 3730 of the silicone cover 48 will cause a second volume (dose) of liquid to be dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet 26.

Example 2 - A wristband device wherein the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the wristband by means of a flexible and resilient receptacle (e.g. pouch) attached to the band (Figures 13 to 17)

This Example 2 embodiment is a wearable band device being a wristband device 100 suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid, and is illustrated in Figures 13 to 17. A resiliently-flexible receptacle (e.g. pouch) 103 is integrally-formed with and is outside a resiliently-flexible wristband 102. The receptacle 103 and the wristband 102 are both formed from the same resiliently-flexible material, preferably an elastomer and/or a silicone polymer. The receptacle 103 contains a plurality of holes (see Figs 13-15), so that it effectively forms a resiliently-flexible cage or webbing 103. The receptacle (the cage or webbing) 103 is capable of holding, in a stationary manner, a suitably-shaped and -sized spray container 104 suitable for containing and dispensing a liquid. The receptacle 103 contains at least two major holes (see Fig. 13) through which (when the cage 103 is flexed) the container 104 can pass, to fit snugly into the receptacle 103 or to exit from the receptacle 103.

In more detail, the embodiment of Example 2 is a wristband device 100 suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid, wherein the wristband device 100 comprises:

- a wristband 102 wearable by a human user;

- a slightly-flattened removeable plastic container 104 for containing a liquid (e.g. a handsanitizing liquid), wherein the container 104 has branding or informative text 104A on the outside; and wherein the internal volume of the container 104 is about 5 to about 20 ml, preferably about 15 ml;

- a spray outlet 106 (preferably an insertable mist-generating outlet 106);

- a substantially-cylindrical, bevelled-ended plastic spray head 108 which acts as an actuating means and in which the spray outlet 106 is inserted; and

- a screw-in pump 112, located in a liquid-flow path from the container 104 to the spray outlet 106, and being connected to both.

The substantially-cylindrical plastic spray head 108 can be actuated (by being depressed inwardly along its centre-cylindrical axis), by inward-directed finger-pressure being exerted on the bevelled outer end 110 of the spray head 108. The spray head 108 is also rotatable about its centre-cylindrical axis, so that the direction of spray can be adjusted freely.

- 38Referring to Fig. 17, the screw-in pump 112 of Example 2 is of a generally similar construction to the pump 64 from Example 1.

Specifically, the pump 112 comprises a hollow pump housing 114, the major part of which comprises a pump cylinder 116 which acts in part as a secondary reservoir for liquid entering from the container 104. The pump 112 and/or the pump cylinder 116 is arranged such that, when liquid is present in the pump cylinder 116, actuation of the spray head 108 during use leads to liquid being pumped out of the pump cylinder 116, and this in turn leads to liquid being pumped out of the spray outlet 106 in the form of a spray. It is noted that the cavity of the “pump cyclinder” 68 does not have to be substantially cylindrical in shape; it merely has to be capable of performing or taking part in the pumping function(s) described herein. In fact, Fig. 17 shows that the pump cylinder 116 of Example 1 is not exactly cyclindrical, but rather has one inwardly-projecting circumferential shoulder or ledge 118 part way along its length, so that the inner end of the pump cylinder 116 (which end is deep within the container 104 and which receives liquid from the container 104 during use) has a smaller diameter than the outer end of the pump cylinder 68 (which end is proximal to the spray head 108, and which cooperates with a pump piston 120, for which see below).

As shown in Fig. 17, the pump 112 also comprises an elongate hollow pump piston 120 which is sized and shaped so as to cooperate with the pump cylinder 116. The outer surface of the pump piston 120 has a circumerential groove in which is mounted a gasket or O-ring 122. This gasket or O-ring 122 acts as a seal, and enables or helps the pump piston 120 to fit moveably, slideably and snugly within the pump cylinder 116. The hollow pump piston 120 contains a longitudinally-oriented through tunnel 124.

An outer projecting male end 126 of the pump piston 120 (wherein the male end 126 is distal from the container and opens into the through tunnel 124), is connected to an inner female connection (not shown) within the spray head 108, such that the hollow spray head 108 is in liquid communication with the through tunnel 124 of the pump piston 120. By this arrangement, when the pump piston 120 moves into the pump cylinder 116, liquid can flow from the pump cylinder 116, through the tunnel 124 of the hollow pump piston 120, then through a tunnel or tube (not shown) within the spray head 108, and finally to and out of the spray outlet 106. The other end of the pump piston 120 projecting into the pump cyclinder 116 comprises a snout 128 (which opens into the through tunnel 124), wherein the relativelythin snout 128 projects into the pump cyclinder 116 from the relatively-wider main body of the pump piston 120.

- 39As shown in Fig. 17, a helical spring 130 (preferably a metal helical spring) is positioned longitudinally within the pump cylinder 116, between (and preferably abutting) (i) a laterallyprojecting, circumferential, resilient-means-abutment portion 132 (shoulder or ledge 132) of the pump piston 120 and (ii) a moveable ball 134 (e.g. metal ball bearing or plastic or glass ball 134) positioned deep within the pump cylinder 116. Upon actuation of the device 100, the pump piston 120 moves further within the pump cylinder 116 (in an inward-pumping stroke of the pump 112 and pump piston 120), thereby compressing the helical spring 130. After the inward-pumping stroke of the pump 112 / pump piston 120 has finished, the compressed spring 130 then causes the pump piston 120 to withdraw in part from the pump cylinder 116 back to its original unactuated position (this is the return outward stroke of the pump 112 and pump piston 120). The original unactuated position is that shown in Fig. 17.

The end 136 of the pump cylinder 116 distal from the piston 120 is formed as a concave, generally-bowl-shaped end 136, in the middle of which is a narrow opening. [“Concave” in this context means concave when viewed from inside the pump cylinder 116.] This narrow opening in the bowl-shaped end 136 is in liquid communication with the container 104 via a short hollow stem 138 at one end of the hollow pump housing 114. Within this hollow stem 138 is fixed a flexible plastic capillary tube 140 which extends to the distal (inner) end of the container 104 so that it can draw liquid from the container 104. The moveable ball 134, whose diameter is wider than that of the narrow opening in the bowl-shaped end 136, cooperates with and fits into the concave, generally-bowl-shaped end 136 of the cylinder 116, and thus acts so as to inhibit liquid flow from the pump cylinder 116 to the container 104 through the narrow opening in the bowl-shaped end 136, especially when the pressure within the pump cylinder 116 is higher than that in the container 104 (e.g. during the inwardpumping stroke of the pump piston 120). This moveable ball 134, and the cooperating concave, generally-bowl-shaped end 136 of the cylinder 116, together provide a form of “one-way valve”, though its liquid-flow-inhibiting efficiency may not be 100%.

The operation of the Example 2 device 100 is similar to that of the Example 1 device 20, the main exception being that actuation of the Example 2 device 100 is accomplished by the user pressing inwardly the bevelled end 110 of the spray head 108, rather than by pressing the silicone cover 48 of the Example 1 device 20.

Example 3 - A wristband device with a flexible, hollow helical body which can contain the liquid (Figures 18 to 23)

The embodiment of Example 3 is a wearable band device being a wristband device 150 suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid, and is illustrated in Figures 18 to 23. The

-40wristband device 150 comprises a helical wristband 152, whose elongate hollow body 152 is in the form of three wide turns of a helix, wide enough to be worn on a wrist, which hollow body 152 is formed from a resiliently-flexible plastic material. At the spraying end 154 (i.e. that end 154 attached to a spray head 158), the elongate hollow body 152 is turned through 90 degrees to be in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the band (i.e. parallel to the central longitudinal axis of an attached wrist, when the wristband device 150 is worn by a human). The elongate helical body 152 is hollow, and therefore the outer walls of this body 152 form the walls of a container for containing a liquid, preferably a hand-sanitizing liquid, e.g. as described herein. In other words, the elongate helical hollow body 152 of the wristband device 150 it itself the container 152 for containing a liquid, as defined in the various aspects of the present invention.

The wristband device 150 of Example 3 also comprises:

- a generally cylindrical (preferably frustoconical) spray head 158 (preferably a rigid plastic and/or metal spray head 158), wherein the outer end of the spray head 158 can be depressed to actuate the device 150 (see e.g. Fig. 22), wherein the spray head 158 is rotatable about its central cylindrical or frustoconical axis (see e.g. Fig. 22) to allow the direction of the spray to be adjusted by a user, and wherein the spray head 158 is attached to the spraying end 154 of the hollow body 152;

- a spray outlet 156 (preferably an insertable mist-generating outlet 156) inserted into the outer cylindrical surface of the spray head 158, the spray outlet 156 being directed radially outwardly with respect to the central cylindrical or frustoconical axis of the spray head 158;

- a pump 160 (see e.g. Fig. 20) comprising: a rigid-plastic pump cylinder 163 (as part of a pump housing); a slideably moveable hollow rigid-plastic pump piston 164 cooperating with and within the pump cylinder 163 wherein the piston 164 is in liquid communication with the spray outlet 156; a moveable ball 166 deep within the pump cylinder 162; and a relativelynarrow hollow open-ended rigid-plastic stem 169 (as another part of the pump housing) the inner part of which is in liquid communication with the pump cylinder 163; and wherein the Example 3 pump 160 has generally the same construction, parts and functionality as the pump 64 from Example 1 and/or the pump 112 from Example 2;

- an elongate helically-shaped flexible-plastic capillary tube 168 (see e.g. Fig. 20), which is fitted into the hollow open-ended plastic stem 169 of the pump 160, thereby allowing communication between the pump 160 and the hollow helical body 152 of the device 150; and

- a generally-cylindrical, circumferentially-grooved (162A), friction-fitting, plastic, removeable end cap 162 (see e.g. Fig. 21), capable of being removeably friction-fitted onto one open end (the end distal from the spray end 154) of the wristband body 152 of the wristband device

-41 150; wherein removal of the end cap 162 allows the hollow wristband body 152 to be re-filled with liquid, preferably hand-sanitizing liquid.

The helical wristband body 152 is formed from a resiliently-flexible plastic material, so that its length and/or diameter can expand and/or contract to fit the wrist of any human user (e.g. human adult user). Fig. 23 illustrates a longitudinally-extended form of the device 150 and shows the direction of the centre-cylindrical longitudinal movement / flexibility of the wristband body 152.

When sized for an adult human wrist, the helical hollow body 152 generally holds a relatively large volume of liquid (believed to be about 20 ml). In a variation of Example 3, the capacity and internal volume of the hollow body/container 152 can be further increased by increasing the number of helical turns provided in the wristband body 152 (e.g. using 4, 5 or 6 helical turns).

The use and operation (e.g. actuation and spraying) of the helical wristband device 150 is evident from the description of the device 150 hereinabove.

Example 4 - A wristband (a wrist strap with spaced-apart holes) wherein the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band by means of one or more (preferably two) male-female-type fasteners (Figures 24 to 29)

As shown in Figures 24 to 29, Example 4 provides a wearable wristband device 180 and a spray device 184. Referring to Figure 24, the wristband device 180 comprises two main parts:

- (i) a fastenable wriststrap 182 with spaced-apart holes 183, and

- (ii) a spray device 184 for dispensing a liquid (e.g. a hand-sanitizing liquid) in spray form, the spray device 184 comprising (among other things) a container 185 for containing a liquid, and spray head 188;

- wherein the spray device 184 is removeably attached to the wriststrap 182 by means of two fasteners 198, one at each end or side of the container 185.

As shown in Figure 25, the container 185 (preferably formed of plastic) has two wings 192, 193 projecting from distal (spaced-apart) ends or sides of the container 185, wherein each wing 192, 193 has a through hole 194, 195. The container is attached to and in liquid communication with a pump 190, which is screwed via a screw thread into the container 185. The pump 190 has a pump cylinder (not shown) and a pump piston (not shown), and is the same in construction and function as any one of the pumps 64, 112, and 160 described in

-42Example 1, 2 or 3. The pump cylinder of the pump 190 is in liquid communication with a spray outlet 186 which is mounted in a generally-cylindrical, axially-rotatable, plastic spray outlet 18; and the pump 190 is attached to the spray head 188. The spray device 180 arrangement enables liquid flow from the container 185 to the spray outlet 186.

The spray head 188 is depressable and so is or is part of the actuating means of the spray device 184. In use, liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container 185 and/or is present in the pump cylinder of the pump 190, and upon actuation of the spray head 188, a portion of liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

The wearable wristband device 180 also comprises two flexible elongate fastener bodies 198 (see e.g. Figure 29) (preferably made of flexible plastic), which are removeably fastenable to the wing(s) 192, 193 of the container 185. Each fastener body 198 has a male projection or lug 200 at a first end of the elongate fastener body 198, and a female fastener 202 at a second end of the elongate fastener body 198 distal from the first end. The head 204 of each projection or lug 200 is bulbous or broadened compared to the stem 206 of the projection or lug 200. The head 204 of the projection or lug 200 is adapted to fasten into the female fastener 202, and is also suitably-sized to pass through holes 183 in the wristband/wriststrap 182.

In use, the spray device 184 (having the winged container 185) and at least two flexible elongate fastener bodies 198, can be carried or worn to an event, such as a festival. The container 185 and the 2 fastener bodies can be fitted to a wristband/wriststrap 182 containing spaced-apart holes 183, (i) by the male projection or lug 200 of each fastener body 198 being passed through 2 of the spaced-apart holes 183 in the wristband 182, and also (ii) by being passed through the holes 194, 195 of the 2 wings 192, 193 of the container 185. Each flexible elongate fastener body 198 (after passing through the wristband 182 and the appropriate container wing hole 194, 195) can be folded up (see e.g. Figure 24) so that the male projection or lug 200 fastens into the female fastener 202.

In this way, as shown in Figure 24, two flexible fastener bodies 198 can be used to removeably attach the spray device 184 and container 185 to the wristband/wriststrap 182. Typically, the wristband I wriststrap 182 is provided separately at the event, such as a festival, by the organizers of the event.

This spray device 184 of Example 4, having a container 185 for liquids having two wings 192, 193 with holes 194, 195, and without any need for the presence of the separate

-43wriststrap/wristband 182, is also another aspect of the present invention (see e.g. the third aspect of the invention hereinabove).

Claims

1. A wearable band device suitable for dispensing a hand-sanitizing liquid, the device comprising:

- a band wearable by a human user,

- a container for containing a liquid,

- a spray outlet,

- a liquid communication means enabling liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet, and

- an actuating means, wherein the device and/or the actuating means is arranged such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means, and upon actuation of the actuating means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet;

and wherein the device additionally comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more of the following features (A), (B),(C), (D), (E) and/or (F):

(A) the device comprises a pump suitable for pumping liquid out of the spray outlet upon actuation of the actuating means; wherein the pump comprises a pump reservoir, the pump and/or pump reservoir being arranged such that, when liquid is present in the pump reservoir, actuation of the actuating means leads to pump reservoir liquid being pumped out of the pump reservoir and leads to liquid being pumped out of the spray outlet, preferably in the form of a spray;

and/or (B) the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure to the container in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band;

wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes (i) a portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container, and (ii) that portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container, to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other: (a) in a direction which is, or which has a component which is, generally tangential to that portion of the band which carries and/or which is connected directly or indirectly to the container and/or the liquid communication means; and/or (b) in a direction which is, or which has a component which is, generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the band (i.e. generally parallel

-45to the central longitudinal axis of an attached human body part when the band device is worn by a human), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet;

and/or (C) the band wearable by a human user is in a substantially helical form which comprises at least one turn of a substantial helix;

and/or (D) the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band;

and/or (E) the wearable band device comprises a spray head containing the spray outlet, wherein the spray head is positioned generally tangentially with respect to the band;

and/or (F) the container contains a hand-sanitizing liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed.

2. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable band device is a wristband device and the band is a wristband, or the wearable band device is a waistband device and the band is a waistband.

3. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein (F) the container contains a hand-sanitizing liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed.

4. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein (A) the device comprises a pump suitable for pumping liquid out of the spray outlet upon actuation of the actuating means; wherein the pump comprises a pump reservoir, the pump and/or pump reservoir being arranged such that, when liquid is present in the pump reservoir, actuation of the actuating means leads to pump reservoir liquid being pumped out

-46of the pump reservoir and leads to liquid being pumped out of the spray outlet, preferably in the form of a spray.

5. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the pump is located in a liquid-flow path from the container to the spray outlet.

6. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the pump reservoir comprises or is a pump cylinder, the pump and/or pump reservoir being arranged such that, when liquid is present in the pump cylinder, actuation of the actuating means leads to pump reservoir liquid being pumped out of the pump cylinder and leads to liquid being pumped out of the spray outlet, preferably in the form of a spray.

7. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the pump reservoir comprises or is a pump cylinder; and the pump comprises a pump piston which is sized and shaped so as to cooperate with the pump cylinder; wherein the pump, the pump piston and/or the pump cylinder contains an outlet allowing liquid communication from the pump cylinder to the spray outlet; and wherein actuation of the actuating means causes the pump piston to become disposed within or further within the pump cylinder, so that, when liquid is present in the pump cylinder, at least some of the liquid in the pump cylinder is pumped out of the pump cylinder, such that at least some of the liquid present in a liquid flow path between the pump cylinder and the spray outlet is pumped out of the spray outlet.

8. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the pump reservoir comprises or is a pump cylinder; and the pump comprises a hollow pump piston which is sized and shaped so as to cooperate with the pump cylinder; wherein the hollow pump piston contains a through tunnel which allows liquid communication from the pump cylinder through the tunnel of the hollow pump piston and to the spray outlet; and wherein actuation of the actuating means causes the hollow pump piston to become disposed within or further within the pump cylinder, so that, when liquid is present in the pump cylinder, at least some of the liquid in the pump cylinder is pumped out of the pump cylinder through the tunnel of the hollow pump piston, such that at least some of the liquid present in a liquid flow path between the pump cylinder and the spray outlet is pumped out of the spray outlet.

9. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the pump contains a resilient means wherein, after a or the pump piston has become disposed within or further within the pump cylinder (i.e. after a pumping stroke of the pump), the resilient means causes the pump piston to withdraw at least in part from the pump cylinder.

-4710. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the liquid communication means and/or a or the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder contains a one-way valve which, during use, inhibits the flow of liquid from the liquid communication means to the container and/or from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container.

11. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the liquid communication means, the pump, and/or a or the pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder, contains a one-way valve which, during use, inhibits the flow of liquid from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container; and wherein the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder contains, at or near one end, an opening in liquid communication with the container, wherein the opening is narrower than the internal width of the pump reservoir and/or is narrower than the internal diameter of the pump cylinder; and wherein the pump reservoir and/or the pump cylinder contains a moveable ball wider than the opening and adapted to cover the opening, such that, during use, the flow of liquid from the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder to the container is inhibited.

12. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pump is suitable for pumping a predetermined volume of liquid out of the spray outlet, upon actuation of the actuating means.

13. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the liquid communication means, the pump, and/or a or the one-way valve therein, is arranged so that, during or after actuation of the actuating means, and when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container, the pump draws a volume (preferably a predetermined volume) of liquid from the container and into the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cylinder.

14. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein:

(B) the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure to the container (preferably to a side-wall of the container) in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band;

wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes (i) a portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container, and (ii) that portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container,

-48to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably to move generally towards each other): (a) in a direction which is, or which has a component which is, generally tangential to that portion of the band which carries and/or which is connected directly or indirectly to the container and/or the liquid communication means; and/or (b) in a direction which is, or which has a component which is, generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the band (i.e. generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of an attached human body part when the band device is worn by a human), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a or the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cyllinder comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

15. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein:

wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes (i) a portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container, and (ii) that portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container, to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably to move generally towards each other), in a direction which is, or which has a component which is, generally tangential to that portion of the band which carries and/or which is connected directly or indirectly to the container and/or the liquid communication means, this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a or the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cyllinder comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

16. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein:

the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of pressure to the container (preferably to a side-wall of the container) in a direction generally radially inwardly with respect to the band;

wherein, upon actuation of the actuating means, the said portion of the container (which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, the portion of the liquid communication

-49means at or adjacent to the container), moves down one or more ramps in a direction which has a first component which is generally radially inward with respect to the band, and which has a second component which is generally tangential to the band, such that the said portion of the container, and a or the portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container, move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (particularly preferably move generally towards each other), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means (in particular is present in the container and/or is present in a or the pump, pump reservoir and/or pump cyllinder comprised in the liquid communication means), a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

17. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 16, wherein said portion of the container moves down the one or more ramps by means of one or more projections from the container cooperating with the one or more ramps.

18. A wearable band device as claimed in claims 14, 15, 16 or 17, wherein the container (in particular a or the said portion of the container which is connected to, and/or is at or adjacent to, said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container) is biased generally radially outwardly, such that, when the generally radially inward actuation pressure on the container is released, the container (in particular the said portion of the container), and/or said portion of the liquid communication means at or adjacent to the container, return to its or their original unactuated position(s).

19. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, wherein (C) the band wearable by a human user is in a substantially helical form which comprises at least one turn (preferably 1.5 or more turns or 2 or more turns) of a substantial helix.

20. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the band wearable by the human user is a wristband.

21. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the band in substantially helical form is formed from a resiliently flexible material so that its length and/or diameter can expand and/or contract to fit a or the body part (preferably the wrist or arm) of a particular human user.

- 5022. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the band in substantially helical form is hollow and is in liquid communication with the liquid communication means, such that the container for containing a liquid is formed from outer wall(s) of the band and/or is integral with the band.

23. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22, wherein:

(D) the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band.

24. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band by means of a flexible and resilient receptacle attached to the band, wherein the recepticle contains a plurality of holes including at least one major hole through which the container can pass to fit into the recepticle.

25. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the container for containing a liquid is removeably attached to the band by means of one or more (preferably two or more) male-female-type fasteners.

26. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 25, wherein

- the female fastener part(s) comprise 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) wings projecting from distal parts of the container, wherein each wing has a through hole;

- and wherein the male fastener part(s) comprise a fastener body having 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) spaced-apart male projections or lugs, wherein the head of each projection or lug is bulbous or broadened compared to its stem; the 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) male projections or lugs being spaced apart by such a distance so as to fit into and reversibly fasten to the holes of the 1, 2 or more wings (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) of the container for containing a liquid.

27. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the band is a wristband containing 1, 2 or more (preferably 2) spaced-apart holes which are able to encompass the male projections or lugs.

28. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 27, wherein (E) the wearable band device comprises a spray head containing the spray outlet, wherein the spray head is positioned generally tangentially with respect to the band.

29. A wearable band device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the wearable band device is a wristband device, and wherein the band wearable by the human user is a wristband.

- 51

30. A spray device suitable for dispensing a liquid in spray form, the spray device comprising:

- a container for containing a liquid;

- a spray outlet;

- a liquid communication means enabling liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet; wherein the liquid communication means communicates directly or indirectly with, and/or is connected directly or indirectly to, the container by means of a container opening in the container; and

- an actuating means;

and/or wherein the actuating means is arranged such that its actuation is effected by application of inwardly-directed pressure onto a side-wall of the container; wherein a sidewall of the container is defined as: (c) a wall of the container which is generally parallel to (i.e. which is at an angle of 44° or less with respect to, preferably at an angle of 30° or less with respect to, more preferably at an angle of 15° or less or 10° or less with respect to) an axis passing perpendicularly through the centre of the container opening; and/or (d) a wall of the container which is generally transverse to (i.e. which is at an angle of from 45° to 135° with respect to, preferably at an angle of from 60° to 120° with respect to, or more preferably at an angle of from 75° to 105° or from 80° to 100° with respect to) that part or wall of the container which has the container opening;

and wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes:

(i) a connecting portion of the liquid communication means, wherein the connecting portion is at or adjacent to and/or is connected directly or indirectly to the container opening, and (ii) that part or wall of the container which has the container opening, to move generally towards each other or generally away from each other (preferably to move generally towards each other), this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid

-52communication means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

31. A spray device as claimed in claim 30, wherein:

the liquid communication means comprises a pump, wherein the pump comprises:

- a pump cyclinder, which is in a substantially stationary relationship with respect to the container, and

- a pump piston, which is in a moveable relationship with respect to the container, wherein the pump piston cooperates with the pump cylinder, and wherein the actuation of the actuating means causes the pump cyclinder and the pump piston to move generally towards each other, this movement being such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the pump cyclinder, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

32. A spray device as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein the liquid communication means and/or a or the pump and/or a or the pump cylinder contains a one-way valve which, during use, inhibits the flow of liquid from the liquid communication means to the container and/or from the pump and/or pump cylinder to the container.

33. A spray device comprising a container for containing a liquid and for dispensing a liquid, in particular a hand-sanitizing liquid, in spray form, wherein the container has 1, 2 or more (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) wings projecting from distal parts of the container, wherein each wing has a through hole, wherein the container is attached directly or indirectly to a spray outlet, wherein the spray device comprises a liquid communication means enabling liquid communication from the container to the spray outlet, and wherein the spray device comprises an actuating means, wherein the spray device and/or the actuating means is arranged such that, when liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in the container and/or is present in the liquid communication means, and upon actuation of the actuating means, a portion of the liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet.

- 5334. A spray device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the spray device also comprises 1, 2 or more flexible fastener bodies (preferably 2 or more, most preferably 2) which are removeably fastenable to the wing(s) of the container, each fastener body having a male projection or lug at one position on the fastener body, and a female fastener at another position on the fastener body;

35. A wearable band device, in particular as claimed in any of claims 1 to 29, or a spray device, in particular as claimed in any of claims 30, 31, 32, 33 or 34, substantially as described in any of the Examples (preferably Example 1, 2, 3 or 4), optionally with reference to any one or more of the Figures.

36. A sanitizing liquid for use in a method of sanitizing a body part or parts of a human recipient, in particular to inhibit and/or kill microorganisms on the body part(s), wherein the method comprises:

- providing on a human user a wearable band device as defined in any of claims 1 to 29 or claim 35 or a spray device as defined in any of claims 30 to 35, wherein sanitizing liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in a or the container of the wearable band device or of the spray device;

- actuating the wearable band device or the spray device in such a way that a portion of the sanitizing liquid is dispensed in the form of a spray from the spray outlet onto the human body part(s); and

- rubbing the sanitizing liquid onto the human body part(s).

37. A method of sanitizing a body part or parts of a human recipient, in particular to inhibit and/or kill microorganisms on the body part(s), wherein the method comprises:

- providing on a human user a wearable band device as defined in any of claims 1 to 29 or claim 35 or a spray device comprising a container as defined in any of claims 30 to 35, wherein sanitizing liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed is present in a or the container of the wearable band device or of the spray device;

- rubbing the sanitizing liquid onto the human body part(s).

- 5438. The use of a sanitizing liquid in the manufacture of a medicament such as a medicament-containing device, for use in a method of sanitizing a body part or parts of a human recipient, in particular to inhibit and/or kill microorganisms on the body part(s), wherein the method comprises:

- rubbing the sanitizing liquid onto the human body part(s).

39. A sanitizing liquid, a method of sanitizing, or the use, as claimed in claim 36, 37 or 38, wherein, in the method, the human user wearing and/or actuating the wearable band device or carrying, wearing and/or actuating the spray device, is also the human recipient who receives the sanitizing liquid onto the recipient’s human body part(s).

40. A sanitizing liquid, a method of sanitizing, or the use, as claimed in claim 36, 37, 38 or 39, wherein the device is the wearable band device, and wherein, in the method, the wearable band device is worn on the wrist, arm or waist, preferably on the wrist, by the human user.

41. A sanitizing liquid, a method of sanitizing, or the use, as claimed in claim 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40, wherein the body part(s) is or are the hand(s) of the human recipient, and wherein the sanitizing liquid is hand-sanitizing liquid.

42. A sanitizing liquid, a method of sanitizing, or the use, as claimed in claim 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 or 41, wherein:

the sanitizing liquid or the hand-sanitizing liquid contains an antimicrobially active ingredient capable of killling, or inhibiting the growth and/or activity of, microorganisms, and wherein the antimicrobially active ingredient comprises: one or more CX alcohols, an antimicrobial nitrogenous cationic surface-acting agent, triclosan, povidoneiodine, and/or an antimicrobial soap or detergent.

43. A sanitizing liquid, a method of sanitizing, or the use, as claimed in any of claims 36 to 42, wherein the wearable band device or the spray device is substantially as described in any of the Examples (preferably Example 1, 2, 3 or 4), optionally with reference to any one or

- 55more of the Figures.

44. A wearable band device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 29 or claim 35, or a spray device as claimed in any of claims 30 to 35, wherein:

5 the container contains a hand-sanitizing liquid in an amount capable of being dispensed;

the hand-sanitizing liquid contains an antimicrobially active ingredient capable of killling, or inhibiting the growth and/or activity of, microorganisms, and wherein the antimicrobially active ingredient comprises: one or more Cq.4 10 alcohols, an antimicrobial nitrogenous cationic surface-acting agent, triclosan, povidoneiodine, and/or an antimicrobial soap or detergent.

45. A wearable band device substantially as herein described.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1613 604.6