Compact Personal Roller

The compact personal roller of the present invention comprises a small, resilient foam covered roller enclosed in the cradle part of the handle-cradle uni-body; a retractable pivotal protective cover that completely encloses the roller, and an axial pin that provides the center of rotation for the retractable cover. The resilient foam is permanently bonded to the outer surface of the plastic cylindrical roller core. The compact personal roller is preferably fabricated of molded plastic materials. The invention provides a simple means for application of sun tan and protective lotions to ones own back, and other areas of the body, to help guard against damage to the skin caused by exposure to the sun. The small size roller is favorably suitable to the contours of the body, thereby providing a means to effectively apply protective lotion. Lotion is deposited directly on the roller, then transferred to the body by gentle roller movement.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the retractable pivotal protective cover in the partially open position, revealing the lotion applying roller.

FIG. 2 shows the handle and cradle uni-body, FIG. 2A the cradle.

FIG. 3 shows the retractable pivotal protective cover.

FIG. 4 is a view of the cylindrical, resilient foam covered roller.

FIG. 5 is a view of the axial pin.

FIG. 6 shows the locking washer.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the retractable pivotal protective cover in open position.

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the retractable pivotal protective cover in closed position.

Referring to FIG. 1, the compact personal roller 20 is shown. The compact personal roller 20 comprises a molded uni-body consisting of handle 1, approximately 12 inches in length, and roller cradle 2 constituting an overall length of the compact personal roller 20 of approximately 131/2 inches. Retractable pivotal protective cover 4 "nests" in roller cradle 2 when in open position. Referring to assembly view of compact personal roller 20 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, roller 21 is installed into retractable pivotal protective cover 4 which in turn is installed into roller cradle 2. The assembled parts of compact personal roller 20 are secured by inserting axial pin 8 into axial pin hole 13 of roller cradle 2. Axial pin 8 extends through axial pin hole 14 of retractable pivotal protective cover 4, and through axial pin hole 16 of roller 21. Axial pin 8 is further inserted through the opposite pin hole 24 of roller 21, then through the opposite pin hole 23 of retractable pivotal protective cover 4, and finally through opposite axial pin hole 22 of roller cradle 2. Locking washer 19 is placed over the shaft end of axial pin 8, and forced into position in locking washer groove 18. The position of axial pin 8 provides the rotating axis for the retractable mode of retractable pivotal protective cover 4, and the rotating mode of roller 21. Mounting holes for axial pin 8 are formed during the molding process of the plastic parts. All parts of the compact personal roller 20 are plastic materiel except the resilient foam roller cover 7. Referring to FIG. 4, axial pin hole 16 is formed in cylindrical roller core end plate 6. Opposite axial pin hole 24 is formed in opposite cylindrical roller core end plate 27. Referring to FIG. 3, axial pin hole 14 is formed in retractable pivotal protective cover end plate 9. Opposite axial pin hole 23 is formed in opposite retractable pivotal protective cover end plate 26.

Referring to FIG. 2A axial pin hole 13 is formed in roller cradle end plate 3. Opposite axial pin hole 22 is formed in opposite cradle end plate 25. Referring to FIG. 2A the open, and close position feature of compact personal roller 20 uses raised rib 11 to hold retractable pivotal protective cover 4 in closed position by resting in detent recess 10. Raised rib 12 holds retractable pivotal protective cover 4 in open position by resting in detent recess 15. FIG. 2A shows thumb cut-out 17 on roller cradle 2 which provides space for thumb tip pressure for operation of retractable pivotal protective cover 4. FIG. 7 shows retractable pivotal protective cover 4 held in open position by detent function of raised rib 12 resting in detent recess 15. Raised rib 11 is exposed by thumb cut-out 17 for thumb tip pressure to close retractable pivotal protective cover 4. FIG. 8 shows retractable pivotal protective cover 4 held in closed position by detent function of raised rib 11 resting in detent recess 10. Raised rib 12 is exposed for thumb tip pressure to open retractable pivotal protective cover 4. In conclusion, the present invention provides a simple, easy, and convenient means to apply protective lotion to ones own back, or to other areas of the body that are difficult to reach. The configuration of the human body is such that a person cannot reach the entire area of ones own back. This invention will overcome such physical limitation by providing extension of arm reach, thereby enabling the user to reach the area of the back for the purpose of applying protective lotion. The invention will also aid the aged, and physically handicapped. The small roller is favorable for use in applying protective lotions to the body. The overall length of the compact personal roller provides adequate extension for the roller to reach the area of the back as well as other areas of the body. The retractable pivotal protective cover provides desireable protection for the roller, as well as protection against the possibility of personal articles coming in contact with the roller.