PERSONAL CARE APPLICATOR DEVICE

Abstract

Provided herein are a personal care applicator device comprising a head having a rocker assembly rotatably disposed within an anchoring scaffold; and a rod extending from the rocker assembly. Related methods of use and kits are further provided.

Description

BACKGROUND

Humans largely rely on mobility of their arms to carry out daily tasks. An impairment to arm mobility can have a detrimental impact on an individual's ability to conduct even the simplest day-to-day tasks. The limitations in mobility imposed by injuries to the arm may be the cause of great hardship, and there are surprisingly few products on the market to assist with accomplishing ordinary tasks, such as applying deodorant and antiperspirant to the underarm.

In today's world, there is a growing trend toward healthy lifestyles. Consequently, exercise in many forms has become common. But with exercise comes an increased risk of injury. The incidence of sports- or exercise-related injuries among people has seen a corresponding trend upward in recent years as well. Other, non-sport injury related, limitations may be longer-lasting. For example, it is expected that as a person ages, they may become less mobile or may experience a decrease in body flexibility. Certain disabilities and diseases, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and the lingering effects of a stroke, may render movement of one or both arms difficult or impossible. The issues addressed by this disclosure also apply to amputees and individuals recovering from surgical procedures on an arm.

Limitations such as these may cause impairment to adduction, abduction, as well as internal and external rotational movement, and may cause simple everyday tasks such as putting on socks, stepping into shoes, and applying deodorant to underarms and other hard to reach areas of the body become painful. There is a need to assist individuals with limited arm mobility in accomplishing such tasks.

Beyond the physical pain and discomfort an individual facing these complications may experience, there is also commonly perceived social discomfort associated with having one's independence hindered by a physical condition, whether permanent or temporary. A further need therefore exists to assist individuals with limited arm mobility in accomplishing everyday tasks discreetly.

There are no identified product solutions which aid a user in applying deodorant, antiperspirant, or other solid or semi-solid gels, creams, and ointments to their underarms and other hard to reach areas of the body. Individuals suffering from the above-mentioned physical limitations currently do not have a versatile, comprehensive, portable, storable, and efficient product solution that will aid them with the application of personal care compositions. As a result, these individuals are often needlessly suffering while performing such tasks which diminishes their independence and quality of life. A product solution that is versatile, comprehensive, portable, storable, lightweight, easily manufactured and efficiently aids a user in independently performing such tasks would restore a user's independence and quality of life.

There is thus a need for a product to aid individuals with impairment of arm mobility, particularly impairment of adduction, abduction, and rotational movement of one or both arms, in the application of personal care solutions to the underarm. There is further need to provide a product capable of carrying out this purpose discreetly, while also being versatile, comprehensive, portable, storable, lightweight, and easily manufactured.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, provided herein are devices to aid individuals with impairment of arm mobility, particularly impairment of adduction, abduction, and rotational movement of one or both arms, in the application of personal care solutions to the underarm and other difficult to reach areas of the body. Further provided herein are devices capable of carrying out this purpose discreetly, while also being versatile, comprehensive, portable, storable, lightweight, and easily manufactured. In particular, the devices of the present disclosure are robust, may be disassembled for storage, and are easily stowable for travel.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a personal care applicator device [Device 1] comprising a head having a rocker assembly rotatably disposed within an anchoring scaffold; and a rod extending from the rocker assembly.

In further embodiments, Device 1 is further defined as follows.

• • 1.1 Device 1, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a well to receive a personal care product.
  • 1.2 Device 1 or 1.1, wherein the rocker assembly is rotatably engaged with the anchoring scaffold, such that the rocker assembly rotates on an axis relative to the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.3 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly comprises at least one protuberance which engages with a corresponding groove on the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.4 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly comprises two oppositely positioned protuberances which engage with a pair of corresponding grooves on the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.5 The preceding Device, wherein the two oppositely positioned protuberances are aligned to form an axis defining the rotational movement of the rocker assembly relative to the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.6 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a body that defines a cuboid, rectangular cuboid, prismatic, cylindrical or hemispherical shape.
  • 1.7 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a body that defines a rectangular cuboid shape.
  • 1.8 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a front wall positioned opposite a rear wall connected by oppositely disposed sidewalls.
  • 1.9 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the body of the rocker assembly extends from a base surface at a distal end of the rocker assembly to an end surface formed by the front wall, rear wall, and side walls positioned at a proximal end of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.10 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a well which extends from a base surface at a distal of the rocker assembly end to an end surface at a proximal end of the rocker assembly to receive a container of a personal care composition.
  • 1.11 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein both sidewalls of the rocker assembly comprise an outer surface from which the protuberances extend.
  • 1.12 The preceding Device, wherein the protuberances extend orthogonally from the plane defined by the surface of the respective sidewalls, such that the protuberances are parallel with the axis defined therebetween.
  • 1.13 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the well comprises rubberized/textured inner surface to hold a personal care composition in place.
  • 1.14 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly is expandable to allow for adjustment of the volume of the well.
  • 1.15 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein one or several of the front wall, rear wall sidewalls of the rocker assembly are comprised of a stretchable material.
  • 1.16 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein one or several of the front wall, rear wall sidewalls of the rocker assembly are comprised of or padded with compressible material (e.g., memory foam).
  • 1.17 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly further comprises a platform engaged with the base surface by a spring.
  • 1.18 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the outer dimensions formed by the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls of rocker assembly overlap or have snap components that can allow for elongation and shortening of the perimetrical dimensions.
  • 1.19 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rocker assembly includes a channel to receive the rod.
  • 1.20 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the channel is positioned at the distal end of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.21 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the channel is defined by a sidewall conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the rod.
  • 1.22 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the channel is defined by a sidewall conforming to the cross-sectional shape of an attachment member at a proximal end of the rod.
  • 1.23 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the channel passes through the base of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.24 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the channel extends from the base of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.25 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rod is removable from the rocker assembly.
  • 1.26 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rod is attachable with the rocker assembly via friction fit against an inner surface of the channel.
  • 1.27 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rod comprises an attachment member that engages with a correspondingly shaped substrate on the inner surface of the channel.
  • 1.28 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rod comprises a threaded engagement surface to engage against a complementary threaded surface on the rocker assembly.
  • 1.29 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rod is movable between a compact configuration and an extended configuration.
  • 1.30 The preceding Device, wherein the rod's length while in the extended configuration corresponds with the length of a human arm.
  • 1.31 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rod is telescoping.
  • 1.32 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the maximum length of the rod in the extended configuration is adjustable.
  • 1.33 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the anchoring scaffold receives the rocker assembly and provides a space within which the rocker assembly rotates axially.
  • 1.34 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the anchoring scaffold is shaped such that it can be ergonomically received in an underarm of a user.
  • 1.35 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the anchoring scaffold comprises a pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls having a curved edge located at a proximal end of the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.36 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the curved edge of the anchoring scaffold is configured to engage with the curvature of an underarm of a user.
  • 1.37 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the anchoring scaffold includes crossbars extending between the pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls.
  • 1.38 The proceeding Device, wherein the crossbars define limits for the axial rotation of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.39 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the sidewalls of the anchoring scaffold comprise grooves positioned to receive the protuberances of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.40 The preceding Device, wherein the grooves have a shape and depth configured to receive the protuberance while allowing for free rotational motion about the axis.
  • 1.41 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the center of axial rotation of the rocker assembly is defined at the point at which the protuberances of the rocker assembly connect with the grooves of the anchoring scaffold's sidewalls.
  • 1.42 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the head is comprised of a material which imparts flexible or deflectable characteristics upon one or both of the rocker assembly and the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.43 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the head is coated in a material which imparts ergonomic or gripping characteristics upon one or both of the rocker assembly and the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.44 Any of the preceding Devices, further comprising a handle attached to an end of the rod opposite the head.
  • 1.45 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the handle is angled to allow a user to grab it comfortably while in the standard anatomical position (i.e., when the arm is positioned at the side of the body).
  • 1.46 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the handle is removeable from the rod.
  • 1.47 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the handle is attachable with the rod via friction fit.
  • 1.48 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the rod comprises an attachment member that engages with a correspondingly shaped substrate on the handle.
  • 1.49 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein handle comprises a threaded engagement surface to be disposed against a complementary threaded surface on the rod.
  • 1.50 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the applicator device is configured for use with one arm.
  • 1.51 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the applicator device is configured for use with an arm free from disability or injury.
  • 1.52 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the applicator device is configured for use with an arm that has limited mobility.
  • 1.53 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the personal care product is a deodorant or an antiperspirant.
  • 1.54 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the personal care product is a cream, ointment, or solid provided in a container.
  • 1.55 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the device enables the application of a personal care composition to an underarm for individuals suffering from disabilities and diseases which induce weakness or a reduction in mobility of the arm, including arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and the lingering effects of a stroke, as well as individuals with chronic or permanent disabilities, including amputees and individuals recovering from surgical procedures on an arm.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of applying a personal care composition to the skin, the method [Method 1] comprising the steps of:

• • placing a personal care composition within the head of the personal care applicator device, wherein the personal care applicator device comprises a head having a rocker assembly rotatably disposed within an anchoring scaffold; a rod extending from the rocker assembly; and a handle;
  • positioning the personal care applicator device such that the personal care composition contacts skin under an underarm; and
  • moving the handle axially to articulate the rocker assembly and effect application of the personal care composition onto a desired portion of skin.

In further embodiments, Method 1 is further defined as follows.

• • 1.1 Method 1, further comprising the step of attaching the head to the rod.
  • 1.2 Method 1 or 1.1, further comprising the step of attaching the handle to the rod.
  • 1.3 Any of the preceding Methods, further comprising the step of moving the rod from a contracted position to an extended position.
  • 1.4 Any of the preceding Methods, further comprising the step of adjusting the maximum length of the rod to the user's arm.
  • 1.5 Any of the preceding Methods, wherein the personal care applicator device is according to any of Device 1 or 1.1, et. seq.
  • 1.6 Any of the preceding Methods, wherein the applicator device is used to apply a personal care composition to an underarm area of an arm free of disability or injury.
  • 1.7 The preceding Method, wherein the axial movement of the handle is carried out by the hand of an arm free from disability or injury.
  • 1.8 Any of the preceding Methods, wherein the axial movement of the handle is carried out with an arm that has limited mobility.
  • 1.9 Any of the preceding Methods, wherein the personal care product is a deodorant or an antiperspirant.
  • 1.10 Any of the preceding Methods, wherein the personal care product is a cream, ointment, or solid provided in a container.
  • 1.11 Any of the preceding Methods, wherein the method is carried out by individuals suffering from disabilities and diseases which induce weakness or a reduction in mobility of the arm, including arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and the lingering effects of a stroke, as well as individuals with chronic or permanent disabilities, including amputees and individuals recovering from surgical procedures on an arm.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a kit of parts for a personal care applicator device [Kit 1], the kit comprising:

• • a head having a rocker assembly and an anchoring scaffold, such that the rocker assembly and anchoring scaffold are rotatably engaged with one another;
  • a rod;
  • and a handle.

In further embodiments, Kit 1 is further defined as follows.

• • 1.1 Kit 1, further comprising a carry bag sized to fit each of the head, rod and handle.
  • 1.2 Kit 1 or 1.1, wherein the carry bag is comprised of a plastic, fabric or leather material.
  • 1.3 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the carry bag is sealable (e.g., via drawstring, zipper, hook and loop, or snap buttons).
  • 1.4 Any of the preceding Kits, further comprising one or more interchangeable modular components.
  • 1.5 Kit 1, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a well to receive a personal care product.
  • 1.6 Kit 1 or 1.1, wherein the rocker assembly is connectable to the anchoring scaffold such that the rocker assembly is rotatably engaged with the anchoring scaffold, wherein the rocker assembly rotates on an axis relative to the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.7 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly comprises at least one protuberance which engages with a corresponding groove on the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.8 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly comprises two oppositely positioned protuberances which engage with a pair of corresponding grooves on the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.9 The preceding Kit, wherein the two oppositely positioned protuberances are aligned to form an axis defining the rotational movement of the rocker assembly relative to the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.10 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a body that defines a cuboid, rectangular cuboid, prismatic, cylindrical or hemispherical shape.
  • 1.11 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a body that defines a rectangular cuboid shape.
  • 1.12 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a front wall positioned opposite a rear wall connected by oppositely disposed sidewalls.
  • 1.13 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the body of the rocker assembly extends from a base surface at a distal end of the rocker assembly to an end surface formed by the front wall, rear wall, and side walls positioned at a proximal end of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.14 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a well which extends from a base surface at a distal end of the rocker assembly to an end surface at a proximal end of the rocker assembly to receive a container of a personal care composition.
  • 1.15 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein both sidewalls of the rocker assembly comprise an outer surface from which the protuberances extend.
  • 1.16 The preceding Kit, wherein the protuberances extend orthogonally from the plane defined by the surface of the respective sidewalls, such that the protuberances are parallel with the axis defined therebetween.
  • 1.17 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the well comprises rubberized/textured inner surface to hold a personal care composition in place.
  • 1.18 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly is expandable to allow for adjustment of the volume of the well.
  • 1.19 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein one or several of the front wall, rear wall sidewalls of the rocker assembly are comprised of a stretchable material.
  • 1.20 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein one or several of the front wall, rear wall sidewalls of the rocker assembly are comprised of or padded with compressible material (e.g., memory foam).
  • 1.21 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly further comprises a platform engaged with the base surface by a spring.
  • 1.22 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the outer dimensions formed by the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls of rocker assembly overlap or have snap components that can allow for elongation and shortening of the perimetrical dimensions.
  • 1.23 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rocker assembly includes a channel to receive the rod.
  • 1.24 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the channel is positioned at the distal end of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.25 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the channel is defined by a sidewall conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the rod.
  • 1.26 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the channel is defined by a sidewall conforming to the cross-sectional shape of an attachment member at a proximal end of the rod.
  • 1.27 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the channel passes through the base of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.28 Any of the preceding Devices, wherein the channel extends from the base of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.29 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rod is connectable with the rocker assembly.
  • 1.30 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rod is connectable with the rocker assembly via friction fit against an inner surface of the channel.
  • 1.31 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rod comprises an attachment member that engages with a correspondingly shaped substrate on the inner surface of the channel.
  • 1.32 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rod comprises a threaded engagement surface to engage against a complementary threaded surface on the rocker assembly.
  • 1.33 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rod is movable between a compact configuration and an extended configuration.
  • 1.34 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rod is telescoping.
  • 1.35 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the maximum length of the rod in the extended configuration is adjustable.
  • 1.36 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the anchoring scaffold receives the rocker assembly and provides a space within which the rocker assembly rotates axially.
  • 1.37 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the anchoring scaffold is shaped such that it can be ergonomically received in an underarm of a user.
  • 1.38 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the anchoring scaffold comprises a pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls having a curved edge located at a proximal end of the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.39 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the curved edge of the anchoring scaffold is configured to engage with the curvature of an underarm of a user.
  • 1.40 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the anchoring scaffold includes crossbars extending between the pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls.
  • 1.41 The proceeding Kit, wherein the crossbars define limits for the axial rotation of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.42 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the sidewalls of the anchoring scaffold comprise grooves positioned to receive the protuberances of the rocker assembly.
  • 1.43 The preceding Kit, wherein the grooves have a shape and depth configured to receive the protuberance while allowing for free rotational motion about the axis.
  • 1.44 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the center of axial rotation of the rocker assembly is defined at the point at which the protuberances of the rocker assembly connect with the grooves of the anchoring scaffold's sidewalls.
  • 1.45 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the head is comprised of a material which imparts flexible or deflectable characteristics upon one or both of the rocker assembly and the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.46 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the head is coated in a material which imparts ergonomic or gripping characteristics upon one or both of the rocker assembly and the anchoring scaffold.
  • 1.47 Any of the preceding Kits, further comprising a handle connectable to an end of the rod opposite the head.
  • 1.48 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the handle is angled to allow a user to grab it comfortably while in the standard anatomical position (i.e., when the arm is positioned at the side of the body).
  • 1.49 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the handle is attachable with the rod via friction fit.
  • 1.50 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the rod comprises an attachment member that engages with a correspondingly shaped substrate on the handle.
  • 1.51 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the handle comprises a threaded engagement surface to be disposed against a complementary threaded surface on the rod.
  • 1.52 Any of the preceding Kits, wherein the head, rod and handle components of the kit are assembled to form Device 1, et. seq.

Additional features and advantages of various embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of various embodiments. The objectives and other advantages of various embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the embodiments will be apparent with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of components of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of components of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a head component of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure. The head is shown individually in a detached configuration from the rod and handle, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a head component of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure. The head is shown individually in a detached configuration from the rod and handle, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a rocker assembly of the head component shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an anchoring scaffold of the head component shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a head of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure. The Figure highlights the axis L which defines the rotational movement of the rocker assembly relative to the anchoring assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a head component of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure. The head is shown individually in a detached configuration from the rod and handle, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and contains a personal care composition within a well of the rocker assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of rod and handle components of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure. The rod and handle are shown attached to one another, but are detached from the head, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a handle component of a personal care applicator device in accordance with the present disclosure. The handle is shown individually in a detached configuration from the rod and head, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It is to be understood that the figures may not be to scale. Further, the relation between objects in a figure may not be to scale and may in fact have a reverse relationship as to size. The figures are intended to bring understanding and clarity to the structure of each object shown, and thus, some features may be exaggerated in order to illustrate a specific feature of a structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present application. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of ordinary rounding techniques.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. Thus, for example, reference to “a cover” may include one, two, three or more covers.

It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, base, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.

It is well understood that arm weakness can limit the range of motion of an arm and have an impact on daily activities. Causes for weakness in arms include trauma from an injury, soft tissue strain resulting from repetition, nerve damage, blockages in the bloodstreams, as well as a number of diseases or disorders, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. These issues also extend to subjects of chronic or permanent conditions, including amputees and individuals recovering from medical procedures on an arm or a part of the body affecting arm mobility. One issue caused by arm weakness or immobility is significant difficulty in the application of personal care compositions to the underarm, such as deodorant or antiperspirant applied from a traditional wipe-on container. Aside from the physical difficulties associated with such inabilities, a person may experience feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness from struggling with the application or assisted application of personal care compositions. There is an unmet need for a product to aid individuals with impairment of arm mobility, particularly impairment of adduction, abduction, and rotational movement of one or both arms, in the application of personal care solutions to the underarm. There is further need to provide a product capable of carrying out this purpose discreetly, while also being versatile, comprehensive, portable, storable, lightweight, and easily manufactured.

The present disclosure is directed to personal care applicator devices and associated methods and kits which solve each of these problems. The presently disclosed device preferably utilizes a modular design comprising of a telescoping handle with attachment mechanism, which allows for components to easily attach and detach from the end opposite of the user held end. The telescoping handle allows for a user to adjust the length of said handle to a comfortable and individualized distance for easy and comfortable use. The modular attachments have specific functions such as applying deodorant and/or other solid/semi-solid/gels creams and ointments to their underarms and other hard to reach areas of the body. The modular design allows for additional attachments which shall aid a user to independently perform other common everyday tasks beyond those previously mentioned herein.

When the telescoping handle is in the closed position and the modular attachments are detached from the handle, the components of the disclosed device shall be able to be discreetly stored within a container (e.g., a bag, box, container or case) which allows a user to easily store and travel with a kit comprising the components of the personal care applicator device as disclosed herein. Individuals requiring product assistance to perform everyday tasks such as deodorant application shall no longer be limited by the shortfalls of the existing product solutions currently on the market.

The following discussion includes a description of a personal care applicator device 10 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as either “personal care applicator device 10” or “device 10”) for application of a personal care composition such as a deodorant or an antiperspirant to the underarm or other difficult to reach areas of a user. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.

In particular, the present device may be implemented in users with one arm that is in a weakened or immobilized state, or in users with only one arm that has complete and unimpeded mobility. For example, in such users it is possible to apply a personal care composition with a freely mobile arm to an opposite underarm through cross-body adduction to contact the personal care composition with the skin of the underarm. It is, however, difficult or impossible to apply the personal care composition to the skin underneath the arm holding the personal care composition due partially to inherent limitations of the human arm. The presently disclosed devices provide an effective solution to this limitation and affords a user with an assisted mechanism of applying personal care compositions to the underarm of the arm grasping the composition itself.

Reference is made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to FIGS. 1-9, there are illustrated components of a personal care applicator device 10.

Accordingly, disclosed herein is a device 10, which comprises a head 20, a rod 70 and a handle 80 as principal components. Each of head 20, rod 70 and handle 80 assemble in a configuration as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and are detachable from one another. In particular, the head 20 is attached at a proximal end of rod 70, while handle 80 is attached at a distal end of rod 70. In the assembled state, the components head 20, rod 70, and handle 80 are arranged so that a user can extend rod 70 to generally conform to the length of an arm, grip handle 80, and secure head 20 at the underarm region of the applying arm. Once in place, handle 80 is articulated so that a personal care composition container, which is held within the confines of head 20, is applied to the underarm.

Head 20 is intended to serve a multitude of purposes. It first serves as a holster for a personal care composition, e.g., a deodorant or antiperspirant held within a commercial container. It also functions as an anchoring structure used to hold device 10 in place at a point adjacent to a user's underarm. During use head 20 carries out these functions simultaneously in that while anchored in place against a user's body, it maintains the personal care composition within its confines and allows for application of the composition.

The structure of head 20 is designed with these functions in mind. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, head 20 comprises a rocker assembly 30 and an anchoring scaffold 60, which engage one another to allow for securing device 10 against a user's body during use while also providing rotational movement of a holstered personal care composition. That is, rocker assembly 30 is connected with anchoring scaffold 60 in such a way to achieve movement along a defined axis. It is contemplated that this movement may be achieved through a variety of means, some of which are discussed in the following description.

Rocker assembly 30 comprises an overall shape to accommodate a personal care composition, e.g., the plastic tube of a deodorant or antiperspirant composition. Thus, in various embodiments, rocker assembly 30 comprises a body that defines a cuboid, rectangular cuboid, prismatic, cylindrical or hemispherical shape. In preferred embodiments, the body of rocker assembly 30 defines a rectangular cuboid shape, as shown for example in FIG. 4. The overall body of rocker assembly 30 comprises a front wall 34 positioned opposite a rear wall 36 connected by oppositely positioned sidewalls 32 extending therebetween. In various embodiments, the dimensions of each of the front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 are constant along their respective lengths, such that sidewalls 32 are parallel with one another and front wall 34 is parallel with rear wall 36. It is, however, contemplated that the dimensions of one or more of the front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 may be varied to correspond to the shape of a personal care composition tube.

In embodiments as shown in FIG. 4, front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 are positioned relative to one another to form a well extending from a base surface at a distal end 40 to a top surface at a proximal end 38 to receive a container of a personal care composition. Taken together, front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 and the base surface at distal end 40 define the confines of a well 42. Thus, well 42 extends from the base surface at distal end 40 to the top surface at proximal end 38 sized to receive the personal care composition. As shown in FIG. 4, each of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 comprise a uniform thickness such that the volume of well 42 adheres to the shape of the outer perimeter formed by the walls. However, it is contemplated that one or more of the front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 may have variable or non-uniform thicknesses such that the volume of well 32 takes on a shape configured to contour to one or more particular personal care composition tubes. In various embodiments, one or more of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 include a texturized or rubberized inner surface (i.e., surface facing inward toward well 42) to hold a personal care composition in place.

Head 20 is configured to attach to a proximal end of rod 70. In particular, rocker assembly 30 includes a channel 46 within the base surface of distal end 40, which is configured to accept rod 70. Channel 46 comprises a shape that coincides with the cross-sectional shape of rod 70, or only the proximal end portion of rod 70 (e.g., a cross-sectional shape of an attachment member at the proximal end of rod 70). In some embodiments, channel 46 comprises a circular shape with a diameter defined by inner surface 48. In some embodiments, inner surface 48 is configured to engage with and hold rod 70 in place via friction fit. In some embodiments, inner surface 48 is threaded to conform to complementary threads on rod 70. It is envisioned that in alternative embodiments, rocker assembly 30 comprises a male component to engage with a corresponding female component on rod 70.

It is envisaged that in some embodiments, rocker assembly 30 comprises one or more adjustable dimensions to change the volume within well 42. In this way, the size of well 42 may be adjusted to firmly set a personal care composition tube within its bounds. This may be accomplished through several means that shall be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, one or several of front wall 34, rear wall 36, sidewalls 32, and base surface at distal end 40 may be mechanically expanded to increase the cross-sectional perimeter of rocker assembly 30 (i.e., a cross-sectional perimeter which is parallel to axis L, shown in FIG. 6). This mechanical expansion may be accomplished through a ratcheting mechanism or other incremental means. In other embodiments, any of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 may be made from a stretchable material, such as rubber, silicone or composites thereof, or a stretchable fabric, e.g., elastic nylon. The expandable quality of rocker assembly 30 may be accomplished in a number of configurations. In one contemplated embodiment, both opposing sidewalls 32 are expandable or stretchable. In another embodiment, front wall 34 and rear wall 36 are both expandable or stretchable. In further embodiments, only one of a sidewall 32, front wall 34 and rear wall 36 is expandable or stretchable.

In further embodiments, one or several of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 are comprised of or are padded (e.g., on an inner surface facing toward well 42) with a compressible material, such as a memory foam. Upon receiving a personal care composition, such material compresses to increase the volume within well 42. In some embodiments, rocker assembly 30 further includes a platform engaged with the base surface at distal end 40 by a spring to accommodate personal care compositions of variable heights. In yet further embodiments, the outer dimensions formed by front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 of rocker assembly 30 overlap or have snap components that can allow for elongation and shortening of the perimetrical dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 4, one, several or all of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 may comprise a cutout 50. Individual cutouts 50 may comprise a variety of shapes and may be sized as necessary to accommodate the shape of a personal care composition tube, which may vary widely. Cutouts 50 provide the added benefit of adding to the lightweight and portable nature of device 10. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the shape of cutout 50 generally conforms to the shape of the respective wall on which it is set into. However, cutouts 50 may otherwise be any polygonal, circular or irregular shape. It is envisaged that in certain embodiments, cutouts 50 may be cut into a custom design or shape as desired.

Rocker assembly 30 comprises at least one protuberance 44 to engage with a corresponding surface on anchoring scaffold 60. In this way, rocker assembly 30 is resiliently connectable with anchoring scaffold 60. More specifically, preferred embodiments comprise two oppositely positioned protuberances 44. As shown in FIG. 4, each protuberance 44 extends from an outer surface of a sidewall 32 positioned toward its distal end. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the protuberances 44 extend orthogonally from the plane defined by the surface of the respective sidewalls 32, such that the protuberances 44 establish and run parallel with axis L (FIG. 7) defined therebetween. As shown, protuberances 44 possess a circular cross-sectional shape to allow for smooth rotation once engaged with the anchoring scaffold 60.

A portion or the entirety of rocker assembly 30 may be comprised of a material that provides flexibility or pliability, which aids a user with assembling head 20 from its constituent pieces (i.e., rocker assembly 30 and anchoring scaffold 60). In some embodiments, one or more of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 are made from an elastic stretchable material to facilitate acceptance of personal care composition tubes having a variety of sizes. In various embodiments, one or more of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 are made from or coated with a material which imparts a gripping quality to the surface of rocker assembly 30 (e.g., silicone).

Aside from rocker assembly 30, the other principal component of head 20 is anchoring scaffold 60. As shown in FIG. 5, anchoring scaffold 60 comprises a shape that derived from two oppositely positioned sidewalls 62 which are connected by crossbars 66. Sidewalls 62 comprise a surface having a curved edge 64 positioned at a proximal end, and a groove 68 positioned towards an oppositely disposed distal end. It is envisioned that sidewalls 62 may take any number of shapes, though the shape of sidewalls 62 generally conforms to that of sidewalls 32. As shown in FIG. 5, each sidewall 62 comprises an elongated shape in which curved edge 64 is positioned at a proximal end, and a distal end is composed of a rounded edge. In such embodiments, curved edge 64 is characterized by a radius which is larger than the comparative radius of the distal rounded edge. It should be appreciated that other similar shapes and sizes are also contemplated under the present disclosure. However, in all cases, curved edge 64 is configured and sized such that it can be ergonomically received in an underarm of a user. That is, curved edge 64 is shaped with the intention of corresponding with the natural contours and curvature of the anatomy of a human underarm.

In various embodiments, sidewalls 62 are wider than sidewalls 32 of rocker assembly 30, and crossbars 66 are longer than front wall 34 and rear wall 36 of rocker assembly 30. Thus, anchoring scaffold 60 has a larger perimeter in all lateral dimensions relative to rocker assembly 30 to allow anchoring scaffold 60 to substantially encase rocker assembly 30. While the overall shape of anchoring scaffold 60 may be varied, in certain embodiments, as shown for example in FIGS. 2 and 3, anchoring scaffold 60 has a lateral cross-sectional shape corresponding with that of rocker assembly 30. In order to allow the rocker assembly 30 a certain degree of rotational movement, crossbars 66 may be favored toward the proximal end of anchoring scaffold 60. As shown in FIG. 5 as well as FIG. 6, crossbars 66 extend along a portion of sidewalls 62 that terminates at an intermediate point along sidewall 62. The width of crossbars 66 (i.e., the dimension corresponding with the length of sidewall 62 which it is continuously connected with) are tailored to define limits for the axial rotation of rocker assembly 30, while received within anchoring scaffold 60. Thus, in various embodiments, crossbars 66 may be manufactured wider or thinner than shown to suit the particular needs of a user.

As shown, one or both sidewalls 62 may further comprise cutouts 69. Individual cutouts 69 may comprise a variety of shapes. Cutouts 69 provide the benefit of adding to the lightweight and portable nature of device 10. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the shape of cutout 69 generally conforms to the shape of the sidewall 62 on which it is set into. However, cutouts 69 may otherwise be any polygonal, circular or irregular shape. It is envisaged that in certain embodiments, cutouts 69 may be cut into a custom design or shape as desired.

One or both sidewalls 62 comprise at least one groove 68 into which corresponding protuberances 44 of rocker assembly 30 are received. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, grooves 68 have a shape and depth configured to receive protuberance 44 while allowing for free rotational motion about the axis defined by the alignment of oppositely positioned protuberances 44. In various embodiments, grooves 68 comprise a shape which corresponds to the shape of protuberances 44. In embodiments in which protuberances 44 possess a circular cross-sectional shape, as shown for example in any of FIGS. 2-4, grooves 68 also possess a circular shape to allow for smooth rotation once protuberances 44 of rocker assembly 30 while engaged with the anchoring scaffold 60. In such embodiments, the circular shape of groove 68 is defined by a diameter that is slightly larger than that of protuberance 44. In particular, once received within groove 68, the rounded surface of each protuberance 44 is slidably engaged with the inner surface of each respective groove 68 so as to allow a sliding motion of each protuberance 44 relative to the inner surface of groove 68. In various embodiments, the rocker assembly 30 comprises two oppositely positioned protuberances, one protruding from each sidewall 32 in opposing directions, which engage with a pair of corresponding grooves 68 on opposing sidewalls 62 on the anchoring scaffold 60. In alternative embodiments, it is envisioned that protuberances 44 may be suitably replaced by other mechanical connectors. For example, in some embodiments, rocker assembly 30 comprises an axle that stretches across its entire width and extends beyond both sidewalls 32 in opposite directions. In such embodiments, the axle engages with grooves 68 analogously to the way that protuberances 44 engages with grooves 68.

As shown in FIG. 6, protuberances 44 are received within grooves 68, and rocker assembly 30 is rotatably engaged with the anchoring scaffold 60. While in this arrangement, rocker assembly 30 rotates on axis L relative to anchoring scaffold 60. When engaged, this axial movement is the only range of motion available to rocker assembly 30. That is, while rocker assembly 30 is freely moveable around axis L, it is not moveable in any other plane relative to anchoring scaffold 60.

In embodiments in which rocker assembly 30 is expandable, anchoring scaffold 60 may also be expandable. One or more of sidewalls 62 or crossbars 66 may be mechanically expanded to increase the cross-sectional perimeter of anchoring scaffold 60 (i.e., a cross-sectional perimeter which is parallel to axis L, shown in FIG. 6). This mechanical expansion may be accomplished through a ratcheting mechanism or other incremental means. In other embodiments, one or both crossbars 66 may be made from a stretchable material, such as rubber, silicone or composites thereof, or a stretchable fabric, e.g., elastic nylon. In such embodiments, anchoring scaffold 60 is expandable to a degree such that it can receive rocker assembly 30 in a corresponding expanded configuration.

A portion or the entirety of anchoring scaffold 60 may be comprised of a material that provides flexibility or pliability, which aids a user with assembling head 20 from its constituent pieces (i.e., rocker assembly 30 and anchoring scaffold 60). In various embodiments, one or more of sidewalls 62 or crossbars 66 are made from or coated with a material which imparts a gripping quality to the surface of anchoring scaffold 60 (e.g., silicone). In other embodiments, curved edges 64 of sidewalls 62 are made from or coated with a material which imparts a gripping quality to the surface of anchoring scaffold 60 (e.g., silicone). This gripping quality assists in holding device 10 in place during use.

As shown in FIG. 7, once anchoring scaffold 60 is engaged with rocker assembly 30, a tube 90 of personal care composition (e.g., a wipe-on deodorant or antiperspirant composition) is placed within the confines of well 42. Through rotational movement of the rocker assembly, the end of the composition tube 90 from which the personal care composition is exposed is rotated as well. This movement is used for application of the personal care composition tube 90 to the skin of a user's underarm.

In an assembled state, head 20 is attached to a proximal end of rod 70, while handle 80 is attached to a distal end of rod 70. As shown in FIG. 8, rod 70 is comprised of a plurality of telescoping segments 72, which fit over one another to allow rod 70 to move between a compact configuration and an extended configuration. As shown in the Figures, rod 70 (i.e., each of telescoping segments 72) has a circular cross-sectional shape. However, rod 70 can take on a number of cross-sectional shapes (e.g., polygonal, rounded, irregular), as long as each of the telescoping segments 72 comprise the same shape. When in the extended configuration, rod 70 has a length that generally conforms to that of a human arm, particularly to the arm of the user.

In various embodiments it is envisioned that the maximum length of rod 70 is adjustable to fit users of varying arm lengths. In some embodiments, segments 72 are individually attachable to one another, such that the length of rod 70 may be adjusted in increments according to the length of individual segments 72. The segments may each have the same length or assorted lengths to allow for customizability of the overall length of rod 70.

One or both ends of rod 70 comprises a rod engagement surface 74 to be disposed with head 20 (i.e., at the proximal engagement surface 74) or handle 80 (i.e., at the distal engagement surface 74, not shown in Figures). Engagement surface 74 generally has a shape which corresponds with the location at which it is received and may be removeable from head 20 and handle 80. For example, proximal engagement surface 74 has a shape and size that can fit into channel 46 or engage with the inner surface 48 of channel 46. In some embodiments, engagement surface 74 is sized such that it engages with channel 46 of head 20 via friction fit. The friction fit may be enhanced via the inclusion of a coating to impart gripping qualities along the surface of engagement surface 74. In other embodiments, rod 70 may comprise a button that engages with a correspondingly shaped substrate or depression on inner surface 48 of channel 46. The button may be spring loaded to hold the engagement with inner surface 48 and also allow a user to easily disengage by depressing the spring. In further embodiments, engagement surface 74 may be threaded to conform to complementary threads on inner surface 48. In some embodiments, rod 70 may also comprise a distal engagement surface 74 to be disposed with handle 80. While not specifically shown in the Figures, distal engagement surface 74 may possess the same qualities as proximal engagement surface 74, and the mechanisms of attachment described above apply to distal engagement surface 74 equally. In some alternative embodiments, one or both ends of rod 70 includes a surface to receive a similar engagement surface extending from head 20 or handle 80. In such embodiments, head 20 and/or handle 80 engages with rod 70 in a reverse orientation from that described above.

Device 10 further comprises a handle 80 configured connected to the distal end of rod 70. As shown in FIG. 9, handle 80 comprises a gripping surface 82 and an adjacently located angled section 84. Gripping surface 82 is in some embodiments ergonomically shaped and positioned to be comfortably grasped in a user's hand during use. Gripping surface 82 is positioned at a distal end of handle 80 and may have a generally cylindrical presentation. In other embodiments, gripping surface 82 may be contoured to a human hand. Angled section 84 is positioned distally relative to gripping surface 82 and deflects gripping surface 82 at an angle relative to rod 70 which is comfortable to be grabbed comfortably while the arm is in the standard anatomical position (i.e., arm is positioned at the side of the body). In some embodiments, angled section 84 is rotatable about an axis defined by rod 70.

In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 9, handle 80 and rod 70 are a single monolithic component of device 10. In other embodiments, handle 80 and rod 70 are attachable and detachable from one another. In such embodiments, handle 80 is connectable to rod 70 via a handle engagement surface. This engagement surface generally has a shape which corresponds with the location at which it is received at the distal end of rod 70. For example, in some embodiments, the handle engagement surface is sized such that it engages with a corresponding surface on rod 70 via friction fit. The friction fit may be enhanced via the inclusion of a coating to impart gripping qualities along the surface of the handle engagement surface. In other embodiments, handle 80 may comprise a button that engages with a correspondingly shaped substrate or depression on rod 70. The button may be spring loaded to hold the engagement with rod 70 and also allow a user to easily disengage by depressing the spring. In further embodiments, the handle engagement surface may be threaded to conform to complementary threads at a distal end of rod 70. In alternative configurations, the distal end of rod 70 includes an engagement surface which is received within a complementary surface in handle 80.

A portion or the entirety of handle 80 may be comprised of a material that imparts a gripping quality to the surface of handle 80 (e.g., silicone). In other embodiments, gripping surface 82 is made from or coated with a material which imparts a gripping quality to the surface (e.g., silicone).

During use, the personal care applicator device 10 of the present disclosure may be used in a method of applying a personal care composition to the skin using the personal care applicator device 10 of the present disclosure. In general, such methods include first placing a personal care composition tube 90 within well 42 of rocker assembly 30; positioning device 10 such that the personal care composition 90 contacts skin under an underarm; and moving handle 80 axially to articulate rocker assembly 30 and effect application of the personal care composition onto a desired portion of skin.

Device 10 may be presented as a kit of individual components. In order to enable use, a user first needs to engage the constituent parts of device 10 with one another. Thus, rocker assembly 30 must be made to engage anchoring scaffold 60 by fitting rocker assembly 30 within the confines of anchoring scaffold 60 as defined by sidewalls 62 and crossbars 66 and aligning protuberances 44 within grooves 68. Once adjoined to one another, rocker assembly 30 and anchoring scaffold 60 form head 20. Head 20 may then be adjoined to rod 70 by connecting engagement surface 74 with channel 46. In some configurations, rod 70 is resiliently held in place due to a friction fit maintained between engagement surface 74 and inner surface 48 of channel 46. In other embodiments, engagement surface 74 comprises a button that engages with a correspondingly shaped substrate or depression on inner surface 48 of channel 46, and rod 70 snaps into connection with head 20. In other embodiments, engagement surface 74 comprises threading which corresponds with complementary threading on inner surface 48, such that rod 70 is connected with head 20 via a twisting motion. Once head 20 and rod 70 are connected, handle 80 may be attached to rod 70 through similar means to which rod 70 connects with head 20. This assembly is unnecessary for embodiments in which rod 70 and handle 80 are connected as a monolithic component.

As discussed above, rocker assembly 30 is configured to accept and hold a tube of personal care composition (shown, e.g., in FIG. 7). Tube 90 is slid into place and is maintained within well 42 by front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32. In certain embodiments, the volume of well 42 is adjustable by expanding one or more or front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32. In such embodiments, the user may adjust the dimensions of front wall 34, rear wall 36 and sidewalls 32 as necessary to create an appropriate size for holding tube 90 in place for use.

Prior to use, rod 70 must be moved from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. To achieve this, the proximal end of rod 70 is pulled apart from the distal end of rod 70 until telescoping segments 72 engage one another by friction fit to maintain the expanded configuration. In certain embodiments, the maximum length of the rod may be adjusted to fit a user's arm.

Once device 10 is assembled and tube 90 is installed, a user positions device 10 so that the personal care composition tube 90 contacts skin under an underarm. When contact is made, a user may adduct the arm toward the standard anatomical position (i.e., when the arm is positioned at the side of the body) to pin head 20 between the arm and the side of the torso at the base of the arm. When positioned, anchoring scaffold 60 is firmly planted in place, but rocker assembly 30 allows free rotational movement around axis L. Rod 70 extends distally along the user's arm and handle 80 is grasped in the hand.

Once in this position, device 10 is ready to apply the personal care composition tube 90 to the desired location. To achieve this, handle 80 is moved axially through alternating abduction and adduction movement of the arm to articulate rocker assembly 30 and effect application of the personal care composition onto a desired portion of skin (i.e., the skin of the underarm).

The foregoing method is intended for use in individuals suffering from weakness or immobility in one arm. Thus, the disclosed methods may be useful to those suffering from certain disabilities and diseases, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and the lingering effects of a stroke, as well as those with chronic or permanent disabilities, including amputees and individuals recovering from surgical procedures on an arm. While these users may be able apply a personal care composition with a freely mobile arm to an opposite underarm through cross-body adduction to contact the personal care composition with the skin of the underarm, they cannot apply the personal care composition to the skin underneath the arm holding the personal care composition due to inherent limitations of the human arm. The presently disclosed devices provide an effective solution to this limitation and affords a user with an assisted mechanism of applying personal care compositions to the underarm of the arm grasping the composition itself.

In various embodiments, a kit is provided that may include additional parts along with the components of device 10. The kit thus includes head 20, which comprises rocker assembly 30 and anchoring scaffold 60 either in an assembled or disassembled state, as well as rod 70 and handle 80. These components may be held in a carrying bag sized to fit all the components. In various embodiments, the bag may be comprised of a fabric or leather material. In further embodiments, the carrying bag is scalable through means understood in the art (e.g., via drawstring, zipper, hook and loop, or snap buttons). In some embodiments, the kit may include further modular components that may take the place of head 20 or handle 80. The kit may further or alternatively include packaging having one or more compartments. The kit may also include adhesives, hook and loop strips, instructions and/or other procedural supplies for using device 10.

As used herein, the term personal care composition shall be understood to include at least antiperspirant compositions, deodorant compositions, and the like. Such compositions may be present in various forms, such as antiperspirant creams, gels, soft solid sticks, invisible solid sticks, body sprays, and aerosols.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A personal care applicator device comprising: a head having a rocker assembly rotatably disposed within an anchoring scaffold; anda rod extending from the rocker assembly.

2. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a front wall positioned opposite a rear wall connected by oppositely disposed sidewalls.

3. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the body of the rocker assembly extends from a base surface at a distal end to an end surface formed by the front wall, rear wall, and side walls positioned at a proximal end.

4. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the rocker assembly comprises a well which extends from a base surface at a distal end to an end surface at a proximal end to receive a container of a personal care composition.

5. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the rocker assembly comprises at least one protuberance to engage with a corresponding groove on the anchoring scaffold, optionally wherein the rocker assembly comprises oppositely positioned protuberances to engage with a pair of corresponding grooves on the anchoring scaffold.

6. The personal care applicator device of claim 5, wherein the two oppositely positioned protuberances are aligned and form an axis defining the rotational movement of the rocker assembly relative to the anchoring scaffold.

7. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the anchoring scaffold receives the rocker assembly and provides a space within which the rocker assembly rotates axially.

8. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the anchoring scaffold is shaped such that it can be ergonomically received in an underarm of a user.

9. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the anchoring scaffold comprises a pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls having a curved edge located at a proximal end of the anchoring scaffold, optionally wherein the anchoring scaffold further includes crossbars extending between the pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls.

10. The personal care applicator device of claim 9, wherein the crossbars define limits for the axial rotation of the rocker assembly.

11. The personal care applicator device of any of claim 9, wherein the curved edge is configured to engage with the curvature of an underarm of a user.

12. The personal care applicator device of claim 5, wherein the sidewalls of the anchoring scaffold comprise grooves positioned to receive the protuberances of the rocker assembly.

13. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, wherein the rod is movable between a compact configuration and an extended configuration.

14. The personal care applicator device of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to an end of the rod opposite the head.

15. A method of applying a personal care composition to the skin, the method comprising the steps of: placing a personal care composition within the head of the personal care applicator device, wherein the personal care applicator device comprises a head having a rocker assembly rotatably disposed within an anchoring scaffold; a rod extending from the rocker assembly; and a handle;positioning the personal care applicator device such that the personal care composition contacts skin under an underarm; andmoving the handle axially to articulate the rocker assembly and effect application of the personal care composition onto a desired portion of skin.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of attaching the head to the rod and attaching the handle to the rod.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method is carried out by individuals suffering from disabilities and diseases which induce weakness or a reduction in mobility of the arm, including arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and the lingering effects of a stroke, as well as individuals with chronic or permanent disabilities, including amputees and individuals recovering from surgical procedures on an arm.

18. A kit of parts for a personal care applicator device, the kit comprising: a head having a rocker assembly and an anchoring scaffold, such that the rocker assembly and anchoring scaffold are rotatably engaged with one another;a rod;and a handle.