WO2008017108A1

WO2008017108A1 - Vending machine for dispensing sunscreen

Info

Publication number: WO2008017108A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Smith; Neil Osborne
Original assignee: Sunborn Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-08
Filing date: 2007-08-03
Publication date: 2008-02-14
Also published as: AU2007283445A1

Abstract

A vending machine (10) for dispensing two or more fluids (155, 165), at least one fluid (155) being a sunscreen. The vending machine (10) includes a frame (15) supporting a first receptacle (20) adapted to hold the sunscreen (155), a second receptacle (25) adapted to hold a second fluid (165), a first pump (30) associated with the first receptacle (20), the first pump adapted to force the sunscreen (155) from the first receptacle (20) into a first flexible tube (40). A second pump (35) is associated with the second receptacle (25), the second pump (35) adapted to force the second fluid (165) from the second receptacle (25) into a second flexible tube (45). The first flexible tube (40) providing fluid communication between the first receptacle (20) and a first nozzle (50), and the second flexible tube (45) providing fluid communication between the second receptacle (25) and a second nozzle (55).

Description

VENDING MACHINE FOR DISPENSING SUNSCREEN

Technical Field

[001] The present invention generally relates to a machine or apparatus for dispensing fluids, and more particularly to a machine or apparatus for dispensing fluids, creams, ointments, lotions, solutions or suspensions that act as a sunscreen, contain a sunscreen agent or have an SPF rating. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a machine or apparatus for dispensing more than one different type of fluid, such as for example different sunscreen lotions or a sunscreen lotion and another fluid.

Background Art

[002] The term "sunscreen" as used herein should be understood as a reference to any type of sunscreen product, for example a fluid, cream, ointment, lotion, solution or suspension that acts or is intended to act as a sunscreen, contains a UV blocking or filtering agent or composition, or has an SPF rating.

[003] Ultraviolet ("UV") radiation, for example originating from the sun, can produce a number of harmful effects as a result of excessive or prolonged exposure, including premature skin aging, loss of skin elasticity, wrinkling of the skin, drying of the skin, and a significantly increased risk of developing skin cancer.

[004] Currently various sunscreen products are available to protect against ultraviolet light. Sunscreen products contain agents known to filter out harmful rays and agents can be incorporated into various fluids, creams, ointments, lotions, solutions or suspensions. Sunscreen products are applied prior to expected exposure to the sun and provide relatively short term protection. Furthermore, sunscreen products can normally be removed by swimming, bathing or washing.

[005] Sunscreen compositions are applied to the skin for protection from ultraviolet rays that can lead to erythema, a reddening of the skin commonly known as sunburn. Ultraviolet radiation in the UV-B range has a wavelength of about 290 to 320 nm and is the primary cause of sunburn. Ultraviolet radiation in the UV-A range has a wavelength of about 320 to 400 nm and produces tanning of the skin. However, in the process of doing so, UV-A rays can damage or harm the skin. Besides erythema, excessive exposure to the sun's radiation can lead to other skin disorders. For instance, prolonged exposure to the sun's radiation may lead to actinic keratoses and carcinomas. Another long-term effect is premature aging of the skin. Sunscreen compositions filter or block harmful UV-A and UV-B rays that can damage and harm the skin.

[006] The amount of protection against UV radiation that a sunscreen product provides to a user depends on a number of variables, such as frequency of application, the amount of sunscreen product applied, and importantly the particular Sun Protection Factor ("SPF") of the sunscreen product. Sunscreen products, for example sunscreen lotions, come in various grades having SPF ratings, the most common of which vary from 2 to 45. The higher the SPF factor of a sunscreen lotion, the more protection provided to a user.

[007] Sunscreen lotions with different SPF ratings produce different levels of tanning of a user's skin. Different users often want to use sunscreen lotions with different SPF ratings. Also, a user may want to use a sunscreen product with different SPF ratings on different parts of their body, for example a sunscreen product with a higher SPF rating for the user's face than for the rest of the user's body. Furthermore, users often forget, or do not want, to carry a sunscreen product with them or apply a sunscreen product before going outside. Moreover, users often wish to reapply a sunscreen product. Thus, users often have a need for a sunscreen product when going about outside activities, for example, when at a beach, pool, sporting event or many other types of activity.

[008] Various devices are known for applying sunscreen products, for example those disclosed in US Patent No. 6,302,122; US Patent No. 5,664,593; and US Patent No. 5,460,192. Typically, these devices are used to apply sun-tanning compositions to the body of a user and are located indoors within tanning spas. User access to these devices is regulated by an operator or other person working at the spa. As these devices are located indoors, the devices are not adequately protected from outdoor elements. As such, these devices can not be positioned outdoors, for example on or near a beach or a pool.

[009] US Patent No. 6,918,897 discloses a vending machine for dispensing sunscreen lotion with a means to accept payment from a user, the machine sprays the user with stored sunscreen after acceptance of payment. The user obtains access to the machine through a door having a locking controller. In order to ensure that each user provides payment for the application of the sunscreen lotion, the locking means is electrically coupled to the means to accept payment. As such, the door unlocks only upon receiving a payment from a user. The locking means is coupled to a one-way lock that permits exit from inside the machine allowing the user to freely exit the machine at any time and ensuring that the door locks thereafter. Thus, the machine is required to be large enough to accommodate a user, which can lead to problems in easily relocating machines, removing machines for servicing, complaints about aesthetics, for example if located on a beach. Users may also have hygiene concerns about using the machine after other users.

[010] There is a need for an apparatus which addresses or at least ameliorates one or more problems inherent in the prior art.

[011] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Disclosure Of Invention

[012] In a broad form the invention provides a device for dispensing two or more fluids, one or more of the fluids being a sunscreen.

[013] In a particular form there is provided a device for dispensing two or more fluids, at least one fluid being a sunscreen, the device including: a first receptacle adapted to hold the sunscreen (or one or more containers with the sunscreen); a second receptacle adapted to hold a second fluid (or one or more containers with the second fluid); a first pump adapted to force the sunscreen into a first flexible tube; a second pump adapted to force the second fluid into a second flexible tube; the first flexible tube providing fluid communication to a first nozzle; and, the second flexible tube providing fluid communication to a second nozzle. [014] In various forms, embodiments of the present invention can be used in outdoor environments, for example at a beach, pool, sporting event or a wide variety of other environments or locations.

[015] It should be noted that the receptacles could either hold or receive a container or the like containing fluid (e.g. a receptacle could be a tray or compartment), and/or the receptacles could directly receive and hold fluid (e.g. a receptacle could be a container itself).

[016] In a particular form the device is a vending machine or apparatus provided with payment means to receive a payment from a user.

[017] In a further particular form the vending machine provides two types of sunscreen with different SPF ratings. More than two types of fluid, for example more than two types of sunscreen, can be provided by including additional receptacles, pumps and flexible tubes.

[018] In a preferred, but non-limiting form, the machine is a stand-alone unit with an onboard power supply. Also preferably, programmable logic control is provided for operational control and/or adjustments, for example user payment cost adjustments or fluid dispensing alterations.

[019] Optionally, but not necessarily, there is provided a mixer pump and associated pipes for each receptacle to provide mixing of the fluid contained therein, which can be provided as an automatic mixing function, where, for example, mixing occurs continuously or periodically.

[020] Also optionally, but not necessarily, an outer case of the device may be provided as at least partially transparent to allow marketing or advertising material to be visible. Also optionally, the device may be supported on, or formed as part of, a trolley, or otherwise provided with moving means for relocating the device, such as for example being provided with wheels, to allow the device to be portable. [021] In a further particular, but non-limiting, form the first nozzle and the second nozzle are adapted to spray the sunscreen and the second fluid for a fixed or preselected period of time, which may be initiated by the vending machine receiving a form of payment from a user via a payment means forming part of the vending machine.

[022] In still a further particular, but non-limiting, form the timer may only operate when a trigger, for example a push button, is pressed by the user. An operation control, for example a selector switch, can be provided to allow the user to select whether the sunscreen or the second fluid (or a further fluid if provided) should be sprayed during a spray operation.

[023] The payment means can take a variety of forms, and may include a coin receiving mechanism and associated electronics, a token receiving mechanism and associated electronics, a card receiving mechanism and associated electronics, for example to receive or debit payment from a credit card, a magnetic strip card, a smart card or any other form of card provided with the ability to track or allocate payments or a set number of times of use of the card. The payment means may also be provided as a payment mechanism and associated electronics to receive payment, or debit an account, by a user using a mobile telephone according to known mobile telephone payment systems, such as where the user dials an indicated telephone number and payment is balanced against a user's pre- established account or mobile telephone account.

Brief Description Of Figures

[024] An example embodiment of the present invention should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non- limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[025] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an example vending machine for dispensing fluids;

[026] Figure 2 illustrates selected components of the example vending machine;

[027] Figure 3 illustrates an alternate view of further selected components of the example vending machine; [028] Figure 4 illustrates an overview of an electronics layout for the example vending machine;

[029] Figure 5 illustrates an overview of fluid transmission components for the example vending machine;

[030] Figure 6 illustrates an example spray nozzle configuration for use with the example vending machine.

Modes for Carrying Out The Invention

[031] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[032] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[033] Referring to the figures, there is illustrated a vending machine 10 for dispensing two or more fluids, preferably at least one fluid being a sunscreen. Vending machine 10 includes a frame 15, for example made of stainless steel slotted tube, supporting a first receptacle 20 adapted to hold a first fluid, for example sunscreen. Frame 15 also supports a second receptacle 25 adapted to hold a second fluid, which could be a second type of sunscreen, for example with a different SPF rating. The receptacles could either hold or receive a container or the like containing fluid (e.g. a receptacle could be a tray or compartment), and/or the receptacles could directly receive and hold fluid (e.g. a receptacle could be a container itself).

[034] A first pump 30 associated with first receptacle 20 is configured to force at least some of the sunscreen 155 from first receptacle 20 into a first flexible tube 40. A second pump 35 associated with second receptacle 25 is configured to force at least some of the second fluid 165 from second receptacle 25 into a second flexible tube 45. First flexible tube 40 provides fluid communication between first receptacle 20 and a first nozzle 50. Second flexible tube 45 provides fluid communication between second receptacle 25 and a second nozzle 55.

[035] Vending machine 10 is preferably portable and can be constructed in a wide variety of configurations as a machine, device or apparatus. Fluids held in receptacles may be any type of fluid, cream, ointment, lotion, solution or suspension. It is preferred that at least one fluid is a sunscreen, contains a sunscreen agent or has an SPF rating. The second fluid may also be a sunscreen, contain a sunscreen agent or have an SPF rating. However, the second fluid could be another type of fluid, cream, ointment, lotion, solution or suspension, such as, for example, a moisturiser or other type of lotion that is typically applied after exposure to the sun's radiation.

[036] It should also be noted that more than two receptacles can be provided in machine 10, for example third and fourth receptacles 26, 27, or any number of additional receptacles for holding one or more additional or different fluids, for example third and fourth fluids 156, 166. Fluid 156 from receptacle 26 may be mixed with fluid 155 from receptacle 20, using hoses 41, 42 connected to pump 30 that introduces mixed fluid to hose 40. Fluid flow in hose 40 can be controlled by solenoid 175a. Also, fluid 166 from receptacle 27 may be mixed with fluid 165 from receptacle 25, using hoses 46, 47 connected to pump 35 that introduces mixed fluid to hose 45. Fluid flow in hose 45 can be controlled by solenoid 175b. Fluids 155, 156 may be the same or different, and fluids 165, 166 may be the same or different. This arrangement, illustrated in Fig. 5, is provided by way of example only. It is not necessary that receptacles 26, 27 be filled with fluid or be present in vending machine 10 at all.

[037] The two or more fluids 155, 156, 165, 166 could each be sunscreens (or other fluids) with the same SPF rating but of different quality, or different sunscreen products provided by different manufacturers.

[038] Preferably, though not necessarily, machine 10 is embodied as a vending machine, that is, a form of payment is received from a user for use of machine 10.

[039] First receptacle 20 and second receptacle 25, or any further provided receptacles 26, 27, can be embodied in a wide variety of configurations or shapes and should be considered to be any form of receptacle, reservoir, fluid holding unit, etc., and/or tray, compartment, etc., for receiving or holding a container.

[040] Frame 15 can also be considered as any form of body, housing, chassis or support that is used to support the components of machine 10.

[041] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, a coin payment mechanism 60 is shown. However, it should be appreciated that any other form of known payment mechanism could be utilised. Such payment mechanisms could include mechanical, electronic or electro-mechanical devices, such as, for example, magnetic card payment or debit systems, smart card payment or debit systems, token receiving systems or payment systems where payment is made via a user's mobile telephone.

[042] Frame 15 may be made of stainless steel, however a wide variety of other materials could be utilised individually or in combination. Frame 15 includes base section 65, that may be formed as U-channel, and lid section 70.

[043] Payment mechanism 60 can receive coins (in a particular but non-limiting embodiment) from a user to initiate operation of machine 10. An access door can be provided to allow access to retrieve received coins from money tube 61 that can be provided with lock 62. Recharge socket 80 is provided to allow recharging of a battery or other power supply 215 for operation of internal electronics. Operation control/switch 85 can provide one or more selection means to control operational modes of machine 10, for example operation control 85 can be a switch or set of switches. Lid 70 can be locked to frame 15 by lock 90. Outer case or cover 95 is provided as an exterior shielding for machine 10 and is preferably a transparent material, for example a form of transparent plastic such as polycarbonate sheet. This allows marketing or advertising material to be placed internal to case or cover 95 and thereby be visible to passing people or users but protected from the environment. Control box 220 housing electronics, as illustrated in Fig. 4, is also provided.

[044] Outer flexible tube 1 15 is attached to, formed with and/or supported by resilient member 105, for example a spring. [045] In an alternate example, not illustrated, machine 10 may include a support arm attached to either or both of frame 15 and/or lid 70 to support outer flexible tube 115. The support arm may include a resilient member. At an end of support arm can be provided a support ring through which outer flexible tube 1 15 can pass.

[046] Referring to Fig. 6, outer flexible tube 115 is attached to and/or formed with handle or casing 150, although the presence of handle or casing 150 is not essential. Thus, outer flexible tube 115 can be associated with or integrally formed with tube end piece 150 that holds first nozzle 50 and second nozzle 55, and may also hold spray switch 120. Tube end piece 150 may provide a form of handle or grip for a user. Handle or casing 150 allows access to, or incorporates, a spray switch 120 that can be operated by a user to initiate spraying of the sunscreen and/or the second fluid (or any other fluids). At an end of handle or casing 150 is provided the first nozzle 50 and the second nozzle 55. If more than two receptacles are provided then more than two nozzles 50, 55 can likewise be provided. Outer flexible tube 115 can be attached to either or both of frame 15 and/or lid 70, for example by using a form of clamp, seal, gasket or the like. Outer flexible tube 115 is preferably a flexible hose and provides protection for first flexible tube 40 and second flexible tube 45 (and any other flexible tubes if more than two receptacles are provided). Spray switch 120 may be a push button switch and may have different modes of operation.

[047] Referring again to Figs. 1 to 3, lid 70 can be locked by lock 90 and can be attached to frame 15 by one or more hinges, for example hinge 125. This allows lid 70 to be easily opened but still attached to frame 15 as illustrated in Fig. 2. A power switch 130, for example provided as an on/off toggle switch, can be provided. Tube 115 can be attached directly to lid 70 or a base structure within machine 10, for example attached to frame 15. Outer flexible tube 115 can be attached about or in an access hole provided in lid 70, for example by attachment to a lip or flange. Alternatively, outer flexible tube 115 could pass entirely through an access hole.

[048] Replacement of fluid in a receptacle preferably requires opening of lid 70 and insertion of a replacement fluid container or the like to be held in a receptacle. In an alternate embodiment, machine 10 may be provided with receptacle access holes (not illustrated) for refilling of the sunscreen and the second fluid. The receptacle access holes can be covered by closures, for example caps. [049] First fluid 155, preferably a sunscreen, is held in first receptacle 20 and second fluid 165 is held in second receptacle 25. First receptacle 20 is in fluid communication with first nozzle 50 via first flexible tube 40. Second receptacle 25 is in fluid communication with second nozzle 55 via second flexible tube 45. First flexible tube 40 and second flexible tube 45 are held within outer flexible tube 115 beyond lid 70.

[050] Flow restrictors could be used associated with first flexible tube 40 and second flexible tube 45, respectively, and control the flow of fluid along each tube, if desired. Solenoids, for example spring return solenoids 175a and 175b are preferably associated with first flexible tube 40 and second flexible tube 45, respectively, to allow or stop the flow of fluid along the tubes 40 and 45. First pump 30 is associated with first receptacle 20 and second pump 35 is associated with second receptacle 25. First pump 30 is configured to pump sunscreen 155 along first flexible tube 40 to be sprayed out of first nozzle 50. Second pump 35 is configured to pump second fluid 165 to be sprayed from second nozzle 55. As previously, discussed, first pump 30 may also pump fluid 156, and second pump 35 may also pump fluid 166.

[051] In an alternate embodiment, first mixer pump (not illustrated) can be associated with first receptacle 20 and use a first mixer tube to provide mixing of first fluid 155. Similarly, a second mixer pump (not illustrated) can be associated with second receptacle 25 and use a second mixer tube to provide mixing of second fluid 165.

[052] In operation, once vending machine 10 has received and/or verified payment from a user via payment mechanism 60, spray switch 120 is activated as operational, a user may then activate spraying of fluids for a preset or selected time period. The user may use spray switch 120 to spray either sunscreen 155 or second fluid 165 (or other fluids) from respective nozzles 50 or 55. Tubing 40, 45 and 115 is substantially flexible to allow the user to move nozzles 50, 55 about so that the user can spray sunscreen 155 and/or second fluid 165 over various parts of their body. The user may use operation control 85, for example a switch(es), to effect operation of solenoid 175a and/or 175b, so as to switch between spraying of sunscreen 155 and second fluid 165, if and as desired. [053] Referring to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a general electronic schematic indicating example electronics control for machine 10. First pump 30 can be associated with relay 200, second pump 35 can be associated with relay 205. A power supply 215, for example a sealed lead acid 12 volt battery, is connected to charge relay 225 which is connected to recharge socket 80. Power supply 215 is also preferably connected to fuse 220, for example a 7 amp fuse, which is in turn connected to charge relays 230 and 235. Control electronics for payment mechanism 60 are connected to a regulator. Logic controller 245 can control various modes of operation of machine 10. For example, there can be provided a power on/off input 250, an input payment received mechanism 255, an input selector 260, an input trigger 265, an output spray relay 270 for sunscreen 155, and an output spray relay 275 for second fluid 165, there may also be provided an output buzzer 285 to provide audible cues to a user. Solenoids 175a, 175b and associated diodes 290, 295 are also illustrated.

[054] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[055] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The claims:

1. A vending machine for dispensing two or more fluids, at least one fluid being a sunscreen, the vending machine including: a first receptacle adapted to hold the sunscreen; a second receptacle adapted to hold a second fluid; a first pump adapted to force the sunscreen into a first flexible tube; a second pump adapted to force the second fluid into a second flexible tube; the first flexible tube providing fluid communication to a first nozzle; and, the second flexible tube providing fluid communication to a second nozzle.

2. The vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second fluid is a different type of sunscreen.

3. The vending machine as claimed in either claim 1 or 2, wherein the first receptacle is a tray or compartment for receiving a first container containing the sunscreen.

4. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second receptacle is a tray or compartment for receiving a second container containing the second fluid.

5. The vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first receptacle is a container containing the sunscreen.

6. The vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second receptacle is a container containing the second fluid.

7. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a first solenoid is provided between the first pump and the first nozzle to control flow of the sunscreen.

8. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a second solenoid is provided between the second pump and the second nozzle to control flow of the second fluid.

9. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube are enclosed in an outer flexible tube.

10. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer flexible tube is attached to a tube end piece provided with the first nozzle and the second nozzle and a spray switch.

11. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, further including a third receptacle adapted to hold a third fluid, the first pump adapted to force the sunscreen and the third fluid into the first flexible tube.

12. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, further including a fourth receptacle adapted to hold a fourth fluid, the second pump adapted to force the second fluid and the fourth fluid into the second flexible tube.

13. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vending machine has a removable lid section providing access to the first receptacle and the second receptacle.

14. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the vending machine is provided with a payment mechanism, and payment is required prior to a user being able to operate the vending machine.

15. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, further including a spray switch for controlling modes of operation of the vending machine.

16. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, further including a resilient spring attached to or forming part of the outer flexible tube.

17. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, further including a transparent exterior shield or cover.

18. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, further including a rechargeable power supply.

19. The vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, further including at least one mixer pump for mixing the sunscreen in the first receptacle.

20. A vending machine, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.