Sunscreen container

Abstract

A Sunscreen Container is provided which includes a sunscreen-filled container equipped with a reflective surface. The container has a plane bottom surface, a substantially planar side wall surface which is formed to define a bottle, squeeze-tube, or jar, and a plane top surface of an upper lid. The reflective surface is secured firmly in place with an adhesive material which connects one side of the reflective surface to the plane top surface, the plane surface, or the planar side wall surface of the container. The reflective surface may be secured in place with a water resistant adhesive which attaches one side of the reflective surface to a plane surface of the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices used to protect skin. More specifically, the present invention pertains to sunscreen application devices that allow users to achieve proper sunscreen application to the skin. The present invention is particularly, though not exclusively, useful as a means for protecting the skin from diseases associated with exposure to the sun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, outdoor activity such as swimming, running, biking, waterskiing, surfing, snow skiing, and snow boarding, has permeated American culture with increased vigor. In fact, outdoor sport has become a significant cultural phenomenon. Unfortunately, the golden-bronze or sun-burned skin tones that often accompany excessive exposure to the sun during outside activity are actually the skin's injury response to ultraviolet radiation damage. As a result, there is an increased need to guard the skin against the harsh rays of the sun, thereby protecting it from premature photo-aging, such as fine-lines, wrinkles, and leathery texture. More importantly, the high incidence of skin cancer, such as malignant melanoma, one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer, has been attributed primarily to sun exposure. There is thus an even greater need to shield the skin from life-threatening disease.

[0003] Accordingly, sunscreen is an essential component of any overall photo-aging and skin cancer prevention strategy. Sunscreen reduces a user's exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. In use, the sun protection factor (“SPF rating”) of a particular sunscreen allows a user to approximate the time the sunscreen is able to forestall the onset of sunburn. A higher SPF rating offers a user protection for a longer period of time than a lower SPF rating. A sunscreen user may then be better equipped to tolerate the sun's harmful rays depending on the amount of time a user remains in the sun and the particular SPF rating utilized. Consequently, sunscreen use allows a user to remain exposed to the sun unharmed for a longer period of time than a user who has applied sunscreen with too low an SPF rating or who has refrained from using sunscreen all together. More importantly, a user who achieves proper and complete coverage on his or her skin may be afforded maximum protection.

[0004] In response to the need to shield the skin from the dangers posed by the sun, a variety of skin protection aids have been developed. The currently available skin protection devices disclose a protective cream which is dispensed from a bottle, jar, and/or squeeze tube shaped container, that a user massages into his or her skin to chemically block ultraviolet radiation. These skin protection devices are designed to defend a user's skin from premature photo-aging and from life-threatening diseases by minimizing a user's exposure to the sun.

[0005] However, the application of sunscreen with a currently available skin protection device may require that a user apply sunscreen to a desired area around the eyes, nose, and ears, without a visual aid, such as a mirror. A currently available device may therefore rely solely upon the user's manual coordination for proper application to the desired location. Consequently, the application of sunscreen with a currently available skin protection device may not allow a user to achieve proper sunscreen application. Sunscreen application with these devices is thus unlikely to provide sufficient protection against premature photo-aging and life-threatening disease.

[0006] As a consequence, applying sunscreen with a currently available skin protection device may, due to the lack of a visual aid, allow a user to misapply or inefficiently apply sunscreen to the skin during application to the aforementioned areas. In addition, a user engaging in water or snow sports, where frequent sunscreen reapplication is crucial to continued skin protection, may be even less able to maintain consistent sunscreen coverage to these areas. The result is greater difficulty in maintaining proper sunscreen coverage. More importantly, a user who applies sunscreen with a currently available skin protection device may inadvertently allow his or her skin to remain unprotected against the sun's often harsh rays, and thereby subject his or her skin to premature photo-aging or increase his or her risk of developing a life-threatening disease.

[0007] As a result of the above problems, there is a need for a skin protection device that does not rely solely upon the user's dexterity for proper sunscreen application to the areas around the eyes, nose, and ears. This device must ensure that a user's skin readily withstand the sun's often harsh rays. Accordingly, there is a need for a skin protection device that will provide visual assistance, such as a mirror or other reflective surface, to a user during sunscreen application to these particular areas. This device must allow a user to correctly apply sunscreen to these areas of the skin, thereby fostering proper and complete skin coverage. Further, this device must allow a user engaging in outdoor sports to maintain consistent sunscreen coverage. Moreover, this device must prevent a user from inadvertently allowing his or her skin to remain unprotected against harmful radiation. Finally, this device must minimize the risk of premature photo-aging and life-threatening disease.

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that does not rely solely upon the user's manual coordination for proper sunscreen application to the areas around the eyes, nose, and ears. It is another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that ensures that a user's skin may readily withstand the sun's often harsh rays. It is another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that provides visual assistance, such as a mirror or other reflective surface, to a user during sunscreen application. It is another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that enables a user to efficiently apply sunscreen to these particular areas of the skin. It is another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that fosters proper and complete skin coverage. It is another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that allows a user engaging in outdoor sports to maintain consistent sunscreen coverage. It is another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that prevents a user from inadvertently allowing his or her skin to remain unprotected against harmful radiation. It is another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that minimizes the risk of premature photo-aging and life-threatening disease. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a skin protection device that is easy to manufacture, easy to use, easy to maintain, and relatively inexpensive. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a Sunscreen Container is provided which includes a sunscreen-filled bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube shaped container equipped with a reflective surface, such as a mirror. In use, the Sunscreen Container Device casts the user's mirror image from the reflective surface. The device further includes a plane bottom surface, a plane top surface of the container's upper-lid, and a substantially planar side wall surface which spans opposite edges of the bottom and top surfaces to form a bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube shaped container. The reflective surface is secured firmly in place with an adhesive material which connects one side of the reflective surface to the top surface of the container's upper-lid.

[0010] In an alternate configuration, a Sunscreen Container is provided in which the reflective surface attaches to, or formed on, the plane bottom surface of a bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube shaped container. The reflective surface is secured firmly in place with an adhesive material which connects one side of the reflective surface to the bottom surface of the bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube shaped container.

[0011] In yet another configuration, a Sunscreen Container is provided in which the reflective surface attaches to the planar side wall surface of a bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube container. The reflective surface is secured firmly in place with an adhesive material which connects one side of the reflective surface to the planar side wall surface of a bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a bottle-shaped container equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane top surface of the container's upper-lid;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a squeeze-tube shaped contained equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane top surface of the container's upper-lid;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a jar shaped container equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane top surface of the container's upper-lid;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a bottle-shaped container equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane bottom surface of the container;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a jar shaped container equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane bottom surface of the container;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a bottle shaped container equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane side wall surface of the container;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a squeeze-tube shaped container equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane side wall surface of the container; and

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the Sunscreen Container of the present invention showing a jar shaped container equipped with a reflective surface attached to the plane side wall surface of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] Referring initially to FIG. 1 for an overview, a Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 10. The Sunscreen Container 10 includes a bottle-shaped container 12 having a substantially planar side wall surface 14 which is formed to define a bottle neck 16 having an upper flip-top lid 18. In a preferred embodiment, the Sunscreen Container 10 has a plane bottom surface 20 and a plane top surface 22 of the flip-top lid 18 of the bottle 12. The flip-top lid 18 is merely a preferred embodiment, and it can be appreciated that the flip-top lid may be replaced with a detachable lid, or any other closure mechanism well known in the art.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows that the Sunscreen Container 10 is equipped with a reflective surface 24. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 24 is affixed to the plane surface 22 of the flip-top lid 18. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 24 is affixed to the plane surface 22 of the flip-top lid 18 with a water resistant adhesive 26.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 24 may be made of a reflective material that forms a well-defined reflected beam, such as reflecting glass, or other suitable material known in the art. It is preferable that the material be a good reflector for visible light to ensure that a user is able to see his or her likeness. However, reflecting glass is merely exemplary of a preferred embodiment, and it is to be appreciated that any other material having a sufficiently polished surface to create a mirror-like reflection may be used. Specifically, it is preferable that the average depth of surface irregularities of the reflector material be substantially less than the wavelength of the incident light to ensure that the material reflects visible light.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface may be formed to define a planar surface. The surface should be adequately polished to ensure that a reflected beam is formed. However, it is to be appreciated that the reflective surface may be formed to define a convex or concave surface to accommodate a convex or concave top, bottom, or side wall surface of a bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube container.

[0025] While reflective glass has been discussed as a preferred device for ensuring that a mirror-like reflection is created, it should be appreciated that any reflective material well known in the art may be used. For example, the reflective glass may be replaced with a flexible material, such as a reflective foil. The reflective foil may include a self-adhesive back surface to permit a user to affix the reflective surface to a bottle, jar, or squeeze-tube shaped container.

[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, while a water resistant adhesive 26 has been discussed as a preferred device for securing the reflective surface 24 to the flip top lid 18, it should be appreciated that any adhesive well known in the art may be used.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, the Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 20. The Sunscreen Container 20 includes a squeeze-tube shaped container 22 having a planar side wall surface 24, which is formed to define an upper lid 26. In a preferred embodiment, the Sunscreen Container 20 has a plane top surface 28 of the upper lid 26 of the squeeze-tube 22.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows that the Sunscreen Container 20 is equipped with a reflective surface 30. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 30 is affixed to the plane top surface 28 of the upper-lid 26. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 30 is affixed to the plane top surface 28 of the flip-top lid 26 with a water resistant adhesive 32.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, the Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 40. The Sunscreen Container 40 includes a jar-shaped container 42 having planar side wall surface 44, which is formed to define an upper lid 46. In a preferred embodiment, the Sunscreen Container 40 has a plane top surface 48 of the upper-lid 46 of the jar 42.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows that the Sunscreen Container 40 is equipped with a reflective surface 50. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 50 is affixed to the plane top surface 48 of the upper lid 46 with a water-resistant adhesive 52.

[0031] An alternative embodiment of the Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 and generally designated 60. The Sunscreen Container 60 includes a bottle-shaped container 62 having a substantially planar side wall surface 64 which is formed to define a bottle neck 66 having an upper flip-top lid 68. In a preferred embodiment, the Sunscreen Container 60 has a plane bottom surface 70 and a plane top surface 72 of the flip-top lid 68 of the bottle 60.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows that the Sunscreen Container 60 is equipped with a reflective surface 74. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 74 is affixed to the plane bottom surface 70 of bottle 62. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 74 is affixed to the plane bottom surface 70 with a water resistant adhesive 76.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5, another alternative embodiment of the Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 80. The Sunscreen Container 80 includes a jar-shaped container 82 having planar side wall surface 84, which is formed to define an upper lid 86. In a preferred embodiment, the Sunscreen Container 80 has a plane top surface 88 of the upper-lid 86 of the jar 82.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows that the Sunscreen Container 80 is equipped with a reflective surface 90. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 90 is affixed to the plane bottom surface 92 of the jar 82.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, another alternative embodiment of the Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown and generally designated 100. The Sunscreen Container 100 includes a bottle-shaped container 102 having planar side wall surface 104. FIG. 6 shows that the Sunscreen Container 100 is equipped with a reflective surface 106. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 106 is affixed to the planar side wall surface 104 of bottle 102.

[0036] Another alternative embodiment of the Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 7 and generally designated 110. The Sunscreen Container 110 includes a squeeze-tube shaped container 112 having planar side wall surface 114. FIG. 7 shows that the Sunscreen Container 110 is equipped with a reflective surface 116. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 116 is affixed to the planar side wall surface 114 of squeeze-tube 112.

[0037] In yet another alternative embodiment, the Sunscreen Container in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 8 and generally designated 120. The Sunscreen Container 120 includes a jar shaped container 122 having a planar side wall surface 124. FIG. 8 shows that the Sunscreen Container 120 is equipped with a reflective surface 126. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 126 is affixed to the planar side wall surface 124 of the jar 122.

[0038] While the particular Sunscreen Container as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of achieving the objects and providing the benefits herein before described, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sunscreen container, comprising:

a container having an outer surface and containing a chemical sunscreen; and

a reflective surface attached to said outer surface.

2. The Sunscreen container of

claim 1, wherein said container is bottle shaped.

3. The Sunscreen container of

claim 2, wherein said container is formed with a bottom surface.

4. The Sunscreen container of

claim 3 wherein said reflective surface is attached to said bottom surface.

5. The Sunscreen container of

claim 3 wherein said container further comprises an upper lid having a plane top surface, and wherein said reflective surface is attached to said plane top surface.

6. The Sunscreen container of

claim 1, wherein said container is squeeze-tube shaped and formed with a side wall.

7. The Sunscreen container of

claim 6 wherein said reflective surface is attached to said side wall.

8. The Sunscreen container of

claim 6 wherein said container further comprises an upper lid and wherein said reflective surface is attached to said upper lid.

9. The Sunscreen container of

claim 1, wherein said container is jar shaped and formed with a bottom surface and a side wall.

10. The Sunscreen container of

claim 9 wherein said reflective surface is attached to said bottom surface.

11. The Sunscreen container of

claim 9 wherein said reflective surface is attached to said side wall.

12. The Sunscreen container of

claim 9 further comprising an upper lid formed with a plane surface.

13. The Sunscreen container of

claim 12 wherein said reflective surface is attached to said plane surface.

14. The Sunscreen container of

claim 1, wherein said reflective surface is reflective glass.

15. The Sunscreen container of

claim 1 wherein said reflective material is reflective foil.

16. A sunscreen container, comprising

a squeeze-tube shaped container having a substantially planar side wall and formed with an opening;

a flip-top lid;

a means for attaching said flip-top lid to said opening to seal said container; and

a reflective surface attached to said container.

17. The Sunscreen container of

claim 16 wherein said reflective surface is attached to said substantially planar side wall.

18. The Sunscreen container of

claim 16 wherein said reflective surface is attached to said flip top lid.

19. A sunscreen container, comprising

a jar shaped container having a substantially planar side wall and formed with an opening;

a lid;

a means for attaching said lid to said opening to seal said container; and

a reflective surface attached to said lid.

20. The Sunscreen container of

claim 19 wherein said reflective surface is reflective foil.