WO2020092476A1

WO2020092476A1 - Dispenser with stamp applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2020092476A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/058723
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kory Michael NOOK
Original assignee: Beiersdorf Ag; MUENSTERER, Heribert
Priority date: 2018-11-01
Filing date: 2019-10-30
Publication date: 2020-05-07

Abstract

A sunscreen dispenser includes a body that comprises a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, wherein the tubular wall partially defines a reservoir for containing sunscreen; a dispensing outlet for sunscreen contained in the reservoir, the dispensing outlet located at the first end of the body; and a stamp applicator for stamping a sunlight exposure indicator composition on skin of a user, the stamp applicator located at the second end of the tubular wall that is opposite the first end.

Description

DISPENSER WITH STAMP APPLICATOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention generally relates to dispensers for dispensing formulations for applying to a user’s body, and more particularly to a sunscreen dispensing system for alerting a user when sunscreen should be reapplied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can lead to sunburns, other types of skin damage, and skin cancers. Consumers often protect themselves from UV radiation exposure by applying sunscreens formed as lotions, creams, sprays, or wipes that include chemicals that absorb or scatter UV radiation and prevent UV radiation from penetrating deep into the skin. When uniformly applied to the body, sunscreens can be highly effective in protecting against skin damage. Generally, sunscreens are rated based on their effectiveness at blocking UV radiation. The ratings are based on a certain minimum amount of sunscreen being present on the skin. Consumers may have difficulty knowing whether an adequate amount of sunscreen is protecting their skin. Sunscreens can lose their effectiveness over time through various mechanisms such as sweating, abrasion (i.e., rubbing), swimming, absorption into the skin, migration on the skin, and photodegredation. Furthermore, consumers may fail to initially apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen to their skin to reach the advertised effectiveness of the sunscreen. Due to wear and/or the initial failure to apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen, it is often not possible for consumers to know that their skin is adequately protected by sunscreen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to some embodiments, a sunscreen dispenser is configured for stamping a user’s skin with a UV exposure indicator composition and for dispensing sunscreen to apply the sunscreen over the stamped indicator composition on the user’s skin. As the sunscreen wears away or in the event that insufficient sunscreen is applied, UV radiation in sunlight reaches the indicator composition, causing the indicator composition to change in appearance. This change indicates to the user that sunscreen should be reapplied. The stamping and sunscreen dispensing functions are integrated into a single body, enabling the user to easily and reliably apply the indicator composition each time sunscreen is applied. This integration can increase the usage of sunscreen, helping to reduce skin damage.

[0004] According to some embodiment, a stamp applicator is built into the sunscreen dispenser at an opposite end from a sunscreen dispensing outlet. By integrating the stamp applicator at the opposite end from the dispensing outlet, the stamp applicator does not interfere with the function of the dispenser. This also enables the ends of the dispenser to be shaped to best accommodate the relative functions of the ends. For example, the dispensing end may be larger in diameter to hold a relative greater amount of the sunscreen near the dispensing outlet while the stamping end may be relatively small to accommodate a stamp applicator that is modest in size. Caps may be provided for both the stamp applicator and the dispensing outlet, and in some embodiments, the caps are hinged to the body of the dispenser to ensure that the caps are not misplaced when the dispenser is used.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a sunscreen dispenser includes a body that comprises a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, wherein tubular wall partially defines a reservoir for containing sunscreen; a dispensing outlet for sunscreen contained in the reservoir, the dispensing outlet located at the first end of the body; and a stamp applicator for stamping a sunlight exposure indicator composition on skin of a user, the stamp applicator located at the second end of the tubular wall that is opposite the first end.

[0006] In any of these embodiments, the dispenser may contain the indicator composition and the indicator composition may be configured to change in appearance in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation due to a reduction in efficacy of a layer of sunscreen over the indicator composition on the skin of the user.

[0007] In any of these embodiments, the dispenser may include a first end cap positioned on the first end of the body for capping the dispensing outlet and a second end cap positioned on the second end of the body for capping the stamp applicator. In any of these embodiments, the second end cap may be hingedly connected to the body. In any of these embodiments, the first end of the body may have a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the body. [0008] In any of these embodiments, the tubular wall may be configured to be squeezed by a hand of the user for dispensing sunscreen from the dispensing outlet and to be grasped by the user for applying a force in the longitudinal direction to press the stamp applicator against the skin of the user. In any of these embodiments, the dispenser may include sunscreen in the reservoir.

[0009] In any of these embodiments, the stamp applicator may protrude beyond the second end of the body in the longitudinal direction. In any of these embodiments, the body may include a stamp applicator housing that extends in the longitudinal direction from the tubular wall.

[0010] In any of these embodiments, the stamp applicator housing may include an outer wall and an outer surface of the outer wall is aligned with an outer surface of the tubular wall proximate the second end of the body.

[0011] In any of these embodiments, the dispenser may include an indicator composition reservoir made of an absorbent material for retaining the indicator composition. In any of these embodiments, the dispenser may include a cup located in the second end of the body for holding the indicator composition reservoir.

[0012] In any of these embodiments, the stamp applicator may contact the indicator composition reservoir so that the indicator composition can transfer from the indicator composition reservoir to the stamp applicator. In any of these embodiments, the stamp applicator may include an absorbent material for retaining the indicator composition.

[0013] In any of these embodiments, the dispenser may include a sunscreen having a predetermined efficacy and an indicator composition that is configured to indicate when an efficacy of a layer of the sunscreen applied over the indicator composition on the skin of the user is less than the predetermined efficacy of the sunscreen.

[0014] According to some embodiments, a method of applying sunscreen to a user from a dispenser that comprises a body that includes a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, the tubular wall partially defining a reservoir for containing sunscreen includes uncapping a second end cap from the second end of the dispenser to expose a stamp applicator that comprises a UV exposure indicator composition; pressing the stamp applicator to a location on skin of the user to transfer the indicator composition to the location on the skin of the user; uncapping a first end cap from the first end of the dispenser that is opposite the second end of the dispenser, to uncap a sunscreen dispensing outlet; dispensing the sunscreen through the dispensing outlet by applying a dispensing force to the dispenser and applying the sunscreen to at least the location of the skin of the user;

monitoring the location of the skin of the user for a change in appearance of the indicator composition stamped on the location of the skin of the user; and in response to determining that an appearance of the indicator composition stamped on the location of the skin of the user has changed, reapplying sunscreen to at least the location of the skin of the user.

[0015] In any of these embodiments, the indicator composition may be configured to change in appearance in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation due to a reduction in efficacy of a layer of the sunscreen over the indicator composition on the skin of the user.

[0016] In any of these embodiments, the method may include stamping the skin of the user with the indicator composition again prior to reapplying the sunscreen.

[0017] In any of these embodiments, the method may include closing the second end cap after pressing the stamp applicator to the skin of the user and before applying the sunscreen to the skin of the user.

[0018] In any of these embodiments, applying the dispensing force may include squeezing sides of the dispenser to squeeze out sunscreen or pressing on the first end of the dispenser to release a spray of sunscreen.

[0019] In any of these embodiments, determining that the appearance of the indicator composition stamped on the location of the skin of the user has changed may include determining that the indicator composition has changed from one color to another color, determining that the indicator composition has changed from clear to colored, or determining that the indicator composition has darkened or lightened.

[0020] In any of these embodiments, the first end of the dispenser may have a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the dispenser.

[0021] In any of these embodiments, the sunscreen may have a predetermined efficacy and the indicator composition may be configured to indicate when an efficacy of a layer of the sunscreen applied over the indicator composition on the skin of the user is less than the predetermined efficacy of the sunscreen.

[0022] According to some embodiments, a dispenser includes a body that comprises a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, wherein tubular wall partially defines a reservoir for containing a formulation; a dispensing outlet for formulation contained in the reservoir, the dispensing outlet located at the first end of the body; and a stamp applicator for stamping an indicator composition on skin of a user, the stamp applicator located at the second end of the tubular wall that is opposite the first end.

[0023] In any of these embodiments, the reservoir may contain the formulation and the formulation may be a liquid, a lotion, or a gel.

[0024] In any of these embodiments, the dispenser may contain the indicator composition and the indicator composition may include a decorative ink.

[0025] According to some embodiments, a method of applying a formulation to a user from a dispenser, which includes a body that has a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, the tubular wall partially defining a reservoir for containing the formulation, includes uncapping a second end cap from the second end of the dispenser to expose a stamp applicator that comprises an indicator composition; pressing the stamp applicator to a location on skin of the user to transfer the indicator composition to the location on the skin of the user; uncapping a first end cap from the first end of the dispenser that is opposite the second end of the dispenser, to uncap a formulation dispensing outlet; and dispensing the formulation through the dispensing outlet by applying a dispensing force to the dispenser and applying the formulation to at least the location of the skin of the user.

[0026] In any of these embodiments, the formulation may be a liquid, a lotion, or a gel.

[0027] In any of these embodiments, the indicator composition may include a decorative ink. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sunscreen dispenser, according to one embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sunscreen dispensing end of a sunscreen dispenser with the dispensing end cap open, according to one embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the light-sensitive dye stamping end of a sunscreen dispenser with the stamping end cap open, according to one embodiment;

[0032] FIGS. 4A and 4B, are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a light-sensitive dye stamp applicator, according to one embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a light-sensitive dye stamp applicator and an end portion of a main body of the dispenser, according to one embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the light-sensitive dye stamp applicator of FIG. 5 with the cap in an open position;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dispenser with the light-sensitive dye stamp applicator removed, showing an attachment feature at one end of the main body, according to one embodiment;

[0036] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of portions of a dispenser showing an attachment feature at one end of the main body, according to another embodiment; and

[0037] FIG. 9 is a method for applying a UV exposure indicator beneath sunscreen on the skin of a user, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Described below are devices and methods for applying a UV exposure indicator composition to the skin of a user to indicate when applied sunscreen is insufficiently protecting the user’s skin. According to some embodiments, a sunscreen dispenser has an integrated stamp applicator enabling the user to stamp his or her skin with indicator composition each time sunscreen is applied. An indicator is stamped on the skin of the user with the stamp applicator and then a layer of sunscreen is dispensed from the dispenser onto the skin. As the sunscreen wears away or in the event that insufficient sunscreen was applied, UV radiation reaches the indicator composition which responds by changing in appearance, indicating to the user that additional sunscreen should be applied. The stamp applicator is integrated into the sunscreen dispenser so that the stamp applicator is always available when needed.

[0039] The stamp applicator is built into the sunscreen dispenser at an opposite end from a sunscreen dispensing oudet. By integrating the stamp applicator at the opposite end from the dispensing outlet, the stamp applicator does not interfere with the function of the dispenser. This also enables the ends of the dispenser to be shaped to best accommodate the relative functions of the ends. For example, the dispensing end may be larger in diameter to hold a relative greater amount of the sunscreen near the dispensing outlet while the stamping end may be relatively smaller to accommodate a stamp applicator that is modest in size.

Caps may be provided for both the stamp applicator and the dispensing outlet, and in some embodiments, the caps are hinged to the body of the dispenser to ensure that the caps are not misplaced when the dispenser is used.

[0040] For purposes of this disclosure,“sunscreen” means any chemical product that absorbs or scatters UV radiation and prevents UV radiation from penetrating deep into the skin. Therefore, as used herein, sunscreens include products such as lotions and cosmetics that incorporate UV blocking substances.

[0041] In the following description of the disclosure and embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments and examples can be practiced, and changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that any one of the features of any one of the embodiments may be used separately or in combination with other features.

[0042] In addition, it is also to be understood that the singular forms“a,”“an,” and “the” used in the following description are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is also to be understood that the term“and/or,” as used herein, refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It is further to be understood that the terms“includes, “including,”“comprises,” and/or“comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or units, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, units, and/or groups thereof. Also, the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to,“top,”“bottom,”“left,”“right,”“upper,”“lower,”“down,”“up,”“side,” are used in the description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims.

[0043] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a dispenser 100 for dispensing sunscreen. The dispenser

1.00 includes a main body 102 that extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first end 104 and a second end 106 that is opposite the first end 104. A tubular wall 105 extends in the longitudinal direction between the first end 104 and the second end 106 and defines a reservoir for containing sunscreen. The first end 104 includes a dispensing outlet 112 for dispensing sunscreen contained in the reservoir. The second end 106 includes a stamp applicator 116 for stamping a UV exposure indicator composition onto the skin of a user. Once stamped on the user’s skin, the UV exposure indicator changes in appearance when exposed to UV radiation, which may indicate to the user that additional sunscreen should be applied.

[0044] The stamp applicator 116 projects beyond the second end 106 of the main body 102 in the longitudinal direction so that the stamp applicator can be pressed directly to the user’s skin. The stamp applicator 116 may include a raised portion 118 that is configured to apply the indicator composition to the user’s skin in a specified design so that a distinctive pattern on the user’s skin indicates to the user to apply additional sunscreen. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the raised portion 118 is in the shape of a sun so that a sun-shaped stamp is applied to the user’s skin. The raised portion 118 can be in any suitable shape or may be omitted.

[0045] A first end cap 108 is provided on the first end 104 for capping the dispensing outlet 112 and a second end cap 110 is provided on the second end 106 for capping the stamp applicator 116. One or both of the end caps may be attached to the main body 102 via hinges (157, 158) so that, for example, the caps do not get misplaced during use. [0046] During use, a stamp of indicator composition is applied to the skin of the user by uncapping the second end cap 110 and pressing the stamp applicator 116 against the skin of the user. The stamp applicator 116 holds an amount of indicator composition, and at least some of the indicator composition is transferred to the user’s skin when the applicator 116 is pressed against the skin. After applying the stamp, the first end cap 108 is uncapped and sunscreen is dispensed from the dispensing outlet 112 onto the skin. Sunscreen is dispensed from the dispenser 100 by, for example, squeezing the tubular wall 105 of the main body 102 such that the sunscreen is squeezed through the dispensing outlet 112 onto the user’s skin. In other embodiments, the sunscreen may be sprayed from the dispenser 100 by pressing down on a dispensing head at the first end 104 of the main body 102 to release pressurized sunscreen. The sunscreen may be pressurized, for example, via aerosols or through pumping caused by pressing down on a dispensing head.

[0047] A portion of the dispensed sunscreen is applied over the stamped indicator composition on the user’s skin. Over time, the sunscreen may wear away so that UV radiation in sunlight reaches the indicator composition stamped onto the skin. Photochromic molecules in the indicator composition react to the UV radiation, causing the appearance of the stamp to change. This change in appearance indicates to the user that the sunscreen has worn away to the point that additional sunscreen should be applied. The user may then apply additional sunscreen, ensuring that his or her skin is adequately protected. Prior to reapplying the sunscreen, the user may apply an additional stamp to the skin and then apply additional sunscreen over the additional stamp. This additional stamp may be applied in a different location or at the same location as the previous stamp.

[0048] A change in appearance of the stamped indicator composition may indicate to the user that the amount of sunscreen applied is insufficient to provide the intended efficacy. For example, where a user has applied less sunscreen than instructed to achieve a rated efficacy (or no sunscreen at all), the stamp may change in appearance soon after exposure to the sun without any of the sunscreen wearing away, and this may indicate to the user that more sunscreen should be applied.

[0049] The user can easily stamp and apply sunscreen from the dispenser 100 simply by uncapping and using the appropriate end. By integrating the indicator stamping and the sunscreen dispensing functions into a single dispenser, the user can readily apply a stamp before each application of sunscreen dispensed from the dispenser 100 so that the user always knows when to apply additional sunscreen. By locating the stamp applicator 116 at the opposite end of the main body 102 from the sunscreen dispensing outlet 112, the applicator 116 does not interfere with the sunscreen dispensing operation.

[0050] Another advantage of locating the stamp applicator 116 at the opposite end of the main body 102 from the dispensing outlet 112 is the ability to configure the ends of the body differently for the different functions performed by the ends. For example, the first end 104 can be larger in diameter relative to the second end to accommodate relatively more sunscreen nearer the dispensing outlet 112 while allowing for a relatively smaller stamp applicator and a relatively smaller second end having more strength for pressing against a user’s skin. As another example, the first end 104 can be configured for standing the dispenser thereon so that the sunscreen collects at the dispensing outlet 112 rather than at the opposite end away from the outlet. This is advantageous in that the sunscreen can be dispensed more readily. To this end, the first end 104 can be larger and/or flatter than the second end 106.

[0051] The tubular wall 105 defines a reservoir for containing the sunscreen and also provides an outer surface of the dispenser. As such, the tubular wall is generally configured to maximize the sunscreen holding capacity of the dispenser 100 relative to the overall dispenser size and to facilitate grasping of the dispenser by the user during use. In some embodiments, the tubular wall 105 is flexible so that the user can squeeze the wall to dispense sunscreen through the dispensing outlet 112. In other embodiments, the tubular wall 105 is rigid to provide the structural integrity needed for contents under pressure, such as in spray sunscreen embodiments. The tubular wall 1.05 may be configured to grasping by a single hand of a user. In some embodiments, the tubular wall 105 is configured to enhance gripping and/or squeezing by the user. For example, the tubular wall 105 may have a roughly rectangular or other non-circular cross-sectional shape that fits more naturally in a user’s hand and enables a user to more easily squeeze sides of the tubular wall together for dispensing sunscreen. The tubular wall 105 may include indentations 103 configured for placing fingers onto for enhancing grip.

[0052] In some embodiments, the tubular wall 105 changes shape over its length. For example, the tubular wall 105 may transition from a circular cross section at the second end 106 to a non-circular cross section at the first end 104 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the tubular wall 105 changes in shape in one dimension but is uniform in another dimension. For example, the tubular wall 105 may have an hourglass shape relative to a front perspective of the dispenser and may have constant width relative to a front perspective of the dispenser. The tubular wall may have any suitable cross-sectional shape (the shape of a cross section taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the wall) such as a circle, rectangle, triangle, oval, quadrilateral, etc. The cross-sectional shape may change over the longitudinal length of the tubular wall. In some embodiments, the tubular wall is uniform in shape along its longitudinal extent.

[0053] FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of one embodiment of a second end 106 of the main body 102 of the dispenser 100. FIGS. 5 and 6 provide cross-sectional views of the second end 106 according to some embodiments. The second end 106 includes an applicator body 122 that houses the stamp applicator 116 and defines a reservoir 120 for holding indicator composition. The applicator body 122 may include a first wall 124 that defines at least a portion of an outer surface 114 of the second end 106 of the main body 102. The first wall 124 extends from an end of the tubular wall 105 and may have a perimeter shape that matches the perimeter shape of the end of the tubular wall 105 so that the outer surface 114 continues the shape of the outer surface of the tubular wall 105. In some embodiments, the first wall 124 is configured for attachment to an end of the tubular wall 105 via any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the first wall 124 may include threads 126 on the first wall 124 that are configured to mate with threads on the main body 102. In other embodiments, the first wall 124 may be molded along with the tubular wall 105.

[0054] The applicator body 122 may include a second wall 128 that extends from a distal end of the first wall 124. The second wall 128 surrounds the stamp applicator 116 and may serve as an attachment point for attaching the second end cap 110. The second wall 128 may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first wall 124 so that an outer wall 132 of the cap 110 fits around the second wall 128 and aligns with the first wall 124. A lip 130 may extend radially inwardly from the second wall 128 to retain the stamp applicator 116. The cap 110 may include an inner wall 134 that is configured to fit tightly around the second wall 128 to provide a seal that seals off the stamp applicator 116 when the cap 110 is closed, which can help prevent the indicator composition from drying out.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows the second end 106 with the second end cap 110 in a capped position and FIG. 6 shows the second end cap 110 in an uncapped position. The second end cap 110 may be attached to the first wall 124 by a hinge 158. The hinge 158 may be formed as a single molded piece with the first wall 124 and the cap 110 or as a separate component. The cap 110 need not be hinged to the applicator body 122. For example, in some embodiments, the cap 110 threads or snaps onto the applicator body 122.

[0056] As the cap pivots from the open position (FIG. 6) to the closed position (FIG. 5), the inner wall 134 of the cap 110 comes down around the second wall 128 of the applicator body 122. As stated above, the inner wall 134 may be sized to fit tightly around the second wall 128 to seal off the stamp applicator 116 to prevent drying out of the indicator. This tight fit may also serve to retain the cap 110 in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the outer wall 132 of the cap 110 may fit tightly around an upper portion 162 of the first wall 124 to retain the cap 110 on the applicator body 122.

[0057] The second end cap 110 may include a lip 111 for the user to press upward against to uncap the cap 110. The first wall 124 of the applicator body 122 may include a depression 113 that is located beneath the lip 111 when the cap 110 is capped to provide room for positioning the user’s finger beneath the lip 111 during uncapping.

[0058] The stamp applicator 116 is made of an absorbent material configured for impregnating with indicator composition. The stamp applicator 116 is formed with numerous small continuous pores that allow the indicator composition to travel through the stamp applicator 116 from a bottom surface 148 to the stamping surface 119. Any suitable material can be used for the stamp applicator, including paper, cloth, or resin sponge. In some embodiments, the stamp applicator is sintered porous plastic. As the stamp applicator 116 is pressed against a user’s skin, indicator composition impregnated near the surface of the stamp applicator 116 transfers to the user’s skin. The indicator composition in the stamp applicator 116 is replenished from indicator composition held in the reservoir 120.

[0059] In some embodiments, the reservoir 120 comprises a slug 136 of an absorbent material for absorbing and retaining the indicator composition. The slug 136 may be made of the same material as the stamp applicator 116 or of a different material. In some

embodiments, the reservoir is made of a synthetic binding fiber. The reservoir is impregnated with indicator composition that transfers from the slug 136 to the stamp applicator 116 through the interface between an upper end of the slug 136 and the bottom surface 148 of the stamp applicator 116. In some embodiments, the stamp applicator 116 may include one or more projections that extend into the slug 136 to increase surface area in contact between the two components for increasing indicator composition transfer. The slug 136 may be any suitable shape and size. In some embodiments, the slug 136 is sized to accommodate sufficient indicator composition to last at least for the estimated lifetime of the sunscreen contained in the dispenser 100.

[0060] In some embodiments, the reservoir 120 comprises a cup 121 for housing the slug 136. The cup 121 is located in a lower portion of the applicator body 122. The cup 121 comprises a tubular wall 145 and an end wall 146 located at one end of the tubular wall 145. An opposite end of the tubular wall 145 may be open for receiving the slug 136. A lower end of the slug 136 may be located adjacent to an inner surface of the end wall 146 of the cup 121. An upper end of the slug 136 may extend past an upper end of the cup 121, may be aligned with the upper end of the cup 121, or may be recessed with respect to the upper end of the cup 121. The cup 121 may be fitted into the applicator body 122 such that the slug 136 and stamp applicator 116 are sandwiched between the end wall 146 of the cup 121 and the lip 130 that extends inwardly from the second wall 128 of the applicator body 122. The stamp applicator 116 may include a radially extending lip 144 that may register against the lip 130 of the applicator body 122 so that the stamping element is held between the lip 130 on one side and the slug 136 on the other side. At least a portion of the stamp applicator 116, including the raised portion 118, protrudes beyond an end 156 of the applicator body 122.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the stamp applicator 116 is assembled to the main body 102 by placing the slug 136 in the cup 121, placing the stamp applicator 116 atop the slug 136 and inserting this stack into the applicator body 122. The cup 121 may include a radially outwardly extending lip 150 that may register against a shelf 152 that extends radially inwardly from the first wall 124 to the second wall 128. In some embodiments, an interference fit between an upper wall portion 154 of the cup 121 and the second wall 128 of the applicator body 122 may retain the cup 121 in the applicator body 122. Any other suitable retention feature may be used, including a threaded engagement, a detent mechanism, or adhesive attachment.

[0062] Once the stamp applicator 116, slug 136, and cup 121 are assembled into the applicator body 122, the applicator body 122 may be assembled onto the tubular wall 105. In some embodiments, mounting features may extend from an end of the tubular wall 105 for mounting the applicator 116. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, an end wall 160 extends across the second end of the tubular wall 105, forming an end of the sunscreen reservoir 115. A wall 138 extends in a longitudinal direction of the dispenser 100 from the end wall 160 for mounting the applicator body 122. The applicator body 122 is mounted thereon by fitting the first wall 124 of the applicator body 122 around the wall 138.

[0063] The wall 138 may include threads 140 for mating with threads 126 on the first wall 124 of the applicator body 122. Any other suitable retention mechanism may be used to mount the applicator body 122 to the wall 138. For example, a bead on the wall 138 may snap into a groove on the inner surface of the first wall 124 of the applicator body 122 (or vice versa) and/or an adhesive may be used to permanently join the components. In the assembled state, the cup 121 may extend down into a well 142 that is defined by wall 138 such that wall 138 may fit between the first wall 124 and the tubular wall 145 of the cup 121. In some embodiments, the cup 121 does not extend down into well 142. The cup 121 may sit atop an end of the wall 138 or be spaced from an end of the wall 138.

[0064] In some embodiments, the applicator body 122 is removable, allowing for access to the reservoir 120, which can enable the reservoir to be replenished. In other embodiments, the applicator body 122 is permanently affixed. Embodiments with permanently mounted applicators may be configured with sufficient indicator composition for the amount of sunscreen in the dispenser.

[0065] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an alternative mounting arrangement for mounting the applicator body 122 to the tubular wall 105, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8A illustrates a portion of the applicator body 122 and FIG. 8B illustrates a portion of the second end 106 of the main body 102. In this embodiment, the wall 138 extending from the end of the tubular wall 105 terminates in an end wall 168 and includes a groove 166 and an anti- rotation lug 164. The mating end of the first wall 124 of the applicator body 122 includes a bead 170 for fitting into the groove 166 and a recess 172 for receiving the anti-rotation lug 164. For assembly, the applicator body is pressed onto the wall 138 with the anti-rotation lug 164 aligned with the recess 172. The bead 170 snaps into the groove 166 and the anti- rotation lug is received in the recess 172. The anti-rotation lug 164 prevents the applicator body 122 from rotating relative to the tubular wall 105. As assembled, the end wall 146 of the cup 121 is adjacent to the end wall 168. [0066] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 of applying a UV exposure indicator stamp and sunscreen to the skin of a user using a sunscreen dispenser according to the principles describe above. Method 900 may be performed by a user any time the user will be exposed to sunlight and can ensure that the user is aware when his or her skin is inadequately protected by sunscreen. Method 900 may be used with various dispenser embodiments including those described above.

[0067] At step 902, the user may uncap a cap from the second end of the dispenser to expose a stamp applicator that comprises a sunlight exposure indicator composition. The user may unscrew or flip the cap open. In some embodiments, the user grasps the tubular wall of the main body of the dispenser and presses a finger, such as a thumb, underneath a lip on the cap and flips the cap open with one hand.

[0068] At step 904, the user presses the stamp applicator to their skin at the desired location to stamp their skin with the indicator composition. Generally, the user grips the tubular wall of the main body of the dispenser and applies a downward force to press the stamp applicator against the skin. During this procedure, the sunscreen dispensing outlet of the dispenser may be capped to prevent accidental dispensing of the sunscreen while force is being applied by the user to the main body to apply the stamp.

[0069] The user may choose to stamp his or her skin at a location that is readily visible to them and that may receive a large amount of sun exposure. For example, the user may choose to stamp the forearm, a location that is easily observable by the user. The user may stamp multiple locations so that multiple locations can be monitored for sufficient sunscreen coverage. The user may have another person stamp one or more locations that are inaccessible to the user, such as areas on the back.

[0070] After applying the stamps of indicator composition to the skin, the user may recap the cap over the stamp applicator. In embodiments in which the cap is connected to the second end of the dispenser via a hinge, the user can recap the cap by flipping it closed. Recapping the cap can ensure that the stamp applicator does not dry out or become dirty.

[0071] At step 906, the first end cap is uncapped from the first end of the sunscreen dispenser, which is the opposite end from the stamping end of the dispenser. Uncapping the first end cap uncovers the sunscreen dispenser outlet. The first end cap may be flipped open in embodiments in which the cap is hinged to the main body. In other embodiments, the first end cap is unscrewed or popped off.

[0072] At step 908, the sunscreen is dispensed from the dispenser and applied to at least the location of the skin of the user that was stamped so that the sunscreen is applied over the stamped indicator. The user applies a dispensing force to the dispenser to dispense sunscreen through the dispensing outlet. This dispensing force may be a squeeze applied to the tubular wall by the user’s hand or may be a downward force applied to a dispensing nozzle, such as for spray sunscreen. The user applies the sunscreen uniformly over the stamped portion of the skin and the adjacent areas of the skin that the user may be concerned about protecting. The indicator composition may be configured to perform similarly to skin with respect to the overlying sunscreen, and thus, by applying the sunscreen uniformly to the stamp and the surrounding skin, the indicator can best indicate the amount of UV radiation reaching the surrounding skin.

[0073] At step 910, the user monitors the location of the skin that was stamped for a change in appearance of the indicator composition. The change in appearance may indicate that the amount of sunscreen overlying the stamp is inadequately preventing UV radiation from reaching the stamp, which if the sunscreen was evenly applied, indicates that the adjacent areas of the skin are insufficiently protected by sunscreen. The change in appearance of the stamped indicator composition may be the appearance of previously invisible indicator composition, the darkening or lightening of the indicator composition, or a change in color of the indicator composition.

[0074] At step 912, in response to the user determining that an appearance of the indicator composition stamped on the skin has changed, the user reapplies sunscreen to at least the location of the skin of the user. In some embodiments, prior to reapplying the sunscreen, the user may apply one or more additional stamps to the skin. In some embodiments, the user may remove a stamp prior to applying additional sunscreen, such as by wiping it away with an alcohol wipe and/or with water and soap.

[0075] The sunscreen dispensed by the dispenser 100 may be any sunscreen product. Suitable sunscreen products may contain a sunscreening effective amount of one or more oil- soluble or water-soluble sunscreening UV-B actives or a mixture of one or more UV-B actives and one or more UV-A actives. UV-A type sunscreening actives protect against long wavelength actinic radiation of the sun in the 320 to 400 nm range while UV-B type sunscreening actives protect against shorter wavelength, actinic radiation of the sun in the 290-320 nm range.

[0076] As explained above, during use, the stamp applicator includes an indicator composition that is transferred to the user’s skin for indicating to the user when sunscreen should be reapplied. The indicator composition can be any suitable photoactive, color changing composition, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 8,501,053, titled“Multi color, photoactive, color changing compositions and UV dosimeters,” and U.S. Patent No. 9,097,588, titled“Dose responsive UV indicator.” Generally, the indicator composition includes a photochromic molecule and a carrier. The photochromic molecules change in appearance in response to an exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. In some embodiments, the indicator composition changes from uncolored to color in response to exposure to UV radiation. In other embodiments, the indicator composition changes from one color to another color, from a lighter color to a darker color, or from a darker color to a lighter color. The change in appearance upon exposure to UV radiation is determined by the selection of the photochromic molecule or molecules.

[0077] The indicator composition for a given embodiment may be configured based on the efficacy of the sunscreen for the embodiment. For example, for a relatively low SPF sunscreen, the corresponding indicator composition may be less sensitive to UV radiation. Generally, exposure of the indicator composition to less than a threshold amount of UV radiation that is related to the SPF rating of the sunscreen does not result in the indicator composition changing in appearance. This may be done, for example, by varying the amount of the photochromic molecule in the indicator. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises different levels of photochromic molecules in order to indicate when different UV exposure levels have been surpassed, such as in a tiered system which indicates that the sunscreen can no longer provide one level of protection, but is still providing another (lower) level of protection.

[0078] The indicator composition may be configured so that the stamp of indicator composition applied to the skin behaves in ways similar to the skin with respect to sunscreen applied over the stamp. The sunscreen is applied to, absorbed by, and worn off the stamp in a similar manner as it does on the skin. In other words, the behavior of the sunscreen applied on top of the stamp is the same or similar to the behavior of the sunscreen applied to adjacent skin areas.

[0079] Embodiments described above include dispensers for dispensing sunscreen. However, the invention encompasses dispensers dispensing formulations other than sunscreens. Dispensers may contain and dispense any suitable liquid, lotion, gel, etc. For example, dispensers may contain and dispense spray tan formulations, moisturizing lotions, perfumes, or body paints. The invention also encompasses indicator compositions other than UV exposure indicator compositions. For example, an indicator composition may include one or more inks for stamping a decorative stamp on a user.

[0080] The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0081] Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and

modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and

modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. Finally, the entire disclosure of the patents and publications referred to in this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A sunscreen dispenser, wherein the dispenser comprises:

a body that comprises a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, wherein the tubular wall partially defines a reservoir for containing sunscreen;

a dispensing outlet for dispensing sunscreen in the reservoir, the dispensing outlet located at the first end of the body; and

a stamp applicator for stamping a sunlight exposure indicator composition on skin of a user, the stamp applicator located at the second end of the tubular wall that is opposite the first end.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser contains the indicator composition.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the indicator composition is configured to change in appearance in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation due to a reduction in efficacy of a layer of sunscreen over the indicator composition on the skin of the user.

4. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispenser comprises a first end cap positioned on the first end of the body for capping the dispensing outlet and a second end cap positioned on the second end of the body for capping the stamp applicator.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the second end cap is hingedly connected to the body.

6. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first end of the body has a larger cross- sectional area than the second end of the body.

7. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tubular wall is configured to be squeezed by a hand of the user for dispensing sunscreen from the dispensing outlet and to be grasped by the user for applying a force in the longitudinal direction to press the stamp applicator against the skin of the user.

8. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the dispenser comprises sunscreen in the reservoir.

9. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stamp applicator protrudes beyond the second end of the body in the longitudinal direction.

10. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the body comprises a stamp applicator housing that extends in the longitudinal direction from the tubular wall.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the stamp applicator housing comprises an outer wall and an outer surface of the outer wall is aligned with an outer surface of the tubular wall proximate the second end of the body.

12. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dispenser comprises an indicator composition reservoir made of an absorbent material for retaining the indicator composition.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the dispenser comprises a cup located in the second end of the body for holding the indicator composition reservoir.

14. The dispenser of either one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the stamp applicator contacts the indicator composition reservoir so that the indicator composition can transfer from the indicator composition reservoir to the stamp applicator.

15. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the stamp applicator comprises an absorbent material for retaining the indicator composition.

16. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the dispenser comprises a sunscreen having a predetermined efficacy and an indicator composition that is configured to indicate when an efficacy of a layer of the sunscreen applied over the indicator composition on the skin of the user is less than the predetermined efficacy of the sunscreen.

17. A method of applying sunscreen to a user from a dispenser that comprises a body that includes a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, the tubular wall partially defining a reservoir for containing sunscreen, wherein the method comprises: uncapping a second end cap from the second end of the dispenser to expose a stamp applicator that comprises a UV exposure indicator composition;

pressing the stamp applicator to a location on skin of the user to transfer the indicator composition to the location on the skin of the user;

uncapping a first end cap from the first end of the dispenser that is opposite the second end of the dispenser, to uncap a sunscreen dispensing outlet;

dispensing the sunscreen through the dispensing outlet by applying a dispensing force to the dispenser and applying the sunscreen to at least the location of the skin of the user; monitoring the location of the skin of the user for a change in appearance of the indicator composition stamped on the location of the skin of the user; and

in response to determining that an appearance of the indicator composition stamped on the location of the skin of the user has changed, reapplying sunscreen to at least the location of the skin of the user.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the indicator composition is configured to change in appearance in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation due to a reduction in efficacy of a layer of the sunscreen over the indicator composition on the skin of the user.

19. The method of either one of claims 17 and 18, further comprising stamping the skin of the user with the indicator composition again prior to reapplying the sunscreen.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising closing the second end cap after pressing the stamp applicator to the skin of the user and before applying the sunscreen to the skin of the user.

21. The method of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein applying the dispensing force comprises squeezing sides of the dispenser to squeeze out sunscreen or pressing on the first end of the dispenser to release a spray of sunscreen.

22. The method of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein determining that the appearance of the indicator composition stamped on the location of the skin of the user has changed comprises determining that the indicator composition has changed from one color to another color, determining that the indicator composition has changed from clear to colored, or determining that the indicator composition has darkened or lightened.

23. The method of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the first end of the dispenser has a larger cross sectional area than the second end of the dispenser.

24. The method of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the sunscreen has a predetermined efficacy and the indicator composition is configured to indicate when an efficacy of a layer of the sunscreen applied over the indicator composition on the skin of the user is less than the predetermined efficacy of the sunscreen.

25. A dispenser, wherein the dispenser comprises:

a body that comprises a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, wherein the tubular wall partially defines a reservoir for containing a formulation;

a dispensing outlet for formulation contained in the reservoir, the dispensing oudet located at the first end of the body; and

a stamp applicator for stamping an indicator composition on skin of a user, the stamp applicator located at the second end of the tubular wall that is opposite the first end.

26. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the reservoir contains the formulation.

27. The dispenser of claim 26, wherein the formulation is a liquid, a lotion, or a gel.

28. The dispenser of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the dispenser contains the indicator composition.

29. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein the indicator composition comprises a decorative ink.

30. A method of applying a formulation to a user from a dispenser that comprises a body that includes a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the body to a second end of the body that is opposite the first end of the body, the tubular wall partially defining a reservoir for containing the formulation, wherein the method comprises: uncapping a second end cap from the second end of the dispenser to expose a stamp applicator that comprises an indicator composition;

uncapping a first end cap from the first end of the dispenser that is opposite the second end of the dispenser, to uncap a formulation dispensing outlet; and

dispensing the formulation through the dispensing outlet by applying a dispensing force to the dispenser and applying the formulation to at least the location of the skin of the user.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the formulation is a liquid, a lotion, or a gel.

32. The method of either one of claims 30 and 31, wherein the indicator composition comprises a decorative ink.