Abstract:
An automatic sunscreen application vending apparatus which accepts payment from a user, stores a plurality of grades of sunscreen lotion, allows the user to select a grade of suntan lotion such as by SPF factor, and sprays the user with the selected grade of stored sunscreen lotion after acceptance of payment.

Description:
This application claims benefit of 60/309,226 filed Jul. 31, 2001. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of protecting people from the negative effects of ultra-violate rays, and specifically to methods and apparatus for applying sunscreen lotion to the body of a user. 
   The cosmetic and health-related dangers of being exposed to the ultra-violet (“UV”) rays found in sunlight have become a major concern of people worldwide. Among the negative effects resulting from UV ray exposure are skin cancer and increased “wrinkling” of the skin. Despite these dangerous and unwanted consequences, people continue to frequent beaches, pools, and resorts where they tend to spend substantial portions of their days exposed to the direct sunlight. One very common way in which people protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun is to apply sunscreen lotion to their skin. Sunscreen contains compositions that shield the wearer&#39;s skin from the UV rays contained in sunlight. Thus, applying sunscreen to the skin allows the user to spend his or her day in the direct sunlight while minimizing the risk of the negative effects associated with such exposure. 
   The amount of UV ray protection that a sunscreen lotion provides to a user depends on a number of variables, such as frequency of application, the amount of sunscreen lotion applied per application, and the particular sun protection factor (“SPF”) of the sunscreen lotion being used. Sunscreen lotions come in various grades having SPF ratings, the most common of which vary from 2 to 45. The higher the SPF factor of a sunscreen lotion, the more protection that sunscreen lotion will provide to the user. For example, a sunscreen lotion having an SPF rating of 2 provides very little protection from UV rays as compared to a sunscreen lotion having an SPF rating of 45. However, because sunscreen lotion also prevents tanning of the skin, all users do not wish to maximize UV ray protection by choosing a sunscreen lotion with the highest possible SPF rating. Thus, what is considered a desirable grade of sunscreen lotion to be applied to the skin varies from person to person. 
   Currently, when a person is at a beach, pool, or other outside area and they desire to utilize the protective effects of sunscreen lotion, they apply the sunscreen lotion to their skin by squeezing the lotion from the bottle into their hands. Once in their hands, the sunscreen lotion is applied to the remaining areas of their skin by manually rubbing it on the skin. This manual application has a number of drawbacks, the most significant which is the inability of the user to reach all areas of their skin. Even with the help of a second person, uneven distribution of the sunscreen lotion can occur, resulting in an uneven tan or unwanted exposure of certain areas of the skin to UV rays. Thus, improved methods and apparatus for applying sunscreen lotion to the skin are needed. 
   While a number of apparatus do exist that are capable of automatically applying sunscreen lotion to the skin of a user, these apparatus have a number of deficiencies and are not suited for convenient outdoor use. Examples of such apparatus are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,122, Parker et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,593, McClain; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,192, McClain. Typically, these existing apparatus are used to apply sun-tanning compositions to the body of a user and are located indoors within tanning spas. User access to these apparatus is regulated by an operator or other person working at the spa. Because these apparatus are located indoors, the circuitry and other susceptible components of these machines are not adequately protected from outdoor elements. Nor are these apparatus designed to provide the necessary privacy to a user in an outdoor public setting. As such, these apparatus can not be positioned outdoors at such places as on a beach or near a pool, the exact places where people most often experience the immediate need to apply sunscreen lotion. In addition to not being physically adapted for outdoor use, existing apparatus can not be placed on beaches and achieve economic success because access to existing apparatus can not be restricted without hiring extra personnel to monitor and operate the machines and collect revenue. Thus, a need still exists for an economically efficient machine that can effectively apply sunscreen lotion to a user in an outdoor setting. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   These objects and others are met the present invention which in one aspect is a vending machine for dispensing sunscreen lotion comprising: means to accept payment from a user, means to store sunscreen lotion, and means to spray sunscreen lotion coupled to the means to store sunscreen lotion, the means to spray adapted to spray the user with the stored sunscreen after acceptance of payment. Preferably, the user obtains access to the machine through a door having a locking controller. In order to ensure that each user provides payment for the application of the sunscreen lotion, the locking means is electrically coupled to the means to accept payment. As such, the door unlocks only upon the means to receive payment receiving a payment from a user. In one embodiment, the locking means is coupled to a one-way lock that permits exit from inside the machine at all times. Using a one-way lock allows the user to freely exit the machine at any time and ensures that the door locks thereafter. Also preferably, the means to accept payment and the means to spray sunscreen lotion are coupled so that the means to spray sunscreen lotion can be activated only once for each payment received by the means to receive payment. 
   The machine can comprise user detection means adapted to detect location of the user within the machine. In this embodiment, the user detection means can be coupled to the means to spray sunscreen lotion. The user detection means can then be adapted so that upon detecting the user in a predetermined location in the machine, the means to spray sunscreen lotion are automatically activated. In this way, the sunscreen lotion can be applied to the user after payment has been made. Alternatively, the machine can comprise an activation means, wherein the activation means is coupled to the means to spray sunscreen lotion. Upon the activation means receiving an input from the user, the means to spray sunscreen lotion will be activated, applying sunscreen lotion to the user. 
   It is preferable that the means to store sunscreen lotion be adapted to store a plurality of grades of sunscreen lotion. In this embodiment, the machine will further comprise means for the user to select which grade of sunscreen lotion will be sprayed by the means to spray sunscreen lotion. Moreover, it is further preferable for the grades of sunscreen lotion to vary as to sun protection factor (SPF). 
   In yet another embodiment, the machine comprises means to store a disinfectant. In this embodiment, the means to spray sunscreen lotion is coupled with the means to store disinfectant which enables the means to spray sunscreen lotion to also be capable of spraying the disinfectant. Preferably, the disinfectant will be sprayed to clean and sanitize the interior of the machine after the user has been sprayed with sunscreen lotion and has exited the machine. Whether the user has exited the machine or not can be determined by the user detection means discussed above. 
   It is also preferable for the machine to be adapted for outside use. In such an embodiment, the machine can comprise a drain that is fluidly connected to a reservoir. The drain and fluidly connected reservoir will drain any extra fluids that may remain in the machine after use. This allows the machine to be positioned anywhere, such as on the beach or near a pool. Additionally, the drain helps keep extra liquid from building up and forming slippery surfaces within the machine. In regards to preventing slipping, the machine can comprise a no-slip floor. 
   In order to further enable outside use, the machine can further comprise a water supply line that is fluidly connected to the means to spray sunscreen lotion on one end and a water supply on the other. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the machine will comprise both an application booth and a preparation booth. In this embodiment the means to spray sunscreen lotion will be located within the application booth which is adapted to fit the entire body of the user. The preparation booth will act as a staging area for the user in preparing for the application of the sunscreen lotion. As such, it will preferably have opaque walls and a means to hang a bathing suit. 
   In another aspect, the invention is a method of dispensing sunscreen lotion comprising: providing a machine which is adapted to receive and accept payment and store and spray sunscreen lotion; and spraying a user with the sunscreen lotion for a predetermined amount of time or volume of lotion upon a user providing payment to the machine. 
   In this aspect, it is preferable that the method further comprise the step of unlocking the machine so as to allow the user access to the machine after payment is received by the machine. Additionally, the step of spraying disinfectant in the machine after the user is sprayed with the sunscreen lotion can be performed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, a sunscreen application vending machine. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the sunscreen application vending machine of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of a user control panel that can be sued to control some of the functions of the sunscreen application vending machine of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic of the control system and equipment of the sunscreen application vending machine of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of sprayer assembly used in the sunscreen application vending machine of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 6  is side view of a hut shell that can be sued to encompass the sunscreen application vending machine of  FIG. 1  for aesthetic purposes. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a sunscreen application vending machine  10  according to the present invention is illustrated. Sunscreen vending machine  10  comprises preparation booth  20 , application booth  30 , and equipment housing  40 . Sunscreen vending machine  10  further comprises payment receiver  60 . In order to better illustrate the interior elements of the invention, sunscreen vending machine  10  is illustrated without a roof over preparation booth  20 , application booth  30 , and equipment housing  40 . However, in order for sunscreen vending machine  10  to be positioned outdoors, it is preferred that a roof be placed over preparation booth  20 , application booth  30 , and equipment housing  40 . The roof can be weather-tight so that water can not enter any of the interior areas of the machine  10 . If desired, the entire machine  10  can be enclosed by a hut  90  ( FIG. 6 ) or other aesthetically desirable enclosure. 
   Payment receiver  60  is mounted to front wall  21  of preparation booth  20 . Payment receiver  60  comprises receiving slot  61  for receiving any type of conventional payment method, including coins, bills, credit cards, debit cards, or the like. Payment receiver  60  comprises a properly programmed processor  62  (FIG.  4 ). Processor  62  is properly configured and connected to other internal elements and circuitry of payment receiver  60  so as to be capable of determining the amount of money inputted by a user into receiving slot  61  or reading the amount of credit/debit on an inserted card. In the case of debit cards, processor  62  will deduct the required payment amount from the account and record the new balance on the magnetic strip. In the case of credit cards, payment receiver  60  ensures the required payment by connecting to the corresponding account through a communications line, such as a phone line or cable, and adding the required payment to the credit line of the card (as is done with conventional credit card machines). Once payment receiver  60  receives the required payment from a user, processor  62  sends the proper output signals to a variety of electrically connected devices. Any payment receiving system can be used, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,658, Kenney et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,696, Inamitsu et al. 
   Front wall  21  of preparation room comprises doorway  22 . Doorway  22  provides users with access to the interior of sunscreen vending machine  10 . Door  23  is mounted to doorway  22  by hinges  24 . Door  23  comprises door knob  25  for opening and closing door  23 . Door knob  23  is a “one-way locking door knob.” When door  23  is closed, a user can not simply turn door knob  25  from the outside to gain entrance to the interior of sunscreen vending machine  10 . However, door knob  23  does not lock from the interior and so if a user is within sunscreen vending machine  10 , he or she can exit the machine by simply turning door knob  25  despite it being locked from the outside. Moreover, turning door knob  25  from the inside does not changed the locked status of the door knob from the exterior. Such door knobs and locking apparatus are very well known. Door  23  further comprises locking controller  26  ( FIG. 4 ) within door  23  and coupled to door knob  25 . Locking controller  26  controls when a user can gain access to the interior of sunscreen vending machine  10  by unlocking door knob  25  from the exterior upon receiving a proper signal from payment processor  62  (FIG.  4 ). 
   The walls of preparation booth  20  are preferably constructed of an opaque material. This provides a user with the privacy necessary if the user decides to remove his or her bathing suit before entering application booth  30  for the application of sunscreen lotion. Preparation booth  20  will further comprise hook  27  mounted to the one of the walls from which the user can hang his or her bathing suit. While a single book  27  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a multitude of apparatus can be used, including a clip, knob, peg, rack, or other suitable extrusion. Additionally, preparation booth  20  can further comprise a mirror, a bench, and disposable eye and head wear for the user. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as illustrated, application booth  30  is a hexagonally shaped chamber. However, application booth  30  can be any shape, but it is preferred that its dimensions be designed so that a user can fit entirely therein and stand upright. For example, suitable length, width, and height dimensions could approximately be 90 inches, 48 inches, and 96 inches respectively. 
   Application booth  30  is adjacent to preparation booth  20  with a second doorway (not illustrated) leading from the interior of the preparation booth  20  to the interior of application booth  30 . Second doorway  31  has a second door (not illustrated) extending the full length of second doorway  31 . When the second door is closed, application booth  30  is an essentially closed chamber. The second door and doorway may or may not contain a door knob and coupled locking controller as described above. 
   Application booth  30  further comprises spray assemblies  31  mounted to the walls of application booth  30 . Spray assemblies  31  are fluidly connected to the sunscreen lotion storage containers  41  ( FIG. 4 ) that are located in equipment housing  40 . Spray assemblies  31  spray atomized sunscreen lotion in an air current into application booth  30 . Spray assemblies  31  are positioned around application chamber  30  so as to evenly coat the entire skin of a user who is standing in the center of the booth  30 . 
   Application booth  30  also comprises sensors  32  located around the application booth  30 . Sensors  32  can detect the presence and location of a user inside of application booth  30 . Sensors  32  can be any type of conventional sensor that can detect objects and transmit appropriate signals to communicate with other devices, such as photo-optic, ultrasonic, and infrared sensors. As will be discussed in detail below, sensors  32  are electrically coupled to and can control the activation and deactivation of sprayer assemblies  31 . 
   Additionally, application chamber comprises drain  33  and no-slip floor  34 . Drain  33  is located in the approximate center of application chamber  30 . Drain  33  is fluidly connected to a reservoir  37  (FIG.  4 ). As fluids, such as the sunscreen lotion or disinfectant, enter the application booth  30 , excess fluid will build up. This excess fluid is removed from the booth  30  by drain  33 . Because the excess fluid may contain chemicals that are not environmentally safe to be dumped, the drain can be fluidly connected to a reservoir  37  ( FIG. 4 ) from which the fluids can be removed and/or treated. Flow of the excess fluid into drain  33  is facilitated by the pitch of the floor  34  (indicated by the striped lines). Preferably, floor  34  is constructed so as to be a no-slip floor (i.e., slip-resistant). Slip resistant floors are very well known in the art and generally consist of raised portions and channels for carrying away fluid located between the raised portions. An example of a slip-resistant floor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,995, Adam. 
   Finally, application chamber  30  comprises user control panel  35 . User control panel  35  is mounted to the wall of application chamber  30 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , user control panel  35  contains a variety of buttons  80 - 85 . In the illustrated embodiment, a user can select which SPF grade of sunscreen lotion he or she wishes to have applied by sprayer assemblies  31  by pressing the corresponding button  81 - 85  on control panel  35 . As will be discussed in reference to  FIG. 4  below, control panel  35  is coupled to sprayer assemblies  31  and the pumps that control which SPF grade will be sprayed therethrough. Additionally, control panel  35  will comprise activation button  80  in those embodiments of the sunscreen application vending machine  10  that do not have sensors  31  that will automatically start spraying sunscreen lotion upon the user being detected in a predetermined position and an SPF grade of sunscreen lotion being chosen as discussed above. Upon a user pressing activation button  80 , sprayer assemblies  31  will be activated, spraying the user with the selected SPF grade of sunscreen lotion. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 1. , equipment housing  40  holds the necessary equipment, circuitry, and supplies needed to operate sunscreen application vending machine  10 . For example, equipment housing  40  holds the pumps, containers of sunscreen lotion with various SPF grades; disinfectant liquid, flow meters, wiring, and the like. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an example of a suitable spraying assembly  31  is shown. While the illustration shows one embodiment of a spraying system, suitable spraying mechanisms and are very well known in the art. For examples of such sprayers, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,122, Parker et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,593, McClain; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,192, McClain. Spraying assembly  31  comprises an arm  50  having three active nozzles  51 . One spray nozzle  51  is on the central portion of arm  50  and one spray nozzle  51  is on each of the two outer portions of arm  50 . Each spray nozzle  51 , when activated sprays in a direction towards a certain location in the application booth  30 , said location being the location for positioning a user during use, also referred to as the predetermined location. 
   In operation, the plurality of spray nozzles  51  produce a spray optimized to provide a relatively even coating on the skin of a user, with substantially no streaking or dripping. This can be accomplished by regulating the spray patterns and spray direction geometries of the nozzles, as well as the average droplet particle size, the nozzle liquid and air feed pressures, and the viscosity of the sunscreen lotion. One specific example of a suitable nozzle and operating conditions, without limitation, is the external mix, flat spray, air atomizing 1/8J with a SUE 18B Spray set-up available from Spraying Systems Co., Wheaton Ill., operating at a liquid pressure of about 5 to about 20 psi (about 35-140 kPa), preferably about 10 psi (about 70 kPa) and air pressures in the range of about 15 to about 30 psi (about 100 to about 200 kPa). 
   A predetermined location within the booth is provided for a user to stand during a sunscreen lotion application operation according to the present invention. It is generally convenient for the location to be in the central portion of the application booth  40  though alternatives may be suitable for design considerations, as for example, the back, side or front of the booth relative to the arm. In one embodiment, the predetermined location is in front of the spray nozzles at a horizontal distance of between about 25 cm and 60 cm, measuring to the surface of the user&#39;s body closest to the nozzles. Greater or lesser distances can be used by adjusting the nozzle liquid and air feed pressures accordingly, as for example by increasing the feed pressures for greater distances. Greater distances, however, may lead to greater spray pattern dispersion and more combining of spray droplets, resulting in a sub-population of less desirable large droplets, which may drip or streak after deposition on the skin or result in an uneven coating. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, arm  50  is a manifold. The manifold  50  is a two compartment bar providing pressurized feed of sunscreen lotion through sunscreen lotion feed line  52  into one compartment, and pressurized feed of air through compressed air feed line  53  into the second compartment. In this manner, each nozzle  51  receives equivalent feeds of air and liquid which is then atomized into a spray in the nozzle  51 . Optionally, manifold  50  may be fitted with disinfectant feed line and a water feed line to spray application booth  30  in a cleaning and sanitizing step. 
     FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of the control system and equipment used to make sunscreen application vending machine  10  works. In order to use sunscreen application vending machine  10 , a user must approach the machine  10  and deposit the required payment in payment receiver  60  as described above. Upon detecting receipt of adequate payment into payment receiver  60 , payment receiver processor  62  sends the appropriate output signal  100  to locking controller  26 . Payment receiver processor can be any type of properly programmed CPU chip, such as those manufactured by Intel. Upon receiving output signal  100 , locking controller  26  unlocks door knob  25  so the user can access the interior of preparation room  20 . Locking controllers that are capable of locking and unlocking doors upon receiving an such inputs are well known in the art. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,986, Nonome, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,003, Watanuki et al. 
   Additionally, upon detecting receipt of adequate payment into payment receiver  60 , payment receiver processor  62  sends output signal  700  to panel processor  36  within user control panel  35 . Before receiving output signal  700 , panel processor  36  and user control panel  35  are in a deactivated state and cannot be receive input directly form a user within application booth  20 . However, once output signal  700  is received, panel processor  36  and user control panel  35  are “awakened” and can perform the function described below. 
   Once the user is within preparation booth  20 , door  23  closes behind the user, automatically locking from the outside. In order to ensure that door  23  closes, hinges  24  can be spring loaded. The user will then prepare for the application of the sunscreen lotion by taking off his or her bathing suit and wearing eye and head gear if desired. The user then enters application booth  30 . Upon entering application booth  30 , the user will select which SPF grade of sunscreen lotion that he or she desire to have applied to their body by pressing the corresponding button  81 - 85  on user control panel  35 . User control panel  35  comprises properly programmed control panel processor  36  which receives the inputted SPF grade selection from the user. In response to receiving this input, panel processor  36  sends signal  110  to the appropriate pump  181 - 185 . Pumps  181 - 185  are operably coupled to corresponding fluid lines  281 - 285  which in turn are fluidly connected to corresponding sunscreen lotion tanks  381 - 385 . Sunscreen lotion tanks  381 - 385  are located within equipment housing  40  and each contain a different SPF grade of sunscreen lotion. Assuming that the user presses SPF selection button  83 , which corresponds to sunscreen lotion having an SPF of 20, panel processor  36  send output signal  110  to pump  183 , activating pump  183 . Pump  83  then pumps the SPF 20 sunscreen lotion from tank  383  through fluid line  283  until the sunscreen lotion reaches flow valve  400 . At this point flow valve  400  is closed and as such, the sunscreen lotion can not flow into sunscreen feed line  52  as of yet. In order to avoid mixing of the various SPF grades, single-direction flow valves must be strategically placed on fluid lines  281 - 289 . 
   In addition to sending output signal  110 , panel controller also sends appropriate output signal  120  to air compressor  600 , thus activating air compressor  600 . Once activated, air compressor  600  forces air to flow through compressed air feed line  53  and into spraying assemblies  31  and out of nozzles  51  as described in relation to  FIG. 5  above. 
   Once the user has selected the desired SPF grade of sunscreen lotion to be applied, the user positions himself in the center of application booth  30  (i.e., the predetermined location) Upon moving into the predetermined location, sensors  32  detect the user&#39;s presence therein and sensor processor  70  (which is located in the sensors  32 ) sends output signal  130  to flow valve  400 . Upon receiving output signal  130 , valve  130  is opened to allow an appropriate volume of the SPF 20 sunscreen lotion being pumped by pump  183  to flow therethrough and into sunscreen lotion feed line  52  and eventually sprayer assemblies  31 . Spray assemblies  31  then spray the sunscreen lotion mist onto the user as described above with respect to FIG.  5 . Alternatively, in an embodiment that does not use sensors  32 , panel processor  36  will send output signal  130  to flow valve  400  upon a user pressing the activate sprayer button  80 . 
   After a predetermined period of time (or volume flow of sunscreen lotion), panel processor  36  sends output signals to both air compressor  600  and pump  183  to terminate operation, thereby discontinuing spray of sunscreen lotion mist. At this point, user control panel  35  and panel controller  36  go into a deactivated state and cannot be activated again until payment processor sends another output signal  700  confirming payment. 
   Upon the user leaving application booth  30 , sensors  32  detect the absence of the user and sensor processor  70  sends output signals  800  and  900  to disinfectant pump  810  and water pump  910  respectively, activating pumps  810  and  910 . Simultaneously, a signal  130  is sent to flow valve  400 , causing flow valve  400  to once again be closed. Pump  810  is fluidly connected to disinfectant tank  820  which holds a disinfectant solution. Water pump  910  is fluidly connected to water supply tank  920 . Upon being activated, pumps  810  and  910  pump disinfectant solution and water through disinfectant feed line  830  and water feed line  930  respectively. The water and disinfectant solution are then fed into sprayer assemblies  31 . Sprayer assemblies  31  then spray the disinfectant-water solution over the interior of the application booth  30 , cleaning and sanitizing the entire booth  30 . After a predetermined period of time, sensor processor  70  sends an appropriate signal to pumps  810  and  910  to terminate operation. Optionally, water pump  910  can be allowed to operate for bit longer in order to clean the feed lines and sprayers of any chemicals. 
   All excess fluids that enter application booth  20  flow into drain  33 , through drain lines  330 , and eventually into reservoir  37 . Once inside reservoir  37 , these excess fluids can be properly disposed of or treated. 
   The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.