SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING AND APPLYING SUBSTANCES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments described herein relate generally to systems, devices, and methods for dispensing a substance and applying the dispensed substance on a surface, such as, for example, a skin of a subject.

BACKGROUND

Personal care is a growing market and there is a rapidly increasing demand for personal care products that can be applied to users' skin. For example, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and worldwide. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. The rates of skin cancer can be greatly reduced by protecting exposure of skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays by application of a sufficient layer of sunscreen or covering the skin using another substance or material that filters the UV rays of the sun. Similarly, a person suffering from eczema or psoriasis may manage his condition by frequent applications of a moisturizing substance or a suitable medicament. However, sunscreens and other such substances applied on skin of users are often disposed in containers that are difficult to carry or difficult to use in dispensing the substances. Moreover, such containers do not provide guidance to the users for applying the substances or determining how much substance to apply.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for dispensing a substance on a surface. In an embodiment, an apparatus can include a body within which a container containing a substance is disposable. A cap is removably coupled to the body. A dispenser is coupled to the container and includes a dispenser cap defining at least one dispensing opening, and a dispensing mechanism that is configured to be selectively actuated to dispense a predetermined amount of the substance through the at least one dispensing opening of the dispenser cap, allowing at least a portion of the predetermined amount of the substance to be disposed on an external surface when the outer surface of the dispenser cap is contacted with the external surface.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a body defining a receptacle. A cap is configured to be removably coupled to at least one axial end of the body. A container is removably disposable within the receptacle, and defines an internal volume configured to contain a substance. A dispenser is coupled to the container. The dispenser includes a dispenser cap coupled to a first axial end of the container, and at least one dispensing opening defined through the dispenser cap. A dispensing mechanism is at least partially disposed within the container and configured to be selectively actuated to dispense the substance through the at least one dispensing opening.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for dispensing a substance through an apparatus that includes a body defining a receptacle, a cap removably coupled to a first axial end of the body, a container removably disposable within the receptacle and defining an internal volume containing a substance, and a dispenser including (1) a dispenser cap coupled to a first axial end of the container proximate to the first axial end of the body and defining at least one dispensing opening therethrough and (2) a dispensing mechanism configured to be selectively actuated to dispense the substance through the at least one dispensing opening. The method can include exposing the dispenser cap to an external environment responsive to removal of the cap from the first axial end of the body. Responsive to actuation of the actuating mechanism, a predetermined amount of the substance is caused to be dispensed through the at least one dispensing opening onto an outer surface of the dispenser cap. Responsive to the outer surface of the dispenser cap contacting an external surface, at least a portion of the predetermined amount of the substance is applied on the external surface. The dispenser cap is isolated from the external environment responsive to replacement of the cap on the first axial end.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for dispensing a substance through an apparatus that includes a body defining a receptacle, a cap removably coupled to a first axial end of the body, a container removably disposable within the receptacle and defining an internal volume containing a substance, and a dispenser including (1) a dispenser cap coupled to a first axial end of the container proximate to the first axial end of the body and defining at least one dispensing opening therethrough and (2) a dispensing mechanism configured to be selectively actuated to dispense the substance through the at least one dispensing opening. The method can include exposing the dispenser cap to an external environment responsive to removal of the cap from the first axial end of the body. Responsive to the cap being coupled to the dispensing mechanism proximate to a second axial end of the body opposite the first axial end and being rotated by a predetermined amount, the actuating mechanism is actuated causing a predetermined amount of the substance to be dispensed through the at least one dispensing opening onto an outer surface of the dispenser cap. Responsive to the outer surface of the dispenser cap contacting an external surface, at least a portion of the predetermined amount of the substance is applied on the external surface. The dispenser cap is isolated from the external environment responsive to replacement of the cap on the first axial end.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings Understanding that these drawings depict only several implementations in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a cap of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, the cap being removably couplable to a body or a dispenser of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a body of an apparatus for dispensing a substance that is configured to receive a container containing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser and a container of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration depicting different containers being disposable in a body of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for dispensing a substance on a surface using an apparatus that includes a body, a cap, a container containing a substance, and a dispenser, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7B are perspective views of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIGS. 7A-7B.

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view, and FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of a cap that may be included in a dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 10A-10B are perspective views of a body that may be included in a dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of container and a dispenser coupled to the container, that may be included in a dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment; FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 11A with the container removed to show various components of the dispenser, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a bottom, perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 11B showing a base element of the dispenser, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view and FIG. 13B is a side view of a dispensing plate included in the dispenser of FIG. 11B, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14A-14D are various views of a dispenser cap included in the dispenser of FIG. 11B, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view and FIG. 15B is side view of a dispenser cap of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dispenser cap of an apparatus for dispensing a substance and a filter that may be disposed within or upstream of dispensing openings of the dispenser cap, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a dispensing apparatus including an accessory coupled to a body of the apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a body of a dispensing apparatus with a container containing a substance disposed within a receptacle thereof, according to an embodiment; FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the body of FIG. 18A with the container being partially removed from the receptacle; and FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the of FIG. 18A with the container completely removed from the receptacle.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 19A with a cap included in the apparatus removed and coupled to a dispenser of the apparatus.

FIG. 19C is a side view of a dispenser included in the apparatus of FIG. 19A-19B.

FIGS. 20A-20B are perspective views of a package for housing a dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows the package of FIGS. 20A-20B with a cover of the package removed to show the apparatus disposed therein, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a package for housing a replacement dispenser and container containing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 22 with a lid of the dispenser package removed, and the container and dispenser partially removed from the dispenser package, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of a portion of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view, and FIG. 25B is a top view of an accessory securement member included in the apparatus of FIG. 24, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective views of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 27 depicts various components of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 28A-28C are various views of a dispenser cap of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 29A-29C are various views of a cap of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for dispensing a substance on a surface. In an embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a substance can include a body within which a container containing a substance is disposable. A cap is removably coupled to the body. A dispenser is coupled to the container and includes a dispenser cap defining at least one dispensing opening, and a dispensing mechanism that is configured to be selectively actuated to dispense a predetermined amount of the substance through the at least one dispensing opening on an outer surface of the dispenser cap, allowing at least a portion of the predetermined amount of the substance to be disposed on an external surface (e.g., a skin of a user) when the outer surface of the dispenser cap is contacted with the external surface.

Sunscreens, medicaments such as eczema creams, skin moisturizers, deodorants, lotions, makeup, medicaments, and other such substances (e.g., non-Newtonian fluids) applied on skin of users are often disposed in containers that are different to carry. Moreover, such containers do not allow the users to control the amount of substance that users want to apply on themselves, or someone else. Moreover, surfaces, such as the face of a user, have multiple contours that pose a challenge for application of a uniform amount of the substance on a user's face. Still further, knowing how much substance is suitable to apply to section of skin (e.g., a face of a user) is also a challenge. Another challenge is providing containers in a form factor which is amenable to transportation and can be carried on the person of a user (e.g., in a handbag, a pocket of a user's clothes, a purse, etc.). Still another challenge is rapid identification of a container among various containers that may be disposed together in a location. For example, a user may carry multiple items in the user's personal luggage or bag (e.g., a bag, a purse, handbag, suitcase, etc.). Rapidly finding a particular container or apparatus among multiple containers disposed in such a personal luggage or bag is difficult and generally involves the user rummaging through the multiple items and oftentimes visually identifying the container that the user wants to access. This takes time and can increases the time the user spends in accessing a particular container or an apparatus that the user desires.

Embodiments of the various apparatuses for dispensing substances on a surface, and methods of dispensing a substance using such apparatuses described herein may provide one or more benefits, including, for example: (1) providing a substance in an apparatus having a small form factor that can be easily carried on a user's person; (2) providing a dispenser cap having multiple contours tailored for dispensing a substance and/or spreading out a substance (e.g., over a user's skin); (3) allowing easy dispensing of predetermined amount of the substance; (4) providing haptic features on an exterior surface of the apparatus to allow a user to easily identify and access the apparatus among various items using touch without having to view the apparatus; (5) allowing removal and replacement of a container and dispenser assembly disposed in a body of an apparatus, e.g., enabling quick replacement of empty containers; (6) allowing use of different container and dispenser assemblies with the same body of the apparatus, thereby allowing different substances or different amount of substances to be dispensed using the same body; (7) providing a multipurpose cap that can be used for closing the apparatus as well as an actuator for dispensing a predetermined amount of the substance, thereby reducing space occupied by the apparatus; and/or (8) allowing accessories or other user engagement items to be coupled to the apparatus, thereby facilitating the user to carry the apparatus or personalize the apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus 100 for dispensing a substance 112, according to an embodiment. The apparatus may include a cap 120, a body 130, a dispenser 140, and a container 110 containing a substance 112. The substance 112 may include any Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluid formulated to be applied to a surface. Suitable substances 112 may include, but are not limited to, sunscreen, medicaments (e.g, eczema cream, skin moisturizers, skin texturing creams, analgesics, burn relief creams, etc.), cosmetics (e.g., foundation, makeup, etc.), glue, paint, varnish, any other suitable substances, or a combination thereof. It should be appreciated that while various embodiments of the apparatus or methods of use thereof are generally described as relating to application of a substance on a user's face or other body part, the apparatus and methods described herein are equally applicable to application of any substance on any surface. All such variations are contemplated and should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

Referring to FIG. 1, the body 130 defines a receptacle 134 configured to receive the container 110 and at least a portion of the dispenser 140 therein. The body 130 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, plastics, polymers, metals (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, alloys, etc.), or any other suitable material or a combination thereof. The body 130 may extend along a longitudinal axis such that the body 130 has a first axial end and a second axial end opposite the first axial end. At least one axial end of the body 130 (or a side of the body 130) may be open to allow access to at least a portion of the dispenser 140, as well as allow insertion and/or removal of the container 110 and the dispenser 140 from the receptacle 134. In some embodiments, the container 110 can be inserted through a first axial end of the body 130 and be removed through a second axial end of the body 130. The container 130 can be positioned within the body 130 such that a dispenser 140 coupled to the container (and further described below) can be positioned to dispense the substance 112 out of the container and onto an external surface. As such, once the container 110 is placed within the receptacle 134, at least a portion of the dispenser 140 may be positioned outside of (or extending from) the body 130 such that the portion of the dispenser 140 can make contact with and dispense a substance into an external surface. In some embodiments, each of the first and second axial ends of the body 130 may be open to allow a user to access at least a portion of the dispenser 140 from each of the first and second axial ends.

FIG. 3 provides a more detailed view of a body 330 that may be configured to removably receive the container 110 and the dispenser 140, according to an embodiment, and may be used in the apparatus 100 or any other apparatus described herein. The body 330 includes a housing 333 defining a receptacle 334 configured to receive the container 110 or any other container described herein. The housing 333 includes a first opening 334a defined at a first axial end of the body 330, and a second opening 334b defined at a second axial end of housing 333 opposite the first axial end. Each of the first and second openings 334a/b may have a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the container 110. In some embodiments, the container 110 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, and therefore the first and second openings 334a/b can be configured to have a circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter that is slightly larger than a diameter of the circular cross-sectional shape of the container 110. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the container 110 and the first and second openings 334a/b can be non-circular, e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11A.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second openings 334a/b may have the same cross-sectional shape, for example, to allow insertion or removal of the container 110 from either end of end. In some embodiments, a ledge or protrusion (or a recess) may be defined proximate to the second opening 334b. The ledge or protrusion (or the recess) can be configured to engage with a corresponding structure (e.g., recess, ledge, or protrusion) disposed at a corresponding axial end of the container 110 once the container 110 is positioned within the receptacle 334 at the proper location. The ledge or protrusion can provide feedback to the user to indicate when the container 110 has been inserted the appropriate distance into the body 330, so as to define the distance that the container 110 should be axially inserted into the receptacle 334. In some embodiments, the ledge or protrusion can provide haptic and/or audible feedback to the user to indicate when the container 110 has been inserted the correct distance into the body 330. In some embodiments, the second opening 334b may have a second cross-sectional width that is smaller than a first cross-sectional width of the first opening 334a (e.g., receptacle 334 may have a smaller cross-sectional width at the second opening 334b) such that the container 110 can only be inserted into or removed from the receptacle 334 through the first opening 334a and can only be inserted into the receptacle 334 up to an axial location of the receptacle 334 where the receptacle 334 transitions from the first cross-sectional width to the smaller second cross-sectional width proximate to the second opening 334b.

In some embodiments, receptacle engagement features may be defined on an inner surface of the receptacle 334 that are configured to engage corresponding container engagement features defined on an outer surface of the container 110 or any other container described herein. Such engagement features may include but are not limited to one or more indent, detent, ledge, notch, groove, protrusions, magnets, any other suitable engagement feature, or a combination thereof. Engagement of the receptacle engagement features with the container engagement features may facilitate proper positioning of the container 110 within the receptacle 334, may inhibit movement of the container 110 within the receptacle 334, and or inhibit removal of the container 110 from the receptacle 334 unless an axial force greater than a threshold axial force is exerted on the container 110 to push the container 110 out of the receptacle 334. In this manner, accidental removal of the container 110 from the receptacle 334 may be inhibited. Moreover, engagement of the receptacle engagement features with the container engagement features may generate a haptic feedback or an audible click that may indicate to the user that the container 110 is properly installed with the receptacle 334.

The housing 333 may have an outer cross-sectional shape that is the same or different from an inner cross-sectional of the housing 333 (i.e., the cross-sectional shape of the receptacle 334). In some embodiments, the housing 333 may have a circular or polygonal (e.g., square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.) outer cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the housing 333 may have a non-circular or non-polygonal outer cross-sectional shape. For example, a first portion of the outer surface of the housing 333 may define a circular or curved shape, and a second portion of the outer surface of the housing 333 may be flat. In such embodiments, the receptacle 334 may have the same cross-sectional shape as the outer cross-sectional shape, or different therefrom.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 334 and the container 110 can have non-circular cross-sectional shapes, e.g., to facilitate proper orientation of the container 110 within the receptacle 334. For example, the receptacle 334 can have a circular or curved cross-section with a portion that is flat, and the container 110 can have a similar cross-section, such that when a user is positioning the container 110 within the receptacle 334, the flat sections guide the user to properly orient the container 110 relative to the receptacle 334.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the housing 333 may include optionally a reflective surface 336. For example, the outer surface of the housing 333 can include a flat portion that is highly reflective, e.g., processed to be highly reflective (e.g., a polished metal surface) or being formed of a reflective material (e.g., a glass mirror, metallic strip, or reflective sticker). The reflective surface 336 may be used as a mirror by the user to confirm proper application of the substance (e.g., on surfaces that cannot be easily viewed by the user, such as, for example, the face of the user).

In some embodiments, the housing 333 may optionally include one or more accessory attachment sites 335. For example, grooves, dispensing openings, clips, or other features may be provided on and/or integrated into the housing 333 to allow attachment of an accessory including, but not limited to, a lanyard, a clip, a cable, a band, a chain, a rope, or any other accessory to the housing. In some embodiments, the accessory attachment site 335 may include an angular groove defined at the first or second axial end of the housing 333. A bar may be disposed across the groove such that a lanyard or other accessory may inserted into the groove and looped around the bar for coupling the accessory to the housing 333.

In some embodiments, haptic elements 331 may optionally be provided on the housing 333 to enable a user to engage, and in some embodiments, recognize the body 330 and thereby, the apparatus 100 or any other apparatus including the housing 333 based on touch. The haptic elements 331 may include notches, grooves, slots, protrusions, a peculiar surface texture, or any other suitable feature that the user can associate with the body 330 as a haptic signature thereof. In some embodiments, the haptic elements 331 may include slots defined through a portion of the housing 333, for example, the portion of the housing 333 defining the circular or curved outer circumferential cross-section as previously described herein. The slots may be defined circumferentially or laterally in the portion of the housing 333, and may be oriented at any suitable angle, for example, having an annular profile, defined at an angle, any other suitable orientation, or combination thereof. The slots may be defined through the housing 333 such that an internal volume defined by the receptacle is visible. This may provide the benefit of allowing a user to view the inner volume of the receptacle 334 through the slots without removing the cap 120 or any other cap that is coupled to the body 330. Such visualization can allow a user to quickly determine whether a container 110 is disposed within the receptacle 334 or identify the particular kind of container 110 disposed within the receptacle 334 without removing the cap (e.g., the cap 120) from the body 330. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 5, different containers containing different substances can have different visual indicators that can facilitate their identification. Therefore, a user, by being able to visualize the container from an exterior of the body 330, can be allowed to identify the type of container disposed therein and therefore the type of substance being dispensed. In some embodiments, different types of bodies 330 can also be designed, e.g., different bodies 330 with different haptic elements 331, to allow the user to identify the particular container and/or substance disposed therein. In such embodiments, each container can have a different haptic element 331 and be paired with a different type of container (e.g., based on the cross-sectional dimensions of its receptacle and the different containers).

In some embodiments, one or more sensors 337 may optionally be provided in the housing 333 (e.g., embedded within the housing 333, or disposed on an outer surface of the housing 333). The sensor(s) 337 may include but are not limited to a temperature sensor (e.g., to determine an ambient temperature), a UV sensor (e.g., to determine a UV index), a humidity sensor, a volume sensor (e.g., to determine a volume of the substance 112 that is being dispensed by, or is remaining in the container 110), load and/or force sensor, pressure sensors, health monitoring sensors (e.g., blood oxygen sensors, blood glucose sensors, electrocardiogram sensors), any other suitable sensor or a combination thereof. The sensors 337 can be configured to provide information that can be used to monitor a state, condition, etc. of a substance contained within a container in the body 330.

The housing 333 may also include an optional processor 338 configured to receive signals form the one or more sensors 337 and determine a quantitative or qualitative value of the parameter sensed by the respective one or more sensors 337. In some embodiments, the processor 338 can be configured to analyze the data from the sensor(s) 337 and/or generate signals indicative of such values. In some embodiments, the processor 338 may be an onboard processor provided in the housing 333. In other embodiments, the processor 338 may be included in the in an external system that communicates with the sensor(s) 337, for example, via an optional input/output (I/O) interface 339. The processor 338 can be any suitable processing device configured to run and/or execute functions associated with processing and/or analyzing sensor data from the sensor(s) 337. In some embodiments, the processor 338 may be an external processor of a separate system (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, a remote server, a cloud server, etc.). In various embodiments, the processor 338 may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., or combinations thereof. While not shown, an optional power source (e.g., a disposable or rechargeable battery) may be provided in the housing 333 to provide electrical power to the processor 338, the sensor(s) 337, and/or the I/O interface 339. In some embodiments, the processor 338 can be configured to determine based on the sensor data whether a substance within the body 330 is not in a condition for use, e.g., due to it being too cold or too hot, due to there being too much movement, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 338 can then send an alert to the user (e.g., via the I/O) interface 339) such that the user does not attempt to dispense the substance when the substance is unusable. Then once the substance is again usable, the processor 338 can send a message to the user indicating that the substance is suitable for use. In some embodiments, the processor 338 can be configured to monitor other information associated with the substance, e.g., an amount of substance being dispensed, an amount of substance remaining within the container, an expiration date of the substance, etc.

In some embodiments, an optional memory (not shown) may be associated with the processor 338 and configured to log data collected by the sensor(s) 337, store calibration parameters of the sensor(s) 337, or store equations, algorithms, or lookup tables configured to determine specific parameter values based on raw signals received from the sensor(s) 337. The memory can be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, a database, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), and/or so forth. In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions that cause processor 338 to execute modules, processes, and/or functions associated with processing and/or analyzing sensor data from sensor(s) 337.

In some embodiments, the housing 333 may also include the optional I/O interface 339 configured to communicate information to a user or a system separate from the body 330 and/or receive communication from a user or the external system. The I/O device 339 may include one or more components (e.g., a communication or network interface) for receiving information and/or sending information to other devices (e.g., user device(s) 280, third-party device(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the I/O device 339 can optionally include or be operatively coupled to a display, audio device, or other output device for presenting information to a user. In some embodiments, the I/O device 339 can optionally include or be operatively coupled to a touchscreen, a keyboard, or other input device or receiving information from a user. For example, the I/O interface 339 may include a display configured to display the various parameters measured by the sensor(s) 337, a volume of the substance 112 that has been dispensed by the apparatus 100 or that is remaining in the apparatus 100, a state of condition of the substance 112, or any other information thereon. In some embodiments, the I/O interface 339 may include an audio and/or visual display system, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), a speaker, or any other output device to communicate information to a user. In some embodiments, the I/O interface 339 may include a communication device, for example, a BLUETOOTH®, Zigbee, WiFi, or near field communication (NFC), or any other communication device for communication information to, or receiving information form a separate system (e.g., a user device such as mobile phone, tablet, computer, remote server, or cloud server).

Referring to FIG. 1, the cap 120 is removably coupled to at least one axial end of the body 130, for example, the first axial end of the body 130, 330, or any other body described herein. The cap 120 may be formed from the same material as the body 130, or from a different material therefrom. In some embodiments, the cap 120 may have an outer cross-sectional shape that is substantially similar to the outer cross-sectional shape of the body 130. For example, as described with respect to FIG. 3, the housing 333 may have a first portion defining a circular cross-sectional shape, and a second portion that is substantially flat. In such embodiments, the cap 120 may also have a cap first portion defining a circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the first portion of the housing 333, and a cap second portion that is substantially flat and corresponds to the flat second portion of the housing 333. The shape of cap 120 may enable a user to properly align the cap 120 with the housing 333 and/or to facilitate coupling of the cap 120 to the housing 333. In some embodiments, the flat second portion of the cap 120 may also form a reflective surface, as described with respect to the second portion of the housing 333.

In some embodiments, protrusions may be defined on an inner surface of the cap 120 and configured to contact dispensing openings defined in a dispenser cap of the dispenser 140. The protrusions may be shaped and sized to correspond to a shape and/or size of the dispensing openings such that when the cap 120 is coupled to the container 110, the protrusions contact, or are at least partially inserted into corresponding dispensing openings of the dispenser cap of the dispenser 140 to close the dispensing openings.

The cap 120 may include coupling elements configured to allow coupling of the cap 120 to the body 130 and/or the dispenser 140. For example, FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a cap 220 that includes a coupling element 222 configured to allow coupling of the cap 220 to a body 230 and to a dispenser 240, according to an embodiment. The body 230 and the cap 2440 may be substantially similar to the body 130/330 and the dispenser 140, as described herein. The coupling element 222 may include a friction fit, snap-fit features (e.g., ledges, detents, indentsm protrusions, grooves, etc.), threads, locks, magnets, any other coupling features or combination thereof, which are configured to engage a body coupling element 232 of the body 230 (e.g., friction fit, snap-fit features, mating threads, locks, magnets, any other coupling features or combination thereof), or alternatively, a dispenser coupling 242 (e.g., friction, snap-fit features, mating threads, locks, magnets any other coupling features or combination thereof) of the dispenser 240.

For example, the coupling element 222 may include a flange extending from an axial end of the cap 220. The flange may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the body 230 (e.g., a curved first portion and flat second portion) such that when the flange is inserted into the body 230, the flange rotationally locks the cap with respect to the body 230. In some embodiments, the coupling element 222 and the body coupling element 232 may comprise a friction fit. In some embodiments, coupling features (e.g., snap-fit features) may additionally or alternatively, be defined on an inner surface or outer surface of the flange and configured to engage the corresponding coupling element 232 of the body 230 when the flange is inserted into the body 230, for example, the first axial end of the body 230. In some embodiments, instead of engaging the body 230, the coupling element 222 (e.g., snap-fit features) are configured to engage the corresponding dispenser coupling element 242 defined on a portion of the dispenser 240.

In some embodiments, the dispenser coupling element 242 may be provided at an axial end that is opposite the first axial end of the body 230. In such embodiments, the cap 220 may be uncoupled from the first axial end of the body 230 and coupled to the axial end of the dispenser 240 that is opposite the first axial end of the body 230 (e.g., the base element 448 of the dispenser 440 described with respect to FIG. 4). For example, a portion of the dispenser 240 may be accessible through an opening (e.g., the second opening 334b) defined at the second axial end of the body 230.

In some embodiments, the portion of the dispenser 240 may have a similar cross-sectional shape to the cross-sectional shape of the body 230, and thereby the flange of the cap 220 such that the flange of the cap 220, or any other corresponding portion of the cap 220 may fit within or around the portion of the dispenser 240. In some embodiments, the coupling element 242 may additionally, or alternatively, be provided on the portion of the dispenser 240 to enable removable coupling of the cap 220 thereto. In some embodiments, a portion of the dispenser may be an actuator configured to be actuated (e.g., rotated) to dispense a predetermined amount of the substance 112 through the dispenser 240, as described herein. In such embodiments, once the cap 220 is coupled to the portion of the dispenser 240, rotation of the cap 220 can facilitate rotation of the portion of the dispenser 240 causing the substance 112 to be dispensed from the dispenser 240.

In some embodiments, the dispenser 240 may be configured such that one complete rotation (e.g., 360-degree rotation) of the cap 240 and therefore, the portion of the dispenser 240 that the cap 220 is coupled to (e.g., a base of the dispenser 240), causes a predetermined amount of the substance 112 to be dispensed through the dispenser 240 (e.g., through a dispenser cap included in the dispenser 240). In embodiments in which the cap 220 has a flat portion (or other guide feature, such as, for example, a line, a marking, or other surface and/or shape discontinuity) corresponding to a flat portion (or other guide feature) of the body 230, a user may determine that one complete rotation of the cap 220 has occurred once the flat portions (or guide features) are realigned after rotating the cap 220 relative to the body. In some embodiments, haptic feedback features (e.g., snap-fit features such as protrusion, groove, notches, indents, detents, etc.) may be provided on the dispenser 240 (e.g., the portion of the dispenser 240 to which the cap 220 is coupled) and/or a container (e.g., the container 110) to which the dispenser 240 is coupled to provide haptic feedback to the user (e.g., an audible or tactile click) that indicates to the user that one complete rotation of the cap 220 and thus, the portion of the dispenser 240 has occurred.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the container 110 is removably disposed within the receptacle 134, and defines an internal volume configured to contain the substance 112. In some embodiments, the container 110 may have an outer cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the receptacle 134. For example, the shape and size of the container 110 may be configured to allow the container 110 to slide in and slide out of the receptacle, or otherwise be removably disposable within the receptacle 134. The container 110 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, metals, plastics, polymers, or combinations thereof. The container 110 defines an internal volume within which the substance 112 (e.g., any of the substances previously described herein) is contained.

The container 110 can be coupled to the dispenser 140. In some embodiments, the container 110 may be open at both axial ends thereof to allow at least a portion of the dispenser 140 to be disposed therethrough or otherwise coupled thereto. For example, coupling the dispenser 140 to the container 110, as described herein, may close the axial ends of the container 110 such that the substance 112 can be contained therewithin.

As previously described herein, container engagement features, for example, snap-fit features, grooves, indents, detents, protrusion, slots, any other suitable engagement features, or combination thereof, may be provided on an outer surface of the container 110. The container engagement features may be configured to engage complimentary receptacle engagement features defined on an inner surface of the receptacle 134 when the container 110 is inserted into the receptacle 134 to secure the container 110 within the receptacle 134. In some embodiments, at least an outer surface of the container 110 may include a first portion that defines a curved profile, and a second portion that is substantially flat, for example, corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the receptacle 134. In such embodiments, the container engagement features may be provided on the flat portion of the container 110.

In some embodiments, the container 110 may have a color or a visual indicator may be provided on the container 110 to define a characteristic of the substance 112 contained in the container 110 or the dispenser 140 coupled to the container 110. For example, a color of the container 110 or visual indicator provided thereon may correspond to a type of substance 112 disposed in the container 110. For example, a first container 110 may have a first color corresponding to a first substance 112 disposed therein, and a second container 110 may have a second color different from the first color corresponding to a second substance 112 disposed therein. In some embodiments, a color of the container 110 or visual indicator provided thereon may correspond to a type of the dispenser 140 coupled there. For example, a first container 110 may have a first color corresponding to a first dispenser 140 configured to dispense a first amount of substance 112 coupled to the first container 110, and a second container 110 may have a second color different from the first color corresponding to a second dispenser 140 configured to dispense a second amount of substance 112 different from the first amount of substance coupled to the second container 110. The different amounts can correlate to different types of substances (e.g., sunscreen vs. deodorant) and/or different user groups (e.g., pediatric vs. adult). In some embodiments, other types of indicators (e.g, haptic, gustatory, etc.) can be provided instead of or in addition to visual indicators to identify the substance 112, type of dispenser 140, etc.

For example, FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration depicting different containers 510 and 510′ being disposable in a body 530 defining a receptacle 534, which may be included in the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. The body 530 may be substantially similar to the body 130 or 330, and therefore, certain details of the body 530 are not described herein again. The receptacle 534 may be configured to receive a first container 510 containing a first substance 512 (e.g., any of the substances described herein with respect to the substance 112) and coupled to a first dispenser 540. A user may then use the apparatus (e.g., the apparatus 100) including the body 530, the first dispenser 540, and the first container 510 until substantially all of the first substance 512 contained within the first container 510 is used or until the first substance 512 needs to be replaced (e.g, due to spoiling or expiration date). The first container 510 and first dispenser 540, that may together be in the form of a dispensing assembly, may then be removed and a second container 510′ containing a second substance 512′ and coupled to a second dispenser 540′ may then be inserted into the receptacle 534. Once the second substance 512″ is substantially consumed or needs to be replaced, the second container 510′ and the second dispenser 540′ may be replaced with a third container and dispenser combination, and so on and so forth. Thus, the body 530 may be configured to be reusable, while dispensing assemblies including the container and the dispenser may be disposable.

In some embodiments, the second substance 512″ may be the same as the first substance 512. In some embodiments, the second substance 512′ may be different from the first substance 512. In such embodiments, the container 510′ may also be different from the first container 510 (e.g., have a different color or visual marking, haptic marking, etc. as previously described). In some embodiments, the second dispenser 540′ may be the same as the first dispenser 540. In some embodiments, the second dispenser 540′ may be different from the first dispenser 540. For example, in some embodiments, a dispenser cap of the second dispenser 540′ may have a different shape from a dispenser cap of the first dispenser 540.

In some embodiments, the second dispenser 540″ may be configured to dispose a different amount of the second substance 512′ (e.g., in response to a complete rotation of a base element of the second dispenser 540′) relative to the first dispenser 540 (e.g., in response to a complete rotation of a base element of the first dispenser 540). In some embodiments, the second dispenser 540′ can have an advancement mechanism, such as, for example, a lead screw, that moves a dispensing platform a different distance that the first dispenser 540. For example, the second dispenser 540′ may include a second dispensing mechanism including a second lead screw that has a different pitch than a first lead screw of a dispensing mechanism of the first dispenser 540 such that a second amount of the second substance 512′ is dispensed by the second dispenser 540′ in response to an angular rotation of the first lead screw, which is different from a first amount of the first substance 512 that is dispensed when the first lead screw is rotated by the same angular rotation as the second lead screw. Further details of a dispenser are provided below.

A dispenser such as the dispenser 140 can be partially disposed within the container 110 and be coupled to the container 110. The dispenser 140 may include a dispenser cap coupled to a first axial end of the container 110, and at least one dispensing opening defined through the dispenser cap. The dispenser 140 may also include a dispensing mechanism at least partially disposed within the container 110 and configured to be selectively actuated to dispense the substance 112 through the at least one dispensing opening.

FIG. 4 provides a more detailed view of a dispenser 440 and how it interacts with a container 410 that may be included in the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the container 410 and the dispenser 440 may together form a storage and dispensing assembly. The container 410 and the dispenser 440 can be disposable in some embodiments. The container 410 may be substantially similar to the container 110 and therefore, not described in further detail herein. A substance 412 (e.g., any of the substances 112 previously described herein) may be contained within the container 410. The dispenser 440 may be coupled to the container 410 such that at least a portion of the dispenser 440 may be disposed within the container 410. The portion of the dispenser 440 disposable within the container 410 can be configured to push the substance 412 out of the container.

The dispenser 440 may include a dispenser cap 444 and a dispensing mechanism 446, and may optionally include a filter 445 and a base element 448. Expanding further, the dispenser cap 444 may be configured to be coupled to a first axial end of the container 410 (e.g., threaded therein, friction-fit, snap-fit, or adhered thereto) that may be proximate to the first axial end of the body 110, or any other body described herein, to which the cap 120, 220, or any other cap described herein is coupled. One or more dispensing openings 441 are defined through the dispenser cap 444 and configured to allow the substance 412 to be communicated therethrough to an outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 such that the dispensed substance can be applied on an external surface (e.g., a face or other portion of a body of a user). In some embodiments, a sealing member (e.g., an adhesive tape) may be disposed on the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 to seal the dispensing opening from the external environment. Prior to using the dispenser 440 for the first time, a user may remove the sealing member. The dispenser openings can then be closed or covered using the cap (e.g., cap 120) between uses.

The dispensing opening(s) 441 may include throughholes or slots defined through the dispenser cap 444. In some embodiments, the dispensing opening(s) 441 may include a plurality of longitudinal slots that may be defined at a central location of the dispenser cap 444, for example, extend longitudinally through the dispenser cap 444 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser 440. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of slots may have the same length. In some embodiments, the slots disposed closest to a center point of the dispenser cap 444 may have a first length that is longer than a length of slots disposed radially outwards of the central point. In some embodiments, a radially outer boundary of the plurality of slots forming the dispensing openings 441 may be circumscribed by an imaginary circle or ovoid such that the radially outer edges of each of the plurality of slots that contact the imaginary circle or ovoid follow the profile of the imaginary circle or ovoid (i.e., the corresponding edges of the slots are curved). Stated differently, the slots or openings of the dispenser cap 444, collectively, can be distributed to form a shape (e.g., a circular, polygonal, or other shape).

In some embodiments, an outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 includes or defines a first curved surface defining a first curvature, and a second curved surface defining a second curvature that is different from the first curvature. For example, the second portion of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 may be flatter than the first portion. The different curvatures of the first and second portions may beneficially allow the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 to conform to a surface having varying contours. For example, a user may use the rounder first portion to apply the dispensed substance on the face of the user and use the flatter second portion to apply the dispensed substance on the chin or neck portion of the user, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the flatter second portion may facilitate rubbing in and/or spreading out of the substance 412 on the surface (e.g., a face of the user). In some embodiments, a first perimetral distance of a radially outer edge of the first portion may be greater than a second perimetral distance of a radially outer edge of the second portion. In other words, the first portion may form a larger portion of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 relative to the second portion. While two curved surfaces with different degrees of curving are described herein, it can be appreciated that the dispensing cap can include additional numbers of curved surfaces having different curvatures.

The location defining the dispensing opening(s) 441 may be located centrally, e.g., between a first curved surface and the second curved surface of the dispensing cap 444. In some embodiments, the central location may be substantially flat. In other embodiments, the central location may be curved such that the openings have a lateral height. The curvature of the openings can have a third degree of curvature that is different form the first curvature and the second curvature. For example, the central location may be dome shaped. The dome shape of the central location may advantageously facilitate application of small quantities of the substance 412 on hard-to-reach areas or locations of the surface, for example, under the nose, or behind the ears. The shape and/or size of the dispensing opening(s) 441 may be different for different containers 410 including different substances 412. For example, the dispensing openings(s) 441 may be configured to have a first cross-sectional area for a first substance having low viscosity, and may be configured to have a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area for a second substance having a higher viscosity than the first substance. The larger second cross-sectional area may facilitate flow of the higher viscosity substance 412 therethrough.

In some embodiments, the dispenser cap 444 can be formed of a rigid material. The rigidity of the dispenser cap 444 can facilitate application of (e.g., rubbing in of and/or spreading out of) a substance on an external surface. In some embodiments, the dispenser cap 444 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., rubbers, polymers, foam, sponge, any other suitable material, or a combination thereof). The flexibility of the dispenser cap 444 may allow the dispenser cap 444 to flex or bend, which may facilitate conforming of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 to surfaces having different contours, for example, a face of a user. Moreover, the flexibility of the dispenser cap 444 may cause it to compress when pressed on the surface, which may create a pumping affect to facilitate dispensing of the substance 412 through the dispensing opening(s) 441.

In some embodiments, the dispenser cap 444 may include at least one ridge extending axially outward from the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444. The at least one ridge may be disposed radially outwards of the at least one slot. In some embodiments, the ridge(s) may include curved ridges disposed circumferentially around the dispensing elements(s) 441, for example, around the central location. The ridge(s) may provide a border for containing the dispensed substance 412. In some embodiments, gaps may be provided between adjacent ridges to allow the substance to flow outwards of the central location to the first and/or second portions of the dispenser cap 444 when the substance 412 is being applied to a surface, and may also facilitate breaking up of a stream of the substance 412 being dispensed from the dispensing opening(s) 441. In some embodiments, the ridge(s) may have a convex shape to serve as brushes for facilitating application of the substance 412 on the surface. In some embodiments, a height of the ridge(s) may be less than a height of the domed central location, for example, to prevent the substance from becoming trapped along the ridges and not applied to the external surface.

In some embodiments, an outer cross-sectional shape of a base or bottom of the dispenser cap 444 configured to couple to the container 410 may correspond to a cross-sectional shape of the container 410 and may thereby, also correspond to a cross-sectional shape of the receptacle 134, 334 within which the container 410 is inserted. For example, a first portion of the base of the dispenser cap 444 may have a curved or circular shape corresponding to a curved or circular first portion of the container 410, and a second portion of the base of the dispenser cap 444 may be substantially flat corresponding to a flat second portion of the container 410.

In some embodiments, an inner surface of the dispenser cap 444 may be dome shaped, curved, contoured, or generally any shape that corresponds to a shape of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444. In this manner, that dispenser cap 444 may define an inner volume. In some embodiments, a filter 445 may be disposed within the inner volume defined by the dispenser cap 444 upstream of the dispensing opening(s) 441. The filter 445 may be configured to provide a uniform flow of the substance 412 flowing from the container 410 towards the dispensing opening(s) 441, for example, by spreading of the substance 412 towards the dispensing openings(s) 441 such that an equal flow of the substance 412 can be delivered through the dispensing opening(s) 441. Additionally, or alternatively, the filter 445 can be configured to mix or break up (or reshape) portions of the substance 412, e.g., to allow for smoother, softer, or more uniform substance to be dispensed onto the external surface. The filter 445 may have an outer cross-sectional shape and size that corresponds to at least a portion of an inner cross-sectional shape and size of dispenser cap 444. While the filter 445 is shown as being within the dispenser cap 444, it can be appreciated that the filter can be disposed at a different location along the dispenser 440 and/or container 410.

In some embodiments, the filter 445 may include a plate (e.g., a flat or curved plate), including a plurality of openings defined therethrough, for example, defined at predetermined locations through the plate to allow spreading of the substance 412 as it flows towards the dispenser opening(s) 441. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of openings provided through the filter 445 are located radially outwards of the dispensing opening(s) 441. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of openings formed in the filter 445 may include curved slits defined in the filter (e.g., a flat plate filter) around a central point of the filter 445, and radially spaced apart from each other, such that an array of curved slits may be defined at progressively increasing radial distances from the center point of the filter 445. In some embodiments, the filter 445 may be formed from a rigid material. In other embodiments, the filter 445 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., a flexible plastic or polymer), for example, to allow the filter 445 to conform to the inner surface of the dispenser cap 444, or otherwise flex towards the dispenser cap 444 as the substance 412 is communicated therethrough towards the dispenser cap 444.

The dispenser 440 may also include a dispensing mechanism 446 that may at least be partially disposed within the container 410 and configured to be selectively actuated to propel a predetermined amount of the substance 412 through the dispenser cap 444 (e.g., through the filter 445 towards the dispensing opening(s) 441). The dispensing mechanism 446 may include any suitable mechanism for dispensing the substance 412, for example, a pump, an axially displaceable piston, a lead screw and follower, a spring, or any other suitable mechanism for dispensing the substance 412 through the dispenser cap 444.

In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 446 may include a lead screw having a dispensing plate or other following element coupled thereto. The lead screw and the dispensing plate may be disposed within the internal volume defined by the container 410 such that the substance 412 is disposed in the container 410 between the dispensing plate and the dispenser cap 444, and the dispensing plate contacts the substance 412 disposed within the container 410. The dispensing plate may have an outer cross-sectional shape and size that corresponds to an inner cross-sectional shape and size of the container 410. The dispensing plate may be configured to displace axially within the container 410 in response to rotation of the lead screw—for example, to displace axially towards the dispenser cap 444 to urge the substance 412 contained within the container 410 towards the dispenser cap 444 and through the dispensing opening(s) 441, or displace axially away from the dispenser cap 444 to draw the substance 412 into the container 410.

In some embodiments, a sealing member (e.g., a gasket) may be disposed between the dispensing plate and the container 410 to form a seal therebetween. In some embodiments, the seal member may be a separate member disposed between the dispensing plate and the container 410 and prevent leakage of the substance 412 between the dispensing plate and the container 410. In some embodiments, a radially outer edge of the dispensing plate may be dimensioned to form a close-fit or an interference fit with the inner surface of the container 410. In some embodiments, the dispensing plate may be replaced with a different type of following element that is configured to advance along the lead screw and push or dispense the substance out of the dispensing cap. In some embodiments, a surface of the following element that faces the dispenser cap 444 may have a shape and size that corresponds to a shape and size of the inner surface of the dispenser cap 444 (e.g., have a first portion having a first curvature corresponding to a first portion of the inner surface of the dispenser cap 444, and a second portion having a second curvature corresponding to a second portion of the inner surface of the dispenser cap 444). This may allow the following element to be axially displaced all the way into the inner volume defined by the dispenser cap 444 and in some instances, contact the inner surface of the dispenser cap 444 to facilitate dispensing of substantially the entire volume of the substance 412 disposed in the container 410 through the dispensing openings 441 over a series of applications. Thus, a de minimis amount of substance 412 may be wasted.

In some embodiments, threads of the lead screw may have a predetermined pitch such that one complete rotation of the lead screw axially displaces the dispensing plate (or other following element) by a predetermined axial distance to cause a predetermined amount of the substance 412 to be dispensed through the dispenser cap 444. In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 446 may include a first haptic feedback feature that provides haptic feedback to a user to indicate that one complete rotation of the lead screw has been accomplished. For example, a notch, groove, indent, detent, protrusion, any other suitable feature, or combination thereof may be defined in a portion of the dispensing mechanism 446, which is configured to engage a corresponding second haptic feedback feature of the container 410 at a first angular position of the dispensing mechanism 446. As a user rotates the lead screw by engaging a portion of the dispensing mechanism 446, the first haptic feedback feature may disengage from the second haptic feedback feature. As the portion of the dispensing mechanism completes a full 360-degree rotation, the first haptic feedback feature may reengage the second haptic feedback feature, the reengagement being felt by the user as a click or snap, thus indicating to the user that lead screw has completed one full rotation and the predetermined amount of the substance 412 has been delivered through the dispenser cap 444.

The pitch of the threads defined on the lead screw may be varied from one dispensing mechanism 446 to another to control an amount of the substance 412 being delivered through the dispenser cap 444. In some embodiments, the pitch of the lead screw may be configured to dispense about 0.2 grams to about 2 grams, inclusive (e.g., about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 grams, inclusive) of the substance for every full rotation of the lead screw of the dispensing mechanism 446. This may correspond to application of in a range of about 0.2 mg/cm²to about 5 mg/cm², inclusive of the substance 412 on a surface (e.g., on a face of a user) when the predetermined amount of the substance 412 dispensed on the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 is applied and spread on the surface by contacting the outer surface of the dispenser cap 444 to the surface and sliding the dispenser cap 444 on the surface. In some embodiments, the internal volume of the container 410 or any other container described herein may define a volume in a range of about 10 ml to about 100 ml, inclusive (e.g., about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 ml, inclusive) to allow about 10 to greater than 100 applications of the substance 412 on the surface. In some embodiments, the pitch of the threads can be designed to dispense specific amounts of substance that are suitable for certain applications, e.g., sufficiently providing sunscreen coverage for a face of a user given average population sizes of face surface area. In some embodiments, the pitch can be different for different types of users, e.g., a first pitch for dispensing sufficient sunscreen for an adult and a second pitch for dispensing sufficient sunscreen for a baby.

In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 446 may optionally include a base element 448 disposed at an axial end of the dispensing mechanism 446 that is distal from the dispenser cap 444. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the dispensing mechanism, for example, an axial end of the lead screw distal from the dispenser cap 444, as well as at least a portion of the base element 448 may protrude outwards and/or be disposed outside of the container 410 and be accessible when the container 410 and dispenser 440 are disposed within a body (e.g., via an opening 334b of the body 330). This allows the portion of the dispensing mechanism 446, for example, the base element 448 to be engaged by the user to selectively activate the dispensing mechanism 446 for dispensing the substance 412.

In some embodiments, the base element 448 may have dimensions such that when the container 410 and the dispenser 440 are disposed with the receptacle 134, 334 of the body 130, 330, or any other body described herein, the base element 448 is substantially within the body 130, 330—for example, disposed within the second opening 334b of the receptacle 334. In some embodiments, the base element 448 may have dimensions that enable it to rotate within the second opening 334b or within the receptacle for dispensing the substance 412 (e.g., have a maximum cross-sectional width that is less than a cross-sectional width of the second opening 334b). For example, the base element 448 may be coupled to an axial end of the lead screw included in the dispensing mechanism 446, such that the base element 448 is rotationally locked with respect to the lead screw. Thus, when the base element 448 is engaged by the user and rotated, it also causes rotation of the lead screw causing axial displacement of the dispensing plate (or other following element) within the container 410, as previously described.

In some embodiments, the base element 412 may have engagement features that can be engaged by the user to displace (e.g., rotate) the base element 412 so as to dispense of the substance 412. Such engagement features may include, but are not limited to, one or more radial bars or beams located within the base element 448 that can be engaged by the user to rotate, or otherwise actuate the base element 448, and may also, or alternatively, include grooves, protrusions, detents, indents, or other features defined on a radially inner or outer surface of the base element 448 that may facilitate engaging of the base element 448 by the user. In some embodiments, the first haptic feedback feature of the dispensing mechanism 446 (as described above) may include one or more detents, indents, protrusion, grooves, notches, or other suitable features, defined on axially upper surface of the base element 448 that faces the container 410, and the corresponding second haptic feedback feature of the container 410 (as described above) may be defined on axially lower surface of the container 410 that faces the axially upper surface of the base element 448.

The base element 448 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example, corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the container 410. In some embodiments, the base element 448 may have a cross-sectional shape and size corresponding to a cross-sectional shape and size of at least a portion of the cap 120, 220, or any other cap described herein (e.g., a flange of the cap 120, 220). In such embodiments, the cap 120, 220 may be configured to also be removably coupled to the base element 448, for example, the flange of the cap 120, 220, or any other cap described herein may be configured to be disposed within or around a portion of the base element 448 when the flange is inserted into the second axial end of the body 130, 230, 330, or any other body within which the dispenser 440 and the container 410 are disposed. In such embodiments, the cap may include coupling elements (e.g., the coupling elements 222) configured to removably engage corresponding base element coupling elements (e.g., via friction-fit, snap-fit, grooves, protrusions, indents, detents, notches, slots, etc.) defined on the corresponding inner or outer surface of the base element 448 to removably couple the cap to the base element 448 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 2). The cap may then be rotated to cause rotation of the base element 448 and thereby, dispensing of the substance 412 from the dispenser cap 444. Once the predetermined amount of the substance 412 has been dispensed and applied on the surface, the cap may be removed from the base element 448 and repositioned on the first axial end of the container, to isolate the dispenser cap 444 from the external environment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram of a method 600 for dispensing a substance on a surface using an apparatus (e.g., the apparatus 100) that includes a body (e.g., the body 130), a cap (e.g., the cap 120), a container (e.g., the container 110) containing a substance (e.g., the substance 112), and a dispenser (e.g., the dispenser 140), according to an embodiment. While described with respect to the apparatus 100, including the body 130, the container 110, the cap 120, and the dispenser 140, it should be understood that the method 600 is equally applicable to any apparatus including any body (e.g., the body 130, 230, 330, 530), any cap (e.g., the cap 120, 220), any container (e.g., the container 110, 410, 510, 510′), or any dispenser (e.g., the dispenser 140, 240, 440, 540, 540′), described herein. All such embodiments are contemplated and are within the scope of this application.

In some embodiments, the method 600 may include optionally installing the container 110 within the receptacle 134, including positioning the container 110 within the receptacle 134 and optionally removing a sealing member that may be disposed on the dispensing openings of a dispenser cap of the dispenser 140 coupled to the container 110 at 601. The cap 120 coupled to the container 110 may be removed from the body 130 (e.g., to expose an opening of the container 110 (e.g., opening 334a)) before positioning the container 110 within the receptacle 134. In some embodiments, the container 110 may include container engagement features configured to engage corresponding receptacle coupling features of the receptacle 134 when the container 110 is properly installed in the receptacle 134. The engagement of the container engagement features with the receptacle engagement features may provide haptic feedback to a user inserting the container 110 into the receptacle 134, or produce an audible sound (e.g., an audible click) indicating to the user that the container 110 has been properly installed in the receptacle 134, as previously described. In some embodiments, the container 110 may be pre-installed within the receptacle 134, and therefore method 600 can proceed directly to 602.

At 602, the cap 120 may be removed from the first axial end of the body 130, as previously described herein. Removal of the cap 120 from the first axial end of the body 130 exposes the dispenser cap (e.g., the dispenser cap 444) to the environment. In some embodiments, the cap 120 may optionally be coupled to the dispenser, at 603. For example, the cap 120 may be coupled to the base element 448 of the dispenser 440, as previously described. The cap, when coupled to the dispenser, can be used to actuate the dispenser, as further described below.

At 604, the dispenser 140 is actuated to dispense the substance 112. For example, a predetermined amount of the substance 112 is dispensed through the at least one dispensing opening (e.g., the dispensing opening(s) 441) of the dispenser cap (e.g., the dispenser cap 444). In some embodiments, the dispenser 140 may be actuated by rotating the base element (e.g., the base element 448) by a predefined amount to dispense a predetermined amount of the substance 112. The base element may be engaged directly by the user or engaged by rotating the cap 120 that is coupled to the base element, as previously described.

At 605, the dispenser cap of the dispenser 140 is used to apply the substance 112 to the surface (e.g., a face of a user). For example, responsive to the outer surface of the dispenser cap contacting an external surface and sliding thereon, at least a portion of the predetermined amount of the substance 112 is applied to the surface. In some embodiments, a user may optionally use a portion of a surface of the body 130 that may be reflective, as previously described, to confirm that the substance is applied properly on the surface (e.g., a face of the user), at 606. At 607, the cap is replaced on the body. For example, the dispenser cap of the dispenser 140 may be isolated from the external environment responsive to replacement of the cap 120 on the first axial end of the body 130.

FIGS. 7A-8 are various views of an apparatus 700 for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment. The apparatus 700 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to other dispensing apparatuses described herein, including, for example, apparatus 100, and can include components that are structurally and/or functionally similar to other components described herein (e.g., a cap, a body, a container, a dispenser, etc.). For example, the apparatus 700 includes a cap 720, a body 730, a container 710 having a dispenser including a dispenser cap 744 coupled thereto. The body 730 may be cylindrical and include a first portion 733 that is substantially curved about a longitudinal axis of the apparatus 700. (e.g., defines a circular curvature), and a second portion 736 that is substantially flat, as previously described herein with respect to the body 130, 230, 330, 530. The housing 730 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum), plastics, polymers, etc. In some embodiments, the second portion 736 that may be substantially flat may be substantially reflective (e.g., is made of polished metal or includes a reflective film disposed thereon) such that the second portion 736 may be used as a mirror by a user, as previously described.

The body defines a receptacle 734 sized and shaped to receive the container 710. The first portion 733 of the body 730 defines multiple slits 731 or otherwise openings therethrough such that an internal volume of the receptacle 734 may be visible therethrough, allowing a user to view and identify a type of the container 710 that may be disposed in the receptacle 734. The slits 731 may also serve as haptic elements, as previously described. The body 730 may also include an accessory attachment site 735 (e.g., for attachment of a lanyard, clip, cable, etc.) defined at a first axial end of the body 730 to which the cap 720 is coupled. As shown in FIGS. 7A-8, the accessory attachment 735 includes an angular groove 735 defined at the first axial end of the body 730. A bar 737 may be disposed across the groove 735 such that a lanyard or other accessory may inserted into the groove and looped around the bar 737 for coupling the accessory to the body 730, as previously described. While the particular accessory attachment 735 is shown in FIGS. 7A-8, any other accessory attachment site can be included body 730.

The cap 720 is configured to be removably coupled to the first axial end of the housing 730. The cap 720 has a first portion that is substantially curved and a second portion that is substantially flat corresponding to a shape of the body 730, as previously described. In some embodiments, the cap 730 may be configured to be removably coupled to the body 730 via a snap-fit or friction fit mechanism, as previously described with respect to the cap 120, 220.

The container defines an internal volume configured to contain a substance (e.g., the substance 112, or any other substance described herein). The container 710 is configured to be removably disposed in the receptacle 734 and may have an outer cross-sectional shape that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the receptacle 734, for example, have a first portion 713 that is curved, and a second portion 716 that is flat, as previously described with respect to the container 110, 410, 510, 510′. The shape of the container 710 may serve as an alignment feature allowing the container 710 to be inserted only in a particular orientation into the receptacle 734, e.g., with flat second portion 716 of the container 710 being aligned with the flat portion 736 of the body 730.

In some embodiments, container engagement features 714 may be defined on the flat surface 716 of the container 710, or any other outer surface of the container 710. The container engagement features 714 may be configured to engage corresponding receptacle container features formed on an inner surface of the receptacle 734, for example, the inner surface of the second portion 736 of the body 730, as previously described. As shown in FIG. 8, the container engagement features 714 are shown as protrusions that may be configured to engage corresponding grooves defined on the inner surface of the receptacle 734 and/or to form a friction fit the corresponding surface of the receptacle 734 to secure the container 710 within the receptacle 734. In some embodiments, the container engagement features 714 may include magnets configured to engage opposite pole magnets disposed on a corresponding wall of the receptacle 734, and/or be magnetically attracted to the wall of the receptacle 734, for example, because of the body 730 being formed from a magnetic material.

At least a portion of a dispenser (e.g., not specifically identified in FIGS. 7A-8 but similar to any of the other dispensers described herein, including, for example, the dispenser 140, 440, 1140) may be disposed with the internal volume of the container 710, and configured to be engaged by a user to selectively dispense a predetermined amount of the substance out of the container 710 as previously described with respect to the dispenser 140, 440. The dispenser includes a dispenser cap 744 coupled to a first axial end of the container 710 that is proximate to the first axial end of the body 730. As shown in FIG. 8, the cap 741 may define a first curved surface defining a first curvature, and a second curved surface defining a second curvature that is different from the first curvature, as previously described herein. Moreover, at least one dispensing opening 741 is defined in a central location of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 744 that is located between the first curved surface and the second curved surface, and configured to allow at least a portion of the substance to be communicated therethrough in response to the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser being engaged and selectively actuated by a user, as previously described herein.

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view, and FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of a cap 920 that may be included in a dispensing apparatus (e.g., the apparatus 100, 700, or any other apparatus described herein), according to an embodiment. The cap 920 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to other caps described herein (e.g., cap 120, 220, etc.). For example, the cap 920 may be configured to be removably coupled to a first axial end of the body 730 of the apparatus 730 to close the apparatus 700, and, in some embodiments, to a dispenser of the apparatus 730 to allow a user to selectively actuate a dispensing mechanism of the dispenser of the apparatus 700. The cap 920 may be formed from the same material as the body that it is removably coupled to (e.g., the body 730) or a different material therefrom In some embodiments, the cap 920 may have a cap height CH1 in range of about 15 mm to about 25 mm, inclusive (e.g., about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 mm, inclusive).

In some embodiments, the cap 920 may have a first portion 921 defining a circular or curved cross-sectional shape, and a second portion 923 that is substantially flat, for example, to correspond to a shape of the body (e.g., the body 730) to which the cap 920 is removably coupled. The shape of cap 920 may enable a user to properly align the cap 920 with the body. In some embodiments, the flat second portion 923 of the cap 920 may also form a reflective surface, for example, as described with respect to the second portion 736 of the body 730. In some embodiments, the first portion may have first portion width CW1 in a range of about 35 mm to about 45 mm, inclusive (e.g., about 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45 mm, inclusive). The first portion width CW1 may correspond to a maximum width of the cap 920. Moreover, the second portion may have a second portion width CW2 in a range of about 10 mm to about 20 mm, inclusive (e.g., about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm, inclusive).

The cap 920 defines a cavity 926 configured to receive at least a portion of a dispenser cap (e.g., the dispenser cap 444, 744, or other any dispenser cap described herein) and have an inner shape and size corresponding to an outer shape of the dispenser cap such that the dispenser cap may snugly fit within the cap 920 when the cap 920 is coupled to a body (e.g., the body 730). Protrusions 924 may be defined on an axially inner surface of the cap 920 and configured to contact corresponding dispensing openings defined in a dispenser cap of the dispenser (e.g., the dispensing openings 741 of the dispenser cap 744). The protrusions 924 may be shaped and sized to correspond to a shape and/or size of the dispensing openings of the dispenser cap such that when the cap 920 is coupled to the body 730, the protrusions 924 contact, or are at least partially inserted into corresponding dispensing openings of the dispenser cap to close the dispensing openings. In some embodiments, the protrusions may collectively define a protrusion shape, for example, circular, ovoid, or polygonal shape corresponding to a shape of the dispensing openings defined in the dispenser cap. In some embodiments, the protrusion shape may define a protrusion shape width CW3 measured between outer most radial edges of the outer most protrusions 924 in a range of about 6 mm to about 12 mm, inclusive (e.g., about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 mm, inclusive).

The cap 920 may include coupling elements 922 configured to allow coupling of the cap 920 to the body (e.g., the body 730) and/or a portion of the dispenser (e.g., the dispenser cap 744). For example, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the cap 920 includes a flange 925 extending axially away from an axial end of the cap 920. The flange 925 may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the body to which the cap 920 is removable coupled, for example, a curved first portion and flat second portion, such that when the flange 925 is inserted into the body, the flange 925 rotationally locks the cap 920 with respect to the body (e.g., the body 730). The coupling elements 922 may include longitudinal protrusions extending from an inner surface of the flange 925, but in other embodiments, may be disposed on an outer surface of the flange 925. In some embodiments, the flange 925 may have a flange height CH2 in range of about 2 mm to about 6 mm, inclusive (e.g., about 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 mm, inclusive). The coupling elements 922 are configured to engage (e.g., snap-fit) with corresponding coupling elements defined in the body (e.g., the body 730 or any other body described herein) or the dispenser cap (e.g., the dispenser cap 744 or any other dispenser cap described herein). In some embodiments, instead of protrusions, the coupling elements 922 may include any other suitable coupling features, for example, friction fit features, snap-fit features (e.g., ledges, detents, indents, protrusions, grooves, dispensing openings, etc.), threads, locks, magnets, any other coupling features or combination thereof, configured to engage a body coupling element 232 of the body 230 (e.g., friction fit, snap-fit features, mating threads, locks, any other coupling features or combination thereof), or alternatively, a dispenser coupling 242 (e.g, friction, snap-fit features, mating threads, locks, any other coupling features or combination thereof) of the dispenser 240.

FIGS. 10A-10B are perspective views of a body 1030 that may be included in a dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment. The body 1030 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to any of the other bodies described herein (e.g., body 130, 230, 330, etc.). The body 1030 may be cylindrical and include a first portion 1033 that is substantially curved (e.g., defines a circular curvature), and a second portion 1036 that is substantially flat. The body 1030 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum), plastics, polymers, etc. In some embodiments, the second portion 1036 is substantially flat. The second portion 1036 may be substantially reflective (e.g., is made of polished metal or includes a reflective film disposed thereon) such that the second portion 1036 may be used as a mirror by a user, as previously described.

The body 1030 defines a receptacle 1034 sized and shaped to receive a container. The first portion 1033 of the body 1030 defines multiple openings such as slits or cutouts 1031 therethrough. The slits 1031 enable an internal volume of the receptacle 1034 to be visible therethrough, e.g., allowing a user to view and identify a type of the container that may be disposed in the receptacle 1034. The slits 1031 may also serve as haptic elements (e.g., haptic elements 331), as previously described. The body 730 may also include an accessory attachment site 1035 (e.g., for attachment of a lanyard, clip, cable, band, rope, chain, etc.) defined at a first axial end of the body 1030 to which a cap (e.g, the cap 820, 920) is coupled, as previously described.

FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of container 1110 and a dispenser 1140 coupled to the container 1110, that may be included in a dispensing apparatus, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the dispenser 1140 of FIG. 11A with the container 1110 removed to show various components of the dispenser 1140, according to an embodiment. The container 1110 and dispenser 1140 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to other containers and dispensers described herein, respectively. The container 1110 includes a first portion that is substantially curved (e.g., defines a circular shape, and a second portion 1116 that is substantially flat. The container 1110 is configured to contain a substance, for example, a sunscreen, or any other substance described herein. The container 1110 may be substantially similar to the container 710, as previously described.

The dispenser 1440 includes a dispenser cap 1144 that defines a plurality of dispensing openings 1141 for dispensing the substance therethrough. The dispenser 1440 also includes a dispensing mechanism 1146 configured to cause a predetermined amount of the substance to be dispensed out of the container 1110 through the dispenser cap 1144. FIG. 12 is a bottom, perspective view of the dispenser 1140 of FIG. 11B showing a base element 1148 of the dispenser 1140, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13A is a top perspective view, and FIG. 13B is a side view of a dispensing plate 1147 included in the dispenser of FIG. 11B, according to an embodiment.

Expanding further, the dispensing mechanism 1146 is at least partially disposed within the container 1110 and configured to be selectively actuated to propel a predetermined amount of the substance through the dispenser cap 1144. The dispensing mechanism 1146 incudes a lead screw 1146a, a dispensing plate or following element 1147, and a base element 1148. The lead screw 1146a and the dispensing plate 1147 are configured to be disposed within the internal volume defined by the container 1110 such that the substance is disposed in the container 1110 between the dispensing plate 1147 and the dispenser cap 1144, and the dispensing plate 1147 contacts the substance.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, the dispensing plate 1147 defines a central opening 1147c therethrough. Threads may be defined on an inner surface of the opening 1147c that mate with mating threads defined on the lead screw 1146a such that rotation of the lead screw 1146a causes the dispensing plate 1147 to axially displace within the container 1110, as previously described. The dispensing plate 1147 may have an outer cross-sectional shape and size that corresponds to an inner cross-sectional shape and size of the container 1110. For example, the dispensing plate 1147 has an outer radial edge portion 1147a that is substantially flat corresponding to the flat portion 1116 of the container 1110, while the remaining portion of the outer radial edge is substantially curved.

An axially upper surface 1147 of the dispensing plate 1147 that faces the dispenser cap 1144 may have a shape and size that corresponds to a shape and size of the inner surface of the dispenser cap 1144 (e.g., have a first portion having a first curvature corresponding to a first portion of the inner surface of the dispenser cap 1144, and a second portion having a second curvature corresponding to a second portion of the inner surface of the dispenser cap 1144), as previously described. In some embodiments, a sealing member (e.g., a gasket) may be disposed between the dispensing plate 1147 and the container 1110 to form a seal therebetween. In some embodiments, a radially outer edge of the dispensing plate 1147 may be dimensioned to form a close-fit or an interference fit with the inner surface of the container 1110.

A shown in FIG. 11B, the lead screw 1146a is coupled to the base element 1148 and may be rotationally locked therewith such that rotation of the base element 1148 causes corresponding rotation of the lead screw 1146a. The threads of the lead screw 1146a may have a predetermined pitch L1 such that one complete rotation of the lead screw 1146a axially displaces the dispensing plate 1147 by a predetermined axial distance to cause a predetermined amount of the substance to be dispensed through the dispenser cap 1144, as previously described.

The pitch of the threads defined on the lead screw 1146a may be varied from one dispensing mechanism to another to control an amount of the substance being delivered through the dispenser cap 1144. In some embodiments, the pitch of the lead screw 1146a may be configured to dispense about 0.2 grams to about 2 grams, inclusive (e.g., about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 grams, inclusive) of the substance for every full rotation of the lead screw 1146a of the dispensing mechanism 1146. This may correspond to application of in a range of about 0.2 mg/cm²to about 5 mg/cm², inclusive of the substance on a surface (e.g., on a face of a user) when the predetermined amount of the substance dispensed on the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 is applied and spread on the surface by contacting the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 to the surface and sliding the dispenser cap 1144 on the surface. In some embodiments, the internal volume of the container 1110 may define a volume in a range of about 10 ml to about 100 ml, inclusive (e.g., about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 ml, inclusive) to allow about 10 to greater than 100 applications of the substance the surface. As described above, the pitch can be adjusted to dispense appropriate amounts of substance given the type of substance and/or application.

The dispensing mechanism 1146 may also include a base element 1148 disposed at an axial end of the dispensing mechanism 1146 that is distal from the dispenser cap 1144. As shown in FIG. 11A, the base element 1148 is disposed outside of the container 1110 proximate to an axial end of the container 1110 that is opposite the axial end of the container 1110 to which the dispenser cap 1144 is coupled. This allows the base element 1148 to be engaged by a user to selectively activate the dispensing mechanism 1146 for dispensing the substance.

In some embodiments, the container 1110 and the dispenser 1140 may have a height such that when the container 1110 and the dispenser 1140 are disposed within the receptacle 1034 of the body 1030, or any other body described herein, the base element 1148 is disposed substantially within the body 1030, as previously described. In some embodiments, the base element 1148 may have a maximum cross-sectional width that is less than a cross-sectional width of a second opening defined at a second axial end of the body in which the container 1110 is disposed (e.g., the body 1030) or otherwise the receptacle of the body such that the base element 1148 can be rotated within the receptacle (e.g., the receptacle 1034) for dispensing the substance.

Referring to FIG. 12, the base element 1148 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example, corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the container 1110. For example, the base element 1148 may have a first portion 1148a that is substantially circular, and a second portion 1148b that is substantially flat. Thus, the base element 1148 may have a cross-sectional shape and size corresponding to a cross-sectional shape and size of at least a portion of the cap 120, 220, 920 or any other cap described herein (e.g., a flange of the cap 120, 220, 920). For example, the cap may be configured to also be removably coupled to the base element 1148, as previously described. In such embodiments, the cap may include coupling elements (e.g., the coupling elements 222) configured to removably engage corresponding base element coupling elements 1145 (e.g., via friction-fit, snap-fit, grooves, protrusions, indents, detents, notches, slots, etc.) defined on a corresponding inner surface of the base element 1148 to removably couple the cap to the base element 1148 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 2). The cap may then be rotated to cause rotation of the base element 1148 and thereby, dispensing of the substance from the dispenser cap 1144.

Once the predetermined amount of the substance has been dispensed and applied on the surface, the cap may be removed from the base element 1148 and repositioned on the first axial end of the body (e.g., the body 130, 330, 730, 1030), to isolate the dispenser cap 1144 from the external environment. FIG. 12 shows the base element coupling element 1145 as including circular ridges extending radially inward from a radially inner surface of the base element 1148. In other embodiments, the base element coupling element 1145 may include any other coupling features, for example, protrusions, notches, indents, detents, etc., to enable removable coupling of the cap thereto.

The base element 1148 may also have engagement features that can be engaged by the user to displace (e.g, rotate) the base element 1148 to cause dispensing of the substance. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the base element 1148 is hollow and defines an inner volume within which a radial bar 1149 is disposed. The radial bar 1149 extends within the inner volume radially across the base element 1148 such that radial ends of the radial bar 1149 are coupled to the radially inner surface of the base element 1148. For example, a first radial end of the radial bar 1149 may be coupled to a radially inner surface of the first portion 1148a, and an opposing second radial end of the radial bar 1149 may be coupled to a radially inner surface of the second portion 1148b. The radial bar 1149 may be engaged by the user to facilitate rotating of the base element 1148 and thereby, the lead screw 1146a, as previously described.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the base element 1148 also includes a first haptic feedback feature 1151 that includes a protrusion disposed on an axially upper surface of the base element 1148 that faces the container (e.g., the 1110). The container 1110 may define a corresponding second haptic feedback feature on an axially lower surface of the container 1110 that faces the axially upper surface of the base element 1148 such that the first haptic feedback feature 1151 engages the corresponding second haptic feedback feature of the container 1110 in a particular angular orientation of the base element 1148, thus indicating to the user that dispensing mechanism 1146 has completed one full rotation and the predetermined amount of the substance 412 has been delivered through the dispenser cap 444, as previously described. As a user rotates the base element 1148, the first haptic feedback feature 1151 may disengage from the second haptic feedback feature. As the portion of the base element 1148 and thereby, the lead screw 1146a completes a full 360-degree rotation, the first haptic feedback feature 1151 may reengage the second haptic feedback feature, the reengagement being felt by the user as a click or snap,

FIGS. 14A-14D are various views of the dispenser cap 1144 included in the dispenser 1140 of FIG. 11B, according to an embodiment. The dispenser cap 1144 may be configured to be coupled to a first axial end of the container 1110 using snap-fit features 1142 that include radial ridges extending from radially outer surfaces of the dispenser cap 1144. However, other coupling features may be used, as previously described. Multiple dispensing openings 1141 are defined through the dispenser cap 1144 and configured to allow the substance to be communicated therethrough to an outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 such that when the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 is contacted with a surface (e.g., a face of a user) the dispensed substance is applied on the surface. In some embodiments, each of the dispensing openings 1141 may have a width W3 in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, inclusive (e.g., 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 mm, inclusive).

As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, the dispensing opening(s) 1141 include a set of longitudinal slots defined through the dispenser cap 1144 at central location of the dispenser cap 1144 such that the dispensing openings 1141 extend longitudinally through the dispenser cap 1144 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser 1140. The dispensing openings 1141 disposed closest to a center point of the dispenser cap 1144 may have a first length that is longer than a length of slots disposed radially outwards of the center point. Moreover, a radially outer boundary of the set of dispensing openings 1141 are circumscribed by an imaginary circle or ovoid such that the radially outer edges of each of the set of dispensing openings 1141 that contact the imaginary circle or ovoid follow the profile of the imaginary circle of ovoid (i.e., the corresponding edges of the dispensing openings 1141 are curved). In some embodiments, the imaginary circle or ovoid may have a maximum width (e.g., diameter) measured between outer most radial edges of the outer most dispensing openings 1141 in a range of about 6 mm to about 15 mm, inclusive (e.g., about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mm, inclusive).

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C-14D, an outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 includes or defines a first curved surface 1144a defining a first curvature, and a second curved surface 1144b defining a second curvature that is different from the first curvature. For example, the second curved surface 1144b of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 may be flatter than the first portion 1144a. The different curvatures of the first and second portions 1144a. 1144b may beneficially allow the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 to conform to a surface having varying contours, as previously described. In some embodiments, at least one portion of the cap 1144 (e.g., second portion 1144b) can be configured to be flatter than other portions of the cap 1144 (e.g., first portion 1144a). e.g., to facilitate spreading of a substance over an external surface (e.g., a skin of a user). In some embodiments, a first perimetral distance of a radially outer edge of the first portion 1144a may be greater than a second perimetral distance of a radially outer edge of the second portion 1144b. In other words, the first portion 1144a may form a larger portion of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 relative to the second portion 1144b. In some embodiments, the first portion 1144a may have first portion width WI in a range of about 28 mm to about 38 mm, inclusive (e.g., 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, or 38 mm, inclusive). The first portion width WI may correspond to a maximum width of the dispenser cap 1144.

A central location 1144c of the dispenser cap 1144 through which the dispensing openings 1141 are defined is located between the first curved surface 1144a and the second curved surface 1144b, in some embodiments, the central location 1144c may define a third curvature that is different form the first curvature and the second curvature. In some embodiments, the central location 1144c may be dome shaped. Due to the central location 1144c having the curvature, the dispenser cap 1144 may have a first height H1 measured from a base of the first portion 1144a (or the second portion 1144b) to an apex of the central location 1144c. Moreover, a portion of the dispenser cap 1144 located between the dispensing openings 1141 is also curved such that the portion of the dispenser cap 1144 has a second height H2 (less than H1) measured axially from a radially outer edge of the dispensing openings 1141 to a central point of the dispensing openings 1141. The dome shape may advantageously facilitate application of small quantities of the substance on hard-to-reach areas or locations of the surface, for example, under the nose, or behind the ears, as previously described. In some embodiments, a height H3 of the dispenser cap 1144 measured from a base of the dispenser cap 1144 to an apex of the dome shaped central location 1144c is in a range of about 12 mm to about 20 mm, inclusive (e.g., 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm, inclusive). In some embodiments, a height H4 of a bottom portion of the dispenser cap 1144 on which the snap-fit features 1142 are defined and that may be inserted into the container 1110 to couple the dispenser cap 1144 thereto, may be in a range of about 3 mm to about 8 mm, inclusive (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 mm, inclusive).

In some embodiments, the dispenser cap 1144 can be formed of a rigid material. The rigidity of the dispenser cap 1144 can facilitate application of (e.g., rubbing in of and/or spreading out of) a substance on an external surface. In some embodiments, the dispenser cap 1144 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., rubbers, polymers, foam, sponge, any other suitable material, or a combination thereof), so as to allow the dispenser cap 1144 to flex or bend, which may facilitate conforming of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144 to surfaces having different contours, for example, a face of a user. Moreover, the flexibility of the dispenser cap 1144 may cause it to compress when pressed on the surface, which may create a pumping affect to facilitate dispensing of the substance through the dispensing openings 1141.

In some embodiments, an outer cross-sectional shape of a base of the dispenser cap 1144 that is proximate to the container 1110 when the dispenser 1140 is coupled to the container 1110 may correspond to a cross-sectional shape of the container 1110. For example, a base of the first portion 1144a of the dispenser cap 1144 may have a curved or circular shape corresponding to a circular first portion of the container 1110, and a base of the second portion 1144b of the dispenser cap 1144 may be substantially flat corresponding to a flat second portion of the container 1110.

In some embodiments, an inner surface 1144d of the dispenser cap 1144 may also be dome shaped, may be curved, contoured, or may generally have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1144. In this manner, that dispenser cap 1144 may define an inner volume. As previously described, the dispensing plate 1147 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the inner surface 1144d such that the dispensing plate 1147 may be configured to be axially displaced substantially within the inner volume of the dispenser cap 1144, and conform to the inner surface 1144d of the dispenser 1144 such that a de minis amount of the substance may remain in the apparatus after the dispensing plate 1147 contacts the inner surface 1144d of the dispenser cap 1144.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view and FIG. 15B is side view of a dispenser cap 1544 of an apparatus for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment. The dispenser cap 1544 is substantially similar to the dispenser cap 1144 and includes a curved first portion 1544a, a curved second portion 1544b, and a central location 1544c, as previously described with respect to the dispenser cap 1144. A set of dispensing openings 1541 are defined through the central location, and snap-fit features 1542 are defined on a radially outer surface of the dispenser cap 1544, as previously described with respect to the dispenser cap 1144.

However, different from the dispenser cap 1144, the dispenser cap 1544 includes a set of ridges 1543 extending axially outward from the outer surface of the dispenser cap 1444 (e.g., extending out from a top surface of the dispenser cap 1144), and surrounding the central location 1544c through which the dispensing openings 1541 are defined such that the set of ridges 1543 are disposed radially outwards of the dispensing openings 1541. The set of ridges 1543 include curved ridges disposed circumferentially around the dispensing openings 1541. The ridges 1543 may provide a border for containing the substance dispensed through the dispensing openings 1541, in some embodiments, gaps 1545 may be provided between adjacent ridges 1543, e.g., to allow the substance to the flow outwards of the central location 1544c to the first and/or second portions 1544a and 1544b when the substance is being applied to a surface, as well as facilitate breaking up of a stream of the substance being dispensed from the dispensing openings 1541 and flowing outward towards the ridges 1543. The set of ridges 1543 may have a convex or rounded shape to serve as brushes for facilitating application of the substance on the surface. Moreover, a height of each of the set of ridges 1543 may be less than a height of the domed central location 1544c (e.g., less than the second height H2 as described with respect to the dispenser cap 1144), for example, to prevent the substance from becoming trapped along the ridges and not applied to the external surface.

In some embodiments, a filter may be disposed upstream of a dispenser cap included in an apparatus configured to dispense a substance (e.g., any of the apparatus described herein). For example, FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a dispenser cap 1644 of an apparatus for dispensing a substance. The dispenser cap 1644 defines a set of dispensing openings 1641, and defines an internal volume 1644c. In some embodiments, the dispenser cap 1644 may be similar to the dispenser cap 1144, 1544, or any other dispenser cap previously described herein. Moreover, a filter 1645 is disposed within the inner volume 1644c defined by the dispenser cap 1644 upstream of the dispensing openings 1641. The filter 1645 may have an outer cross-sectional shape and size that corresponds to at least a portion of an inner cross-sectional shape and size of dispenser cap 1144. As shown in FIG. 16, the filter 1645 includes a flat plate including multiple openings 1645a/b defined through filter 1645. For example, the openings 1654a/b may be defined at predetermined locations through the filter 1645 to allow spreading of the substance as it flows through the openings 1645a/b and over an outer surface of the dispenser cap 1644 towards the dispenser openings 1641. At least some of the openings 1645a/b provided through the filter 445 may be located radially outwards of the dispensing openings 1641.

As shown in FIG. 16, openings 1645a/b formed through the filter 1645 may include curved slits defined around a central point of the filter 1645, and radially spaced apart from each other, such that an array of curved slits may be defined at progressively increasing radial distances from the center point of the filter 1645. In some embodiments, the filter 1645 may be formed from a rigid material. In other embodiments, the filter 1645 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., a flexible plastic or polymer), for example, to allow the filter 1645 to conform to the inner surface of the dispenser cap 1644, or otherwise flex towards the dispenser cap 1644 as the substance is communicated therethrough towards the dispenser cap 1644. The filter 1645 may be configured to provide a uniform flow of the substance flowing from the container to which the dispenser cap 1644 is coupled towards the dispensing openings 1641, for example, by spreading of the substance towards the dispensing openings 1641 such that an equal flow of the substance can be delivered through the dispensing openings 1641.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an apparatus 1700 for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment. The apparatus 1700 can be functionally and/or structurally similar to other dispensing apparatuses described herein, including, for example, apparatus 100, and include components that are structurally and/or functionally similar to other components described herein (e.g., a cap, a body, a dispenser, a container, etc.). The apparatus 1700 includes a body 1730 defining a receptacle within which a container containing a substance may be disposed. A cap 1720 is coupled to the body 1730. The cap 1720 and the body 1730 may be substantially similar to the cap 720, 920 and the body 730, 1130, as previously described. The body 1730 also includes an accessory attachment site 1735 that is substantially similar to the accessory attachment site 735, 1035, as previously described. An accessory 1701 is coupled to the accessory attachment site 1735. As shown in FIG. 17, the accessory 1701 includes lanyard looped through the accessory attachment site 1735, but in other embodiments, accessory may include a rope, a chain (e.g., a key chain), a clip, a band, or any other accessory.

Any of the containers described herein may be removably disposed within a corresponding receptacle of any of the bodies of a dispensing apparatus described herein FIGS. 18A-18C depict the positioning and removal of a container and dispenser assembly from within a receptacle of a container. For example, FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a body 1830 of a dispensing apparatus with a container 1810 containing a substance disposed within a receptacle thereof, according to an embodiment. The body 1830 and the container 1810 may be substantially similar to the body 730, 1030, and the container 710, 1110, respectively, as previously described. To remove the container 1810 from the body 1830, a user may push or pull the container 1810 out of the body 1830, for example, to axially displace the container 1810 away from a first axial end of the body 1830 that is proximate to a dispenser cap coupled to the container 1810. In FIG. 8B, the container 1810 is partially removed from the receptacle of the body 1830. The user can then continue to pull the container 1810 out of the receptacle of the body 1830 until the container 1810 is completely removed from the container 1830, as shown in FIG. 18C. In some embodiments, the container 1810 may be replaced with another container, as previously described.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an apparatus 1900 for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment. FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the apparatus 1900 of FIG. 19A with a cap 1920 included in the apparatus removed from the and coupled to a dispenser of the apparatus 1900. The apparatus 1900 includes the cap 1920 and a body 1930. The cap 1920 and the container 1930 may be substantially similar to the cap 720, 920, and the body 730, 1030, as previously described. However, different from the body 730, 1030, the body 1930 does not include an accessory attachment site.

FIG. 19C is a side view of a dispenser 1940 included in the apparatus 1900 of FIGS. 19A-19B. The dispenser 1940 includes a dispenser cap 1944 that may be substantially similar to the dispenser cap 744, 1144, or any other dispenser cap described herein. The dispenser 1940 also includes a dispensing mechanism 1946 that is at least partially disposed within a container disposed in a receptacle of the body 1930.

The dispensing mechanism 1946 includes a lead screw 1946a coupled at an axial end thereof to a base element 1948 such that the lead screw 1946a is rotationally locked with the base element 1948 and rotation of the base element 1948 also causes rotation of the lead screw 1946a. A dispensing plate 1947 is operably coupled to the lead screw 1946a, for example, via mating threads as previously described such that angular rotation of the lead screw 1946a causes axial displacement of the dispensing plate 1947. The lead screw 1946a defines a pitch length L2 that corresponds to an axial distance between adjacent threads of the lead screw 1946a. An axial displacement of the dispensing plate 1947 and thereby, an amount of the substance dispensed through the dispenser cap 1944 may depend on the pitch length L2.

In some embodiments, the pitch length L2 of the lead screw 1946a may be less than the pitch length L1 of the lead screw 1146a, such that a full rotation (i.e., 360-degree rotation) of the lead screw 1146a causes the dispensing plate 1147 to displace by a first axial distance which is greater than a second axial distance travelled by the dispensing plate 1947 due to a full rotation of the lead screw 1946a. Thus, the dispenser 1940 may be configured to dispense less substance due to a full rotation of the lead screw 1946a relative to the dispenser 1140.

The dispensing plate 1947 may be similar to the dispensing plate 1147, as previously described. However, different from the dispensing plate 1147, the dispensing plate 1947 includes a base element engagement member 1947a extending axially from the dispensing element 1947 towards the base element 1948. For example, the base element engagement member 1947a may include a cylindrical member extending from the dispensing plate 1947. The base element engagement member 1947a can be configured to provide greater stability to the movement of the dispensing plate 1947, e.g., as the lead screw 1946a is rotated. In some embodiments, dispensing plate 1947 may be hollow and a portion of the base element engagement member 1947a may be disposed within the dispensing plate 1947. The base element engagement member 1947a is configured to be at least partially disposed within a cavity 1949 defined in the base element 1948, for example, in an initial configuration of the dispenser 1940 when none of the substance disposed in a container to which the dispenser 1940 is coupled has been dispensed.

In some embodiments, a groove 1947b (e.g., a circular groove) may be defined circumferentially around a portion of the base element engagement member 1947a. A ledge 1949b (e.g., a circumferential ledge) may extend radially inwards from a wall of the cavity 1949. The ledge 1949b may be configured to be disposed in the groove 1947b in the initial configuration of the dispenser 1940, for example, to snap-fit into the groove 1947b in the initial configuration. The engagement of the ledge 1949b with the groove 1947b may provide resistance to axial displacement of the dispensing plate 1947 due to rotation of the base element 1948 in the initial configuration of the dispenser 1940. Thus, the engagement of the ledge 1949b with the groove 1947b may provide a safety mechanism to prevent accidental dispensing of the substance by preventing inadvertent rotation of the base element 1948 in the initial configuration (e.g., during transport of an apparatus including the dispenser 1940 from a manufacturing to a retail site or consumer address), and may also indicate to a user that the dispenser 1940 has not been operated before and therefore, not been tampered with.

FIGS. 20A-20B are perspective views of a package 2050 for housing a dispensing apparatus (e.g., any of the dispensing apparatus described herein), according to an embodiment. The package 2050 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, cardboard, paper, plastics, metals, polymers, etc., any other suitable material or combination thereof. A first radially outer surface 2052 of the package 2050 is substantially curved (e.g., defines a circular curvature), and a second radially outer surface 2054 of the package 2050 may be substantially flat, for example, to have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially similar to the apparatus disposed therein (e.g., the apparatus 700, 1700, 1900, etc.).

Referring also to FIG. 21, the package 2050 may include a package base 2050a and a package cover 2050b configured to be removably coupled to the package base 2050, for example, via a snap-fit or friction-fit mechanism. As shown in FIG. 21, the package cover 2050b can be removed from the package base 2050a to allow access to an apparatus 2000 disposed in the package 2050. An apparatus support member 2051a may be disposed in the package base 2050a. The apparatus support member 2051 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, cardboard, foam, plastics, etc., and may define an aperture or cavity through which a portion of the apparatus 2000 may be disposed so as to secure the apparatus 2000 within the package 2050 and/or allow the apparatus to stand upright in the package 2050.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a container package 2160 for housing a replacement dispenser and container 2110 containing a substance, according to an embodiment. The container package 2160 includes a container package body 2166 defining an internal volume within which a container 2110 coupled to a dispenser is disposed. The container package body 2166 may be formed from any suitable cheap and light weight material (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastics, etc.). A container package lid 2162 is removably coupled to the container package body 2166 and configured to be removed from the container package body 2166 to allow the container 2110 disposed therein to be removed from the container package body 2166 as shown in FIG. 23. A seal member 2164, for example, a strip of adhesive tape, may be disposed across the container package lid 2162 and onto a wall of the container package body 2166 to secure the container package lid 2162 to the container package body 2166. The seal member 2166 may serve as a safety mechanism for securing the container package lid 2162 to the container package body 2166, as well as to indicate to a user that the container package 2166 was not previously opened or tampered with.

FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of a portion of an apparatus 2400 for dispensing a substance, according to an embodiment. The apparatus 2400 includes a cap 2420 removably coupled to a body 2430. Multiple slits 2431 are defined in a curved portion of the body 2430. The body 2430 and the cap 2420 may be substantially similar to the base 1930 and the cap 1920 as previously described with respect to the apparatus 1900. However, different from the apparatus 1900, the apparatus 2400 also includes an accessory securement member configured to be disposed circumferentially around a portion of the body 2430.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view, and FIG. 25B is a top view of the accessory securement member 2470 included in the apparatus 2400. The accessory securement member 2740 includes a first portion 2742 that is substantially curved and may have a shape and size that corresponds to a curved portion of the body 2430, and a second portion 2474 that is substantially flat and corresponds to a flat portion of the body 2430. In other words, the accessory securement member 2470 may be a ring-shaped member that has a shape and size that corresponds to an outer cross-sectional shape and size of the body 2430. A ledge 2476 extends radially inwards from the first portion 2472 and is configured to be removably disposed within one slit of the multiple slits to secure the accessory securement member 2470 to the body 2430.

In some embodiments, the accessory securement member 2740 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., rubber, silicone, polymers, etc.) to facilitate positioning of the accessory securement member 2470 around the body 2430. The accessory securement member 2430 includes a securement bar 2473 that is coupled to the second portion 2474 and axially spaced from the outer surface of the second portion 2474 such that a radial gap 2475 is defined therebetween. An accessory 2401, for example, a lanyard as shown in FIG. 24, or any other accessory may be inserted through the gap 2475 and looped around the securement bar 2473 to removably coupled the accessory 2401 to the accessory securement member 2470 and thereby, to the apparatus 2400.

FIGS. 26A-29C are various views of an apparatus 2600 for dispensing a substance and components thereof, according to embodiments. The apparatus 2600 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to other dispensing apparatuses described herein, including, for example, apparatus 100 and/or 700, and can include components that are structurally and/or functionally similar to other components described herein (e.g., a cap, a body, a container, a dispenser, etc.). For example, the apparatus 2600 includes a cap 2620, a body 2630, a container 2640 having a dispenser including a dispenser cap 2644 coupled thereto.

FIGS. 26A and 26B depict two perspective views of the apparatus 2600. As shown, the body 2630 may be substantially cylindrical and can include a curved portion 2633 and a flat portion 2636, as previously described herein with respect to the body 130, 230, 330, 530, 730, etc. The housing 2630 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum), plastics, polymers, etc. Optionally, the flat portion 2636 may be substantially reflective (e.g., is made of polished metal or includes a reflective film disposed thereon) such that the second portion 736 may be used as a mirror by a user, as previously described. The body 2630 can also define a receptacle or opening that is sized and shaped to receive the container 2640. The body 2630 can include a plurality of slits or slots 2631. The slits 2631 can enable a user to view the container 2640 disposed therein, e.g., for quick identification of the container and/or type of substance being dispensed. The slits 2631 can also function as haptic elements, as previously described.

The cap 2620 can be configured to be removably coupled to the body 2630. The cap 2620 can include a curved portion and a flat portion, which can be made to align with the curved and flat portions of the body 2630. In some embodiments, the cap 2630 may be configured to be removably coupled to the body 2630 via a snap-fit or friction fit mechanism, as previously described with respect to the cap 120, 220, 720, etc. The cap 2620 can be configured to couple to the body 2630 at a first end, e.g, to cover the dispenser 2644 and prevent leakage and/or contamination of the substance within the container 2640. Optionally, the cap 2620 can also be configured to couple to a second or opposite end of the body 2630, e.g., into engagement with a dispensing mechanism to facilitate dispensing of the substance within the container 2640. Such functions have been previously described with respect to other dispensing apparatuses disclosed herein (e.g., apparatus 1900) and therefore are not described in detail herein again.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 2600 can include an accessory securement member 2670. The accessory securement member 2670 can be implemented as a band, belt, strap, etc. The accessory securement member 2670 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to the accessory securement member 2470 described above. The accessory securement member 2670 can be formed from a flexible material (e.g., rubber, silicone, polymers, etc.) to facilitate positioning of the accessory securement member 2670 around the body 2630. The accessory securement member 2670 can also include or define a radial gap 2675 through which a lanyard or other accessory may be inserted.

FIG. 27 provides a deconstructed view of the apparatus 2600. As shown, the container 2640 and dispenser cap 2644 can be provided with a disposable cap or covering 2650. The disposable cap 2650 can be configured to cover the dispenser cap 2644 prior to initial use and/or during long periods of non-use (e.g., during transport, storage, etc.). When a user intends to place the container 2640 within the body 2630, the user can remove the disposable cap 2650 (arrow A) and insert the container 2640) into the receptacle of the body 2630 (arrow C). When the user is inserting the container 2640 into the receptacle of the body 2630, the cap 2620 is separated from the body (arrow B), such that the receptacle is accessible to the user. Optionally, an accessory securement member 2670 can be secured to the body 2630, e.g., for attaching an accessory.

As shown in FIG. 27, the cap 2620 can include an outer portion 2621 and an inner portion or insert 2622. The outer and inner portions 2621, 2622 are shown in further detail in FIGS. 29A-29C. As shown, the insert 2622 can fit within an opening of the outer portion 2621. As such, an outer shape of the insert 2622 can be configured to conform to the opening of the outer portion 2621. In some embodiments, the insert 2622 can be attached to the outer portion 2621 via an adhesive, friction-fit, fasteners, or any other suitable mechanisms. In some embodiments, the outer portion 2621 can be formed of a durable material such as, for example, metal or a durable plastic. In some embodiments, the outer portion 2621 can be formed of the same material as the body 2630 (or an outer layer of the body 2630). In such embodiments, the outer portion 2621 and the body 2630 can look and/or feel the same. In some embodiments, the insert 2622 can be formed of the same material as the outer portion 2621. Alternatively, it may be desirable to have the insert 2622 be formed of a different material from the outer portion 2621. For example, the outer portion 2621 can be formed from a durable material that is better for withstanding impact and/or contact with external elements (such as, for example, a metal), while the insert 2622 can be formed of a non-reactive material that can directly contact the substance within the container 2640 without reacting with the substance (such as, for example, a plastic, glass, or polymer).

As depicted in FIG. 29B, the insert 2622 can define a cavity 2626, similar to, for example, the cavity 926 described above with reference to cap 920. The cavity can be configured to receive at least a portion of the dispenser cap 2644 and have an inner shape and size corresponding to an outer shape of the dispenser cap 2644. The insert 2622 can also include one or more protrusions 2624, similar to, for example, the protrusions 924 described above with reference to cap 920. The protrusions 2624 may be configured to contact corresponding dispensing openings defined in the dispenser cap 2644.

As depicted in FIG. 29C, the insert 2622 can include a section 2627 that is sized and shaped to be received within the outer portion 2621 and a flange 2625 that extends from the section 2627. The flange 2625 can be similar to, for example, the flange 925 described above with reference to cap 920. The flange 2625 can be configured to fit within the body 2630. In some embodiments, the flange 2625 may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the body 2630, e.g., with a curved portion and a flat portion. In some embodiments, the flange 2625 can be configured to engage and lock with the body 2630 and/or with a dispenser (e.g., a base portion 1148 of a dispenser).

While not identified in FIGS. 26A-29C, it can be appreciated that the apparatus 2600 can include a dispenser, e.g., similar to any of the dispensers described herein (e.g., dispenser 440, 1140, etc.). The dispenser can include the dispenser cap 2644, a dispensing mechanism, and a base element. The dispensing mechanism and the base element can be similar to other dispensing mechanisms and base elements described herein (e.g., dispensing mechanism 446, 1146 and base element 448, 1148), and therefore are not described in detail herein again. The dispenser cap 2644 can also be similar to other dispenser caps described herein (e.g., dispenser cap 444, 1144, 1544, etc.), but may have a modified top surface or applicator surface.

FIGS. 28A-28C provide a more detailed view of the dispenser cap 2644. As shown in FIG. 28A, the dispenser cap 2644 can include an applicator surface 2644a. The surface 2644a can include one or more curvatures. The surface 2644a can define a plurality of openings 2641 near its center. The plurality of openings 2641 can be configured to allow a substance within the container 2640 to exit the container 2640, e.g., when a dispensing mechanism (e.g., dispensing mechanism 446, 1146) is advanced toward the dispenser cap 2644. The dispenser cap 2644 can have a height H4 measured from an edge 2644b of the dispenser cap 2644 to an apex of the dispenser cap 2644. In comparison to the dispenser cap 1144 depicted in FIG. 14A-14D, the dispenser cap 2644 may have a shorter height (i.e., H4 is less than H1). The dispenser cap 2644 may also include a dome-shaped portion. i.e., near where the plurality of openings 2641 is, the dome-shaped portion may be less pronounced, such that the dispenser cap 2644 has a flatter structure than the dispenser cap 1144. The shape and/or configuration of the dispenser cap 2644 may facilitate spreading and/or application of the substance being dispensed. The edge 2644b of the dispenser cap 2644, by forming a sharper angle with the applicator surface 2644a, can also be configured to prevent leakage or escape of the substance outside of the applicator surface 2644a.

In some embodiments, an inner surface 2644d of the dispenser cap 2644 may also be dome shaped, may be curved, contoured, or may generally have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the outer surface of the dispenser cap 2644. In this manner, that dispenser cap 2644 may define an inner volume. Similar to the dispenser cap 1144, a dispensing plate that is used with the dispenser cap 2644 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the inner surface 2644d such that the dispensing plate may be configured to be axially displaced substantially within the inner volume of the dispenser cap 2644, and conform to the inner surface 2644d of the dispenser cap 2644 such that a de minis amount of the substance may remain in the apparatus after the dispensing plate contacts the inner surface 2644d of the dispenser cap 2644.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, “a material” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” generally mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, about 0.5 would include 0.45 and 0.55, about 10 would include 9 to 11, about 1000 would include 900 to 1100.

As utilized herein, the terms “substantially′ and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. For example, the term “substantially flat” would mean that there may be de minimis amount of surface variations or undulations present due to manufacturing variations present on an otherwise flat surface. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise arrangements and/or numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the inventions as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable, or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Thus, particular implementations of the invention have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/US2023/063148	Feb 2023	WO
Child	18812593		US

SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING AND APPLYING SUBSTANCES

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CPC

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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