ADULT NOVELTY ITEMS

Abstract

Adult novelty items include a body defining an at least open object region and means for cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating an object received in the object region.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/911,052, entitled “ADULT NOVELTY ITEMS,” filed on Apr. 10, 2007, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to adult novelty items, and more particularly to adult novelty items that may be used to cleanse, lubricate, and/or stimulate body parts.

SUMMARY

Adult novelty items according to the present disclosure include a body defining an object region and means for cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating an object received in the object region. Some embodiments include a retaining device, such as a loop of rope, for retaining the item to a user. Some embodiments include an article embedded within the body that may be revealed after repeated uses of the item. In some embodiments, the body is constructed of soap. In some embodiments, the body is generally in the form of a human hand.

Product lines of adult novelty items may be provided that include adult novelty items with bodies and/or object regions of various configurations. For example, a first adult novelty item may have an object region that is smaller than an object region of a second adult novelty item. Additionally or alternatively, a first adult novelty item may have an at least open object region, and a second adult novelty item may have an at least partially enclosed object region or a fully enclosed object region. Other configurations are equally within the scope of the present disclosure and may be incorporated into product lines of adult novelty items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of adult novelty items according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human left hand having a fully enclosed object region.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human right hand having a partially enclosed object region.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human left hand having a fully enclosed object region that is smaller than the object regions of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human left hand having a fully enclosed object region that is smaller than the object regions of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human left hand having a partially enclosed object region that is smaller than the object regions of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human left hand having an open object region.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human left hand with an extended index finger thereof.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an adult novelty item in the form of a human left with an extended middle finger thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Adult novelty items 10 according to the present disclosure are schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. Items 10 may be used as novelty/gag gifts, but also may be referred to as cleansing devices, lubricating devices, and/or stimulating devices. Items 10 include a body 12 with a surface 14 that is configured to come in contact with, or receive, an object 16 to be cleansed, lubricated and/or stimulated. For example, items 10 may be configured for cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating body parts including, but not limited to, penises, scrotums, buttocks, labia, breasts, or any other body parts, alone or in combination.

Body 12 may be configured in various shapes and sizes to provide an object region 18 adapted to receive object 16 so that surface 14 comes into contact with the object. For example, as schematically illustrated in solid lines, body 12 may be shaped to provide an object region 18 that is generally open. Such embodiments may be particularly suited for cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating scrotums, buttocks, labia, or breasts, for example. In such embodiments, body 12 and object region 18 may be described as being configured for cupping, groping, grabbing, or fondling.

Alternatively, as schematically illustrated in dashed lines at 20, body 12 may be shaped to provide a fully enclosed object region 18. Alternatively, as illustrated in dashed lines at 21, body 12 may be shaped to provide a partially enclosed object region 18. Such embodiments may be particularly suited for cleansing, lubricating, or stimulating a penis, for example. In such embodiments, body 12 and object region 18 may be described as being configured for stroking.

As use herein, an “object region” refers to a region defined by a substantial portion of a body 12. As used herein, an “open object region” refers to an object region 18 that is substantially concave. Stated differently, an “open object region” refers to an object region 18 that is circumferentially bound between about 90° and about 270° by a surface 14. As used herein, a “partially enclosed object region” refers to an object region 18 that is circumferentially bound between about 270° and 360° by a surface 14, exclusive of 360°. As used herein, a “fully enclosed object region” refers to an object region 18 that is circumferentially bound 360° by a surface 14. As used herein, an “at least open object region” refers to an object region that is either an open object region, a partially enclosed object region, or a fully enclosed object region. As used herein, an “at least partially enclosed object region” refers to an object region that is either a partially enclosed object region or a fully enclosed object region.

Body 12 may be made of any suitable material, or materials, 22. For example, body 12 may be made of soap. Other materials that become slippery or otherwise have reduced surface friction when wet may also be used. Additionally or alternatively, body 12 may be made of a foam, or foam-like (e.g., sponge-like), material impregnated with a lubricating substance 25 such as, but not limited to, soap, lotion, or personal lubricant. In such embodiments, when a user moistens body 12, the lubricating substance may wick from within the body, to surface 14, and thereby provide a low-friction surface suitable for cleansing, lubricating, moisturizing, or stimulating an object 16. Additionally or alternatively in such embodiments, when a user squeezes body 12, or presses body 12 against an object 16, the lubricating substance may be forced from within the body to surface 14 and thereby provide a low-friction surface.

Body 12 may also be configured so that lubricating substance 25 migrates only toward surface 14 and not toward a separate outer region or surface 23 generally opposite of surface 14. For example, surface 23 may be generally impenetrable, or at least more impenetrable relative to surface 14, by the lubricating substance so when a user squeezes body 12, or presses body 12 against an object 16, lubricating substance 25 is forced at least primarily toward surface 14. In such embodiments, surface 23 may also be described as an at least partially impenetrable skin.

Additionally or alternatively, items 10 may include a reservoir 24 within body 12 that is configured to store a volume of lubricating substance 25′. Lubricating substance 25′ may be any suitable lubricating substance, such as, but not limited to, liquid soap, moisturizer, personal lubricant, etc. In such embodiments, a user mechanism 26 may be incorporated into item 10 so that upon a predetermined user input, lubricating substance 25′ is dispensed to surface 14 and thus object region 18, as schematically illustrated at 28. Such user input may be as described above (i.e., the squeezing or pressing of a body 12 made of foam or other material suitable for storing a lubricating substance). Additionally or alternatively, user mechanism 26 may include a button or other device that functionally operates a pump or otherwise forces the lubricating substance from reservoir 24 to surface 14 and thus into object region 18. In such embodiments, a fill port 30 may also be incorporated into body 12 so that a user may refill reservoir 24 with a lubricating substance.

In addition or as an alternative to a lubricating substance, items 10 may incorporate a stimulating substance such as menthol that produces a cooling effect on skin. Other stimulating substances that produce heating, cooling, or other topical or tactile effects are equally within scope of the present disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, substances incorporated into items 10 may include a flavoring agent. Other substances and/or additives to substances may also be used.

Some embodiments of item 10 may also include a retaining device 32 coupled to body 12, as schematically illustrated at 34. Retaining device 32 may be provided for various purposes. For example, retaining device 32 may be provided to secure item 10 to a user's body or other object. A non-exclusive example of retaining device 32 is a loop of rope, string, cord, twine, etc., that may be used to secure item 10 around a user's neck, a user's wrist, or to a hook (e.g., a hook in a shower or bath). Another non-exclusive example of retaining device 32 is a ring that may be used to secure item 20 to a user's finger. Other retaining devices configured to generally retain, or couple, item 10 to a user or other object are equally within the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, some embodiments of item 10 may include an article 36 within, or at least partially within, body 12. In embodiments where body 12 is made of soap, or other material that will wear away, or deteriorate, after repeated uses of item 10 (e.g., after repeated instances of moistening body 12 and cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating an object 16), article 36 may be revealed and thereby provide a surprise, or prize, for the user of item 10. Non-exclusive examples of articles 36 may include, but are not limited to, articles of an adult novelty theme (e.g., miniature body parts, condoms, small vial of personal lubricant, etc.), jewelry, miniature toys, etc. In some embodiments, material 22 may be opaque so that article 36 is hidden from a user until such time that body 12 deteriorates to such a degree article 36 is revealed. In other embodiments, material 22 may be transparent or translucent, such that article 36 is at least partially visible to a user prior to article 36 being physically revealed upon the deterioration of body 12. Glycerin soap may be an appropriate material 22 for providing a transparent or translucent body 12; however, other materials are equally within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, article 36 may be operatively coupled to retaining device 32, as schematically illustrated at 38. For example, in embodiments incorporating a loop of rope, the ends of the rope may be embedded in body 12 and be operatively coupled to article 36. In such embodiments, upon deterioration of body 12 to such a degree that article 36 is no longer secured within the body, the loop of rope may be worn around a user's neck as a necklace with article 36 as a pendant. Similarly, in embodiments incorporating a retaining device in the form of a ring, the ring may be operatively coupled to article 36. Accordingly, upon deterioration of body 12, the ring may be worn with article 36 secured thereto (e.g., as a jewel). Multiple embodiments of items 10 with various articles 36 may be produced, so that users may collect a plurality of necklaces and/or rings having different articles attached thereto (e.g., as pendants or jewels, etc.).

As mentioned, body 12 may be configured in various shapes. FIG. 2 illustrates a non-exclusive embodiment 110 of an adult novelty item 10 having a body 12 in the form of a human left hand 112 formed into a general O-shape (e.g., in the form of the letter O in American Sign Language). Hand 112 may be molded of soap having a generally skin-colored pigment, although other materials and colors are equally within the scope of the present disclosure. As indicated, hand 112 includes surface 14 in the form of the palm and inside surface of the hand's fingers and thumb, collectively identified at 114. Surface 114 defines an object region 118 and is thus configured to come into contact with, or receive, an object sought to be cleansed, lubricated, and/or stimulated by item 110. Object region 118 of hand 112 may be described as being fully enclosed because the thumb and forefinger contact each other. The illustrated embodiment may be particularly suited for cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating a generally shaft-shaped object or body part such as a penis.

Item 110 includes retaining device 32 in the form of a length of rope 132 with its ends embedded in the wrist of hand 112. Accordingly, item 110 may be described as a form of soap-on-a-rope. Various lengths of rope 132 may be used, but the illustrated embodiment includes a length of rope appropriately sized for retaining item 110 about the neck of a user.

To produce item 110, a mold may be taken from a real human hand. The mold may be made of rubber, silicone, resin, or other appropriate material, as commonly used in the making of molds (e.g., POLYTEK® brand mold products). After the mold cures, unset soap may be poured into the mold. Prior to the soap setting, the ends of a length of looped rope 132 may be embedded into the wrist portion of the mold so that the rope becomes secured to hand 112 when the soap sets. Upon setting of the soap, the mold may be removed to reveal item 110. Similar methods of producing items 10 may be also be used for other embodiments.

As generally described above, in some embodiments, an article 36 may be coupled to the ends of rope 132. Accordingly, the article may be embedded within hand 112 to provide a surprise, or prize, for a user of item 110. Therefore, after repeated uses of item 110, or otherwise upon deterioration of hand 112, rope 132 and the article secured thereon may be used as a necklace.

FIG. 3 illustrates another non-exclusive embodiment 210 of an adult novelty item 10 according to the present disclosure. Embodiment 210 includes a body 12 in the form of a human right hand 212 formed into a general O-shape to form an object region 218. Object region 218 of hand 212 may be described as being partially enclosed because the thumb and forefinger of the hand do not contact each other. Item 210 may be particularly suited for cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating a generally shaft-shaped object or body part such as a penis.

Bodies 12 in the form of human hands may be configured in various ways. For example, as discussed, the thumb and forefinger of hand 112 (FIG. 2) contact each other, while the thumb and forefinger of hand 212 (FIG. 3) do not contact each other. Accordingly, hand 212 may be used for cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating shaft-shaped objects that are larger than may be cleansed, lubricated, and/or stimulated by hand 112.

Bodies 12 in the form of hands may be produced in various other configurations having various shaped and sized objects regions 18. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment 310 of an adult novelty item 10 according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the forefinger is curled up against the thumb, thereby defining a much smaller object region 318 than the object regions of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. Object region 318 may be described as a fully enclosed object region.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment 410 of an adult novelty item 10 according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the forefinger is curled up against the thumb, and the other three fingers are also curled, thereby making a general fist shape, again with a smaller object region 418 than the object regions of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. Object region 418 may be described as a fully enclosed object region.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment 510 of an adult novelty item 10 according to the present disclosure. This embodiment has an object region 518 that may be described as an open object region because the forefinger and thumb are generally parallel with a surface 514 circumferentially bounding the object region by about 270°. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the forefinger and thumb are generally extended and not in contact with each other, but are fairly close together, thereby defining a small object region, at least as compared to the object regions of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. Any combination of the thumb, forefinger, or other fingers of an adult novelty item 10 in the form of a human hand may be substantially parallel, extended, or otherwise adapted to apply a pinching or sliding effect, applicable to, for example, a nipple, labia, or clitoris. Embodiments of adult novelty items 10 may be configured to reflect the nuances and peculiarities of cleansing, lubricating, and/or stimulating male anatomy, female anatomy, or both.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example 610 of an adult novelty item 10 according to the present disclosure. Item 610 includes an open object region 618. In this configuration, the hand is configured into a cupping shape. Such configurations may be particularly suitable for receiving body parts such as scrotums, buttocks, labia, and breasts.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example 710 of an adult novelty item 10 according to the present disclosure. Item 710 is in the form of a hand with an extended index finger thereof. Item 710 may (but is not required to) include an object region 718, for example, a fully-enclosed object region defined by the palm and fingers of the hand. Item 710 may be particularly suited for poking body parts.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example 810 of an adult novelty item 10 according to the present disclosure. Item 810 is in the form of a hand with an extended middle finger thereof. Item 810 may (but is not required to) include an object region 818, for example, a fully-enclosed object region defined by the palm and fingers of the hand. Item 810, like item 710 of FIG. 8, may be particularly suited for poking body parts.

As discussed, various embodiments of adult novelty items are within the scope of the present disclosure, including embodiments of varying shapes and/or sizes. Accordingly, a product line of adult novelty items may incorporate more than one embodiment according to the present disclosure. That is, adult novelty items 10 with bodies 12 in the form of a human hand may be produced as left hands, right hands, and as hands of various sizes such as small, medium, and large, and with the corresponding portions of the hands (i.e., fingers and palms) in various configurations. Similarly, bodies 12 may include object regions of various sizes such as small, medium, and large, and of various degrees of openness such as fully enclosed, partially enclosed, partially open, fully open, etc.

Additionally or alternatively, a product line of adult novelty items 10 may be provided with different novelty items having different examples, or configurations, of articles 36 therein. As used herein, a “product line of adult novelty items” may also be described as a plurality of adult novelty items. As used herein, “small,” “medium,” and “large” refer to relative sizes with respect to each other. Non-exclusive examples of small object regions include object regions having a diameter or a distance between opposing surfaces of between about one millimeter and about ten millimeters. Non-exclusive examples of medium object regions include object regions having a diameter or a distance between opposing surfaces of between about five millimeters and about 30 millimeters. Non-exclusive examples of large object regions include object regions having a diameter or a distance between opposing surfaces of between about 25 millimeters and about 50 millimeters. Other ranges of sizes are equally within the scope of the present disclosure, and sizes of object regions are not limited to those enumerated herein.

Accordingly, adult novelty items according to the present disclosure are well suited for providing a variety of products that may be marketed as gag gifts. For example, items 10 with bodies 12 having a small object region 18, when given to someone as a gag gift may imply that the receiving party (or someone affiliated with the receiving party, such as a lover) has a small body part or parts (e.g., a small penis or small breasts depending on the particular configuration of body 12). Conversely, items 10 with bodies 12 having a large object region 18, when given to someone as a gag gift may imply that the receiving party (or someone affiliated with the receiving party, such as a lover) has a large body part or parts (e.g., a large penis).

The disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form or method, the specific alternatives, embodiments, and/or methods thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. The present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, properties, methods, and/or steps disclosed herein. Similarly, where any disclosure above or claim below recites “a” or “a first” element, step of a method, or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure or claim should be understood to include one or more such elements or steps, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements or steps.

Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, properties, steps, and/or methods may be claimed through presentation of new claims in a related application. Such new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An adult novelty item, comprising:

a body of soap generally in the form of a human hand including a thumb and fingers, the thumb and one or more of the fingers defining an at least open object region.

2. The adult novelty item of claim 1, wherein the object region is an at least partially enclosed object region.

3. The adult novelty item of claim 1, wherein the object region is a fully enclosed object region.

4. The adult novelty item of claim 1, further comprising:

a retaining device coupled to the body, the retaining device configured to retain the adult novelty item to a user's body.

5. The adult novelty item of claim 4, wherein the retaining device is a loop of rope.

6. The adult novelty item of claim 1, further comprising:

an article positioned at least partially within the body.

7. The adult novelty item of claim 6, further comprising a retaining device coupled to the article, the retaining device configured to retain the adult novelty item to a user's body.

8. A product line of adult novelty items, comprising:

a first adult novelty item according to claim 6; and

a second adult novelty item according to claim 6;

wherein the article of the first adult novelty item is of a different configuration than the article of the second adult novelty item.

9. A product line of adult novelty items, comprising:

a first adult novelty item according to claim 1; and

a second adult novelty item according to claim 1;

wherein the object region of the first adult novelty item is an open object region and the object region of the second adult novelty item is an at least partially enclosed object region.

10. A product line of adult novelty items, comprising:

a first adult novelty item according to claim 1; and

a second adult novelty item according to claim 1;

wherein the object region of the first adult novelty item is smaller than the object region of the second adult novelty item.

11. An adult novelty item, comprising:

a body defining an at least open object region; and

means for lubricating an object received in the object region.

12. The adult novelty item of claim 11, wherein the object region is an at least partially enclosed object region.

13. The adult novelty item of claim 11, wherein the object region is a fully enclosed object region.

14. The adult novelty item of claim 11, further comprising:

a retaining device coupled to the body, the retaining device configured to retain the adult novelty item to a user's body.

15. The adult novelty item of claim 14, wherein the retaining device is a loop of rope.

16. A product line of adult novelty items, comprising:

a first adult novelty item according to claim 11; and

a second adult novelty item according to claim 11;

wherein the object region of the first adult novelty item is an open object region and the object region of the second adult novelty item is an at least partially enclosed object region.

17. A product line of adult novelty items, comprising:

a first adult novelty item according to claim 11; and

a second adult novelty item according to claim 11;

wherein the object region of the first adult novelty item is smaller than the object region of the second adult novelty item.

18. An adult novelty item, comprising:

a body in the shape of a human hand including a thumb and fingers, the thumb and one or more fingers defining an at least open object region, wherein the body is configured to lubricate an object within the object region; and

a retaining device coupled to the body, the retaining device configured to retain the adult novelty item to a user's body.

19. A product line of adult novelty items, comprising:

a first adult novelty item according to claim 18; and

a second adult novelty item according to claim 18;

wherein the object region of the first adult novelty item is smaller than the object region of the second adult novelty item.

20. The adult novelty item of claim 18, wherein the body is constructed of soap.

21. An adult novelty item, comprising:

a body of soap generally in the form of a human hand having a thumb and four fingers, wherein one of the fingers is extended and the other fingers are curled and adjacent the palm.

22. The adult novelty item of claim 21, wherein the one of the fingers is the hand's index finger.

23. The adult novelty item of claim 21, wherein the one of the fingers is the hand's middle finger.

24. The adult novelty item of claim 21, wherein the thumb and four fingers define a fully-enclosed object region.