BOTTLE WITH PHOTOCHROMIC CAP FOR DETECTING SUNLIGHT

Abstract

A sunscreen container has a photochromic cap that changes color when exposed to sunlight. The sunscreen container includes (i) a container body having an opening, the container body configured to receive sunscreen therein; (ii) a cap configured to cover an opening of the container body, the cap comprising a photochromic material, the cap having a color that changes when exposed to ultraviolet radiation; and (iii) a color-coded index mounted on the container body, the index having: (A) indicia that correspond to a plurality of color intensities of the cap; and (B) corresponding indicia that correspond to respective ultraviolet light intensities, e.g., low, severe, and extreme.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application number 61/428,764, filed on Dec. 30, 2010, entitled “Bottle with Photochromic Cap for Detecting Sunlight,” to Mackay, et al, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention is in the field of sunscreen bottles and other containers.

2. Background of the Invention

The harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on the skin of individuals have been known for years. Recently, there has been more emphasis placed on avoiding the harmful effects of too much sunlight, resulting in the extended use of sunscreens, which may be in the forms of lotions, lip balms, sprays and ointments, for example, in order to protect the skin of a user.

Various advancements in technology relating to sunscreens have dramatically improved a user's ability to block harmful ultraviolet rays. Sun protection factor, also known as SPF, is a measure of how effective a sunscreen is. A higher SPF provides more protection than a lower SPF against the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburns. A variety of factors determine what SPF is recommended, such as a user's skin type, the extremity of the sunlight, the amount of sunscreen applied, how often the sunscreen is applied, activities engaged in, such as swimming, etc. However, in general, the higher the amount of ultraviolet radiation, the higher the SPF that is recommended to prevent sunburns. More applications may also be necessary for higher amounts of ultraviolet radiation.

For example, if a hiker, swimmer or sunbather, all of whom can receive harmful UV rays, desires to receive a low amount of ultraviolet radiation during a particular activity, the user can employ a sunscreen having an SPF of 45. On the other hand, if the individual desires to receive more ultraviolet radiation, e.g., for tanning purposes, but still wants some protection during a particular time period, the user can employ an SPF of 10, for example. A variety of different additional SPF factored sunscreens are available for various desired amounts of protection from harmful UV rays.

Despite the advancements in sunscreen technology, it is still quite common for users not to employ or take advantage of modern sunscreen technology. One reason may be that individuals going into the sun lack awareness or reminders of its harmful effects. Another may be that individuals are aware in general of the harmful effects of the sun but are not presently cognizant of such harmful effects on a particular occasion. At any rate, various factors may cause a user to either not know to use sunscreen or to forget to use sunscreen they may even have with them.

What is needed therefore is a technology or mechanism for reminding individuals to employ sunscreen in order to block out harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A sunscreen bottle of the present invention has a photochromic cap that changes color when exposed to sunlight. The sunscreen bottle is configured to enable a user to determine the intensity of ambient ultraviolet radiation, which enables the user to identify a recommended type of sunscreen. The sunscreen bottle includes: (i) a container body having an opening, the container body configured to receive sunscreen therein; (ii) a cap configured to cover an opening of the container body, the cap comprising a photochromic material, the cap having a color that changes when exposed to ultraviolet radiation; and (iii) a color-coded index mounted on the container body, the index having: (A) indicia that correspond to a plurality of potential colors of the cap; and (B) corresponding indicia that correspond to respective ultraviolet light intensity levels, e.g., low, severe, and extreme, such that the color of the cap on a particular occasion identifies a corresponding ultraviolet light intensity level.

Based on the ultraviolet light intensity level, the user can decide to apply an appropriate type and amount of sunscreen.

In one embodiment, the bottle body originally has substantially the same color as the cap (e.g., both are clear), but does not change color in reaction to sunlight, such that when exposed to sunlight there is a contrast in color between the cap and the bottle body, thereby providing a noticeable distinction in color between the bottle body and the cap. This distinction causes the user to notice the sunlight and provides a reminder to use the sunscreen.

The word “photochromic” refers to a material that is capable of changing color, e.g., by darkening, by changing to a different color, or otherwise changing in appearance when exposed to light or ultraviolet radiation. Thus, an individual possessing the bottle with a photochromic cap can, upon entering sunlight, notice that the cap has changed color. This change in color should alert the user that sunscreen is required in order to prevent an injury due to the harmful effects of the sun. A low amount of ultraviolet radiation from the sun will result in a small color change of the cap. An increased amount of ultraviolet radiation will result in a more intense color change of the cap. A high amount of ultraviolet radiation will result in an even more intense color change of the cap.

The UV index mounted on the bottle body includes a plurality of index colors that correspond to colors that are achieved by the cap when the cap is exposed to a low, severe, or extreme amount (or other levels) of ultraviolet radiation. The colors of the cap and the respective corresponding colors of the index reflect intensities of the ambient ultraviolet rays. Based on the identified intensity of the ambient ultraviolet rays, a user can select a respective SPF and/or amount of sunscreen that is recommended for the ambient ultraviolet radiation.

The index includes indicia that show the respective plurality of color intensities that correspond to color intensities that may be achieved by the cap when the cap is placed in sunlight. For example, if there is a low amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation, the cap will change in color a small amount. This small color change, e.g., a slight darkening of the cap, corresponds to a first index color reflected by indicia on the bottle index. An ultraviolet light identification, such as the word “low” may be identified by additional indicia on the bottle index as reflecting the ambient amount of ultraviolet radiation when the color of the bottle cap has changed to the first index color.

If, however, there is a more severe amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation, the cap will change in color a greater amount, i.e., an amount greater than a small amount such as a further darkening of the cap, so as to correspond to a second index color. The greater color change of the cap corresponds to the second index color on the bottle index. An ultraviolet light identification, such as the word “severe” may be identified by additional indicia on the bottle index as reflecting the ambient amount of ultraviolet radiation when the color of the bottle cap has changed to the second index color.

If, however, there is an extreme amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation, the cap will change in color an even greater amount, i.e., an amount greater than the second color, such as more darkening than that shown in the second index color. This dramatic color change corresponds to a third index color reflected by indicia on the bottle index. An ultraviolet light identification, such as the word “extreme” may be identified by additional indicia on the bottle index as reflecting the ambient amount of ultraviolet radiation when the color of the bottle cap has changed to the third index color.

Instead of, or in addition to darkening, the color change my be an increase in intensity of the color, e.g., from clear to a light blue, then to an increased saturation of blue color, and then a further increased saturation of blue color.

In one embodiment, a bottle index has (i) indicia showing three different colors, which correspond to potential cap colors, and (ii) indicia showing corresponding ultraviolet light intensity levels, e.g., low, severe, and extreme, adjacent to the respective colors. In other embodiments, however, a bottle index shows two, four, five, six, or a variety of different number of colors that correspond to UV intensity levels.

In one embodiment, the base color of the cap, e.g., blue, yellow, magenta, etc. indicates the spf of sunscreen that is contained within the bottle. For example, in one embodiment, a cap having a color of blue, or a clear color that turns blue in sunlight, indicates that the color of the sunscreen within the bottle has an spf of 15, while a yellow cap, or a cap that turns yellow in sunlight, indicates an spf of 30 and a magenta cap, or a cap that turns magenta in sunlight, indicates an spf of 45. The bottle body itself may also have indicia thereon indicating the spf of the sunscreen contained in the bottle. For example, a bottle having a blue cap (or a clear cap that turns blue) may have indicia such as “SPF 15” on the bottle body indicating that the bottle contains sunscreen having an SPF of 15. Thus, both the bottle body (having spf indicia thereon) and the bottle cap (which may be color coded according to the spf of sunscreen inside the bottle) may indicate the spf of the sunscreen in the bottle.

A bottle kit may include multiple bottles that have caps that change to different colors that correspond to the spf of the sunscreen in the bottle. The bottle bodies of the kit may also contain indicia that show the spf of the sunscreen in the bottle. Thus, the cap colors and/or indicia on the bottle body may indicate the spf of the sunscreen in the bottle, such that the user has multiple methods for determining the spf of the sunscreen in the bottle.

The phrases “color change,” “change in color” and similar phrases used herein refer to any change in the color, hue, brightness, darkness, color intensity, and/or visual appearance of the referenced object (e.g., a cap, bottle body, etc.) that can be caused by ultraviolet radiation. Examples of a “color change” or similar phrase include a change from clear to a particular color, e.g., blue, a change from one color to another, e.g., blue to green, a change in intensity, e.g., light blue to dark blue or vice versa, a change from dark to light, and a variety of other changes that change the visual appearance of the referenced object in response to ultraviolet radiation.

For example, a cap of the present invention may experience a “color change” or similar phrase by changing from clear to light blue to correspond to the low UV indicia on a UV index of the present invention, then with further sunlight change to a darker blue to correspond to the severe UV indicia, then with even further sunlight change to an even darker blue to correspond to the extreme UV indicia. Optionally, a color change may comprise the blue becoming lighter in appearance as the sunlight increases. Similarly, a cap of the present invention may experience a “color change” or similar phrase by changing from clear to yellow to correspond to the low UV indicia, then with further sunlight change to a more intensely saturated yellow to correspond to the severe UV indicia, then with even further sunlight change to an even more intensity saturated yellow to correspond to the extreme UV indicia. A variety of other color changes that are caused by ultraviolet radiation are possible that correspond to indicia on the UV intensity index, each of which are within the scope of the present invention.

The color changes may be considered to be increases in intensity, such that the cap and the UV chart colors increase in color saturation as the UV radiation increases, for example. Thus, as more blue appears in the cap, for example, the cap experiences a color change that may be reflected in the index as a measurement of an increase in UV intensity.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a view of a bottle of the present invention having a photochromic cap that changes color in varying degrees in response to sunlight. An ultraviolet light intensity index is located on the body of the bottle, providing a guide to the intensity of the ambient amount of ultraviolet radiation based on the amount of color change achieved by the cap.

FIG. 1B is a view of the bottle of FIG. 1A, wherein the bottle has been exposed to sunlight, causing the cap the change color, e.g., to darken slightly in response to a low amount of ultraviolet light.

FIG. 2 is a representation of the ultraviolet radiation intensity index of the bottle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a representation of another bottle of the present invention having a photochromic cap, the cap having a push down mechanism for opening the bottle for dispensing of sunscreen. The push down mechanism comprises a photochromic material that is further darkened or otherwise changed in color in response to a more severe amount of ultraviolet light.

FIG. 4 is a lip balm container having a photochromic cap, the cap shown as having darkened dramatically in response to an extreme amount of ultraviolet light.

FIG. 5 shows a sunscreen bottle kit of the present invention, wherein the cap of each bottle has a different photochromic pigment such that each cap changes to a different color, each different color representing a different SPF sunscreen that is contained within the bottle.

FIG. 6 shows an ultraviolet radiation intensity index for use on the bottles of FIG. 5. The index is color-coded so as to identify the amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation and is further coded to reflect the bottle cap (e.g., blue, etc.) of the bottle that is recommended in light of the ambient amount of ultraviolet radiation.

FIG. 7 shows a sunscreen bottle kit of the present invention, wherein the cap of each bottle has the same photochromic pigment such that each cap changes to the same color in the same amount UV radiation. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the spf of the sunscreen in each bottle is different.

FIG. 8 shows a sunscreen bottle kit of the present invention, wherein the cap of each bottle has a different photochromic pigment such that each cap changes to a different color, each different cap color representing a different SPF sunscreen that is contained within the bottle.

FIG. 8a shows another ultraviolet radiation intensity index for use on the bottles of FIG. 8. The index is color-coded so as to identify the amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation and is further coded to reflect the bottle cap (e.g., blue, etc.) of the bottle that is recommended in light of the ambient amount of ultraviolet radiation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to FIGS. 1A-B, a sunscreen bottle 10 of the present invention comprises a bottle body 12 and a photochromic cap 14 mounted thereon that changes color when exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Bottle 10 is representative of a spray type bottle, but may also comprise a variety of different bottles and other containers that may be employed in the present invention to store sunscreen.

The sunscreen bottle 10 is configured to enable a user to determine the intensity of ambient ultraviolet radiation such that the user can make an informed decision regarding the spf and the amount of sunscreen to use. Container body 12 has an opening covered by cap 14. Container body 12 is configured to receive and store sunscreen therein. Cap 14 is configured to cover the opening of the container body 12 until it is desirable to dispense the sunscreen. Cap 14 comprises a photochromic material which causes cap 14 to change color when cap 14 is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

FIG. 1A is a depiction of bottle 10 when bottle 10 is not exposed to ultraviolet radiation, while FIG. 1B depicts a change in color, e.g., a darkening or change in hue or color intensity of cap 14 that occurs when bottle 10 is exposed to a low amount of ultraviolet radiation. Thus, a low amount of UV radiation results in a color change, e.g., a slight darkening and/or increase in intensity in the color of cap 14, as reflected in FIG. 1B, while additional ultraviolet radiation causes cap 14 to become even darker and/or more intense in color, as shown in the index 16 of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, bottle 10 further comprises a color-coded ultraviolet radiation intensity index 16 on container body 12. Index 16 may be comprised of a paper or plastic material, for example, mounted on body 12 and having indica thereon, for example, or may be comprised of indicia integrally formed on or imbedded onto container body 12, for example. The indicia may be printed onto paper or plastic, or printed directly onto bottle body 12, for example.

Index 16 includes: (1) color indicia 20, 22, 24 that correspond to a plurality of potential colors to which photochromic cap 14 may change; and (2) corresponding intensity indicia 20a, 22a, 24a, respectively, that correspond to respective UV intensities represented by the color of the cap 14 when exposed to UV rays. Using the UV intensity index 16, a user can make informed decisions regarding which sun protection factor, i.e., SPF, of sunscreen to be worn for a particular amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation.

Index 16 includes a plurality of index colors on indicia 20, 22, 24 that correspond to colors that are potentially achieved by cap 14 when cap 14 is exposed to a low, moderate, or high amount of ultraviolet radition, respectively. The potential colors of cap 14 and the respective corresponding colors of index 16 correspond to levels of ultraviolet radiation, which are further identified by corresponding intensity indicia 20a, 22a, 24a. Intensity indicia 20a, 22a, 24a identify specific levels of ambient ultraviolet radiation that correspond to color changes of cap 14, thereby enabling the user to select a desired amount of SPF of sunscreen that is recommended for the ambient ultraviolet radiation. Thus, indicia 20, 22, 24 are color intensities that correspond to color intensities that may be achieved by cap 14 while indicia 20a, 22a, 24a are identifications of respective corresponding UV intensity levels.

For example, if there is a low amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation, cap 14 will change in color a small amount, e.g., slight darkening, as reflected by indicia 20, and as shown in FIG. 1B. This small color change corresponds to a first index color reflected by indicia 20 on index 16. Corresponding indicia 20a of index identifies to the user that the amount of ultraviolet radiation is low. This may suggest to the user that an SPF of 15, for example, is recommended.

If, however, there is a more severe amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation, cap 14 will change in color a more intense amount, i.e., an amount greater than the small amount shown in indicia 20, such as a further darkening. This severe color change corresponds to a second index color reflected by indicia 22 on index 16. Corresponding indicia 22a of index 16 identifies to the user that the amount of ultraviolet radiation is severe. This may suggest to the user that an SPF of 30, for example, is recommended.

If, however, there is an extreme amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation, cap 14 will change in color a more dramatic amount, i.e., an amount greater than the amount shown in indicia 22. This more dramatic color change, e.g., a further darkening corresponds to a third index color reflected by indicia 24 on index 16. Corresponding indicia 24a of index 16 identifies to the user that the amount of ultraviolet radiation is extreme. This may suggest to the user that an SPF of 45, for example, is recommended.

In use, if the user takes bottle 10 outside and photochromic cap 14 turns to a color that corresponds or is close to one of the indicia on index 16, then the user can choose to apply an amount and/or type of sunscreen that is best for the identified conditions.

In another embodiment, as another example of a color change, rather than darkening, the colors of the cap and on the index become lighter or brighter as the UV intensity increases. The color changes may be considered to be increases in intensity, such that the cap and the UV chart colors increase in color saturation as the UV radiation increases.

In the embodiment shown, bottle index 16 shows three different colors and corresponding levels of UV radiation. In other embodiments, however, a bottle index of the present invention shows two, four, five, six, or a variety of different number of colors that correspond to UV levels.

In one embodiment, bottle body 12 originally has substantially the same color as cap 14 (e.g., both clear plastic), but does not change color in reaction to sunlight, such that there is a contrast in color between cap 14 and bottle body 12 when the cap 14 has changed color in the sunlight, thereby providing a noticeable distinction in color between bottle body 12 and cap 14, as illustrated for example, in FIGS. 1A and 1B. This distinction between the bottle body 12 and cap 14 causes the user to notice the sunlight and provides a reminder to the user to use the sunscreen. By way of example, in one embodiment, both the cap and the bottle body are clear before the bottle is taken into the sunlight, after which the cap changes color once it is moved into the sunlight. In another embodiment, the cap and bottle are different colors, but only the cap changes color. For example, in one embodiment, the cap may be originally clear while the bottle body is originally white, for example.

Thus, in one embodiment, when cap 14 color changes in ambient sunlight, the color of bottle body 12 stays the same, i.e., does not change. This dynamic highlights the color change of cap 14 and enables a user to poignantly judge the contrast between a non-UV state (e.g., within a building) and an intense UV state (e.g., in open sunlight) by viewing the difference in color between the bottle body and the cap. This should provide a dramatic reminder to apply sunscreen. In other embodiments, bottle body 12 changes in response to sunlight.

As mentioned, FIG. 1A shows a bottle 10 with little or no UV exposure, while FIG. 1B shows bottle 10 exposed to a low amount of ultraviolet radiation. The containers in FIGS. 3 and 4, which have the same or similar UV indexes are depicted as being exposed to higher UV amounts.

For example, FIG. 3 shows yet another bottle 40 configured to hold sunscreen that comprises a bottle body 42 having a cap 44 mounted thereon, the cap 44 having a fixed portion 48 and a rotating portion 50 that contains photochromic material and that rotates and snaps open when pushed on one side, exposing a hole for sunscreen to flow through. The more severely changed color of rotating portion 50 of cap 44 shows that bottle 40 is exposed to a more severe amount of ultraviolet radiation based on index 46. In one embodiment, fixed portion 48 is originally white, or another color, while rotating portion 50 is clear or substantially clear until exposed to sunlight.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, changes in cap color may relate to the entire cap changing color and/or to a portion of the cap changing color. Thus the phrases “cap changes color” and “changes in cap color” and/or similar phrases refer to color changes in the entire cap and/or a portion of the cap.

Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows yet another bottle 70 configured to hold sunscreen that comprises a bottle body 72 having a cap 74 mounted thereon. The more dramatically changed color of cap 74 shows that bottle 70 is exposed to an extreme amount of ultraviolet radiation based on index 76.

Upon receiving the identification of the ultraviolet radiation level, it is incumbent upon the user to obtain the proper type and amount of sunscreen. For example, container 10 may contain a sunscreen having an SPF of 15, or other spf levels, for example. The SPF of 15 may be identified by indicia 26a (FIG. 1A) on the bottle body, which may be a label or integrally formed indicia on the bottle body, for example. Bottles 40 and 78 may also have indicia 26b, 26c thereon that indicate the SPF of the sunscreen therein. Thus, although bottles 10, 40, and 70 each show a different amount of darkening of their respective caps in the Figures shown, the bottles themselves may contain a variety of different types of spf of sunscreen. An spf guide on the bottle itself, such as shown at 26a, 26b or 26c may be necessary to ascertain the spf level of sunscreen in the bottle in certain embodiments of the present invention.

In the kit shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, bottles 10a, 10b, and 10c each have different photochromic pigments in the caps 14a, 14b, and 14c, respectively, thereof. The different photochromic pigments result in different colors among the caps when they are placed in sunlight. In one embodiment, the different photochromatic pigments in the caps reflect which SPF of sunscreen bottles 10a, 10b, and 10c contain. In one embodiment, cap 14a is blue or turns a blue color when exposed to UV rays and contains a sunscreen having an SPF of 15, while cap 14b is yellow or turns a yellow color when exposed to UV rays and contains a sunscreen having an SPF of 30 while cap 14c is magenta or turns a magenta color when exposed to UV rays and contains a sunscreen having an SPF of 45.

Index 18a, which is used on each of the bottles 10a, 10b, 10c of the kit of FIG. 5, includes: (i) indicia 20, 22, 24 that correspond to the amount of cap color change; (ii) intensity indicia identifying the UV intensity, e.g., low, moderate, high; and (iii) further includes corresponding indicia 20b, 22b, 24b that indicate what color of bottle (and/or cap of bottle), e.g., blue, yellow, or red, is recommended for the ambient UV intensity. Indicia 20b, 22b, 24b may be blue, yellow, and magenta respectively and/or indicate the words blue, yellow, and magenta respectively, thereon.

Thus a user having the bottle kit shown in FIG. 5, which includes the index of FIG. 6 on each bottle, may enter the sunlight and notice that the color intensity of the caps 14a, 14b, and 14c has changed to a severe amount of darkening. Based on this information, index 16 recommends to the user to choose a sunscreen bottle having a yellow cap, which contains a sunscreen having an spf of 30, for example.

In one embodiment, as shown, the indicia 20b, 22b, 24b show both possible color changes of the respective cap and the recommended bottle cap corresponding to the bottle to be employed. Thus, in one embodiment, indicia 20b, 22b, 24b can replace corresponding indicia 20, 22, 24 if desired, as shown in FIG. 8a, for example.

In one embodiment, bottle 10 as described above and in the accompanying drawings is an example of a bottle that is suitable as bottle 10a of the kit of FIGS. 5 and 6, and bottles 10b and 10c are the same or identical to bottle 10 except that their caps contain a photochromic pigment that changes to a different color, e.g. yellow or magenta and their bottle bodies have indicia thereon indicating that they contain a different SPF or sunscreen, e.g., 30 or 45, respectively.

As mentioned above, bottles of the present invention, e.g., bottle 10 may have indicia thereon indicating the SPF of a sunscreen that is contained therein. For example, an spf 15 may be identified at indicia 26a (FIG. 1a). Bottles of the kit of FIG. 5 may also have indicia on the bottle bodies thereof indicating the spf of the sunscreen therein. Thus, bottle 10a of the kit of FIG. 5 may have indicia on the bottle body that indicates the spf, e.g., spf 15 of the sunscreen contained therein. Similarly, bottles 10b and 10c may also have indicia on the bodies thereof that indicates the spf of the sunscreen contained therein, e.g., spf 30 and 45, respectively, for example. Therefore, bottles 10a, 10b, 10c of the kit of FIG. 5 can each contain indicia on the bottle body that indicates the spf of the sunscreen therein and their respective caps 14a, 14b, 14c, can further indicate the spf of the sunscreen contained therein by changing to a color that corresponds, based on UV index 18a, to the spf of the sunscreen contained therein. This dual approach to indicating the spf of the sunscreen contained in the bottle provides additional reminders to the user regarding the spf of the sunscreen in the bottle.

In various embodiments, the cap 14 or other caps (and/or bottle bodies) of the present invention may be formed by employing a polypropylene resin and a photochromic pigment. In one embodiment, the photochromic pigment is an encapsulated powder and is present in an amount of about 1% by weight of the cap, while polypropylene resin is present in an amount of approximately 99% by weight of the cap. However, the amount of photochromic material may vary depending upon a desired configuration. In one embodiment a photochromic dye is employed. UV stabilizers and antioxidants may also be employed, for example in small or trace amounts as desired. The bottle bodies may comprise a plastic material, for example.

The photochromic pigments of the various bottles 10a, 10b, 10c of the kit of FIGS. 5 and 6 are different pigments and cause the caps 14a, 14b, 14c to change to different colors when exposed to ultraviolet light.

The UV intensity index of the present invention may comprise indicia located in one central area of a bottle, or may comprise indicia located in different locations on the bottle, for example. The UV index may include portions on the body and/or cap of the bottle. The UV index may also indicate spfs of sunscreens thereon, such as having the spf of a recommended sunscreen listed next to the words low, severe, or extreme, for example.

As further examples of kits of the present invention, FIGS. 7 and 8 show additional embodiments. FIG. 7 shows a sunscreen bottle kit of the present invention comprising bottles 100a-c, which may be similar or identical to bottle 10 of FIG. 1 for example.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, each cap 14a-c of each bottle 100a-c has the same photochromic pigment such that each cap 14a-c changes to the same color, e.g. blue. The spf of the sunscreen in each bottle is different, however. In this embodiment, a customer can purchase a line of blue capped bottles 100a-c, or bottles 100a-c having clear caps that change to blue, that each contain sunscreen having different spf's, as reflected in FIG. 7. The intensity of the color change directs the customer as to whether to select the 15, 30, or 45 spf bottle, for example, as discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-4, for example. Bottles 100a-c may employ the index 16 of FIG. 2, for example.

For example, in one embodiment, if the UV intensity is low, each of the caps 14a-c of the respective bottles 100a-c will change to a color that corresponds to the “LOW” indicia on index 18. If the UV intensity is severe, each of the caps 14a-c of the respective bottles 100a-c will change to a color that corresponds to the “SEVERE” indicia on index 18. If the UV intensity is extreme, each of the caps 14a-c of the respective bottles 100a-c will change to a color that corresponds to the “EXTREME” indicia on index 18. The index 16 will direct the user to choose the sunscreen that is spf 15, spf 30, or spf 45 depending upon the color changes shown in the caps 14a-c, which will be the same because the caps contain the same type (and possibly the same amount) of photochoromic pigment.

FIGS. 8 and 8a, on the other hand, show a sunscreen bottle kit of the present invention wherein the cap 14a, 14b, 14c of each respective bottle 110a, 110b, 110c has a different photochromic pigment such that each cap changes to a different color, each different color representing a different SPF sunscreen that is contained within a respective bottle, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 5-6, for example. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-8a, caps 14a, 14b, 14c of each respective bottle have a different photochromic pigment such that each cap 14a, 14b, 14c changes to a different color, e.g., blue, yellow, and magenta, respectively. The spf of the sunscreen in each bottle 110a, 110b, 110c, e.g., 15, 30, 45, respectively, is different and corresponds to the color of a respective cap 14a, 14b, 14c. In this embodiment, a customer can purchase the kit of FIG. 8 and rely upon the index 18b to recommend which bottle from among the bottles of the kit to use.

FIGS. 8a-b show another ultraviolet radiation intensity index 18b for use on the bottles of FIG. 8 (and optionally the bottles of FIG. 5). The index is color-coded so as to identify the amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation and is further coded to reflect the bottle cap (e.g., blue, etc.) of the bottle that is recommended in light of the ambient amount of ultraviolet radiation. Indicia 20b, 22b, 24b may be blue, yellow, and magenta respectively and/or indicate the words blue, yellow, and magenta respectively, thereon.

The intensity of the color change directs the customer as to whether to select the spf 15, spf 30, or spf 45 bottle, for example, as represented by the cap color and/or by the indicia of the spf identified on the bottle. Even though each cap 14a-c changes to a different color, the intensity of color change in each of the caps is the same. The indicia 20b, 22b, or 24b that corresponds to the intensity of the color change of the three differently pigmented caps 14a-c provides the recommendation regarding which bottle 100a-c is recommended for the ambient UV radiation.

For example, if the UV level is low, each of the caps 14a, 14b, 14c will change to a low color intensity level, e.g., an amount of color saturation, which corresponds to the color intensity level reflected by the low intensity indicia 20b on index 18b, which is a blue color and/or indicates the word “Blue” thereon. In this low UV level, each cap 14a, 14b, 14c is lightly colored in its respective blue, yellow, and magenta colors. The color saturation of each cap 14a-c will be relatively small. Indicia 20b is also lightly colored. Thus, based on index 18b, if the UV level is low, the relatively low level of color saturation of caps 14a-c directs the consumer to use the sunscreen in bottle 110a having blue cap 14a and an spf indica of 15 on the bottle body.

If the UV level is severe, each of the caps 14a, 14b, 14c will change to an intensity level (e.g., amount of color saturation) which corresponds to the color intensity reflected by the severe intensity indicia 22b, which is a Yellow color and/or indicates the word “Yellow” thereon. In this severe UV level, each cap 14a, 14b, 14c is more intensely colored in its respective blue, yellow, and magenta colors. The color saturation of each cap 14a-c is increased. Indicia 22b is also more intensely colored, e.g., darker, than indicia 20b. Thus, based on index 18b, if the UV level is severe, the increased level of color saturation of caps 14a-c directs the consumer to use the sunscreen in bottle 110b having yellow cap 14b and an spf indica of 30 on the bottle body.

If the UV level is extreme, each of the caps 14a, 14b, 14c will change to an intensity level (e.g., amount of color saturation) which corresponds to the color intensity reflected by the extreme intensity indicia 24b, which is a magenta color and/or indicates the word “magenta” thereon. In this extreme UV level, each cap 14a, 14b, 14c is even more intensely colored in the respective blue, yellow, and magenta colors. The color saturation is further increased. Indicia 24b is also even more intensely colored, e.g., darker, than indicia 22b. Thus, based on index 18b, if the UV level is extreme, this further increased level of color saturation of caps 14a-c directs the consumer to use the sunscreen in bottle 110c having magenta cap 14c and an spf indica of 45 on the bottle body.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 8a, the intensity of the color changes of the caps 14a-c corresponds to intensity levels reflected in index 18b. The intensity levels are color-coded to reflect what the UV intensity is and which bottle within the kit is recommended, the blue-capped bottle having spf 15 being recommended for low UV environments, the yellow-capped bottle having spf 30 being recommended for severe UV, and the magenta-capped bottle having spf 45 for extreme UV environments.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-8a, each cap will change to the same intensity level, e.g., each will be darkened to a low darkness level, for example, which would recommend a blue bottle having spf 15 sunscreen. A more intense darkness level that corresponds to the amount of darkening in the yellow indicia would recommend a yellow bottle having an spf 30 sunscreen. An even more intense darkness level that corresponds to the amount of darkening in the magenta indicia would recommend a magenta bottle having an spf of 45.

Although “darkness level” is shown in the UV indexes and discussed above, the color change reflected in the caps and UV indexes of the present invention may be a gradual increase in brightness level and/or a change in color intensity, e.g., increased or decreased saturation of a color, e.g., more blue as the amount of UV increases. Thus, a variety of color changes may be reflected in caps and color indexes of the present invention, such as colors that increase in lightness and/or brightness as the color UV intensity increases. Thus, a variety of such color changes and indicia are within the scope of the present invention.

One advantage of the kit of FIGS. 8-8a is that each bottle 110a-c has two indicia that indicate the spf of sunscreen that is contained within the bottle: first, the spf numberic indicia on the bottle body, and second, the color of the cap, the color of which corresponds to one of the colors on chart 18b, depending upon the UV intensity. This two-step approach provides a further reminder to a user exposed to UV radiation regarding the sunscreen that is recommended for use.

It will also be appreciated that by knowing the ambient UV level, the user will know to apply increased amounts of sunscreen not only to user a sunscreen with a higher spf value. Thus the indexes of the present invention provide useful information that can be used in a variety of different manners to protect the user from harmful UV rays.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A container configured to store and dispense sunscreen therefrom, the container including a photochromic material to enable a user to determine when ultraviolet radiation is present, the container comprising:

a container body, the container body having an opening, the container body configured to receive a sunscreen therein;

a cap configured to cover an opening of the container body, the cap comprising a photochromic material, such that the cap changes color in response to ultraviolet radiation; and

a ultraviolet radiation intensity index, the ultraviolet radiation intensity index having indicia that correlate with potential color changes in the cap and that identify the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation, such that when the cap changes color, the index identifies the amount of ultraviolet radiation and such that the user can use the index to judge the type and amount of sunscreen to be employed in light of the ambient radiation, wherein the color of the cap corresponds to a recommended type of sunscreen to be employed.

2. A container as recited in claim 1 wherein the ultraviolet radiation intensity index is on the container body.

3. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the cap color changes to a first intensity in a first amount of ultraviolet radiation and changes to a second intensity in a second amount of ultraviolet radiation.

4. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the index comprises a color-coded index.

5. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the intensity of the color of the cap changes in response to changes in the ambient sunlight and wherein the index is a color coded index that includes indicia that correspond to different intensities of the colors of the cap, and wherein the index further includes indicia that indicates the ambient level of ultraviolet radiation based on the color of the cap.

6. A container as recited in claim 1, wherein the container body originally has substantially the same color as the container cap, but does not change color in response to ultraviolet radiation, such that there is a contrast in color between the container cap and the container body when the container is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

7. A photochromic sunscreen container having a portion that changes color when exposed to sunlight, the photochromic sunscreen container configured to enable a user to determine the intensity of ambient ultraviolet radiation and to identify a recommended sunscreen in light of the ambient ultraviolet radiation, the photochromic sunscreen container comprising:

a container body having an opening, the container body configured to receive and store sunscreen therein;

a container cap configured to cover an opening of the container body, the cap comprising a photochromic material such that a color of the cap changes to a different color when exposed to a different level of ultraviolet radiation;

spf indicia on the container body that identifies a sun protection factor of a sunscreen; and

indicia on the container body that correspond to potential colors of the cap, depending upon the ambient ultraviolet radiation, and that provide a recommendation for a sunscreen to be used in light of the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation.

8. A photochromic sunscreen container as recited in claim 7, further comprising indicia on the container body that identifies the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation based on the color of the cap when the cap is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

9. A container as recited in claim 7, wherein the indicia corresponds to an intensity of the color change, such that sunscreen in a sunscreen container having a cap color that corresponds to the intensity of the color change in light of the ambient UV radiation is recommended by the indicia.

10. A photochromic sunscreen container as recited in claim 7, wherein the color of the container body does not change in response to ultraviolet radiation, such that a contrast can be noticed between the color of the container body and the color of the container cap when the container cap and the container body are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

11. A photochromic sunscreen container as recited in claim 7, wherein the container body and the container cap are each capable of indicating a sun protection factor of a sunscreen contained in the photochromic sunscreen container.

12. A sunscreen container kit comprising a plurality of sunscreen containers, each sunscreen container having a photochromic cap that changes color when exposed to sunlight, the sunscreen container configured to enable a user to determine the intensity of ambient ultraviolet radiation and to identify a recommended type of sunscreen, each sunscreen container of the kit comprising:

a container body having an opening, the container body configured to receive and store sunscreen therein;

a cap configured to cover an opening of the container body, the cap comprising a photochromic material, the cap having a color that changes when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, such that the color of the cap changes to a different color when exposed to a different level of ultraviolet radiation; and

indicia on the container body that correspond to potential colors of the cap, depending upon the ultraviolet radiation, the indicia providing a recommendation for a sunscreen to be used in light of the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation; and

spf indicia on each sunscreen container identifying an spf of sunscreen, wherein each spf indicia is different on each container in the kit.

13. A sunscreen container kit as recited in claim 12, wherein each sunscreen container of the kit further comprises corresponding indicia that identifies the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation based on the color of the cap when the cap is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

14. A kit as recited in claim 12, wherein the body of each container of the kit does not change color in response to ultraviolet radiation, such that a contrast can be noticed between the color of the container body and the color of the cap when the cap and container body are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

15. A kit as recited in claim 12 wherein the cap color of each container changes to a first intensity in a first amount of ultraviolet radiation and changes to a second intensity in a second amount of ultraviolet radiation.

16. A kit as recited in claim 12, wherein each container body in the kit originally has substantially the same color as each of the caps, and wherein each cap originally has substantially the same color, and wherein the caps each change to a different color in response to sunlight.

17. A kit as recited in claim 12, wherein the indicia are part of a UV index on each container that identifies (i) an amount of color change of a cap; (ii) a level of ambient ultraviolet radiation; and (iii) a sunscreen container from among the containers in the kit that contains a certain type of sunscreen that is recommended in light of the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation.

18. A kit as recited in claim 12, wherein different containers have different cap colors and corresponding different spf levels of sunscreen contained therein.

19. A sunscreen kit as recited in claim 12, wherein the cap of each container in the kit has substantially the same color of photochromic pigment, such that each cap changes to the same color.

20. A kit a recited in claim 12, wherein

a first container has a cap that changes to a blue color in response to sunlight and has spf indicia indicating an spf of 15;

a second container has a cap that changes to a yellow color in response to sunlight and has spf indicia indicating an spf of 30; and

a third container has a cap that changes to a magenta color in response to sunlight and has spf indicia indicating an spf of 45.

21. A kit as recited in claim 12, wherein each of the cap and the container body indicate the spf of the sunscreen in the container body.

22. A kit as recited in claim 12, wherein each container comprises:

indicia on the container body, the indicia comprising: (i) indicia that correspond to the plurality of colors of the cap; (ii) corresponding indicia that identifies the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation based on the color of the cap when the cap is exposed to ultraviolet radiation; (iii) corresponding indicia that provides a recommendation for a sunscreen container containing sunscreen to be used in light of the identified level of ambient ultraviolet radiation; and (iv) indicia that identifies the sun protection factor of a sunscreen,

wherein the color of the container body does not change in response to ultraviolet radiation, such that a contrast can be noticed between the color of the container body and the color of the container cap when the container cap and the container body are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

23. A sunscreen container kit comprising a plurality of sunscreen containers, each sunscreen container having a photochromic cap that changes color when exposed to sunlight, each sunscreen container configured to enable a user to determine the intensity of ambient ultraviolet radiation and to identify a recommended type of sunscreen, each sunscreen container of the kit comprising:

a container body having an opening, the container body configured to receive and store sunscreen therein;

a cap configured to cover an opening of the container body, the cap comprising a photochromic material, the cap having a color that changes when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, such that the color of the cap changes to a different color when exposed to a different level of ultraviolet radiation; and

indicia on the container body, the indicia comprising: (i) indicia that correspond to a color of each cap; and (ii) spf indicia that identifies a sun protection factor of a sunscreen,

wherein the cap of each container in the kit has a different photochromic pigment such that each of the caps changes to a different color in the presence of ultraviolet radiation, and wherein the spf indicia on each container body is different and corresponds to a cap having a certain photochromic pigment,

wherein the indicia provides a guide a user to use a sunscreen that is recommended in light of the ambient radiation.

24. A kit as recited in claim 23, wherein the indicia corresponds to an intensity of the color change and to the color of a cap, such that a sunscreen container having a cap color that corresponds to the intensity of the color change in light of the ambient UV radiation is recommended by the indicia.

25. A kit as recited in claim 23, wherein the indicia that correspond to a color of each cap and to an intensity of cap color change, wherein the cap color of each cap in the kit changes to a first color in response to a first amount of ultraviolet radiation, and a second color intensity in response to a second amount of ultraviolet radiation.

26. A kit a recited in claim 23, wherein

a first container has a cap that changes to a blue color in response to sunlight and has sunscreen having an spf of 15 therein;

a second container has a cap that changes to a yellow color in response to sunlight and has sunscreen having an spf of 30 therein; and

a third container has a cap that changes to a magenta color in response to sunlight and has sunscreen having an spf of 45 therein.

27. A kit as recited in claim 23, further comprising corresponding indicia that identify the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation based on the color of the cap when the cap is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

28. A kit as recited in claim 27, wherein the ambient ultraviolet radiation is identified as low, severe, or extreme.

29. A kit as recited in claim 23, wherein a user can identify the spf of a sunscreen in the container using indicia on a container body and comparing the color of the cap of the container with indicia on the container body such that both the container body and the container cap are each capable of indicating the sun protection factor of the sunscreen contained in the container.

30. A kit as recited in claim 23, wherein the color of the container body does not change in response to ultraviolet radiation, such that a contrast can be noticed between the color of the container body and the color of the container cap when the container cap and the container body are exposed to ultraviolet radiation,

31. A kit as recited in claim 23, wherein each container body in the kit originally has substantially the same color as each of the caps, and wherein each cap originally has substantially the same color, and wherein the caps each change to a different color in response to sunlight.

32. A kit as recited in claim 23, wherein a UV index of each container identifies (i) an amount of color change of a cap; (ii) a level of ambient ultraviolet radiation; and (iii) a sunscreen container from among the containers in the kit that contains a certain type of sunscreen and that is recommended in light of the level of ambient ultraviolet radiation.

33. A kit a recited in claim 23, wherein the cap of each container in the kit originally has substantially the same color as each of the other caps.