WO2017182847A1

WO2017182847A1 - Apparatus for distributing sunscreen products

Info

Publication number: WO2017182847A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/052293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simone VASTI; Gianluca CARUSO
Original assignee: Sunner S.R.L.
Priority date: 2016-04-22
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2017-10-26
Also published as: EP3510569A1

Abstract

Apparatus for distributing sunscreen products, which comprises: a support body (2) intended to be abutted against the ground and provided at its interior with a housing space (3); multiple containment elements (4) arranged inside the housing space (3) and adapted to contain corresponding sunscreen products; multiple conveyance tubes (9) arranged to connect between the corresponding containment element (4) and a common delivery device (13); a compressed air source (28) arranged in the housing space (3) of the support body (2) and adapted to provide a pressurized air flow to an air tube (29) connected to the delivery device (13). The aforesaid delivery device (13) comprises: a delivery channel (23) connected to the conveyance tubes (9) in order to receive the sunscreen products; an air channel (32) connected to the air tube (29) in order to receive the pressurized air flow; an atomized element (35) arranged at the outlet openings (25, 34) of the delivery channel (23) and of the air channel (32), in a manner such to intercept the product exiting from the delivery channel (23) and the air flow exiting from the air channel (32) in order to deliver the sunscreen product in nebulized form.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS

Field of application

The present invention regards an apparatus for distributing sunscreen products, according to the preamble of the independent claim.

The present apparatus is intended to be advantageously employed in structures such as bathing establishments, beaches, swimming pools, tanning centers etc., for distributing and applying one or more sunscreen products on a person's skin, products such as sun creams and oils, after- sun lotions, tanning lotions, balms, etc.

In particular, the apparatus, object of the present invention, is situated in the field of production of automatic sun cream distributors, usable by a user following payment by means of coin, ATM card, magnetic cards, etc.

State of the art

For some time, it has been known to use sunscreen products, in liquid or cream form, adapted to protect people's skin from the damaging effects of solar radiation.

Such products are typically sold in containers, such as bottles, which the user must bring with him/her into the structure where he/she sunbathes (for example to the beach, to a swimming pool, etc.) with consequent inconvenience of use.

In order to at least partly resolve such drawback, automatic apparatuses for distributing sun creams are known on the market, which are installed at structures such as beaches or swimming pools, and can be activated by the users, e.g. by means of payment via coin, for applying a dose of sun cream on the skin of the users themselves.

More in detail, such apparatuses of known type comprise a hollow support body, inside which multiple containment tanks are housed containing corresponding sun creams having, for example, a different sun protection factor.

In addition, the apparatus comprises multiple delivery guns connected by means of corresponding conveyance ducts to the respective containment tanks, and multiple supply pumps, each of which arranged to intercept the corresponding conveyance duct and drivable in order to suction the cream from the corresponding tanks and send it towards the corresponding delivery gun, through which the cream is applied on the user's skin.

In addition, the apparatus is provided with an electronic control unit which is connected to a coin acceptor, within which the user inserts the coins in order to pay, and to a control panel prearranged on the support body of the apparatus and through which the user selects the cream to be applied to the skin.

The electronic control unit is connected to the supply pumps, in a manner such that, following the insertion of the coins in the coin acceptor and the selection of the cream by means of the control panel, it commands the corresponding supply pump to convey the cream towards the corresponding delivery gun.

In particular, the delivery guns, when not used, are hung from corresponding hooks fixed on the external surface of the support body with the corresponding connection tubes that exit from the containment body itself for a length of at least one meter, in order to allow the user to bring the gun to the zone of the skin on which he/she wishes to apply the sun cream.

A first drawback of the above-described apparatus of known type is due to the fact that it necessarily comprises multiple delivery guns, in particular one for each type of sun cream, with consequent high structural complexity of the apparatus itself.

A further drawback of the apparatus above-described apparatus of known type is due to the fact that a relatively long section of the conveyance ducts, connected to the delivery guns, are arranged outside the support body, hence being subject to the action of atmospheric agents that facilitate the deterioration thereof.

In addition, during the warm seasons, the part of the sun creams present within the sections of the conveyance tubes arranged outside is subjected to high temperatures (in particular when the ducts are exposed to the sun), which cause a consequent degradation of the sun filtering properties of the creams themselves.

Presentation of the invention

Main object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks manifested by the above-considered solutions of known type by providing an apparatus for distributing sunscreen products that is structurally simple and inexpensive to achieve.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for distributing sunscreen products which prevents the degradation of the products to be delivered, and in particular of the part of the latter that remains within the conveyance tubes.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for distributing sunscreen products that is entirely reliable in operation.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, are clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims, and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent several merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

- figure 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for distributing sunscreen products, object of the present invention;

- figure 2 shows a side view of the present apparatus, with several internal components indicated in a schematized manner;

- figure 3 shows a front view of the present apparatus, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, with several internal components indicated in a schematized manner;

- figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of the present apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 3;

- figure 5 shows a detail of the apparatus, object of the present invention, relative to a delivery device, in accordance with the aforesaid first embodiment;

- figure 6 shows a section view of the delivery device illustrated in figure 5, along line VI- VI of figure 5 itself, with several internal components of the delivery device indicated in a schematized manner;

- figure 7 shows a further view in schematized section of the delivery device illustrated in figure 5, along line VII- VII of figure 5 itself;

- figure 8 shows a front view of the present apparatus, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, with several internal components indicated in a schematized manner;

- figure 9 shows a circuit diagram of the present apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment illustrated in figure 8;

- figure 10 shows a detail of the apparatus, object of the present invention, relative to the delivery device, with several internal components of the delivery device itself indicated in a schematized manner, in accordance with the aforesaid second embodiment;

- figure 11 shows a section view of the delivery device illustrated in figure 10, along line XI- XI of figure 10 itself;

- figure 12 shows a further section view of the delivery device illustrated in figure 10, along line ΧΙΙ-ΧΠ of figure 10 itself.

Detailed description

With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 overall indicates the apparatus for distributing sunscreen products, object of the present invention.

The present apparatus 1 is intended to be advantageously employed in structures or places set for allowing people to get tanned, such as bathing establishments, beaches, swimming pools, tanning centers, parks etc., and it is employable by a user for applying sunscreen products on the skin.

In particular, the present apparatus 1 allows selectively distributing, in an automated manner, multiple sunscreen products following payment by the user by means of coin, banknote, magnetic cards, etc.

In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the apparatus 1 comprises a support body 2 intended to be abutted against the ground and provided at its interior with a housing space 3 in which two or more containment elements 4 are arranged, each of which adapted to contain a corresponding sunscreen product at its interior.

The aforesaid sunscreen products are preserved in liquid or cream state and for example comprise sun creams and oils, after-sun lotions, tanning lotions, balms, etc. For example, the containment elements 4 of the apparatus 1 are adapted to contain different corresponding sun creams having a different sun protection factor.

Advantageously, the support body 2 of the apparatus 1 is extended between a base portion 5 thereof, intended to be abutted against the ground, and an upper portion 6 which in particular is closed by a support cover 7.

Advantageously, the support body 2 is provided with a lateral wall 8, of substantially tubular form with vertical extension axis, which is extended between a lower edge 8' fixed to the base portion 5 (in particular comprising an enlarged base) and an upper edge 8" at which the support cover 7 is mounted.

According to the invention, the apparatus 1 comprises two or more conveyance tubes 9, each of which extended between a first end 10, connected to the corresponding containment element 4, and a second end 11 arranged outside the support body 2. More in detail, the conveyance tubes 9 exit from the support body 2 passing through a passage opening 12 obtained on the support body 2 itself and in particular on the lateral wall 8 of the latter. In addition, the apparatus 1 comprises a delivery device 13 fixed to the second ends 11 of the conveyance tubes 9 and drivable by a user in order to apply, on the skin, the products contained in the containment elements 4.

In particular, the aforesaid delivery device 13 is arranged outside the support body 2 and, when it is not used by the user, it is advantageously housed in a niche 14 obtained on the external surface of the support body 2 at the passage opening 12 for the conveyance tubes 9, and is preferably supported by the conveyance tubes 9 themselves.

In addition, the apparatus 1 comprises supply means 15 operatively associated with the containment elements 4, and drivable for conveying the product contained in each containment element 4 to the delivery device 13 through the corresponding conveyance tube 9.

In particular, each conveyance tube 9 is provided with a first section 9' extended between the corresponding containment element 4 and the supply means 15 and a second section 9" extended between the supply means 15 and the delivery device 13.

Advantageously, each containment element 4 comprises a bag, in particular made of flexible plastic material, which preserves the corresponding sunscreen product at its interior, and is provided with a connection cap through which the bag is connected to the corresponding conveyance tube 9. Such bag is preferably housed inside a corresponding compartment obtained inside the housing space 3 of the support body 2.

A control unit 16 is provided which is operatively connected to the supply means 15 and adapted to control the latter in order to selectively convey the product contained in one of the containment elements 4 towards the delivery device 13.

Advantageously, the control unit 16 comprises a PLC and is arranged in the housing space 3 of the support body 2 of the apparatus 1.

Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a control panel 17, obtained for example by means of a touch screen, operatively connected to the control unit 16 and through which the user can select which of the products contained in the containment elements 4 is delivered by the apparatus 1 through the delivery device 13.

Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a payment device 18 (such as a coin acceptor and/or a banknote reader and/or a magnetic card reader and/or an RFID NFC reading device) operatively connected to the control unit 16 and adapted to send a payment received signal to the latter, after which the control unit 16 enables the driving of the supply means 15.

Advantageously, the niche 14 for housing the delivery device 13, the control panel 17 and the payment device 18 are arranged on a same front side 2' of the support body 2.

According to the invention, the delivery device 13 comprises a grip portion 19 intended to be grasped by a hand of the user in order to bring the delivery device 13 to the skin of the user himself/herself.

In particular, with reference to the particular embodiments illustrated in figures 5, 6 and 10, the delivery device 13 preferably comprises an elongated body 20 extended according to an extension direction X between a rear end 21, connected to the conveyance tubes 9, and a front end 22, from which the product to be applied on the skin is delivered.

The aforesaid grip portion 19 of the delivery device 13 is advantageously extended between the rear end 21 and front end 22 of the elongated body 20, and preferably has a substantially circular section in order to facilitate the grip thereof by the user.

The delivery device 13 of the apparatus 1 is also provided with at least one delivery channel 23 which is extended between a first inlet opening 24 thereof connected in fluid relationship to the second ends 11 of the conveyance tubes 9 in order to receive the products at its interior, and a first outlet opening 25 through which the product is delivered outside the delivery channel 23 itself in order to be applied on the user's skin.

In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in figures 6 and 10, the delivery device 13 is provided with a single delivery channel 23 whose first inlet opening 24 is connected in fluid relationship to the second ends 11 of all the conveyance tubes 9.

In accordance with a different embodiment of the present invention, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the delivery device 13 is provided with multiple delivery channels 23, each connected to the corresponding conveyance tube 9.

The present apparatus 1 comprises a compressed air source 28 arranged in the housing space 3 of the support body 2 and adapted to generate a pressurized air flow, and an air tube 29 extended between a third end 30 operatively connected to the aforesaid compressed air source 28 in order to receive the air flow, and a fourth end 31 connected to the delivery device 13 in order to convey such air flow to the latter.

In particular, the aforesaid air tube 29 exits with its fourth end 31 from the support body 2 through the passage opening 12 of the latter.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 is provided with a first pressure regulator 37 arranged to intercept air tube 29 and settable for adjusting the pressure at the exit of the fourth end 31 of the air tube 29 to a specific first pressure value preferably comprised between about 0.4 bar and 1.2 bar and in particular equal to between 0.6 bar.

The delivery device 13 is provided with an air channel 32 extended between a second inlet opening 33, connected to the fourth end 31 of the air tube 29 in order to receive the air flow, and a second outlet opening 34 through which air flow itself is susceptible to exit.

The aforesaid second outlet opening 34 of the air channel 32 is in particular obtained on the front end 22 of the elongated body 20 of the delivery device 13 and is arranged preferably in proximity to the first outlet opening 25 of the delivery channel 23.

The delivery device 13 also comprises an atomized element 35, such as in particular a nebulizer nozzle, preferably fixed to the front end 22 of the elongated body 20 of the delivery device 13 itself, and arranged at the first outlet opening 25 of the delivery channel 23 and at the second outlet opening 34 of the air channel 32. In this manner, the atomized element 35 intercepts the product exiting from the first outlet opening 25 of the delivery channel 23 and the air flow exiting from the second outlet opening 34 of the air channel 32 in order to deliver the product in nebulized form on the skin of the user.

Advantageously, the delivery device 13 is provided with multiple introduction channels 53, each of which arranged to connect between the second end 11 of the corresponding conveyance tube 9 and the first inlet opening 24 of the delivery channel 23.

Preferably, with reference to the embodiments illustrated in figures 6, 7, 10 and 11, the introduction channels 53 are obtained inside the elongated body 20 of the delivery device 13 and are extended from the second end 11 of the corresponding conveyance tube 9 towards the front end 22 of the elongated body 20, in particular converging towards the first inlet opening 24 of the delivery channel 23 at which they are joined to each other.

Advantageously, the delivery device 13 comprises a drive element 27, arranged in particular at the grip portion 19 of the delivery device 13 itself, and drivable by the user in order to enable to delivery of the product through the delivery device 13, in accordance with what is described in detail hereinbelow.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises cooling means 69 arranged inside the housing space 3 of the support body 2 and adapted to maintain the temperature in the housing space 3 itself within a specific temperature interval, preferably between 24 °C and 32 °C, and in particular between about 26 °C and 29 °C.

In this manner, in particular, the sunscreen products are prevented from being subjected to overly high temperatures, which would cause the degradation of their sun radiation filtering properties.

Preferably, with reference to the embodiments illustrated in figures 3 and 8, the cooling means 69 comprise a heat pump 70 adapted to absorb heat from the housing space 3 of the support body 2 and to transmit it outside the support body 2 itself. Advantageously, the heat pump 70 comprises at least one Peltier cell, provided with a cold side associated with a heat transmission element 71 adapted to absorb the heat from the housing space 3 in order to transmit it to the aforesaid cold side. In particular, such heat transmission element 71 comprises a metallic dissipator arranged at the cold side of the Peltier cell.

Advantageously, the cooling means 69 comprise at least one first fan 72 adapted to convey the air cooled by the heat pump 70 substantially into the entire volume of the housing space 3, and in particular towards the containment elements 4 of the products and the corresponding conveyance tubes 9.

In particular, such first fan 72 is arranged at the cold side of the Peltier cell and is adapted to suction the air at the latter in order to diffuse it towards the containment elements 4 of the products.

Preferably, the cooling means 69 comprise at least one second fan 73 arranged at the hot side of the Peltier cell and adapted to convey the air heated by such hot side towards the exterior of the containment body 2, preferably through passage slits (not shown in the enclosed figures) obtained in the lateral wall 8 of the support body 2 itself.

Advantageously, the conveyance tubes 9 and the air tube 29 are made of flexible material, at least for a section thereof intended to exit from the support body 2.

In particular, at least the second section 9" of each conveyance tube 9 is made of flexible material, such second section 9" extended between the supply means 15 and the delivery device 13.

Advantageously, the second sections 9" of the conveyance tubes 9 and the air tube 29 are collected inside a protection sheath 74, of tubular shape and made of flexible material, fixed at an external end thereof to the delivery device 13, in particular at the rear end 21 of the elongated body 20 of the delivery device 13 itself.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises a rotatable winding roller 75, supported by the support body 2 inside the housing space 3 and around which the air tube 29 is at least partially wound along with each conveyance tube 9, in particular the second flexible section 9' ' of the latter.

In particular, the winding roller 75 is provided with a first substantially horizontal rotation axis W and is preferably supported by a central shaft 76 rotatably constrained to the support body 4, in particular to an internal wall 77 of the latter arranged in the housing space 3.

The winding roller 75 is drivable to rotate in a first rotation sense in order to unwind the conveyance tubes 9 and air tube 29 from the roller 75 itself, in order to extract at least one section of such tubes 9, 29 outside the support body 2 through the passage opening 12 of the latter, in a manner such to allow the user to easily bring the delivery device 13 to the skin.

In addition, the winding roller 75 is drivable to rotate in a second rotation sense (opposite the first) in order to wind the conveyance tubes 9 and the air tube 29 around the winding roller 75. Advantageously, in accordance in particular with a first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 3, the apparatus 1 comprises a drive motor 88, preferably of electric type, operatively connected to the winding roller 75 and drivable by the control unit 16 in order to rotate the roller 75 itself in the aforesaid first rotation sense so as to unwind the tubes 9, 29. Advantageously, the aforesaid drive motor 88 is supported by the support body 2 of the apparatus 1 inside the housing space 3 and is preferably fixed to the internal wall 77 of the support body 2 itself.

In particular, the drive motor 88 comprises a first output shaft which bears, fixed thereto, a first pinion meshed with a first toothed wheel obtained on a first ring nut fixed to the winding roller 75, in a manner such to transmit the motion to the first output shaft and the winding roller 75 itself.

Advantageously, the drive motor 88 is drivable by the control unit 16 in order to rotate the winding roller 75 in the second rotation sense in a manner such to wind again, in an automated manner, the conveyance tubes and air tune 9, 29 around the winding roller 75 itself.

In this manner, in particular, at the end of the use of the delivery device 13 of the apparatus 1, the tubes 9 and 29 are automatically brought back inside the housing space 3 of the support body 2, protecting them from external atmospheric agents.

Advantageously, given that the conveyance tubes 9 are maintained inside the housing space 3 when the apparatus 1 is not used by the users, the part of products contained in the conveyance tubes 9 is maintained by the cooling means 69 at a temperature such to prevent the degradation of the sun screening properties of the products themselves.

In particular, moreover, the winding roller 75, when it is driven to rotate in the second rotation sense in order to again wind the conveyance tubes and air tubes 9, 29, brings the delivery device 13 back into its niche 14 obtained on the external surface of the support body 2.

Advantageously, in accordance in particular with a second embodiment illustrated in figure 8, the winding roller 75 is driven to rotate in the aforesaid first rotation sense (for unwinding the tubes 9, 29) when the user grasps the delivery device 13 and pulls it away from the external surface of the support body 2 in order to bring it towards the zone of the skin on which the sunscreen product is applied.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 also comprises return means (not illustrated in the enclosed figures) mechanically connected to the winding roller 75 and adapted to make the latter rotate in the aforesaid second rotation sense in order to wind the conveyance tubes 9 and the air tube 29 around the winding roller 75 itself, when the user releases the delivery device 13.

Preferably, in accordance in particular with the aforesaid second embodiment, the return means comprise at least one return spring (not illustrated in the enclosed figures) mechanically connected to the winding roller 75 and prearranged in a manner such to bring the latter to rotate in the second rotation sense in order to wind the conveyance tubes and air tube 9, 29 again around the winding roller 75 itself. In accordance with a different embodiment, the return means comprise electric actuators (of type known to the man skilled in the art and for this reason not described in detail) operatively connected to the winding roller 75 and drivable by the control unit 16 in order to rotate the winding roller in the second rotation sense at the end of the product delivery.

Advantageously, in accordance in particular with the second embodiment illustrated in figure 8, the apparatus 1 comprises blocking means 78 arranged inside the housing space 3 at the winding roller 75 and drivable by the control unit 16 to be moved between a position of interference, in which they are engaged with the winding roller 75 in order to prevent the rotation thereof at least in the first rotation sense, and a position of non-interference, in which the blocking means 78 are disengaged from the winding roller 75 in order to allow the rotation thereof.

Advantageously, the aforesaid blocking means 78 comprise a linear actuator, such as in particular a pneumatic cylinder, preferably fixed to the internal wall 77 of the support body 2. More in detail, preferably, the linear actuator is provided with a support jacket fixed to the internal wall 77 of the support body 2 and with a stem slidably engaged with the support jacket and drivable to be moved between the aforesaid position of interference, in which it is inserted within an engagement seat of the winding roller 75 in order to prevent the rotation of the latter, and the position of non-interference, in which the stem is brought outside the aforesaid engagement seat in order to allow the winding roller 75 to rotate for unwinding or winding the conveyance tubes 9 and air tube 29.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the apparatus 1 comprises a pair of guide rollers 79, counter-rotating and parallel, rotatably supported in an idle manner by the support body 2, positioned at the passage opening 12 of the support body 2 itself and spaced from each other by a passage slit substantially aligned with the passage opening 12 and through which the flexible sections of the conveyance tubes 9 and air tube 29 pass. More in detail, preferably, with reference in particular to figure 2, the two guide rollers 79 are provided with a second horizontal rotation axis, parallel to the first rotation axis W of the winding roller 75, and are each provided with a cylindrical lateral surface on which the protection sheath 74 of the conveyance tubes and air tube 9, 29 is susceptible to slide when the latter are unwound from and wound on the winding roller 75.

In this manner, in particular, the aforesaid guide rollers 79 facilitate the extraction and winding again of the tubes 9, 29, preventing blocking or tearing of the tubes 9, 29 themselves or of the protection sheath 74.

Advantageously, the present apparatus 1 comprises electrical power supply means 80 adapted to power supply the control unit 16, the supply means 15, the compressed air source 28, and advantageously the cooling means 69.

Preferably, the aforesaid electrical power supply means 80 comprise an electrical energy storage device 81, such as a battery, preferably arranged inside the housing space 3 of the support body 2, and a photovoltaic panel 82 mounted on the support cover 7 and electrically connected to the storage device 81 in order to provide the latter with electric current.

Advantageously, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in particular in figure 4, the supply means 15 comprise multiple pumps 84, in particular of peristaltic type, each of which arranged to intercept corresponding conveyance tube 9 and drivable by the control unit 16 in order to suction the product from the corresponding containment element 4, so as to push such product towards the delivery device 13.

Advantageously, the compressed air source 28 comprises at least one main compressor 85 connected to the air tube 29 and drivable by the control unit 16 in order to introduce pressurized air inside the air tube 29 itself so as to convey such pressurized air to the delivery device 13. Optionally, the compressed air source 28 comprises a further compressor 85' connected to the air tube 19 and drivable in case of failure of the main compressor 85. Advantageously, with reference to the embodiment illustrated in figures 4-6, the drive element 27 (of electric type) of the delivery device 13 of the apparatus 1 is electrically connected to the control unit 16 and is drivable by the user in order to command the control unit 13 itself to drive the supply means 15, and in particular the pumps 84.

Preferably, the drive element 27 is connected to the control unit 16 by means of one or more electric power supply and/or data transmission lines 87.

In particular, the drive element 27 comprises a control button 27' preferably housed inside a corresponding seat of the elongated body 20 of the delivery device 13.

Advantageously, the drive element 27 also comprises a switch, electric or electronic (not illustrated in the enclosed figures) connected to the electrical lines 87 and drivable by the control button 27' in order to send command signals to the control unit 16 by means of the electrical lines 87 themselves.

Advantageously, the aforesaid electrical lines 87 are inserted (at least for a section thereof arranged outside the support body 2) in a connection tube 86 extended between a fifth end thereof, connected to the delivery device 13, and a sixth end thereof arranged inside the housing space 3 of the support body 2 of the apparatus 1.

In particular, the connection tube 86 is arranged to cross through the passage opening 12 of the support body 2 and is preferably contained inside the protection sheath 74 together with the conveyance tubes 9 and the air tube 29.

Advantageously, the control unit 16 is prearranged in order to command the driving of the compressed air source 28 following the sending of the corresponding command signal by the drive element 27.

In accordance with a different embodiment, the control unit 16 is prearranged in order to command the driving of the compressed air source 28 independent of the command signals sent by the drive element 27, for example for a specific time period after the control unit 16 has received, from the control panel 17 and/or from the payment device 18, an enabling signal indicative of the received payment and of the user's selection of the product.

In operation, after the user has executed the payment and has selected the product that he/she wishes to apply, the control unit 16 is enabled in order to command the compressed air source 28 to convey pressurized air to the delivery device 13 (by means of the air tube 29) and in order to command the supply means 15 to convey the selected product to the delivery device 13 (through the corresponding conveyance tube 9).

In particular, when the user operates on the drive element 27, preferably by means of the control button 27', the control unit 16 of the apparatus 1 commands the driving of the pump 84 associated with the containment element 4 of the selected product in order to allow the delivery of the latter.

More in detail, the driven pump 84 pushes the product contained in the corresponding containment element 4 along the corresponding conveyance tube 9 until such product is made to enter into the delivery channel 23 of the delivery device 13 and then into the atomized element 35.

In particular, since the other pumps 84 not driven by the supply means 15 are turned off and since the products present within the corresponding conveyance tubes 9 are not compressible, the selected product, when it reaches the second end 11 of the corresponding conveyance tube 9, cannot enter into the other conveyance tubes 9, hence it is only able to flow inside the delivery channel 23.

When the user releases the control button 27' of the drive element 27, the control unit 16 commands the turning off of the pump 84.

Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figure 6, the delivery device 13 comprises a check valve 90 arranged to intercept the delivery channel 23 and prearranged with a flow direction oriented towards the atomized element 35, in order to prevent the product (in particular when it enters into the atomized element 35) from turning back towards the corresponding pump 84.

Advantageously, in accordance in particular with the second embodiment illustrated in figures 8-12, the aforesaid supply means 15 comprise multiple double-acting cylinders 38, each of which arranged to intercept corresponding conveyance tube 9 and drivable in order to suction the product from the corresponding containment element 4 in order to push such product towards the delivery device 13.

More in detail, each cylinder 38 comprises a jacket 39 defining, at its interior, a first pressure chamber 40 connected, by means of a first connector, to the first section 9' of the corresponding conveyance tube 9 in order to suction the product from the corresponding conveyance element 4, and connected, by means of a second connector, to the second section 9" of the corresponding conveyance tube 9 in order to push the product towards the delivery device 13. In addition, each cylinder 38 comprises a first piston 41 movable within the corresponding first pressure chamber 40 between a retracted position in order to suction the product inside the first pressure chamber 40 itself, and an advanced position in order to push the product outside the first pressure chamber 40 towards the delivery device 13.

More in detail, when the first piston 41 is in the retreated position, it frees the volume of the first pressure chamber 40 in order to suction the product inside the latter, drawing it from the containment element 4 through the first section 9' of the corresponding conveyance tube 9. When the first piston 41 is in the advanced position, it reduces the volume of the first pressure chamber 40, pushing the product outside the first pressure chamber 40, forcing the product to enter into the second section 9' ' of the corresponding conveyance tube 9 in order to convey the product itself to the delivery device 13.

Preferably, the first and the second section 9', 9" of each conveyance tube 9 are respectively intercepted by a first and by a second check valve 42, 43 arranged in particular at the corresponding first and second connector for connecting with the first pressure chamber 40 of the corresponding cylinder 38.

In particular, the first check valve 42 is adapted to allow the flow of the product towards the first pressure chamber 40 of the corresponding cylinder 38 when the corresponding first piston 41 is brought into the retreated position, and is adapted to prevent the backflow thereof towards the corresponding containment element 4 when the first piston 41 is brought into the advanced position. The second check valve 43 is adapted to allow the flow of the product towards the delivery device 13 when the first piston 41 of the corresponding cylinder 38 is brought into the advanced position, and to prevent the backflow thereof towards the corresponding first pressure chamber 40 when the first piston 41 is brought into the retreated position.

Advantageously, the cylinders 38 of the supply means 15 are of tandem air type and comprise a second pressure chamber 44 in which a second piston 45 is movable that is fixed to the first piston 41 by means of a connection stem 46. Such second pressure chamber 44 is connected to the compressed air source 28 by means of a corresponding duct 47 intercepted by a corresponding second control valve 48.

In operation, each second control valve 48, preferably obtained by means of a second solenoid valve, is driven in order to introduce compressed air inside the second pressure chamber 44 of the corresponding cylinder 38 for moving the second piston 45, which consequently moves the first piston 41 inside the first pressure chamber 40.

Otherwise, in accordance with an embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the cylinders 38 of the supply means 15 are driven by means of electric actuators of the type per se known to the man skilled in the art and for this reason not described in detail herein.

Advantageously, in accordance with the second embodiment illustrated in figure 9, the compressed air source 28 comprises a compressor 49 connected to a tank 50 and drivable by the control unit 16 in order to fill such tank 50 with compressed air at a pressure for example of about 6-7 bar.

The tank 50 is connected to the first control valve 36 of the air tube 29, and advantageously to the second control valves 48 of the cylinders 38 of the supply means 15, by means of a connection duct 51 preferably intercepted by a second pressure regulator 52 settable for setting the pressure of the air flow sent to the control valves 36, 48 at a specific second pressure value equal for example to about 2.2 bar.

Advantageously, the air tube 29 is connected to the compressed air source 28 by means of a first control valve 36, preferably obtained by means of a first solenoid valve, drivable by the control unit 16 in order to introduce the air flow inside the air tube 29 itself.

Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figures 10-12, the delivery device 13 comprises a shutter element 26 arranged to intercept the delivery channel 23 and drivable by the user, by means of the drive element 27, to be moved between a closed position, in which the shutter element 26 obstructs the delivery channel 23 in order to prevent the passage of the product, and an open position, in which the shutter element 26 at least partially frees the delivery channel 23 in order to allow the passage of the product towards the first outlet opening 25 of the delivery channel 23 itself.

Advantageously, the delivery device 13 is provided with a enabling chamber 54 arranged to intercept the delivery channel 23 and within which the shutter element 26 is slidably inserted. More in detail, preferably, the shutter element 26 is provided with a shaped body 55 movable within the enabling chamber 54 according to a slide axis Y substantially transverse to the extension direction X of the elongated body 20 of the delivery device 13, and provided with a widened portion 56, of advantageously frustoconical form. When the shutter element 26 is in the closed position, the widened portion 56 abuts against a shoulder 57 of the enabling chamber 54 that delimits a narrowing 58 of the enabling chamber 54 itself.

In particular, the shaped body 55 of the shutter element 26 is extended, according to the slide axis Y, between a first end portion arranged inside the enabling chamber 54 and fixed to the aforesaid widened portion 56, and a second end portion, arranged outside the enabling chamber 54 and connected to the drive element 27 by means of which the user drives the movement of the shutter element 26.

In particular, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figures 10-12, the drive element 27 comprises a button 59 which is fixed to the second end portion of the shaped body 55 of the shutter element 26 and is housed inside a corresponding seat 60 made in the elongated body 20 at the grip portion 19 of the delivery device 13.

In addition, the shutter element 26 comprises a contrast spring 61, which is interposed between a base wall 62 of the enabling chamber 54 and the widened portion 56 of the shaped body 55, and is prearranged in order to push the latter into the closed position by bringing the widened portion 56 in abutment against the shoulder 57 of the enabling chamber 54.

In operation, the button 59 of the drive element 27 is pressed by the user in order to bring the shutter element 26 into the open position. More in detail, the button 59 of the drive element 27, when pressed by the user, pushes the shaped body 55 of the shutter element 26 to be moved towards the base wall 62 of the enabling chamber 54, overcoming the elastic force exerted by the contrast spring 61, moving the widened portion 56 of the shaped body 55 away from the shoulder 57 of the enabling chamber 54.

When the button 59 of the drive element 27 is released by the user, the contrast spring 61 brings the shutter element 26 back into the closed position, pushing the widened portion 56 of the shaped body 55 against the shoulder 57 of the enabling chamber 54.

In operation, after the user has executed the payment (in particular by means of the insertion of coins in the payment device 18) and selected the product that he/she wishes to apply (through the control panel 17), the control unit 16 commands the cylinder 38 of the supply means 15 associated with the containment element 4 of the selected product to convey such product to the delivery device 13, and commands the first control valve 36 to be opened in order to make the compressed air flow to the delivery device through the air tube 29.

When the user operates on the drive element 27 of the delivery device 13, bringing the shutter element 26 into the open position, the selected product and the air flow reach the atomized element 35, allowing the distribution of the selected product, in nebulized form, on the skin of the user.

Once the delivery of a specific dose of the product has terminated, set for example in the control unit 16, the latter commands the stopping of the cylinder 38 of the supply means 15 and commands the closing of the first control valve 36 of the air tube 29.

Advantageously, in accordance with an embodiment variant of the present invention (not shown), the drive element 27 of the delivery device 13 of the apparatus 1 comprises an electric actuator connected to the shutter element 26 and drivable by the user, for example by means of a button, in order to move the shutter element 26 between the open position and the closed position. The electric actuator, of type per se known to the man skilled in the art, is connected to the control unit 16 by means of one or more electrical connections in order to allow the power supply and the drive of the electric actuator itself.

Advantageously, in accordance in particular with the embodiment illustrated in figure 9, the apparatus 1 comprises a discharge tube 63, which is arranged to connect between the second ends 11 of the conveyance tubes 9 and a discharge tank 64 preferably arranged inside the housing space 3 of the support body 2 and intended to receive the product coming from the conveyance tubes 9 during the operations of loading of the products of the containment elements 4, i.e. during the product change operations, as described in detail hereinbelow.

In particular, the aforesaid discharge tube 63 exits from the support body 2 through the passage opening 12 of the latter.

Preferably, the discharge tube 63 is made of flexible material and in particular is collected inside the aforesaid protection sheath 74 together with the conveyance tubes 9 and air tube 29. Preferably, the delivery device 13 is provided with an evacuation channel 65 arranged to connect between the introduction channels 53 and the aforesaid discharge tube 63 in order to convey the product contained in each conveyance tube 9 to the discharge tank 64.

In particular, the evacuation channel 65 is extended between a seventh end thereof connected to the introduction channels 53, preferably at the point of convergence of the latter with the delivery channel 23, and an eighth end thereof connected to the discharge tube 63, preferably at the rear end 21 of the elongated body 20 of the delivery device 13.

The apparatus 1 also comprises an evacuation valve 68 arranged to intercept the discharge tube 63 and drivable to be opened, with the shutter element 26 of the delivery device 13 in the closed position, in order to evacuate the product present into at least one of the conveyance tubes.

Preferably, the evacuation valve 68, in particular obtained with a third solenoid valve, is connected to the control unit 16 of the apparatus 1 and is drivable by the latter to be opened during the product loading operations and the product change operations, preferably following the start of pre-established programs of the control unit 16 commanded by an operator in particular through the control panel of the apparatus 1.

In operation, during the loading of the products, the containment elements 4 are arranged inside the housing space 3 of the support body and connected to the corresponding conveyance tubes. Subsequently, the control unit 16, driven by the operator, commands the opening of the evacuation valve 68 and then commands the supply means 15 to convey a specific dose of the products from the corresponding containment elements 4 towards the delivery device 13, until such products completely fill the corresponding conveyance tubes 9, and preferably also the corresponding introduction channels 53 of the delivery device 13. In this manner, in particular, the air initially present in the conveyance tubes 9 is evacuated through the discharge tube 63 along with possible air pockets present in the containment elements 4.

More in detail, each product is conveyed by the corresponding containment element 4 up to the second end 11 of the corresponding conveyance tube 9 and preferably until it enters into the corresponding introduction channel 53 of the delivery device 13. In this manner, the air possibly present in the conveyance tubes 9 and in the containment elements 4 is thrust by the product to enter into the evacuation channel and then into the discharge tube 63 in order to be evacuated.

Subsequently, the control unit 16 enables the supply means 15 and commands the closure of the evacuation valve 68, in a manner such to allow the apparatus 1 to be driven by the user in order to deliver the products.

Advantageously, during product change, after the containment element 4 of the product to be changed has been substituted with another containment element 4 of a new product to be employed (e.g. with different sun protection factor), provision is made for evacuating from the corresponding conveyance tube 9 the portion of the residual product to be changed that remained inside such conveyance tube 9.

For such purpose, the control unit 16 commands the evacuation valve 68 to be opened, and subsequently commands the supply means 15 to convey the new product contained in the containment element 4 towards the delivery device 13, in particular commanding the corresponding cylinder 38 to pump a specific dose of the new product from the containment element 4.

Such new product pushes the residual product present in the corresponding conveyance tube 9 towards the delivery device 13 and consequently pushes such residual product to enter into the discharge tube 63 in order to be evacuated into the discharge tank 64.

In particular, since the shutter element 26 of the delivery device 13 is in the closed position, the residual product cannot enter into the delivery channel 23 of the delivery device 13 itself. In addition, the residual product cannot enter into the other conveyance tubes 9 and into the other introduction channels 53 since the latter tubes 9 and channels 53 are filled with the corresponding products that are not compressible.

Therefore, when the residual product reaches the corresponding introduction channel 53, it cannot continue in the delivery channel 23 nor in the other introduction channels 53, and consequently it can only enter into the evacuation channel 65 and then into the discharge tube 63, given that the evacuation valve 68 of the latter is open, in a manner such to convey the residual product into the discharge tank 64.

Advantageously, the cylinder 38 associated with the containment element 4 of the new product is driven to push a specific dose of the new product itself towards the delivery device 13, such that the new product reaches the second end 11 of the corresponding conveyance tube 9 and preferably until it fills the corresponding introduction channel 53, in a manner such to expel from the conveyance tube 9 and from the introduction channel 53 the entire quantity of the residual product that remained inside the latter.

When the quantity of residual product has been conveyed into the discharge tank 64, the control unit 16 disables the cylinder 38 associated with the containment element 4 of the new product and commands the closure of the evacuation valve 68, in a manner such to allow the apparatus 1 to be driven by user in order to deliver the products.

Advantageously, in particular in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in figures 1-3 and 8, the support cover 7, to which the photovoltaic panel 82 is fixed, is rotatably mounted on the upper portion 6 of the support body 2, in a manner such to be able to rotate around a substantially vertical revolution axis Z so as to orient the photovoltaic panel 82 in the most appropriate direction for receiving solar radiation.

Advantageously, the photovoltaic panel 82 is arranged oriented upward and is tilted with respect to the vertical revolution axis Z by a specific tilt angle a preferably comprised between 60 degrees and 80 degrees and in particular is about 70 degrees.

Advantageously, the upper portion 6 of the support body 2 is provided with an annular seat, with which a base guide of the support cover 7 is rotatably engaged, the latter advantageously abutted against the upper edge of the upper portion 6 itself.

The rotatable support cover 7 allows orienting the photovoltaic panel 82 towards the optimal direction for ensuring high energy efficiency, without having to carry out difficult position adjustments of the apparatus 1 during installation before fixing the support body 2 to the ground.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises an electrical power supply outlet 83 connected to the storage device 81 in order to connect the latter to an auxiliary electrical energy source, such as an electricity mains or a further solar panel.

Advantageously, in accordance in particular with the embodiment illustrated in figure 3, the apparatus 1 comprises a movement motor 89 fixed to the support body 2, operatively connected to the support cover 7 (being the photovoltaic panel 82 mounted thereon) and drivable by the control unit 16 in order to rotate the support cover 7 itself (and hence the photovoltaic panel 82) as a function of the position assumed by the sun during the day.

Advantageously, the control unit 16 is programmed in order to command the rotation of the support cover 7 as a function of the signals detected by a sun position detection device (not shown) fixed to the support cover 7 and comprising preferably one or more light sensors in a manner per se known to the man skilled in the art.

In this manner, the movement motor 89 is drivable to move the support cover 7 in a manner such to maintain the photovoltaic panel 82 directed towards the sun substantially during the entire day.

Preferably, the movement motor 89 comprises a second output shaft which bears, fixed thereto, a second pinion engaged with a second toothed wheel obtained on a second ring nut fixed to the support cover 7, in a manner such to transmit the motion from the second output shaft to the support cover 7 itself in order to move the latter.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one radio wave reception device 91, mounted on the support body 2 of the apparatus 1 itself, adapted to detect the presence of at least one object in a specific area, preferably surrounding the apparatus 1 (such as an establishment or a park where the apparatus 1 itself is placed), and operatively connected to the control unit 16 in order to send, to the latter, detection signals indicative of the presence of the aforesaid object.

Advantageously, the radio wave reception device 91 comprises a transceiving module thereof, in particular provided with an antenna, and adapted to detect radio signals emitted by electronic devices which are situated in the area surrounding the apparatus 1 and to convert them into corresponding electrical signals.

In addition, the radio wave reception device 91 comprises an interface module thereof, preferably obtained with a circuit board, operatively connected to the corresponding transceiving module in order to receive the aforesaid electrical signals and adapted to encode the latter in order to provide the corresponding detection signals containing information identifying the electronic device (in particular the identification and position of the latter) which emitted the detected radio signals.

Advantageously, the reception device comprises an RFID NFC reception device, which is provided with an RFID NFC interface module adapted to encode the electrical signals provided by the corresponding transceiving module in order to identify the radio signals emitted by TAG (or transponder) programmed for transmitting the data (in particular relative to the position) contained therein by means of the RFK) or NFC standard. The detection signals provided by the RFID/NFC reception device allow the control unit 16 to identify the presence, the position and the movement of people and/or objects provided with TAG, such as bracelets for tracking children.

The apparatus 1 advantageously comprises a communication unit connected to the control unit 16 and adapted to send the aforesaid detection signals to at least one remote unit. In particular, the remote unit is for example constituted by an electronic device, such as a smartphone, adapted to receive the detection signals sent by the communication unit (relative for example to the position of a person) and to display them to a user.

The invention thus described therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for distributing sunscreen products, which comprises:

- a support body (2) intended to be abutted against the ground and provided at its interior with at least one housing space (3);

- two or more containment elements (4) arranged inside the housing space (3) of said support body (2), each of such containment elements (4) adapted to contain at its interior a corresponding sunscreen product;

- two or more conveyance tubes (9), each of which extended between a first end (10), connected to the corresponding containment element (4), and a second end (11) arranged outside said support body (2), passing through a passage opening (12) obtained on said support body (2);

- a delivery device (13) fixed to the second ends (11) of said conveyance tubes (9) and drivable for applying said products on the skin of a user;

- supply means (15) operatively associated with said containment elements (4), and drivable for conveying the product contained in each said containment element (4) to the delivery device (13) through the corresponding said conveyance tube (9);

- a control unit (16) operatively connected to said supply means (15) and adapted to control the latter for selectively conveying one of said products contained in said containment elements (4) to said delivery device (13);

- a compressed air source (28) arranged in the housing space (3) of said support body (2) and adapted to provide a pressurized air flow;

- an air tube (29) extended between a third end (30) operatively connected to said compressed air source (28) in order to receive said air flow, and a fourth end (31) connected to said delivery device (13);

said delivery device (13) comprising: - at least one grip portion (19) intended to be grasped by a hand of said user in order to bring said delivery device (13) to the skin of said user;

- at least one delivery channel (23) which is extended between at least one first inlet opening (24) connected to the second ends (11) of said conveyance tubes (9) in order to receive said products, and at least one first outlet opening (25) through which said product is delivered outside said delivery channel (23);

- an air channel (32) extended between a second inlet opening (33) connected to the fourth end (31) of said air tube (29), and a second outlet opening (34) through which said air flow is susceptible to exit;

- an atomizer element (35) arranged at the first outlet opening (25) of said delivery channel (23) and at the second outlet opening (34) of said air channel (32), to intercept said product exiting from said first outlet opening (25) and said air flow exiting from said second outlet opening (34), in order to deliver said product in nebulized form.

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said delivery device (13) is provided with multiple introduction channels (53), each of which arranged to connect between the second end (11) of the corresponding said conveyance tube (9) and the first inlet opening (24) of said delivery channel (23).

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises:

- a discharge tube (63) which is arranged to connect between the second ends (11) of said conveyance tubes (9) and a discharge tank (64);

- an evacuation valve (68) arranged to intercept said discharge tube (63) and drivable, with the shutter element (26) of said delivery device (13) in said closed position, to be opened in order to evacuate the product present in at least one of said conveyance tubes (9) into said discharge tank (64).

4. Apparatus (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said delivery device (13) is provided with an evacuation channel (65) arranged to connect between said introduction channels (53) and said discharge tube (63).

5. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises cooling means (69) arranged inside the housing space (3) of said support body (2) and adapted to maintain the temperature in said housing space (3) within a specific temperature interval.

6. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said conveyance tubes (9) and said air tube (29) are made of flexible material, at least for one section thereof intended to exit from said support body (2);

said apparatus (1) comprising a rotatable winding roller (75), supported by said support body (2) within said housing space (3) and around which each said conveyance tube (9) and said air tube (29) is at least partially wound; said winding roller (75) being drivable to rotate in a first rotation sense for unwinding said tubes (9, 29) from said winding roller (75) in order to extract at least one section of said tubes (9, 29) outside said support body (2) through the passage opening (12) thereof, and in a second rotation sense, opposite said first rotation sense, for winding said tubes (9, 29) around said winding roller (75).

7. Apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a drive motor (88) operatively connected to said winding roller (75) and drivable by said control unit (16) in order to rotate said winding roller (75) in said first rotation sense and/or in said second rotation sense.

8. Apparatus (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a pair of guide rollers (79), counter-rotating and parallel, rotatably supported in an idle manner by said support body (2), positioned at the passage opening (12) of said support body (2) and spaced from each other by a passage slit substantially aligned with said passage opening (12) and through such passage slit, said conveyance tubes (9) and said air tube (29) pass.

9. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

- a support cover (7) mounted on said support body (2) and rotatable around a substantially vertical revolution axis (Z);

- at least one photovoltaic panel (82) fixed on said support cover (7) and electrically connected to an electrical energy storage device (81) arranged inside the housing space (3) of said support body (2).

10. Apparatus (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a movement motor (89) fixed to said support body (2), operatively connected to said support cover (7) and drivable by said control unit (16) in order to rotate the support cover (7) around said revolution axis (Z).

11. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said delivery device (13) comprises at least one electrical drive element (27), which is electrically connected to said control unit (16) and is drivable by a user in order to command said control unit ( 13 ) to drive said supply means (15).

12. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supply means (15) comprise multiple pumps (84), each of which arranged to intercept the corresponding said conveyance tube (9) and drivable by said control unit (16) in order to suction said product from the corresponding said containment element (4) in order to push said product towards said delivery device (13).

13. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said delivery device (13) comprises at least one check valve (90) arranged to intercept said delivery channel (23) and prearranged with a flow direction oriented towards said atomized element (35).

14. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it - at least one radio wave reception device (91), mounted on said support body (2), adapted to detect the presence of at least one object in a specific area and operatively connected to said control unit (16) in order to send detection signals indicative of said presence to said control unit (16);

- at least one communication unit connected to said control unit (16) and adapted to send said detection signals to at least one remote unit.