Dispenser for dispensing flowable material

Abstract

In one aspect, a dispenser is provided herein for dispensing flowable material, such as sunscreen lotion, including a resiliently deformable body encompassing a closed volume with an optional flexible pouch disposed therein to accommodate the flowable material. A discharge element is also provided having at least one discharge opening, along with at least one valve regulating flow from the closed volume or the flexible pouch and through the discharge opening. The body is configured so that a threshold amount of deformation of the body causes the flowable material to urge from the closed body through the discharge opening or the pressure increase of the closed volume acting on the flexible pouch sufficiently so that flowable material accommodated in the flexible pouch is urged therefrom through the discharge opening. Advantageously, the dispenser of the subject invention allows for a generally isobaric environment to be created which acts evenly about the flexible pouch. This allows for a more even application of pressure acting against, and a more complete depletion, of the optional flexible pouch.

1 . A dispenser for dispensing flowable material, the dispenser comprising:
 a resiliently deformable body encompassing a closed volume to accommodate flowable material, wherein deformation of said body from a natural state causes a reduction of volume of said closed volume;   a discharge element having at least one discharge opening defined therein;   at least one valve regulating the flow of the flowable material through said at least one discharge opening; and,   a vent formed to communicate atmosphere outside of said body with said closed volume, wherein said vent allows for introduction of air into said closed volume to facilitate restoration of said body to said natural state after being deformed,   wherein, said body being configured so that a threshold amount of deformation of said body causes sufficient reduction of volume of said closed volume so that the flowable material is urged therefrom through said at least one discharge opening via said at least one valve.   
     
     
         2 . The dispenser as in  claim 1 , wherein the closed volume acts as a reservoir to accommodate the flowable material. 
     
     
         3 . The dispenser as in  claim 1 , wherein a flexible pouch, formed to accommodate flowable material, is disposed in said closed volume, wherein deformation of said body causes sufficient reduction of volume to increase pressure of said closed volume acting on said flexible pouch sufficiently so that flowable material accommodated in said flexible pouch is urged therefrom through said as least one discharge opening via said at least one valve. 
     
     
         4 . The dispenser as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one valve is a one-way valve, configured to only permit flow from said flexible pouch or closed volume. 
     
     
         5 . The dispenser as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one valve is adjustable from a closed state to an open state. 
     
     
         6 . The dispenser as in  claim 3 , wherein said at least one valve includes first and second valves arranged in series. 
     
     
         7 . The dispenser as in  claim 6 , wherein said first valve is a one-way valve configured to only permit flow from said flexible pouch. 
     
     
         8 . The dispenser as in  claim 7 , wherein said second valve is adjustable from a closed state to an open state. 
     
     
         9 . The dispenser as in  claim 3 , further comprising a frame disposed within said closed volume about at least portions of said flexible pouch, said frame being configured to restrict the amount of deformation of said body. 
     
     
         10 . The dispenser as in  claim 3 , wherein deformed portions of said body at said threshold amount of deformation are spaced from, so as to be out of contiguous contact with, said flexible pouch. 
     
     
         11 . The dispenser as in  claim 1 , wherein said discharge element includes a spatula-shaped applicator having opposing faces joined by, and terminating at, a free edge. 
     
     
         12 . The dispenser as in  claim 11 , wherein said at least discharge opening is defined in one of said faces in proximity to said free edge. 
     
     
         13 . The dispenser as in  claim 1 , wherein said vent is a one-way vent. 
     
     
         14 . A dispenser for dispensing flowable material, the dispenser comprising:
 a body;   a reservoir to accommodate flowable material;   a spatula-shaped applicator having opposing faces joined by, and terminating at, a free edge; and   at least one discharge opening defined in one of said faces in proximity to said free edge, said at least one discharge opening being in communication with said reservoir.   
     
     
         15 . The dispenser as in  claim 14 , wherein said at least one discharge opening is in selective Communication with said reservoir.