GB2564698A

GB2564698A - A storage container

Info

Publication number: GB2564698A
Application number: GB1711710.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lincohn MacLeod Jeffrey; Elise Macleod Marah
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-20
Filing date: 2017-07-20
Publication date: 2019-01-23
Also published as: GB201711710D0

Abstract

A modular storage container 100 for storing and warming sex toys comprises at least one lockable cavity 10A having a removable tray 20 for receiving the toys. A heating element is also provided for warming the cavity 10A and sex toys therein, and wherein the heating element is under thermostatic control. The design of the storage container 100 further allows for it to be connected to a second modular storage container, preferably through stacking (Fig 3B). Connection means (70, Fig 3A) may also be provided on the storage container 100 that enable current to be passed from the storage container 100 itself to any other connected thereto. An ultraviolet (UV) light may also be provided for sterilisation of the toys. An aperture may further be provided in an outer surface of the container 100 for the receipt of a fluid, i.e. lubricant, dispensing means; the dispensing means preferably being arranged such that its body resides within the heated cavity and the dispenser external therefrom.

Description

A Storage Container

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an insulated storage container for storing and warming sex toys and accessories such as lubricants.

Background

It is preferable to heat sex toys and lubricants before use. Typically this is done by manual warming, for example holding the device in a user’s hands, leaving on a radiator or submerging the item in warm water. These methods of warming take time and reguire a user to delay sexual activities.

In addition to this some devices are made of delicate materials which can only be heated to a selected range of temperatures before becoming damaged. Therefore manual warming may lead to damage of the devices.

The present invention provides a controlled heating means for multiple devices.

Prior Art

Dutch patent NL1028266C2 (Peter-Jules et al) discloses a vibrator storage device.

International patent application WO2017/00058 (Martz) discloses a system and apparatus for sanitising devices.

18-plus USB Hole Warmer

Appjjcabje-Ma^^^^^ is a device for warming sex toys.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a modular storage container for storing and warming a plurality of sex toys comprising: at least one lockable cavity for receiving the sex toys; the cavity has a removable tray for receiving sex toys; at least one heating element for warming the cavity and sex toys therein; the at least one heating element is under thermostatic control; a system controller operably connected to a power source; wherein a first modular storage container is adapted to be connected to a second modular storage container.

The storage container permits the heating of sex toys and accessories such as lubricants, hereon in referred to as items located on the tray so that the items are warmed. Preferably the items are warmed to body temperature so that the sex toys and accessories are ready for use comfortable use.

The present invention permits controlled heating to selected temperatures.

Many sex toys are made of delicate materials and therefore require protective storage to prevent damage and can only be heated to certain temperatures to maintain the integrity of the materials.

The items are warmed before use. Traditional heating methods such as submerging the items in warm water or locating the item on a heat source such as a radiator are not suitable as the outer surface of the sex toy can become damaged.

For example, some sex toys are formed from or include an artificial material to represent skin such as Cyberskin (RTM) and Fleshlite (RTM). These materials are fragile and must be kept within certain temperature ranges to prevent melting.

Some materials, such as Cyberskin (RTM) cannot come into contact with certain materials such as silicone or silicone based products, as contact with such materials can result in damage. This is because the material is porous. Therefore to ensure that a sex toy formed from such materials is not damaged it is essential that the sex toy is kept separately from any other item.

The modular storage container has a thermostat to control and monitor temperature within the container in order to ensure the cavity in which the items are contained is heated to the preferred temperature.

Preferably the thermostat is set to heat devices to body temperature - 37 degrees Celsius.

In some embodiments the thermostat can be set to a selection of temperatures so that a user can select the preferred temperatures.

The thermostat may be arranged to measure the temperature reached in the cavity, the tray and/or heating element. Therefore the thermometer of the thermostat may be located at various positions.

The system controller permits the heating elements to be activated and permits temperature selection to enable a user to heat items to a desired temperature.

Typically the system controller includes an on and off switch to activate and deactivate heating and a switch or dial to manually select the temperature. In some embodiments a capacitance screen (touch screen) may be provided.

In some embodiments the container may include a timer so that the duration of the heating elements being active can be pre-set. In this way overheating can be prevented.

Preferably the storage container has the appearance of an item of furniture, such as a bed side table, or unit of drawers. In this way the storage container is discreet.

The storage container is modular so as to enable a user to increase or decrease the storage capacity.

Preferably the storage containers are stackable so as to permit formation of a stack of containers.

Each storage container is adapted to permit connection of a first container to a second container. Typically the containers may be stacked one atop of another, although in some embodiments the containers may be connected adjacent one to another.

Various connection means may be provided to permit connection of the storage containers. For example the outer faces of each container may include interlocking means, mating parts or magnetic means. In this way one container can be quickly, easily and securely connected to and removed from another.

Preferably the connection means also comprise an electrical connection so as to permit heating in multiple containers using one power supply. This type of connection means enables current to pass from a first modular storage container to a second modular storage container. For example the containers may have terminals arranged on the outer faces that connect to permit an electrical connection.

In this way a first container (base unit) includes a power supply and a second container receives the power supply by means of a connection to the first container.

Ideally a first container or base unit may have a plug for connected to a mains power supply. A second container may be connected to the first container by means of a wired connection so as to provide power from the first container to the second container. For example ports may be provided on an outer face of the first and second containers to permit connection of a cable or wire from the first container to the second container.

In a preferred embodiment external plug and sockets may be provided that interconnect when a second container is connected to a first container so as to remove the requirement for a wired connection. For example a recess may house a connector that is connected to another connector to make an electrical connection.

Each storage container has at least one cavity for receiving at least one displaceable tray.

The cavity is defined by a plurality of walls that define a space in which warming can occur.

The walls are insulated or formed from an insulative material to as prevent heat loss from the container, to accelerate the warming process and to retain heat for longer.

Additionally the container may include a seal in order to retain heat within the cavity. For example a sealing surface may be provided around the opening of the container so that when the container is closed a seal is created to prevent heat loss.

Preferably the cavity can be substantially sealed to permit effective warming.

Each cavity has a means of opening for receiving and removing the tray which in use holds the items and/or to add or remove items.

The cavity may be defined by a drawer that can be slid out so as to open and thereby access the cavity or in the form of a lid that can be displaced.

The tray or trays are arranged within the cavity so that contents are heated in use.

Ideally the tray is made from a strong, durable, washable material, such as a synthetic plastic. In this way the trays are hygienic and suitable for repeated use.

Preferably the tray may have a plurality of separate compartments to permit items to be individually stored.

In a preferred embodiment the tray is moulded to receive the items. For example the tray may have an undulating surface to define slots into which items may be placed.

In some embodiments the tray may be moulded to correspond exactly to a particular item. For example a user may select trays to match their items.

The container has at least one heating element to permit warming of the cavity and thereby the items.

In some embodiments the heating element(s) are arranged in or on the walls that define the cavity. For example the walls may include a base wall, side walls and a top wall so as to define a cuboid cavity. In this way the cavity is warmed when the heating elements are activated.

In a preferred embodiment the heating element may be in the form of a heating mat or pad arranged on the base of a tray, such as a silicone heating pad.

In some embodiments the tray may be heated. For example the tray may include a heating element, such as an embedded wire so that the items are directly warmed.

In yet a further embodiment the tray may include a disposable tray liner. The tray liner may be formed from an absorbent material such as paper or tissue, a synthetic material such a cellular material or fibrous material or a cushioned material as bubble wrap.

Preferably the liner is padded or provides some padding to further protect the items from damage and to help ensure even weight distribution to help prevent any delicate sex toys become misshapen.

In some embodiments the walls that define the cavity, for example the walls of the drawer, may be adapted to receive the tray(s). For example a side wall may have rails along which a tray can be slid into position. In this way the items can be selectively positioned in the cavity.

It is appreciated that the tray may be positioned at various locations depending upon the items to be contained.

The storage container has a power supply to power the heating elements. The power supply may be a mains connection and/or a battery or plurality of batteries.

In some embodiments the container may be wired to include electrical ports, such as plug sockets to provide power to other devices, such as a lamp or for charging of a mobile phone.

The container is lockable so as to prevent access to the sex toys by an unauthorised user. Various types of locks may be used to include but not limited to a combination lock, key lock, a touch latch mechanism such as fingerprint recognition.

In this way the sex toys are secure until use by an authorised user. Advantageously this prevents accidental access by others, such as children or a person visiting a premises such as a cleaner.

In some embodiments the modular storage container includes at least one light. The light may be provided to generate ambient light, or mood lighting. For example the container may have light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged so as to emit low level lighting. In another example the container may have apertures through which light emits to create mood lighting. It is appreciated that different intensities and colours of light may be used.

In some embodiments the container may include sensors to detect if the cavity is open or closed. In this way heating may be prevented if the cavity is open. For example a touch sensor may be provided to detect when the drawer or lid is shut.

In some embodiments the cavity may include a fan to circulate the heated air in order to ensure even warming of the sex toys.

In another embodiment the device may have at least one ultraviolet (UV) light to aid with disinfecting items within the container. The UK light is arranged to illuminate the cavity and thereby the items on the tray. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a preferred method of disinfection that uses shortwavelength ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms.

Preferably inner walls of the drawer are reflective to disperse UV light so that all contents are sterilised.

In this way the sex toys can be kept hygienic and cleaned whilst locked within the container.

In a preferred embodiment the tray may be transparent so as to permit all faces of the sex toy to be exposed to the UV light to ensure full sterilisation.

Preferably the container may be run through a cleaning cycling that activates the lighting in order to sterilise the items contained within. The cleaning cycle may be run every time the container is activated for heating or may run on an independent schedule.

The container may be made from various materials. The container may be form from wood, a wood veneer, a synthetic plastic, metal, a metal alloy or a combination of any of the before mentioned materials.

In some embodiments the container may include ports for receiving other electronic devices, for example a USB port for charging a mobile phone.

In another embodiment the container may have an aperture passing through the container for accepting a dispensing means to permit substances such as lubricant and/or massage oil to be dispensed without requirement for the container to be opened. The aperture may be circular, square or any other shape that corresponds to a dispensing means.

Typically the aperture or apertures are provided on a top of the container to permit a user to easily dispense contents, although it is appreciated that apertures may be provided at different locations on the container.

Preferably each aperture has a seal. For example the aperture may be lined with an inner seal to prevent heat loss and to securely hold the dispending means.

Part of a dispensing means, such as part of a pump-action dispensing bottle for lubricant or massage oil, can be inserted through the aperture so that contents can be dispensed without having to open the container. The dispensing bottle containing the substance is arranged within the container and is thereby warmed whilst part of the dispensing means that permits the substance to be dispensed protrudes from the container. In this way the dispending means remain accessible for dispensing substances even when the container is closed.

It is envisaged that each aperture has a removable plug or lid to close the aperture when not required. For example a plug or lid that may be pushed or screwed in to each aperture so that the container is sealed when the aperture is not required. The plug or lid may include a resiliently deformable layer, such as a rubber layer to create a seal.

The substance to be dispensed may be housed in a bottle, bag, box, sachet or other similar storage means. The housing for the substance may be sized to correspond to the storage container. In some embodiments the housing for the substance may be integrated with the container, for example so as to provide a reusable and refillable housing in which a substance is contained.

Typically the substance housing may be arranged on the tray and the substance housing may be connected to a pathway, such as a tube, to feed the substance from the substance housing to the dispensing parts. Advantageously the tube may be dimensioned to permit opening and closing of the container without requirement to remove or reposition the housing for the substance. For example the tube may be of a sufficient length to remain connected to the housing during opening of the container.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an overview of a first embodiment of the sex toy container;

Figure 2A shows the first embodiment with two opening drawers;

Figure 2B shows the on/off switch of the first embodiment;

Figure 2C shows a connection point on the first embodiment;

Figure 3A shows a second embodiment of the sex toy container;

Figure 3B shows the second embodiment with a second modular unit stacked atop a first modular unit;

Figure 4A shows a rear view of the second embodiment with a top section removed;

Figure 4B shows a front view of the second embodiment;

Figures 5A and 5B shows third embodiment of the container;

Figures 6A and 6B show a fourth embodiment of the container;

Figures 7A and 7B show a fifth embodiment of the container;

Figures 8A and 8B show a sixth embodiment of the container;

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show parts of the sixth embodiment of the container.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1, 2A, 2B and 2C show an overview of a first embodiment of the sex toy container 100. The container 100 has two drawers 10 that can swung open, rotating about a hinge (not shown). Each drawer 10 defines a cavity and has a tray 20 for receiving sex toys (not shown).

In this first embodiment the first drawer 10A is heated by a heating mat 30. The second drawer 10B has an electrical connection (not shown) to permit charging of items stored within the drawer 10B. The second drawer 10B does not have to be heated.

Figures 2B and 2C show rear portions of the container 100 having an electrical switch 40 to turn on and off the container 100 and two ports 50. The mini-USB ports permit charging and connection of a first container to a second container.

The switch 40 and the ports 50 are located on an external face of the container.

The ports 50 may be for connection of an electrical device, such as a mobile phone for charging, and/or for providing an electrical connection between a first container to a second container.

The container has a lock 60. The lock 60 is in the form of a barrel lock with a key so that contents can be secured.

In Figure 2C the drawer 10B has a recess 11 to permit a wire to be located when the drawer 10B is closed.

The container is formed from hardwood with synthetic plastic drawers. The trays 20 are removable and washable. Each tray is moulded to receive items. In this way each item is stored in compartment 21.

Figures 3A and 3B show a second embodiment of the container 200. The first container 200A is mounted on four legs 201.

Each container 220A, 200B has one drawer 10. The drawer 10 has a tray 20.

An upper face of the first container 200A is adapted to receive a second container by means of connection portions 70.

The first container has a cable 80 for connection to a mains supply.

Figure 3B shows the second embodiment with a second modular unit stacked atop a first modular unit. The first container 200A is connected to the second container 200B by connecting means 70. The connecting means 70 include an

IEC connector to permit an electrical connection. In this way both containers have an electrical supply.

Figure 4A shows a rear view of the second embodiment with a top section removed revealing the cavity 90 within the drawer 10. The cavity 90 is heated by the heating element 30 so as to heat items stored therein.

A rear face of the container 200A has a thermostat with controls so as to permit the thermostat to be programmed at the desired temperature.

Figure 4B shows a front view of the second embodiment. The front face of the drawer 10 has a touch latch 60 to permit easy opening and closing of the drawer

10.

Figures 5 to 7 show different embodiments of the container, having a first container 300A, 400A and 500A, and second a arrangement with a second container stacked on the first container 300B, 300C, 400B, 400C, 400B, 400C.

The shape of each container 300, 400, 400 and the legs upon which the first container is mounted vary in each embodiment.

The first unit of the third embodiments (Figure5A, 5B) has elongate legs 301 and the container is substantially cuboid.

The first unit of the fourth embodiment (Figures 6A, 6B) is mounted on castors and has rounded edges.

The first unit of the fifth embodiment (Figure 7A, 7B) is mounted on spherical rubber balls and has a hexagonal perimeter.

Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show a sixth embodiment of the container;

that includes ultraviolet (UV) light for disinfecting items.

The trays 20 are transparent so as to permit UV light to pass through the tray enabling all round disinfecting.

The sixth embodiment also includes heating elements 30 in the form of a heating pad arranged on a base region of each drawer.

Each drawer 10 has a locking dial 60.

The container has a switch 40 to turn on the heating and UV lighting and for selecting the chosen temperature.

The tray 20 is mounted on a tray rail 21 to enable the tray and thereby the items to be suspended within the drawer. This arrangement help promote rapid and even heating.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A modular storage container for storing and warming a plurality of sex toys comprising: at least one lockable cavity for receiving the sex toys; the cavity has a removable tray for receiving sex toys; at least one heating element for warming the cavity and sex toys therein; the at least one heating element is under thermostatic control; a system controller operably connected to a power source; wherein a first modular storage container is adapted to be connected to a second modular storage container.

2. A modular storage container according to claim 1 having connection means to enable current to pass from a first modular storage container to a second modular storage container.

3. A modular storage container according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the storage containers include connecting means provided on an outer face of the device to permit stacking of the storage containers.

4. A modular storage container according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the tray is subdivided to define separate areas for items.

5. A modular storage container according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a tray moulded to provide recesses for receiving items to be heated.

6. A modular storage container according including at least one light. to any preceding claim 30

7. A modular storage container according including an ultra violet light. to any preceding claim 35

8. A modular storage container according including an aperture for a dispensing means to any preceding claim

6. A modular storage container according to any preceding claim wherein the tray is transparent.

7. A modular storage container according to any preceding claim including an ultra violet light.

8. A modular storage container according to any preceding claim including an aperture for a dispensing means.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

05 04 18

Claims

1. A modular storage container for storing and warming a plurality of sex toys comprising: at least one lockable cavity for receiving the sex toys;

5 the cavity has a removable tray for receiving sex toys; at least one heating element for warming the cavity and sex toys therein; the at least one heating element is under thermostatic control; a system controller operably connected to a power source; wherein the modular storage container is adapted to be connected to a second modular 10 storage container and includes a connection means to enable current to pass from the modular storage container to the second modular storage container.

2. A modular storage container according to claim 1 wherein the storage

15 container includes connecting means provided on an outer face of the device to permit stacking of the storage containers.

3. A modular storage container according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the tray is subdivided to define separate areas for items.

4. A modular storage container according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a tray having recesses for receiving items to be heated.

5. A modular storage container according to any preceding claim wherein

25 the tray is transparent.