Personal Lubricant Bottle Sheath and Method of Use Thereof

Abstract

A personal lubricant bottle sheath comprises a body portion and a cap portion. The body portion may have at least a partially closed distal end, a substantially open proximal end having an open end cavity, and at least one sidewall extending between the partially closed distal end and the substantially open end. The cap portion may have a substantially open distal end integrated to the body portion, at least a partially closed proximal end, and a cap portion cavity adapted to receive at least a lubricant bottle lid, the cap portion being adapted to foldingly uncover the open end cavity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention generally relates to lubricant bottle covers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A lubricant is a substance introduced between two moving surfaces to reduce the friction and wear between the two surfaces. Lubricants provide a protective film on the surfaces which allow for the surfaces to be separated and lessen the friction between them. Various types of lubricants are on the market. Two types of lubricants are surgical lubricants and personal lubricants. Surgical lubricants were developed in order to lessen patient discomfort during certain medial procedures such as vaginal and rectal examinations. Personal lubricants were derived from surgical lubricants and serve to reduce friction between body parts. For example, K-Y.RTM. Jelly was initially used as a medical/surgical lubricant before it gained popularity as a personal lubricant.

[0003] In addition to the medical use of surgical lubricants, the similar personal lubricants are used during massage, masturbation, and sexual intercourse. During sexual intercourse and masturbation, the lubricant is used to increase pleasure or reduce pain by lubricating a penis, dildo, vagina, or anus before sexual intercourse occurs. Some lubricants also contain spermicide, which is a substance that kills sperm, in order to help prevent pregnancy during intercourse. Lubricants may be used during masturbation to intensify sensation or when natural lubrication is insufficient. In particular, for circumcised men, there is more direct contact between the hand and the glands, creating a drier sensation than for uncircumcised men. In massage, personal lubricants may be used to increase enjoyment by the recipient and to allow the masseuse the ability to provide a deep massage without creating a "friction burn" on the skin of the recipient.

[0004] Personal lubricants are often packaged in easy-to-use polymeric bottles. Many have tops adapted to apply an amount of lubricant upon squeezing the bottle body. These tops may be referred to as "squeeze bottle" tops. The bottle may have a lid, such as, but not limited to, a lid adapted to tightly screw onto the top of the bottle and cover the top when not in use to prevent lubricant from exiting the bottle when not in use. As a lubricant is, by its very nature, watery, slippery and lacking viscosity, the outer surface of the bottle and lid over time become very slippery since the bottle is often touched after using the lubricant without completely removing all of the lubricant from a user's hands.

[0005] When the outer surface of the bottle becomes watery and slippery, it creates problems. For example, the bottle may be frequently dropped as a secure handle can not be obtained. Furthermore, when the outer surface comes into contact with fabric of some sort, such as, but not limited to, clothing or upholstery, the fabric may obtain unwanted properties such as becoming wet or even stained. This may more often occur when users of personal lubricants travel with their bottles as the bottle may more easily come into contact with other fabric articles when traveling.

[0006] Another problem associated with the use of personal lubricants is low lubricant temperature. Applying lubricant which is at least at a lukewarm, room temperature is preferable, and nearer to body temperature is most preferable as applying a lower temperature lubricant may decrease the pleasure to the individual receiving the lubricant. However, this increased temperature is oftentimes unascertainable due to the ambient air temperature, such as during camping or otherwise.

[0007] Since the use of personal lubricants has dramatically increased over the past 15 years in the United States, new ways to promote and display the personal lubricant bottles are desired. Reports show that personal lubricants generated $22.6 million in drug-store sales in 1991. Coinciding with the release of Viagra in 1998, this grew to $50 million. In 2005 the market size for personal lubricants in the U.S. was about $90 million. Currently, a bottle is only able to be displayed on an end or on the bottle's side. Display of the bottle in other bottle positions or with lubricant bottle accessories would be advantageous in order increase sales and market share.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a lubricant bottle sheath having an integrated and uncoupled top portion cover without a lubricant bottle inserted into the sheath cavity according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a lubricant bottle sheath having an open integrated top portion cover with a lubricant bottle partially inserted into the sheath cavity according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a lubricant bottle sheath and an inserted lubricant bottle, the sheath, bottle, and top portion in a display position according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a lubricant sheath having a closed integrated top portion cover substantially surrounding a bottle lid and a lubricant bottle substantially fully inserted into the sheath body portion cavity according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a top view of a unitary material adapted to form a lubricant bottle sheath according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] A personal lubricant bottle sheath has been developed to keep lubricant generally warm prior to application. The bottle sheath may also provide the benefit of extra grip for the user and supply lubricant bottle retailers an accessory to help display their product. One lubricant bottle sheath may be comprised of an elastomeric material such as, but not limited Neoprene.TM.. The sheath is adapted to allow a user to fit a lubricant bottle body portion into a sheath body portion cavity. One sheath may even have a cover portion adapted to cover a lubricant bottle lid. Together, the elastomeric sheath body portion and the cover portion provide extra grip, insulation, and enable unique sales and at home displays of the lubricant bottle.

[0014] One sheath is adapted to allow users having various sized hands to more easily grip the bottle upon insertion of the bottle into the sheath body portion. For example, the outer surface of the elastomeric material may have a higher coefficient of friction than the outer surface of the bottle. Furthermore, the sheath may be relatively thin as compared to the diameter of the bottle, so as not to create a bulky contraption in the name of keeping the lubricant warm and preventing fabric from being ruined through contact with a slick bottle outer surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bottle is placed into a sheath body portion cavity. When the lubricant is not in use, the cover portion may be closed around the bottle lid. Covering the bottle when not in use may keep the bottle and lubricant warm. When the lubricant is needed, the cover is removed from the lid. The lid may then be removed from the bottle in order to use the lubricant. Removing the bottle from the sheath may not be necessary in order to access the lubricant inside as the sheath may be squeezed in order to adequately squeeze the bottle to release the lubricant.

[0016] After the lubricant is used, sheath encapsulated bottle may then be grabbed in order to replace the lid and the cover portion. As the sheath may have a higher coefficient of friction than a polymeric bottle or any packaging on the bottle, the bottle may be easier to grab at this point with hands that have not been wiped clean of all lubricant. Furthermore, by keeping the bottle in the sheath, the bottle is insulated during lubricant use as well as between uses, keeping the lubricant warm.

[0017] Having a personal lubricant bottle sheath may also enable a retailer or a user to display their bottle in a different manner than a bottle along may be displayed. For example, one embodiment of a sheath may have a cover portion having a lower edge which is partially integrated to a body portion sidewall. Having a lower edge portion integrated to a body portion sidewall may allow the cover portion to be placed between the lid and a display surface while the bottle portion is still within the sheath body portion and resting on the display surface. Therefore, one embodiment of a personal lubricant bottle cover may allow the bottle to be displayed at an angle.

Terminology:

[0018] The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (" ") in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

[0019] The term "or" as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning "either or both".

[0020] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", "an alternative embodiment", "a variation", "one variation", and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in a variation" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

[0021] The term "couple", "coupled", "coupling", or any variation thereof, as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. Specifically, this term may be used to define two elements joined by a bolted fastener, a latch, a hook, rails, or any other reasonably readily removable fastening device.

[0022] The term "integrate" or "integrated" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a blending, uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or objects into a unified whole.

[0023] Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

[0024] As applicable, the terms "about" or "generally" as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of .+-.20%. Also, as applicable, the term "substantially" as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of .+-.10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

One Embodiment of a Personal Lubricant Bottle Cover

[0025] As shown in Figures One through Four, one embodiment of a personal lubricant bottle cover 10 may be comprised of a sheath. The sheath may be comprised of a body portion 12 and a cap portion 14. One body portion may be comprised of a distal end 20 and a proximal end 29. The cover may be comprised of a polymeric or an elastomeric material. For example, one type of cover may be comprised of Neoprene Polychloroprene developed by DuPont Performance Elastomers LLC of Wilmington, Del. Other polymers and elastomers having resilient or even non resilient materials may be used in other embodiments.

[0026] As best shown in Figure One, the distal end 10 of one body portion 12 may be a partially closed distal end having at least one bore 21. One embodiment may be comprised of a distal end having a pair of bores generally located on opposing sides of the distal end. The distal end may be adapted to keep a personal lubricant bottle 40 within the sheath when the bottle is inserted into the sheath, as best shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the distal end may support the bottle if the sheath is placed in a generally upright vertical position.

[0027] Extending from one body portion distal end 20 to the body portion proximal end 29 may be at least one sidewall 25. The sidewall may act as the sheath sidewall which, together with the distal end, may be adapted to keep the lubricant bottle within the sheath when the bottle is inserted into the sheath. One sheath sidewall may have a cross sectional geometry similar in shape to the cross section of the bottle 40. For example, a cover may have a single sidewall having a generally circular cross sectional shape and a bottle may be comprised of a cross-sectional shape as well. One sidewall may end at or near the proximal end in one embodiment.

[0028] The proximal end 29 of one body portion 12 may be a substantially open end which may be comprised of a cavity. The cavity may be referred to as a bore and may be adapted to allow a lubricant bottle to be inserted into the sheath, as best shown in FIG. 2, upon which the bottle may be generally surrounded by the sidewall and the distal end. Together, the proximal end, distal end 20 and the sidewall 25 may comprise a main body portion of the sheath, keeping the lubricant bottle substantially enclosed. Additionally, a proximal end may be integrated to the cap portion 14.

[0029] The cap portion 14 of one embodiment may be comprised of a cap portion distal end 30, a cap portion proximal end 39 and a cavity. As best shown in Figure One, at least a portion of the cap portion distal end may be partially integrated to the proximal end 29 of the body portion 12. For example, in one embodiment, a section of a body portion proximal end edge may integrate to a section of a distal end edge of the cap portion. The cap portion distal end edge may also be integrated to one or more body portion sidewalls.

[0030] Also as best shown in Figure One, a portion of each of the body portion proximal end and the cap portion distal end edges may not be integrated. Having a section of each edge or sidewall which is not integrated each other may allow the cap portion in one embodiment to foldingly bend away from the body portion, as best shown in Figures Two and Three. This folding action may allow a lubricant bottle 40 to be inserted into the sheath body portion 12 open end cavity, as best shown in Figure Two.

[0031] One cap portion distal end 30 may be a substantially open distal end in one embodiment. The cap portion proximal end 39 may be at least a partially closed proximal end similar to the partially closed distal end of the body portion. As best shown in Figure Four, one cap portion 14 may be adapted to enclose a lubricant bottle lid upon fully inserting the bottle into the body portion 12.

[0032] In addition to the body portion 10 and cap portion 12 adapted to foldingly bend away from the body portion, one embodiment may also be comprised of a clasping mechanism 50. One clasping mechanism may be comprised of a cap clasping portion 59 and a body clasping portion 53. As best shown in Figure One, the cap clasping portion may be an extension of the cap portion distal end 30 or distal end edge. The body clasping portion may be comprised or a sidewall opening 52 and extension bar 51. The sidewall opening may also be referred to as a sidewall cavity. In one embodiment, the cap clasping portion may be adapted to slide under the extension bar 51, with a cap clasping portion end being received by and resting in the sidewall opening, as best shown in Figure Four. Other clasping mechanisms such as, but not limited to latches, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and others known in the art are also contemplated.

[0033] The material in one embodiment is preferably from about 0.25 to 0.75 cm thick, more preferably from about 0.33 to 0.67 cm thick and most preferably from about 0.45 to 0.55 cm thick. Both the body portion 12 and the cap portion 14 may have similar thickness. The thickness of the sheath may be adapted to protect the bottle from breakage if the bottle is dropped yet still allow a person to adequately grip the bottle.

[0034] In one embodiment, a sheath body portion 12 may have a cavity which has an inner diameter that is about equal to the outer diameter of bottle 40. One inner diameter may be an inner diameter of the sheath where the elastomeric material is in an unstretched or unstressed state. Similarly, an inner cap portion diameter may be about equal to the outer diameter of a bottle lid. In one embodiment, a sheath body portion length may be about equal to a bottle body portion 41 length and a cap portion length may be about equal to the length of a bottle lid 42.

[0035] As best shown in Figure One, one lubricant bottle cover 10 may generally comprise a cylindrical sheath. In one such embodiment, the body portion 12 may have a longitudinal axis. The cap portion may also be comprised of a longitudinal axis. In one embodiment where the cap portion is adapted to foldingly bend relative to the body portion, the cap portion longitudinal axis may rotate during rotation from generally parallely aligning with the body portion longitudinal axis at a first position as best shown Figure One to generally perpendicularly aligning with the body portion longitudinal axis as best shown in Figure Two in order to allow a personal lubricant bottle 40 to enter into the body portion cavity.

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of a lubricant bottle cover may be comprised of one unitary piece of material. For example, a section of elastomeric or polymeric material may be cut or stamped to a shape as generally depicted in FIG. 5. Such a shape may be adapted to fold a lower section 100 onto a portion of a center section 102. The side edges 101 of the lower section may couple to a portion of the outer edges 103 of the center section, creating the body portion 12, with the body portion as best shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, an upper section 104 may also be adapted to fold over a portion of the center section. The upper section edges 105 may also be adapted to couple to the center section outer edges to create the cap portion 14, with the cap portion as best shown in FIG. 1.

One Method of Covering a Personal Lubricant Bottle

[0037] As best seen in Figures one through 4, one method of covering a personal lubricant bottle 40 may comprised using the personal lubricant bottle cover 10. The cover may be comprised of a sheath having a body portion 12 and a cap portion 14 adapted to cover a bottle body portion and a bottle lid. The body portion may be comprised of a partially closed distal end 20, one or more sidewalls 25, and a substantially open proximal end 29. The open proximal end may be comprised of a cavity, which may be generally surrounded by the one or more sidewalls. The cavity may end in the distal end. A method may involve obtaining a personal lubricant bottle cover comprising a generally resilient polymeric material adapted to provide extra grip and keep the personal lubricant warm. Material such as, but not limited to Neoprene.TM. Polychloroprene developed by DuPont Performance Elastomers LLC of Wilmington, Del. may be used. Other material having a higher coefficient of friction than a personal lubricant bottle outer surface may be used as well.

[0038] One method may be comprised of uncovering the body portion proximal end cavity. For example, as best shown in Figure Three, the cap portion 14 in one embodiment may be hingably adapted to foldingly bend away from the cavity, opening and essentially uncovering the proximal end cavity. In one method a cap portion longitudinal axis may bend from a generally parallel alignment with a body portion longitudinal axis to a generally perpendicular alignment with a body portion longitudinal axis. Upon uncovering the cavity, one method is comprised of inserting a personal lubricant bottle distal end into the body portion cavity, as best shown in Figure Two. In one method, prior to inserting a distal end of the personal lubricant bottle into a body portion cavity, the body portion cavity may need to be removed of all obstacles preventing insertion and blocking the cavity. This may include said foldingly bending the cap portion away from the body portion. The method may then include fully inserting the bottle into the cavity such that the bottle distal end is proximal the cover distal end 20. One method may include moving a cap portion longitudinal axis from a first position generally paralleling a body portion longitudinal axis to a second position generally perpendicularly aligning with the body portion longitudinal axis.

[0039] A lubricant bottle cover 10 may be adapted to stay positioned in a display position where the cap portion 14 is generally perpendicular to the body portion 12, as best shown in Figures Two and Three. For example, a bottle 40 may be inserted into the body portion cavity to display the bottle, as best shown in Figures Two or Three. One cover may be adapted to stay in the angled position shown in these Figures due to the thickness of the material. For example, a thickness of one eloastomeric material may be about 0.5 cm thick. Thicker material may not be adapted to easily foldingly bend nor may a thinner material be adapted to support the weight of the bottle in this position.

[0040] When a bottle 40 is inserted into one cover body portion 12, a bottle lid may be uncoupled from a bottle top. One method may then include picking up the cover 10 with a bottle inserted within the cover. A method may further include subsequently discharging an amount of personal lubricant. The lid may then be replaced or recoupled onto the personal lubricant bottle.

[0041] After using the discharged amount of personal lubricant, one method may include placing the cap portion 14 of the cover around lid. This may encompass stretching the cap portion in order for the lid to slide into a cap portion cavity. In one method, upon inserting the lid into the cap portion cavity, the cap portion may no longer be in a stretched, or a stressed state and may have resiliently achieved a size that may snugly fit around a lid. However, in other methods, a sung fit may only occur when the cap portion is stressed or stretched. When the lid is fully inserted into the cap portion, in one method a clasping mechanism may be utilized. Utilizing one clasping mechanism may involve coupling a clasping mechanism cap clasping portion 59 to a clasping mechanism body clasping portion 53. The may involve using sliding the cap clasping portion under an extension bar 51, and an end edge of the cap clasping portion may rest in the sidewall opening, as best shown in Figure Four. Other clasping mechanisms such as, but not limited to latches, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and others known in the art are also contemplated.

[0042] Other methods may include removing a personal lubricant bottle lid from the bottle after insertion. Personal lubricant may then be discharged while the bottle is still within the sheath. After discharging the lubricant, the lid may be replaced on the bottle and the lid may be inserted into the cap portion cavity.

[0043] Furthermore, by recovering the bottle after discharging the fluid, the fluid may be kept at a warmer temperature than if the bottler were not relatively immediately covered or were not covered at all. Also, by recovering the personal lubricant bottle nearly immediately after discharging the lubricant, it is less likely that personal lubricant will get on other articles, including fabric and during traveling.

Alternative Embodiments

[0044] The embodiments of the personal lubricant bottle sheath and methods of use as illustrated in the accompanying figures and described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

Claims

1) A personal lubricant bottle sheath comprising, a body portion having, at least a partially closed distal end, a substantially open proximal end having an open end cavity, at least one sidewall extending between the partially closed distal end and the substantially open end; a cap portion having, a substantially open distal end integrated to the body portion, at least a partially closed proximal end, a cap portion cavity adapted to receive at least a lubricant bottle lid, the cap portion being adapted to foldingly uncover the open end cavity.

2) The lubricant bottle sheath of claim 1 further comprising, a cap portion distal end edge partially integrated to the at least one sidewall; and a clasping mechanism.

3) The lubricant bottle sheath of claim 2 wherein, the clasping mechanism comprising, a cap clasping portion; and a body clasping portion, the body clasping portion adapted to releaseably couple to the cap clasping portion.

4) The lubricant bottle sheath of claim 3 wherein, the cap clasping portion comprises at least one extension cap clasping portion distal end edge; and the body clasping portion comprises at least one sidewall cavity, the at least one sidewall cavity adapted to receive the at least one extension cap clasping portion distal end edge.

5) The lubricant bottle sheath of claim 1 wherein, the body portion and cover portion further comprise an elastomeric material about 0.5 cm thick; a sheath body portion inner diameter is about equal to a bottle body portion outer diameter; a sheath cap portion inner diameter is about equal to a bottle lid portion outer diameter; a sheath body portion length about equal to a bottle length; and a sheath cap portion length about equal to a bottle lid portion length.

6) The lubricant bottle sheath of claim 1 wherein, the body portion cavity being adapted to receive a personal lubricant bottle.

7) The lubricant bottle sheath of claim 1 further comprising, a body portion longitudinal axis; a cap portion longitudinal axis; and wherein, the cover portion longitudinal axis is adapted to generally rotate between one of a perpendicular axis and a parallel axis relative to the body portion longitudinal axis.

8) A method of using the personal lubricant bottle cover of claim 1 comprising, uncovering the body portion cavity; inserting a personal lubricant bottle distal end into the body portion cavity; removing a personal lubricant bottle lid from the bottle; discharging an amount of personal lubricant; replacing the lid on the personal lubricant bottle; substantially placing a cap portion around the lid; and coupling a cap portion coupling mechanism to a body portion coupling mechanism.

9) The method of claim 8 wherein, said uncovering the body portion cavity comprises bending the cap portion away from the body portion such that a cap portion longitudinal axis is about perpendicular with a body portion longitudinal axis.

10) A method of using a personal lubricant bottle cover comprising, obtaining a personal lubricant bottle cover comprising a generally resilient polymeric material; ensuring a personal lubricant bottle cover body portion cavity is free of obstacles blocking the cavity; inserting a personal lubricant bottle distal end into the cavity.

11) The method of claim 10 wherein, the personal lubricant bottle cover comprises a body portion, a hingably coupled cap portion, and a sheath adapted to (i) provide extra grip to a user, and (ii) keep the personal lubricant warm; and the generally reisilient polymeric material comprising a synthetic polychloroprene elastomer.

12) The method of claim 10 wherein, said obtaining a personal lubricant bottle cover further comprises, gripping a personal lubricant bottle cover having a higher coefficient of friction than a bottle outer surface; and said ensuring a personal lubricant bottle cover body portion cavity is free of obstacles comprises generally moving a cap portion away from the cavity.

13) The method of claim 12 wherein, said generally removing a cap portion from the cavity comprises, rotatably bending the cap portion; moving a cap portion longitudinal axis from a first position generally paralleling a body portion longitudinal axis to a second position generally perpendicularly aligning with the body portion longitudinal axis.

14) The method of claim 10 further including, removing a personal lubricant bottle lid from the bottle; discharging lubricant from bottle; replacing the lid on the bottle; placing a cover cap portion over the lid; one of generally warming the personal lubricant and generally sustaining a personal lubricant temperature; and generally preventing personal lubricant from escaping the cover.

15) The method of claim 8 wherein, said inserting a personal lubricant bottle distal end into the body portion cavity comprises, placing the bottle distal end proximal a cover distal end.

16) A personal lubricant combination comprising, a personal lubricant bottle sheath body portion; a personal lubricant bottle sheath cap portion; a personal lubricant bottle; and personal lubricant.

17) The combination of claim 16 further including, at least one of an advertisement and a display.

18) The combination of claim 16 wherein, the personal lubricant bottle sheath comprises an elastomeric material adapted to (i) stretch around a personal lubricant bottle outer surface, and (ii) allow the cap portion to generally perpendicularly bend relative to the body portion.

19) The combination of claim 18 wherein, the cap portion is adapted to place the bottle and cover in an angled position.

20) The combination of claim 1 wherein, the sheath is adapted to substantially prevent personal lubricant from contacting with articles during travel.