GB2604892A

GB2604892A - Wearable dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2604892A
Application number: GB2103689.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Preston Oliver
Original assignee: Inner Green Ltd
Current assignee: Inner Green Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-17
Filing date: 2021-03-17
Publication date: 2022-09-21
Also published as: GB202103689D0

Abstract

A wearable dispenser 10 comprising an elongate hollow body 12 defining an elongate cavity 14 for storing a fluid, which may be a liquid such as insect repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, vinegar, etc. The body is configured to extend about a body part of a user, such as the wrist, and may follow a helical path. A dispensing mechanism 16 is fluidly connected to the cavity. The body may be expandable and/or contractable in a radial or axial direction. The dispensing mechanism may be an atomiser and may comprise a dip tube 26. A filling inlet with a bung 30 may be provided for supplying fluid to the cavity. The body of dispenser may have an inner portion 18 and an outer portion 20. The inner portion may be flexible and transparent. The outer portion may be formed of heat shrink material. A window (32, Fig. 2) may be provided to view the fluid contained in the cavity. A method of forming the wearable dispenser is also provided.

Description

WEARABLE DISPENSER

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a wearable dispenser for dispensing a fluid. Background Substances such as hand sanitizer, insect repellent and sunscreen are typically sold in containers of a size that restrict portability. Such substances are sometimes provided in "travel" size packaging, but such packaging is often still of a size or shape that requires a user to store it in a bag (such as a backpack or handbag) for transport.

One known solution to this problem is a device that includes a small compartment for receipt of a liquid, and a wrist band with a clasp or catch that allows a user to wear the device on their wrist (i.e. in a similar manner to a wrist watch). This provides a more convenient means for carrying a liquid, but usage of the compartment can be awkward and restrictive, and the projection of the compartment from the wrist band makes such devices cumbersome and unsightly to wear.

Accordingly, there is a need for a dispenser that at least partly ameliorates the problems with existing devices as discussed above.

Summary

The disclosure broadly relates to a wearable dispenser comprising an elongate body defining an elongate cavity for storing a fluid, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing fluid from the cavity.

In a first aspect, there is provided a wearable dispenser comprising: an elongate hollow body defining an elongate cavity for storing a fluid, the body configured to extend about a body part of a user; and a dispensing mechanism fluidly connected to the cavity for dispensing the fluid from the cavity.

The disclosed wearable dispenser provides convenient storage of fluid without being cumbersome or unsightly. That is, the elongate nature of the hollow body (and consequently the cavity), and its ability to extend about a body part, means that the space adjacent to a user's e.g. arm, leg or neck may be utilised for storage of fluid. This reduces the need to provide storage means that projects significantly from a user's body part (e.g. arm, leg or neck in use). This means the disclosed wearable dispenser is more comfortable to wear, and more secure when worn (because the mass of fluid is kept closer to the user's body part).

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

The body may be shaped so as to extend along a substantially helical path. The helical path may be shaped for receipt of the user's body part therein (i.e. within the internal space defined by the helical path).

The provision of a helically shaped body may provide additional storage capacity over, for example, an annular band. Further, a helical shape lends itself to both radial and axial expansion, which may increase the versatility of the dispenser.

The provision of a helically shaped body also means that in at least one orientation (i.e. when the axis of the helix is vertical), the body, and thus the cavity defined by the body, forms a constantly downwardly directed flow path. This may facilitate filling of the cavity with the fluid (i.e. ensuring that the cavity can be substantially filled with the fluid).

Such a shape has benefits over, for example, an annular shape, which would require a user to be able to fit the dispenser over/around their hand in order to position it on their wrist. That requirement can lead to a loose fit (because the annulus must be sufficiently large to receive the user's hand).

Further, the provision of a helical shape means that, unlike an annular shape, the body has two ends. The benefit of the body having ends means that the dispenser may be positioned at one of the ends (e.g. project from the end so as to be positioned against the user's e.g. arm, leg, or neck). This may help to maintain a slim profile, as it means the dispenser does not have to be positioned in such a way that it projects radially outward from the body.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "helix" or "helical" are used here to describe a path/shape that extends in three dimensions (e.g. a corkscrew shape), as opposed to a two dimensional spiral (that would lie in a single plane). References to the "axis" of the helical path or shape herein are references to an axis that extends centrally through the internal space defined by the helix. Conversely, references to a "radial" direction are references to a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of the helical path (i.e. extending outwardly from the centre of the helix).

It should be understood that the phrase "substantially helical path" does not require strict adherence to the shape of a helix and that there may be some nonconformity with a helix (e.g. portions may be linear, the pitch of the helical path may not be regular, the helical path may not be exactly circular). Instead, this phrase is used in a more general sense to indicate a shape that e.g. spirals along an axis.

The body may extend for fewer than two complete turns of the helical path. The body may extend for fewer than 1.5, or e.g. 1.3 complete turns of the helical path. The extension of the body for fewer than two turns (or 1.5 or 1.3 turns) of the helical path can make it easier for a user to fit the dispenser onto e.g. their wrist (or another part of the their body, such as an ankle). For example, when mounting the dispenser onto their wrist, a user can position their wrist between two opposite ends of the body (i.e. in a "trough" of the helix, with the wrist perpendicular to the axis of the helical path) and rotate the dispenser such that it wraps around the wrist (i.e. so as to extend helically along and around the user's forearm).

The body may extend for more than 0.75 of a complete turn of the helical path. The body may extend for more than 0.85 of a complete turn of the helical path. The body may extend for more than one complete turn of the helical path. Thus, opposite ends of the body may overlap. The overlapping ends of the body (where such ends also define portions of the cavity) provide additional storage capacity over, for example, an annular arrangement.

A portion at each end of the body may deviate from the helical path. For example, each end of the body may comprise a linear portion (i.e. that may not strictly follow the curve of the helical path). This may result in the body forming a generally obround shape (so as to better conform to a user's wrist).

The body may be self-supporting. Thus, the body may be configured to maintain its helical shape (i.e. without the need for additional support). In other words, the body may be sufficiently rigid so as to maintain its helical shape (i.e. without the need for additional support). The body may be configured to maintain its helical shape when worn (i.e. without the need for additional support). The self-supporting nature of the body may mean that the body doesn't require additional clasps or catches to secure it to a user. This reduces the complexity of the dispenser. It may also help to maximise the volume/space of the body that can be utilised for fluid storage (as opposed to needing to be configured for provision of a clasp or catch) Even if sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting, the body may still have some flexibility/elasticity. The body may be contractable and/or expandable. For example, the body may be contractable/expandable in the axial direction (i.e. the direction along the axis of the helical path). That is, the body may be contractable/expandable so as to modify the pitch of the helical path along which it extends. Axial expansion of the body may make it easier for a user to position the dispenser on their wrist and/or may facilitate filling (by increasing the gradient of the helical shape of the body). Axial expansion/contraction may also increase manoeuvrability of the body. As an example, when worn on a user's wrist, the ability of the body to expand axially may allow a user to move the dispensing mechanism to their palm while the opposite end of the body remains wrapped around their wrist. This may provide quick access to the dispensing mechanism (and thus to the fluid stored within the cavity).

The body may be additionally or alternatively expandable and/or contractable in the radial direction. Expansion/contraction of the body in the radial direction may allow the body to suit a range of e.g. wrist or ankle sizes.

The body may be moveable between: a contracted position; and an expanded position in which opposite ends of the body are spaced (e.g. radially or axially) from one another by a distance that is greater than when in the contracted position.

In the contracted position, opposite ends of the body may be proximate to (or in contact with) one another. In the contracted position the relative axial positioning of the opposite ends may be reversed (compared to the expanded position). That is, in the expanded position a first end of the body may be located on a first (axially facing) side of a second end of the body, and in the contracted position the first end may instead be located on a second side (opposite the first side) of the second end. That is, moving the body from the expanded position to the contracted position may comprise moving the one end of the body towards and then past the other end of the body (such that the ends are crossed over one another).

The body may be biased into the expanded position. Thus, the expanded position may be the natural/neutral position of the body. Thus, when the ends are crossed over one another (as described above) and in the contracted position, the bias will act to move the ends of the body towards and against one another. In this way, the body will be retained in the contracted position (so as to be secured on the arm, leg or neck of a user). The body may then be moved back to the expanded position by releasing the ends from their engagement with one another. This may be performed by lifting one end over the other (i.e. moving one end radially) so as to allow the ends to move past one another.

The "crossed-over" contracted position of the body may ensure a secure fit for a user. However, in some embodiments the dispenser may additionally or alternatively comprise securing means for securing the ends of the body to one another. The securing means may, for example, comprise a magnet or a hook and loop arrangement The cavity may extend for a substantial length of the body. The cavity may extend for more than 40% of the length of the body, or more than 50% of the length of the body, or more than 80% of the length of the body. The cavity may extend for substantially the entire length of the body. The provision of a cavity that is both elongate and extends for a significant portion of the body means that the cavity has sufficient capacity to store a fluid to be dispensed without being cumbersome (and unsightly) to wear. That is, the utilisation of a significant portion of the elongate body (which may extend about e.g. the arm, leg or neck of a user) for storage, means that the body can have a relatively slim profile.

The dispensing mechanism may be mounted to the body. The body may extend between first and second opposite ends (of the body). The dispensing mechanism may be mounted at (or proximate to) the first end of the body. Mounting the dispensing mechanism at an end of the body may allow it to form a continuation of the body (e.g. so as to lie against the body part of the user when worn). The dispensing mechanism may be mounted by way of an interference fit (e.g. a portion of the dispensing mechanism may be received in an open end of the body). In this way, the dispensing mechanism may seal an end of the body.

The dispensing mechanism may be configured to dispense fluid in an atomised state. The dispensing mechanism may comprise an atomiser (e.g. a mini atomiser). Thus, the dispensing mechanism may comprise a nozzle for discharging the fluid in an atomised state. An atomiser may provide controlled distribution of the fluid over a greater area, which may facilitate efficient use of the fluid stored in the body.

The dispensing mechanism may alternatively comprise a pump dispenser (e.g. a mini pump dispenser) or a nasal spray dispenser (e.g. a mini nasal spray dispenser). A pump dispenser may be particularly suited to dispensing creams and/or gels.

The dispensing mechanism may comprise a dispensing outlet through which the fluid is dispensed. The dispensing outlet may be configured to discharge fluid in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the path along which the body extends (i.e. may be substantially perpendicular to the elongate curved axis of the body).

The dispensing mechanism may comprise an actuator (e.g. a push button) that, when depressed, causes fluid to be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism. The actuator may be moveable (when pushed) along an axis that is substantially parallel to the path along which the body extends (i.e. may be substantially parallel to the elongate curved axis of the body).

The dispensing mechanism may comprise a dispensing inlet for fluid flow into the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing inlet may be in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet such that fluid may travel from the dispensing inlet to the dispensing outlet (through the dispensing mechanism) for discharge from the dispenser.

The dispensing inlet may be disposed in the cavity of the body. The dispensing inlet may be spaced from the end of the body (or cavity). The dispensing inlet may be located so as to be at or proximate to a low point of the cavity when the dispensing mechanism is oriented in an upright position (e.g. when a button of the dispensing mechanism is oriented so as to be depressible in a vertical direction).

The dispensing inlet may be disposed in a region of the cavity that is between 0.1 and 0.7 complete turns of the helical path from the first end of the body, or e.g. between 0.2 and 0.5 complete turns of the helical path from the first end of the body (at which the dispensing mechanism is mounted).

The dispensing inlet may be disposed in a region of the cavity that is a distance of between 20% and 50% of the length of the body from the first end of the body (the distance being taken along the helical path of the body).

The dispensing inlet may be disposed in a region of the cavity that is a distance of between 30 mm and 100 mm, or between e.g. 50 mm and 100 mm, or between e.g. 60 mm and 80 mm from the first end of the body.

The dispensing mechanism may comprise a dip tube extending into the cavity. The dip tube may be curved so as to extend along the cavity. The dip tube may be flexible. The dispensing inlet may be an opening of the dip tube (e.g. an open end of the dip tube). Thus, in use, fluid may be transported along the dip tube to the dispensing outlet. The dip tube may have a length of between 30 mm and 80 mm or e.g. between 40 mm and 60 mm. The dip tube may be about 50 mm.

The body may comprise a filling inlet for supply of fluid into the cavity. The filling inlet may be disposed at or proximate to an end of the body. The filling inlet may be disposed at or proximate to the second end of the body (the end of the body opposite to the dispensing mechanism). Positioning the filling inlet at the end of the body may facilitate filling of the entirety of the cavity, because it allows the body to be oriented in a manner in which the inlet is the only high point in the cavity. As already discussed above, the body may be positioned such that its helical axis is vertical with the filling inlet disposed at the upper end, so as to provide a continuously downward flow path from the filling inlet.

The filling inlet may be in the form of an opening in the body (e.g. an open end of the body). The provision of a filling inlet at an open end of the body may make it easier to fill the cavity. This is because such an opening may be sufficiently sized to receive a variety of nozzle types (which may allow direct transfer of fluid from a bulk container). Further, the location of an opening at the end of the elongate cavity means there is sufficient depth at the opening to fully receive the nozzle within the opening (ensuring the nozzle is securely received in the cavity for filling and avoiding spillage from the opening during filling).

The dispenser may comprise a closure for sealing the inlet. For example, when the inlet is in the form of an opening in the body (such as an open end of the body), the dispenser may comprise a cap or a bung for sealing the opening.

The body may have a length of between 100 mm and 400 mm, or e.g. between 150 mm and 350 mm, or e.g. between 200 mm and 300 mm, or e.g. between 240 mm and 250 mm. The body may have a length of about 245 mm.

The cavity may have a length of between 100 mm and 400 mm, or e.g. between 150 mm and 350 mm, or e.g. between 200 mm and 300 mm, or e.g. between 230 mm and 250 mm. The cavity may have a length of about 240 mm.

The capacity of the cavity may be greater than 5 ml, or greater than 7 ml, or greater than 8 ml. The capacity of the cavity may be about 10 ml.

The body may be tubular (with the hollow interior of the body defining the cavity). The body may have an annular transverse cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the body may be e.g. hollow-rectangular, hollow-triangular, hollow-elliptical, etc.).

The cavity may have a circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be rectangular, triangular, elliptical, etc. The body may comprise inner and outer portions. The inner portion may define the cavity. The inner portion may be in the form of an elongate tube. The inner portion may be flexible (e.g. may be a flexible elongate tube). The inner portion may be formed of flexible plastic tubing. The inner portion may be formed of e.g. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a rubber material.

The outer portion may at least partly enclose the inner portion. The outer portion may substantially fully enclose the inner portion. The outer portion may, for example, be in the form of a sleeve or sheath extending over the inner portion. The outer portion may extend for substantially the entire length of the inner portion.

The outer portion may be formed of a heat shrink material (e.g. heat shrink tubing). The outer portion may be formed of e.g. polyolefin or PVC.

The inner portion may be more flexible than the outer portion. The outer portion may be configured to structurally support the inner portion (i.e. retain the inner portion in the helical shape). That is, the outer portion may provide sufficient rigidity to maintain the more flexible inner portion in the helical shape of the body.

At least a portion of the body may be transparent or translucent such that fluid held in the cavity is visible to a user. The body may comprise a window for viewing fluid stored in the cavity. The translucent/transparent portion (e.g. window) may be located at or proximate to an end of the body (e.g. the end opposite to that which the dispensing mechanism is mounted (the second end)). The window may, for example, be between 5 mm and 30 mm (e.g. about 10 to 12 mm) from the second end of the body (i.e. the end opposite to the dispensing mechanism). The window may be circular, or may be e.g. rectangular, triangular, elliptical (e.g. an oval), etc. The transparent/translucent portion (window) may allow a user to observe the quantity of liquid in the cavity, which may aid in in filling or ascertaining whether the cavity is empty (or nearly empty). It may also allow a user to identify whether there is a blockage (e.g. trapped air) within the cavity and take corrective action (such as shaking the dispenser).

An outer surface of the body may otherwise be substantially opaque (i.e. other than the at least a portion of the body that is transparent/translucent). Thus, for example, more than 70% of the outer surface of the body may be opaque. Alternatively, more than 80% or 90% of the outer surface of the body may be opaque. This may limit the amount of light that the fluid (held in the cavity) is exposed to, which could otherwise cause the fluid to degrade.

When the body comprises inner and outer portions, the inner portion may be transparent/translucent (e.g. may be a transparent or translucent tube). The outer portion (e.g. sleeve) may be substantially opaque. The outer portion may comprise an opening defining the window.

The above described transparent portion/window may be a first transparent portion/window and the body may comprise a second transparent portion/window. The second transparent portion/window may be disposed on an opposite side of the body (e.g. directly opposite to) the first transparent portion/window. The second transparent portion/window may be as otherwise described with respect to the first transparent portion/window above. The provision of the second transparent portion/window may ensure a user is able to view liquid within the cavity (i.e. providing a light background against which the liquid may be viewed).

The helical path along which the body extends may be a right-handed helix or a left-handed helix. The helix may have a substantially consistent radius or may have a varying radius (e.g. may be a conical helix). The helix may have a circular shape (i.e. as viewed along the axis of the helix) or may have another shape (such as an elliptical shape).

The fluid may be a liquid such as a hand sanitizer, insect repellent, sting relief substance (e.g. cream), vinegar (e.g. for jellyfish stings), antiseptic, sunscreen, freshening mist, etc. The body may be configured to extend about (i.e. configured to be worn about) a user's arm (e.g. wrist). In other embodiments, the body may be configured to extend about (i.e. configured to be worn about) a user's leg (e.g. ankle) or neck.

In a second aspect there is disclosed a kit of parts comprising: a dispenser according to the first aspect, the dispenser comprising a filling inlet; and a filling device to supply fluid to the cavity via the filling inlet.

The filing device may be in the form of a pipette, syringe, or dispensing vessel.

In a third aspect there is provided a method of forming a wearable dispenser (such as that described above with respect to the first aspect), the method comprising: forming an elongate hollow body defining an elongate cavity for storing a fluid, the body configured to extend about a body part of a user; and mounting a dispensing mechanism so as to be fluidly connected to the cavity for dispensing fluid from the cavity.

The step of forming the body may comprise positioning an inner tubing within an outer heat shrink tubing and applying heat to the outer heat shrink tubing to wrap the outer heat shrink tubing about the inner tubing.

This method of forming the body may provide an efficient means for forming a multi-layer body of a dispenser. In particular, the use of heat shrink tubing for the outer layer may ensure a close fit between the two layers of the body. This close fit provides a close structural connection between the layers such that one layer may structurally support the other. By using heat shrink tubing, this can be provided without the need for other attachment means (such as adhesive) provided between the layers.

Mounting the dispensing mechanism may comprise mounting the dispensing mechanism to the inner tubing. Mounting the dispensing mechanism to the inner tubing may be performed prior to positioning the inner tubing within the outer heat shrink tubing and/or applying heat to the outer heat shrink tubing.

In other embodiments, mounting the dispensing mechanism may comprise mounting the dispensing mechanism to the body (e.g. the inner tubing) after it has been formed.

The dispensing mechanism may be mounted at an end of the body so as to seal an open end of the flexible tubing. The method may further comprise mounting a closure at an opposite end of the body to the dispensing mechanism so as to seal an open end of the flexible tubing.

The wearable dispenser (e.g. body, cavity, dispensing mechanism) may be as described above with respect to the first aspect. Accordingly, the outer heat shrink tubing may be as described above with respect to the outer portion of the first aspect, and the inner tubing may be as described above with respect to the inner portion. Thus, for example, the inner tubing may be a flexible tubing (and may be more flexible than the outer heat shrink tubing, such that the outer heat shrink tubing structurally supports the inner flexible tubing).

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view showing the interior of a wearable dispenser; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wearable dispenser of Figure 1 in a contracted position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wearable dispenser of Figure 1 in an expanded position; and Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method of forming a wearable dispenser.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 illustrates a wearable dispenser 10 comprising an elongate body 12 defining an elongate internal cavity 14 for storing a fluid (which may be a liquid such as insect repellent, sunscreen, vinegar, etc.). The dispenser 10 also comprises a dispensing mechanism 16 in the form of a mini atomiser for dispensing fluid from the cavity 14 as an atomised spray.

The body 12 is shaped so as to extend along a substantially helical path (i.e. the body 12 is substantially helically shaped). The length of the body 12 is such that it extends for slightly more than one complete turn of the helical path (approximately 1.2 complete turns of the helical path), such that portions at first 34 and second 36 opposite ends of the body 12 overlap. Thus, the body 12 extends about a space in which the forearm or wrist of a user can be received. That is, the body 12 is shaped so as to wrap around the user's wrist so that it can be worn by the user. Accordingly, the dispenser 10 provides convenient means for carrying and dispensing the fluid stored by the dispenser 10.

The helical shape of the body 12 (and consequently the helical shape of the cavity 14) helps to maximise the storage capacity of the cavity 14. In particular, the overlapping ends of the body 12 provide additional storage capacity that would otherwise not be present if the body 12 were annular.

The storage capacity of the cavity 14 is, to an extent, also maximised by the structural characteristics of the body 12. Although not immediately apparent from the figure, the body 12 is sufficiently rigid so as to maintain its helical shape when worn by a user. In this way, the body 12 does not require additional clasps or catches to secure it around a user's wrist. The absence of such clasps and catches maximises the space of the body 12 that can be taken up by the cavity 14. This, in turn, maximises the size of the cavity 14, because it means that the cavity 14 can extend for the entire length of the body 12 (as is evident from Figure 1). In the presently illustrated embodiment, the length of the cavity 14 is approximately 240 mm and it has a capacity of approximately 10 ml.

The rigidity of the body 12 is provided by its structure, which includes an inner portion in the form of a flexible transparent tube 18 and an outer portion in the form of an opaque sleeve 20 of heat shrink tubing that surrounds the tube 18. The tube 18 has an annular cross-sectional shape, such that the cavity 14 (which is defined within the hollow of the tube 18) has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The tube 18 is supported in the helical shape by the sleeve 20, which is more rigid than the tube 18. Like the tube 18, the sleeve 20 has an annular cross-sectional shape and extends for substantially the length of the body 12. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 20 is formed of polyolefin and the tube 18 is formed of transparent PVC flexible tubing.

The dispensing mechanism 16 is mounted at a first end 34 of the body 12. A portion of the dispensing mechanism 16 is received in an open end of the tube 18 so as to form a (sealed) interference fit with the tube 18. An industrial adhesive is applied to further ensure a fight seal between the tube 18 and the dispensing mechanism 16. The dispensing mechanism 16 comprises an actuator in the form of a push button 22, a dispensing outlet 24 (comprising a nozzle) located on the push button 22 and a dip tube 26.

The dip tube 26 extends from a proximal end at which it is attached to a body of the dispensing mechanism 16 to a distal end disposed in the cavity 14 of the body 12. The distal end of the dip tube 26 is open and defines a dispensing inlet 28 of the dispensing mechanism 16. The inlet 28 is fluidly connected to the outlet 24 by way of the interior of the dip tube 26, such that fluid can travel from the cavity 14 to the outlet 24 (for dispensing) via the dip tube 26.

The dip tube 26 is approximately 50 mm long, which means that it extends for approximately one third of a complete turn of the helical path of the body 12. This means that the inlet 28 is located in a region of the cavity 14 that defines a low point of the cavity 14 when the dispensing mechanism 16 is oriented so as to be upright (i.e. rotated anticlockwise by 90 degrees from the orientation of Figure 1). Thus, in normal use, the inlet 28 is located at (or proximate to) the lowest point of the cavity 14. This ensures that all (or most) of the fluid stored in the cavity 14 can be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 16 when in the upright (i.e. normal in-use) orientation.

As may be appreciated, in some circumstances, fluid may be trapped at the second end of the body 12. This can, however, be observed through the window (discussed further below with respect to Figures 2 and 3), and remedied by orienting the dispenser 10 on its side (i.e. with the helical axis extending vertically) with the first end 34 of the dispenser 10 positioned at the lower end of the dispenser 10. In such an orientation, due to the helical shape of the body 12, there is a continuous downward slope in the cavity 14 towards the dispensing mechanism 16 (such that any trapped fluid is released).

The push button 22 is configured such that, when pressed, it moves along an axis that is substantially contiguous with the helical path of the body 12. Pressing the push button 22 causes fluid to be dispensed from the outlet 22 in the form of an atomised spray. The outlet 24 is arranged to direct this spray in a direction that is perpendicular to the helical path (and thus perpendicular to the direction of movement of the push button 22). In addition to discharging atomised fluid, pressing the push button 22 also draws fluid, stored in the cavity 14, into the inlet 28 and along the dip tube 26.

At the second end 36 of the body 12, the dispenser 10 comprises a closure in the form of a bung 30. The bung 30 is removably received in an opening 30 at the end of the tube 18 that defines a filling inlet of the dispenser 10. Thus, removal of the bung 30 allows access to the cavity 14 for e.g. filling the cavity 14 with fluid. The location of the bung 30 at the end of the tube 18, and the helical shape of the body 12, means that the dispenser 10 can be oriented in such a manner that the opening 30 represents the highest point of the cavity 12. When oriented in this way (i.e. on its side such that the helical axis arranged vertically and the opening 30 on top), there is a continuous downward slope from the opening 32 to the first end 34 of the cavity 14 (at which the dispensing mechanism 16 is located). Thus, fluid can access all regions of the cavity 14 and the cavity 14 can be filled completely without having to further reorient the dispenser 10.

That the opening 30 is defined by an open end of the cavity 14, makes it easier for a user to fill the cavity. Firstly, it means that the opening 30 is sufficiently sized so as to be able to receive a range of nozzle types. Secondly, it ensures there is sufficient depth for the nozzle to be received in the cavity 14 (i.e. avoiding dislodgement of the nozzle from the cavity 14 during filling).

Although not illustrated, a filling device, such as a pipette, may be provided to aid in filling the cavity 14 (although the diameter of the opening 30 also allows for insertion of the nozzle end of various liquid pumps supplied with the relevant fluid).

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the body 12 of the dispenser 10 in two different positions. In Figure 2 the body 12 is in a contracted position and in Figure 3 the body 12 is in an expanded position.

In the contracted position, the body 12 extends along a helical path having a short pitch, such that the opposite ends 34, 36 of the body 12 are in contact with one another and overlap (i.e. so as to form a substantially closed loop). Although not immediately apparent from Figure 2, the ends 34, 36 of the body 12 are crossed over one another when compared with the expanded position (this is evident from a comparison of figures 2 and 3). In other words, the body 12 has been contracted from the expanded position of Figure 3 by moving the ends 34, 36 towards and then past one another. As a result, the sides of the ends 34, 36 facing (and contacting) one another in the contracted position are different to those facing one another in the expanded position (they are reversed).

The expanded position is the natural/neutral position of the body 12 (e.g. the body 12 is biased into the expanded position). Thus, in the contracted position as shown in Figure 2, the ends 34, 36 of the body, because they have been crossed over one another, are biased towards one another (i.e. biased into contact with one another). This provides positive engagement between the ends 34, 36 to secure the body 12 in the contracted position. When configured in this position on a user's wrist, the dispenser 10 may be particularly well secured. Thus, this contracted position represents the position in which the body 12 is to be worn in normal use.

In the expanded position, the body 12 is expanded in an axial direction, such that it extends along a helical path having a greater pitch than in the contracted position. In this expanded position, the opposite ends 34, 36 of the body 12 are spaced (axially) from one another. This position may be particularly suited for attaching/securing the dispenser 10 to e.g. a user's wrist. This is because the space between the end of the body 12 allow a user to position their wrist/forearm between the ends and manoeuvre (e.g. rotate) the body 12 so as to wrap around their wrist/forearm.

As is evident from both figures 2 and 3, the body 12 is self-supporting. That is, it is sufficiently rigid to retain its helical shape without the need for additional support from e.g. a clasp or a catch. The absence of such additional support simplifies construction of the dispenser and allows the entirety (or substantially the entirety) of the body 12 to be utilised for storage of fluid.

Figures 2 and 3 also illustrate external features of the dispenser 10 that are not apparent from Figure 1. One such feature is a window 32 positioned at the second end 36 of the body 12. The window 32 is formed by the combination of an opening in the sleeve 20 and the transparency of the tube 18. The window 32 allows a user to view the fluid contained in the cavity 14. This can be particularly useful, for example, to identify that the cavity 14 is nearly empty. It can also be useful in identifying that some fluid is trapped in the cavity 14 at the second end of the body 12 when the dispenser 10 is oriented so as to be upright. The window 32 can also be useful in observing a steady downward flow of fluid whilst filling (and to identify when an air blockage has formed).

Figure 4 depicts a method of forming a wearable dispenser, such as the wearable dispenser 10 described above. The method comprises, in a first step 40, providing a flexible transparent tubing and a heat shrink plastic tubing. In a second step 42, the flexible transparent tubing is positioned within the heat shrink tubing, and in subsequent third step 44 heat is applied to the heat shrink plastic to wrap it about the flexible transparent tubing. The result is a two-layer body of the wearable dispenser with the outer layer rigidly setting the helical shape of the body while maintaining some level of flexibility/elasticity for the body to contract/expand. In subsequent fourth 46 and fifth 48 steps a dispensing mechanism and then a closure are mounted at opposite ends of the body. This seals the interior of the flexible tubing so as to define a cavity within the body.

It will be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein.

For example, the illustrated dispensing mechanism is a mini-atomiser, but in other embodiments the dispensing mechanism may be in the form of a pump dispenser, a nasal spray, etc. for example, in the case of a nasal spray, the dispensing mechanism may comprise a protrusion configured for receipt in the nasal cavity of a user.

Further, for example, the dispenser may comprise a cap for mounting over the dispensing mechanism. The cap may prevent unintended actuation of the push button.

In other embodiments, the body may be flexible (i.e. not self-supporting), but may be retained about a user's body part by other means. For example, releasable engagement means may be provided for engaging opposing ends of the body when worn.

In other embodiments, the body may have an annular shape (e.g. forming part of a closed or an open loop).

Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

Claims 1 A wearable dispenser comprising: an elongate hollow body defining an elongate cavity for storing a fluid, the body configured to extend about a body part of a user; and a dispensing mechanism fluidly connected to the cavity for dispensing the fluid from the cavity.
2. A wearable dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the body is shaped so as to extend along a helical path.
3. A wearable dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the body extends for fewer than two complete turns of the helical path.
4. A wearable dispenser according to claim 3 wherein the body extends for fewer than 1.5 complete turns of the helical path.
5. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is self-supporting.
6. A wearable dispenser according any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is expandable and/or contractable.
7. A wearable dispenser according to claim 6 wherein the body is expandable and/or contractable in an axial direction.
8. A wearable dispenser according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the body is expandable and/or contractable in a radial direction.
9 A wearable dispenser according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the body is moveable between: a contracted position; and an expanded position in which opposite ends of the body are spaced from one another by a distance that is greater than when in the contracted position.
10. A wearable dispenser according to claim 9 wherein the body is biased into the expanded position.
11. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cavity extends for more than 40% of the length of the body.
12. A wearable dispenser according to claim 11 wherein the cavity extends for substantially the entire length of the body.
13. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dispensing mechanism is mounted at or proximate to a first end of the body.
14. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dispensing mechanism is an atomiser.
15. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a dispensing inlet for fluid flow into the dispensing mechanism.
16. A wearable dispenser according to claim 15 wherein the dispensing inlet is located at or proximate to a low point of the cavity when the dispensing mechanism is oriented in an upright position.
17. A wearable dispenser according to claim 15 wherein the dispensing inlet is disposed in a region of the cavity that is between 0.2 and 0.5 complete turns of the helical path from an end of the body at which the dispensing mechanism is mounted.
18. A wearable dispenser according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a dip tube extending into the cavity, and the dispensing inlet is an opening of the dip tube.
19. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a filling inlet for supply of fluid into the cavity, the filling inlet disposed at or proximate to an end of the body.
20. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises an inner portion defining the cavity and an outer portion at least partly enclosing the inner portion.
21. A wearable dispenser according to claim 20 wherein the inner portion is more flexible than the outer portion.
22. A wearable dispenser according to claim 20 or 21 wherein the outer portion is formed of a heat shrink material.
23. A wearable dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the body is transparent or translucent.
24. A wearable dispenser according to claim 23 wherein the transparent or translucent portion is located at or proximate to an end of the body.
A method of forming a wearable dispenser, the method comprising: forming an elongate hollow body defining an elongate cavity for storing a fluid, the body configured to extend about a body part of a user; and mounting a dispensing mechanism so as to be fluidly connected to the cavity for dispensing fluid from the cavity.
26. A method according to claim 25 wherein the step of forming a body comprises positioning an inner tubing within an outer heat shrink tubing, and applying heat to the outer heat shrink tubing to wrap the outer heat shrink tubing about the inner tubing.
27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the step of mounting the dispensing mechanism comprises mounting the dispensing mechanism to the inner tubing.