Patent Application
20210121396
Vaginal lubrication is important to a woman's overall health and sexual wellness. Normally, the natural lubrication of the vagina is created by the skin cells of the vagina and cervix under the influence of the female hormone, estrogen. Women with lower levels of estrogen therefore have minimal natural lubrication and experience vaginal dryness as a result. Vaginal dryness is often experienced by menopausal or post-menopausal women. However, vaginal dryness can be also be a common problem for pre-menopausal women with low levels of estrogen, such as breastfeeding mothers, women who have had a hysterectomy, women using birth control pills, and those undergoing or having undergone cancer radiation treatment.
Many women therefore use personal lubricants to temporarily reduce vaginal dryness as well as enhance their body's own natural lubrication. One of the problems that can result from a loss or reduction in the vagina's natural lubricant is experiencing pain or discomfort during sexual activity. The use of personal lubricants can help by minimizing the frictional forces that would otherwise cause irritation or tissue damage during sexual activity. Unlike intravaginal suppositories, which are designed to be inserted and then slowly deliver a moisturizer or lubricant to the inside vaginal tissue over a long duration of time, personal lubricants are typically applied to the external vaginal tract and are intended to lubricate such area for a period of about 30 minutes to an hour.
Personal lubricants are widely available, and are typically provided in bottles or squeeze tubes. However, the application of bottled and similarly packaged personal lubricants can be cumbersome, messy, and interrupt the otherwise natural flow of sexual intimacy. Furthermore, it can be difficult for users to control the quantity of personal lubricant that is expelled from the bottle or squeeze tube when a user is extracting the personal lubricant prior to its application.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a lubricant disk generally sized to fit on the pad of a finger. The disk is typically solid at room temperature, and is designed to begin melting or otherwise turning from solid to a liquid once placed in contact with the human body. To begin melting or changing the solid disk into a liquid, the disk is typically placed on or near the external female genital tract. As the user moves the disk along or around the external female genital tract, the disk melts and releases a liquid lubricant. The user can decrease the viscosity of the released liquid lubricant and increase the rate of speed at which the disk melts by combining the melting disk with a small amount of water or saliva. Ideally, all or most of the disk will melt or otherwise become liquid during use, and leave little or no unwanted residue on either the applying or receiving user.
The lubricant disks may be packaged in any suitable manner. For instance, the lubricant disks may be provided in a throat lozenge style tin container, for discreet transport. Alternatively, the disks may be individually contained in pre-formed plastic packaging, such as a blister pack, to prevent contamination of the unused disks. The disks may also be packaged with pre-moistened wipes, which may be used before or after the disk is used, if so desired.
The discreet and single-use design of the lubricant disk is tidier and more convenient to use than the commercial products currently available. Unlike personal lubricants provided in bottles or squeeze tubes, the lubricant disk provides the user with quantity control as each disk comprises a fixed quantity of lubricant, and the slow rate of speed at which the disk melts and releases lubricant allows the user control over the quantity of lubricant applied to the target area. Further, the risk of undesirable leakage or spillage during transport is virtually eliminated, due to solid nature of the disk at room temperature. The lubricant disk also better facilitates the natural flow of sexual intimacy, as its methodology of use promotes emotional and physical intimacy.
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, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.
The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.
The term “ambient room temperature,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to the temperature of the surrounding air within the range of temperatures being suitable for human occupancy between 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical 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.
The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.
The term “disk,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a rounded thin plate of any shape.
The term “finger,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to any of the five terminating members of the hand of a natural person, including the thumb.
The term “finger pad,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to the fleshy underside of the end of a finger of a natural person.
The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.
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.
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.
A personal lubricant disk 10 is illustrated in
The personal lubricant disk 10 typically comprises a top side 20 and a bottom side 30. The personal lubricant disk 10 is typically received on a finger pad by placing the bottom side 30 on the finger pad, as shown in
The bottom side 30 and the top side 20 is typically substantially smooth, allowing for either the bottom side 30 or the top side 20 of the personal lubricant disk 10 to be placed against and moved along the bodily surface of the receiving user with minimal resistance. In other variations, either or both the bottom side 30 and the top side 20 may provide a textured surface, such as small ridges or bumps. In variations wherein the bottom side 30 is textured, the textured surface helps prevent slippage of the bottom side 30 once received on the applying user's finger pad, thus helping keep the personal lubricant disk 10 in place on the applying user's finger pad as the personal lubricant disk 10 is moved around and melted upon the bodily surface of the receiving user. In some variations, the textured surface may comprise a textured sheet of polymer that can be applied to the top or bottom side of the personal lubricant disk 10 prior to its solidification during the manufacturing process.
The personal lubricant disk 10 typically comprises a composition that enables the personal lubricant disk 10 to be a solid at ambient room temperature and a liquid at temperatures of at least ninety degrees Fahrenheit, with the melting point of the personal lubricant disk 10 typically being no greater than one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit. The preferred melting point of the personal lubricant disk 10 is between ninety-two degrees Fahrenheit and ninety-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
The personal lubricant disk 10 is typically made by heating the propylene glycol to a temperature approximately between seventy and seventy five degrees Celsius, such as by adding the propylene glycol to a mixing tank that has been equipped with a steam jacket for heating contents within the mixing tank, and continuously stirring or otherwise mixing the propylene glycol until it reaches the desired temperature. Next, while continuously stirring or otherwise mixing the heated propylene glycol, the remaining solid ingredients are added and the mixed ingredients are stirred until the resulting composition is a substantially transparent liquid. Next, while continuously stirring or otherwise mixing the transparent liquid, the liquid ingredients are added to the transparent liquid stirred until a homogenous mixture results. Finally, the contents of the mixing tank are formed into personal lubricant disks 10, typically by feeding the contents of the mixing tank to a dispensing system capable of filling molding trays impressed with the shape of the lubricant disk.
Typically the personal lubricant disk 10 typically comprises polyethylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and an oil soluble liquid. In one variation, the proportion by weight of the personal lubricant disk 10 ingredients comprises approximately 36.5% polyethylene glycol 8000, 36.5% polyethylene glycol 1450, 5% cetyl alcohol, 20% propylene glycol, and 2% oil soluble liquid.
In other variations, the composition of the personal lubricant disk 10 can comprise at least one of a low melting point oil, such as coconut oil, an emollient, such as illipe butter, a low melting point wax, such as beeswax, and a water-based lubricant, such as glycerin. In variations of the personal lubricant disk 10 wherein the composition at least partially comprises beeswax, it is preferable for the beeswax to make up no more than ten percent of the personal lubricant disk's total composition. This helps to limit residue that the personal lubricant disk 10 may leave on the bodily surface once the personal lubricant disk 10 has at least partially melted on such surface.
In one variation, the composition of the personal lubricant disk 10 may also include an oil soluble liquid flavorant additive, such as a natural strawberry flavoring. In this variation of the personal lubricant disk 10, the composition may also include a scent or coloring additive that is complimentary to the flavorant additive. For example, in variations wherein the personal lubricant disk 10 is strawberry flavored, the personal lubricant disk 10 composition may further comprise either or both a strawberry scented additive and a red coloring additive.
In another variation, the composition of the personal lubricant disk 10 may include a warming ingredient, such as glycerol, capsaicin, or an herbal extract. In this variation, the personal lubricant disk 10 may be a beneficial massaging aid, providing a warming sensation to the muscles of the receiving user as the personal lubricant disk 10 is melted and massaged into the receiving user's bodily surface. In other variations, the composition of the personal lubricant disk 10 may include a cooling ingredient, such as peppermint or eucalyptus. In other variations, the composition of the personal lubricant disk 10 may include a tingling ingredient, such as natural botanical extracts including gingko biloba, red clover, or menthol.
In another variation, the composition of the personal lubricant disk 10 may include a contraceptive lubricant, such as a spermicide, to aid in the prevention of a pregnancy. In other variations, the composition of the personal lubricant disk 10 may include a soothing ingredient for skin irritation, such as aloe vera.
Typically, the personal lubricant disk 10 is a substantially uniform composition, wherein each component of the personal lubricant disk 10 composition is blended together to create a mixture. This mixture is typically created when the components are in a liquid state. The liquid mixture is then typically poured into a mold having the desired shape, and once cooled, the mixture forms a solid, creating the personal lubricant disk 10.
In another variation, the personal lubricant disk 10 comprises multiple layers of individual components 40-60, wherein each component of the personal disk composition remains a separate and distinct component, as illustrated in
The layered variation may also enable each component to provide a different sensation. For example, the bottom layer 40 may include a warming ingredient, the middle layer 50 may include a cooling ingredient, and the top layer 60 may include a flavorant additive. The layered variation typically comprises three layers; however, variations having between two and six layers are also contemplated.
Typically, the personal lubricant disk 10 is used prior to sexual intercourse, and typically aids in providing vaginal lubrication. When used in this manner, the applying user sets the personal lubricant disk 10 upon his or her preferred finger pad. The applying user then places the personal lubricant disk 10 on or near the external female genital tract. As the applying user moves the personal lubricant disk 10 along or around the external female genital tract, the personal lubricant disk 10 begins to melt, thereby providing lubrication to the external female genital tract region. As the applying user continues to move the personal lubricant disk 10 along or around the external female genital tract, the personal lubricant disk 10 continues to melt, and in some instances, may also provide the stimulus necessary to encourage production of the female's natural vaginal lubrication. Ideally, all or most of the personal lubricant disk 10 will melt during use, and leave little or no unwanted residue on either the applying or receiving user.
The rate at which the personal lubricant disk 10 melts and provides lubricant to the bodily surface of the receiving user is controlled by the applying user, and the rate or speed at which the personal lubricant disk 10 melts may be increased if so desired. In instances wherein the applying user desires to increase the rate or speed at which the personal lubricant disk 10 melts, the applying user may either apply more pressure to the personal lubricant disk 10 during application, or add a small amount of skin safe liquid, such as water or saliva, to the location at which the personal lubricant disk 10 is placed in contact with the bodily surface of the receiving user. The addition of water or saliva can also be used to decrease the viscosity of the lubricant created as the personal lubricant disk 10 melts, allowing the applying user to tailor the applied lubricant depending upon the individual needs or desires of the receiving user. By providing control over both the amount of lubricant applied and the viscosity of the applied lubricant, the personal lubricant disk 10 allows the applying user and receiving user to personalize and tailor the lubricant created by using the personal lubricant disk 10 depending upon the receiving user's individual lubricant needs or preferences.
The personal lubricant disk 10 can be used for any suitable purpose. The single-use design of the individual personal lubricant disks 10 facilitates its portability and makes the personal lubricant disk 10 ideal for travel. This makes the personal lubricant disk 10 useful for a variety of purposes, such as for a travel sized hand or body moisturizer, as well as a travel sized lubricant to aid in shaving unwanted body or facial hair. Further, the single-use design enables the personal lubricant disk 10 to be individually packaged, allowing the user to easily control the quantity in which he or she travels with. The personal lubricant disk 10 may also be used in medical settings, such as in place of ultrasound gel used during ultrasounds. In the medical setting, the single-use design addresses concerns that may otherwise be present in using the same applicator to apply ultrasound gel to multiple patients.
The personal lubricant disk 10 may be packaged in any suitable manner. Typically, the personal lubricant disk 10 is individually packaged in pre-formed plastic packaging, such as a blister pack, to prevent contamination of the other unused personal lubricant disks. In another variation, the personal lubricant disk 10 may be provided in a pocket-sized container, such as a throat lozenge tin, so as to facilitate discreet transport. In another variation, as seen in
The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/387,283, filed Apr. 17, 2019, entitled Personal Lubricant Disk, and claims the benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/659,239, filed Apr. 18, 2018, entitled Lubricating Fingertip Disks, each having the same inventor as the present application, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62659239 | Apr 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16387283 | Apr 2019 | US |
| Child | 17143797 | US |
