Apparatus and system for warming instruments

The invention generally involves an apparatus and system for heating or warming instruments. The system includes an electrically heated carrying case for transporting instruments, and an electrically heated vessel for containing a fluid to be used in conjunction with the instruments. The carrying case and the vessel each include: a heating element, one or more sensors (i.e. to maintain a desired temperature) and a circuitry in communication with a user interface for controlling the device's operation. This system facilitates the warming or heating of instruments to a desirable temperature to avoid any undesirable interruptions that may be caused by the discomfort of experiencing a temperature differential upon touching the instrument against the body.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and system for heating or warming instruments, and more specifically, to a transportable apparatus that includes one or more heating components configured to receive and warm instruments typically designed to make contact with the human body. For example, such instruments may include medical or therapeutic instruments, and instruments for use in sexual activities.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As mentioned above, the instant invention has applications with a wide variety of instruments designed to touch or come in contact with the human body. Although the description below may focus on the use of the present invention for warming instruments specifically designed for use during sexual activities, it is understood that other types of instruments may be warmed by utilizing the present invention. As used in this specification, the term instrument may refer to medical devices, therapeutic devices, devices for use during sexual activities, or any other type of device that is designed to come in contact with the human body. As such, examples of an instrument that may be warmed by utilizing the present invention may include a stethoscope or stethoscope component, an ultrasound transducer, a speculum, therapy stones, a vibrator, a male stimulator, a female stimulator, or any other similar device that is designed to make contact with skin, an orifice, or any body part.

One of the problems typical of any instrument that comes in touch or designed to make contact with the human body, is the discomfort experienced from the temperature differential between the instrument and the user's body. Typically, an instrument that has been left in a room is at room temperature or anywhere between 68-73° F., while the human body is normally 98.6° F. The sudden application of any instrument at a temperature that may be 20-25 degrees cooler, causes the user discomfort. This is a problem for users undergoing medical or therapeutic procedures, or engaging in sexual activities, for example. That is, unless these instruments are heated or warmed prior to their use, the user will experience a discomforting sensation, which typically causes an undesirable interruption prior to or during the activity—for example, involuntary muscle contractions or tensed muscles. With regards to sexual activities, prior interruptions or initial discomfort due to the cold sensation of an instrument or object against the body can cause undesirable distractions and diminish the quality of the experience. Thus, there is a need in the art for providing a means to warm instruments designed to contact the body.

The prior art does not provide an adequate means to properly warm such instruments prior to their use, especially with regards to the latter of the examples mentioned above-instruments or products often referred to as intimacy enhancers. These instruments, such as female or male stimulators, are typically comprised of known configurations utilized for the purposes of increasing sexual stimulation through known methods. It is also known that these instruments consist of structural configurations that are expected and familiar, typically due to their correspondence with the human body. Because the surface area of some instruments may vary in shape, so as to conform to a particular body part or in order to register with a desired orifice, adequately warming each instrument's surface area is challenging. Thus, there is a need in the art for a warming apparatus or system that adequately addresses properly heating or warming different surface areas to suit differently shaped instruments.

Another problem arises when transportation of these instruments is required. For example, it may be required to take a device from one location to another, and it may be desirable to have the device warmed upon arrival- or soon thereafter. In the context of instruments used during sexual activities, it is well known that gatherings occur wherein use of adult toys is desirable. In such circumstances, it is desirable not only to keep the devices warm, but also to keep some level of discretion when transporting these devices. Thus, there is a need in the art for a means to discreetly transport instruments, while providing the instruments warmth prior to their use.

Therefore, there exists a previously unappreciated need for a new and improved apparatus and system that: warms or heats instruments designed to contact the body; adequately addresses properly heating or warming different surface areas to suit differently shaped instruments; and discreetly provides a means of transporting instruments, while providing a means to warm or heat the instruments prior to use.

It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes an apparatus and system for heating or warming instruments, and more specifically, to a transportable apparatus, such as a carrying case or flexible cover with a heating component, which includes one or more heating elements configured to warm up instruments designed to come in contact with the human body. For example, such instruments may include medical or therapeutic instruments or objects, and instruments for use during sexual activities.

An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a carrying case for containing one or more instruments; one or more heating components coupled to the carrying case and configured to receive and warm the one or more instruments; one or more heating elements contained within the one or more heating components; and circuitry configured to control and supply power to the one or more heating elements.

Another apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an outer housing; an inner housing coupled to the outer housing and configured to receive and warm an instrument; a heating element contained within the inner housing; and circuitry configured to supply power to the heating element, the circuitry for controlling a heat output generated by the heating element.

Yet another apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a carrying case for containing one or more instruments; one or more heating components coupled to the interior of the carrying case and configured to receive and warm the one or more instruments; circuitry configured to control and supply power to the one or more heating components; an interface for connecting the one or more heating components to a power supply; and a control module, including a user interface for manually setting the heat output generated by the one or more heating components, the control module removably attached to the circuitry via a connector situated on the exterior of the carrying case.

An electrically heated vessel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a base including a heating component; one or more thermal sensors coupled to the heating component; a circuitry in communication with a user interface for controlling the heating component's operation; a vessel removably coupled to the base, the vessel for containing a fluid; a motor for activating a pump and dispensing the fluid; one or more motion sensors for activating the motor; and a power supply for supplying power to the sensors, motor and heating element.

A system for heating or warming instruments, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: an apparatus including a carrying case for containing one or more instruments; one or more heating components coupled to the interior of the carrying case and configured to receive and warm the one or more instruments; circuitry configured to control and supply power to the one or more heating components; an interface for connecting the one or more heating components to a power supply; and a control module, including a user interface user interface for manually setting the heat output generated by the one or more heating components, the control module removably attached to the circuitry via a connector situated on the exterior of the carrying case; the system further including an electrically heated vessel, including: a base with a heating component; one or more thermal sensors coupled to the heating component; a circuitry in communication with a user interface for controlling the heating component's operation; a vessel removably coupled to the base, the vessel for containing a fluid; a motor for activating a pump and dispensing the fluid; one or more motion sensors for activating the motor; and a power supply for supplying power to the sensors, motor and heating element.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that warms instruments to a desired temperature, for example within range of a normal human body temperature.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that facilitates the transportation of instruments from one location to another, while maintaining the instrument's warmth.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a heating element implemented within the apparatus so that the instruments may be warmed prior to use.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means to securely transport instruments in a medium that enables a source of warmth prior to using the instruments therein.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a sanitary means of transporting instruments from one location to another.

These advantages and features of the present invention are not meant as limiting objectives, but are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part thereof. Depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced; however, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Generally, the invention involves an apparatus and system for heating or warming instruments. More specifically, the invention involves a system that includes a transportable apparatus comprising one or more heating components configured to warm instruments designed to come in contact with the human body. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, such instruments may include medical or therapeutic instruments, and instruments for use in sexual activities. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises of two devices: (1) an electrically heated carrying case or flexible cover for transporting instruments, and (2) an electrically heated vessel for containing a fluid to be used in conjunction with the instruments. In such embodiment, the carrying case or flexible cover and the vessel each include: a heating component—the heating component containing a heating element, one or more sensors (i.e. to maintain a desired temperature) and a circuitry in communication with a user interface for controlling the device's operation. This system facilitates the warming or heating of instruments to a desirable temperature so as to make their use a more pleasant experience, and/or avoid any undesirable interruptions that may be caused by the discomfort of experiencing a temperature differential when the instrument comes in contact with the body.

A carrying case or flexible cover in accordance with such embodiment of the present invention may generally include a heating component or inner housing or envelope that encloses the heating element. In exemplary embodiments, the configuration of housing and heating element may be flexible. This flexibility facilitates wrapping the heating element around the surface of an instrument to ensure that substantially an entire surface area of the instrument is covered completely and radiated with adequate heat. In order to supply power to the heating element, a circuitry may be housed within or coupled to the housing, which communicates with a power supply unit that may be coupled to the carrying case or flexible cover via an interface. The interface may rest substantially in an interior of the carrying case, or on a surface of a heating component configured to be wrapped by the flexible cover. The interface may be configured to connect to an external electrical power source such as an adapter, a rechargeable battery, or simply to a garden variety electrical socket. In alternative embodiments the interface may have multiple connectors for connecting with additional heating components that may be configured to register with different types of instruments.

For example, and without deviating from the scope of the present invention, an interface may be configured to connect with a flexible heating element, as well as a rigid heating element. The flexible heating element may be suitable for wrapping around an outer surface area of instruments; the rigid heating element may be suitable for inserting, mating or registering with an inner surface area of an instrument. Furthermore, the carrying case is configured to facilitate the transportation of instruments, so that instruments may be carried from one location to another discreetly, and may be heated or warmed prior to use. Moreover, instruments may be carried in a manner that ensures the instruments are kept sanitary prior to using them for their intended purpose.

An electrically heated vessel, in accordance with such exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may include a body configured to receive a fluid container. The body of the vessel may contain a cavity for housing a heating element and a temperature sensor. A circuitry may provide power to the heating element. A controller may be connected to the circuitry, and in communication with the sensor, to provide a means to control the desired temperature of the fluid inside the fluid container. The fluid container may be a simple fluid container, or a motorized sensor activated fluid container. Once placed within the heated vessel, the fluid container may be warmed or heated so that the fluid is expelled at a desired temperature. The drawings and various views of the figures will help elaborate and explain the different aspects of the invention, which are discussed in greater detail below.

Turning now to the figures,FIG. 1depicts a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, apparatus100is depicted being carried by a user, and comprising: carrying case101, a heating component or housing102and interface103; each component interior to carrying case101shown with dotted lines. Additionally, instrument105is shown housed within housing102, presently being transported from one location to another.

Carrying case101includes housing102and may be constructed of any suitable material such as cloth, plastics, leather, metals or a combination thereof. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, materials for carrying case101may include steel, aluminum, wool, linen, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one or more combinations thereof, or any other material that is durable and sturdy enough for transportation. As shown, carrying case101may include a handle or support member104to facilitate carrying apparatus100from one location to another. Furthermore, carrying case101may comprise a variety of shapes—rectangular, oblong, or any other suitable configuration that facilitates transportation and storage.

Housing102is typically a heating component that houses or implements a heating element. Housing102may be flexible and may comprise one or more layers that create an enclosure for housing a heating element (i.e. not shown inFIG. 1, but discussed below with reference to other figures). For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, housing102may comprise of a first layer configured to house a heating element, and a second layer configured to cover the first layer, so as to form a flexible surface or flexible heating component that can be used to wrap or enclose an instrument such as instrument105. In exemplary embodiments, housing102is a flexible heating component including a first sturdy but flexible layer that houses a heating element, and second layer comprising soft linen that snuggly holds instrument105in place. Of course, other configurations and other materials may be implemented without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

Interface103may be any type of connection means that facilitates a power supply to the heating element within housing102. In one embodiment, interface103is a power interface. In another embodiment, interface103includes an actuator sensor interface. In yet another embodiment, interface103includes a connection means for providing a power supply in addition to providing access to a controller and user interface for activating the heating element inside housing102. Furthermore, interface103may facilitate communication of one or more sensors embedded or implemented within housing103. In yet another embodiment, interface103may further implement a rechargeable battery so as to allow operation of heating element102during transportation.

As explained above, instrument105may be a medical instrument, a therapeutic instrument, an instrument for use in sexual activities, or any other instrument that may benefit from being warmed prior to its use. For example, and without deviating from the scope of the present invention, instrument105may be an instrument used during sexual activities. Because it is desirable to warm instrument105prior to touching the instrument against the body, instrument105may be placed in apparatus100and warmed prior to use.

Now turning toFIG. 2, a diagram showing the various components of one embodiment of the present invention is depicted. More specifically,FIG. 2shows apparatus200comprising outer housing201, inner housing202, heating element203, one or more sensors204, interface205, and control module209. Control module209includes a circuitry that comprises controller206, memory207, and user interface208. In order to draw power and supply power to heating element203, control module209may be connected to a power source; in the present case, power supply unit (PSU)210is utilized for this purpose.

Outer housing201is configured to house or contain one or more components such as a heating component or inner housing202and interface103, as well as any instrument that may be carried or transported within apparatus200. Outer housing201may be constructed of any suitable material that facilitates the transportation of one or more instruments. Outer housing may be constructed of any suitable material such as cloth, plastics, leather, metals or a combination thereof. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, outer housing201may be constructed with one or more materials such as steel, aluminum, wool, linen, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other material that is durable and sturdy enough for manufacturing an outer housing suitable for transportation. In an exemplary embodiment, outer housing201resembles carrying case101and may include features similar to luggage or handbags, which may include features such as handles, straps, buttons, zippers, draw strings, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro®), or any combination of features, fasteners, or connectors that facilitate secure containment and transportation of one or more instruments. In another exemplary embodiment, outer housing201is a flexible cover with a substantially flat configuration that may be constructed so that outer housing201is stretchable and may be wrapped or rolled to enclose one or more instruments within its flat surface area.

Inner housing202is a heating component configured to house heating element203. Inner housing202may include one or more layers to provide a secure envelope for containing heating element203, as well as a layer that is constructed of a soft material suitable for wrapping or snuggly holding an instrument. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, inner housing202may include a soft linen layer that preserves (or does not interfere) with the surface area of the instrument contained therein. That is, in exemplary embodiments, inner housing202will not scratch or cause undue wear and tear of the instruments housed within apparatus200. Furthermore, inner housing202is typically insulating so that heat generated by heating element203is not quickly lost, and instead preserved so as to save the device's energy consumption while keeping the instrument warm inside apparatus200.

Heating element203may be constructed of well known components. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, heating element203may include a thin film of heating circuitry that includes commercially available resistor elements for generating a desired temperature range. Heating element203typically communicates with control module209to receive a power supply for generating heat. Furthermore, heating element rests inside inner housing202, where it is appropriately secured. In an exemplary embodiment, heating element203is flexible so that inner housing202may be wrapped around an instrument or folded within outer housing201. Typically, heating element is contained within one or more layers, securely held in place to prevent undesired shifting and maintain an even heat radiation throughout inner housing202.

Sensors204may be coupled to a circuitry in communication with heating element203, or may be part of a commercially available heating element that implements temperature sensing capabilities. Typically, sensors204are temperature sensors used to prevent overheating, and to provide control module209with information pertaining to the temperature within apparatus200. For example, and without deviating from the scope of the present invention, sensors204may provide data to control module209in order to keep an instrument at a desired temperature range.

Interface205may be any type of connection means that provides a power supply to heating element203. In one embodiment, interface205is a power supply interface. In another embodiment, interface205is a power supply and sensing data interface. In yet another embodiment, interface205includes a connection means for providing a power supply in addition to providing access to control module209for activating and regulating the temperature generated by heating element203. In other embodiments, interface205may further implement a rechargeable battery (not shown) so as to allow operation of heating element203during transportation.

Control module209may include circuitry that may range or vary in complexity. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, control module209may include a circuitry as shown, a simpler circuitry, or much more complex circuitry. As shown, control module209comprises controller206, memory207, and user interface208. Control module209is the control center for apparatus200and may be situated outside of outer housing201or inside outer housing201. In the shown embodiment, control module is coupled to an exterior of outer housing201whenever apparatus200is actuated. Control module209facilitates control of the temperature output of heating element203by allowing a user to turn the device on or off, and either setting the device to a pre-set temperature or manually setting the temperature via user input. Control module209typically draws power from PSU210and supplies an adequate voltage to heating element203. Furthermore, control module209may communicate with one or more sensors204in order to maintain the instrument at a desired temperature.

Controller206may comprise a single processor, microprocessor, or any other type of processing power suitable for running basic controls for operating apparatus200. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, controller206may be suitable for executing a basic logic, or executable program code, that enables control of the heat generated by heating element203. To this end, a basic memory, such as memory207may be included in the circuitry. Also, control module209may include other known electrical components such as safety fuses and switches for enabling a safe operation of apparatus200. Furthermore, control module209may further include user interface208, which may be a simple dial input device such as a potentiometer, or a more complex input/output device that allows a user to input a desired temperature range for heating element203.

PSU210may be a typical adapter configured to supply an adequate voltage to the circuitry of control module209as well as heating element203. Alternatively, in other embodiments, PSU may be replaced or implemented with a rechargeable battery located within or exterior to outer housing201. Alternatively PSU210may include an adapter—for example and without limiting the scope of the present invention—a USB adapter, a cigarette lighter adapter for a vehicle, or any other type of adapter adapted to supply power to apparatus200from a suitable power source.

FIG. 3depicts another diagram showing the various components of another embodiment of the present invention; this embodiment accommodates different types of instruments by implementing more than one heating element configured to mate or register with different instrument types. More specifically, apparatus300includes similar components as those described inFIG. 2, but adds a few components. For example, apparatus300similarly includes outer housing301, inner housing302, heating element303, one or more sensors304, interface305, and control module309. Like apparatus200, control module309of apparatus300includes a circuitry that comprises controller306, memory307, and user interface308. In order to draw power and supply power to heating element303, control module309may be connected to a power source; in the present case, power supply unit (PSU)310.

Apparatus300includes additional components, mainly a different interface that is configured to connect to multiple heating components with heating elements, such as heating element303and heating element312. Heating element312is housed within a rigid housing311, which may comprise one or more sensors313for reading a temperature output of heating element312.

Outer housing301and inner housing302are similar to housings201and202, except that their size may vary in order to accommodate the additional components of apparatus300not present in apparatus200.

Rigid housing311is a heating component that may be constructed of plastics or any other rigid material that is suitable for inserting or registering with instruments that have a surface area within a cavity designed to make contact with the human body or body part. An example of one embodiment of rigid housing311is shown and discussed with reference toFIG. 4(b). Rigid housing311need not be constructed so that it is completely inflexible; however, rigidity may be desirable for the housing to be able to be inserted into an instrument's cavity with easy. Rigid housing311houses heating element312.

Heating elements303and312may be constructed of well known components similar to heating element204. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, heating elements303and312may include a thin film of heating circuitry that includes commercially available resistor elements for generating a desired temperature range. As with heating element203, heating elements303and312typically communicate with control module309to receive a power supply for generating heat. Furthermore, the heating elements rest inside their respective housings appropriately secured.

Interface305is typically suitable for facilitating a power supply to both heating elements303and312. Additionally, interface205may be configured to enable communication of any sensor data to and from control module309(i.e. between sensors304,313, and controller306).

While the other components of apparatus300are similar to those of apparatus200, described in reference toFIG. 2, the additional components of apparatus300typically function similarly but serve the purpose of providing a more effective mechanism for warming certain types of well known instruments. A more detailed discussion of the use of such components is described with reference to the next figures.

Examples of possible embodiments of the present invention are shown in bothFIG. 4(a)andFIG. 4(b).FIG. 4(a)depicts an exploded/cross-sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that depicted in the diagram ofFIG. 2.FIG. 4(b)depicts an exploded/cross-sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, similar to that depicted in the diagram ofFIG. 3.

Apparatus400is depicted in each figure, each figure showing a different embodiment therein. For example, both figures show apparatus400comprising outer housing or carrying case401, inner housing or heating component402, conduit or cable404, connectors405a,405band406, control module407, user interface408, cord409and PSU410. As explained above, these components provide for housing a heating element and providing a power supply to the heating element in order to warm an instrument that may be placed within carrying case401, and control the desired temperature and operation of apparatus400.

Interface403aand interface403bdiffer in that interface403ballows apparatus400to warm more than one type of instrument. For example, and without deviating from the scope of the present invention, interface403aprovides power to a heating element in inside heating component402. This type of configuration is desirable for instruments with surface areas that do not include a cavity. Examples of such instruments would include a vibrator or female stimulator. These devices have well known configurations and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that those types of instruments do not typically include cavities; instead, vibrators or female stimulators typically have an outer surface area, which is designed to come into contact with one or more parts of the human body, such as an orifice, skin, or any other body part. Hence, a vibrator may be wrapped or snuggly secured inside heating component402in order to warm the instrument to a desired temperature.

Interface403bfurther accommodates a power supply to another type of housing or heating element—a rigid housing or heating component412. Heating component412may naturally include connectors, such as connector414for drawing power and, in some embodiments, communicating with a sensor (not shown). Heating component412includes a heating element configured to be inserted or registered with an instrument that has a surface area within a cavity of the instrument that will come into contact with a body part. An example of such instrument may include a male stimulator, such as a simulated vagina sex toy. A male stimulator also has well known configurations and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that those types of instruments may typically include cavities with a surface area designed to come into contact with one or more parts of the human body. Hence, heating component412may be inserted into the cavity of the male stimulator in order to warm the instrument to a desired temperature.

In order to accommodate the one or more heating components (i.e. heating component402,412), interface403aor403bmay include connection ports or connectors406to provide a connection means with cables or conduits404and403for heating components402and412respectively. If the control module of apparatus400is to be maintained externally to the device, one of the connectors406may be configured in an outer rim or edge of carrying case401in order to facilitate a connection when the carrying case is in a closed configuration (as shown inFIG. 1).

Turning now to the next figure,FIG. 5(a)depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising a flexible cover and a heating component, which may be rolled-up to contain one or more instruments. Apparatus500comprises a different type of carrying means, including a flexible cover501in lieu of a hard housing such as housing401. Apparatus500further includes heating component502, interface503, control module504, and PSU505.

Flexible cover501may be constructed of a wide variety of materials that may be folded, rolled, stretched or that are otherwise flexible. For example, and without deviating from the scope of the present invention, flexible cover501may be constructed of a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, such as elastane or spandex, or may be constructed of latex, synthetic leather, leather, or any other natural or synthetic fibers that are durable and have some elastic qualities. Other well known materials may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention, including nylon, neoprene, or any other synthetic rubbers. Furthermore, flexible cover501may contain a single layer or multiple layers.

Multiple layers, for example layers501aand501b, may be desirable in some embodiments of the present invention, although it will become apparent that flexible cover501may comprise a single layer without deviating or limiting the scope of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, layers501aand501benclose, contain or house another layer501c. Layer501cis typically a sturdier, yet flexible component that may add a structural component as well as a functional feature. For example, in some embodiments, layers501aand501bare constructed of similar materials such as a synthetic flexible material (e.g, synthetic leather, neoprene, spandex, etc.), while layer501cmay comprise a flexible ferrous mesh or metallic component. The metallic component of layer501cis desirably flexible and elastic enough to be rolled up and stretched over instruments (i.e. discussed further below), but durable enough not to break apart. Furthermore, as stated above, layer501cmay be ferrous or metallic, or otherwise configured to be magnetically attracted with a magnetic component so as to add a means for holding flexible cover in a rolled-up position.

To further explain, as shown in the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 5(a), flexible cover501may include a protruding portion501dat one of its extremities. Portion501dfurther includes a magnetic component501e. Magnetic component501emay be stretched or placed over any area of flexible cover501and be magnetically attracted to layer501within surface501. This magnetic attraction will securely attach portion501dto surface501when surface501is rolled up for travel, to carry one or more instruments therein.

Of course, while layer501cmay be distributed throughout an entire interior of surface501, as shown, layer501cmay merely comprise a small portion of surface501. That is, layer501cmay be only at the opposite end of portion501dor at any other location suitable to enable magnetic component501eand layer501cto connect and secure surface501in place. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one advantage to having layer01cthroughout an interior of surface501is that surface501may be secured from any point on surface501. This feature would enable a wide size range of instruments to be rolled up within surface501.

It should be apparent that other embodiments for securely holding surface501together are possible. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, straps, buttons, zippers, draw strings, or any combination of features that facilitate secure containment and transportation of one or more instruments may be implemented. In one embodiment, rather than including magnetic component501c, portion501dmay include any of the above-mentioned fasteners. Similarly, layer501cmay be absent from one embodiment of apparatus500altogether.

To conclude a discussion of surface501, layers501aand501bmay be constructed of the same material or may be different materials. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, layer501amay include a softer fabric while layer501bmay include a sturdier water resistant fabric such as nylon or polyurethane—suitable for providing a further measure of protection to any instrument within apparatus500.

Heating component502may be similar to heating component402. Heating component502is similarly flexible and is configured to be stretched, rolled-up and otherwise wrapped around one or more instruments such as instrument105. Heating component502typically includes a heating element, which may include a sensor along with the heating element similar to the configuration of inner housing202shown inFIG. 2.

In alternative embodiments, heating component502may be differently configured, and rather than resemble a flat flexible surface, heating component502may comprise a substantially rigid component such as heating component412. In such embodiment, interface503would be adapted to connect with a connector for the component or probe. As mentioned above, such embodiment for heating component502may be desirable for using with differently shaped tools that include a surface area within a cavity that may be desirable to warm. Utilizing a probe or rigid housing such as that of heating component412may be advantageous to properly radiate heat to certain objects.

In order to draw power and or communicate with one or more sensors (i.e. in some embodiments) heating component502includes an interface503. Interface503is configured to provide power to a heating element within heating component502, which in turn generates a source of heat that will radiate, for example, to instrument105. Interface503may be configured to connect with control module504in any desirable configuration, and directly or through one or more openings on flexible cover501, such as openings501g,501f. Alternatively, interface503may have connectors or connection means that are interior or exterior to flexible cover501, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, interface503may be configured to couple to one or more heating components in a similar fashion as the embodiment shown inFIG. 4(b).

Control module504and PSU505provide a user with an easy means to connect apparatus500to a power supply, and control the heat output for warming instrument105. Control module504may include circuitry that may range or vary in complexity; may comprises a controller, memory, and user interface similar to the control modules for the embodiments described above. Control module504may be the control center for apparatus500and is typically situated outside of flexible cover501as shown. Control module504facilitates control of the temperature output of the heating element within surface501, allowing a user to turn the device on or off, and either setting the device to a pre-set temperature or manually setting the temperature via a user input. Typically control module504draws power from PSU505and supplies an adequate voltage to heating component502. Furthermore, control module504may communicate with one or more sensors in order to maintain the instrument at a desired temperature, and as previously described, these components of apparatus500may be more or less complex without deviating from the scope of the invention.

One advantage of apparatus500is that its configuration allows for a wide range of sizes and shapes of instruments to be warmed and carried by the device. While instrument105may be a light slim instrument, other instruments may be bulkier in shape. Even though a hard carrying case such as carrying case101may be limited to one instrument or object if the instrument or object is bulky, apparatus500may easily hold the bulkier object or instrument, perhaps along with instrument105, since flexible cover501may be stretched and wrapped around or rolled up over the instruments or objects.

FIG. 5(b)illustrates the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 5(a)in a rolled-up configuration. More specifically,FIG. 5(b)shows how apparatus500may be rolled up to securely contain one or more instruments. As shown, similar in motion to rolling up a towel, a user may place instrument105atop heating component502and roll-up surface501and heating component502into a single roll. In an exemplary embodiment, portion501dis configured to magnetically couple with layer501cwithin surface501. In other embodiments, portion501dis configured to fasten with or otherwise securely connect to surface501by any variety of connecting means. For example and without deviating from the scope of the present invention, portion501dmay include straps, buttons, zippers, draw strings, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. Velcor®), or any combination of features, fasteners, or connectors that facilitate secure containment and transportation of one or more instruments.

Turning now to the last two figures,FIG. 6(a)depicts another device in accordance with the present invention, which comprises a heating element designed to warm a container for supplying a fluid that may be used in conjunction with an instrument, or prior to its use.FIG. 6(b)depicts a cross-sectional view of the device depicted inFIG. 6(a). More specifically,FIG. 6(a)andFIG. 6(b)show an electrically heated vessel, or apparatus600, in accordance with an exemplary component for a system of the present invention.

Apparatus600typically includes a body or base607, which is configured to receive a fluid container or vessel606. Base607includes a cavity for housing a heating element and a temperature sensor. A resistive circuitry embedded within base607provides the heating element that generates a desired temperature for warming a fluid inside vessel606.

A control module (not shown), similar to control module407, may be connected to the circuitry, and in communication with thermo sensor608. The circuitry thus provides a means to control the desired temperature of the fluid inside the fluid container or vessel606. Vessel606may be a simple fluid container, or a motorized sensor activated fluid container, as shown.

In such an embodiment, wherein apparatus600includes a motorized and sensor activated fluid container, apparatus600further comprises nozzles601, motion sensors602, output stem603, pump housing604, motor housing605and motor611, conduits609,612, and fluid610. Nozzles601expel fluid610upon actuation of motor611, which activates a pump within pump housing604once a user's hands or movement thereof is detected by motion sensors602. Output stem603guides fluid610out of vessel606when apparatus600is activated. Motor611is powered from a power supply via conduit609. Similarly, conduit612delivers power to the heating element within base607. Once placed within base607, vessel606may be warmed or heated so that fluid610is expelled at a desired temperature.

Apparatus600may be a complementary component of apparatus600and form part of a system of warming instruments. For example, and without deviating from the scope of the present invention, where apparatus400is utilized to warm instruments for use during sexual activities, apparatus600may supply a fluid consisting of a lubricating substance to facilitate the use of the warmed instruments. Similarly, where apparatus400is utilized to warm instruments or objects used during medical procedures, for example speculums used during gynecological exams; apparatus600may supply a warm fluid to alleviate any discomfort caused by insertion of the speculum at room temperatures.

In practice, this system facilitates the warming or heating of instruments to a desirable temperature so as to make their use a more pleasant experience. The system effectively prevents undesirable interruptions that may be caused by the discomfort of experiencing a temperature differential when the instrument comes in contact with the body. In exemplary embodiments, the transportable apparatus comprising one or more heating elements may be an electrically heated carrying case or flexible cover, for transporting instruments in a discrete and sanitary manner, which prepares the instruments for use by warming or heating to a desired temperature. In such embodiment, the electrically heated vessel for containing a fluid to be used in conjunction with the instruments may also be provided as part of a system that facilitates the comforting use of the instruments.

In addition to the examples of instruments that may be warmed/prepared for use during sexual activities, other objects for other activates may similarly be prepped for increase comfort. For example, medical instruments that may need to be inserted, such as speculums may be warmed prior to insertion; therapeutic stones that are often heated and placed on the body may be carried and warmed using the system. Moreover, the instruments or objects may be carried in a sanitary manner prior to their use so as to ensure a comforting and hygienic experience.

An apparatus and system for heating instruments has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.