Portable massage lotion warmer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multipurpose heating and storage device for a lotion bottle. The device comprises a holster that can be secured to a user's waist and a holster insert capable of being placed in the holster. The insert secures the lotion bottle placed therein, and also includes a flexible heating element for providing heat to the lotion bottle and the lotion stored therein. A battery pouch includes a power bank that provides electrical power to the heating element using a USB cable. Due to the heating element, the lotion can be maintained at a desired temperature in order to prevent the application of cold lotion to an individual's body. The holster obviates the need to carry around a lotion bottle.

Claims

1. A lotion bottle storage and warming device comprising: a holster including a pouch having an opening for accommodating the lotion bottle; an extendable belt fastened to said holster for securing around a waist of a user; a flexible insert including an embedded heating element for placement inside said holster; said flexible insert aligned with an inner surface of said holster for circumscribing a portion of an outer surface area of the lotion bottle placed therein; and a power bank for powering said heating element wherein said heating element includes a flexible heating coil; wherein said holster incudes a pouch opening for retaining said power bank; and wherein said flexible insert includes a flap overhanging a top edge of said holster for retention of said flexible insert within said pouch of said holster.

2. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 1, wherein said portion of an outer surface area includes a majority of the outer surface area of the lotion bottle.

3. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 2, wherein said heating element includes a flexible heating pad.

4. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 1, wherein said power bank includes a USB connector for recharging said power bank.

5. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 4, wherein said extendable belt includes a hook and loop fastener for securing around the waist of the user.

6. A lotion bottle storage and warming device comprising: a holster including a pouch having an opening for accommodating the lotion bottle; an extendable belt fastened to said holster for securing around a waist of a user; a flexible insert including an embedded heating element for placement inside said holster; said flexible insert aligned with an inner surface of said holster for circumscribing a portion of an outer surface area of the lotion bottle placed therein; a rechargeable power bank for powering said heating element; said heating element includes a flexible heating coil; and said power bank includes a USB connector for recharging said power bank wherein said flexible insert includes a flap overhanging a top edge of said holster for retention of said flexible insert within said pouch of said holster.

7. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 6, wherein said portion of an outer surface area includes a majority of the outer surface area of the lotion bottle.

8. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 7, wherein said holster incudes a pouch opening for retaining said power bank.

9. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 8, wherein said extendable belt includes a hook and loop fastener for securing around the waist of the user.

10. A lotion bottle storage and warming device comprising: a holster including a pouch having an opening for accommodating the lotion bottle; an extendable belt fastened to said holster for securing around a waist of a user; a flexible insert including an embedded heating element for placement inside said holster; said flexible insert aligned with an inner surface of said holster for circumscribing a portion of an outer surface area of the lotion bottle placed therein; a rechargeable power bank for powering said heating element; said heating element includes a flexible heating coil; and said flexible insert includes a flap overhanging a top edge of said holster for retention of said flexible insert within said pouch of said holster.

11. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 10, wherein said power bank includes a USB connector for recharging said power bank.

12. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 11 further comprising a USB charging cable for recharging said power bank.

13. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 10, wherein said portion of an outer surface area includes a majority of the outer surface area of the lotion bottle.

14. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 10, wherein said holster incudes a pouch opening for retaining said power bank.

15. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 10, wherein said extendable belt includes a hook and loop fastener for securing around the waist of the user.

16. The lotion bottle storage and warming device of claim 10, wherein said portion of an outer surface area includes substantially all of the outer surface area of the lotion bottle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the lotion bottle storage and warmer device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of the lotion bottle storage and warming device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the insert with embedded heating element used in one potential embodiment of the lotion bottle holster device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a battery pouch for storing a power bank used for providing power to a heating element of the insert of one potential embodiment of the lotion bottle holster device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user carrying one potential embodiment of the lotion bottle in the holster device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps performed by a user for using the holster device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

(8) The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

(9) As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a lotion warmer and storage device that functions like a conventional holster for easy carriage of a lotion bottle around the waist of a user. There is also a long felt need in the art for a lotion warmer and storage device that can heat or warm the lotion as per a user's requirement. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a lotion warmer and storage device that can be used with any type of topical composition or product. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a lotion warmer and storage device that makes it easy for professional therapists or practitioners to carry a lotion bottle and apply warm lotion to the clients. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a lotion warmer and storage device that makes a lotion bottle easily reachable. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a lotion warmer and storage device that eliminates the use of an external lotion warmer during a therapy process. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a lotion warmer and storage device that helps users to always have warm lotion carried in the holster storage.

(10) The present invention, in one potential embodiment, includes a novel holster device for storing and warming a container storing a lotion. The holster device includes a holster pouch for storing the container that contains the lotion, an extendable belt for wrapping around a waist of a user for hands-free storage of the holster device, an insert that includes an embedded heating element wherein the insert is placed within the holster pouch and circumscribes a majority of the surface area of the container for providing heat to warm the lotion stored in the container, a battery pouch detachably-attached to the holster pouch for storing a power bank that provides electrical power to the heating element using a coil or cable, such as a USB cable. The heating element enables the heating of the lotion to reach a temperature above the body temperature of a human, while eliminating the need to carry around the container in one's hands or store it on a nearby table while giving a massage.

(11) Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the lotion bottle storage and warmer device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 of the present invention includes a holster 102 for accommodating a lotion bottle 116. The holster 102 is designed to be wrapped around the waist of a user for easily carrying the lotion bottle 116. An extendable belt 110 having a buckle 112 is fastened to the holster 102 and is used for securing the holster 102 around the waist of the user. The belt 110 can be extended using a loop 114 to fit snugly around the waist of the user. The holster 102 is in the form of a pouch and includes an opening 118 through which the lotion bottle 116 can be inserted. A lotion bottle 116 up to a size of about 16 oz. can be stored in the holster pouch 102.

(12) The lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 includes an insert 106 that is placed in the holster pouch 102. The lotion bottle 116 in the holster pouch 102 can be secured by the insert 106. Preferably, the insert 106 adheres to or aligns with the inner surface of the holster pouch 102, and a flap 1060 of the insert 106 can be accessible from outside. The insert 106 can be in the form of a fabric and includes an embedded heating element (as shown in FIG. 3) for warming the lotion stored in the lotion bottle 116. The heating element can be in the form of a flexible heating pad, wrap, coil or plate that can be activated by a power supply such as from a power bank stored in the battery pouch 108 using a USB charging cable 120. The heating pad or wrap of the insert 106 can be embedded within the insert 106, thereby enabling it to be in physical contact with the lotion bottle 116. The insert 106 is capable of securing and warming lotion in the lotion bottle 116 made from glass, plastic, wood or the like. The USB cable 120 can be inserted into the holster pouch 102 through the opening 118, and can be connected to the insert 106 stored inside the holster pouch 102 for activating the heating element.

(13) When the lotion bottle 116 is to be used by a user, the cover or lid 104 of the holster pouch 102 can be removed, thereby enabling the user to access the lotion bottle. The lid 104 is provided to selectively secure the lotion bottle 116 between uses. The battery pouch 108 can be attached or fastened to the rear surface of the holster pouch 102 and is used to store a power bank for providing power to the heating element for activation. The power bank can be any conventional power bank that works with the USB cable 120 for activating the heating element of the insert 106. The USB cable 120 can be inserted into the battery pouch 108 through the battery pouch opening 122 that also enables a user to access the stored power bank.

(14) The lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 enables a user to carry the lotion bottle 116 in the holster pouch 102 easily around the waist, while the insert 106 provides desired heating to the lotion for enhanced performance of the lotion stored in the bottle 116. The desired heating can be achieved using the power bank stored in the battery pouch 108 by connecting the USB cable 120 from the power bank to the insert 106 of the device 100. The insert 106 can be detachably-placed in the holster pouch 102, and the battery pouch 108 can also be detachably-attached to the holster pouch 102.

(15) The lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 is ideal for massage therapists and practitioners who need to carry a lotion bottle 116 continuously for longer treatment or therapy sessions, and who have a requirement to apply warm lotion or any other topical product to the body of a client. The heating element in the insert 106 can be easily activated using the power bank to reach a desired temperature that enables the warm lotion to be easily applied.

(16) FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed ouches. The lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 comprises a three-layer holster device that includes the insert 106 placed inside the holster pouch 102, with a flap 1060 of the insert 106 overhanging a top edge of the holster pouch 102 and contacting the front surface 1022 of the holster pouch 102. The overhanging flap 1060 of the insert enables the insert 106 to retain its position within the holster pouch 102. The insert 106 can be stored within the holster pouch 102, such that the embedded heating element of the insert 106 contacts the lotion bottle placed in the holster pouch 102 for warming the stored lotion therein. At the rear surface 1020 of the holster pouch 102, the battery pouch 108 is fastened using an adhesive or hook and loop fastener, through a magnetic or snap button or detachably-fastened using straps. The holster 102 includes a lid or cover 104 for securing the lotion bottle stored in the holster pouch 102 when the bottle is not being used.

(17) It should be appreciated that the opening 118 of the holster pouch 102 enables the user to easily access the lotion bottle and any type of lotion bottle can be used with the holster pouch 102. Further, the battery pouch opening 122 enables the USB cable to be easily inserted for making a connection with the stored power bank.

(18) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the insert 106 with embedded heating element 302 used in the lotion bottle holster device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The insert 106 provides the necessary heating to the lotion stored in the lotion bottle when the insert 106 is placed in the holster pouch. Specifically, the commercially-available lotion bottle holster device 100 of the present invention, the insert 106 can be permanently placed and sewn to the interior of the pouch 102, thereby enabling the insert 106 to contact the lotion bottle. The insert 106 includes an embedded heating element 302 in the form of a grid of flexible conducting metal wires, pads or plates that conform to the circular or tubular shape of the holster pouch. When a lotion bottle is stored in the holster pouch, the embedded heating element 302 provides heat to the lotion stored in the lotion bottle to warm the lotion for use. For heating the heating element wire grid 302, a USB cable 120 can be used that includes a USB charging connector 1202 designed to be connected to a power bank for providing electrical power to the heating element wire grid 302 for heating the lotion. In this manner, based on the requirements, the heating element 302 can be heated and a warm lotion produced for massage or therapy.

(19) The heating element 302 uses minimal electrical power and provides a heating source that can keep gels, oils, lotions and creams selectively above human body temperature. The lotion warmed caused by the heating element 302 improves hydration, as the warm lotion can easily penetrate or permeate into the skin. In one potential embodiment, the heating element 302 can take 2-3 minutes to warm the lotion to reach a desired temperature level. The heating element 302 can also include an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the heating element 302 after a predeterminable period of time (i.e. twenty minutes). The design and shape of the heating element 302 and the insert 106 (i.e. circumscription of a lotion bottle) enables the lotion to be warmed, even when a small quantity of the lotion is available in the lotion bottle.

(20) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing the battery pouch 108 for storing a power bank 400 used for providing power to the heating element of the insert 106 of the lotion bottle holster device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The power bank 400 is stored securely in the battery pouch 108 that can be attached to the rear surface of the holster pouch. As shown, a hook and loop patch 402 can be used to attach the battery pouch 108 to the holster pouch. The hook and loop patch 402 is waterproof and can secure the power bank 400. Alternatively, the straps 406 can be used for fastening the battery pouch 108 to the holster pouch or to the extendable belt. The USB charging connector 1202 can be inserted into the USB charging port of the power bank 400, while the other end 408 can be connected to the heating element of the insert for providing power. A flap 404 can be used for covering and protecting the power bank 400 from water or any other physical damage. It should be appreciated that in the construction of the holster device 100 of the present invention, the battery pouch 108 can be permanently sewn to the holster pouch. The battery pouch 108 can be made from a material including leather, any fabric or any other similar flexible and lightweight material.

(21) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user carrying a lotion bottle in the holster device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, a user 500, such as a therapy practitioner, can wrap the holster device 100 around the waist 502 using the extendable belt 110. The lotion bottle 116 stored in the holster pouch 102 can be heated by the insert 106 placed inside the holster pouch 102, and the power bank for charging the heating element of the insert can be stored in the battery pouch 108. Thus, each time lotion is retrieved from the lotion bottle 116, the lotion can be retained in an elevated temperature, rather than being cold due to being left out in the open or on a table. Further, the holster pouch 102 enables the lotion bottle to be opened, dispensed and closed conveniently at hand for desired application. The holster device 100 also obviates the need to carry around the lotion bottle 116 or store the lotion bottle 116 on a nearby table.

(22) FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps performed by a user for using the holster device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, initially a user wraps the holster device around the waist using the extendable belt (Block 602). The belt can be extended or retracted using a loop disposed on the belt. Then, the user stores a desired lotion bottle in the holster pouch for massaging/application (Block 604). Thereafter, the user connects the power bank stored in the pouch bag to the heating element embedded in the insert using the USB cable (Block 606). After a few minutes, the user can retrieve the warm lotion/oil/cream/topical product from the lotion bottle (Block 608), and apply same to the body of a client who is being treated by the user, without uncomfortably carrying the lotion bottle in the hands of the user (Block 610).

(23) Although the preferred embodiments describe the holster device 100 for holding containers of lotions, creams and liquids, the holster device 100 can also hold other types of substances such as, but not limited to, pastes, gels, tonics, shampoos, conditioners and the like. Furthermore, the holster device 100 can hold substances that give off smells, such as those used in aroma therapy, incense-type substances and the like.

(24) Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “lotion bottle holster device”, “lotion bottle storage and warmer device”, and “holster device” are interchangeable and refer to the lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 of the present invention.

(25) Notwithstanding the forgoing, the lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the lotion bottle storage and warming device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

(26) Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

(27) What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.