Abstract:
A device for the application of a gel or solid substance to a human body surface is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of an applicator portion to which gel or solid deodorant is secured and which is coupled to a handle portion. The applicator portion is sized to accommodate a single application of deodorant in a compact format while the handle portion is sized to be grasped between the fingers and thumb of the human hand. The handle portion comprises a moveable connecting point allowing the handle portion to traverse between a storage position and a gripping position during use. The applicator portion is integrally formed with said handle portion.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/427,854 filed Mar. 22, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to apparatus and methods for the delivery of deodorant to the surface of the skin of a human user. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    (Not applicable) 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Today, people are exceedingly busy in attending to business matters and often have to rush between multiple appointments. Often, this does not leave much time for the luxury of returning home to freshen up. Accordingly, such products are of increasing importance. 
         [0005]    Additionally, a high-paced, mobile lifestyle, involving such things as airline flights, road trips and the like, does not lend itself well to carrying large hygiene product containers, such as a conventional deodorant product, which can open, and under certain circumstances, spill while they are inside bags and briefcases. Therefore, a need exists for a small, single use deodorant applicator which can be easily concealed, even in a small pocket, yet safe for transport due to an individually sealed, portable design. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with the invention, an apparatus for the delivery of deodorant to the surface of the human body is provided. It comprises an applicator portion to which is secured a gel or solid deodorant and which is coupled to a handle portion. The applicator portion is sized to accommodate a single application of deodorant in a compact format while the handle portion is sized to be grasped between the fingers and thumb of a human hand. The handle portion comprises a flexible connecting point allowing the handle portion to traverse between a storage position and a gripping position during use. 
         [0007]    The invention comprises an apparatus for the application of a gel or solid deodorant substance to the surface of a human body. In accordance with the invention, a base comprises an applicator portion. The applicator portion has a deodorant support side, a gripping portion, and a deodorant substance secured to the applicator portion of the base. The base and deodorant substance form the applicator and an enclosure defining a compartment houses the base and the deodorant substance. 
         [0008]    The applicator portion of the base comprises a matrix of recesses to which the deodorant substance is affixed. The matrix of recesses defines an array of narrow elongated contours at least some of which extend at least partially around one or more of others of the narrow elongated contours. Each of the narrow elongated contours defines a recess defined by facing sidewalls which extend at an angle with respect to the deodorant support side and face the sidewalls engaging the deodorant substance. The handle is coupled to the gripping portion of the base. The enclosure comprises a plastic film. The handle comprises a rigid grip dimensioned to be grasped between the fingers and thumb of a human hand. A mounting member coupled to the base and rotatably supporting the rigid grip enables the rigid grip to move between a storage position and a gripping position. The mounting member of the apparatus is mounted on the base by mounting pins allowing the flexible mounting member to rotate around the mounting pins in an arc. 
         [0009]    The handle of the apparatus may comprise a cloth member comprising a gripping end protruding from the gripping portion of the base and dimensioned to be grasped between the fingers and thumb of a human hand and a mounting end coupled to the gripping portion of the base. 
         [0010]    The handle may also comprise two gripping members protruding from the base. The gripping members define a finger hole passing through the gripping member. The hole is sized to allow a finger or thumb of a human hand to be inserted within the finger hole. The gripping members comprise a flexible mounting member coupled to the base which allow the gripping members to traverse between a storage position and a gripping position. The base and handle are made of plastic injection molded from a single piece of plastic. 
         [0011]    The handle may also be formed integrally with the base of the invention to form a living hinge. The living hinge allows for the handle to fold flat, planar to the base, for packaging. Upon opening the package, the user can grab the handle and bend it outward such that the handle becomes perpendicular to the base. This gives the user a graspable handle and controllable applicator to direct and apply the deodorant of the invention to the body of the user. The inventive package may also be made in a single injection moulding step. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The operation of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1   a  is a side view outlining the basic elements of the invention in which the applicator portion and handle portion may be understood; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1   b  is a cross-sectional view of the support base and supported deodorant material along lines  1   b - 1   b  of  FIG. 3  corresponding to a cross-sectional view defined b the intersection of a plane perpendicular to the plane roughly defined by the support and a plane perpendicular to and passing through the center of the support; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a rigid handle system embodiment of a handle portion of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a coupling system comprising a rigid handle system and the base of the applicator portion of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of an alternate mounting method of a rigid handle system coupled to the base of the applicator portion of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of a possible storage configuration for the invention in which a rigid handle system is stowed into a recess in the underside of the base of the applicator portion of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of an alternate mounting configuration for a handle portion of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of another alternate cloth handle portion of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates the use of the above mentioned alternate cloth handle portion of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of yet another alternate handle portion comprising a pair of loops; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  shows the use of the above mentioned alternate handle portion comprising a pair of loops; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a diagram of an array of indentions across the application surface of applicator portion of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a diagram of rings of deodorant anchored between an array of raised rings on the applicator surface of the applicator portion of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a sectional side-view of a living hinge embodiment of the applicator of the present invention with the grasping handle illustrated in solid lines with the handle moved in the direction of the arrow to in the use position, and in phantom lines with the handle him the folded storage position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of the living hinge; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the inventive applicator; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a view of an alternate living hinge embodiment of a handle of the invention with two small living hinges; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the inventive applicator showing the deodorant-receiving surfaces; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the inventive applicator with a cover place over the deodorant deposited on the applicator; 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the cover; 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged sectional view of the cover, illustrating the edge of the base and cover; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is a top view of the cover. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1   a,  an overview of a single-use deodorant applicator may be understood. The single-use deodorant applicator  2  comprises a circular base  4  composed of plastic in accordance with a preferred embodiment, or, alternatively, metal. Base  4  is rigid and functions as a foundation upon which the rest of the device is constructed. The top of circular base  4  comprises a series of raised rings  6  as well as corresponding circular channels  8 . Raised rings  6  and circular channels  8  are shaped and spaced in such a way that deodorant, in either gel or solid form, can be affixed to base  4  with the deodorant utilizing raised rings  6  and circular channels  8  as an adherence surface. A plastic or metal handle  10  is coupled to the underside of base  4  such that handle  10  can swivel out from a position lying flat against base  4  (as illustrated in phantom lines), to a position perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the bottom surface of base  4  for use, or swivel in, parallel to the bottom surface of base  4  for storage. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1   b  illustrates the placement of deodorant material  52  in channels  8  in the form of rings of deodorant material. It will be understood from the figures that successive rings are positioned at different heights from the bottom of base  4 . The outermost rings of deodorant material  52  are relatively low and the central deposition of deodorant material  53  is in the highest position. Accordingly, together rings of deodorant material  52  and the central circular deposition of deodorant material  53  generally defined a convex or domed configuration. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the construction of handle  10 , and how handle  10  attaches to base  4 , may be better understood. Handle  10  is constructed in a semi-circular shape. Handle  10  made sized such that it can fold back against base  4  without protruding. Two mounting holes  12  pass completely through mounting arms  14 , which extend past base  4  on either side of the attaching end of handle  10 . The mounting arms  14  and handle  10  are formed in a single injection molded plastic member, adding strength and simplicity to the design. The mounting holes  12  allow the handle  10  to be attached to base  4  of the single-use deodorant applicator through the use of mounting pins  15  ( FIG. 1   b ), which will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a connection assembly attaching handle  10  to base  4  may be understood in greater detail. The handle  10  connects to base  4  such that handle  10  can be quickly snapped into place during component assembly. The component assembly process involves aligning mounting arms  14  of handle  10  perpendicular to the bottom of base  4  such that mounting holes  12  of mounting arms  14  are positioned just below a pair of mounting pins  15  protruding from base  4 . The mounting pins  16  protrude from base  4  such that they are always in line with holes  12  in mounting arms  14 , when properly mounted inside mounting holes  12 . The mounting pins  15  are positioned such that it is possible for handle  10  to traverse a semi-circular are defined in the direction of arrows  18 , thus allowing the orientation of handle  10  to traverse such arc from a flat starting position against the bottom of base  4  to a finishing position which is perpendicular to the bottom of base  4 . Deodorant material  52  of conventional design is deposited in circular channels  8 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternate mounting method for handle  110  may be understood. Once again, handle  10  is attached to base  4  through the connection of mounting pins  16  in mounting holes  12  which are located at the ends of mounting arms  14 . The handle  10  is mounted such that mounting arms  14  are always perpendicular to mounting pins  115 , thus allowing the orientation of handle  110  to traverse in an arc from a flat position against base  4  to an extended position which is perpendicular to base  4 . The mounting pins  115  are coupled to base  4  and are located inside a recess  20  on the bottom of base  4 , thus allowing handle  10  to fold inside base  4  for compact storage with minimal or no protrusion from base  4 . The recess  120  is shaped to match the shape of handle  10  such that handle  10  fits snugly inside recess  120  without sticking such that handle  10  may be easily extended along the arc defined b the movement of handle  10 , as it may be moved by the use of, for example, a human finger. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , it may be understood how handle  10  fits snugly inside recession  120  of base  4  when handle  10  is in a closed position. In this diagram, it is shown how handle  110  protrudes slightly from recess  20  in the bottom of base  4  such that a finger may make easier contact with handle  110 . The configuration diagramed in  FIG. 5  allows for a larger contact surface between handle  110  and a human finger while still providing a thin profile for compact storage. If no protrusion is desired, handle  10  they been made thinner. 
         [0041]    Also referring to  FIG. 5 , an optional storage packet may be used to contain the apparatus. Such storage packets may be a conventional form, for example, similar to those used to house condiments such as ketchup and mustard. In accordance with the invention, such a storage packet may be formed in a conventional manner, for example being formed by a pair of facing planar film members. More particularly, a container may be formed by a planar bottom layer  121  and a planar top layer  123 . Planar bottom layer  121  and planar top layer  123  may be made of a polymer, such as a simple plastic film as is used to house ketchup. Alternatively, metallized polymer layers may also be employed. In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that planar bottom layer  121  and planar top layer  123  would have a thickness in the range of 2-7 thousandths of an inch. 
         [0042]      1421  In the case of a simple polymer layer of the type used to house ketchup in individual single servings, planar bottom layer  121  and a planar top layer  123  may be formed into a packet by being heat-sealed around their edges  125  ( FIG. 5   a ). As is apparent from the figures, planar bottom layer  121  and planar top layer  123  are substantially the same size and larger than the inventive applicator  110 . Accordingly, planar bottom layer  121  and planar top layer  123  extend beyond the edge of both the length and width of the applicator  110 . The peripheral portions of planar bottom layer  121  and a planar top layer  123  are fused together, for example, using heat around the edge of the apparatus to form an airtight, single-use container similar to a ketchup packet. The result is a sealed unit  125  containing applicator  110 . Sealed unit  125  includes serrations  127  in a manner typical of such packets. 
         [0043]    It is noted that while the use of such a package is illustrated only in  FIG. 5 , it may be understood this packet can be used to house any of the other variations of the inventive apparatus as illustrated in the figures herein. 
         [0044]    In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that a plurality of applicators  110  would be contained each in its own container  123 , perhaps packaged in a larger box containing a half-dozen or several dozen packaged applicators. When it is desired to use one of these devices to apply deodorant, the package is split between the serrations  127  using the fingernails, torn open and the deodorant applicator  110  is removed and used as described herein. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternate mounting configuration for handle  10  may be understood. A cylindrical mounting protrusion  222  extends from the bottom of base  4  such that it is possible to align mounting holes  12  of mounting arms  14  with mounting pin  224  of mounting protrusion  222 . The mounting pin  224  along the length of mounting protrusion  222 , perpendicular to the circular faces of the cylinder and, therefore, parallel to the bottom of the base  4 . When the mounting holes  12  of the mounting arms  14  are properly aligned with the mounting hole  14  of the mounting protrusion  222 , handle  10  rotates on pins  224  Thus, handle  10  may easily be snapped into place, similar to the process described with respect to  FIG. 3 , and may further rotate freely after being snapped into place. 
         [0046]    Also referring to  FIG. 6 , the circular ring system of ridges and channels involved in the mounting of gel or solid deodorant may be understood. The raised rings  6  and circular channels  8  are all formed from the same plastic member that comprises base  4  during the fabrication process of, for example, injection molding. Furthermore, the mounting protrusion  222  can be formed from the same plastic mold as well during the fabrication process with the mounting pin  224  B. As a result of the fabrication process, the raised circular rings  6  and circular channels  8  form a mounting surface for a gel or solid deodorant  52  such that the tops of the channels  8  are nearly slanted extending from but not quite perpendicular to the base  4 , thus providing sufficient friction to hold a gel or solid deodorant in place. Because the inner rings  6  and channels  8  protrude higher from the base  4  than the outer rings  6  and channels  8 , it is possible for the single-use deodorant applicator  202  to conform to various human body surfaces more easily. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternate handle system  334  may be understood. In this alternate handle system, a flexible or semi-rigid handle  34  is cut to shape from a sheet of cloth or plastic. The handle  334  comprises an attachment end  336  on one side and a gripping end  338  on the other side. The attachment end  336  is affixed along a joinder line  337  to the bottom of the single-use deodorant applicator  302  using some form of adhesive such as glue or tape. The gripping end  338  protrudes from the side of the single-use deodorant applicator  302  to a sufficient distance such that the gripping end  338  may be easily grasped by the fingers of a human hand. The handle  334  is sufficiently thin to allow for compact packaging. Accordingly handle  334  can be folded behind the single-use deodorant applicator  302  for compact packaging. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the use of the alternate handle system  334  may be understood. As mentioned above, the gripping end  338  of the handle  334  protrudes from the side of the single-use deodorant applicator  302 . This allows the fingers of a human hand to easily grasp the handle  334  between them with thumb  340  pressing against the top side of handle  334  and finger  342  pressing against the bottom side of handle  334 . This method allows finger  342  to act as a guide for the single-use deodorant applicator  302  while deodorant is being applied to the human body by providing moderate pressure to rub the top surface of the single-use deodorant applicator  302  against the skin surface to which the user wishes to apply deodorant. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an alternate handle system  444  may be understood. The handle system  444  comprises two plastic loops, loop  446  and loop  448 , which are made from the same plastic material of which the single-use deodorant applicator  402  is made. This means that no special attachment system is required. Instead, the handle system  444  is formed at the same time as the single-use deodorant applicator  402  in a single molding or stamping process. This eliminates the need for complicated manual assembly while allowing for many instances of the single-use deodorant applicator  402  to be created simultaneously, in accordance with the manufacturing process to be described below. Loop  446  and loop  448  are flexible enough to be bent backwards below the base of the single-use deodorant applicator  402  for gripping by the thumb and finger of a human hand during use. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the use of the alternate handle system  444  may be understood. The single-use deodorant applicator  402  is gripped by folding loop  446  and loop  448  backwards below the base of the single-use deodorant applicator  402 . The thumb  440  is then inserted into the loop  446  while the finger  442  is inserted into the loop  448 . The thumb  440  and the finger  442  are then pinched together, thus creating enough tension and friction to hold the single-use deodorant applicator  402  in place and allow for controlled movement during deodorant application to a human body during use. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a method for securing deodorant in a gel or solid form may be understood. A series of indentations  550  are distributed over the surface area of the single-use deodorant applicator  502  in which deodorant  552  in a gel or solid form may be inserted. The indentations are deep enough to provide a sufficient anchor for the deodorant. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , the anchoring of a gel or solid deodorant  52  within an array of raised rings  6  may be understood. The deodorant  52  is applied between each of the raised rings  6  such that the deodorant  52  protrudes slightly above the upper surface of the raised rings  6 . During the application process, the deodorant  52  will transfer to a contacted human skin surface. Since the human skin surface is flexible, the skin can be pressed in between the raised rings  6 , during application, as the vertical height of the deodorant  52  is reduced during use. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , a sectional side-view of an alternative embodiment of the deodorant applicator  610  is shown. In accordance with the invention, it is noted that applicator  610  is manufactured in the configuration illustrated in solid lines in  FIG. 13 . After the same is manufactured, handle  620  is folded to the position illustrated in phantom lines after which the same may be packaged in a flat envelope like container. In use, after removal of applicator  610  from the package, handle  620  is pulled from the position illustrated in phantom lines in  FIG. 13  to the position illustrated in solid lines. 
         [0054]    Handle  620  is formed integrally with base  612  and a living hinge  622 , which joins the handle to base  612 . The living hinge  622  allows for the handle  620  to be folded up into the base  612  for packaging. When the user opens the package to use the deodorant applicator, the user can fold the handle  620  out of the base  612 , such that the handle  620  is substantially perpendicular to the base  612 , allowing the user to grasp the handle  620  and use the deodorant applicator  610 . The living hinge is a more cost-effective and efficient option. 
         [0055]    The figure also shows the raised rings  614  and corresponding circular channels  616 . Raised rings  614  and circular channels  616  are shaped and spaced in such a way that deodorant can be affixed to base  612  with the deodorant utilizing raised rings  614  and circular channels  616  as an adherence surface. 
         [0056]    The dimension of the largest rings may be in the range of about one and three-quarter inches in diameter, or about 4 centimeters. The height of the applicator may be about 0.3 inches or about 7 mm. The height of the deodorant may have a total thickness of about 3.5 mm, or about 2.5 mm in the circular channels and about 1 mm over the top of the ridge. 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of the living hinge  622 . A first surface  624  is defined on the living hinge  622 . The first surface  624  has a first width. A second surface  626  is defined on the living hinge  622 , directly opposite the first surface  624 . The second surface  626  has a second width, which is narrower than the first width. The first width is larger to better allow the handle  620  to be bent at the living hinge  622  towards the base  612  on the side of the first surface  624 . The lack of material in the location of the first surface  624  provides for the adjacent portions of the living hinge  622  and handle  620  to be compressed as the handle  620  is being folded in towards the base  612  in the direction opposite that of the arrow in  FIG. 13 . The narrower, second width is present in order to allow the handle  620  to fold, towards the first surface  624 , in to the base  612 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 15  displays a side view of the living hinge applicator  610 . The shape of the handle  620  can be seen from this view. The shape of the handle  620  gives the user a substantial area to grasp, giving the user a better grip while applying the deodorant. 
         [0059]      FIG. 16  displays an alternative embodiment of the inventive living hinge applicator  710 . Alternative applicator  710  comprises a handle  720  and a base  712 , which are substantially the same as handle  620  and base  612  of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . The embodiment in  FIG. 16  is essentially the same as living hinge  610  except there are two living hinges  728  and  730  which are a relatively narrow dimension. In accordance with the invention, one may have more than two living hinges. 
         [0060]      1601  Returning to the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 17  displays a perspective from the top of applicator  610  which is substantially the same as the top of applicator  710 . This view shows the raised rings  614  and corresponding circular channels  616 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 18  illustrates another perspective view of applicator  610 , but with a cover  632  disclose over its top surface to protect the deodorant material from being dislodged. Cover  632  is placed over base  612  (as seen in  FIG. 13 ). Cover  632  has a protruding handle  638  which allows the user to remove cover  632  from base  612  (as seen in  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0062]    Cover  632  also comprises two holes  634  and  636 . These holes serve a several distinct purposes. When the deodorant material is heated and in a liquid state it can be injected through holes  634  and  636  and onto the surface of deodorant applicator  610 . In addition, cover  632  keeps deodorant applicator  610  substantially sealed and therefore protects the deodorant substance from dislodgement and deformation. Cover  632  holds the deodorant material in place when, after injection into covert applicator  610 , it is in liquid form. This allows it to cool and harden in place over the raised rings  614  and corresponding circular channels  616 . The cover  632  also protects the appearance of the product, for example in the event that the product is crushed. A sticker (not illustrated) may then be applied to cover  632  over holes  634  and  636  with a, for example, circular shape to match the cover  632  or other shape, sealing holes  634  and  636  on cover  632 . Cover  632  thus provides a rigid protective member over the deodorant substance and base  612 . The sticker also acts to seal the deodorant substance such that no substances can enter through the two holes  634  and  636 . 
         [0063]    The cover has a small tab  638  for the purpose of allowing one to rip cover  632  and take the cover off base  612 . The base may also have a similar small tab such that the tabs can be worked against each other, aiding in the process of removing cover  632  from base  612 . During manufacture, it is possible to create a specified angular orientation of one tab with respect to the other. For example, to off-set the two tabs, for example by 2-30° such that it is easy to push on one with the thumb of one hand and the other with the index finger of the same hand. Alternatively, the cover can be manufactured such that it can be rotated on the base, thus allowing the user to deviate the tabs to any angle he/she prefers. 
         [0064]      FIG. 19  shows a sectional side-view of base  612  and cover  632 . This view shows holes  634  and  636  passing completely through cover  632 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 20  shows an enlarged sectional view of cover  632  and internal circumferential contours for receiving base  612 . This view is of the region at the region of engagement between the edge of base  612  and cover  632  where protruding, handle  638  is located. Protruding handle  638  is part of cover  632 . When the user lifts up protruding handle  638 , protruding handle  638  and cover  632  are pulled up and away from base  612 , creating space between base  612  and cover  632 . This allows the cover  632  to be removed from base  612 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 21  displays a top view of cover  632 . This view shows the location of holes  634  and  636 . 
         [0067]    It is contemplated that the deodorant dispenser, with or without the cap, may be stored and transported in any suitable package. The package may be a ketchup-packet-type package, whereby the deodorant dispenser may be packaged in the same manner as is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Alternatively, the deodorant dispenser, with or without the cap, can be included in one compartment of a two-compartment package. 
         [0068]    In accordance with this last embodiment, the second compartment may contain a wipe, for example a conventional wipe with an alcohol-based cleaning material to allow the individual to clean him/herself before applying the deodorant. The packet may have a dimension of about 6 cm square, or perhaps slightly longer on one side and may be comprised of first, second and third heat sealable sheets, we need applicator between the first and second sheets and the wipes between the second and third heat-sealable sheets. The deodorant support may have a dimension of approximately 4.5 cm. 
         [0069]    The manufacturing of the single-use deodorant applicator  2  is done by injecting plastic into a mold. Alternatively, the desired member ma be made by blow performing and die cutting a sheet of plastic. Multiple members may be formed simultaneously across the width of a plastic sheet web in a continuous blow forming process, thus allowing for mass production. 
         [0070]    While the above description of the embodiments focuses on deodorant, other personal hygiene or topical products may be used as well. For example, personal hygiene or topical products such as anti-perspirants, pain-relievers such as IcyHot®, anti-chafing balm such as Glide®, etc. may be used. 
         [0071]    While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, it is noted that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and drawings. Such modifications are within the scope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the following claims.