Devices and methods for applying body lotions such as sunscreens

A reusable article for applying lotion to a user, comprising:

• an elongated housing having an elongated handle portion with an outer surface defining a grip, the elongated housing defining an internal cavity containing a lotion to be dispensed, the elongated handle portion having a length of 12-20 inches, the elongated housing and the elongated handle portion being configured to allow the elongated housing to pivot with respect to the elongated handle portion using a hinge joint or a ball-and-socket joint, the elongated housing being refillable and having a band or window of clear material to indicate the amount of lotion;
• a roller supported by the elongated housing and in communication with the lotion such that the roller delivers the lotion to a user, the elongated housing having a proximal end and an opposing distal end towards the roller, the roller being textured or have outwardly extending ridges or nibs for spreading and rubbing the lotion, the roller being a round-shaped, oval-shaped, diamond-shaped, or oblong-shaped roller,
• a guard piece for protecting the roller, the guard piece being pivotable between a retracted and non-retracted position, wherein the roller is exposed for delivering the lotion to the user in the retracted position and the roller is covered with the guard piece in the non-retracted position, the nibs of the outer surface of the guard piece being used for spreading/rubbing the lotion in the non-retracted position;
• a seal of resilient material press-fitted with the roller, the seal configured to prevent leakage of the lotion, the seal having outer lips engaging opposing surfaces of the roller;
• a spring or pump mechanism for drawing the lotion from the internal cavity of the housing such that lotion is delivered to the user through the roller, the spring or pump mechanism being disposed at the distal end or the proximal end for drawing the lotion from the internal cavity, the spring or pump mechanism comprising a plunger and a spring for pushing the plunger against the lotion in the internal cavity;
• and
• an adapter and an air route, the adapter operable for refilling the internal cavity with the lotion, the adapter operable to exhaust air from the internal cavity via the air route during refilling, and the adapter operable to introduce air via the air route into the internal cavity when the spring or pump mechanism is drawing the lotion from the internal cavity for delivery to the user through the roller, the air route being a tubular cavity or hole defined in the elongated housing,
• wherein the elongated housing, elongated handle portion, and roller are manufactured from the group consisting of glass, metal, plastic, and ceramic, and the lotion is selected from the group consisting of tanning lotion, self-tanning lotions, sun blocks, skin moisturizing creams/oils, and body lotions.

A single-use article for applying lotion to a user, comprising:

• an elongated housing having an elongated handle portion with an outer surface defining a grip, the elongated housing defining an internal cavity containing a lotion to be dispensed, the elongated handle portion having a length of 12-20 inches, the elongated housing and the elongated handle portion being configured to allow the elongated housing to pivot with respect to the elongated handle portion using a hinge joint or a ball-and-socket joint, the elongated housing having a band or window of clear material to indicate the amount of lotion;
• a roller supported by the elongated housing and in communication with the lotion such that the roller delivers the lotion to a user, the elongated housing having a proximal end and an opposing distal end towards the roller, the roller being textured or have outwardly extending ridges or nibs for spreading and rubbing the lotion, the roller being a round-shaped, oval-shaped, diamond-shaped, or oblong-shaped roller;
• a guard piece for protecting the roller, the guard piece being pivotable between a retracted and non-retracted position, wherein the roller is exposed for delivering the lotion to the user in the retracted position and the roller is covered with the guard piece in the non-retracted position, the nibs of the outer surface of the guard piece being used for spreading/rubbing the lotion in the non-retracted position;
• a seal of resilient material press-fitted with the roller, the seal configured to prevent leakage of the lotion, the seal having outer lips engaging opposing surfaces of the roller;
• a spring or pump mechanism for drawing the lotion from the internal cavity of the housing such that the lotion is delivered to the user through the roller, the spring or pump mechanism being disposed at the distal end or the proximal end for drawing the lotion from the internal cavity, the spring or pump mechanism comprising a plunger and a spring for pushing the plunger against the lotion in the internal cavity;
• and
• an air route operable to introduce air into the internal cavity when the spring or pump mechanism is drawing the lotion from the internal cavity for delivery to the user through the roller, the air route being a tubular cavity or hole defined in the elongated housing,
• wherein the elongated housing, elongated handle portion, and roller are manufactured from the group consisting of glass, metal, plastic, and ceramic, and the lotion is selected from the group consisting of tanning lotion, self-tanning lotions, sun blocks, skin moisturizing creams/oils, and body lotions.