BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to ultraviolet radiation indicator ink dispensing devices and methods for detecting ultraviolet radiation.

Description of the Related Art

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a health hazard. Skin is particularly susceptible to photodamage caused by excess exposure to UV radiation. The harmful effects of UV radiation, such as in sunlight, can be acute or chronic. The acute effects include erythema (e.g., redness associated with sunburns), edema, blistering and sloughing. Long term consequences of photodamage can lead to premature aging (photo-aging), pigmentation, and cancers in the skin. Eyes can also be damaged by excessive UV exposure. Acute effects arising from short-term exposure include photo-conjunctivitis, whereas long term exposure may lead to cataracts.

Sunscreens are conventionally used to protect skin from the harmful UV radiation. Sunscreens typically contain photo-protective agents that, once applied to skin, attenuate the level of UV radiation reaching the skin. For example, mineral-based sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide (Ti0 ₂ ) and zinc oxide (ZnO), are generally UV blockers that reflect and scatter the UV radiation, thus forming a barrier between the UV radiation and the skin. In an alternative form of photo-protection, sunscreens may absorb UV radiation through photosensitive chemical agents. These chemical agents are generally organic compounds that absorb the photon energy of the UV radiation and are excited to a higher energy state. The organic compounds will return to a lower energy ground state with concomitant loss of energy as heat.

A wide variety of sunscreen products are available. These sunscreens are typically commercially available as fluids, such as creams, lotions, gels and liquids; or as solids such as powders. Sunscreens are typically contained or packaged in flexible tubes or hard containers such as bottles, either plastic or metal, having dispensers such as orifices, nozzles, pumps, sprays or brushes. The packaging generally indicates the strength of UV protection afforded by the sunscreen (for example, a sun protection factor or SPF rating), and contains directions on proper application and reapplication procedures. For a variety of reasons, once applied to the skin, sunscreens tend to become less effective over time. For example, the sunscreen may rub off, may be removed through sweating or immersion in water, and/or the effectiveness of the sunscreen may be reduced because of absorption into the skin or photo-degradation. Also, some sunscreens have a shelf-life and may become less effective upon prolonged storage. Generally the user cannot tell when a sunscreen is no longer providing effective or adequate UV protection. It can also be difficult for the user to know if they have applied an adequate coating of sunscreen to his/her skin in order to achieve the level of UV protection desired from sunscreen.

UV indicators that contain photochromic molecules, that reversibly change color upon exposure to UV radiation, are known. Formulations of such UV indicators that can be applied directly to human skin are presently being developed, including those described in PCT/US2019/039355, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such UV indicators can be applied to the skin underneath a sunscreen on one or more small regions of the body, and used to visually alert a user to apply more sunscreen or reduce their exposure to the sun based on a change in color of the UV indicator. The color change that occurs when the sunscreen is no longer providing adequate UV protection can be, for example, from colored to colorless, colorless to colored, from one color to another, or can be a change in the intensity of the color (e.g., saturation), depending upon the particular UV indicator being used. UV indicators comprising molecules that change color irreversibly upon exposure to UV radiation are also known, and can be used as dosimeter-type indicators to give a visual indication of cumulative UV exposure.

UV indicators can be applied to users in a wide variety of ways. For example, devices in the form of tubes, stickers, wristbands, containers, or bottles containing a chamber with UV indicator ink may be dispensed to the skin of a user. The dispensing of the UV indicator may be via a stamp, a pen or marker, a die, spray, or other modes of application. For example, PCT/US2017/033312, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes devices that dispense a UV indicator(s) to the skin of a user.

In general, when a UV indicator is applied to the skin of a user by various devices, it is desirable for a user to consistently know the location where the UV indicator was applied. By way of example, if the indicator is colored in the presence of UV radiation and colorless in the absence of UV radiation, then applying sunscreen over such an indicator being irradiated by UV would result in the UV indicator reverting from its colored form or state to its colorless form or state (e.g., fading back to clear). By way of further example, if the same UV indicator ink were applied indoors or in locations where the user may not be exposed to UV radiation, the UV indicator may remain colorless. Accordingly, in various circumstances where UV radiation is absent, a user may not recall precisely where the UV indicator was applied in the first place.

Further, in some instances, it may be desirable for a user to have an indication of when the UV indicator ink has depleted. As described above, under certain circumstances, the UV indicator ink even when applied to the skin of the user may remain colorless. Thus, a user may use a device to dispense the UV indicator ink, but may not know if the UV indicator ink has depleted or deposited onto his/her skin. As such, in lieu of having markings on transparent containers to indicate the level of UV indicator ink (or some other visual, tactile or audible alert), it may be desirable to have containers or devices that facilitate informing the user of depletion of the UV indicator ink in an efficient manner, which, among other things, avoids the costs associated with making containers that include such ink level monitoring solutions.

Still further, in some instances, it may be desirable to inform the user when the UV indicator ink has worn off. For example, if the UV indicator ink was colorless to begin with, it would be difficult for the user to ascertain if the UV indicator ink is not changing color because the user was protected from UV radiation, or whether the UV indicator ink had worn off the skin of the user. Still further, in some instances, it may be desirable to know the intensity of UV radiation reaching a user's skin. For example, different skin types burn or tan at different UV intensities, and as such, it may be difficult for the user to extrapolate UV intensity from the degree of color saturation of a photochromic ink. For example, as described earlier, under certain circumstances the UV indicator ink may be colorless. Thus, users with different skin tones may have insufficient information to know when to reapply sunscreen or engage in other UV protective behaviors based upon their skin tone.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The various embodiments and implementations of the applicator device and related methods described herein provide for user's to be informed of locations of application of UV indicator ink, depletion levels of UV indicator ink, whether the ink(s) have or are wearing off, and facilitate the application or reapplication of sunscreen based on a user's skin type and/or skin tone. Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for detecting ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the method comprising: applying a UV indicator ink on human skin, the applying resulting in a first impression on human skin, wherein exposure of the first impression to UV radiation changes a color of the first impression to a first color, and applying a standard colored ink on human skin, the applying of the standard colored ink resulting in a second impression on human skin located proximate to the first impression, the second impression having a second color. In various embodiments, the second color is the same as the first color, both in color and intensity.

Various aspects of the present disclosure further provide a method for detecting ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the method comprising: applying a UV indicator mixture on human skin, the applying resulting in an impression on human skin, the UV indicator mixture comprising: (a) a UV indicator ink and a standard colored ink or (b) one or more photochromic pigments and/or dyes in a standard colored ink; and exposing the impression to UV radiation, the exposing changing a color of the impression from a first color to a second color. In various embodiments, the standard colored ink comprises one or more white pigments.

Various aspects of the present disclosure also provide an applicator device comprising a container having a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber including UV indicator ink and the second chamber including a standard colored ink, a cap removably coupleable to the container, and an applicator assembly coupled to the container. The applicator assembly may include a first ink pad fluidly coupled to the first chamber to impregnate the first ink pad with UV indicator ink, and a second ink pad fluidly coupled to the second chamber to impregnate the second ink pad with a standard colored ink.

Various aspects of the present disclosure also provide an applicator device comprising a container having a chamber, the chamber containing a UV indicator mixture, wherein the UV indicator mixture comprises: (a) a UV indicator ink and a standard colored ink or (b) one or more photochromic pigments and/or dyes in a standard colored ink; a cap removably coupleable to the container; and an applicator assembly coupled to the container. The applicator assembly may comprise an ink pad fluidly coupled to the chamber to impregnate the ink pad with the UV indicator mixture. Alternatively, the applicator assembly may comprise a valve spring fluidly coupled to the chamber which in turn is coupled to a sponge that is impregnated with the UV indicator mixture. Various aspects of the present disclosure also provide an applicator assembly for detecting ultraviolet (UV) exposure coupleable to a container, the applicator assembly comprising: a first chamber sized and shaped to contain a UV indicator ink, a second chamber sized and shaped to contain a standard colored ink, a first ink pad fluidly coupled to the first chamber to impregnate the first ink pad with the UV indicator ink, and a second ink pad fluidly coupled to the second chamber to impregnate the second ink pad with the standard colored ink.

Various aspects of the present disclosure also provide an applicator assembly for detecting ultraviolet (UV) exposure coupleable to a container, the applicator assembly comprising: a chamber sized and shaped to contain a UV indicator mixture, the UV indicator mixture comprising: (a) a UV indicator ink and a standard colored ink or (b) one or more photochromic pigments and/or dyes in a standard colored ink, and an ink pad fluidly coupled to the chamber to impregnate the ink pad with the UV indicator mixture.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure,

Figure 1 is an isometric view of an applicator device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 2A is an exploded view of the applicator device of Figure 1.

Figure 2B is another exploded view of the applicator device of Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator device of Figure 1 , taken along line 3-3.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator device of Figure 1 , taken along line

4-4.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the applicator device of Figure 1 , illustrating the applicator device with a cap removed.

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a hand illustrating impression(s) applied thereto by the application device of Figure 1 . Figure 7 is an isometric view of an applicator device according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 8 is an isometric view of an applicator device according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 9A is an exploded view of the applicator device of Figure 7.

Figure 9B is another exploded view of the applicator device of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator device of Figure 7, taken along line 10-10.

Figure 10A is a partial detail view of the cross-sectional view of Figure 7.

Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator device of Figure 7, taken along line 1 1 -1 1 .

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator device of Figure 7, taken along line 12-12.

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the applicator device of Figure 7, illustrating a cap thereof in an open position and a container thereof in a closed position.

Figure 14 is an isometric view of the applicator device of Figure 7, illustrating a container thereof in an open position and a cap thereof in a closed position.

Figure 15 is an isometric view of the applicator device of Figure 7, illustrating the cap and the container in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices associated with UV indicators, sunscreens, UV dispensing devices, and related apparatuses and methods may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to."

Reference throughout this specification to "one implementation," "an implementation," "one embodiment," or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the implementation or embodiment is included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one implementation," "in an implementation," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation or embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementation or embodiment.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Figures 1 -5 illustrate an applicator device 10, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The applicator device 10 generally includes a container 1 1 , a cap 12 removably coupleable to the container 1 1 , and an applicator assembly 13. The container 1 1 includes a first chamber 14 and a second chamber 15. The first chamber 14 and the second chamber 15 are separated from each other via a partition wall 16. At or near one end, the container 1 1 may include a rim portion 17 that extends inwardly from an exterior wall 18 of the container 1 1 . The rim portion 17 extends circumferentially and includes one or more protrusions 19 that extend outwardly. The one or more protrusions 19 are circumferentially spaced apart from each other and are sized and shaped to removeably couple the container 1 1 to the cap 12.

In particular, the cap 12 has a substantially semi-hemispherical shape and/or profile, although other shapes and/or profiles are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. The cap 12 includes a cap wall 20 having a cap recess 21 that partially extends through an interior surface 22 of the cap wall 20. The cap recess 21 is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the one or more protrusions 19 of the container 1 1. In this manner, the cap 12 may be removably coupled to the container 1 1 , wherein frictional forces between the one or more protrusions 19 and the interior surface 22 of the cap wall 20 around the cap recess 21 removably couple the cap 12 to the container 1 1 . In alternative embodiments, however, the cap 12 may be removably coupleable to the container 1 1 via fastening, or other detent structures, such as a tab, tongue, or ball disposed on the cap 12 that is sized and shaped to be received in receiving cavities disposed in the container 1 1 .

The applicator assembly 13 includes a housing 23, a first ink pad 24, and a second ink pad 25. The first and second ink pads 24, 25 may comprise pads, stamps, brushes, daubers or similar structures that can provide an impression when contacted with skin of a user. As such, reference herein to an ink pad means any of the alternative embodiments described herein. The housing 23 includes a first cavity 26 and a second cavity 27. The first and second cavities 26, 27 are spaced apart from each other via a dividing wall 28. The dividing wall 28 has a substantially hat-shaped cross-sectional profile having a partition recess 29. The partition recess 29 is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the partition wall 16 of the container 1 1 . As illustrated in detail in Figure 3, the housing 23 includes a plurality of tabs 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. The tabs 30a and 30d extend inwardly from an outer wall 31 toward the dividing wall 28 and tabs 30b and 30c extend outwardly from the dividing wall 28 toward the outer wall 31 . The housing 23 can be coupled to the container 1 1 via welding, adhering, fastening, or in some embodiments, the housing 23 can be integrally formed with the container 1 1 . When the housing 23 is coupled to the container 1 1 , as described above, the partition wall 16 is coupleably received in the partition recess 29 of the housing 23.

The first cavity 26 is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the first ink pad 24 and the second cavity 27 is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the second ink pad 25. When the first ink pad 24 is coupleably received in the first cavity 26 and the second ink pad 25 is coupleably received in the second cavity 27, the tabs 30a, 30b retain the first ink pad 24 and the tabs 30c, 30d retain the second ink pad 25. Moreover, a lower surface 32 of the first ink pad 24 is exposed to the first chamber 14 of the container 1 1 to fluidly couple the first ink pad 24 to the first chamber 14 of the container 1 1 . Similarly, a lower surface 33 of the second ink pad 25 is exposed to the second chamber 15 of the container 1 1 to fluidly couple the second ink pad 25 to the second chamber 15 of the container 1 1 .

In particular, the first chamber 14 contains a UV indicator ink 35 that is in fluid communication with the first ink pad 24. The UV indicator ink 35 impregnates or loads the first ink pad 24. As described above, the UV indicator ink 35 include fluids such as solutions, suspensions, pastes or gels comprising one or more photochromic molecules, or solids such as powders comprising photochromic molecules. In various embodiments, the term“ink” refers to a liquid, solution, suspension, paste gel or solid that contains pigments or dyes that are used to color a surface, such as skin, to produce an image, shape or design. The ink may dry or cure by evaporation, polymerization, adsorption or absorption, or any other method known in the art. Photochromic molecules that reversibly change color upon exposure to UV radiation are examples of pigments and dyes that form part of the inks as disclosed herein. For example, photochromic pigments may be ground particles that are suspended in an ink. Photochromic dyes are photochromic compounds dissolved in an ink. In various embodiments, photochromic pigments can be photochromic dye-doped solids that are subsequently ground. In further embodiments, photochromic dyes are microencapsulated. In various embodiments, the reversibility of the color change of the photochromic pigments and dyes is independent of temperature, whether the temperature of the surrounding environment or the temperature of the user’s skin.

As the first ink pad 24 is impregnated or loaded with UV indicator ink 35, an upper surface 36 of the first ink pad 24, when applied to human skin, will result in an impression that can change color to a first color based on the ratio of UV to visible light reaching the impression. In other words, the impression can change color to the first color upon exposure to UV radiation.

The second chamber 15 contains a standard colored ink 37 that is in fluid communication with the second ink pad 25. The standard colored ink 37 impregnates or loads the second ink pad 25. The standard colored ink 37 may comprise any pigment or dye-based ink or coating that dries or cures by evaporation, polymerization, adsorption or absorption, or any other method known in the art.

In general, the standard colored ink 37 when applied to human skin will have a second color, such as, for example, red, yellow, green, blue, etc. In various embodiments, the second color is selected to substantially match the first color resulting from exposure to UV radiation. In alternative embodiments, the second color may be different from the first color. As the second ink pad 25 is impregnated or loaded with standard colored ink 37, an upper surface 39 of the second ink pad 25, when applied to human skin, will result in an impression having the second color. As illustrated in Figures 1-5, the first ink pad 24 may be a mirror image of the second ink pad 25. Thus, the first ink pad 24 is generally sized and shaped to apply substantially the same volume of UV indicator ink 35 as the standard colored ink 37 applied by the second ink pad 25.

In use, therefore, a user may remove the cap 12 to expose the upper surface 36 of the first ink pad 24 and the upper surface 39 of the second ink pad 25. The user may apply the applicator device 10 by concurrently contacting the first and second ink pads 24, 25 against the skin of the user. For example, Figure 6 illustrates a hand of a user, upon application of the application device 10.

With reference to Figure 6 and continued reference to Figures 1 through 5, as the first and second ink pads 24, 25 contact the skin, the UV indicator ink 35 and the standard colored ink 37 are applied to the skin. In some implementations, the first ink and second ink pads 24, 25 may already be impregnated or loaded with the corresponding UV indicator ink 35 and the standard colored ink 37. In some implementations, as the applicator device 10 is inverted, gravitational forces will fluidly communicate the UV indicator ink 35 and the standard colored ink 37 to the corresponding first and second ink pads 24, 25 via exposure to the lower surface 32 of the first ink pad 24 and lower surface 33 of the second ink pad 25. In this manner, the first ink pad 24 and the second ink pad 25 will be impregnated or loaded with the respective UV indicator ink 35 and standard colored ink 37. Thereafter, contact of the skin with the upper surface 36 of the first ink pad 24 and the upper surface 39 of the second ink pad 25 will apply the corresponding UV indicator ink 35 and the standard colored ink 37. In some implementations, the UV indicator ink 35 and/or the standard colored ink 37 may be delivered via a sintered plastic nib that is in fluid communication with chambers or reservoirs having the UV indicator ink 35 and/or the standard colored ink 37. In some implementations, the sintered plastic nib may be in fluid communication with foam ink pads including the UV indicator ink 35 and/or the standard colored ink 37. The sintered plastic nib may be wetted and/or rewetted via capillary action. Upon application of the UV indicator ink 35 and the standard colored ink 37, a first impression 41 of the first ink pad 24 and a second impression 42 of the second ink pad 25 will be applied to the skin of the user. The first and second impressions 41 , 42 will match profiles of the first and second ink pads 24, 25. In some embodiments, the first and second impressions 41 , 42 may be of a design or image that is imparted onto the first and second ink pads 24, 25. The second impression 42 of the second ink pad 25 will have the second color. The first impression 41 of the first ink pad 24 will remain colorless, unless the UV indicator ink 35 applied via first ink pad 24 is exposed to UV radiation, or a different ratio of UV to visible light. Exposure to UV radiation will cause the first impression 41 of the first ink pad 24 to have the first color, wherein the first color may optionally substantially match the second color. Thereafter, the user may apply sunscreen over exposed skin, including over the first and second impressions 41 , 42 caused by the first and second ink pads 24, 25. As the sunscreen material is applied over the first and second impressions 41 , 42, the first impression 41 caused by the first ink pad 24 will either remain colorless, or if due to exposure to UV radiation, the first impression 41 had changed to the first color, the sunscreen material will block or cover the UV indicator ink 35, causing the first impression 41 to return to colorless. The second impression 42 caused by the second ink pad 25, however, will remain the second color. Thus, as the sunscreen is applied, the second impression 42 caused by the second ink pad 25 will remain the second color since it is unaffected by the presence or absence of UV radiation.

As the user is exposed to UV radiation, the applied UV indicator ink 35, in particular, the first impression 41 caused by the first ink pad 24 will change color based on the ratio of UV to visible light reaching the first impression 41 . When enough sunscreen is applied over the first impression 41 , it will block the UV radiation while allowing visible light through to reach the UV indicator ink 35 in first impression 41 . This changes the ratio of UV to visible radiation to favor the colorless form or the first color of the first impression 41.

By applying the second impression 42 caused by the second ink pad 25 that is of the second color, and one that is discernible to the human eye, the user may be informed of the precise location where the UV indicator ink 35 was applied, whether exposure to UV radiation is present, or whether the UV indicator ink 35 has turned to colorless due, for example, to blocking or covering via sunscreen. Thus, the user may periodically check in the vicinity of the second impression 42 to determine whether the sunscreen has worn off and needs to be re-applied. In particular, as described above, because the first ink pad 24 is in close proximity to the second ink pad 25, and may be a mirror image of the second ink pad 25 and the same volume of standard colored ink 37 and UV indicator ink 35 is to be applied simultaneously by device 10, in the event the second impression 42 is wearing off or has worn off would indicate to the user that the UV indicator ink 35 is also wearing off or has worn off due, in part, to wearing off at a similar rate. Thus, the user may choose to re-apply inks 35 and 37 again via the applicator device 10.

The applicator device 10 may permit or facilitate extrapolating or determining UV intensity from the degree of color saturation to determine if sunscreen or other UV protective methods (e.g., seeking shade, going indoors, wearing additional layers of clothing, etc.) need to be applied or re-applied. For example, the user may compare the color saturation level of the first color of the first impression 41 and the second color of the second impression 42. Based on the comparison, a user with lighter skin tone may re-apply sunscreen when the first impression 41 begins to change color from colorless to the first color, which substantially matches the second color of the second impression 42. Conversely, the userwith darker skin tone may re-apply sunscreen when the first impression 41 is more saturated; in other words, the UV indicator ink 35 of the first impression 41 has reached or nearly reached saturation level to match the second color of the second impression 42. In this manner, by comparing the color saturation level of the first color and the second color, the user may extrapolate UV intensity, and as a result may be informed thereafter based on skin tone of the user, whether sunscreen needs to be re-applied.

In some implementations, the applicator device 10 may provide an indication to the user if the UV indicator ink 35 in the first chamber 14 has depleted. For example, in some embodiments, the first chamber 14 may have an internal volume that is greater than an internal volume of the second chamber 15. As such, the first chamber 14 will hold or comprise a higher volume of UV indicator ink 35 than the standard colored ink 37 held or comprised in the second chamber 15. Thus, the standard colored ink 37 would deplete sooner than the UV indicator ink 35. Accordingly, if application of the applicator device 10 results in the second impression 42 being lighter in color than the prescribed or anticipated color, or colorless, such would indicate that the UV indicator ink 35 is reaching or has reached depletion.

In some implementations, the prescribed or anticipated color of the standard colored ink 37 is also the color of housing 23 which can serve as a reference for ink depletion and lightening of standard colored ink 37. Alternatively, or in addition to, the container 1 1 and/or cap 12 could also be color matched to the standard colored ink 37 and serve as a reference for depleting ink levels in standard colored ink 37 and UV indicator ink 35.

In some implementations, the first and second chambers 14, 15 may have the same volume. In such implementations, the user may overfill the first chamber 14 with UV indicator ink 35 relative to the standard colored ink 37 filled in the second chamber 15. Again, in this manner, if application of the applicator device 10 results in the second impression 42 being lighter in color than the anticipated color or colorless, such would indicate that standard ink 37 is nearing depletion, or has been depleted.

In various embodiments, an applicator device may include a container, a cap removeably coupleable to the container and an applicator assembly. The container includes a single chamber for containing a UV indicator mixture. The UV indicator mixture may comprise: (a) a UV indicator ink and a standard colored ink or (b) one or more photochromic pigments or dyes in a standard colored ink. The applicator assembly includes a housing and an ink pad. Like the first and second ink pads 24, 25, the ink pad may comprise a pad, stamp, brush, dauber or similar structure that can provide an impression when contacted with skin of a user. The housing includes a single cavity and may have a plurality of tabs that extend inwardly from an outer wall of the housing. The housing can be coupled to the container via welding, adhering, fastening or in some embodiments, the housing can be integrally formed with the container. The first cavity is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the ink pad and in some embodiments, the tabs may retain the ink pad. A lower surface of the ink pad is exposed to the chamber of the container to fluidly couple the ink pad to the chamber of the container. The UV indicator mixture in the chamber is in fluid communication with the ink pad. The UV indicator mixture impregnates or loads the ink pad. As the ink pad is impregnated or loaded with the UV indicator mixture, an upper surface of the ink, when applied to human skin, forms an impression.

The UV indicator mixture has a first color in the absence of UV radiation and in the presence of visible light. Upon exposure to a varying ratio of UV to visible light, a color of the impression changes from the first color to a second color. The first color may be any color such as, for example, red, yellow, green, blue or white. In various embodiments, the UV indicator mixture comprises one or more white pigments. The one or more white pigments may be calcium carbonate, silica, zinc sulfide, lithopone (a mixture of barium sulfate and ZnS), micas, clays (such as, for example, kaolin), barytes (the natural form of barium sulfate) or any combination thereof. The advantage of using white as the UV indicator mixture is that it appears the same on any skin tone and allows more contrast and easier visibility of changes in the color saturation of the photochromic dyes and/or pigments. In various embodiments, the first color is white as the UV indicator mixture comprises a UV indicator ink comprising one or more photochromic dyes or pigments that are colorless in the absence of UV light and in the presence of visible light and the standard colored ink comprises one or more white pigments. In use, the user may remove the cap 12 to expose the upper surface of the ink pad and apply the applicator device 10 by contacting the ink pad against the skin of the user. As the ink pad contacts the skin, and as described above, the UV indicator mixture is applied to the skin. If the UV indicator mixture is applied in the absence of UV radiation or a low ratio of UV to visible radiation, it will appear as the first color. If it is applied in the presence of UV radiation with a higher ratio of UV to visible light, it will change color to the second color. Thereafter, the user may apply a sunscreen or a sunscreen material over exposed skin, including over the impression caused by the ink pad. In the presence of sunlight, and if enough sunscreen has been applied to sufficiently block the UV radiation, the UV indicator mixture will appear, or revert to, the first color. If insufficient sunscreen has been applied over the impression, the UV indicator mixture will appear as varying degrees of the second color. As the sunscreen material wears off the impression and the rest of the user’s exposed skin, the UV indicator mixture will begin to revert to the first color again. When sufficient sunscreen is applied over the impression, and instructionally the rest of the exposed skin, the impression will revert to the first color indicating that sufficient sunscreen has been re-applied.

By applying the UV indicator mixture, where both the first color and the second color are discernible to the human eye, the user may be informed of: 1 ) the precise location where the UV indicator mixture was applied, 2) whether and how much UV radiation is reaching the impression, and the rest of the user’s skin by proxy, by comparing color saturation of the second color to a standard, 3) whether the impression is wearing off, or has worn off, the user’s skin and needs to be re-applied, and 4) whether the ink level is the applicator device are depleting relative to a standard. In various embodiments, the standard color is also the color of the housing, container and/or cap which can serve as a reference for ink depletion and/or color fading.

Figures 7-15 illustrate an applicator device 1 10, according to another, non-limiting example embodiment. The applicator device 1 10 is generally operable to dispense sunscreen 158 and concurrently apply UV indicator ink 135 and standard colored ink 137 to human skin, or to dispense sunscreen 158 and concurrently apply the UV indicator mixture. The applicator device 1 10 includes a sunscreen container 144, a container 1 1 1 , a cap 1 12 hingedly coupleable to the container 1 1 1 , and an applicator assembly 1 13. The sunscreen container 144 includes a main body 145 that includes a primary chamber 146. The primary chamber 146 is sized and shaped to hold sunscreen 158. The sunscreen 158 can include materials sold for use on human skin to reduce exposure of the skin to UV radiation and protect exposed skin from sunburn, for example, by absorbing, scattering and/or blocking UV radiation. The sunscreen 158 can include fluids such as creams, lotions, liquids, gels, sprays and balms, and include solids such as powders.

The sunscreen container 144 includes a coupling portion 147 that necks down to the main body 145. The coupling portion 147 includes an end plate 149 having an opening 150. The opening 150 is in fluid communication with the primary chamber 146 and is sized and shaped to dispense sunscreen 158. For example, in some embodiments, the sunscreen container 144 may comprise a flexible squeeze tube that dispenses the sunscreen 158 when squeezed. In other embodiments, however, the sunscreen container 144 may comprise a hard-walled container such as a bottle, tube, or a can.

The coupling portion 147 is hingedly coupled to the container 1 1 1 via a first hinge mechanism 152. As illustrated in Figure 8, a first end of the first hinge mechanism 152 is coupled to the coupling portion 147 and a second end of the first hinge mechanism 152 is coupled to the container 1 1 1 . In some embodiments, the first hinge mechanism 152 may comprise flexible material that allows rotational movement of the container 1 1 1 between open and closed positions. For example, Figure 14 illustrates the container 1 1 1 in an open position, in which the container 1 1 1 is rotatably moved in a first rotary direction R1 from the closed position illustrated in Figures 7-12. In alternative embodiments, however, the container 1 1 1 may be removably coupleable to the main body 145 via fastening, or other detent structures, such as a tab, screw threads, tongue, or ball disposed on the coupling 15 portion 147 that is sized and shaped to be received in receiving cavities disposed in the container 1 1 1 .

For embodiments where the UV indicator ink 135 and the standard colored ink 137 are applied to the skin of the user, the container 1 1 1 includes a first chamber 1 14 and a second chamber 1 15. The first chamber 1 14 and the second chamber 1 15 are separated from each other via a partition wall 1 16 and a base wall 178. A lower portion of the container 1 1 1 includes a first recess 161 that circumferentially extends through a wall of the container 1 1 1 to define a lower coupling flange 162. The lower coupling flange 162 mates with an exterior surface 163 of the end plate 149 to couple thereto. An upper portion of the container 1 1 1 includes a second recess 164 that circumferentially extends through the wall to define a coupling surface 167. The coupling surface 167 is sized and shaped to mate with a cap wall 120 of the cap 1 12. In particular, the cap 1 12 includes a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile having a base flange 168 and the cap wall 120. The cap 1 12 is hingedly coupled to the container 1 1 1 via a second hinge mechanism 172. As illustrated in Figure 7, a first end of the second hinge mechanism 172 is coupled to the container 1 1 1 and a second end of the second hinge mechanism 172 is coupled to the cap wall 120. Again, in some embodiments, the second hinge mechanism 172 may comprise flexible material that allows rotational movement of the cap 1 12 between open and closed positions. For example, Figure 13 illustrates the cap 1 12 in an open position, in which the cap 1 12 is rotatably moved in a second rotary direction R2 from the closed position illustrated in Figures 7-12. In some embodiments, each of the cap 1 12 and the container 1 1 1 may be moved to open positions. For example, Figure 15 illustrates the cap 1 12 in the open position and the container 1 1 1 in the open position.

The applicator assembly 1 13 includes a housing 123, a first ink pad 124, and a second ink pad 125. The applicator assembly 1 13 is generally coupleable to any container. In some embodiments, the applicator assembly 1 13 may be removably directly coupleable to any container, such as the container 1 1 1 , sunscreen container 145, etc. via fastening, adhering, or similar structures. In some embodiments, the applicator assembly 1 13 coupled to the container 1 1 1 , may be coupleable to any container, such as a can, bottle, and/or tube that holds material such as sunscreen.

The housing 123 includes a first cavity 126 and a second cavity 127. The first and second cavities 126, 127 are spaced apart from each other via a dividing wall 128. The dividing wall 128 has a substantially hat-shaped cross-sectional profile having a partition recess 129. The partition recess 129 is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the partition wall 1 16 of the container 1 1 1 . As illustrated in detail in Figure 10A, the housing 123 includes a plurality of tabs 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d. The tabs 130a and 130d extend inwardly from an outer wall 131 toward the dividing wall 128 and tabs 130b and 130c extend outwardly the outer wall 131 . The housing 123 can be coupled to the container 1 1 1 via welding, adhering, fastening, or in some embodiments, the housing 123 can be integrally formed with the container 1 1 1 . When the housing 123 is coupled to the container 1 1 1 , as described above, the partition wall 1 16 is coupleably received in the partition recess 129 of the housing 123.

The first cavity 126 is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the first ink pad 124 and the second cavity 127 is sized and shaped to coupleably receive the second ink pad 125. When the first ink pad 124 is coupleably received in the first cavity 126 and the second ink pad 125 is coupleably received in the second cavity 127, the tabs 130a, 130b retain the first ink pad 124 and the tabs 130c, 130d retain the second ink pad 125. Moreover, a lower surface 132 of the first ink pad 124 is exposed to the first chamber 1 14 of the container 1 1 1 to fluidly couple the first ink pad 124 to the first chamber 1 14 of the container 1 1 1 .

Similarly, a lower surface 133 of the second ink pad 125 is exposed to the second chamber 1 15 of the container 1 1 1 to fluidly couple the second ink pad 125 to the second chamber 1 15 of the container 1 1 1.

In particular, the first chamber 1 14 contains a UV indicator ink 135 that is in fluid communication with the first ink pad 124. The UV indicator ink 135 impregnates or loads the first ink pad 124. As described above, the UV indicator ink 135 include fluids such as solutions, suspensions, inks, or gels comprising photochromic dyes or pigments, or solids such as powders comprising photochromic dyes or pigments. As the first ink pad 124 is impregnated or loaded with UV indicator ink 135, an upper surface 136 of the first ink pad 124, when applied to human skin can change color due to exposure to a changing ratio of UV to visible radiation to a first color.

The second chamber 1 15 contains a standard colored ink 137 that is in fluid communication with the second ink pad 125. The standard colored ink 137 impregnates or loads the second ink pad 125. The standard colored ink 37 may comprise any pigment or dye-based ink or coating that dries or cures by evaporation, polymerization, adsorption or absorption, or any other standard colored ink known in the art.

In general, the standard colored ink 137 when applied to human skin will have a second color, such as, for example, red, yellow, green, blue, etc. The second color may be selected to substantially match the first color resulting from exposure to UV radiation. In alternative embodiments, the second color may be different from the first color. As the second ink pad 125 is impregnated or loaded with standard colored ink 137, an upper surface 139 of the second ink pad 125, when applied to human skin will result in an impression having the second color. As illustrated in Figures 7-15, the first ink pad 124 may be a mirror image of the second ink pad 125. Thus, the first ink pad 124 is generally sized and shaped to apply substantially the same volume of UV indicator ink 135 as the standard colored ink 137 applied by the second ink pad 125. In contrast to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7-15, in some embodiments, the container 1 1 1 may be coupled to a side of the sunscreen container 144 opposite to the side of the sunscreen container 144 having the coupling portion 147. For example, in such embodiments, the coupling portion 147 may be coupleable to a secondary cap, and an opposing side of the sunscreen container 144 may be coupled to the container 1 1 1 . As such, one side of the sunscreen container 144 may dispense sunscreen 158 and an opposing side of the sunscreen container 144 having the container 1 1 1 may allow for application of the standard colored ink 137 and the UV indicator ink 135. Moreover, in some embodiments, the container 1 1 1 or the applicator assembly 1 13 may be adhered to the sunscreen container 145. For example, in some embodiments, the coupling portion 147 may be hingedly or via fastening coupleable to a secondary cap. The container 1 1 1 or the applicator assembly 1 13 with the first and second ink pads 124, 125 may be adhered to an external surface of the secondary cap. Thus, in such embodiments, the first and second ink pads 124, 125 may be applied to skin of a user, and the secondary cap may be removed to apply sunscreen 158.

In use, therefore, a user may rotatably move the cap 1 12 to the open position (Figure 13) and expose the upper surface 136 of the first ink pad 124 and the upper surface 139 of the second ink pad 125. The user may apply the applicator device 1 10 by contacting the first and second ink pads 124, 125 against the skin of the user similar to the description above in related to the embodiment of Figures 1 -5. Again, upon application of the application device 1 10, impressions may be provided on a user, as shown for example in Figure 6.

As the first and second ink pads 124, 125 contact the skin, the UV indicator ink 135 and the standard colored ink 137 are applied to the skin. In some implementations, the first ink and second ink pads 124, 125 may already be impregnated or loaded with the corresponding UV indicator ink 135 and the standard colored ink 137. In some implementations, as the applicator device 1 10 is rotated, gravitational and/or capillary forces will fluidly communicate the UV indicator ink 135 and the standard colored ink 137 to the corresponding first and second ink pads 124, 125 via exposure to the respective lower surface 132 of the first ink pad 124 and lower surface 133 of the second ink pad 125. In this manner, the first ink pad 124 and the second ink pad 125 will be impregnated or loaded with the respective UV indicator ink 135 and standard colored ink 137. Thereafter, contact of the skin with the upper surface 136 of the first ink pad 124 and the upper surface 139 of the second ink pad 125 will apply the corresponding UV indicator ink 135 and the standard colored ink 137. In some implementations, the UV indicator ink 135 and/or the standard colored ink 137 may be delivered via sintered plastic nib that is in fluid communication with chambers or reservoirs having the UV indicator ink 135 and/or the standard colored ink 137. In some implementations, the sintered plastic nib may be in fluid communication with foam ink pads including the UV indicator ink 135 and/or the standard colored ink 137. The sintered plastic nib may be wetted and/or rewetted via capillary action.

Again, upon application of the UV indicator ink 135 and the standard colored ink 137, corresponding impressions of the first ink pad 124 and the second ink pad 125 will be applied to the skin of the user. The impressions will match profiles of the first and second ink pads 124, 125. Again, in some embodiments, the impressions may be of a design or image that is imparted onto the first and second ink pads 124, 125. The impression of the second ink pad 125 will have the second color. The impression of the first ink pad 124 will remain colorless, unless the UV indicator ink 135 applied via first ink pad 124 is exposed to a certain ratio of UV to visible radiation. Exposure to this ratio of UV to visible radiation will cause the impression of the first ink pad 124 to have the first color, wherein the first color may substantially match the second color.

Thereafter, the user may apply sunscreen over exposed skin, including over the impressions caused by the first and second ink pads 124, 125. In particular, the user rotatably moves the container 1 1 1 to the open position (Figures 13 and 14) and exposes the opening 150 of the coupling portion 147 of the sunscreen container 144. The sunscreen container 144 may be squeezed to dispense sunscreen 158 in the primary chamber 146. As the sunscreen material is applied over the impressions, the impression caused by the first ink pad 124 will either remain colorless, or if due to exposure to a higher ratio of UV to visible light, the impression had changed to the first color, the sunscreen material will block or cover the UV indicator ink 135, causing the impression to return to colorless assuming an adequate amount of sunscreen was applied in the presence of sunlight. The impression caused by the second ink pad 125, however, will remain the second color. In various embodiments, the standard colored ink 137 is selected to be resistant to sunscreen 158.

As the user is exposed to UV radiation, the applied UV indicator ink 135, in particular the impression caused by the first ink pad 124, will change color based on the ratios of UV to visible light reaching the impression through the sunscreen 158.

By applying the impression caused by the second ink pad 125 that is of the second color, and one that is discernible to the human eye, the user may be informed of the precise location where the UV indicator ink 135 was applied, whether exposure to UV radiation is present and its intensity based on the UV indicator ink’s color saturation, or whether the UV indicator ink 135 has turned to colorless due, for example, to blocking or covering via sunscreen 158. Thus, the user may periodically check in the vicinity of the impression caused by first ink pad 124 to determine whether the sunscreen 158 has worn off and needs to be re-applied. In particular, as described above, because the first ink pad 124 is in close proximity to the second ink pad 125, and is a mirror image of the second ink pad 125 and, therefore, the same volume of standard colored ink 137 and UV indicator ink 135 is to be applied to the skin, in the event the standard colored ink 137 is wearing off or has worn off, such would indicate to the user that the UV indicator ink 135 is also wearing off or has worn off due, in part, to wearing off at a similar rate. Thus, the user may choose to re-apply both standard color ink 137 and UV indicator ink 135 with applicator device 1 10.

Again, the applicator device 1 10 may permit or facilitate extrapolating or determining UV intensity from the degree of color saturation of UV indicator ink 135 to determine whether, or when, re-application of sunscreen 158 should occur. For example, the user may compare the color saturation level of the first color of the impression of the first ink pad 124 and the second color of the impression of the second ink pad 125. Based on the comparison, a user with lighter skin tone may re-apply sunscreen 158 when the impression of the first ink pad 124 begins to change color from colorless to the first color. Conversely, the user with darker skin tone may re-apply sunscreen 158 when the impression of the first ink pad 124 is more saturated; in other words, the UV indicator ink 135 of the impression of the first ink pad 124 has reached or nearly reached saturation level to match the second color of the impression of the second ink pad 125. In this manner, by comparing the color saturation level of the first color and the second color, the user may extrapolate UV intensity, and as a result may be informed thereafter based on skin tone of the user, whether sunscreen 158 needs to be re applied.

In some implementations, the applicator device 1 10 may provide indication to the user if the UV indicator ink 135 in the first chamber 1 14 has depleted. For example, in some embodiments, the first chamber 1 14 may have an internal volume that is greater than an internal volume of the second chamber 1 15. As such, the first chamber 1 14 will hold or comprise a higher volume of UV indicator ink 135 than the standard colored ink 137 held or comprised in the second chamber 1 15. Thus, the standard colored ink 137 would deplete sooner than the UV indicator ink 135. Accordingly, if application of the applicator device 1 10 results in the impression of the second ink pad 125 being colorless, such would indicate that the UV indicator ink 135 has reached, or is nearing depletion. In some implementations, the depletion level may be determined by comparing color intensity of the second color. For example, if the second color has faded or lost intensity compared to the prescribed or anticipated color of the second color, such would indicate that the UV indicator ink 135 has reached, or is nearing depletion. In some implementations, the prescribed or anticipated color of the standard colored ink 137 is also the color of the housing which can serve as a reference for ink depletion and lightening of the standard colored ink 137. Alternatively or in addition to, the container and/or cap could also be color matched to the standard colored ink 137 and serve as a reference for depleting ink levels in standard colored ink 137 and UV indicator ink 35.

In some implementations, the first and second chambers 1 14, 1 15 may have the same volume. In such implementations, the user may overfill the first chamber 1 14 with UV indicator ink 135 relative of the standard colored ink 137 filled in the second chamber 1 15. Again, in this manner, if application of the applicator device 1 10 results in the impression of the second ink pad 125 being faded or colorless, such would indicate that the UV indicator ink 135 has reached or is nearing depletion. Again, in some implementations, the depletion level may be determined by comparing color intensity of the second color. For example, if the second color has faded or lost intensity compared to the prescribed or anticipated color of the second color, such would indicate that the UV indicator ink 135 has reached, or is nearing depletion.

Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above- detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.